Modulation by thymus-derived (T) cells of thyroid cell-stimulated prostaglandin E release by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Cultures of plastic-adherent, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells generated prostaglandin E (PGE). Culture of the adherent cells (predominantly monocytes) with human thyroid cells enhanced PGE accumulation in the medium, although to a lesser degree than occurs with unseparated blood mononuclear cells. Recombination of the adherent cells with monocyte-depleted, nonadherent cells restored both basal and thyroid cell-stimulated PGE generation to the levels seen with unseparated cells. Thymus-derived (T) cells, obtained by rosetting with sheep erythrocytes, similarly enhanced both the adherent cell basal PGE production as well as the increased PGE accumulation that occurs in the presence of thyroid cells (50-120% augmentation by the T cells). Significant augmentation of thyroid cell-stimulated PGE release by 10(5) adherent cells occurred with the addition of as few as 5 x 10(4) T cells. Culture medium transfer experiments and separation of cell types during culture by a semipermeable membrane provided evidence against the possibility that the adherent cells were releasing a factor that stimulated T-cell PGE generation or that T cells were releasing a factor that enhanced adherent cell PGE generation. The results suggest instead that this T-cell effect requires direct contact with the adherent cells. These data demonstrate the importance of human T cells in the release by adherent cells of PGE, a mediator of suppressor function by some immune cells.


Serotonergic influences on food intake: effect of 5-hydroxytryptophan on parameters of feeding behaviour in deprived and free-feeding rats. Three experiments were carried out to examine the effect of the serotonin precursor, 5-hydroxytryptophan, upon food intake and the micro-structure of eating in deprived rats, and on the pattern of meal taking in free-feeding animals. The study also investigated the capacity of a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor (MK-486) to antagonise the effect of 5-HTP in order to identify a central or peripheral mode of action. In deprived rats 5-HTP brought about a dose related inhibition of food intake which was midly antagonised by MK-486. A detailed analysis of the behavioural changes occurring during eating showed that the inhibition of food intake by 5-HTP was reflected in a reduced number of eating bouts and a slower rate of eating. MK-486 did not antagonise the effect of 5-HTP on eating rate. In free-feeding rats whose food comsumption was continuously monitored for 24-hr periods, 5-HTP gave rise to reduction in meal size and a slowing of the intra-meal rate of eating. These findings are in keeping with the effects of other serotonergic manipulations on the patterns of feeding in rats.


Receptors for IgM on human lymphoblastoid B and T cell lines. Receptors for the Fc of IgM were studied together with other lymphocyte markers on cells from nineteen human lymphoblastoid cell lines. Receptors for IgM were found on three of seven T lines and three of twelve B lines studied. Culture conditions needed for an optimal detection of the receptor were different for B and T lines. The presence of the receptor for IgM could not be correlated with that of any other membrane marker.


Alpha 1-antitrypsin phenotypes and obstructive lung disease in the city of Oslo. In a community survey in Oslo, Norway, comprising 1268 persons, alpha 1-antitrypsin concentration in serum (AT) and protease-inhibitor (Pi) phenotypes were examined in 1258 subjects. Estimated percentage distribution of Pi-phenotypes in the target population aged 15--70 years was M 87.30%, MS 4.65%, MZ 4.73%, FM 2.69%, SZ 0.13%, IM 0.20%, FZ 0.07%, S 0.06%, FS 0.07% and Z 0.06%. The distribution curve of AT had a normal (Gaussian) shape and the ranges of AT demonstrated great overlap of types MS and MZ with type M. In subjects with phenotype MZ neither respiratory symptoms nor physicians' diagnoses of chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD) were more frequent than in M subjects. Physicians' diagnoses of COLD were slightly more frequent (0.06 greater than P greater than 0.01) in subjects with phenotype MS than M, probably due to there being more smokers in the MS group. Spirometric variables given as per-cent of predicted values yielded large differences between smokers and non-smokers but no differences among phenotypes M, MS and MZ. Radiologic signs of hypertransradiancy and/or emphysema were evently distributed in M, MS and MZ subjects. The only subject observed with Pi-type Z and one out of three subjects with type SZ had COLD. In neither smokers nor non-smokers is phenotype MZ a risk factor of clinical importance for development of obstructive lung disease.


Prevalence of respiratory symptoms in the city of Oslo. In the first phase of a two-phase cross-sectional survey conducted in Oslo from 1972 to 1974 a questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of 19998 persons aged 15 to 70 years. Information was received from 88.7% of those alive in the sample. The completion rate for each of 11 questions on respiratory symptoms in the mail questionaire varied between 94 and 98%. The crude prevalence rates of the symptoms cough in the morning, breathlessness climbing two flights of stairs and wheezing were 24%, 11% and 17%. Only 27% of the men and 46% of the women in the survey population were non-smokers. Among non-smokers, phlegm was reported more fequently by men, irrespectively of age, whereas breathlessness was reported more often by women than by men. In both sexes of non-smokers, a linear increase in prevalence of symptoms with age was observed for breathlessness, attacks of breathlessness, and coughing in the morning and during the day. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was closely related to the amount smoked.


Dental care in patients with bleeding tendency using celluloid splint. A new dental splint is made from ordinary inexpensive plastic sheet, to be used for dental repair in the patients with hemostatic disorders. It was tried on 291 patients with satisfactory results.


The revival of the horseshoe graft (side-to-side saphenous-vein-to-aorta anastomosis). The technique of the horseshoe graft, side-to-side saphenous-vein-to-aorta anastomosis, using a long saphenous vein harvested from the leg is described in this communication. The lack of valves between the ankle and the knee and the high caliber natural Y distributions make this technique attractive. Constructing a double set of vein graft provides, in particular, unlimited possibilities for the construction of six to eight grafts if this appears anatomically feasible.


Suppression of lymphoblastoid cell line proliferation by antisera to HLA-DR and other HLA  antigens. We have observed that certain antisera to HLA antigens suppress the in vitro proliferation of lymphoblastoid cell lines. An antiserum to HLA-B8 demonstrated suppressor activity associated with the presence of B8 antigen on the target LCLs; this activity was removed by absorption with platelets or with B8-positive LCLs. An antiserum to HLA-DRw7 suppressed proliferation of all six DRw7-positive LCLs and none of 12 DRw7-negative LCLs; this activity was removed by absorptions with three DRw7-positive LCLs, each representing a different HLA-D allele (i.e. Dw7, 10 and 11); it could not be removed by triple serial absorptions with platelets from multiple-donor pools. These experiments indicate that the suppressor activity of this serum is specifically associated with antibodies to DRw7. Our model of LCL growth suppression by HLA antisera is easily manipulated and provides a definitive tool for further characterizing HLA antigens and antisera in a complement-independent system.


Effects of oral administration of D-penicillamine on T- and B-lymphocytes in peripheral blood of rheumatoid patients. The effects of D-penicillamine on T-lymphocytes (rosette forming cells) and B-lymphocytes (surface IgG- and surface IgM-bearing cells) in peripheral blood of 13 patients with classical or definite rheumatoid arthritis were investigated at 4 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks of treatment. At the same time, the determination of the concentrations of serum immunoglobulins and RA tests were carried out, and the rheumatoid activity index was calculated. The administration of D-pencillamine caused a gradual increase in the percentage of T-lymphocytes and a concomitant decrease in the percentage of B-lymphocytes with time. It was found that the tendency toward reduction of the percentage of surface IgM-bearing lymphocytes was more remarkable and accelerated than that of surface IgG-bearing lymphocytes. A decrease in the concentrations of serum IgM and IgG was observed in association with these findings. The agglutination in RA-test became significantly weaker in about half of the cases. Also the rheumatoid activity index became gradually smaller after treatment. The marked decrease in the percentage of B-lymphocytes and in the concentration of serum immunoglobulins may be related to the inhibition of the production of abnormal immunoglobulins.


[Immunologic studies of lymph nodes in patients with maxillofacial tumors]. Starting from the basic concept that the regional lymph node, due to its important role in the defensive reaction to cancer, has a great value of information, the authors investigated 14 lymph nodes from patients with cancer in the maxillofacial region. The following immunological examinations were performed: T lymphocyte determination by means of the ovine erythrocyte rosette test; B lymphocyte determination by means of the mouse erythrocyte rosette test, with surface immunoglobulin estimation using the direct immunofluorescence technique; quantitative determination of immunoglobulins G, A and M in the lymph node extract. The results demonstrated that the determination of the absolute number of peripheral lymphocytes and of T rosettes as well as the immunoglobulin quantitation are very valuable. The decrease in T cells in the lymph node is obviously preceded by a similar development in the peripheral blood and seems to be a prognostic parameter. In lymph nodes in the maxillofacial region, a greater importance must be ascribed to IgA (as compared to the other immunoglobulins) than in other regions. The immunoreactivity against cancers in the maxillofacial region has a definite humoral component mainly determined by IgA. In addition to an increase in the number of samples examined by means of the aforementioned methods, parallel T cell determinations in the peripheral blood are advisable with regard to the evaluation by the influence of the cancer on the immunological system and for the purpose of prognostication.


alpha-I antitrypsin enzyme deficiency in Indian childhood cirrhosis. Antitrypsin activity was measured in 50 healthy controls and 100 cases of Indian Childhood Cirrhosis (ICC). The incidence of alpha-I anti-trypsin (Alpha I-AT) enzyme deficiency was strinkingly higher in cases of cirrhosis (39.0%) than in healthy controls (4%). The enzyme deficiency was more prevalent in severe grades of cirrhosis (51.5%) as compared to mild (17.6%) and moderate cirrhosis (38%). Liver function tests were severely deranged in enzyme deficient cirrhotics and the damage to the liver was directly proportional to the extent of the enzyme deficiency. The incidence of the family history of ICC was noted significantly higher in enzyme deficient cases (20%) as compared to non-deficient cases (3.3%). The enzyme deficiency was also measured in 160 first blood relatives of the deficient cirrhotics and was found to be deficient in 19.4% subjects. It is probable that the deficiency runs in families with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance.


