[Study of the action of bromocriptine in hyperprolactinemic states. Results of a cooperative trial in 135 patients]. The therapeutic activity of bromocriptine mesilate (CB 154) was studied in a coooperative trial over a period of three months and using the same protocol in eleven different centres. 126 women and 9 men were studied. All had hyperprolactinaemia associated either with gonadal insufficiency-amenorrhoea/galactorrhoea syndrome (102 cases), isolated amenorrhoea (8 cases), impotence (6 cases), or to galactorrhoea with in certain men gynaecomastia. 32 patients had previously undergone removal of a pituitary adenoma, but had a normal response to the administration of LH-RH. Of the 106 untreated patients, only 36 had tumour-like deformities of the sella turcica. Under the effects of treatment, blood prolactin levels fell in all cases exception 4 and returned to normal in 66% of patients. The average value fell from 197 +/- 19 to 36.8 +/- 3.4 ng/ml (p less than 0.001). Spontaneous and provoked galactorrhoea regressed in 100% and 75% of cases respectively. Ovarian function reappeared in 89.4% of cases, with 32 pregnancies occurring during the 3 months period. Gynaecomastia and impotence responded in approximately half the men. The effectiveness of treatment was independent of the duration of the disorder (ranging from a few months to five years), the initial prolactin level and the radiological state of the sella turcica. Tolerance was satisfactory apart from transient problems (essentially digestive) occurring during the first days of treatment. In case of pregnancy, careful repeated studies of the sella turcica and visual fields are needed in order to detect possible growth of underlying pituitary adenomas or micro-adenomas.


Exchange transfusion with plasmapheresis in the management of hepatic coma. In two cases of hepatic coma following advanced liver cirrhosis exchange transfusions were applied with plasmapheresis. In both cases the general condition of patients improved and consciousness returned. After exchange transfusions with plasmapheresis the serum levels of bilirubin, urea and ammonia decreased. Using appropriately selected fluids for erythrocyte suspension it is possible to affect selectively protein depletion and depletion of plasma blood clotting factors.


Effects of fentanyl and droperidol on the dopamine metabolism of the rat striatum. Fentanyl in low doses (0.02-0.05 mg/kg) had no significant effect on the dopamine turnover 20 min after intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection and raised the homovanillic acid (HVA) concentration in the rat striatum with a maximum at 60 min after i.p. injection. Higher doses (0.1-0.2 mg/kg)reduced the HVA content after 20 min and raised it after 60 min. Naloxone (1 mg/kg) given shortly (5min) after high doses of fentanyl (0.2 mg/kg) was able to eliminate the early  (i.e., 20 min after i.p. injection) decrease and the late (i.e., 60 min after i.p. injection)increase of HVA content in the striatum. Naloxone (1mg/kg) alone slightly increased the HVA concentration, after 20 as well as after 60 min. Droperidol (3-12 mg/kg) and haloperidol (6-12 mg/kg) markedly increased the HVA content in the rat striatum 90 min after i.p. injection. These effects were dose-dependent. Naloxone (1 mg/kg) did not significantly inhibit the rise of HVA induced by droperidol.


Study on the binding of trichloromonofluoromethane by bovine serum albumin using a fluorescent probe technique. Protein binding of the aerosol propellant, trichloromonofluoromethane, was studied in bovine serum albumin (BSA) solutions using the fluorescent probe technique. The propellant displaced the probe, 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonate, from its binding sites and reduced the fluorescence intensity. The binding association constants, the number of binding sites, and the competitive nature of the binding interaction were investigated. The hydrophobic nature of the binding and the implication of binding displacement interactions between the fluorocarbon and plasma-protein-bound drugs were also discussed. The fatty acid impurities present in the commercial BSA were found to have no effect on the protein binding of the propellant.


Lack of influence of the phase of estrus cycle or treatment with steroid contraceptive drugs on cholinergic parameters in mouse and rat brain. Acetylcholine and choline levels were found not to fluctuate with the phase of the estrus cycle in the cerebral hemispheres, deincephalon and mesencephalon in the rat and mouse. Choline acetyltransferase activity was not altered in these brain areas in the mouse while in the rat there was a small but significant decrease in the cerebral hemispheres during proestrus (p less than 0.01), and in the mesencephalon during estrus (p less than 0.05), both with respect to diestrus. Chronic 30-day treatment with steroid contraceptive drug combinations (lynestrenol, 5 mg/kg+ mestranol, 0.3 mg/kg; lynestrenol, 2.5 mg/kg+ mestranol, 0.15 mg/kg; norethindrone, 4 mg/kg+ mestranol, 0.2 mg/kg; norethynodrel, 4 mg/kg+ mestranol, 0.06 mg/kg) did not alter cholinergic parameters in the brain areas of these two species except for minor changes in rare instances.


Effects of serine on morphine-dependent mice. Single doses of serine (250 mg/kg i.p.) failed to elevate central glycine in mice (1 h after injection), or to compensate for losses caused by implantation of morphine base (70 mg/animal), and reduced the jumping response to nalorphine (100 mg/kg i.p.). In contrast, sustained treatment with 250-mg/kg doses of serine at 24-hour intervals produced increases in brain and medullar glycine (1 h after 4th injection: 46-50% in normal, 39-75% in morphine-dependent mice, and enhanced the jumping response (40% over controls).


Electroencephalographic correlates of audiogenic seizures during ethanol withdrawal in mice. C57BL/6Bg mice had silver bead electrodes chronically implanted on the surface of the cortex and had their cortical EEG recorded during audiogenic seizures following ethanol withdrawal. For 7 days, the experimental groups were fed a liquid diet containing 6% v/v ethanol ad lib as the only source of food and water. The control group was fed a similar diet containing an isocaloric amount of sucrose. The cortical EEG's of experimental and control groups before, during, and after treatment were virtually identical. Only the experimental group was susceptible to audiogenic seizures. During audiogenic seizures, the cortical EEG showed no sign of spike waves or paroxysmal activity. This is in contrast to picrotoxin convulsions with these same mice as well as to spontaneous convulsions in animals following ethanol withdrawal. Similar EEG observations have been reported on audiogenic seizures from genetic and acoustically primed susceptibilities. Consequently, we suggest that all audiogenic seizure responses, including those during ethanol withdrawal, are a type of subcortical epilepsy.


Mouse-killing and motor activity: effects of chronic delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and pilocarpine. Chronic administration of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for 5--8 weeks at 4 dose levels (2, 10, 20, 50mg/kg/day) or of pilocarpine (12.5, 25 mg/kg/day) for 3 weeks induced mouse-killing in 25--70% of previously "non-killer" rats of the Sprague-Dawley strain. The maximum percent of drug-induced mouse-killing depended on the daily dose and housing conditions, 20mg/kg/day THC and 25 mg/kg/day pilocarpine in single-housed rats being the most effective treatments. Drug-induced mouse-killing appeared to be a form of behavioral pathology, differing from the species-specific predatory response, when it first appeared. Concurrent assessment of locomotor and rearing activities showed dose-dependent depressant effects of THC and pilocarpine without evidence for tolerance. Different dose-dependencies and time courses suggest that changes in motor activities are not directly linked to the appearance of the killing behavior.


A method for bioassay of physical dependence on sedative drugs in dog. A method for an economical bioassay of physical dependence on sedatives is presented. Dogs maintained on sodium pentobarbital (200 mg/kg/24 h i.v.) were given periodic graded reductions in maintenance dose, and subscales for measuring signs of abstinence were developed. Using these subscales the relative potencies compared with sodium pentobarbital were determined for sodium secobarbital (RP = 0.85) and methaqualone (RP = 0.14). Sodium thiopental and methaqualone were assayed and found to be equipotent (RP = 0.96) in reducing the signs of abstinence from sodium pentobarbital. The occurrence of convulsions, during periods of complete reduction of the maintenance drug, became less frequent the longer the dogs had been maintained on a constant dose of sodium pentobarbital.


Resistance of androgen-mediated aggressive behavior in mice to flutamide, an antiandrogen. Flutamide (FTA), an anti-androgenic compound, inhibited the effects of methyltestosterone (MT) on the weight of the ventral prostate, seminal vesicles and levator ani in male castrate mice. Castration prevented the development of aggressive behavior in mice isolated for 3 weeks. While chronic administration of MT to castrate isolated mice returned the incidence of fighting behavior to control values, chronic administration of FTA + MTdid not significantly reduce the incidence of fighting as compared to castrate + MT values. These results suggest that the mechanism for androgen stimulation of secondary sex organ weight may differ from that involved in the development and maintenance of aggression resulting from isolation.


Effects of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol on social behaviour in mice: comparison between two vehicles. Two vehicles for the intraperitoneal administration of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta9-THC) were compared, using aspects of social behaviour in mice and 5 doses of delta9- THC, with vehicle alone and saline control groups. 10% propane-1,2-diol-1% Tween 80-saline (vehicle B) seemed to be more effective than 1% Tween 80-saline (vehicle A) since depressant effects of --1 delta9-THC on behaviour tended to occur at lower doses with this vehicle. Few differences in behaviour could be detected among the three control groups. In general the overall number of behavioural acts decreased with increasing doses of delta9-THC, but with vehicle B low doses selectively decreased the number of 'social' (including aggressive) as distinct from 'individual' acts. Low doses of the drug in vehicle A sometimes stimulated behaviour, whereas with vehicle B such doses mostly produced depression; however, 2.5 mg/kg delta9-THC, in either vehicle, markedly increased the percentage of animals which showed both aggression and flight acts--a rare combination among controls. Our findings are consistent with other evidence that propylene glycol is an effective vehicle for the i.p. administration of delta9-THC.


Late modifications of cephalic circulation in head x-irradiated rats. A non-invasive and quantitative radioisotope method was applied to the assessment of late cephalic circulatory changes occurring 12 and 21 months after head irradiation at 500, 1000 or 1500 R in rats of two inbred strains. Analysis of the results concerning the tracer circulatory mean transit-time (t) as well as those of two indices measuring respectively the cephalic blood volume (VH) and the cephalic blood flow (FH), led us to conclude that: -- the radiation-induced late changes in cephalic circulation are more relevant to a reduction of the volume of blood flowing in the head than to a reduction of its rate -- even a dose as low as 500 R induces such a late effect but the delay is longer than one year -- a depression of the cardiac output can be an additional very late consequence of head irradiation -- there is an influence of the rat strain on the temporal development of the late cephalic circulatory changes.


