[Role of leguminous plants in effective symniosis with nodule bacteria]. Experiments were conducted with five clover varieties and six lucerne varieties infected with their specific strains of nodule bacteria with a high or low activity. The role of plants in active symbiosis with nodule bacteria was established. The nitrogen fixing activity of nodule bacteria varied within a wide range depending on the plant variety. Not only the activity of the strain, but the variety of the plant too, should be taken into account for industrial purposes.


[Microbiological studies of the Wanda Lake (Antarctica)]. The deep-water (68 m) Wanda Lake in the Antarctica is noticeable by three characteristics: a relatively high temperature in the bottom layer, elevated salinity, and the presence of H2S. Only several (less often, dozens) saprophytic microorganisms per 40 ml of water are encountered in the lake. The total number of bacteria varies from 6-10(3) to 172-10(3) cells/ml. The highest content of the total bacterial population, and saprophytes, is found in intermediate layers, 30 and 40-50 m deep, respectively. Microbial strains isolated from water and ooze belong to the genera Pseudomonas, Chromobacterium, Bacillus, and Mycobacterium. Yeast organisms were also found. Sulphate reducing bacteria were detected only at one station in ooze of the lake while thionic bacteria could not be determined at all. Photosynthetic bacteria were isolated from ooze at all four stations.


[Thermophilic bacteria from hot springs of Kamchatka]. Spore-forming bacteria with the optimum growth temperature from 40 to 65 degrees C were isolated from hot springs of Kamchatka with the temperature 50-93 degrees C and pH 6.3-7.3: Bacillus stearothermophilus, B. brevis, B. subtilis, B. cereus, B. megaterium, and B. licheniformis. The bacterial have a high biochemical activity and play therefore an important role in decomposition of organic substances.


[Participation of heterotrophic microorganisms in the purification of drainage waters from heavy metal ions]. Heterotrophic microorganisms can grow in the presence of toxic components contained in industrial drainage of non-ferrous metal industry. The content of microorganisms correlates with the concentration of organic substances of plant origin in drainage waters. In the course of mineralization, heavy metal ions are immobilized and precipitated as stable metal-organic complexes with microbial metabolites. The rate of metal precipitation increases in the presence of aerobically decomposed plant material. The results obtained can be employed for purification of drainage waters from metal ions.


[Survival of Rhizobium meliloti in soil studied by genetic labeling]. The number of cells of a mutant of Rhizobium meliloti resistant to streptomycin decreased to 10(6) per 1 g of soil during 3-5 days and remained at this level for at least a month when 10(8) cells of the mutant per 1 g were introduced into non-sterile soil. Factors causing such a stability of the population are discussed.


[Effect of water expenditure in small rivers on the number of microorganisms]. The effect of runoff of mountain rivers discharging into the Baikal Lake on the number of microflora was studied in the conditions of water reservoirs subjected to industrial activity. The number of microorganisms was found to depend on the river runoff during high waters whose intensity was influenced by industrial activity within the reservoir area.


[Photoassimilation of organic compounds by Thiocapsa roseopersicina]. The cells of the purple sulphur bacterium Thiocapsa roseopersicina, strain BBS, incorporate 14C contained in succinate, lactate, pyruvate, and acetate. Organic compounds with an exception of pyruvate and fumarate produce no considerable effect on the rate of carbon dioxide photoassimilation by the cells though propionate, glycerol, glucose, lactate, and succinate decrease in the same conditions the rate of sulphide oxidation by 20-50%. The rate of 14C-bicarbonate incorporation into the cells in the absence of inorganic H-donor is highest in the presence of propionate, glycerol, glucose as well as lactate and pyruvate after growth of the bacterium on media containing these substrates. A possibility of utilization by T. roseopersicina, strain BBS, of exogenous organic substrates is discussed.


Simple apparatus for trace analysis of toxic heavy metals. Determination of cadmium and lead by manual D.C. polarography. A simple manual d.c. polarographic apparatus is described which can be assembled from ordinary laboratory equipment. The sensitivity of this apparatus can reach +/-0.5 mV in voltage and +/-0.005 muA in current. Using this set up, trace amounts of cadium and lead in foods and beverages can be determined at the ppm region.


[Effect of nitrogen sources on growth and cholesterol decomposing activity of Mycobacterium rubrum and Achromobacter canadicans]. The effect of 12 sources of nitrogen on growth and cholesterine-decomposing activity was studied with Mycobacterium rubrum and Achromobacter candicans. The yield of biomass and the rate of cholesterine decomposition depended on the source of nitrogen and its concentration in the medium. The highest specific activity of the enzyme decomposing cholesterine was found during growth of the cultures on media containing reduced forms of nitrogen. The activity of the enzyme of Mycobacterium rubrum was by 25% higher than that of Achromobacter candicans. The optimum conditions for the production of the enzyme by Mycobacterium rubrum were on media containing 1.0 g of asparagine or 5.0 g of ammonium nitrate per one litre, and for the enzyme production by Achromobacter candicans, on media containing 5.0 g of ammonium phosphate per one litre.


[Enzymes involved in thiosulfate metabolism in Thiocapsa roseopersicina under various conditions of growth]. Cell-free preparations of the purple sulphur bacterium Thiocapsa roseopersicina grown in the light under anaerobic conditions and in the dark under aerobic conditions contain thiosulphate reductase and rhodanase. Dihydrolipoate is an electron donor in the cleavage of thiosulphate catalysed by thiosulphate reductase. Lipoate dehydrogenase (NADH: lipoate oxidoreductase) found in extracts of the cells of T. roseopersicina catalyses the reduction of lipoate. The activity of the enzymes involved in thiosulphate metabolism increases in the cells of T. roseopersicina growing under aerobic conditions in the dark on a mineral medium containing thiosulphate.


[Polysaccharides of free slime, capsule and cell wall of Mycobacterium lacticolum]. Free and capsule exopolysaccharides of Mycobacterium lacticolum 121 contain glucose, glucuronic acid, and unidentified monomer. Arabinogalactan typical of mycobacteria was found in the cell walls of this culture. The exocellular polysaccharide of Mycobacterium lacticolum 121 is not the product of synthesis of the cell wall.


[Melanin pigment of Actinomyces umbriferus]. Properties of a dark-brown pigment complex isolated from the spores, mycelium and cultural broth of Actinomyces umbriferus by a conventional technique were compared. The complex consists of three fractions: one is a true melanin while two other fractions differ by several characteristics from melanins and from each other. The fraction which is most similar to melanin prevails in the spores, is contained, in a relatively small amount, in the mycelium, and is absent from the cultural broth. Melanin isolated from the spores has a low relative content of carbon and nitrogen and a higher ash content as compared to melanin isolated from the vegetative mycelium. The pigment complex of the spores is characterized also by differences in properties of the first isolated fraction. The pigment complex from the cultural broth differs from the complex of the mycelium and spores by properties of the studied fractions.


Special air systems: the case for laminar flow. Laminar filtered airflow is a special air system not required by any code for use in any operating room. It is, however, a method of securing ultrasepsis when this is needed for a very particular hazardous circumstance. Although these circumstances could be answered by other means, laminar airflow is useful in situations where a patient is particularly and unusually liable to wound infection.


Is laminar airflow necessary for prophylaxis against wound infection? Abuse of an otherwise properly installed and maintained operating room system may result in rendering the environment unsatisfactory for critical types of surgery, especially when a patient's resistance is lowered by disease or drugs, or when a large foreign body is implanted. No type of special air-handling system will correct these abuses even though it may reduce ambient bioparticle counts. From all available valid evidence, the conclusion is drawn that laminar flow is less effective against wound infection than adherence to proper techniques and correction of abuses of the operating room environment by the surgical team and support personnel.


Recirculation of air in operating rooms. A study of two neurosurgical operating rooms indicated a low, airborne, microbial population could be maintained by recirculating filtered air during surgical procedures. The commonly used turbulent system of air delivery was employed, and high-efficiency filters were effective in removing airborne bacteria generated within the operating room. Optimal rates and percent of recirculation were determined. The method of exhaust was confirmed to be important. Exhaust ports 40 in. above the floor were more effective in maintaining low airborne microbial populations than baseboard-level ports. The degree of activity of the surgical team and the number of personnel in the operating room correlated with the airborne bacterial counts.


Transfusion therapy of thrombocytopenia: a reappraisal. In the management of thrombocytopenia, platelet concentrated (PC) were given only to patients who had neither frank haemorrhage nor significant anaemia. Fresh whole blood (FWB) was preferred for those with the former, and platelet-rich red cell concentrate (PRC) for those with the latter complication. As a result of this approach it was found that only 6% of 412 therapy courses required PC, 37% required FWB and the remaining 57% required PRC. These are the findings of a year's survey of the requirements of patients in a predominantly urban population of approximately 1,200,000. The surprisingly high proportion of patients with complications requiring transfusion therapy, and the 24-hour availability of FWB and PRC in a metropolitan blood bank, have made PC transfusion an elective procedure and eliminated the need for a PC bank. Moreover, a better approach to treatment is available whilst a significant saving of blood donations is effected.