A tuberculin skin test survey in Southwestern Ethiopia. A study to determine the prevalence of positive skin test reactions in an isolated region of southwestern Ethiopia where no previous surveys have been reported is described. Marked differences in the prevalence of positive skin tests between the population groups studied was found. The Dassanetch who live in large villages and have a high population density relative to other groups tested had the highest number of positives (53.7%). The Hamar who live in small scattered homesteads had the lowest number with 11.5%. The Bale, Suri, and Nyangatom who live in small to medium sized settlements had 32.5%, 27.9%, and 20.7% positivity respectively. Sex differences were minimal though men overall had a slightly higher rate than women (41.6% versus 38.9%). Age differences were marked, particularly where prevalence is high with the sharpest increase occurring under 14 years of age. A dispersed settlement pattern offers a distinct advantage in minimizing the incidence of tuberculosis for the populations of southwestern Ethiopia.


The impact of urinary schistosomiasis on the health of two community populations living in endemic areas in Tanzania. Two populations living in separate areas in Tanzania known to be endemic for S. haematobium were investigated for the effects of the infection on community health. Both populations, each of about 450 examinees, had similar infection prevalences of 54-57% with peaks of 66-67% among the 5 to 19 year olds. Over 90% of the infections from either population were symptomatic showing mostly manifestations of vesical lesions. Radiological examinations of a random sample of 100 infected subjects from the population with the lower infection intensity revealed a high prevalence of 28% for bilateral uretero-renal lesions. The prevalence of urological lesions, including the potentially fatal uretero-renal lesions, was higher than hitherto reported from Tanzania. Urinary schistosomiasis was therefore considered to be of more serious public health importance in the country than has been accepted in the past.


Recent observations on schistosomiasis in Mauritius. Purpose of this study, carried out between 1967 and 1975, was to bring the existing knowledge on schistosomiasis in Mauritius up-to-date. The paper describes the distribution, the behaviour and the infection rates of Bulinus cernicus, the local intermediate snail host, and its role in human infection.


Machakos Project Studies: Agents affecting health of mother and child in a rural area of Kenya. XV. The economic setting at the household level. In 1974 a household survey on economic conditions was carried out in about 80% of all households in the Machakos Project study area. This survey formed a part of an investigation into determinants of health and disease in children below five years of age. This paper deals with some background information, the field methodology employed, the construction of variables and the differences found between the eastern and western parts of the area in respect of some of these variables. The results are compared with those from in-depth sample studies carried out earlier.


[Physiological polymorphism of a grass frog population. III. The effect of the season on the phenotypic manifestation of frog polymorphism by the level of muscle tissue thermostability]. A study was made of the phenotypical manifestation of physiological polymorphism of the population of the grass frog by the heat resistance level of m. interphalangealis in different seasons. In autumn (starting from the 2nd half of October), throughout winter, and in summer the polymorphism of frogs is well expressed, whereas in spring (during the reproduction period) and in the first half of October (during the migration of animals to the places of hibernation) the polymorphism appears to be hidden. The latter phenomenon is due to differences in the pattern of individual seasonal changes in the heart resistance of muscles in individuals of different groups.


Human parotid alpha-amylase secretion as a function of chronic hyperbaric exposure. Secretion of alpha-amylase by the human parotid gland increased significantly during eight days of hyperbaric exposure. This hyperactivity of the parotid gland presumably resulted from increased autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity attributable to (1)psychological stress in the form of anticipation; (2) dive-related factors, i.e., hyperoxia, PN2, physical stress; or (3) a combination of both. The etiology of the effect must await additional studies, but a consistent and significant elevation in alpha-amylas secretion was found. This previously undescribed effect of hyperbaric exposure indicates that parotid alpha-amylase sampling holds promise as a noninvasive means of monitoring physical and psychological stress, and as an indirect measure of ANS tone.


[Aortocoronary shunting or mammary-coronary anastomosis?]. On the basis of the personal experience and literature the authors came to a conclusion that there must be no alternative: the aorto-coronary shunting or mammary-coronary anastomosis since each operation has its positive and negative features as well as indications and contraindications. However, in their opinion, the aorto-coronary shunting should be chosen for patients with the ischemic heart disease since this operation is simpler and more rational, has low postoperative mortality and good remote results.


[Myocardial revascularization in threatening extension of myocardial infarction (author's transl)]. Myocardial revascularization was performed in 13 patients between two and 14 days following initial infarction because of impending re-infarction. The diagnosis of impending re-infarction was made on the basis of the following criteria: myocardial infarction; repeated stenocardia despite medical treatment; renewed ST-T changes in the ECG. The intra-aortic balloon pump was installed in 7 patients for haemodynamic reasons (shock, massively raised pressure in the pulmonary artery). 12 patients survived the surgical intervention and were eventually discharged free of stenocardia. The presented findings suggest that surgical intervention in impending re-infarction appears of value in those cases which have not been satisfactorily controlled by conventional medical treatment.


[Febrile infections and their treatment]. Fever is a cardinal symptom of most infectious diseases; the febrile conditions not caused by infection are, however, not sufficiently taken into consideration in diagnosis and therapy. In 297 infections with a febrile course only in 26.26% of the cases a therapy with antibiotics was indicated. Antipyretic drugs were only exceptionally used under hospital conditions. Before hospitalisation, however, more than 75% of the 297 patients were treated with antibiotics and/or antipyretically. Virus infections stand in the first place of an unnecessary and, therefore, uncritical chemotherapy. With a casuistic report on the sequels of an uncritical chemotherapy is referred to the dangers for the patient and to the not insignificant economic burden for the society.


[Antihemagglutinin exhaustion reaction in studying the activity of arbovirus antigenic preparations]. A modification of serological tests, the antihemagglutinin exhaustion test, was developed for the study of capacity of different fractions of the antigenic preparations of tick-borne encephalitis and western equine encephalomyelitis viruses to react with antibody. The test is simple to perform, highly sensitive and specific which permits within a very short time to examine the antigenic activity of practically all, including non-hemagglutinating, virus fractions obtained by gel chromatography and ultracentrifugation. Significant functional heterogeneity of virus particles in interaction with antibody was established. Non-hemagglutinating virions were capable of binding antihemagglutinins. The intensity of interaction with antibody of the most active virus fractions in the HI and CF tests was considerably higher than that of nonfractionated preparations.


[Pseudo-lupus erythematosus syndrome and interstitial nephritis]. First in 1972 under the preliminary term pseudo-lupus-erythematodes-syndrome a clinical picture was represented which clinically resembles the lupus erythematodes disseminatus and which is characterized by the proof of antimitochondrial antibodies and the lack of antinuclear factors. We report on a female patient with this syndrome and interstitial concomitant nephritis. Possible causal factors, clinical picture, typical laboratory findings, therapy and prognosis are discussed with the help of the casuistics.


Activated silver coatings for surgical implants. Increase in current from 1.8 to 3 and then to 9 microAH+DC/cm2 controlled respectively 25%, 37%, and 69% of S aureus on intramedullary silver pins (too soft in practice) in femurs of rabbits. Then optimal current of 12 muAH+DC/cm2 was used. On stainless steel pins with intramedullary injection of AgCl or AgNO3, a 25% or 64% bacterial control was achieved. Stainless steel pin, silver electroplated or electroplated and chloridized gave 85% and 91% bacterial control. One hundred percent of the bacteria was eliminated with stainless steel pins coated with 100 monomolecular layers of silver stearate.


[Electromagnetic fields and alternating current, do they accelerate bone healing? (author's transl)]. The effects of combined treatment with electromagnetic fields and alternating current according to the method of Kraus is investigated in two groups at bone-nonunions of 21 beagle-dogs. Identical atrophic nonunions of both ulnae are stabilized with plates and treated electrically for eight weeks at one side only, the other side serves as control. The second group gets an additional cancellous bone graft. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of X-rays and histology of undecalcified bone shows better bone healing in the group with cancellous bone graft on the treated side compared with the control. The first group shows no remarkable differences between both sides, except an increased periosteal bone formation around the active implants.


[Bypass operation of aortic coarctation in older patients (author's transl)]. Besides the typical operative technique in order to correct congenital aortic coarctation in the older patient the bypass operation is to be considered. Low incidence of intraoperative bleeding and very good postoperative haemodynamic findings induced us to prefer this method in older patients and in special indications as occluded congenital hypoplastic aortic arch.


[Early detection of postoperative abdominal complications by peritoneal lavage (author's transl)]. The high mortality rate after relaparatomy, especially intraabdominal infection and bleeding, is only in certain cases due to the basic disease. Late diagnosis and delayed decision for reintervention are more important factors. Negative results can be reduced by diagnostic peritoneal lavage.


Gastro-intestinal bleeding and malignancy of the testis. Three cases of gastro-intestinal bleeding caused by metastasis of a testicular tumour to the duodenum are described. The report illustrates that, particularly in young patients, the possibility of a primary tumour in the testis should be considered when a tumour mass is found in the upper abdomen, even if other symptoms suggestive of primary gastro-intestinal disorders, such as melaena and haematemesis, are also present. As primary malignancies of the small intestine are rare, a presumptive diagnosis of anaplastic duodenal carcinoma should always arouse the suspicion of metastatic rather than primary growth.


[Problems in the handling of equipment for patients with rheumatic diseases]. Persons with rheumatic diseases in the hand-arm-system are hindered to use requisits in their daily activities, because they can only fulfill grasping and holding functions with great difficulties and pain. A substancial point in this analysis takes the questions of existing knowledge and experiences in ergonomics and medical therapy concerning design criteria for service equipment in the sense of joint protection and prevention. A confrontation and examples show that important design criteria for service equipment are contradicting themselves and that for planning and designing requisits of daily use and work it is necessary to develop directions for prophylactic joint protection.


Treatment of bleeding oesophageal varices with somatostatin. Cyclic somatostatin was administered intravenously on eight occasions to five consecutive patients with massive haemalemesis due to oesophageal varices. The doses administered with 0--250 micrograms as bolus, followed by 100--250 micrograms per hr during 2--12 hrs. The source of bleeding was determined by endoscopy. The volume of bleeding was estimated from the clinical condition of the patient and by gastric irrigation and iced water. The bleeding stopped immediately on all occasions when somatostatin was administered. It is suggested that the effect is due to the ability of somatostatin to reduce regional splanchnic blood flows and portal pressure.


Changing trends in skin diseases at the University Clinic Hamburg. The author reports about statistical analyses of the outpatients from the dermatological department of the University hospital Hamburg 1935-1966. It can be demonstrated in general a change of the frequency of some skin diseases e.g. a regression of bacterial diseases and scabies, a increase of mycoses and of neurodermatitis and of eczema.