[Urogenital-tuberculosis: pathogenesis, diagnostic approach, roentgenologic pathology, staging and remarks for differential diagnosis (author's transl)]. The diagnostic tactics in the clarification of urogenital tuberculosis are referred to the changes for the individual examinations mentioned. Some tables show the results of radiological investigations on 200 patients with proved renal tuberculosis, the extend of the triple staging proposed by us being specified. In addition to expositions on the radiopathology of urogenital tuberculosis, the differential diagnosis is indicated, its focus lying in the comparsion of 118 patients with clinical-bacteriological and/or histologically confirmed non-specific chronic pyelonephritis. The comparison of patients from two 3-year groups 1959-1961 and 1971-1973 as well as between natives and foreigners shows a change in the clinical radiological picture of renal tuberculosis.


[Ultrasound evaluation of heart disease, with special reference to congenital and acquired lesions (author's transl)]. Time position monitoring of numerous cardiac structures can be obtained by single element echocardiography with high time resolution. This method offers an important way to measure cardiac dimensions and to prove the anatomical relation different cardiac structures. Technological problems are briefly discussed and normal values are given. Cardiac lesions diagnosed by echocardiography are reviewed.


A study of prostaglandin F2alpha as the luteolysin in swine: I. Effect of prostaglandin F2alpha in hysterectomized gilts. Experiments were conducted to determine if prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) is luteolytic in swine. In Experiment 1, four bilaterally hysterectomized gilts were injected with PGF2alpha at 0800 (10mg) and 2000 hours (10mg) and four gilts received .9% saline at the same times on day 17 after onset of estrus. Treatments were reversed in the two groups of gilts 21 days later. All eight PGF2alpha treated gilts exhibited estrus an average of 88.0 +/- 13.5 hours after treatment and average duration of estrus was 66.0 +/- 16.4 hours. Saline treated controls did not exhibit estrus. Two additional gilts were hysterectomized bilaterally and the saphenous artery catheterized on day 7 after onset on estrus. PGF2alpha injected on day 17 resulted in a precipitous decline in plasma progestin concentration and onset of estrus by 110 and 90 hours in gilts 1 and 2, respectively. Another bilaterally hysterectomized gilt, with CL marked with India ink, received PGF2alpha on day 17. Estrus occurred 92 hours later and, on day 4, regression of marked CL to corpora albicantia and presence of newly formed CL was confirmed at laparotomy. In Experiment 2, 12 bilaterally hysterectomized gilts were treated with PGF2alpha at 0800 (10mg) and 2000 hours (10mg) on either day 8, 11, 14 or 17 after onset of estrus. None of the gilts treated on days 8 and 11 exhibited estrus. Two of three gilts treated on day 14 and all three gilts treated on day 17 exhibited estrus at an average of 116.0 +/- 9.8 hours post-treatment. Average duration of estrus was 49.6 +/- 8.8 hours.


Changes in morphine self-administration in rats induced by prostaglandin E1 and naloxone. Interactions of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) with morphine have been reported in several test systems and an hypothesis has been advanced for a role of prostaglandins in morphine analgesia and physical dependence. In rats self-administering morphine intravenously, a simultaneous and continuous infusion of naloxone hydrochloride at 56 to 560 mug/kg/day caused the expected increase in injection rate for morphine. Infusion of PGE1 by itself at 56 or 180 mug/kg/day had no effect on the rate of morphine intake. Likewise the addition of PGE1 at 180 mug/kg/day did not potentiate the increase caused by naloxone (56 or 180 mug/kg/day) when it was added to the naloxone infusion. These results do not support a role for prostaglandins in the behavioral aspects of morphine addiction. However, larger doses of PGE1 (1 and 1.8 mg/kg/day), which were without overt effects in normal rats, caused severe and incapacitating prostration in morphinized rats.


Dose-response effects of prostaglandin F2alpha on the rabbit oviduct: reproductive endocrine influence and tachyphylaxis. The dose-response effect of PGF2alpha on the perfused oviduct of estrous and ovariectomized rabbits was determined. The oviducts of ovariectomized rabbits were more sensitive to the contractile effects of PGF2alpha than those of estrous rabbits. This was demonstrated by a significant difference in the slope of the dose-response curves and in the magnitude of the maximum responses between the two groups. Blood pressure responses (depressor) to PGF2alpha were not affected by the reproductive hormonal status of the rabbits. The oviduct (estrous rabbits) developed tachyphylaxis to the effect of PGF2alpha. It was concluded that the response of the rabbit oviduct to PGF2alpha is dependent on the reproductive hormone status of the animal and that the oviduct becomes insensitive to the effects of PGF2alpha with repeated administration.


A dose-response comparison of PGA2, PGE1 and PGE2 using the phenylephrine-stimulated perfused oviduct of the rabbit. The phenylephrine-stimulated perfused oviduct of the rabbit was evaluated as a model for studying the activity of prostaglandins that produce inhibition of the oviducal smooth muscle. Elevation of the normal "tone" of the oviduct by perfusing phenylephrine through the lumen permitted quantitation of the responses to PGA2, PGE1 and PGE2 by measuring the magnitude of the inhibitory response produced by the agents. PGE2 was relatively more potent, efficacious and specific for the oviduct than PGA2 or PGE1. It was concluded that the model was suitable for comparative dose-response studies of PGA2, PGE1 and PGE2 and their analogs.


Prostaglandin F and progesterone secretion by porcine endometrium and corpus luteum in vitro. Slices of porcine endometrium and corpus luteum tissue obtained from mature sows throughout the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle were incubated in culture medium which was analysed at regular intervals over a period of 8 hours for prostaglandin F and progesterone. Prostaglandin F secretion was greatest by endometrium obtained during the mid III to late I luteal stage of the cycle and the increased levels secreted by this tissue were paralleled by high levels of secretion from corpus luteum tissue. The addition of indomethacin (10 mug/ml) to the culture medium completely abolished prostaglandin F secretion by both endometrium and luteal tissue indicating that the high levels of the prostaglandin were due to synthesis. Progesterone secretion by the corpus luteum was maximal from early luteal tissue and had declined to considerably lower levels by late stage tissue when prostaglandin secretion was greatest. The possible physiological significance of luteal prostaglandin F secretion is discussed.


Corpus luteum function in the ewe: effect of PGF2alpha and prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors. A series of experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of mode and frequency of administration and estrous cycle stage on the response of the cycling ewe to PGF2alpha. The effects of dexamethasone, arachadonic acid and prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors on estrous cycle length and plasma progesterone levels were also determined. Intramuscular administration of 5 or 10 mg of PGF2alpha, on days 8 and 9 after estrus (5 ewes/group), significantly (p less than .01) shortened the mean length of the estrous cycle and the interval from the end of treatment to estrus. Mean plasma progesterone levels, 24 hours after initial injection, were significantly (p less than .01) lowered. When administered on day 8 only, these doses were considerably less effective in shortening estrous cycle length or lowering plasma progesterone levels. Intravaginal administration of PGF2alpha, by polyurethane tampon, was also largely ineffective. Treatment of ewes with 10 mg of PGF2alpha, by polyurethanetampon, was also largely ineffective. Treatment of ewes with 10 mg of PGF2alpha i.m., on days 3 and 4 of the estrous cycle, resulted in a return to estrus in 2 days in 25% of the treated animals. Plasma progesterone levels of PGF2alpha-treated ewes were significantly lower than controls on the second, third and fourth days after the start of dosing. It would appear that PGF2alpha exerts a retarding effect on developing CL functionality. The prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors, aspirin, flufenamic acid and 1-p-chlorobenzylidene-2-methyl-5-methoxy-3-indenylacetic acid, were administered orally or parenterally for 16 days beginning on day 8 of the estrous cycle. These compounds failed to prolong estrous cycle length. Parenteral administration of dexamethasone did not result in PGF2alpha release in the cycling ewe, at least not in quantities sufficient to induce luteolytis. The prostaglandin precursor, arachadonic acid, also was not luteolytic when given parenterally to cycling ewes.


Meperidine metabolites: identification of N-hydroxynormeperidine and a hydroxy-methoxy derivative of meperidine in biological fluids. Gas chromatographic and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric techniques were used to identify non-acidic metabolites of meperidine (N-methyl-4-phenyl-4-carbethoxypiperidine) excreted in human, rat, and guinea pig urine. Following enzymic hydrolysis N-hydroxynormeperidine was identified in the urine of all three species in addition to the expected metabolites normeperidine and meperidine N-oxide. In rat urine the p-hydroxyphenyl metabolite of meperidine was present in appreciable amounts. Also present in small quantity was a new phenolic metabolite of meperidine containing both hydroxyl and O-methoxyl substituents in the phenyl ring of the parent drug. The latter two metabolites were excreted as conjugates in the rat.


Discovery of insect anti-juvenile hormones in plants.?2U. Two simple chromenes with anti-JH activity have been isolated and identified from the bedding plant Ageratum houstoianum. By contact and fumigation these compounds induce precocious metamorphosis and sterilization in several hemipteran species of insects. Certain holometabolous species are sterilized, forced into diapause, or both. Each of these biological actions is equivalent to removal of the corpora allata, which produce the JH's, and is reversible by treatment with exogenous JH. Thus, the action of these compounds is to stop the production or depress the titer of the JH's. To our knowledge, this is the first discovery of anti-JH, and we hope it will guide the way to the emergence of a fourth generation of safe and insect-specific pesticides.


Handedness in a Chinese population: biological, social, and pathological factors. A questionnaire survey of 4143 Chinese was conducted. Social pressure for right-handed writing and eating was effective on these two target skills but showed little indirect influence on hand use in other activities. Neither primiparous birth nor birth to older mothers affected handedness. Twinning, however, seemed to be associated with both decreased right-handedness and lower intelligence.