Sterility testing: how appropriate for the hospital. In the hospital the need to test for sterility is as vital as in industry. However, the means of accomplishing this are quite different. The sterile "products" produced are used prior to a final sterility certification and this time-honored concept presents interesting challenges. Associated with the techniques of monitoring sterility are numerous problems. The difficulty of the hospital attempting to sterility-test sterile disposable devices they have purchased and shortcomings involved in culturing techniques used to evaluate the hospital's internal sterilization program are reviewed, A program for assurance of sterility based on proper monitoring ot the sterilizer and adequate preparation of the goods being processed are given.


The sensitivity of urinary pathogens seen in a private pathological practice. In a private pathological practice, the sensitivity pattern of 1,000 strains of bacteria isolated from urine has been tested. Ampicillin, nitrofurantoin, sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim and cephalexin stand out, in that over 75% of all organisms are sensitive to these antibacterial agents.


A new integrator for monitoring time and temperature of steam sterilizers. Steam sterilization is the simplest and most useful method of sterilization of thermostable materials. Sterilization depends upon three factors: time, temperature, and the presence of live steam. For the first time an instrument can be employed to monitor these three factors with immediate readout. This paper contrasts the advantages of this integrator with sterilizer controls, and biological and chemical indicators; and describes methods utilized in testing the integrator.


Divided responsibilities for operating room asepsis: The dilemma of technology. Asepsis and concern for patient safety in the operating room are team responsibilities involving nurses, surgeons, and anesthesiologists. Meaningless rituals now being observed in the OR must be replaced by practices and procedures based on sound principles of aseptic technique. Modern instrumentation and technology, though relieving the surgeon and anesthesiologist of many of the manual tasks which once occupied them, have not solved the problems of infection control in the operating suite. Apathy, carelessness, and indifference may even increase as a by-product of technology, unless curbed by moral, ethical and legal constraints. Asepsis is not a static concept. Operating room policies and procedures need constant review and reexamination. Enforcement of these policies and rules to maintain good aseptic technique requires the cooperation of all who enter the OR suite.


Five years experience with operating room clean rooms and personnel-isolator systems. Two horizontal flow, laminar airflow type clean rooms have been used for almost all clean orthopedic surgery at St. Luke's Hospital in Denver since March 1971. This experience covers approximately 4000 cases, including 1100 total hip and total knee arthroplasties. Three different types of helmet aspirator systems have also been evaluated. Our conclusions from this experience are: (1) All types of orthopedic surgery may be easily and conveniently performed in the clean room and with scrubbed personnel wearing helmet aspirator systems; (2) mechanical upkeep of the clean room is minimal; (3) airborne bacteria counts have been reduced at least 80 percent compared to a regular operating room, and more than 90 percent when scrubbed personnel wear the helmet aspirator system; (4) sterile surface contamination, including the wound, has been reduced at least 80 percent; and (5) the deep infection rate for total hip replacements with at least a 2-year follow-up has been 7.6 percent (10/131) in a regular operating room and 1.6 percent (5/319) in the clean room. With the combined use of the clean room, helmet aspirator systems, and perioperative antibiotics, no infections have occurred in an additional 350 cases with a 1-year follow-up.


Hour-glass stomach: an explanation.

Hour-glass stomach: an explanation. A personally observed series of 19 patients with hour-glass stomach is presented. In two cases carcinoma was proven. Among the remaining 17 patients with benign ulcer, females outnumbered males by 15 to 2. In neither of the carcinoma patients, but all of the benign ulcer patients, there was clear evidence of abuse of aspirin-containing analgesic preparation. The hypothesis is proposed that hour-glass stomach is produced by gross scarring around a severe benign chronic gastric ulcer under the influence of prolonged exposure to aspirin.


The management of transsexualism.

The management of transsexualism. Transsexualism is an extremely uncommon disorder of gender role. This article describes the backgrounds, modes of life and management of transsexuals. "The transsexual believes him(her)self to be a female (ormale) in the body of a male(female)." The name is given to a very small number of men (and an even smaller number of women) who, although they are outwardly physically male (or female), are irrevocably convinced that their entire personality and identity are those of the opposite sex. They therefore feel that they ought to have their bodies changed to agree with the intensity and conviction of their feelings. Because this condition is so uncommon (having a prevalence of about one in 20,000 of the population), very few doctors ever meet any transsexuals, particularly as most of them live in only a few areas. In this article I will be mainly discussing the male transsexual, and will mention the female transsexual briefly afterwards. Transvestites and transsexuals are sometimes confused but can usually be differentiated. Basically the difference between them is that transvestites merely dress in female attire, whereas transsexuals feel that the sex organs are objects of hatred or disgust; they therefore persistently request a sex reassignment (sex change) operation in order to rid themselves of these organs.


The Queenscliff study: a community screening programme for hypertension. The Victorian community of the Borough of Queenscliffe (Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale) was screened for high blood pressure in May, 1975, and a high response rate was achieved. The prevalence of hypertension was lower than that reported from Albury in 1971, Brunswick in 1972 or Busselton in 1969, but the difference from the latter is likely to be due to a higher treatment rate in Queenscliff. The difference from the Albury (and, to a lesser extent, the Brunswick) data is substantial and cannot be explained in this way. While geographic variability in high blood pressure cannot be excluded, it is possible that different screening circumstances were a major factor.


The design of pressure monitoring devices: Infection control considerations. Reports of infections related to in-use contamination or incomplete sterilization of pressure monitoring devices have appeared infrequently. However, review of our experience with such infections suggests a need for the medical instrumentation industry to stress infection prevention in the design of monitoring devices. Notably, it will be important for the industry to: (a) design pressure monitoring devices that can be sterilized rapidly, efficiently, and easily between use in different patients, even during periods of peak monitoring use; (b) develop reliable and simple means for aseptically calibrating and setting up monitoring devices after sterilization; and (c) design simple monitoring systems that will be resistant to in-use contamination and that will allow patients' monitoring tubing and fluid to be replaced aseptically at regular intervals.


Increased oxygen pressure to improve the efficiency of membrane oxygenators. Increased O2 pressure was used in a specially constructed oxygenator to test the concept of improved oxygen transfer with hyperbaria. Three membranes were tested: 5-mil Silastic, 1-mil copolymer, and 0.5-mil Teflon. Results are analyzed in terms of pressure, venous saturation, and flow. The 5-mil Silastic proved to be the most reliable and efficient at all levels of saturation and pressure. Oxygen transfers up to 100 cc/m2/min were recorded at lower venous saturations. Normal pCO2 differentials were maintained at atmospheric pressure but decreased as pressure increased. For the Silastic and copolymer membranes, peak efficiency for O2 transfer was at oxygen pressure 3 lb/in2, or 140 mmHg. This usually required a blood pressure of over 300 mmHg using an average blood layer of 0.5 mm. Changes of pressure were more critical than flow, although O2 transfer was found to increase up to flows of 1200 cc/min/m2. Pressure levels of 0-30 lb/in2 were tested. Teflon was most efficient at pressures of 10-15 lb/in2, and did not transfer CO2 in detectable amounts at these pressure levels. Plasma hemoglobin, WBC, and platelets were not seriously altered when studied over 4-hour periods at constant pressures.


The future of women in Australian medicine. Data are presented on the division of labour in doctor's households which show that, in addition to practising, medical women perform almost as much domestic work as do the wives of their male colleagues. In relation to The National Health Act 1970, and current postgraduate training procedures, this has implications for an increasingly polarized division of labour in medicine, as the numbers and proportions of women doctors increase. If the trend is not inhibited by amendment of postgraduate training procedures, and a more equitable distribution of domestic labour, a second-class status is likely for women in medicine, to the detriment of both the profession and the community.


Iron and blood donation. Evaluation of a kit method for routine use in a blood transfusion service. Manifest iron-deficiency anaemia is preceded by a latent stage in which normal haemoglobin levels coexist with low serum iron levels. Regular blood donation involves the removal of significant amounts of iron, and in susceptible donors, may aggravate iron deficiency. It is important for a blood transfusion service to be able to identify these susceptible donors. A commercial kit for the determination of serum iron levels was evaluated and found suitable for introduction as a routine screening test for a transfusion service. A survey of serum iron levels of 200 blood donors showed that 12 1/2% had levels below the normal reference range.