Cellular immune responses and lymphocyte populations in chronic hepatitis. Cellular immune responsiveness was examined in chronic persistent hepatitis, chronic active hepatitis and alcoholic liver disease by the use of the lymphocyte transformation test in response to PHA and to allogenic liver mitochondria, inhibition of leukocyte migration, delayed-type skin tests and non-immunospecific granulocyte function tests. Lymphocyte markers, E and EAC rosette forming cells were used for the study of lymphocyte populations. The results have confirmed that the T-cell borne cell-mediated immune function is impaired in chronic active hepatitis, as also in a number of cases of chronic persistent hepatitis.


Babinski reflex and the CUT reflex--a comparative study. The Babinski reflex and the CUT reflex were examined in 150 neurological patients and 20 controls. A positive CUT reflex occurred more frequently than a positive Babinski reflex in the patient material as a whole, and in different diagnostic groups. However, there was a low grade of correspondence between a positive CUT reflex and a positive Babinski reflex. There were many positive CUT reflexes in the group of normal persons. In a number of cases the examination of the CUT reflex was impossible because of lack of strength or incooperability. The study indicates that the CUT reflex and the Babinski reflex are not comparable phenomena.


Fetoscopy.

Fetoscopy. A brief report is given on fetal blood sampling by fetoscopy in three fetuses at risk for severe congenital bleeding disorder; hemophilia A in two cases, von Willebrand's disease in one. Published reports on complications of fetoscopy are reviewed. Out of all together about one hundred pregnancies that have been allowed to continue after fetoscopy, five ended in miscarriage. No other serious complication has been reported.


Eight cases of congenital achromatopsia with amblyopia in two pedigrees from Northern Sweden. Two families from northern Sweden with a total of 8 patients with typical symptoms of congenital achromatopsia with amblyopia were studied. In one of the families 4 affected children (3 brothers and 1 sister) also showed pallor of the optic discs and marked astigmatism. The transmission of the disease was consistent with an autosomal recessive inheritance in both families. The study confirmed that complete and incomplete achromatopsia might be different expressions of the same gene. Six out or 13 near relatives of the achromatic patients showed minor colour vision defects, suggesting a tendency towards heterozygotic manifestation of the gene.


Sézary cells in ascitic fluid.

Sézary cells in ascitic fluid. Sézary's syndrome is a neoplasm of T-lymphocytes characterized by skin lesions histologically typical of mycosis fungoides together with the presence of malignant (Sézary) cells in the peripheral blood. These cells have a characteristic appearance in tissues, peripheral blood and body fluids, and their presence in large numbers in ascitic fluid is an indicator of disseminated disease. A patient with Sézary's syndrome was found to have the distinctive malignant lymphocytes in ascitic fluid. We believe that this report is the first to document the appearance of the cells in a body cavity fluid. Treatment modalities in Sézary's syndrome may be determined by the stage of the disease, and the presence of the distinctive "convoluted" or "cerebreform" lymphocytes should be noted.


Percutaneous epidural dorsal cord stimulation in multiple sclerosis. The effectiveness of percutaneous epidural stimulation has been evaluated in 11 patients with multiple sclerosis. Trial stimulation was performed at the thoracic level and lasted for 4 to 10 days. Evaluation was accomplished before the start and at regular intervals during and after the treatment. The scoring systems of the Standard Neurological Examination and of the Disability Status Scale of Kurtzke were used for evaluation of the neurological status. In addition, functionally useful changes were assessed by a physical therapist using a disability scoring technique designed at the National Multiple Sclerosis Centre at Melsbroek. Visual and somatosensory evoked potentials were also recorded at regular intervals. Six out of 11 patients claimed a subjective improvement following stimulation. But only four patients had better scoring results in the quantitative neurological testing, and for only two patients was this objective improvements functionally useful.


[Acute dyspnoea by acute thyroid abscess (author's transl)]. Infection is extremely rare in the pathology of the thyroid gland. One case is reported, and a review of the literature has helped to emphasize some specific points. Acute thyroiditis can be misdiagnosed in its initial phase because a fever by itself may not lead to a through examination of the neck, even if a goitre is present; the latter being the site of infection in the case reported. Dyspnoea of laryngeal origin proves to be a dangerous complication of thyroid abscesses. Treatment is always surgical, linked with appropriate antibiotic therapy. In the long run, thyroid function is unaffected.


Cryopreservation of bovine mononuclear leukocytes. A technique of cryopreservation of bovine mononuclear leukocytes for use in lymphocyte stimulation tests and cell identification studies has been developed. Dimethyl sulfoxide was used as the cryopreservation agent. Cells were frozen to --40 C at a controlled rate of --1 C/minute and then to --80 C at a rate of --4 C/minute, and were subsequently stored in liquid nitrogen (--109 C). The cells were than recovered by rapid thawing in a 37-C water bath, diluted with tissue culture media, washed, and used for lymphocyte stimulation and cell identification tests. The magnitude of the lymphocyte blastogenic responses of frozen and thawed mononuclear leukocytes was similar to that seen with freshly collected cells. Additionally, percentages of T cells, B cells, and monocytes were similar between frozen and thawed cells and freshly collected cells.


Feline skin lymphoma: characterization of tumor and identification of tumor-stimulating serum factor(s). A feline leukemia virus-negative skin lymphoma was characterized as a T-lymphocyte neoplasm, using the guinea pig erythrocyte rosetting technique. The lymphoma cells responded well to phytohemagglutinin compared with normal feline lymphocytes which did not respond. Serum factor(s) was found in serum of a cat with lymphoma that was highly stimulating to autologous tumor cells, but not to normal cat lymphocytes.


A soluble immunosuppressor substance in spleen in deer mice infected with Trypanosoma brucei. A soluble substance that blocks B-cell response was extracted from spleen of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) chronically infected with Trypanosoma brucei. Immunosuppressor activity of this substance was demonstrated by plaque-forming cell assays of spleen cells from Swiss/Webster mice inoculated with sheep red blood cells and simultaneously given the suppressor substance, and of spleen cell cultures treated with sheep red blood cells and suppressor substance. Studies by light and electron microscopy of spleen of immunosuppressed Swiss/Webster mice showed that the suppressor substance blocks germinal center formation and prevents plasma cell differentiation in the red pulp cords.


A method for the simultaneous evaluation of exocrine pancreatic function and intestinal absorptive function in dogs. Exocrine pancreatic function was evaluated in 13 dogs, using the chymotrypsin-labile peptide N-benzoyl-L-tyrosyl-p-aminobenzoic acid (BT-PABA). This peptide releases p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) in the presence of pancreatic chymotrypsin. The amount of PABA in blood or urine after BT-PABA administration then served as an index of pancreatic function. Similarly, a xylose absorption test has been described in the literature to evaluate absorptive function of the small intestine. Here, the pentose sugar d(+)xylose was given orally, and blood xylose concentrations were then measured at intervals. Since both tests were performed in nearly the same way, they were combined into a single test. A solution containing BT-PABA (30 mg/ml) and xylose (100 mg/ml) was administered perorally to dogs with and without pancreatic duct ligation. In the unoperated (control) dogs, peak blood concentrations for PABA occurred between 60 and 120 minutes and xylose concentrations were maximal between 30 and 90 minutes. Pancreatic duct ligation reduced PABA concentrations at 90 minutes to one-sixth of the values in control dogs. Xylose absorption, however, was not altered by pancreatic duct ligation. In this way, digestive and absorptive functions were both evaluated, using a single 90-minute test.


Influence of a mycoplasma respiratory tract infection on sheep erythrocyte and complement receptor-bearing cell composition in the respiratory tract of swine. Pulmonic and peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations in healthy and Mycoplasma suipneumoniae-infected pigs were compared. The T- and the B-lymphocyte populations were counted, the B cells by the complement receptor (zymosan-complement rosettes) technique and the T cells by the ED-rosette technique (sheep RBC-dextran rosettes). The T cells were found to predominate among pulmonic, as well as blood, lymphocytes. Pulmonic B-cell and blood T-cell percentages were increased after mycoplasma respiratory tract infection. However, blood B-cell and pulmonic T-cell percentages were not significantly affected. A significant (P less than 0.001) correlation between pulmonic and blood T-lymphocyte compositions was found; conversely, no correlation was observed between blood and pulmonic B-cell percentages. These data could imply that pulmonic B cells are predominantly involved in local immune reactions after a mycoplasma respiratory tract infection.


Radiographic progression of asbestosis: preliminary report. In a collaborative study with the Pneumoconiosis Medical Panel, 232 asbestos workers were seen between 1967 and 1975. During this time, 50 of the 232 (21.5%) workers dies, 33 (13.8%) from respiratory disease probably related to asbestos exposure [10 (4.3%) pleural mesothelioma, three (1.3%) peritoneal mesothelioma, 10 (4.3%) asbestosis, 10 (4.3%) carcinoma of the lung]. Of the 182 survirors, 119 were recalled for other studies, and follow-up data were obtained as additional information at the same time, over a 1--7 year period. Paired radiographs were read, and 21 patients (17.6%) had worsened. As expected, the frequency of progression increased with a longer follow-up time, so that about one third of the subjects displayed progression after a minimum follow-up of 6 years. Ten of 73 patients (13.6%) had progressed in 3 years or less and may be defined as rapid progressors. No particular clinical feature distinguished clearly between progressors and nonprogressors, but there was a trend toward a greater frequency and higher titer of ANA among the progressors in this group. There was also a higher frequency of progression in those who were initially classified radiographically as 1/1 of 1/2 than in those with other initial radiographic appearances. This pilot study is now forming the basis for a larger, longer-term comprehensive survey.


Possible excess of mental handicap and congenital malformations in autosomal reciprocal translocations. The most pertinent data of the 32 cases of reciprocal autosomal translocations detected in the laboratory since the initiation of the banding-techniques are summarized. One third of these balanced translocations were detected in patients presenting with mental handicap and/or malformative symptoms.


Clinical significance of the satellited short arm of human chromosome 17 (17ps +) : a rare heteromorphism? A 43-year-old impotent male Caucasian had a chromosomal constitution of 46,XY,17ps+. The satellited chromosome 17 was also present in his sister. There is no suggestive evidence that this satellited chromosome causes any clinical abnormality. Based on multiple banding techniques, it is concluded that the 17ps+ is a rare chromosomal heteromorphism.