Adrenal gland photoscanning by means of 131I-iodinated cholesterol. Photoscanning by means of 131I-19-iodinated cholesterol was performed on 10 patients with various diseases of the adrenal glands. The authors confirmed that the method was suitable for study of the morphology and function of the adrenal glands in disease, especially when combined with stimulation by ACTH or suppression by dexamethasone. The radiation dose absorbed by the thyroid and by the gonads can be controlled during the examination by blocking the iodine trapping and suppression of the gonado-stimulating action, respectively.


Physical dependence of opiate-like peptides. Methionine-enkephalin and beta-endorphin, endogenous peptides with activities similar to those of opiates, were infused for 70 hours into the periaqueductal gray-fourth ventricular space of the rat brain. When challenged with a naloxone, a specific opiate antagonist, these animals manifested a typical morphine-like withdrawal syndrome. These results show that such peptides can cause physical dependence.


Trypanosomiasis: an approach to chemotherapy by the inhibition of carbohydrate catabolism. When the infected mammalian host of Trypanosoma brucei brucei is injected with a solution of the iron chelator salicyl hydroxamic acid and glycerol, the aerobic and anaerobic glucose catabolism of the parasite is blocked and the parasite is rapidly destroyed.


Single agent chemotherapy (actinomycin D) in the treatment of metastatic testicular carcinoma. Single-agent chemotherapy (actinomycin D) was administered in cyclic regimens to 26 patients with metastatic, nonseminomatous testicular carcinoma. Twenty-five patients were evaluable, 9 with stage II disease and 16 with stage III disease. A 37.5% response rate in stage III disease is reported and all patients are long-term survivors. Five of eight stage II patients currently being followed are alive and well. During toxicity was negligible. Actinomycin D is recommended as the initial drug of choice for metastatic testicular carcinoma.


Sequestrated lung (a case report).

Sequestrated lung (a case report). The postmortem finding of a sequestrated lung in a neonate is presented. The normal development of the lung and the difficulty of correlating the microscopic appearance of the lung with the cause of death in cases of stillbirth and early postnatal death is discussed.


Aetiology of deafness in white children in the Cape. Two-hundred and forty White children attending special schools for the deaf have been investigated by clinical,genetic and laboratory methods in order to determine determine the aetiology of their hearing disability of these, 36% had a genetic basis for their deafness, while in a further 34% an acquired lesion was incriminated. The most important determinants of acquired deafness were maternal rubella, neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia and meningo-encephalitis. The prevention of childhood deafness is primarily dependent upon recognition of the underlying causative factor.


Fruiting organs of Cladosporium werneckii. Submerged mycelia of a strain of Cladosporium werneckii isolated from tinea nigra palmaris, when cultured on enriched corn-meal agar media, developed fruiting bodies resembling perithecia.


The lung: responses to trauma, surgery, and sepsis. The adult pulmonary distress syndrome is a disease of many etiologies and significantly contributes to the post-traumatic and postsurgical mortality and morbidity. Pulmonary insufficiency associated with shock and hemorrhage is characterized by its relatively short duration, less severe alterations of pulmonary functions, and normal pulmonary vascular resistance. The judicious use of fluids and emphasis in the early use of blood during resuscitation will minimize the magnitude of the pulmonary insult. Severe changes in oxygenation and ventilation, increases in pulmonary vascular resistance, the need for long-term respiratory  assistance, and an increase in mortality and morbidity are characteristic of the adult pulmonary distress syndrome that follows severe systemic sepsis. Early aggressive pulmonary support is required in all life-threatening surgical conditions. Endotracheal intubation is preferred to tracheostomy, and the use of a volume respirator will facilitate the control of ventilation and oxygenation. Significant decreases in the functional residual capacity are responsible for refractory hypoxemia and the use of high concentrations of oxygen can be circumvented by the use of positive end expiratory pressure. PEEP is sometimes associated with a decrease in cardiac output and an increase in the pulmonary shunt and occasionally pneumothorax. Continued hemodynamic and pulmonary monitoring of patients is mandatory when using PEEP. Discontinuance of ventilatory assistance is usually possible if the pulmonary shunts are less than 25 per cent, the tidal volumes greater than 5 cc per kg, and the vital capacity at least twice the tidal volume. Recovery from pulmonary insufficiency is predicated on adequate pulmonary management, nutritional support, and the control of the underlying contributory conditions.


An angiographic approach to hepatobiliary diseases. Abdominal aortography and celiacomesenteric angiography preceded or followed by cholangiography and portography provide the most comprehensive approach and thorough angiographic evaluation of hepatobiliary-pancreatic diseases. Transhepatic catheterization and subsequent embolization of gastroesophageal veins are of great value in actively bleeding, as well as in stable, varices. Exit embolization of the needle tract minimizes the possibility of the leakage of blood or of bile.


Transcatheter embolization of the internal iliac artery in the management of neoplasms of the pelvis. Six patients with neoplasms of the pelvis were treated with embolization of the internal iliac artery. The technique was used for the control of hemorrhage and pain and for preoperative devascularization. No complications or serious side-effects occurred. Embolization of the internal iliac artery often provides a therapeutic alternative, when a surgical procedure is not feasible.


The microsurgical removal of intramedullary spinal hemangioblastomas. Report of twelve cases and a review of the literature. From 1969 to 1975, 12 patients were operated upon at the Kantonsspital Zürich by the senior author (MGY) for intramedullary spinal hemangioblastoma with the help of microtechnique. The purpose of this paper is to describe in detail the surgical technique and the results, and to comment on the historical, clinical, pathological, and radiological aspects of spinal hemangioblastoma and the complex of von Hippel-Lindau's Disease (multiple angiomatosis of retina, central nervous system, and viscera) with which it is associated.


Phenotypic expression of lethal chromosomal anomalies in human abortuses. From anatomical and cytogenetic studies of 1500 spontaneous abortuses attempts were made to establish correlations between the phenotype and karyotype of the specimens. The criteria used to determine the phenotype were based on estimated developmental age and macroscopic and microscopic examinations of embryo and placenta. Main features were described permitting, on anatomic examination of the conceptus, diagnosis of genetic anomalies, and in some instances possibly assigning the type of chromosomal aberration: viz., in monosomy X, triploidies, tetraploidies, and some trisomies. Phenotypic expression at the cellular level was studied by morphometry of the placenta and by study of in-vitro growth charcteristics of cells lines initiated from aneuploid embryos. Study of growth rate characteristics may reveal the basis for the pathogenesis of developmental arrests.


Effects of trypan blue on the development of the garden lizard, Calotes versicolor. The eggs of Calotes versicolor were exposed to different concentrations of trypan blue around the time of appearance of limb buds. The treatment resulted in malformations of limbs, hemorrhages in various locations, microphthalmia, kinky tail, and retarded development and growth of the contained embryos. The proportion of affected embryos varied significantly from clutch to clutch, perhaps due to genetic variation. All treated embryos, including those apparently unaffected, had trypan blue in the blood circulation, but not in the amniotic cavity or extraembryonic celom. Trypan blue was seen in kidney, liver, and other organs in decreasing order of frequency and concentration. On histological examination a change in the mitotic and necrotic frequency of the cells was noticed as one of the early events. The initial necrosis was close to blood vessels. The protective role of yolk sac in trypan blue-induced teratogenesis is discussed and contrary to the widely held view it is concluded that the yolk sac appears to play no such significant role in Calotes. It is suggested that trypan blue directly affects Calotes embryos, perhaps by altering cell permeability.


Intermediates in the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone: kinetics and mechanism. The early kinetics of the conversion of cholesterol (A) to (22R)-22-hydroxycholesterol (B), (20R,22R)-20,22-dihydroxycholesterol (C) and pregnenolone (D) has been studied with bovine adrenocortical mitochondrial aceton-dried powder preparations. The sequential appearance of B, C, and D was demonstrated. During the lag period of D appearance, B, and C approached steady state levels, at which time the formation of D approximated linearity. The initial rate of B appearance approximated the rate of the linear phase of pregnenolone formation. When cholesterol was initially incubated in an 18O2-enriched atmosphere, the gas phase abruptly changed to air and incubation continued for a relatively short period, there was a drop in the 18O content of the recovered B and C. These results demonstrated for the first time the turnover of these compounds as they formed in the system from cholesterol, without the use of exogenously added tracer B or C. The 18O content of the recovered glycol was lower at position C-20 than at C-22, as would be expected from a consecutive process involving an initial oxygen attack of cholesterol at C-22. These results suggest the sequence A leads to B leads to C leads to D as the basic mechanism for the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone.


Physiological role for androgen binding protein-steroid complex in testis? The concentration of unbound androgens in the lumen of rat testis seminiferous tubules is not dependent on the presence of the extra-cellular androgen binding protein (ABP); other parameters such as permeability properties, fluid dynamics and metabolic activities in different testicular compartments appear to have a much greater influence. It has been shown that in other target tissues the metabolic effects of steroids on cells depend on the concentration of the steroids which are not bound to extra-cellular proteins. It is therefore unlikely that the physiological function of ABP is related to the accumulation of androgens around germinal cells.


Intraurethral pressure response to the mucosal application of neuropharmacologic agent: an experiment study. In an experimental canine model, topical application of phenylephrine hydrochloride (Neo-Synephrine) to the urethral mucosa was demonstrated to cause a rise of intraurethral pressure which persisted for over 2 h without any rise of arterial pressure. There was no intraurethral pressure change after the topical application of phentolamine (Regitine) or phenoxybenzamine (Dibenzyline). No effect was observed on the intraurethral pressure following isoprenaline (Isuprel) application, but a marked fall in arterial pressure was observed.


Prognostic value of liver function tests in carcinoma of the prostate. The interrelationship of the liver function tests and the 5-year survival rates were studied in 62 patients with prostatic carcinoma who were treated with antiandrogens. Abnormally high bilirubin, and glutamic oxaloacetic and pyruvic transaminase serum levels were a significant index with regard to the 5-year survival rates.


Excision of urethral stricuture and end to end anastomosis. Thirteen patients with bulbar urethral strictures were treated by excision of the stricture and end to end anastomosis of the urethra with uniformly good results.