Screening thyrometabolic disorders using total serum thyroxine level. The results of in-vitro thyroid function tests and clinical details of 1,517 patients are reviewed, and the total serum thyroxine levels and the free thyroxine indices are compared in terms of their diagnostic value. Only 3-7% of the patients investigated had a total serum thyroxine level (T4) that did not correlate with the free thyroxine index. We believe that the evidence is strong enough to suggest that estimation of the T4 is an adequate screening test for thyrometabolic disease, and that performing the extra test (T3 resin uptake) in order to estimate the free thyroxine index (FTI) cannot be justified in terms of cost-benefit. We suggest that the FTI is indicated only in those cases in which the T4 is outside the 80% limit range. A simple scheme for the investigation of thyrometabolic disorders is presented.


Vibrio parahaemolyticus gastroenteritis associated with international travel. Food-borne gastroenteritis due to Vibrio parahaemolyticus is becoming of increasing world importance. This paper describes the clinical presentations and laboratory investigations of four cases of gastroenteritis due to V. parahaemolyticus among passengers returning to Australia on international aircraft from South-East Asia.


Cryptococcosis in the Northern Territory. This report represents a review of cryptococcosis in the Northern Territory from 1957 to 1975. There were 26 cases over a 19-year period; 25 of these were in full-blooded Aborigines. The disease occurred throughout the rural areas of the Territory as isolated cases. There were 24 cases of cryptococcal meningitis and only two with solitary lung involvement. The overall mortality was 50%. In all five untreated cases the disease was fatal. There were eight deaths among the 20 patients receiving chemotherapy, a mortality of 40%. Lung resection was performed in six cases of localized pulmonary cryptococcosis. The outcome for these was excellent.


The yellow nail syndrome, bronchiectasis and Raynaud's disease--a relationship. A case of the yellow nail syndrome with associated bronchiectasis, arterial insufficiency and Raynaud's disease is presented. A brief review of some of the literature on the yellow nail syndrome is made. A relationship between these problems is postulated.


Detection and diagnosis of early breast cancer. Breast cancer mortality can be reduced by early detection and treatment, but the cost of diagnosis of early tumours from amongst the larger number of non-malignant disorders found as a result of public education and population screening is likely to be prohibitive, both economically and emotionally, as long as admission to hospital for biopsy and possible immediate mastectomy remains the major diagnostic policy. An alternative policy is proposed for the management of women with breast symptoms, which avoids operation on most patients without cancer and detects the smallest tumours, by means of mammography, fine-needle aspiration biopsy, large-needle biopsy and outpatient open biopsy. Such a policy is likely to provide positive reassurance with the least emotional distress for that majority of women with breast symptoms who do not have malignant disease, and this is likely to lead to more positive behaviour in the community such as regular breast self-examination and the early reporting of breast symptoms. Only women with malignant disease need be admitted to hospital for major breast surgery, thorough preoperative investigation could be confined to this group, and they could receive positive counselling to reduce their emotional stress. Such a policy is likely to be economical of health resources so that all women with breast symptoms and other risk factors could be encouraged to undergo annual examination, and any suspicious findings could be adequately investigated. In this way many more cancers could be detected while still small and curable, and a fall in breast cancer mortality in the community might be expected.


Chromosome studies in users of spray adhesives. Chromosome studies were performed on blood samples from eight male subjects stated to have had considerable exposure to spray adhesives in the course of their employment. Eleven healthy males were used as controls. No increase in chromosome damage was found in the exposed subjects compared with the control group.


Effect of neighboring nucleotide sequences on suppression efficiency in amber mutants of T4 phage lysozyme. Variations in suppression efficiency were observed among nonsense mutations at different locations within the lysozyme gene (e) of T4 phage. The present experiments using three amber mutants in lysozyme gene indicate such variations presumably depend upon the base sequences neighboring to the nonsense mutations.


Analysis of a temperature sensitive mutation in gene cII of bacteriophage lambda. The mutation cIIts612 was found to map outside the immunity region of phage lambdaimm21 hybrid. As expected of a cII mutation, lambdacIIts612 is unable to stimulate either cI repressor or Int synthesis during the establishment of lysogeny. These results indicate that part of the cII gene of lambda is homologous to that of lambdaimm21 phage.


Recombination of bacteriophage T7 in vivo. Most recombination following infection with T7 was found to coincide with the time of most repid DNA synthesis, at about 20 min after infection at 30 degrees in minimal medium. Recombining DNA was investigated electron microscopically. Multiply branched DNA structures were observed after infection with T7 wild type, gene 3-, gene 6- and genes 3-, 6- phage, but not after infection with T7 gene 5- phage. Evidence is presented indicating that these structures are T7 DNA molecules in the process of recombining. The detailed structures of these recombinational intermediates suggest mechanisms by which T7 DNA initiates recombination.


Regulation of polar surface structures in Caulobacter crescentus: pleiotropic mutations affect the coordinate morphogenesis of flagella, pili and phage receptors. A large number of Caulobacter mutants resistant to DNA or RNA phages were isolated. These phage-resistant mutants exhibited phenotypic variations with respect to cell motility and sensitivity to other phages. The majority of the mutants was resistant to both DNA and RNA phages tested. In addition, these mutants were either motile or non-motile. The analysis of spontaneous revertants from these mutants indicated that a single mutation is involved in these phenotypic variations. Other mutants were resistant to RNA phages and only to a certain DNA phage tested, and were also motile or non-motile. Several temperature-sensitive phage-resistant mutants were also isolated. One of them, CB13 ple-801, exhibited the wild type phenotype when grown at 25 degrees C. However, at a higher temperature (35 degrees C), the mutant cells became non-motile and resistant to both DNA and RNA phages. These phenotypes seem to be attributed to the concommitant loss of flagella, pili and phage receptors. In other respects (cell growth and morphology, and asymmetric stalk formation), CB13 ple-801 was normal at 35 degrees C. The spontaneous revertants from CB13 ple-801 simultaneously regained the wild type phenotypes in all respects. It is suggested that a single mutation pleiotropically affects the formation of flagella, pili and phage receptors.


Isolation of suppressor sensitive mutants in the Ai gene of phage lambda. Previous experiments have shown that mutations in the Ai gene can suppress the growth defect of lambda N- phages. Many temperature resistant derivatives of phage lambdatsN9 have been isolated and among these 5 have been found which are Ai- and have an amber suppressible behaviour. These mutants can help in defining the role of the Ai gene in phage lambda development.


A nucleolus-specific phosphoprotein in mouse ascites tumor cells. Analysis of proteins in nucleoli and chromatin of mouse ascites tumor cells labeled with [32P]orthophosphate by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that a highly radioactive protein was localized in the nucleoli. This protein was purified and the final preparation appeared as a single component on hydroxylapatite column chromatography with or without SDS. This protein was found to be a nucleolus-specific phosphoprotein with a molecular weight of 120 000. The phosphate moiety in this protein turned over very rapidly whereas the protein itself was stable. When the nucleoli were disrupted by EDTA treatment, this unique protein was found as a major protein constituent of the ultracentrifugal supernatant.


Circular dichroism of DNA--proflavine, DNA--ethidium and DNA--distamycine flow--oriented complexes. The circular dichroism (CD) spectra of flow-oriented complexes of DNA with proflavine (PF), ethidium (ET) and distamycine (DS) have been studied in the ultraviolet region. The CD spectra with light propagating in parallel to the flow direction were measured by the method of Chung and Holzwarth [1]. Delta epsilon and delta epsilon values have been obtained by this method. It was shown that all the complexes studied exhibit a strong CD anisotropy so that "isotropic" CD spectra measured with a conventional procedure can be attributed to the mutual compensation of the two components of opposite signs.


Molecular weights, poly(A)--content, and partial separation of chick globin mRNAs. Poly(A)-containing 9S RNA from chick reticulocytes was electrophoresed on formamide-polyacrylamide gels. The molecular weight was determined to be 211 000 +/- 10 000 daltons. The RNA was separated into three different fractions with respect to molecular weight. These RNAs were translated in a wheat germ cell-free system. The lower molecular weight RNA directed up to 95% alpha-chain synthesis, compared to 60% for the higher molecular weight RNA. This was accompanied by a relative increase for beta-chain synthesis with increasing molecular weight. It could also be shown by hybridization with labelled poly(U) that the average poly(A) length decreased from about 83 nucleotides for fraction I to 36 nucleotides for fraction III. Our results suggest that fractionation of avian 9 S globin mRNA by electrophoresis on formamide-polyacrylamide gels is dependent upon two parameters, namely differences in the lengths of the non-poly(A)-containing portion of the alpha and beta mRNAs and differences in the poly(A) lengths.