[A fatal syndrome associating a micromelic dwarfism, an ichthyosiform skin disorder and a severe combined immunologic deficiency. Report of a case and survey of the literature (author's transl)]. Congenital immunologic deficiencies and congenital dwarfisms represent two seemingly unrelated disorders. Here is reported the tenth case of a definite congenital and fatal syndrome associating a severe combined immunologic deficiency and a micromelic dwarfism, affecting mainly the proximal limbs, as well as an ichtyosiform and furrowed skin disorder. Although the adenosine deaminase activity has not been determined in this patient, a 4-month old boy, this syndrome seems to be different from cases of ADA negative SCID. The associated impairment of growth and immunity emphasizes once more the close genetic linkage existing between the development of the skeleton and the lymphoid tissue.


An abnormal dicentric X chromosome in a patient with short stature and gonadal dysgenesis. A 16 year-old girl with short stature and gonadal dysgenesis was found to have a chromosomal complement consisting of 46,X,dic(X) (qter yields p22::p22 yields qter). When comparing her clinical features with 7 other cases who appeared to have precisely the same abnormal dicentric X, it was found that even though the percent of 45,X cells present varied considerably from patient to patient, these patients were remarkably similar and the stigmata, of Turner's syndrome were minimal in this group as a whole.


Supernumerary chromosome possibly representing segment p11 yields q14 of chromosome 2. A small supernumerary non-satellited submetacentric chromosome was found in a dysmorphic mentally retarded girl. A number of chromosome staining techniques were used and the small chromosome was thought to be the p11 yields q14 region of chromosome 2.


[Sclerosing injections of oesophageal varices. Analysis of 247 cases treated between 1964 and 1977 (author's transl)]. The authors analyse 247 cases of haemorrhagic oesophageal varices treated using sclerosing injections of Quinine-Urea between 1964 and 1977. Portal hypertension as a result of intrahepatic block accounted for 83% of the patients (alcoholic cirrhosis 65%, meta-icteric 12%) and cavernomas 11%. Sclerosing injections were used in patients refused by surgeons (85%) or after the failure of surgery (15%). Only 11 cases were treated during the period of active haemorrhage, and the others during the following weeks. Tolerance of treatment so long as all safety factors were employed routinely in order to deal with any possible haemorrhagic complications. Deaths due to the method totalled 2.8%, including those due to worsening of the underlying disease. Overall results were of 69% survival of more than one year, 40% at more than 3 years and 24% at more than five years. For alcoholic cirrhosis, these figures were respectively 62, 30 and 18%. The prognosis in cases of cavernoma was much better; 80% survival at more than 5 years.


An infant with trisomy 9pter yields 9q22 resulting from 3:1 segregation in a 46,XX t(1;9) (p36;q22) mother. A newborn infant with a 47,XY,+ der(.),t(1;9) (p36;q22)mat chromosome complement and the clinical features of the 9p trisomy is described. A review of the reproductive histories of five cases with trisomy 9pter yields 9q21 or 22 indicate that the balanced translocation mothers of these infants may have as high as a 23% chance of producing a chromosomally unbalanced offspring due to 3:1 disjunction.


Type and contretype signs in monosomy and trisomy 9p. On a case 46,XY, del (9) (pter yields p12:). A 15-month-old male with a partial monosomy 9p is reported. The comparative analysis with other cases of 9p monosomy demonstrates a typical phenotype which when compared to that of 9p trisomy, permits the delineation of fifteen "type and contretype" signs.


[Distal 9q trisomy phenotype in a patient with a supernumerary rearranged chromosome [t(X:9)] (author's transl)]. A child with clinical features associated a trisomy for the distal part of 9q was shown to have the following abnormal chromosome complement : 47,XY,+t)X;9) (Xpter yields Xq24:9q31 yields 9qter), inv 9(p11q13), var 14 (14pQFQ34).


Familial paracentric inversion of the short arm of chromosome 3. A paracentric inversion of the short arm of chromosome number 3 is reported in three generations of a family. The index patient presented with slight psychomotor retardation. The literature on this subject is briefly reviewed.


De novo partial trisomy of chromosome 18(pter yields q11:). Some observations on the phenotype mapping of chromosome 18 imbalances. An infant with a partial trisomy 18(pter yields q11:) is described. The patient's phenotype consists of many features of complete trisomy 18. The findings are compared with those from similar cases reported in the literature permitting to conclude that 18q121-q122 segment is the "critical" zone which when trisomic, causes the severe stigmata (inner organ malformations and early death) of the complete trisomy 18.


ABO bloodgroups in cholelithiasis.

ABO bloodgroups in cholelithiasis. In order to search for a probable association between ABO bloodgroups and cholelithiasis, a study was undertaken on 321 patients and 688 controls. It appears that group A subjects are having somewhat higher risk to be affected with the disease than those of groups B or O.


[Asymmetrical gonadal dysgenesis. Report of a case (author's transl)]. The authors report a case of asymmetrical gonadal dysgenesis related to 45XO-46XY mosaicism in a 16 year old girl. Delayed growth and puberty, Turner's dysmorphism without sexual ambiguity and skeletal abnormalities are the main clinical features suggesting the diagnosis. Exploratory laparotomy reveals infantil uterus, bilateral fallopian tubes and streak gonads. A right dysgenetic testis is identified on electron microscopic examination. Theories on pathogenesis of this unusual genetic defect are discussed.


[46,XX/46,XX,del (10) (p13)/47,XX,+r/47,XX,del (10) (p13), + r mosaicism and partial trisomy 10p phenotype (author's transl)]. The mosaicism 46,XX/46,XX,del(10)(p13)/47,XX, +r/47,XX,del(10)(p13), +r was found in the lymphocytes and the fibroblasts of a patient with the following : profound mental retardation; craniofacial dysmorphism with frontal bossing, fine eyebrows, a large hypoplastic nasal bridge, prognathism of the upper jaw, thick lips; a long and thin neck; congenital heart disease; skeletal malformations, with club feet; and hypotonia and lax ligaments. These malformations, compatible with the trisomy 10p syndrome, suggest that the supernumerary ring chromosome was composed of 10p material. An increase of HK1 and GOT1 activities was found. This is in favour of a partial trisomy of chromosome 10. The relative frequencies of the clones constituting the mosaic vary from tissue to tissue and with time.


A simple rapid fluorescent assay for adenosine deaminase activity. A simple, rapid (2 hours), fluorescent test for the activity of blood adenosine deaminase (ADA) is described. The test which can be performed on both heparinized and dried blood, is based on the conversion of adenosine to inosine and ammonium in the presence of ADA. The enzyme activity is visually estimated by the oxidation of NADH (fluorescent) to NAD+ (non-fluorescent) in a coupled reaction with glutamate dehydrogenase. The disappearance of fluorescence indicates ADA activity in the sample. The advantages are discussed of the use of this test for the study of the autosomal recessive severe combined immunodeficiency.


In vitro antibacterial activity and beta-lactamase stability of SCE-129, a new cephalosporin. SCE-129 [3-4-carbamoyl-1-pyridiniomethyl-7beta- (d-alpha-sulfophenylacetamido)-ceph-3-em-4-carboxylate] is a cephalosporin that inhibits Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. SCE-129 is tenfold more active than carbenicillin in inhibiting P. aeruginosa. SCE-129 has poor activity against Enterobacteriaceae compared with other cephalosporins and is 16-fold less active than the cephalosporins against streptococci. The activity of SCE-129 does not correlate with beta-lactamase stability, although SCE-129 is resistant to hydrolysis by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The compound does not inhibit the hydrolysis of other cephalosporins. Although SCE-129 acts synergistically with gentamicin to inhibit some Pseudomonas, this cannot be predicted based on knowledge of resistance to one or more compounds.


Antibacterial activity of ceftizoxime (FK 749), a new cephalosporin, against cephalosporin-resistant bacteria, and its stability to beta-lactamase. Antibacterial activity of FK 749 against ampicillin-resistant clinical isolates of Escherichia coli was compared with those of other newly developed cephalosporins. FK 749 was the most active against strains possessing R-plasmids specifying ampicillin resistance and those whose resistance was chromosomally determined. The susceptibility of ampicillin-susceptible E. coli to FK 749 was not decreased by transduction of ampicillin resistance-specifying plasmids. However, most of the transconjugants acquired a high level of resistance to cefoperazone and cefamandole and a moderate level of resistance to cefoperazone and cefamandole and a moderate level to cefotiam. FK 749 was highly stable to both penicillinase- and cephalosporinase-type beta-lactamases, including R-plasmid-mediated beta-lactamase. Its level of resistance to beta-lactamases was comparable to those of cefoxitin, cefmetazole, and cefotaxime, slightly superior to that of cefuroxime, and much superior to those of cefotiam, cefamandole, and cefoperazone.


Regulation of antibody synthesis to sheep red cells in cultures of nu/nu spleen cells by T-cell replacing factor (TRF) and immunoglobulin-binding factor (IBF). Fc receptor positive alloantigen-activated T cells release an immunoglobulin binding factor (IBF) which suppresses in vitro antibody synthesis. The present work was undertaken to approach the mechanisms by which IBF suppresses the response, and we obtained the following results. First, IBF does not inhibit DNA synthesis in lipopolysaccharide stimulated spleen cells while suppressing the polyclonal plaque response, indicating that IBF does not interfere with B-cell proliferation. Second, antibody synthesis by spleen cells from Nude (nu/nu) mice, stimulated with sheep red blood cells triggered by concanavalin A induced T-cell replacing factor (TRF) was suppressed by IBF, indicating that the factor does not need mature T cells to express its activity. Kinetics experiments showed that IBF does not destroy TRF but rather acts sequentially with the helper factor on the late phase of the differentiation of B cells to antibody producing cells.


Antibiotics and suppression of lymphocyte function in vitro. The effects on the mitogenic response of human T lymphocytes were studied for 20 different antibiotics. No apparent inhibitory effect could be detected for penicillins, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, chloramphenicol, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, nalidixic acid, and 5-fluorocytosine. There were effects at high concentrations with erythromycin, clindamycin, and rifampin, and these antibiotics could also be shown to depress the mitogenic response of B lymphocytes. With fusidic acid, nitrofurantoin, and doxycycline there was an inhibiting effect at low concentrations on the mitogenic responses of B and T lymphocytes and on in vitro antibody production. Protein synthesis in unstimulated lymphocytes was also inhibited. Some antibiotics thus may impair the function of human lymphocytes in vitro.