Dual pressure transducer catheter for evaluating vesicourethral function: experiences in patients with neurogenic bladder. Preliminary experiences with a dual pressure transducer catheter (7 F) for the functional vesicourethral evaluation are described. Synchronous cystosphincterometric recording, urethral pressure profile with simultaneous intravesical pressure, and pressure gradient across urethral sphincter were obtained. Comparison of the studies with those conducted with catheter infusion technique revealed that minimal artefacts were encountered with the former although the pressure events displayed by the two methods were grossly similar.


Dropsy of the fetal sacs in mares: induced and spontaneous abortion. Eight cases of severe dropsy of the fetal sacs have been observed in mares. All were in multiparous mares whose ages ranged from five to 20 years and who were 7 1/2 to 10 3/4 months pregnant. Abortion started spontaneously in four cases and had to be induced in the remaining four by manual dilation of the cervix, rupture of the tough allantochorion and the siphoning off of 120 to 220 litres of allantoic fluid. The amnion was normal. Dystocia, due to uterine inertia, occurred in all eight cases, one hydrocephalic fetus needing fetotomy. All fetuses were alive at delivery although four were teratologically deformed and two were markedly underdeveloped. None survived. Retention of a somewhat oedematous placenta occurred in six cases. Microscopic examination of the placenta showed some evidence of degeneration, but none of inflammatory change. One mare died, seven recovered rapidly. One mare was served again and gave birth to a living foal. Special care needs to be given to pre- and post-operative shock, retained placenta and delayed involution.


PSRO: a new direction for quality assessment in Otolaryngology. At the present time, the University of Michigan Hospital Department of Otorhinolaryngology has an 18-month experience in a quality assessment program directed toward compliance with PSRO legislation. This experience, we hope, provides an approach to the continuing assessment of medical care, whether it is for conforming to a particular legislative action or for the evaluation of patient care. It has been encouraging to the physicians involved that this is a program which is organized at the local level. It is oriented toward the local physician and in most instances will be administered by local physicians. The process of quality assessment has provided a milieu for educational experience and positive action toward correction of medical care problems. It has been said before that this may be the last opportunity for the physician to maintain control at the local level. This may be the opportunity for the profession to proceed with controlled quality assessment before outside agencies intercede.


[Morphological, clinical and biochemical findings on the swine-liver after heterologous perfusion for treatment of fatal ammonium bichromate poisoning]. A 23-year old man died after intake of ammonium bichromate. For treatment among others was used the extracorporal heterologous liver perfusion with the liver of a pig. Therefore technical problems, clinical and biochemical findings as well as pathologo-anatomical changes on the livers of pigs after heterologous perfusion are reported and their significance as well as pathogenesis are discussed taking into consideration literary data.


[Relationship between the thickness of the aortic adventitia and the fat content of blood and the aortic wall]. 10 rabbits underwent a cholesterol feeding. 10 rabbits were used as control animals. After 12 weeks in the tissue extract of the intima-media-complex of the aorta as well as in the serum the total lipids and the total cholesterol were determined. On histological preparations the thickness of the adventitia of the aorta was measured. In comparison to the control group the animals fed with cholesterol showed a significant increase of the lipid values in the serum and the aorta as well as of the thickness of the adventitia. However, no connections could be proved between the parameters of the serum lipids and the morphological changes of the adventitia.


[Myeloproliferative syndrome].

[Myeloproliferative syndrome]. In the present paper a description of the notion of the myeloproliferative syndrome and a survey of the clinical pictures belonging to this is given. Here the author enters into the most important diseases, such as polycythaemia rubra vera, osteomyelofibrosis, osteomyelosclerosis and megakaryocytic leukaemia, concerning diagnostics and therapy. On the basis of literature a comphrensive discussion of the problem is give, whereby it is referred to the fact that a differential diagnosis as eact as possible is necessary for the performance of an aimed therapy.


[Immune mechanism of rats on Nippostrongylus brasiliensis in vitro (author's transl)]. The influence of humoral and secretory antibodies as well as cell supplements on Nippostrongylus brasiliensis was tested in vitro. Adult Sprague-Dawley-rats approximately 12 weeks of age were used in these experiments. For the in vitro tests the following culture media were used: 25% chicken-embryo-extract, sodium casein, pig liver extract and rat serum for the larval stages. The medium for the cultures of adult N. brasiliensis consisted of 5% yeast extract, 15% casein, 30% Krebs-Ringer-solution and 50% rat serum. Secretory antibodies were isolated from the rinsing fluid of the rat intestines by high pressure filtration (10 to 15 micron), then cleaning of the fluid through a Sephadex G 15 column and finally narrowing down through collodene capsules. Mast cells were isolated from the peritoneal cavity by Ficoll-gradient-centrifugation. Various test series were conducted with the addition of serum or secretory antibodies of repeatedly infected and immune rats to the medium. In these tests there was never a difference in the influence on growth nor a higher mortality rate of larval or adult N. brasiliensis in contrast to cultures where serum and secretory antibodies of non-infected animals were used. A 100%, degranulation of mast cells from infected rats occurred already within 14 to 22 hours in the cultures of adult N. brasiliensis. Variations were not noticed in the influence on the viability of N. brasiliensis kept in media for 10 days without or with cell supplements as well as sera of infected or not infected rats. The results from our experiments demonstrated that there was no variation in the influence on the development and a higher mortality rate of the larval stages and adult Nippostrongylus in media containing either sera and secretory antibodies of infected or not infected rats.


[Behavior and sociology of the muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus L.)]. This description of the behaviour of the muskrat is the result of observations made in open-air pens and during the rearing of young animals in direct contact with man. The approximately 100 muskrats observed came from southern Lower Saxony (population immigrated down the river Elbe). As the same facilities of observation had been used to study brown rats, it was possible to compare the behaviour of both species which showed fundamental differences.


[Modification of the effects of prior residence in xiphophorus (Pisces, Poeciliidae): the role of isolation and differences in size]. Laboratory experiments on pairs of male male of the genus Xiphophorus were carried out to test the hypothesis that the duration of a pre-experimental isolation period would modify the effects of prior residence on aggressive behaviour and dominance. Resident and intruder were isolated either both for 3 or both for 22 h (Exp. 1), or one for 3 and other other for 22 h (Exp. 2). Prior residence effects were only evident when the resident had been isolated for 3 h. Other connections between isolation conditions, reciprocal aggression and final dominance were also analysed, as was the influence of size differences between the opponents.


[Effect of social factors on the relations between working mother and premature birth rate]. Basing on the results of a study of 6780 women we found already at the beginning of the 1970 years in the GDR a premature birth rate for occupied women not more unfavourable than for house-wives; the total rate by then was 5,9%. The present paper deals with the influence of certain social factors--e. g. educational and social status, personal status, number of children within a family - on the frequency of premature births for occupied women and house-wives.


[Normal antibodies and immunologic reactivity]. Antibodies to the capsular antigen of plague causative agent were found in the serum of many nonimmunized mice of 6 strains, but none were found in mice of the DBA/2 strain. After the administration of the capsular antigen to mice of different strains cells forming the antibodies to the antigen administered were revealed in a quantitative correlation with the natural antibody level. An association was revealed between the level of natural antibodies and the number of antibody-forming cells in the spleen of nonimmunized mice; it could be described by an equation almost all of whose members represented constant values with a definite quantitative characteristics. To check the suggested equation the concentration of immunoglobulins in the blood of mice was compared with the number of plasma cells in the spleen; a satisfactory correlation was revealed between them.


An ultrastructural study on the development of vallate taste buds of the golden Syrian hamster. An ultrastructural developmental study of hamster vallate taste buds was undertaken to demonstrate the sequential morphodifferentiation of their various cellular components. Under the neurogenic influence of the glossopharyngeal nerve, the undifferentiated epithelial cells of the vallate papilla first acquired fine structure features similar to those seen in the perigemmal adult peripheral cells and the gemmal basal cells. As the development progressed, the relatively undifferentiated basal cells appeared to differentiate into dark and light cell precursors. Mature light cells were frequently noted chronologically before any fully mature dark cells were observed. Transition from light to dark cells, or vice versa, was not noted at any time throughout the investigation, suggesting that light and dark cells originate as separate cell lines from the basal cells of the taste bud proper.


Localization of functions in the magnocellular neurosecretory nuclei of the mammalian hypothalamus by autoradiography. Nucleo-cytoplasmic transfer rates of RNA were used as indices of protein-synthetic activity in mammalian supraoptic and paraventricular neurones. Normal, dehydrated and lactating rats were exposed, for varying periods of time, to tritiated uridine, and autoradiographs obtained from hypothalamic blocks. Grain count and cytometry enabled a cytoplasmic/nuclear ratio of grain densities to be obtained for each neurosecretory nucleus. Comparison of these ratios, as well as the regression slopes for their increase with time of exposure to the isotope, indicated the presence of a differential response between the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei, with the former responding more to the stimulus of dehydration, and the latter to that of lactation. The observations substantiate the view that a partial division of labour exists between the two nuclei in the elaboration of each of the mammalian neurohypophysial octapeptides, vasopressin and oxytocin.


IgE and atopic allergy in newborns and infants with a family history of atopic disease. Serum IgE levels were studied in 2 groups of children with a family history of atopic disease, 30 in whom the mother only and 38 in whom both parents had atopic disease. IgE antibodies were determined with Phadebas RAST Test and serum IgE with Phadebas IgE Test and Phadebas PRIST at 0, 3, 9, 12 and 18 months of age. There was no correlation between the serum IgE levels in mothers and their newborns. RAST tests were frequently positive in maternal sera but no positive RAST test was found in the newborns. Obvious and probable atopic disease developed during the observation period in 42.1% of the children with a double family history of atopic disease. In 75% of these the serum IgE level was above the upper limit of normal on an average 6 months before the onset of atopic symptoms. An elevated IgE level without atopic symptoms during the observation period occurred in only one child. It is concluded that the serum IgE in newborns seems to be of foetal origin and that the determination of serum IgE in infants is of value in predicting atopic allergy.