The study of photoconduction of artificial lipid membranes incorporating rhodopsin. The simultaneous changes of membrane conduction and rhodopsin fluorescence. The protein fluorescence changes of rod outer segment fragments during bleaching were studied. Flash caused a fluorescence intensity drop by about 6%. The time constant of this process was approximately 30 msec and coincided with the time constant of increasing the permeability of an artificial lipid membrane containing rhodopsin and of Metarhodopsin I decay. In the presence of hydroxylamine the fluorescence intensity increases after the initial drop. The second process time constant was about 300 msec and coincided with the conduction drop time constant of the artificial membrane containing rhodopsin. A new intermediate -- Metarhodopsin II1 is proposed. It has the Metarhodopsin II absorption spectrum, lives for about 300 msec at room temperature, does not react with hydroxylamine, and increases the permeability of a disk membrane.


The synthesis of human placental lactogen hormone (hPL) in a cell-free wheat germ system. Total polysomes from human term placenta were incubated in a wheat germ cell-free system during 1 hr at 25 degrees C. Human placental lactogen hormone was identified among the proteins synthesized in vitro by immune precipitation and subsequent sodium dodecylsulphate electrophoresis of the immunoprecipitate. The zone containing the radioactivity from the immunoprecipitate [3H]-labelled lactogen hormone comigrated exactly with the radioactivity zone from added [14C]-labelled marker hormone. This result indicates that the molecular weight of the synthesized product must be equal or very similar to that of the native protein hormone.


Autodegradation of pre-mRNA containing nuclear ribo-nucleoprotein particles. The effect of autodegradation on the double-stranded RNA sequences and on the protein composition of particles. The quantitative changes of double-stranded RNA components of nuclear ribonucleo-protein particles containing pre-mRNA was investigated in the course of incubation of particles at 37 degrees C. The incubation of purified nuclear particles revealed the fragmentation of long double-stranded RNA sequences into shorter stretches. The presence of nuclear sap in the incubation mixture resulted in degradation of the double-stranded RNAs into acid soluble products. Autodegradation and/or ribonuclease treatment of nuclear RNP particles is accompanied by quantitative changes in the minor protein constituents of informofer.


[Cytoplasmic crystals (cholesterol?) in acute and chronic liver lesions. Electron microscopic study]. Authors in six patients with liver injury (three of them acute--intoxication with carbon tetrachloride, halothane-hepatitis and acute alcoholic liver disease--and three cases of chronic liver lesions--two chronic alcoholic liver disease and one chronic agressive hepatitis) in the biopsy specimens-in the small number of hepatocytes--electronmicroscopically observed needle-like or quadrate "crystals" of the size of 0.4--3.5 X 0.07--0.2 microns, which seemed to be optically leer. The electronoptical density of the contours of the inclusions is different. To establish the composition of these inclusions electronihistochemical examinations are needed. Morphologically they seem to be similar to cholesterol crystals.


Nuclear and polyribosomal ribonucleoprotein particles containing poly (A) in rat liver cells. Poly(A) containing ribonucleoprotein particles were prepared from rat liver nuclei and polyribosomes. The particles have sedimentation coefficients of 14 S and 9 S, respectively. In CS2SO4 density gradients the particles banded at densities of 1.28-1.29 g cm-3. Both nuclear and polyribosomal poly(A)-RNP contain in addition to some minor polypeptides, two main polypeptides having molecular weights of 63 000 and 90 000 dalton, respectively indistinguishable from each other according to their electrophoretic mobilities.


[Electron microscopic localization of serotonin acetyl transferase in the pineal body]. Substrat of the hydroxy-indol-O-methyl transferase (HIOMT) N-acetylserotonin is synthesized by serotonin-acetyltransferase. For the demonstration of the localization of this enzyme in the corpus pineale uranyl and cuprum ferrocyanid technique were used. In both cases a mitochondrial localization was revealed. Product of reaction appeared on the outer and inner membranes and in the intracrystal space. The reaction takes place in the presence of Acetyl-Co-A. The cuprumferrocyanid technique seems to have advantages as compared to the uranylferrocyanid method. Extramitochondrial precipitate or aspecific reaction occur seldom.


[Arylsulfatase activity in the pineal body, studied by electron microscopy]. For the demonstration of aryl-sulphatase in the corpus pineale as a substrat p-Nitrochatecholsulphat (2-Hydroxy-5-nitrophenyl sulphat) has been used. The reaction is negativ when p-Nitrophenylsulphat or acetylphenylsulphat are used. Localization of the enzyme occurred in the Golgi-system and in the smooth-surface endoplasmic reticulum. By the aid of the histochemical reaction the formation of primary lysosomes can be demonstrated on the level of the Golgi system and of the smooth-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum as well. Aryl-sulphatase correspond to the: A and B type. Reaction in the presence of pCMB and KCN is inhibited.


[Synaptic lamellae in retinoblastoma].

[Synaptic lamellae in retinoblastoma]. Out of 27 cases of differentiated and notdifferentiated types of retinoblastoma synaptical lamelles surrounded by synaptical vesicula could be detected in 8 cases. They were observed partly in different areas of the cytoplasma, partly in projections of cells. These structures seem to evidence the neurogen origin of the retinoblastoma.


[Electron microscopic study of nuclear inclusions induced by Vinca alkaloid derivatives]. Authors in the nuclei of Ehrlich-ascites tumour cells as an effect of the derivates of Vinca alkaloids observed formation of inclusions of fibrous, globular and crystalloid type. These structures were examined electronmicroscopically. Author assume, that the formation of these inclusions is a result of the precipitation of the nucleoprotein by the alkaloid.


[Yolk sac tumors of the ovary].

[Yolk sac tumors of the ovary]. Dysgerminoma, teratoma and chorion carcinoma originating of germ cells, are well known tumours of the ovary. Tumours arising from the yolk-sac formerly called embryonal carcinoma- are seldom observed, their morphological feature is not well known. Author reports four cases of yolk-sac tumour, discusses their morphology, histogenesis and prognose.


[Anencephaly].

[Anencephaly]. One case of anencephaly is described and in connection with this case factors compatible with the development of ASP are discussed. The investigation of the parent's chromosomes revealed 46, XX/47, XXX mosaicizm at the mother. The importance of genetic consultation and the intrauterin diagnosis is stressed.


[Enzyme histochemical properties of Golgi II type neurons in the horn of Ammon of the white rat]. Neurons of Golgi II type of the Ammon's horn of white rat enzymhistochemically can be studied most successfully in the hilus of area dentata near to the stratum granulosum (basket cells). Activity of SDH, MDH (NAD), CYO- and alfa-GPDH (NAD) in the pericaryon is low, of the LDH moderate and the activity of G6PDH, NADPH-diaphorese, acid phosphatase, TPP-ase and non-specific esterase expressed. Reaction of the alkalic phosphatase is negative. In addition to these reactions nucleic acids were also demonstrated using fluorescent technique. All these data were compared to those in other neurons of the Ammon's horn.


[Cytomorphological and enzyme histological studies of bilaterally inoculated Dibromdulcit-sensitive and-resistent Yoshida tumors]. In the bilaterally growing DBD sensitive Yoshida tumours deformed nuclear divisions necrosis of the majority of the tumour and appearance of giant cells can be observed due to the single administration of the LD50 of the preparation. The histochemical activity of the LDH the activity alcalyc Adenosine triphosphatase and the nonspecific alcalyc phosphatase become negative while the acidic phosphatase's activity does increase after the administration of the LD25 of the preparation appearance of giant cells are very marked more than 60% of tumours cells are polynuction. The activity of the alcalyc ATP-ase and nonspecific phosphatase decrose's after a transitory increase and become negative while the acid phosphatase's activity increases. In the case of the DBD resistant tumours the morphological and histochemical alternations due to LD50 of the preparation are much slighter and their timecourse is shorter. No morphological and histochemical changes are observed after the administration of LD25 of the preparation.


Vinyl chloride: dominant lethal studies in male CD-1 mice. The mutagenic activity of vinyl chloride (VC) at three exposure levels was assessed in fertile male CD-1 mice with the dominant lethal test. Male mice were exposured by inhalation to VC at 3000, 10,000 and 30,000 ppm for 6 h a day for 5 days. By comparison with control males exposed to air, no mutagenic effects on any maturation stage of spermatogeneisis in treated males were detected. There was no significant increase in the number of post-implantational early foetal deaths as shown by the number of females with one or more early deaths or number of early deaths/pregnancy or the number of early deaths/total implants/pregnancy. There was no evidence of pre-implantational egg losses as indicated by the total implants/pregnant female. There was also no reduction in fertility. The lack of effect was not due to the insensitivity of the system used since a dominant lethal effect was clearly demonstated in male mice dosed i.p. with cyclophosphamide (CTX) at 200 mg/kg body weight and ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS) orally at 200 mg/kg body weight once a day for 5 days. During dosing these animals were housed under dimilar exposure conditions to those animals exposed to the test substances but with a flow of air through the exposure chambers. Thus vinyl chloride is not mutagenic in the mouse at the stated exposure levels as measured by the dominant lethal test.


Carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic risks associated with vinyl chloride. The data presented demonstrate clearly that vinyl chloride (VC) is related to a significant excess of mortality from cancer of the liver, lung and brain among workers occupationally exposed to VC. The risk of dying from cancer of the lymphatic and hematopoietic system also appears to increase with an increase in latency. These cancer sites could have been predicted by the animal bioassay conducted by Maltoni. With regard to the liver, even the histophthologic type of cancer (angiosarcoma) was observed first in experimental animals. A study of cancer mortality among populations residing proximate to VC polymerization facilities also demonstrated an increased risk of dying from CNS and lymphatic cancer. These latter findings raise cause for concern about out-plant emmissions of VC, but without further study these cancers obviously cannot be interpreted as being related to out-plant exposure to VC. Various test systems now have elicited a positive mutagenic response to VC. Thus, our observations of a significant excess of fetal mortality among the wives of males, who were occupationally exposed to VC, raise public health concern that VC may be mutagenic in humans. With regard to the teratogenicity of VC, observations of a significant excess of children born with birth defects were reported among populations residing proximate to VC polymerization facilities. Additional epidemiologic study is needed to determine whether a repeated pattern of excessive numbers of children born with birth defects can be observed in other communities with VC polymerization facilities.


Karyotype analysis by computer and its application to mutagenicity testing of environmental chemicals. Large scale population monitoring by cytogenetics would require vast amounts of effort for meaningful results. Computer techniques promise to assume some of this burden and thus render large scale monitoring a more practical alternative than it is now. A system recently developed at the California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the City of Hope Medical Center, contains many of the features required by a large scale population monitoring system. One part of the system is a semi-automated slide preparation assembly which can process up to 576 specimens per day with uniform treatment. The second part of the system consists of a computer-controlled microscope which performs automatic slide search, metaphase location, and karyotype analysis under the interactive supervision of an operator. While the system was developed primarily for clinical cytogenetics, some aspects of our operating experience suggest promising approaches for population cytogenetics.


Ultraviolet mutagenesis in Streptomyces coelicolor: induction of reversions in a polyauxotrophic strain. UV irradiation of the aerial spores of Streptomyces coelicolor pro arg hom cys strain A677 causes the induction of Arg+ and Cys+ revertants. Both phenotypic classes of revertants are induced according to approximately dose-squared kinetics. Some 30% of the induced Cys+ revertants were shown by direct genetic tests to be due to suppressor mutations. Indirect evidence, based on the fact that a high proportion of the UV-induced Arg+ revertants were also simultaneously Hom+, indicates that suppressors are probably also responsible for the Arg+ phenotype of many revertants.


UV and gamma-ray sensitivity of meiosis-deficient mutants in Podospora anserina. Two mutants, mei1 and mei2, were isolated by screening for deficiencies occurring in the meiotic process. The sensitivity of mei1 and mei2 mutant strains to UV irradiation showed a significant increase as compared with that of the wild-type stock, whereas the sensitivity to gamma-rays remained unchanged. The double-mutant strains were no more sensitive than each single mutant. The data indicate that both mei1 and mei2 loci are probably involved in the same pathway of excision-repair of UV-induced lesions.


Cytogenetic effects of protracted exposures to alpha-particles from plutonium-239 and to gamma-rays from cobalt-60 compared in male mice. Adult C3H X 101 hybrid male mice were injected intravenously with 4 muCi of 239Pu citrate per kg body weight and examined for evidence of cytogenetic damage to the testis after exposures of 21, 28 and 34 weeks, with average doses from alpha-particles estimated as 13, 18 and 18 rad respectively (mean dose rate 0.00006 rad/min). Results were compared with those obtained when equivalent males were exposed continuously and concurrently to 1128 rad 60Co gamma-irradiation over 28 weeks (0.004 rad/min). The following estimates of the relative effectiveness of the alpha- and gamma-radiation were made: 24 for reciprocal translocations and for chromosome fragments, 22 for dominant lethal mutations acting after implantation. These values (with mean of 23) are based on average testis doses, with no correction for probable non-homogeneity of alpha dose distribution. In the mice exposed to gamma-irradiation there were significant reductions in testis mass and epididymal sperm-count. Although corresponding differences from control were not significant in the alpha series, consideration of results from a previous experiment by the same authors [2] allowed the relative effectiveness of the alpha- and gamma-irradiation for testis mass reduction to be estimated as roughly 10-15. Existing data on translocation induction in mouse spermatogonia by low dose-rates of gamma-rays (down to 0.003 rad/min) were analysed. They suggested that minimum rates of induction at very low intensities were not less than 1 X 10(-5) translocations per rad. A comparison of the frequencies of induction of fragments and of sperm-head abnormalities obtained after chronic gamma-ray exposures in the present experiment with those found by other workers after acute X-ray exposures suggested that there were no marked dose-rate effects with these types of mutational effect. Finally, the special problems associated with cytogenetic studies on alpha-emitters are discussed.


Mutagenic effects of AF-2, a food additive, on embryonic cells of the Syrian golden hamster on transplacental application. Hamster embryos were treated with AF-2 in vivo (in the mother) by transplacental application. Their cells were then isolated, cultured in normal medium for 48 h, and then selected in media containing various concentrations of 8AG or 6TG. This treatment with AF-2 caused marked dose-dependent induction of 8AG- or 6TG-resistant mutants. Direct administration of AF-2 and MNNG to embryonic hamster cells also produced 8AG- and 6TG-resistant colonies. This new method is concluded to be very useful for detection of environmental mutagens and carcinogens when combined with the in vivo-in vitro combination assay of chemical carcinogenesis (transformation test).


Mating behaviour of Ctenomyces serratus. Nineteen isolates of Ctenomyces serratus including three pairs of tester strains were crossed in all possible combinations on diluted Pablum cereal agar with added salts, oatmeal salts agar-Medium E, and soil and hair medium. Out of 190 crosses, 18 were fertile and the remaining 172 were sterile. Of the 19 isolates, seven were '-' mating type, 11 were '+' mating type, and one (UAMH 1959) was non-fertile with the other isolates. The high degree of non-fertile crosses among the 19 isolates shows that the use of mating reactions for the identification of conidial isolates of C. serratus may not be a practical tool, unless a large number of isolates belonging to both the mating types are employed. The production of exudate droplets in the fertile crosses seemed to be correlated with the degree of mating response. Ascocarp morphology corresponded closely to that of a cleistothecium, because of the completely closed nature. Ascospores were quite alike in their size, but they differed in shape, depending on their orientation.


Histoplasmosis in purebred mice: influence of genetic susceptibility and immune depression on treatment. These experiments demonstrate that susceptibility to Histoplasma infection of the mouse is dramatically influenced by genetic and immunologic factors, and that these factors appear to exert little influence on response to therapy. They further demonstrate that such influence may vary in different visceral organs. The explanation for these observations remains to be elucidated.


Tissue distribution of 14C-heteronium bromide: radioactivity levels at different time intervals after oral administration in the rat. The tissue distribution of radioactivity after oral administration to rats of 14C-heteronium bromide is measured by liquid scintillation counting and the results expressed as specific activity and percentage of administered radioactivity. From the data obtained in blood, liver, kidney. stomach, duodenum, cecum, large intestine and stool some conclusions can be drawn. Heteronium bromide undergoes a rapid systemic absorption, the radioactivity being present as early as 15 min from the administration, in all the tested organs. The blood levels show two peaks: one at 120 min and a second at 360 min. This diphasic behaviour can be explained either by the presence of an active enterohepatic circulation, as indirectly indicated by the data from liver and duodenum, or by a transient shift of the molecule from blood to other tissues, rich in polysulfuronic acids. The principal route of excretion is represented by the kidney, where consistent levels are reached at 120 min, while the intestinal route becomes evident at 240 min and reaches its maximum at 720 min. The complete metabolic cycle of the compound is long lasting, since in all the tested tissues, marked radioactivity levels are still present after 720 min. The pharmacokinetic profile obtained, suggesting a long persistence of the drug and/or of its metabolites in the organism, is in agreement with previous pharmacodynamic data showing a long lasting action for heteronium bromide.