Strikingly different effects of dinitrobenzene sulfonic and trinitrobenzene sulfonic acids on various subpopulations of murine lymphoid cells. Different changes according to T- or B-cell origin occur in dinitrophenyl (DNP)- and trinitrophenyl (TNP)-modified lymphoid cells. The electrophoretic mobility (EPM) or nylon-wool adherent splenic cells (B cell-enriched) modified by TNP and DNP and that of nylon-wool non-adherent splenic cells (T cell-enriched) and thymic cells modified by TNP increase respectively as follows: +24%, +20%, + 6%, and +16%. A relation has been found between these EPM amounts and amino groups which are positively charged on cell surface. The EPM decreases in the case of nylon-wool non-adherent splenic cells (T cell-enriched, -9%) and thymic cells modified by DNP (-4%). The hydrophobic fluorescent probe 1-anilino-8-naphthalene sulphonate used to study conformational changes of cells revealed a slight fluorescence decrease for TNP-modified cells (-11% for thymic cells, -38% for T cells of spleen, and -66% for B cells of spleen), and a fluorescence increase for DNP-modified cells. This fluorescence increase is more important for spleen T cells (+130%) and thymic cells (+233%) than for spleen B cells (+30%).


Immunity to chemically induced rat sarcomas: study of the specificity of cytotoxic cells. Spleen cells from WAG rats bearing methylcholanthrene-induced sarcomas were cytotoxic for homologous tumour cells and for some cell lines derived from other syngeneic tumours. Each tumour induced its own pattern of cross-reactive cytotoxicity. This cross-reactivity was not apparent by in vivo rejection tests. In tumour-bearing rats, specific cytotoxic cells could not be separated from cross-reactive cytotoxic cells. The effector cells did not adhere to plastic surface, they were retained neither on nylon wool nor on anti-Ig columns and were devoid of Fc receptors. After tumour excision the cells displaying specific cytotoxicity had the same properties and thus were probably T cells. In contrast, the cells exhibiting cross-reactive cytotoxicity were lost after passage through a nylon wool column or after the removal of Fc-receptor-bearing lymphocytes. These findings suggest that cross-reactivity could result from antibody-dependent cell-mediate cytotoxicity directed against shared antigens.


Inactivation of beta-lactam antibiotics by Legionella pneumophila. Beta-lactam-inactivating activity has been found in all sero-groups of Legionella pneumophila. The beta-lactamase activity could be detected in intact cells and released by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid treatment, indicating that it is located in the periplasmic space. The enzyme acted primarily as a cephalosporinase hydrolyzing cefamandole, cephalothin, cephaloridine, and also penicillin G and ampicillin. Cefoxitin and cefuroxime were not hydrolyzed. Clavulanic acid and CP-45,899, beta-lactamase inhibitors, prevented the hydrolysis of cephalosporins and penicillins. The beta-lactamase activity appears to be different from that found in Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas.


Quantification of HTLA-positive lymphocytes during oral photochemotherapy of psoriasis. T-lymphocyte count in the peripheral blood, based on the identification of anti-human lymphocyte antigen (HTLA) by an immunocytochemical method, was determined in 25 PUVA-treated psoriatics and in 25 controls matched by sex and age. The results demonstrate that the HTLA-positive lymphocyte counts of these two groups do not differ significantly. It is concluded that oral photochemotherapy does not induce quantitative modifications in the population of T-lymphocytes of the blood.


The effect of local irradiation on the immune response in mice. II.--Alterations due to low dose scattering. The effect of localized irradiation given as single dose on the immune response of tumour-bearing mice was evaluated using the CRT. The tumour system (MBL2 on C57BL/6 females) was regularly lethal, although presence of CTL was demonstrated 15 days after transplantation (50,000 cells in the left hind limb). This T-dependent, antigen-specific cytotoxic activity observed on day 15 in the non-irradiated tumour-bearing group was abolished in the irradiated group (but not in the sham-irradiated group) and their CTL were incapable to mount a secondary response in MLTC-CML. The scattering of the 1,600 rad-single dose was sufficient to provoke this inhibition.


Quantitative analysis of lymphoid cells in cutaneous low-grade malignant B-cell lymphomas. Eighteen cases of low grade malignant B-cell lymphomas (confirmed through enzyme cytochemistry and immunocytology) were investigated morphologically using thin and semithin sections. Four types with a characteristic pattern of different lymphoid cells were found: (1) the lymphocytic type, predominantly consisting of small lymphocytes; (2) the lymphocytoid (centrocytic or prolymphocytic) type, in which in addition to small lymphocytes medium-sized lymphocytes (with or without cleaved nuclei) are found; (3) the lymphoplasmacytoid type, where lymphoid cells with different degrees of similarity to plasma cells are seen as well as small and medium-sized lymphocytes; and (4) the centroblastic-centrocytic type, in which centroblasts are present next to small and medium-sized lymphocytes. These findings correlate well with the morphological observations in low-grade malignant B-cell lymphomas of the lymph nodes. Therefore, the application of modern classifications of non-Hodgkin lymphomas, such as the "Kiel Classification", to cutaneous lymphomas appears justified. Thin and semithin sections are particularly useful in suspected cases of cutaneous malignant lymphoma, in which paraffin sections did not allow the diagnosis to be established.


Protective actions of aprotinin in acute traumatic shock. The effect of the protease inhibitor, aprotinin, was examined in rats during traumatic shock. In sham-operated control rats, intravenous administration of aprotinin (20,000 or 40,000 KIU/kg) showed no immediate changes in the mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate. In rats subjected to Noble-Collip drum trauma, aprotinin at a dose of 20,000 KIU/kg prolonged survival time to 2.1 +/- 0.3 hr (p less than 0.05) and 40,000 KIU/kg prolonged the survival time of rats to a greater extent (3.1 +/- 0.4 hr, p less than 0.001) compared to rats given only its vehicle (1.1 +/- 0.2 hr, mean +/- SE). The improved survival was accompanied by inhibition of the plasma accumulation of the cardiotoxic peptide, myocardial depressant factor (MDF). However, aprotinin showed no inhibitory effect on the plasma accumulation of the lysosomal enzyme, cathepsin D. Aprotinin has a beneficial effect on traumatic shock in rats possibly by its potent inhibitory action on MDF formation.


Role of the von Willebrand factor in atherogenesis. The von Willebrand factor is a high molecular weight protein which is synthesized by endothelial cells and appears in plasma and platelets. The main function of the factor is in mediating the adherence of platelets to the deendothelialized vessel wall. Animals with congenital deficiency of the factor do not develop the atherosclerotic lesions found in their normal counterparts. Elevated levels of the von Willebrand factor are observed in patients with atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease, myocardial infarction, and diabetics with proliferative retinopathy. These increases in the factor may be due to the increased turnover rates of platelets and endothelial cells commonly seen in these disorders. Whether elevated levels of the von Willebrand protein constitute a unique risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis and vascular occlusive disease should be determined by studies currently in progress.


[Differentiation of the palatine tonsillar tissues of the human fetus]. Differentiation of epithelial and lymphoid tissues of the palatine tonsils was studied in human embryos at the age of 8-34 weeks of development by means of histochemical, immunomorphological and morphometric methods. The anlage of the palatine tonsils appears at the age of 9 weeks of fetal development. At the age of 13-14 weeks of fetal development the tonsil suspension contains 2 subpopulations of lymphocytes possessing properties of T-cells differing in the ability of their superficial receptors to interact with sheep erythrocyte antigens forming rosettes (RFC--rosette forming cells) and with antigens of their own erithrocytes (autoRFC). The number both increases sharply by the 16th week of gestation. Simultaneously, essential alterations are noted in epithelial and lymphoid tissues. In epithelium of crypts cornified cells appear; the amount of lymphoid tissue increases sharply, primary follicles without reactive centers appear, lymphocytic infiltration of epithelium occurs. The amount of RFC does not change considerably, and the amount of autoRFC has a tendency towards some increase. From the data obtained, it is possible to suggest that human palatine tonsils already at embryonic period participate in functioning of immunogenic organs and in maintaining of immunologic homeostasis of the fetal organism.


[Advance in the immunologic study of urologic neoplasms]. The reduction of the levels of circulating T lymphocytes in urological neoplasias seems obvious. The existence of a link between the different, neoplastic, bladder and prostate processes, as well as the degree of malignancy, prognosis and therapeutic response has still to be established, according to the immunitary state of the patients. The constant developing and refining of the immunological technology will no doubt serve to resolve these problems.


Some influences of vision on susceptibility to motion sickness. Two experiments were performed to evaluate the influence of vision on susceptibility to motion sickness during exposure to constant patterns of vestibular stimulation. The motion profile involved accelerating subjects at 20 degrees/s2 to 300 degrees/s, maintaining them at that constant velocity for 30 s, and decelerating them to a rapid stop in about 1.5 s. The number of stops tolerated by a subject before reaching the motion sickness endpoint served as his score. In Experiment 1, subjects were tested twice with their eyes open and twice with their eyes blindfolded. They tolerated fewer sudden stops when permitted sight of the experimental chamber. In Experiment 2, the effect of having the eyes-open or closed at different stages of the motion profile was evaluated. Having the eyes open during any stage of the test was more stressful than having the eyes closed, but this was especially true during the sudden stops. The findings are discussed in terms of their general implications for understanding a) situations in which vision alone elicits symptoms of motion sickness, and b) situations involving vestibular stimulation where vision heightens susceptibility.


[Effect of SITS (4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid) on the transport of chloride through the isolated skin of Rana esculenta]. The effect of SITS (6 . 10(-4)M on transepithelial potential (E) and short circuit current (I) of isolated frog skin has been studied either using Ringer or Cl- -depleted Ringer in the outside bathing solution. SITS affects the transepithelial potential (E) and the short-circuit current (I) only if normal Ringer is used and SITS is added in the outside bathing medium. The existence of a negative exchanging-charge carrier on the external membrane of the epithelial cells is postulated. This mechanism could be a step of the actively transported Cl- ions.