Lycoperdonosis.

Lycoperdonosis. Inhalation of large quantities of spores from the puffball (lycoperdon), which has been widely used in folk medicine, can cause a respiratory disease with symptoms of pneumonia and widespread densities in the lungs. The course is rather protracted, but the final outcome seems good. Steroids probably shorten the disease. A typical case is reported.


Bilateral testicular torsion in the newborn. A neonate with bilateral torsion of the testes is described. Torsion occurred in utero and was discovered only on routine examination after birth. The relevance of the comparatively silent torsion is discussed in relation to the age of the child, and the timing of routine examination of the newborn.


Primary carcinoma of the seminal vesicle. Case report. A 72-year-old man with a seminal vesicle carcinoma is reported. The patient was treated by local excision of the tumour and radiotherapy. When the patient deteriorated and radiological and scintographic signs of skeletal metastases developed, hormone therapy (oestrogen) was initiated. Within a few weeks the patient was free from his severe pain. The radiological and scintographic signs of metastases had either diminished in size or disappeared after one year of oestrogen therapy. The patient is still alive and well 2 years after the diagnosis was established.


Treatment of vaginismus by i.v. diazepam (Valium) abreaction interviews. A new method of treatment of vaginismus by using intravenous diazepam abreaction interviews is reported. Four patients between the ages of 19 and 28 were interviewed. The duration of their main complaint varied from 6 months to 3 years. Three to six abreaction interviews were conducted; the maximum dosage of Valium used was from 20-30 mg. All of these patients reported having successful intercourse after these interviews. Individual psychotherapy continued after the interviews on a weekly basis, and marital therapy on a monthly basis, for a period of 2 to 6 months. Three out of four women reported being orgasmic for the first time. It is the opinion of the author that this new method of treatment of vaginismus is greatly beneficial.


Lithium effects on diurnal rhythm of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate metabolism in manic-melancholic disorder. The diurnal rhythm of plasma phosphate, calcium, and magnesium was studied in 34 lithium treated patients, in 42 other psychiatric patients, and in 47 healthy persons. Seventeen blood samples were drawn from each person during the 24-hour period. Lithium was given at 10 p.m. and in the next few hours plasma phosphate decreased compared with the two control groups. In the same period plasma calcium showed a temporary increase, whereas plasma magnesium was increased during the whole 24-hour period. The lithium treated patients had a reduced urinary calcium excretion during the night, and an increased urinary magnesium excretion during the day, whereas no changes were found in urinary phosphate excretion.


Family constellation and psychosexual disturbances. In patients with psychosexual disturbances (impotence and ejaculatio praecox) the family constellation during childhood and the patients' occupations were compared with the Swedish population census. The parents of the patients were older, and the patients were more often the only son or the only child. A greater percentage of the patients had technical or office administrative professions than the inhabitants in Stockholm. The findings are discussed with references to a supposed focus on achievement in the upbringing of the oldest or only son. Focus on achievement may cause emotional restraint and subsequently psychosexual disturbances.


Memory recovery after traumatic coma.

Memory recovery after traumatic coma. Serial memory testings of 108 head injury cases were studied over a two year follow up period. The length of the post-traumatic disorientation period (PTD) was found to be an important factor in the rate of memory recovery. In the first year after injury marked differences were seen in the recovery rates of all four PTD groups, the three short PTD groups (less than one month) finally yielding from 74% to 92% cases (according to the group) with normal memory function, while the long PTD group (more than one month) only produced 45% cases (statistical significance 0.05). During the second year and up to the end of this survey relatively little change in memory status occurred in any of the cases, regardless of their PTD. Any improvement that did occur was at an extremely slow rate. Brain damage was the main cause of memory defect in the long PTD group, while anxiety symptoms had a more important role in the short PTD cases. The shapes of memory recall curves were analysed in recovering patients. Three types of curve were found. The incidence of the shape of the curve also varied according to the PTD time (statistical significance 0.05) between long and short PTD groups. Curve shapes are discussed in terms of memory mechanisms, and a possible prognostic value is suggested. Analysis of test errors indicated not only a defective transfer of material from short term long term memory storage but also in some cases, a more complex mechanism involving inappropriate fixation of attention. Reverberation of memory traces is suggested as being a possible cause of interference in both short and long term memory mechanisms. A marked difference in recall performance between auditory and visual presentation of word lists was found to be a useful lateralising sign.


Alterations in brain endogenous histamine levels in rats after chronic morphine treatment and morphine withdrawal. Chronic but not acute treatment with morphine resulted in a significant decrease in the histamine concentration in the rat hypothalamus while a slight decrease was noted in the brain stem and cortex. Naloxone precipitated morphine withdrawal caused a significant decrease in histamine concentration in all three brain regions investigated. Withdrawal of morphine resulted in a further significant decrease in histamine level in the hypothalamus, brain stem and cortex. Substitution of morphine by methadone induced changes similar to these seen in rats chronically treated with morphine alone. The present data suggest that in addition to the other biogenic amines histamine may be involved in the pharmacological effects of morphine.


Influence of vitamin B6 intake on the content of the vitamin in human milk. The influence of the level of vitamin B6 intake on the content of the vitamin in milk was studied in 19 healthy subjects whose stages of lactation ranged from 3 weeks to 30 months. Total vitamin B6 intakes, including extra-dietary sources of the vitamin, ranged from 1.3 to 12.5 mg per day with six subjects consuming less than the recommended allowance of 2.5 mg per day (RDA, 1974). Subjects consuming less than 2.5 mg of vitamin B6 per day had significantly less vitamin B6/liter milk (129 mug) than groups consuming 2.5 to 5.0 or greater than 5.0 mg per day (239 and 314 mug, respectively). Among subjects consuming greater than 2.5 mg of vitamin per day the stage of lactation did not influence the levels of protein or vitamin B6 in milk. Vitamin B6 intakes two to five times the recommended allowance did not significantly elevate the level of the vitamin in milk compared to values for subjects whose intakes approximated the allowance. The vitamin B6/protein ratio in milk of subjects consuming less than 2.5 mg vitamin B6 per day was 13 mug/g and was significantly lower than that observed for the other two groups (23 and 28 mug/g). Daily and weekly variations of the vitamin B6 and protein content in milk of individuals were small. However, marked diurnal variations in the vitamin B6 content were found in milk of individuals taking daily supplements of the vitamin with peak levels occurring in the afternoon 3 to 5 hr after supplements were taken in the morning.


Composition of biliary lipids and kinetics of bile acids after cholecystectomy in man. Postcholecystectomy biliary lipid composition and bile acid kinetics were studied in 24 women and 4 men. Hepatic bile was collected periodically for as long as 4 months without interrupting the enterohepatic circulation and without infecting the biliary system. In 23 patients with cholesterol gallstones, fasting biliary cholesterol made up 10.2% of total lipids in the steady state; in 5 patients with bilirubinate stones, saturation of fasting hepatic bile with cholesterol was lower (8.7% of total lipids). The percentage of deoxycholic acid after cholecystectomy was not higher than that of seven healthy, noncholecystectomized controls. Postcholecystectomy studies of diurnal variation of biliary lipids (7 patients) showed that postprandial hepatic bile had a significantly lower cholesterol saturation than fasting bile. Pool sizes of cholic and chenodeoxycholic acids were low (average 0.4 g/70 kg, each); total synthesis for both bile acids was normal (average 460 mg/day/70 kg), but fractional turnover rates of the two primary bile acids increased after cholecystectomy, probably due to more frequent recycling of the small bile acid pool.


Metastatic infection secondary to genitourinary tract sepsis. Metastatic infections arising from sepsis in the genitourinary tract are reviewed in 175 cases, including five in which we treated the patients. The skeleton was the most common site of metastasis (59 per cent). The endocardium was next most frequently involved (28 per cent). Gram-negative organisms were implicated in less than two-thirds of the cases (59 per cent). Impaired host defense mechanisms were noted in 25 per cent of the patients experiencing metastatic infections. The lower urinary tract was the source of metastasis in 75 per cent of the patients, particularly after urologic manipulation in men. Women were more likely to experience metastatic infection from the upper urinary tract. Anatomic and pathologic considerations explaining these sex differences are presented.


Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura--remission following splenectomy. Report of a case and review of the literature. A case of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in which sustained remission followed splenectomy is described. Strong serologic evidence of concurrent infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae was found in this case. Previously reported cases in which thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura has been associated with infections are reviewed. An approach to management of this unusual and frequently fetal condition, is suggested, based on a detailed review of the recent literature.


Effect of pilocarpine drops on the diurnal intraocular pressure variation in patients with glaucoma. The diurnal intraocular pressure was measured in 14 eyes of patients with glaucoma while they were using no medication and compared to the diurnal pressures while they were using pilocarpine drops. During the 48 hour control period, the pressures measured every 3 hours by the non-contact tonometer had a mean value of 26 mm. Hg and a mean maximum diurnal variation of 18.5 mm. Hg. During the pilocarpine treatment period, the mean pressure and maximum diurnal variation dropped to 17 and 8.5 mm. Hg, respectively. The greatest pressure-lowering effect occurred between 9 A.M. and 6 P.M.


Respiratory distress syndrome with mature lecithin/sphingomyelin ratios: diabetes mellitus and low Apgar scores. A detailed study was made of 150 women delivered of their infants within 72 hours of an amniocentesis where the lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio was 2.0 or greater. There were nine neonates with respiratory distress (6.0 per cent). There were two neonatal deaths, both due to severe congenital heart disease. A mature amniotic fluid L/S ratio predicts a newborn infant who will not have respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in most pregnancies. There is a significantly increased risk of RDS in neonates with a mature L/S ratio if the mother has insulin-dependent diabetes or if there is a resulting low Apgar score. The method of delivery (cesarean section or vaginal) does not affect the frequency of RDS where the L/S ratio is 2.0 or more.