Plasma turnover and excretion of K-strophanthoside-3H in human volunteers after parenteral administration. Pharmacokinetic parameters of K-strophanthoside-3H, a short-acting cardiac glycoside, were investigated in healthy subjects, patients suffering from heart disease, renal failure and in cholecystectomized patients with a biliary T-tube inserted surgically, after parenteral administration of 250 mug of the glycoside. The healthy subjects, patients suffering from heart disease and those with the biliary T-tube showed a dominant half-time for plasma turnover of the glycoside of 15-16 h after the i.v. route and 18-22 h after the i.m. route and cumulative urinary excretion of the drug over a 24 h period of 37-42% (i.v. route) and 32-33% (i.m. route). The volumes of distribution were lower in patients with heart disease and patients with biliary fistula than in the healthy subjects. In patients suffering from renal failure the dominant half-time of plasma turnover was higher (33 h), while cumulative urinary excretion of the glycoside (12%) and the volumes of distribution were lower than in the healthy subjects. A peak of plasma levels 30 min after i.m. administration of K-strophanthoside-3H leads to the conclusion that this glycoside is rapidly absorbed when injected intramuscularly.


Comparison of short and long-lasting effects of pargyline on cerebral dopamine metabolism. Behavioural and somatic responses to L-DOPA in rats are potentiated by short-term pretreatment with pargyline. It was therefore of interest to study the influence of the delay between pargyline pretreatment and L-DOPA-injection on the fate of the latter in rat brain. In rats treated with pargyline (50 mg/kg s.c.), the half-lives of recovery of striatal MAO activity and normal endogenous contents of homovanillic and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acids in striatum ranged from 9 to 14 days. The same treatment led to a marked increase (50-100-fold) in the accumulation of 3H-methoxytyramine in whole brain and, though less so, in 3H-dopamine formed from i.v. 3H-DOPA. Recovery from this effect of pargyline, however, was more rapid with a half-life of 15-19 h. Similar changes were observed when 3H-DOPA or 3H-dopamine was injected intracisternally, indicating that the phenomenon did not take place in the cerebral blood capillary walls, which are known to contain DOPA decarboxylase and MAO activities. The only labelled deaminated metabolite of dopamine in the brain after 3H-DOPA i.v. was 3H-homovanillic acid, which was strongly reduced 2 h after pargyline, but normalized after 24 h of pretreatment with the MAO inhibitor. When 3H-alpha-methyldopa instead of 3H-DOPA was injected, no increase in 3H-alpha-methyldopamine and its O-methylated derivative was produced by pargyline pretreatment. Moreover, in an experiment in which the animals were pretreated with pargyline at various times up to 21 days, a second injection of the MAO inhibitor 1.5 h before 3H-DOPA restored the increase in 3H-DA + 3H-MT observed with a single treatment with pargyline 1.5 h before the labelled amino acid. These results suggest that this short-lasting effect of the MAO inhibitor is related to the MAO inhibitory properties of the drug. The threshold dose of pargyline for producing the short-term effect was about 10 times higher than that for an overall MAO (DA deaminating) inhibition. However, it seems unlikely that this was due to near maximal inhibition of overall MAO activity, i.e. that it occurred only when MAO was inhibited by more than, say, 90%. The data reported suggest the existence of a small portion of an additional form of MAO with a rapid turnover and with a marked capacity to deaminate dopamine or methoxytyramine, and a greater resistance to inhibition by pargyline than cerebral MAO in general.


Effects of morphine on central catecholamine turnover, blood pressure and heart rate in the rat. In the unanaesthetized rat morphine caused increased dopamine (DA) turnover, unchanged or possibly increased central noradrenaline (NA) turnover (utilization), hypertension and tachycardia. In the anaesthetized rat, brain DA turnover was not affected, whereas the NA-turnover was decelerated, particularly in some brain regions, e.g. cerebral cortex and medulla oblongata, and hypotension and bradycardia was obtained. Both biochemical and cardiovascular effects of morphine were antagonized by naloxone. A very small dose of morphine (1 mg/kg) caused tachycardia also in the anaesthetized rat. Decerebration just inferior to the inferior colliculus abolished the conscious rat, but left the circulatory, depressant actions of the drug unchanged. The morphine-induced cardiovascular effects, particularly the hypotension and bradycardia in the anaesthetized animal, are suggested to be related to, or mediated by, the effects of the drug on brain NA-mechanisms, especially in view of several similarities between morphine and the antihypertensive alpha-adrenergic agonist clonidine. Whereas higher brain structures appear important in the excitatory, circulatory effects of morphine, structures below the decerebration level, e.g. medulla oblongata, appear primarily involved in the hypotension and bradycardia obtained in the anaesthetized animal. Possibly, morphine has a diphasic dose-response curve with respect to cardiovascular function and, by inference, on brain noradrenergic mechanisms.


Modification of oxotremorine tremor and hypothermia by injections of drugs into the cerebral ventricles of the mouse. 1. The effect of various agents injected into the cerebral ventricles of the mouse, upon the tremor and hypothermia produced by oxotremorine (0.5 mg/kg i.p.) was studied. 2. Acetylcholine (0.1-10 mug) produced a dose-dependent potentiation of oxotremorine tremor in contrast to the multiphasic effect it had on the accompanying hypothermia. Both tremor and hypothermia were antagonised by very small doses (0.1-10 ng) of atropine. 3. Dopamine and apomorphine (0.1-10 mug) had no significant effect on oxotremorine tremor. A dose-dependent potentiation of hypothermia was, however, observed. 4. Noradrenaline (0.1-10 mug), phentolamine and propranolol (0.1-10 mug) produced no significant effect on tremor and inconsistent results were obtained on hypothermia. 5. Neither tremor nor hypothermia were affected by 5-hydroxytryptamine (1-20 mug). 6. Oxotremorine tremor appears to be due solely to the activation of cholinergic pathways, whereas the production of hypothermia is brought about via a system involving both cholinergic and dopaminergic components. 5-Hydroxytryptamine is not involved.


On the action of nifedipine under conditions of variable stimulation patterns and [Ca2+]0 in guinea-pig atrium. The effect of nifedipine is studied in perfused isolated guinea-pig left atrium at a temperature of 37 degrees C and a stimulation rate between 60 and 240/min. Rhythmical stimulation at 240/min was interrupted by interposed stimulus intervals (test intervals) in a range of 0.1-4 s. The pressure amplitudes developed during subsequent test contractions rise up to a maximum with increasing test intervals. This time course is described as restitution in contractile response. Results. Restitution is somewhat faster in earlier than in later stages of perfusion. A rise in [Ca2+]0 accelerates restitution without changing maximal pressure development. Lowering [Ca2+]0 depresses pressure amplitudes over the whole range of test intervals. Nifedipine slows down restitution but has (in concentrations up to 10(-6) M) no effect on the maximum achieved after long test intervals following stimulation at 240/min. The negative inotropic effect of nifedipine on rhythmical pressure development rises with increasing stimulation frequency in the range from 60-240/min. An elevation in [Ca2+]0 does not reestablish control pressure-frequency relationship. Conclusions. In respect to the restitution process and also to the pressure-frequency relationship the effect of nifedipine can neither be simulated by a reduction in [Ca2+]0 nor abolished by an elevation in [Ca2+]0.


Effects of atrio-ventricular conduction of calcium-antagonistic coronary vasodilators, local anaesthetics and quinidine injected into the posterior and the anterior septal artery of the atrio-ventricular node preparation of the dog. The effects on atrio-ventricular (A-V) conduction and blood flow of calcium-antagonists (verapamil, nifedipine and diltiazem), local anaesthetics (procaine and lidocaine) and quinidine were investigated in the isolated, cross-circulated A-V node preparation of the dog. The drugs were injected individually into the posterior septal artery (PSA) through which the upper part of the A-V node is mainly perfused or into the anterior septal artery (ASA) through which the lower part of the node and the more distal conduction system are perfused. Single injections into the PSA of nifedipine (0.3-10 mug), verapamil (1-30 mug), diltiazem (1-30 mug), quinidine (30-300 mug), lidocaine (100 mug-1 mg) and procaine (300 mug-3 mg) produced a dose-related increase in the A-V conduction time and with higher doses of these drugs a second or third degree block of A-V conduction occurred. Nifedipine (0.3-30 mug) and verapamil (1-100 mug) injected into the ASA scarcely affected A-V conduction. Quinidine (30 mug-1 mg) and lidocaine (100 mug-3 mg) injected into the ASA prolonged the A-V conduction time in a dose-related manner, although the effects were less prominent than those produced upon injection into the PSA. High doses of quinidine (3 mg) and lidocaine (3-10 mg) injected into the ASA altered the shape of ventricular bipolar electrograms and prolonged the time interval between an electrogram of the right bundle branch and that of the ventricle. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that in excitation of A-V nodal cells a slow calcium current rather than a fast sodium current plays an important role and that in the His-Purkinje-ventricular system the fast sodium current is predominant. Single injections of the 6 drugs into the PSA produced a dose-related increase in blood flow through the PSA. All drugs but nifedipine increased the blood flow in almost the same dose range that caused impairment of A-V conduction. Nifedipine was 10 times more potent in increasing the blood flow than in impairing A-V conduction.