[Pediatric metrizamide CT cisternography and CT ventriculography (author's transl)]. We have studied the diagnostic value of computed tomography with metrizamide CSF enhancement in 37 infants. According to the method of injection, we called CT cisternography, CT ventriculography and CT cystography. These methods were useful for the morphologic and dynamic evaluation of the CSF pathways. We used them especially for the evaluation of hydrocephalus, skull base tumor, infantile subdural hematoma and its allied diseases, or congenital cystic lesion such as Dandy-Walker syndrome. The side effects in children are much less than those in adults.


Immunoreactivity by intrinsic lymphoid cells in colorectal carcinoma. Mononuclear leucocytes were separated by Hypaque--Ficoll from 60 unselected primary colorectal carcinomas, and then fractionated by rosetting with sheep erythrocytes, either alone (E) or coated with antibody and complement (EAC). The E-rosetting cells, putative T lymphocytes, were cytotoxic in vitro to autologous tumour cells in 18 of the 60 cases, whilst the EAC-rosetting cells were unreactive. This intrinsic T-lymphocyte anti-tumour immunoreactivity was significantly associated with the presence of "cuffs" of small dark lymphocytes at the mesocolic or pararectal edge of the primary tumours, but there was no correlation with antitumour cytotoxic lymphocytes in the patient's blood at the time of operation.


The post-aspirin bleeding time: a screening test for evaluating haemostatic disorders. To evaluate the usefulness of the template bleeding time post-aspiring ingestion, this test was performed with other tests of haemostasis in 28 controls and 71 patients. The mean bleeding time (B.T.) in 24/28 true controls was 3.5 +/- 1 min (1 SD). Following the ingestion of 600 mg aspirin the B.T. was 6.3 +/- 1.4 min. Four out of 28 false 'controls' with negative bleeding histories were documented to have asymptomatic von Willebrand's disease and abnormal post-aspirin B.T. Of the 71 patients studied, 22 had initial B.T. that were abnormal (16 with classical von Willebrand's disease and six with platelet dysfunction). Of the remaining 49 patients with initially normal B.T., 30 had abnormal post-aspirin B.T. Of these 30 patients 13 had von Willebrand's disease. In eight, initially the abnormal B.T. post-aspirin was the only abnormality demonstrable but later they were shown to have von Willebrand's disease. In four the abnormal post-aspirin B.T. was combined with abnormal Ristocetin aggregations and a positive family history. These patients were presumed to have a variant of von Willebrand's disease. The remaining five had platelet dysfunctional states. Of the 19 patients with normal initial post-aspirin B.T., 16 demonstrated no haemostatic abnormality, and three were proven to have von Willebrand's disease. The aspirin tolerance test raised the sensitivity of the B.T. as a screening test for haemostasis from 40% to 94% in the abnormal patient population.


Circulating levels of pregnancy specific beta 1 glycoprotein in late pregnancy: nyctohemeral and day-to-day variation, and variation during labour. Circulating levels of pregnancy-specific beta 1 glycoprotein have been determined in a number of physiological situations in late pregnancy. The apparent variation in five subjects studied over a 24-hour period was not in excess of that due to the assay. Excess variation was apparent in 2 of 11 subjects studied daily for up to 8 days, and in 6 of 16 patients studied serially during labour.


Standardization of measures prior to cluster analysis. A common problem in cluster analysis is the determination of a scale-free measure of distance between individuals. This paper presents a procedure for scaling measurements using a reference individual as a standard of comparison. The procedure is particularly useful in classification of the results of laboratory procedures, where a reference standard is routinely produced. An example is the clustering of patterns that result from crossed antigen-antibody electrophoresis for determining the phenotype of the serum protein alpha 1-antitrypsin. The procedure appears to remove extraneous variability while retaining the information necessary for classification.


Surface glycoproteins from human T, B and chronic lymphatic leukemia lymphocytes isolated by 3 different lectins. Glycoproteins from the surface of human T. B and leukemic lymphocytes were isolated and partially characterized by using three different lectins, Lens culinaris lectin (Lc), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) and phytohemagglutinin from Phaseolus vulgaris (PHA). Cells were labelled either with I125 or 3H-fucose and lysed with detergent. Labelled components were isolated by incubation with lectins and anti-lectin antisera and immune precipitates were analysed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The results obtained show: 1) components with a molecular weight of 35,000-27,000 daltons were detected by the three lectins in both B and CLL lymphocytes but not in T lymphocytes; these components have a molecular weight similar to the Ia like antigen; 2) B and CLL lymphocytes were found to share several components of similar molecular size and specially the 35,000-27,000 daltons receptors; 3) in T lymphocytes, the 35,000-27,000 daltons components were absent, but components of low molecular weight, about 23,000, were easily detected. These data indicate that lectins bind to several identical receptors on the surface of different lymphocytes populations but also to some specific components.


Transfer of genetic information from T to B lymphocytes in the course of an immune response. Lymphocytes carrying different allotypes were separated into B and T subpopulations and cultured in presence or in absence of U.V. inactivated Herpes simplex virus. The B lymphocytes cultured in presence of 1% of the supernatant collected from virus exposed T cells, synthesized an anti-herpetic antibody with some allotypic markers of the T cell donor.


The spectrum of audiologic and vestibular findings in patients with Meniere's disease. A retrospective study of 55 patients with Meniere's disease suggested a subgrouping based on presentation of auditory symptoms. Patients were defined as "definite" (documented fluctuating hearing loss and episodic vertigo), "probable" (history of fluctuating hearing loss and episodic vertigo) and "possible" (history of fluctuating tinnitus and episodic vertigo). An in-depth discussion of the natural history, audiometric and vestibular findings is presented.


Structural studies of the capsular antigen of Haemophilus influenzae type c. The structure of the capsular antigen from Haemophilus influenzae type c has been investigated, n.m.r. spectroscopy being the principal method used. It is concluded that the antigen is composed of repeating-units having the following structure: formula: (see text). O-Acetyl groups are present in approximately 90% of the repeating-units.


Ontogeny of lateral preoptic unit activity in rats. Extracellular single unit recordings were made from units within the lateral preoptic area (LPO) of infant rats from 1 day of age through 31 days of age (postweaning). The rats were anesthetized with dial-urethane and basal (spontaneous) spike rates were recorded for 10--20 min. The rats also received pain-arousal stimulation (tail-pinch and sc injection of formalin solution), and osmotic stimulation (sc or ip injection of hyperosmotic NaCl or sucrose solutions). LPO units were spontaneously active in neonatal rats; however, basal spike rates increased during development. Also increasing during development was the percentage of LPO units which displayed alteration of spike rate in response to hyperosmotic injections (osmosensitive). However, LPO units were found that were responsive to severe pain-arousal stimulation at all ages tested. The developmental changes in LPO unit activity characteristics paralleled the morphological development of LPO neurons and the development of osmotically induced drinking behaviors.


Sagittal knife cuts in the far-lateral hypothalamus reduce sexual receptivity in female hamsters. We have previously shown that hypothalamic knife cuts confined to the sagittal plane lateral to the medial anterior hypothalamus-ventromedial nucleus can disrupt sexual receptivity in female golden hamsters. In the present study we have compared the effects of varying the lateral position of sagittal cuts located at this same rostral-caudal level. Near-lateral (NL) cuts were placed at or just lateral to the fornix, while far-lateral (FL) cuts were placed at the lateral edge of the medial forebrain bundle. Ovariectomized, estradiol benzoate plus progesterone-treated females were given weekly tests for lordosis before and after hypothalamic cuts. Changes in body weight and agonistic behavior were also recorded. Both NL and FL cuts reduced lordosis in response to both manual stimulation and a sexually active male. Postoperatively, it was more difficult to elicit lordosis from these females, and if elicited, the duration of the response was reduced. NL, but not FL, cuts also increased agonistic behavior, and produced obesity. Since both NL and FL cuts severed axons traveling in the region of the supraoptic commissures (SOC), these data support our hypothesis that these SOC connections are critical for sexual receptivity. The SOC carrys both efferents and afferents of the ventromedial hypothalamus. Sagittal-plane cuts which interrupt the SOC may disrupt lordosis by cutting either or both types of connection.


Effects of endotoxin and extracts of pregnant mouse uterus on the recovery of hemopoiesis after 5-fluorouracil. A single injection of endotoxin, 4 hours after administration of 150 mg/kg of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), stimulated the recovery of bone marrow hemopoietic cells that form colonies in spleen (CFU-S) or in culture (GM-CFC), of erythropoiesis, and of platelet production. Corynebacterium parvum injections had similar effects. Endotoxin-free extracts of tissues (from pregnant mouse uterus, placenta, and embryo) which have a high content of the factor(s) capable of stimulating growth of GM-CFC in vitro also stimulated recovery of CFU-S and GM-CFC when given in single injections 4 hours after 5-FU. A striking effect of both endotoxin and tissue extracts was the acceleration of the regeneration of a particular subclass of granulocyte macrophage progenitors, those capable of forming large colonies (greater than 0.25 mm) in agar. The results indicate that recovery of hemopoiesis after depression by 5-FU can be stimulated not only by injection of bacterial products, but also by injection of endotoxin-free tissue extracts which contain high levels of hemopoietic regulators.


Activation of human T-lymphocytes. A kinetic and stereological study. Stereological data of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-activated human T-lymphocytes were recorded at intervals (12 to 72 h) together with biochemical (isotope-uptake, lymphotoxin-release) and morphological measurements. About 98% of the cells were activated 12 h after PHA-stimulation. The activation phase lasted less than 48 h, i.e., cells entering the activation phase within 12 h were at their activation maximum by 48 h. The activated cell increased in size. The nuclear/cytoplasmic-ratio decreased. Most of the cytoplasmic organelles developed in phase with the increase of cytoplasmic volume. After 48 h, mitotic figures were frequently seen. Due to the increasing number of secondary, activated daughter cells, parameters of most cytoplasmic components declined between 48 and 72 h. Structural changes in the nucleus preceded the 3H-leucine uptake, which had not reached its maximum after 72 h of incubation. The 3H-leucine uptake started as early as 12 h after culture initiation, and its increase was proportional to the increasing polyribosome density. No maximum uptake was reached up to 72 h, but the development of structural components related to this uptake was at its maximum at the end of the activation phase (48 h). The formation of bound ribosomes occurred subsequent to the enlargement of the surface of the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Initial polysome formation occurred at the expense of existing free ribosomes.