Placental function and renal tract studies in pre-eclampsia with proteinuria and long-term maternal consequences. A total of 99 patients with pre-eclampsia and proteinuria were managed conservatively between 30 and 37 weeks of gestation, based on serial urinary estriol, liquor amnii, and renal function studies. The over-all perinatal wastage was 14 per cent, but was 35 per cent in association with subnormal estriol excretion and oligohydramnios (less than 250 ml.). In severe pre-eclampsia (blood pressure greater than 170/110 mm. Hg with proteinuria greater than 5 Gm. per liter) the incidence of subnormal estriol was 73 per cent and, becuase of this and the associated maternal hazards, conservative treatment had little place. However, in less severe pre-eclampsia with proteinuria early in the third trimester, this prospective study, based on serial placental and renal function tests, showed that frequently the pregnancy could be prolonged and fetal losses due to prematurity avoided. It should be stressed that  such conservative treatment should not be continued when there are strong clinical contraindications. Irrespective of the severity of the prior pre-eclampsia, it was unusual for patients to show residual hypertension, proteinuria, or abnormal pyelography at their postnatal examination. Postpartum renal biopsy showed either normal histology or regression of the classical glomerular lesion in 77 per cent of cases.


Cigarette smoking, use of oral contraceptives, and myocardial infarction. The excess risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction among users of oral contraceptives observed in England and Wales can be explained in terms of the high proportion of smokers in the study population. Among nonsmokers, the relative risk associated with the use of oral contraceptives is estimated to be 2 to 1, which is not statistically significant (P = 0.28, Fisher's exact probability test). The present analysis suggests that smoking be considered as another contraindication for the prescription of oral contraceptives. The results further indicate that those women who smoke as well as use oral contraceptives and are interested in reducing the risk of nonfatal mycardial infarction should be encouraged to give up smoking. The relative risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction associated with the use of oral contraceptives observed in a society can vary between 0.9 to 1 and 11.7 to 1, depending upon the proportion of smokers. From the public health point of view, the reduction in the excess risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction achieved by eliminating smoking is estimated to be much more than can be achieved by eliminating the use of oral contraceptives.


Cellular hypersensitivity in patients with adenomatous hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma of the endometrium. Cellular hypersensitivity was studied in patients with adenomatous hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma of the endometrium with the use of dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) skin tests and inhibition of leukocyte migration by homologous and autologous tumor antigen. Inhibition of leukocyte migration by homologous endometrial carcinoma antigen was found in two of five patients with adenomatous hyperplasia and eight of 11 patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma. A comparable degree of inhibition was found with autologous antigen. DNCB skin reactions were found to be strongly positive in patients with adenomatous hyperplasia, and a lesser degree of reactivity was observed in patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma. No correlation was found between leukocyte migration tests and DNCB reactions, and no correlation was observed between these tests and the age of the patient, clinical stage of disease, or histologic grade of the tumor.


Subretinal neovascularization developing after prophylactic argon laser photocoagulation of atrophic macular scars. Two patients who had lost central vision in one eye due to a histoplasmic disciform macular scar received prophylactic argon laser photocoagulation to one or more atrophic lesions (histo spots) in the second macula in an effort to reduce the risk of developing active neovascularization in the second eye. Despite this prophylactic treatment, both patients developed a choroidal neovascular membrane from the photocoagulation scar.


Keratomalacia in the cachectic hospitalized patient. Keratomalacia occurred in two cachectic hospitalized patients, each with severe vitamin A-protein deficiency secondary to a lethal disease. Prompt therapy with parenteral and topical vitamin A, protein supplementation, and a soft contact lens restored corneal integrity and prevented visual loss in one patient. Keratinization of the conjunctiva did not occur in either patient. Patients with severe protein deficiency may develop keratomalacia in the absence of a severely decreased serum level of vitamin A.


Measurements of exit rates to distinguish between facilitated and simple diffusion. A modification of the method of Sen and Widdas (J. Physiol. London 160:392-403, 1962) was used to measure the rate of exit of several nonelectrolytes from erythrocytes of various species. In spite of additional errors introduced by the larger half-saturation values of the carriers (phi) and concentrations, it was possible to distinguish between systems with small values of phi, systems with relatively large values of phi, and systems involving only simple diffusion. Approximate values of phi in millimoles and of maximum transfer rate (K) in isotonic units per minute were obtained using times and initial slopes measured on experimental curves. The following values in the foregoing units were obtained: human glucose, phi = 1.8, 1.0, K = 0.8, 1.1; human glycerol, phi = 178, 94, K = 4.3, 3.3; sheep thiourea, phi = 56, 56, K = 0.9, 0.6; and rabbit glycerol, phi = 328, 64, K = 2.2, 1.0. Simple diffusion was demonstrated for the following systems: ox-ethylene glycol; ox-glycerol; sheep-ethylene glycol; and sheep glycerol.


Core temperature in the female rat: effect of pinealectomy or altered lighting. Radiotelemetry of core temperature in unrestrained, mature female rats revealed the existence of a 24-h rhythm that was bimodal. The principal peak occurred during the night under control conditions of 14 h light and 10 h darkness, and a less pronounced, secondary peak occurred 3-4 h after the onset of the light phase. Shifts in the phase of the photoperiod or alteration of the proportion of light per day revealed that the temperature rhythm was entrained by light, but that the two component peaks were governed by different aspects of the lighting regimen. Exposure of rats to continuous darkness, continuous light, or to a 20-h photoperiod revealed that the primary rhythm was endogenous, entrained by circadian photoperiods only, whereas the secondary rhythm was exogenous, requiring a circadian light/dark rhythm. A relationship between mean core temperature and ttion pressure, end-systolic L was constant, despite variations in filling and therefore independent of initial L and delta L; moreover, the L to which the ventricle shortened was determined by the course of the systolic force L-relation. Thus, irrespective of loading, delta L occurs within the confines of the contractile state-depdendent isovolumic force-L relation and where the latter is equivalent to the end-systolic force-length relation.


Core temperature in the female rat: effect of ovariectomy and induction of pseudopregnancy. Nocturnal peaks in core body temperature of rats during the estrous cycle were highest during the night of ovulation (2300-0200 h, proestrus-estrus) and lowest during the night before (diestrus 2-proestrus). Less dramatic diurnal secondary peaks, absent only during estrus, occurred 3-4 h after the onset of daylight. After induction of pseudopregnancy, mean temperature declined, but both daily peaks persisted until the first postluteal estrus, when the secondary peak was again absent transiently. Ovariectomy reduced mean core temperature and abolished all secondary peaks. In contrast, castration during pseudopregnancy did not abolish the secondary peaks. When cyclic rats were gonadectomized (abolishing the secondary rhythm) it was possible to re-establish this rhythm by stimulating the uterine cervix (as if to induce pseudopregnancy). However, in animals exposed to darkness (which also abolishes the secondary rhythm) reinduction by cervical stimulation was ineffective. These results indicated that the integrity of the secondary peak, though dependent on photoperiod, nevertheless was influenced by a neuroendocrine reflex arc.


Trichinosis acquired at sea--report of an outbreak. In 1974, at least 13 persons acquired trichinosis aboard a luxury liner en route to Alaska. Epidemiologic investigation implicated ground beef served on the ship as the vehicle of transmission. The beef is thought to have been contaminated by pork which had previously been frozen, though presumably not under trichinacidal conditions. To our knowledge, this is the first report of trichinosis acquired at sea.


Rainfall, activity and social behaviour in the lizard, Anolis aeneus. The effects of drought periods on the behaviour of a tropical lizard (Anolis aeneus) were measured. The number of lizards active at study sites and display frequencies varied inversely with days since rainfall. Animals that were artificially watered during a drought drank and showed an immediate recovery to prior, non-drought display levels. Rainfall records indicate that drought periods of the duration studied here are frequent in the natural habitat.


Marital sexual dysfunction: erectile dysfunction. All clinicians are occasionally consulted by men complaining of impotence. The history is the most important step in the differential diagnostic process for this symptom. Answers to four basic questions enable the physician to recognize classic psychologic and organic patterns. In addition, these questions provide clues as to the cause of the dysfunction. Physical and laboratory examinations are usually required to identify the specific organic cause. Traditional prevalence figures for impotence may no longer be valid. This topic awaits epidemiologic data that reflect current diagnostic sophistication. Individual treatment approaches to both organic and psychologic impotence must counteract the adverse influence of performance anxiety.


Optic nerve damage following argon laser photocoagulation in a human eye. Argon laser photocoagulation of diabetic neovascular formations overlying the optic disc risks injury to the nerve fibers. Isolated reports of postoperative field defects have appeared but extensive pathologic studies of the effects on nerve fibers are lacking. In an eye with a malignant melanoma nasally, laser photocoagulation was directed at the superior temporal artery on the disc. Applications were made repeatedly until spasm was produced at two sites. The following day, the eye was enucleated. Histopathologic examination revealed loss of endothelial cells and absence of nuclei in the media of the treated artery, and coagulative necrosis of nerve fibers around the vessel. Extensive damage to the peripapillary outer segments and retinal pigment epithelium also was demonstrated.


Radiological findings in newborn infants with urinary infection. Selective suprapubic urine aspiration was performed in 905 of 12 942 consecutive live-born infants and showed the presence of infection in 64 (0-5%). A majority (84%) of the infected infants were males. Radiological abnormalities were detected in 35 (55%). Because of this high incidence of abnormalities, which when diagnosed might alter management, it is suggested that radiological investigations be performed in newborn infants with proven urinary infection.


Clinical experience with the use of a valve-bearing conduit to construct a second left ventricular outflow tract in cases of unresectable intra-ventricular obstruction. Two patients, ages 7 and 17, with unresectable obstructions within the left ventricular cavity, have been managed by interposing a conduit bearing a porcine aortic valve between the apex of the left ventricle and the infra-renal abdominal aorta. The younger child had idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS) recognized in infancy. At the age of three, a right ventricular myomectomy and a trans-aortic left ventricular myotomy were performed. Symptoms were progressive with congestive failure, diaphoresis, syncope , and angina pectoris. Following construction of a second left ventricular outflow tract with relief of intraventricular obstruction, the patient has become asymptomatic. The second patient has fibrous tunnel obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tracting providing a 100 mm Hg gradient. Fibrous tissue was resected in part through the transaortic route, and a second outflow tract was constructed. A postoperative cardiac catheterization revealed an obliteration of the previous intraventricular gradients and an equal distribution of left ventricular output through the two available outflow tracts. She remains asymptomatic.