Inhibition of the adrenalectomy-induced increase in plasma renin concentration by vasoconstrictor agents in rats. Plasma renin concentrations in rats increase after bilateral adrenalectomy without sodium substitution. The effects of i.v. infused (asp1-beta-amid, val5)-angiotensin II (1 mug/kg min), felypressin (phen2, lys8-vasopressin) (40 mU/kg min) and phenylephrine (30 mug/kg min) were investigated on the increase in plasma renin concentration. These effects of the agents were compared with their actions on blood pressure, heart rate and renal hemodynamics. In rats with destroyed macula densa cells the effect of bilateral adrenalectomy without sodium substitution was also studied. Adrenalectomy still increased the plasma renin concentration. Angiotensin II and felypressin, also depressed under these conditions the elevation of plasma renin concentration caused by adrenalectomy. The mechanism of the adrenalectomy-induced renin release and its suppression by vasoconstrictor agents is discussed.


Effects of bombesin on erythropoietin production in the anaesthetized dog. Bombesin, a tetradecapeptide isolated from the skin of some European discoglossid frogs, has been reported previously to reduce renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate and to increase plasma renin activity in anaesthetized dogs. In the present study bombesin was infused intravenously in anaesthetized dogs at dose levels of 3, 6 and 12 ng/kg/min for 6 h and renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, oxygen consumption, oxygen extraction by the kidney tissue, as well as plasma erythropoietin levels (ESF) and plasma renin activity were measured. Plasma levels of ESF increased during bombesin infusion only when renal blood flow was reduced to a level of 1 ml/g/min or less. In this situation glomerular filtration was blocked, renal oxygen consumption was decreased to 10% of normal and oxygen extraction by the kidney was increased by 2 times. No correlation was found between plasma renin activity and ESF concentrations during bombesin infusion. It is concluded that the stimulant action of bombesin on ESF production is a consequence of the renal hypoxia induced by the reduction in renal blood flow.


Adenylate cyclase of the dog gastric mucosa: stimulation by histamine and inhibition by metiamide. The activity of the non-stimulated, basal adenylate cyclase of the dog gastric mucosa is reduced by the histamine H2-receptor antagonist metiamide but not by the histamine H1-receptor antagonist mepyramine. Histamine activates the adenylate cyclase only slightly. In the presence of 10(-5) M metiamide a concentration-dependent stimulation of the enzyme by histamine was found. These data indicate that endogenous histamine in dog gastric mucosal homogenate is contributing at least in part to what is measured as "basal" adenylate cyclase activity. This effect is mediated by H2-receptor excitation and in earlier studies has prevented the demonstration of a stimulatory effect of exogenous histamine on this enzyme.


Effect of veratridine on the fluxes of 3H-noradrenaline and 3h-bretylium in the rat vas deferens in vitro. The effect of the depolarizing agent veratridine on the accumulation and release of of 3H-noradrenaline and 3H-bretylium in in the rat vas deferens in vitro was examined. Veratridine produced inhibition of the accumulation and induced marked release of the amines. In vas deferens from non-reserpinized rats the release of noradrenaline evoked by veratridine was partially antagonized by omission of Ca2+ in the incubation medium and partially inhibited by low concentrations of desipramine. In reserpinized vas deferens the release of noradrenaline like that of bretylium in normal vas was not affected by omission of Ca2+ but inhibited by low concentrations (3-5 X 10(-7) M) of desipramine. Tetrodotoxin and the local anesthetics millicaine and lidocaine antagonized the effect of veratridine on the accumulation and release of the amines, probably due to prevention of the depolarization. High concentration (3 X 10(-5) M) of desipramine had a similar effect on the release of noradrenaline in normal tissue in presence of external Ca2+. It is concluded that noradrenaline is released by veratridine from normal vas deferens by two mechanisms: 1) an exocytosis release, 2) a carrier mediated desipramine sensitive outward transport; In reserpinized tissue the second mechanism is solely responsible for the release of noradrenaline. Bretylium is only released by the second mechanism. It is suggested that the inhibiton of the amine accumulation by veratridine is due to an equilibrium of the influx at a low tissue to medium ratio.


Presence of muscarinic inhibitory and absence of nicotinic excitatory receptors at the terminal sympathetic nerves of chicken hearts. Nicotine (2 X 10(-4) M) or acetylcholine (5.5 X 10(-4) M) in the presence of 3 X 10(-6) M atropine did not increase the rate or amplitude of contraction in isolated atria or ventricular strips of the chicken heart; both drugs also did not cause an output of noradrenaline or adrenaline and did not evoke antidromic discharges in the right sympathetic nerves of isolated perfused chicken hearts. In contrast, "high K+-solutions" evoked an output of noradrenaline and adrenaline and caused a burst of antidromic discharges. Dimethylphenylpiperazine (DMPP; 3.1 X 10(-4) M), by a tyramine-like action, elicited a small output of noradrenaline and increased rate and amplitude of contraction" but did not evoke antidromic discharges. The noradrenaline output caused by DMPP was not reduced by lowering the extracellular Ca2+ concentration from 1;8 to 0.1125 mM.-Acetyl-choline (10(-5) and 10(-4) M)inhibited the noradrenaline and adrenaline outputs evoked by electrical stimulation of the right sympathetic nerves (3 HZ, 1 ms, 30 V); the inhibition was blocked by 3 X 10(-6) M atropine.-It is concluded that the terminal parts of sympathetic nerves of the chicken heart possess muscarinic inhibitory receptors but lack nicotinic excitatory receptors. Thus prejunctional nicotinic receptors are not an integral part of the terminal sympathetic neurone otherwise they would be present at this neurone in all species.


Suppression of ethanol-induced locomotor stimulation by GABA-like drugs. Ethanol (2.4 g/kg) was given intraperitoneally to mice and was found to cause a marked increase in spontaneous locomotor activity. When mice were pretreated with low doses of agents which mimic or augment the action of GABA (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, baclophen, or aminooxyacetic acid) the ethanol-induced locomotor stimulation was completely eliminated; Baclophen (10 mg/kg) was found to cause an initial increase followed by a later decrease in synthesis of catecholamines, as measured by the accumulation of dopa after inhibition of central aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, in dopamine-rich areas of rat brain. These data are consistent with previous findings that baclophen, as well as other agents which enhance the activity of GABA systems, reduce the firing of dopamine neurons, thus causing enhanced synthesis of dopamine via feedback mechanisms. These findings also indicate a potential interaction between GABA-like drugs and alcohol in man, and may be of heuristic value in the treatment of chronic alcoholism. The possibility that the mechanism of the inhibition of ethanol-induced locomotor stimulation by GABA-like drugs may be due to a selective interference with ethanol-induced dopamine release is discussed.


Effect of hog anaphylatoxin (C 5a) on vascular permeability and leukocyte emigration in vivo. The effects of highly purified hog anaphylatoxin (C 5a) on leukocyte emigration were investigated in guinea pigs in vivo using two experimental models: 1. Subcutaneous infusions. Sterile solutions of C 5a in saline infused at a rate of 1.8 mug C 5a/h (0.2 ml/h) for 10 h induced a dense accumulation of leukocytes, mainly neutrophils but also some eosinophils at the site of application; In control infusions with saline alone comparatively few leukocytes were found. 2. Single injections into the pleural cavity. 10 or 20 mug C 5a (dissolved in 2 ml saline) caused a dose-dependent increase in leukocyte number and volume of pleural exudate. Bradykinin in a dose of 18 mug produced similar fluid exudation as 20 mug C 5a but had no significant effect on leukocyte accumulation. Intrapleural injections of C 5a further caused the appearance of i.v. injected Evans blue in the pleural cavity. This effect, indicating an increase in vascular permeability lasted for about 3 h; Since at least one of the two models used - subcutaneous infusion -simulates natural conditions -continuous local generation of C 5a in small amounts at the site of an inflammatory lesion-the results indicate that C 5a once formed by complement activation in natural defense reactions may contribute to local increase in vascular permeability and leukocyte infiltration.


The effect of diphenylhydantoin, diazepam and clonazepam on the activity of Purkinje cells in the rat cerebellum. Spike discharges of single cerebellar Purkinje cells were recorded continuously with extracellular microelectrodes in unanesthetized curarized rats. The intravenous injection of diphenylhydantoin in doses between 10 and 100 mg kg-1 did not substantially alter the activity of Purkinje cells within 2--3 h. The two benzodiazepines, diazepam and clonazepam, already in low i.v. doses (0.03--0.1 mg kg-1) consistently and reversibly depressed the firing rate. Our results do not support the previously advanced hypothesis that these drugs reduce epileptiform activities by increasing the output from the cerebellar cortex. They rather point to the possibility that a reduced firing rate of cerebellar Purkinje cells mediates at least in part ataxia and muscular hypotonia observed after the drugs.