Electron microscopic immunocytochemical demonstration of separate vasotocinergic and mesotocinergic nerve fibres in the median eminence of the frog hypophysis. With the use of the unlabelled antibody peroxidase-antiperoxidase complex (PAP) technique at the electron microscopic level, it was shown that both the internal and the external regions of the median eminence of the frog contain separate vasotocinergic and mesotocinergic nerve fibres. This observation confirms the results of previous immunocytochemical studies at the light microscopic level. The mean size of the neurohypophysial hormone-containing granules in the external region of the median eminence is significantly smaller than that of the neurohypophysial hormone-containing granules in the internal region of the median eminence. No significant difference could be found between the mean granule size of the vasotocinergic and mesotocinergic fibres of either the internal or the external region of the frog median eminence.


Behavioural aspects of the control of parasitic diseases. Human behaviour has been largely neglected in research on the parasitic diseases, in part because of the long-standing separation of the behavioural disciplines from the physical and biomedical sciences. Some of the reasons for the persistence of this "intellectual discontinuity" are discussed. The paper is principally concerned with the prospects for greater use of the methods and orientations of the behavioural sciences in parasitic disease research and control programmes. Behavioural research tends to fall into two categories employing, on the one hand, survey research and epidemiological methods and, on the other, participant observation and interviewing in depth. These approaches are shown to be complementary-equally useful and necessary. Various categories of health-related behaviour and kinds of research objective are reviewed in the following sections. Special attention is given to psychosocial cost-benefit studies, to analyses of control sectors, and to the formulation of a control philosophy. Finally, some specific behavioural research needs are discussed for some of the parasitic diseases of priority in the UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases-schistosomiasis, filariasis, American and African trypanosomiases, and malaria.


Use of drugs for malaria control in tropical Africa. At present, in countries of tropical Africa, chemotherapy is the main and often the only operationally, administratively, and financially feasible method of malaria control. This applies particularly in rural areas. This article reviews experience with chemotherapy in Africa since the late 1940s with mepacrine, proguanil, pyrimethamine, chloroquine, amodiaquine, and sulfones and sulfonamides in combination with dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors. Chloroquine has proved to be the most effective compound and it is the drug of choice as long as malarial parasites remain susceptible to it. Because of reports from East Africa of strains of Plasmodium falciparum resistant to 4-aminoquinolines, it is essential that national and regional policies be developed for the rational use of antimalarials.In most of the countries, the scope of activities is still limited to the administration of antimalarial drugs to sick persons through a limited network of health institutions. In some countries, however, attempts have been made to extend the coverage of drug administration by involving voluntary collaborators or through the provision of suppressive treatment to vulnerable groups of the population (such as infants, young children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and schoolchildren) but the efficacy of such methods depends on the degree of involvement of voluntary collaborators, primary health workers, and communities.


Aircraft disinsecting: the effectiveness of Freon-based and water-based phenothrin and permethrin aerosols. In Miami, Florida, USA, passenger compartments of jet aircraft were disinsected at "blocks away". An application of a 20 g/litre Freon-based or water-based permethrin formulation at 35 mg of aerosol per 100 m(3) was 100% effective against caged mosquitos and flies. The flammability hazard of the sprays from water-based hydrocarbon aerosols was evaluated.


Experimental smallpox in chimpanzees.

Experimental smallpox in chimpanzees. In an attempt to prepare highly specific antiserum to variola virus, a chimpanzee was inoculated with a virulent human strain of this virus. Three uninoculated chimpanzees were housed in the same room; two of these developed clinical disease with seroconversion, while the third developed no evidence of infection and no antibody. The three animals that became ill also developed antibody to vaccinia and monkeypox viruses. Human contacts during the study and following a break in containment showed no evidence of infection as determined by serological tests and lack of clinical disease.


Attenuation of virulence by P and V plasmids in Vibrio cholerae: strains suitable for oral immunization. In a virulent strain of Vibrio cholerae, KB9, P and V plasmids were introduced by bacterial conjugation. Characterization of PV isolates and systematic screening of them in animal models of cholera revealed that a large number of PV isolates were non-pathogenic, owing to the loss of ability to synthesize toxin. Results obtained with two such strains, designated as KB9:PV and CD24, are described. The strains with plasmids were stable during in vitro cultivation or during two successive passages in rabbit intestine. Protection conferred by PV strains was determined in mouse protection tests and in the rabbit ileal loop model. The plasmid strains were immunogenic. In view of the results, it is proposed that PV-bearing attenuated strains should be tried in oral immunization.


Attenuated recombinant strains of Vibrio cholerae for oral immunization. Two attenuated strains of Vibrio cholerae, CD1 and CD3, have been isolated that have remained stable since 1976. These strains are motile, adhere to and multiply in rabbit intestine, and colonize the gut of infant mice for 6-7 days. Both strains are antigenic and provide protection to challenge in the mouse protection test and in the rabbit ileal loop model. Because of their ability to adhere to and colonize the gut, and since they are antigenic, strains CD1 and CD3 have the potentiality of oral vaccines.


Evaluation of 24-hour infusion of high-dose methotrexate--pharmacokinetics and toxicity. High-dose methotrexate was administered by constant infusion over 24 h to children with various malignancies. Citrovorum factor was given at the completion of methotrexate infusion and continued for 72 h. Serum concentration of 10(-4) M could be sustained for 24 h with doses of methotrexate over 100 mg/kg. This infusion regimen was well tolerated and only mild neutropenia and mouth sores were seen in most patients. Severe toxicity was seen in one patient and was related to prolonged retention of methotrexate in the circulation. Careful monitoring of serum drug level is mandatory in the use of any high-dose methotrexate regimen.


Differences in the slopes of dose-response curves measuring pregnancy specific beta 1-glycoprotein (SP1) by means of radioimmunoassay. Variants of pregnancy specific beta 1-glycoprotein have been described previously. These variants seem to cause artificially low levels when measured by radioimmunoassay. We demonstrate that sera with indistinct precipitates in electroimmunoassay give less steep dose-response curves in radioimmunoassay than do sera with well defined precipitates. Until parallel dose-response curves are demonstrated for all variants, previously published data must be treated with reserve.


Clearance of alpha 1-antitrypsin isoelectric focusing patterns in blood samples treated with heparin. Plasma samples, whose typing for alpha 1-AT is made difficult or impossible because of an excess of heparin used as anticoagulant, can be treated very effectively with protamine sulphate. The addition of this heparin antagonist results in complete clearance of the isoelectric focusing pattern.


Acute cochleovestibular dysfunction.

Acute cochleovestibular dysfunction. A case of acute vertigo and sudden deafness with concomitant eye lesions is presented. The possible differential diagnoses are discussed, and the principles of treatment outlined.


Regulation of the primary in vitro antibody response in human peripheral blood lymphocytes: different effects of mitogen-induced and spontaneous T suppressor cells. The specific response of human peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures to TNP-polyacrylamide was suppressed by the addition of concanavalin A (Con A). A dose of Con A (0.5 microgram/ml) could be selected, which induced a reproducible but incomplete suppression independent of the magnitude of the anti-TNP response. Con A-stimulated cells could transfer the suppression to autologous or allogeneic responding cells. The suppressor activity was present in the E-rosette forming cell fraction and was abolished by mitomycin C treatment prior to incubation. With a particular batch of foetal bovine serum, spontaneous suppressor cells were produced which suppressed the response of autologous and allogeneic lymphocytes. In allogenic mixtures, the otherwise enhancing allogeneic effect was replaced by a marked suppression from spontaneous suppressor cells. This suppression was higher than that exerted on autologous lymphocytes, suggesting that an unexpected negative allogenic effect had taken place. Spontaneous suppressors were ineffective when added on day 2 of a culture responding to TNP-polyacrylamide, whereas Con A induced suppressors were fully effective.


Antibody--antigen complex stimulated lysis of non-sensitized sheep red cells by human lymphocytes. I. Requirements for IgG complexes. IgG antibody--antigen complexes stimulated lysis of non-sensitized sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) by normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). Heat-aggregated human IgG, rabbit IgG-ovalbumin complexes and rabbit IgG-sensitized ox erythrocytes (ORBC) were effective in the induction of SRBC lysis by PBL. However, IgM-sensitized ORBC and IgM-complement-sensitized ORBC were ineffective. As only SRBC and not ORBC or chicken erythrocytes (CRBC) were lysed under identical experimental conditions, it is conceivable that the SRBC receptor present on the T cell is involved. Furthermore, 45% inhibition of lysis was obtained by pretreating the effector cells with anti-human thymocyte globulin (ATG) and complete inhibition was obtained by adding SRBC stroma to the reaction mixture. The requirement for the inclusion of IgG complexes and the absence of specific anti-target cell antibody distinguish this reaction from natural cell-mediated cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Immune killer T cells would not appear to be responsible as eight different donors were used and none of these were cytotoxic to SRBC in the absence of IgG complexes. The induction of this cytotoxic reaction appears to require the recognition and interaction by the effector cells of two separate molecular entities, i.e. the SRBC membrane by the T cell and the IgG Fc region by an IgG-Fc receptor-bearing cell.


Decrease of IgA-specific suppressor T cell activity in patients with IgA nephropathy. The activity of IgA-specific suppressor T cells was lower in eight patients with IgA nephropathy than in six patients with chronic proliferative glomerulonephritis without glomerular deposition of IgA, two patients with acute glomerulonephritis, or five healthy adult controls. It was determined by the quantitation of immunoglobulins produced from pokeweed mitogen-stimulated B cells cultured with the T cell supernatant (TCS) obtained from concanavalin A-stimulated T cells. Results from a study on an identical twin sister with IgA nephropathy suggested that the decreased activity of IgA-specific suppressor T cells might not be a cause but a result of increased IgA-bearing lymphocytes and serum IgA in patients with IgA nephropathy.


Sequential immunological studies on an asbestos-exposed population. I. Factors affecting peripheral blood leucocytes and T lymphocytes. Peripheral blood leucocyte counts, and E binding rosettes were measured on 138 men on five separate occasions. Little effect was seen from age, or length of asbestos exposure. Overall the most marked effect was that obtained from smoking. Most relevant was an increase in percentage of E-rosettes read after 1 1/2 hrs, which was obtained in the group of those with radiological evidence of fibrosis who smoked. Restricted to subjects with small opacities, those who smoke have a significantly higher (P less than 0.05) percentage E 1 1/2 hr rosettes than those who do not smoke. (Percentage E rosettes read overnight remained unaltered by smoking or X-ray). This increase was found on each occasion that it was measured. Since the absolute number of T lymphocytes rosetting at 1 1/2 hr did not increase, it is suggested that there is either no stimulation of the central pool of T lymphocytes or a decrease in the absolute number of T lymphocytes which could only rosette overnight.