Serum prolactin and LH in chronically-cannulated cycling rats after intra-atrial administration of oxytocin. Chronically-cannulated female rats that had been adapted to frequent handling were used for a kinetic study where oxytocin was injected into an indwelling atrial cannula and blood sampled every 5-10 min for 2 hr after the injection. The plasma was assayed for prolactin and LH by radioimmunoassay, in order to ascertain whether in cycling rats oxytocin exerts any effect on the circulating level of either hormone. The advantage of this experimental model is that each animal served as a control for itself, and that only minor stress was recorded during the experiments. The results suggest that oxytocin does not alter circulating LH levels, and complement previous reports on the lack of effect of oxytocin on serum prolactin in the cycling rat.


The effect of actinomycin D on the formation of gametangia and mitosporangia in Allomyces. The effect of actinomycin on gametangium and mitosporangium production in Allomyces arbuscula and A. macrogynus has been investigated. Male gametangium production was not more sensitive to actinomycin than female development. Actinomycin at 20 mug/ml added at the commencement of induction was completely inhibitory. The process became insensitive to actinomycin just before the first septum was laid down.


[Influence of lipids and fatty acids of egg yolk over growth and sporulation of Entomophthorales (author's transl)]. Proteic and lipidic fractions of the egg yolk were chemically isolated and used in solid synthetic media to study sporulation of 4 species of Entomophthorales. Neutral lipids are as good for growth and sporulation as polar lipids; the proteic fraction is only utilized as a nitrogen source. No specific factor of the sporulation was shown. The effect of fatty acids is studied: caproic, lauric, myristic, palmitic and oleic acids are the best for growth and sporulation. The results are discussed in view of considering the role of the lipids of the egg yolk and aphids on the physiology of Entomophthora.


The cytology of the gametes and fertilization of Allomyces macrogynus. The gametes and the process of fertilization were examined by light and electron microscopy in the lower eukaryote Allomyces macrogynus. Differences in gamete morphology included the overall larger size and the presence of a larger nuclear apparatus, along with the association of a side-body complex and many more mitochondria in the female gamete. In this species of Allomyces, fertilization was initiated by contact and fusion of specialized regions of the gamete plasma membranes resulting in a binucleate fusion cell surrounded by plasma membrane contributed by both partners. Following plasmogamy, nuclear fusion was initiated by multiple nuclear membrane contacts between adjacent outer membranes. Following inner membrane fusion, small nucleoplasmic bridges were observed which presumably fused with one another and resulted in a single bridge which widened, forming the mature diploid nucleus. After karyogamy, fusion of the nuclear caps did not always occur and zygotes with and without fused caps were observed. Coalescence of the nucleoli completed the events of fertilization, forming zygote with a single nuclear apparatus (sometimes with two caps) and two flagella. These observations are discussed in relation to fertilization mechanisms and compared to fertilization in other organisms.


Idiotypic specificities of rabbit anti-Salmonella abortus-equi antibodies produced by spleen cell clones involved in successive transfers in irradiated rabbits. Rabbits irradiated with 750 rad were reconstituted with different amounts of spleen cells from the same donor previously immunized against Salmonella abortus-equi (S. a. e.). Two limited numbers of spleen cell clones producing anti-S. a. e. antibodies were respectively expressed in two recipients of the smallest amount (5 x 10(6)) of donor spleen cells. We tried to propagate these spleen cell clones in two new sets of irradiated recipients. We prepared antiidiotypic sera with the anti-S. a. e. serum of respectively (1) the initial donor of the cells, (2) the two intermediate recipients in which a restricted number of spleen cell clones were expressed and (3) one rabbit from each of the second two sets of recipients in which it seemed, as judged by the anti-S. a. e. antibody spectrotypes, we succeeded in propagating these spleen cell clones. With these antiidiotypic sera, we looked for the spleen cell donor idiotypes in the anti-S. a. e. serum of the diverse recipients and vice versa. Recipients of 1 x 10(8) or 2.5 x 10(7) spleen cells produced anti-S. a. e. antibodies with a spectrotype as heterogeneous as the spectrotype of antibodies produced by the donor. These antibodies carried the idiotypic pattern of the donor's antibodies, which was revealed by a given antiidiotypic serum, and the donor's allotypic patterns. The two recipients of 5 x 10(6) spleen cells which were used as intermediate spleen cell donors for the two new sets of irradiated rabbits produced antibodies of restricted heterogeneity which carried donor's allotypic patterns but not the idiotypic pattern of the donor's antibodies (revealed by a given antiidiotypic serum). We observed during these two successive spleen cell clone transfers the expression, in the irradiated recipients, of several idiotypes of anti-S. a. e. antibodies which were not detected in the anti-S. a. e. serum of the spleen cell donor and sometimes even not in the anti-S. a. e. serum of the intermediate donor. The antibodies we studied were produced by the donor's spleen cells as they carried donor allotypic patterns and came from bleedings made one week after transfer, a time which is not sufficient for irradiated rabbits used as controls to recover their aptitude to mount an antibody response after the damages caused by the irradiation. Presumably, spleen cell clones which did not produce antibodies in the donor were recruited to produce antibodies during the successive transfers. These spleen cell clones might have been kept silent in the donor by the clonal dominance phenomenon, this dominance being broken or totally changed during the transfers.


Cell wall formation in zoospores of Allomyces arbuscula. II. Development of surface structure of encysted haploid zoospores, rhizoids, and hyphae. Development of haploid meiospores of Allomyces arbuscula into germling cells with rhizoids and hyphae was followed during incubation in complete growth medium. The surface structure of encysted meiospores, rhizoids and hyphae before and after extraction of amorphous materials with ethanolic KOH was studied by means of carbon-platinum replicas. After 2--3 min incubation in complete medium 10% of the meiospores were surrounded by a cell wall containing microfibrils embedded in a matrix. Structure of cell walls of encysted meiospores, rhizoids, and hyphae differ from one another by the location of amorphous materials and by the arrangement of chitin microfibrils.


[Response of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase and aldolase in serum of cattle after transportation stress]. The response to transport stress of serum GOT, LDH, and ALD was studied in 35 heads of cattle, aged 18 months to 20 years. The influence of different factors upon serum enzyme behaviour in cattle after exposure to transport stress was tested by means of mathematico-statistical methods. The following conclusions were drawn: 1. Transport stress on cattle was followed by rise in GOT, LDH, and ALD activities in serum. 2. The strongest rise was recorded from ALD activity and the smallest from LDH. 3. All three serum enzymes continued to rise up to the time of slaughter (20 to 50 hours after transport). 4. The enzyme activities recorded from blood after slaughter did not differ significantly from those in venous blood. 5. Intensity of ALD activity rise was found to depend on the transport distance (if it was more than 20 km), age of animal, and ambient temperature. 6. The rise in GOT activity was found to depend only on the given ambient temperature. 7. The behaviour of LDH activity did not reveal any secured relationship with any of the examined factors (transport distance, age keeping, and tuberculosis state or ambient temperature).


Modification of immunologic response. IV. A factor in the serum of mice treated with streptomycin, its character and mode of action in vitro. A factor contained in the serum of mice treated with streptomycin (SM) when added to spleen cell cultures stimulated the primary immunologic humoral response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) in vitro. The magnitude of the immunologic response was measured as the number of specific antibody-producing cells. By the use of an immunoadsorbent, it was shown that the factor is not SM or a protein-SM complex remaining in trace amounts in the serum of mice treated with this antibiotic. Studies on the mechanism of stimulation by this factor showed that it reacts in a late stage of the immunologic response to already differentiated precursors of antibody-producing cells, and that higher concentrations of this substance added to cultures, instead of stimulating, inhibit producing of antibodies to SRBC. The mechanism of the stimulating action of this factor on antibody-producing cells is discussed.


Course and dynamics of immunologic iridocyclitis in the rabbit. Dynamics of immunologic inflammation of the anterior part of the ocular bulb in rabbits were studied biomicroscopically with the slit lamp and on the basis of.biochemical parameters registered in aqueous humor. Inflammation appeared on the first day after injection of homologous antigen and lasted not longer than 5-6 days. Elevated levels of protein, seromucoid and sialic acid in the aqueous humor were correlated with intensity of biomicroscopic inflammatory lesions, whereas proteolytic activity deviated. The findings were discussed on the assumption that the relatively rapid rise in hydrolase activity, unaccompanied as yet by presence of leukocytes in the anterior chamberm may be due to early destructive changes in the cells of the ocular structures. The changes in the biochemical indices had local character and were not associated with similar changes in the blood serum. The described model, which is based on biochemical and biomicroscopic studies, can be useful in studies on the kinetics of specific inflammation and for testing anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs used in ophthalmology.


Craig-Scott orthosis: a biochemical and functional evaluation. The Craig-Scott double upright knee ankle orthosis was subjected to a biomechanical evaluation which included analysis of the force interaction with the supported limb and a functional evaluation. The results were compared with data previously determined from biomechanical evaluations of other common orthoses. In the Craig-Scott design, the single application of the knee stabilizing force below the knee concentrates this force in a relatively small bony area, sometimes exceeding tolerance. This might be avoided by using a tibial closure with patellar tendon bearing features. The design was found to produce relatively low anatomic knee shear. In functional aspects such as donning, doffing, transfers and ambulation, the orthosis is essentially equivalent to other double upright designs. The rigidity of the orthosis with only a tibial band closure and a bail connecting the uprights was determined to be adequate. The limited number of bands and closures provides some advantages in reduced donning and doffing time; however, in the absence of posterior closures below the knee, the orthosis had a tendency to slide forward off the leg when transferring. This disadvantage was eliminated by adding a soft posterior closure below the knee, which produced a minimal increase in donning and doffing times.