Subpopulations of human T lymphocytes. IX. Imbalance of T cell subpopulations in patients with progressive systemic sclerosis. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from twenty patients with progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) were analysed for the numbers and proportions of B lymphocytes possessing surface immunoglobulin, cells with Fc receptors, T cella and T cells with receptors for IgM (T mu) or IgG (T gamma). In patients with PSS, B cells and lymphocytes with Fc receptors were comparable in both numbers and proportions to those of the control group. Circulating T lymphocytes were significantly fewer in the patient group. T mu cells were decreased and T gamma cells increased, resulting in lower T mu/T gamma ratios as compared to controls. This study demonstrates a profound imbalance between T mu and T gamma cells (containing a population of helper or suppressor cells, respectively). These results are discussed in relation to immunodeficiencies observed in patients with PSS.


The effect of irradiation on T-cell suppression of ELISA-determined Ig production by human blood B-cells in vitro. Human blood B-lymphocytes were co-cultured with in vitro irradiated allogeneic or autologous T-lymphocytes in the presence of pokeweed mitogen (PWM). The production of IgG, IgM and IgA, as assessed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was increased 2--7 times, as compared to values obtained with non-irradiated T-lymphocytes. It is suggested that the increase of Ig production is due to the selective radiosensitivity of T-lymphocytes with suppressor function.


Clinical aspects of mycotic keratitis in the horse. Several manifestations of equine corenal ulcers caused by mycotic agents are discussed. Antifungal therapy is reviewed. Mycotic keratitis should be suspected when routine corneal ulcer therapy is nonproductive.


Abdominal emergencies.

Abdominal emergencies. This brief review of abdominal emergencies is by no means encyclopedic. Indeed, it simply reflects the multiplicity of problems that can occur and suggests the need for a high index of suspicion and an optimistic attitude toward their solution. In addition, the surgeon must keep in mind the fact that cancer patients may also suffer acute abdominal distress from extra-abdominal causes such as pneumonia, myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus, and hematologic abnormalities such as porphyria or sickle cell anemia. Inflammatory bowel disease, pelvic inflammatory disease, acute hepatitis or other similar problems more commonly seen in general hospital populations may also develop. Consultations for an acute condition of the abdomen in patients receiving marrow-suppressing chemotherapy are challenging problems and repeated examination every few hours is required to detect subtle changes. Hypovolemia, sepsis, confusion and unexplained metabolic acidosis may be the only criteria for surgical exploration. An unnecessary operation in a leukopenic and thrombocytopenic patient is indeed risky, but failure to drain an occult abscess or resect a perforated segment of bowel is always lethal. An additional consideration is the likelihood of response to further treatment of the underlying disease. Unless further effective therapy is unavailable, pessimism is unwarranted.


[Embolization treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding: an alternative to surgical intervention?]. Three inoperable patients with massive GI-bleeding were embolized. In all three patients hemostasis via the angiographic catheters was successful without producing intestinal wall necrosis. Indication and risk of an intentional vascular occlusion by transcatheter technique should be evaluated separately for each patient.


Hitherto assembled results with the assessment of HLA antigens in rheumatic diseases and their impact. The authors characterize the position which developed in the sphere of rheumatic diseases, in particular inflammatory ones, after in these diseases the association with HLA antigens was revealed; most important is still the association of HLA B 27 with ankylosing spondylitis (Bekhterev's disease) which stimulated a new line of research and helped to detect the projection of antigen into all so-called rheumatic diseases which have in addition to affected peripheral joints inflammatory change of the SI synchrondrosis and segmentary signs of ankylosing spondylitis. The authors examined patients with psoriatic arthropathy and pure dermatological psoriasis but found only association with B 17 and B 13. In ankylosing hyperotosis (Forestier) they prove, based on the findings in 36 patients that in controversial cases the absence of B 27 may be important. They report also on their finding of an enhanced association of A 10 and B 14 in a group of 48 patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis.


Kinetoplast test for the detection of antibodies against double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid in patients with rheumatic diseases. The differential diagnosis in rheumatology is frequently considerably facilitated or rendered possible by immunological methods. Evidence of antibodies against double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (ds-DNA) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is considered a conclusive confirmation of the diagnosis and moreover a useful criterion of the activity of the process. The authors developed an immunofluorescent method where as substrate the kinetoplast of the protozoon Trypanosoma danilewskyi containing pure ds-DNA not bound to histones is used. A total of 164 titrations of these antibodies were made in 113 patients with various diagnoses. The results indicate that anti-ds-DNA antibodies are present only in patients with SLE and that the titres correspond to the activity of the disease. The method is suited for routine use, the substrate being commercially available and of standard quality.


Does a short-term draining of bile duct affect the plasma thyroxine level in rats? In three groups of male rats weighing about 350 g and fed normal pelleted diet the left femoral artery and vein were cannulated under pentobarbiturate anesthesia and in samples of plasma obtained between 0 and 6 h after the injection of heparin the level of thyroxine (T4) was measured with the aid of specific radioimmunoassay. In addition, in Group A (22 animals) and C (17 animals) also the bile duct was cannulated and the total bile was collected into a flask for the same period. In addition, the animals of a Group C were thyroidectomized by electrocoagulation immediately before "O h". The Group B consisted of 18 sham-operated animals in which, in addition to the cannulation of blood vessels, only laparotomy and separation of bile duct without cannulation were made. In all groups a linear decline of plasma T4 level was found corresponding to a half-life of about 11 h. Since there were no significant differences in the slope of regression line between groups, it was concluded that the period of draining bile duct for 6 h was presumably too short to interfere significantly with the absorption of T4 in lower intestine and ileum and that the uniform decline of T4 level in plasma in all groups was presumably due to the effect of pentobarbiturate.


Transformation and translocation of 17 beta-estradiol receptor in rat pituitary. The association of 17 beta-(3H)-estradiol with its pituitary cytosol receptor is described. The transformation products of this 8 S receptor complex at high salt concentration was analyzed by 5-20% linear sucrose gradients. KCl was found to reversibly convert the 8 S moiety into a 4-5 S species. The transformation by CaCl2 and trypsin was found to be irreversible. In addition, the nuclear translocation of the estrogen-receptor complex was investigated in vitro. Translocation was found to be temperature-dependent, since a 6 S nuclear receptor complex could be extracted from crude nuclei only after incubation of whole pituitaries at 37 degrees C and not at 4 degrees C incubation temperature. Similarly, a 6 S species was found upon sucrose gradient analysis of nuclear extract after a cell free incubation of isolated nuclei and cytosol with 17 beta-(3H)-estradiol. Maximal translocation was observed in this in vitro system within 60 to 90 min, resulting in a concomitant loss of cytosol receptor. The present data combine to suggest that nuclear translocation resembles one of the early events involved in the molecular action of estrogen at the pituitary level.


Circulating immune complexes in the serum of diabetes mellitus in childhood by a modified 125I-C1q binding test. The 125I-C1q binding test for the detection of soluble immune complexes in native unheated human serum was applied to the study of sera from 52 patients with diabetes mellitus in childhood. This radiolabeled C1q binding test is more sensitive and reproducible among the various methods proposed for the detection of immune complexes. The 125I-C1q binding activity in 52 sera from diabetes mellitus in childhood was 9.47 +/- 0.36% compared to 6.94 +/- 0.74% in normal controls. 125I-C1q binding values in diabetes mellitus in childhood were significantly higher than normal controls. Slight high values were seen in 3 patients with positive anti-DNA-antibodies in diabetes mellitus in childhood. 125I-C1q binding was not significantly increased in patients with positive antithyroid antibodies and insulin antibodies. There was no significant correlation between the duration of diabetes and 125I-C1q binding activity.


Inhibition of thyroxine-induced metamorphosis by prolactin in tadpoles, Rana catesbeiana. Thyroxine (T4)-prolactin interactions on hepatic arginase and ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) as well as hind legs, tail, digestive tract and median eminence were investigated in tadpoles, Rana catesbeiana. Prolactin completely blocked T4-induced tail resorption, but failed to suppress hind-leg growth, shortening of digestive tract and promotion by T4 of the median eminence development. Prolactin blocked T4-induced increase in hepatic arginase activity but not in hepatic OTC activity. A possibility that T4 and prolactin are regulating the hepatic arginase indirectly is discussed.


Inhibition by transcutaneous electrical stimulation of noxious heat elicited in human Gasserian ganglion. During percutaneous thermocoagulation of the Gasserian ganglion for trigeminal pain, the pain perception threshold was established in a series of 25 awake patients by measuring the temperature at the electrode tip within the ganglion during slow increase of the radiofrequency current. Between 42 and 48 degress C pain perception was regularly reported by the patients. A cutaneous-stimulating system was then applied to the trigeminal area which was reported to be painful during the heating. The external stimulation attempted to preferentially stimulate the A afferent nerve fibres. When external stimulation was applied during the heating of the Gasserian ganglion, the pain perception threshold was enhanced in about half of the cases. A transcutaneous electrical stimulation of part of the body not related with the investigated pain sensation did not produce the same inhibitory action in 3 out of 5 cases.


The presence of Thy-1 on the surface of rat lymphoid stem cells and colony-forming units. By labeling Thy-1-positive cells of rats with xenoanti-Thy-1 or mouse alloanti-Thy-1 antibody and separating them from Thy-1-negative cells on a fluorescence-activated cell sorter, it was shown that early lymphopoietic stem cells all carry Thy-1-antigen. This was so for both young, adult bone marrow and near-term fetal liver cells. Two kinds of assay were used: long-term radiation chimeras employing B and T cell alloantigens to mark cells of donor origin, and in vivo colony-forming units in the spleens of irradiated recipients (bone marrow only). Thy-1-negative cells gave essentially no B or T progeny, even 6 to 12 months after reconstitution of the chimeras. The kinetics of appearance of Thy-1-positive cells in rat marrow, which peaked at 6-8 weeks of age, were also studied. In rats, Thy-1 is on the surface of pluripotent stem cells and on early progenitors of both B and T lymphocytes.