[Cu requirement of pregnant and lactating rats]. Trials with graded Cu supplementation were carried out to establish the minimum and optimum Cu demands of pregnant, lactating and non-pregnants rats. The rats were investigated for the rate of live weight gains of the dams and young rats, for the number of stillbirths and, in particular, for the Cu status in the liver, body and blood serum of the animals and for coeruloplasmin activity. All Cu values obtained from the organs investigated had reached a saturation level at 8 mug Cu/g diet with the exception of the values for body Cu found in the dams that were killed on the day of delivery. The same results were obtained, for the above criteria, with lactating rats. So, it may be concluded that pregnant and lactating rats receive an optimum supply of Cu when they are fed a starch + casein diet containing 8 ppm Cu. For non-pregnant female rats, the limits that might be regarded as adequate were even below the 8 ppm level of dietary Cu. The saturation level for Cu was also found to be dependent, in regard of the criteria investigated, on the physiological state of the animals. It was found that, on the day of parturition, the level of Cu concentration and coeruloplasmin activity in the serum of the dams and the Cu content in the liver of the new-born rats were the best indicators for the state of Cu supply to the dams. However, after a sucking period of 17 days, the level of total Cu content in the dams was found to respond very sensitively to changes in the Cu supply.


Observations on the pathogenesis of porcine parvovirus infection. Differences in the pathogenesis of porcine parvovirus (PPV) were shown when pregnant gilts were infected by the oral and intramuscular (i.m.) routes. By the oral route, PPV took 23-32 days to cross the placenta following infection of the dam, as compared to 15 days by the i.m. route, Successful transplacental infection occurred following oral infection of dams only in the second third of gestation, whilst i.m. infection resulted in infection of foetuses in both first and second thirds of gestation. Foetal infection resulted in death and mummification only where infection of foetuses occurred before onset of immune competence--estimated at 70 days gestation. Infected foetuses either died before onset of immune competence, or survived to mount an immune response with subsequent death or survival to farrowing. It is suggested in discussion that reproductive failure due to PPV, characterised by mummification or occasional stillbirth, is associated in nature with oral infection, and occurs only when dams are infected in the first part of the midthird of gestation.


Interrelationships between the thyroid gland and adrenal cortex during fear, cold and restraint in the sheep. To examine the relationship between the functioning of the adrenal and thyroid glands in sheep, plasma cortisol concentration, concentration of protein-bound 125I from thyroid vein plasma, heart rate and blood pressure were measured in ewes bearing exteriorized thyroid glands. During these measurements stresses were imposed on the animals: fear induced by pistol shots or by a barking dog, cold by cooling and wetting, and physical restraint by a loose harness. Increases in plasma cortisol concentration of 2-6 mug/100 ml were observed with each type of stressor, the response rapidly decreasing with habituation of the animal. Increases in the concentration of protein-bound 125I from thyroid vein plasma were also observed repeatedly during cooling and wetting, occasionally after the introduction of a barking dog, and during continued restraint. Cooling and wetting was the only stress causing consistent parallel activation of the adrenal cortex and thyroid gland; the other stressors resulted in independent fluctuations of secretions, as indicated by plasma cortisol concentration and concentration of protein-bound 125I from thyroid vein plasma. No reciprocal relationship between thyroid gland and adrenal cortex activity was detected. It was concluded taht these ewes, which had been accustomed to normal experimental procedures for a period of 2 years, demonstrated functional independence of thyroid and adrenal cortical secretions when subjected to stress.


The influence of eye colour upon temporary threshold shift. Controversy has arisen over the claim that melanin content of the iris as determined by eye colouration bears a direct relationship to susceptibility to temporary threshold shifts (TTS). A more comprehensive investigation of TTS has now been carried out which not only confirms the relationship but also indicates that earlier discordant results can be attributed to differences in methodology. The new evidence suggests that for stimulus intensities below 110 dB. (HTL re ISO, 1964) melanin content of the iris exerts its influence predominantly upon auditory adaptation while fatigue effects only become apparent at intensities above this level. The relevance of these findings to hearing conservation measures aimed at the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss is discussed.


Duck plague virus replication in muscovy duck fibroblast cells. Duck embryo fibroblast cell cultures from seven species of ducks were compared for virus yield, plaque quality, and sensitivity to infection by the duck plague herpesvirus (duck virus enteritis). Muscovy duck and wood duck cells gave the best results for virus yield and plaque quality, but muscovies were considered superior because they are more available than wood ducks. Pintails and lesser scaup gave the poorest results, and pekin duck, black duck, and redhead duck were intermediate. A growth curve for the virus, determined in muscovy cells, had a latent period of six hours and a maximum new virus titer reached at 36 hours. Because of their superior plaque production and ability to replicate the virus, muscovy embryo fibroblasts (MCE) are recommended for diagnostic and research work.


Mycotoxicosis in chicks produced by toxins from Phomopsis sp. or Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae. The possibility of producing toxic effects in day-old chicks with mycotoxins from Phomopsis sp. or Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae isolates was studied. Evidence was found that Phomopsis sp., but not Diaporthe, produces hepatic necrosis with high mortality in chicks. Enzymatically, the hepatotoxin produced by Phomopsis sp. caused an increase in the level of liver glucose-6-P dehydrogenase. Mycotoxicosis caused by Phomopsis sp. was compared with lupinosis.


Oxidation of cholesterol and cholesterol analogues by mitochondrial preparations of steroid-hormone-producing tissue. The rate of oxidation of cholesterol and its analogues to pregnenolone (3beta-hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one) by various mitochondrial preparations was measured. Sterols with the cholest-5-en-3beta-ol ring system and saturated side chains of different lengths were converted into pregnenolone rat rates similar to that of cholesterol. This marked lack of mitochondrial specificity towards the steroid side chains is in direct contrast with the rat liver microsomal cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase, which has a high specificity for the side chain. Steroids that retain the ring system, but contain hydroxyl groups at various points in the side chain, are converted into pregnenolone at rates three to eight times higher than in cholesterol. The results are discussed with reference to current ideas on the mechanism of the side-chain cleavage of cholesterol. The results are discussed with reference to current ideas on the mechanism of the side-chain cleavage of cholesterol.


Studies on the response of cholesterol biogenesis in feeding in rats: evidence against the existence of diurnal rhythms. 1. The biosynthesis of cholesterol was studied, by using various precursors, in rats subjected to several dietary regimes. 2. The use of 3H2O as a substrate to demonstrate differences in cholesterogenesis under various conditions was validated by using rats fed on cholesterol or cholestyramine. Cholesterol feeding resulted in decreased cholesterogenesis, whereas cholestyramine caused an increase. 3. With acetate as precursor, the biosynthesis of both digitonin-precipitable sterol and fatty acids was increased in vitro in response to a meal. 4. In rats fed ad libitum, hepatic cholesterogenesis was increased at midnight relative to mid-morning as measured by using acetate precursor in vitro. However, no such difference was found by using 3H2O in vivo. 5. The lipogenic response was measured in meal-fed rats by using 3H2O or octanoate in vivo. In contrast with findings with acetate in vitro, no postprandial stimulation of cholesterogenesis was seen with either 3H2O or octanoate as precursor, whereas fatty acid biosynthesis from either substrate was increased. 6. These findings are discussed with respect to current theories about the circadian rhythm of cholesterogenesis. Such theories are based on experiments using isolated enzyme measurements or non-physiological precursors such as acetate. 7. It is considered that results obtained with 3H2O give an accurate representation of cholesterogenesis under various conditions, and it is therefore suggested that hepatic cholesterogenesis in rats is not subjected to the same degree of diurnal rhythm as has previously been believed.


Chemical transformation of Chinese hamster cells: II. Appearance of marker chromosomes in transformed cells. The chromosomes of 12 samples of cultured Chinese hamster kidney and prostate cells (4 normal and 8 transformed), whose tissue culture properties have already been described (Kirkland, 1976) have been examined for numerical change and for the appearance of abnormal markers. Six transformed kidney subclones contained a consistent telocentric marker not present in the normal parental cell, and Giemsa banding demonstrated this to be the centromere and the long (q) arm of the number 4 chromosome in all cases. Two transformed prostate subclones also contained a consistent telocentric marker, not present in similarly derived normal subclones or in the normal parental cell, and Giemsa banding demonstrated this to be a different fragment (the centromere and most of the p arm) of the number 4 chromosome. It is believed that the use of a mixed-serum culture medium, designed to stabilize the karyotype of cultured Chinese hamster cells, is at least partly responsible for the detection of these transformation-associated chromosome changes.


Role of tissue fluid hyperosmolality in the pathogenesis of post-traumatic fluid loss. The changes in interstitial fluid osmolality in the injured tissues during and after bilateral hind-limb ischaemia have been studied in young rabbits. There was a marked tissue fluid hyperosmolality which was directly related to the period of ischaemia. The increase in osmolality could be attributed to increases in lactate and potassium concentration. The interstitial fluid hyperosmolality disappeared rapidly after restoration of the circulation to the hind-limbs and would therefore only be of importance in the earliest stages of the pathogenesis of post-ischaemic fluid loss. Although the tissue fluid hyperosmolality is so short-lasting 56% of the fluid loss, measured 1 h after a 4-h period of ischaemia, occurs during the first 10 min following removal of the tourniquets. The lactate concentration in ischaemic skeletal muscle of the newborn rabbit was higher than that in the older animal and if this is reflected in an increased tissue fluid hyperosmolality it may be a factor in the greater post-ischaemic fluid loss characteristic of the neonate.


Effects of subunit interactions on the activity of lactate dehydrogenase studied in immobilized enzyme systems. Rabbit muscle lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was coupled to Sepharose in such a way that each molecule is expected to be attached via only one subunit. Dissociation of the bound active enzyme by several methods all yielded immobilized subunit derivatives which were inactive. These derivatives were capable of regenerating activity by interacting specifically with subunits in solution formed transiently during renaturation. This ability to peck up soluble subunits is lost fairly rapidly upon storage of the immobilized subunits. Similarly, LDH subunits attached to Sepharose via disulfide bonds were found to be inactive. When these subunits were detached from the matrix by mild reduction with mercaptoethanol, activity was regenerated. The kinetics of this reactivation process suggests that reassociation is required for appearance of activity. All these results can be interpreted as showing that subunit interactions are essential for LDH activity.