Stimulation of adenylate cyclase of guinea pig gastric mucosa by histamine, sodium fluoride and 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate and inhibition by histamine H1- and H2-receptor antagonists in vitro. There are experimental data indicating that cyclic AMP is involved in the regulation of gastric acid secretion in various mammalian species. In a broken cell preparation of guinea pig gastric mucosa the effects of some stimulants of gastric acid secretion on the activity of adenylate cyclase were studied. The basal adenylate cyclase activity was 483 +/- 43 pmoles cyclic AMP/mg protein x 10 min. The activity could be stimulated by histamine maximally 5-fold, by sodium fluoride (NaF) maximally 20-fold and by 5-guanylylimidodiphosphate (GMP-PNP) maximally 10-fold. Neither pentagastrin nor carbachol were able to stimulate the adenylate cyclase. Stimulants of adrenergic alpha- or beta-receptors (phenylephrine, isoproterenol) were also ineffective. The activation of the adenylate cyclase by histamine was inhibited by the histamine H1-receptor antagonists diphenhydramine and mepyramine as well as by the histamine H2-receptor antagonist metiamide. On the other hand, the stimulatory action of NaF OR GMP-PNP could be antagonized only by high concentrations of dipenhydramine or mepyramine while metiamide showed no antagonizing effect in this respect. Thus this preparation can be used as a tool to determine the activity and specificity of histamine H2-receptor antagonists.


Pharmacokinetics of spironolactone in man. Five healthy male volunteers received 500 mg Aldactone orally together 100 muCi 3H-20-21-spironolactone; one elderly patient received 1 mCi 3H-spironolactone without additional 'cold' drug. For 6 days the disposition kinetics of the drug were studied in plasma, urine and feces. The tritium concentrations in plasma reached a peak between 25-40 min after administration amounting to 2-3% of the dose/1. Up to the 12th h, they fell rapidly and showed a monoexponential decline (t 1/2: 2.57 +/- 0.27 days) between the 36th and 96th h. Later, a striking increase in the speed of elimination of radioactivity from plasma (t 1/2: 1.66 +/- 0.21 days) was observed. The biological half-life of labeled material in plasma was longer than that of fluorigenic compounds. 47-57% of the dose were excreted in urine and the remaining amount could be detected in feces (total recovery 90%). The half-life of the urinary excretion rate was distinctly shorter (t 1/2: 0.9 +/- 0.11 days) than that of total radioactivity in plasma. This, together with an observed increase of the polar fraction in urine from 35 up to 85%, which was accompanied by a decrease in plasma from 55 to 35%, suggests either tubular reabsorption or enterohepatic recirculation of lipophilic compounds. TLC-separation of the lipophilic fraction in urine revealed two previously unknown compounds of which the main congener was identified as 3-(3-oxo-7 alpha-methylsulfonyl-6 beta, 17 beta-dihydroxy-4-androsten-17 alpha-yl) propionic acid gamma-lactone, as well as canrenone and the metabolites which have already been described (Karim and Brown, 1972; Karim et al., 1975). This metabolite represents the main lipophilic degradation product in urine within the first hours, whereas the 6 beta-OH-7 alpha-methylsulfinyl-spirolactone leveled off and seemed to be and endexcretion product. For further characterisation, the polar fraction was subjected to acidic hydrolysis. The known metabolic pathways of spironolactone degradation are discussed.


Uptake of 14C-5-hydroxytryptamine by human and rat platelets and its pharmacological inhibition. A comparative kinetic analysis. In order to approach the uptake of 14C-5HT by platelets as a first-order process, experimental conditions were selected in which accumulation of the amine either by diffusion or by other passive nonsaturable processes could be excluded. These conditions included an incubation period of 14C-5HT with human or rat platelets of 4 min or 30 s, respectively and the use of substrate concentrations around the calculated apparent Km values (0.25 - 2.0 muM). While the apparent Km values were rather similar for human and rat platelets, Vmax was about 5 times higher in rat than in human platelets. The kinetic model adopted in this study was used to evaluate the relative potency and the type of inhibiton of 14C-5HT uptake exhibited by imipramine, chlorimipramine and (+)-fenfluramine. All 3 compounds inhibited 14C-5HT uptake by platelets. Chlorimipramine was about 10 times more effective than imipramine both in rat and in human platelets. Both drugs were more potent inhibitors on human than on rat platelets. (+)-Fenfluramine was almost as active as imipramine on rat but 30 times less potent than imipramine on human platelets. Both imipramine and chlorimipramine inhibited 14C-5HT uptake by an apparent non-competitive mechanism, whereas (+)-fenfluramine appeared to act as a competitive inhibitor. No differences were found in this respect between human and rat platelets. Pharmacological or therapeutic doses of these drugs usually result in plasma concentrations similar to those found in this study to effectively inhibit platelet 14C-5HT uptake.


Excretion of sulfobromophthalein in rats with iodomethane-induced depletion of hepatic glutathione. Male urethane-anesthetized Wistar rats with biliary fistulas were infused for 60 min i.v. with sulfobromophthalein (BSP) or BSP-glutathione conjugate (BSP-GSH) at 594 nmol/100 g/min. Thirty minutes prior to the start of the infusion, 20 mg/kg iodomethane, dissolved in oliver oil, was given into the duodenum. The control received oil only. At the start of the infusion the hepatic concentration of GSH was 0.96 +/- 0.23 mg/g liver in the iodomethane-treated animals versus 1.93 +/- 0.13 mg/g liver in the control (P less than 0.001). When unconjugated BSP was infused, the excretion of total BSP (unconjugated plus conjugated) was markedly lower in the iodomethane-treated group than in the control. This difference was due solely to differences in biliary appearing conjugated BSP; the excretion of unconjugated BSP was identical in both groups. The different excretion patterns were paralleled by equal hepatic accumulation of total BSP in both groups. The ratio of unconjugated BSP/BSP-GSH in the liver was about twice as high after pretreatment with iodomethane than in the control group. When BSP-GSH instead of BSP was infused, the excretion rates of this dye were identical in both groups. The maximal transport capacity (Tm) was double that observed with infusion of unconjugated BSP in control animals. There is indirect evidence that BSP and BSP-GSH might have different excretion pathways.


[Background and evoked activity of visual cortex neurons of a mutant strain of mice]. Background and evoked activities of visual neurons were studied in mice with hereditary microphthalmia ("ocular retardation", "or/or"). Phenotypical action of the "or" gene manifested itself in underdevelopment of the optical nerve followed by full blindness of the animal. Control experiments were carried out on C57Br mice. Higher level of background activity in neurons of mutant animals as well as differences in distribution of neurons according to the type of background activity were found. In the "or/or" mice regularly firing neurons were 2.5 times as frequent while bursting cells were 2.7 times as seldom as in the control group. Mutant mice cells were more reactive to sounds. Their responses to sound and cutaneous stimulation were usually tonic and mostly of excitatory nature. Convergence of heterogeneous afferent signals was demonstrated for 42% of mutant mice cells. It is suggested that these functional properties are phenotypical manifestations of mutant gene action on cortical neurons.


[Complex action potentials of the secondary neurons of the rat olfactory bulb]. Complex action potentials (background and evoked by the lateral olfactory tract stimulation) were recorded from the secondary neurons of the olfactory bulb. The amplitude and duration of the complex action potentials changed depending on the synchronous appearance and combination of their elementary components. It is supposed that they were recorded in cases when the electrode was located near the spike-generating zones and that there are many such zones in the dendrites of the secondary neurons. The evoked action potentials appeared with different latencies (about 1 ms, about 2 ms, about 3 ms). Data are presented indicating that the antidromic response arises with the first latency and the responses with other latencies are synaptic. Synaptic responses were found more often than antidromic ones. These data suggest a variable representation of excitatory synapses in the secondary neurons (besides the excitatory olfactory glomerulus input).


[Comparative study of the electrocorticogram of several brain fields of dozing cats in a chronic experiment]. Peculatities of background electrical activity of some projection regions, the I somatosensory (field 53), and I and II auditory (fields 22 and 52, respectively), visual (field 17) and associative cortex (field 5), were studied in chronic experiments, performed on unanesthetized dozy cats. In transient periods, from vigil to sleep and vice versa, the maximal distinctions in slow-wave activity were detected between the regions under recording. They consisted in dissimilarities of spindle activity and low crosscorrelation coefficients (0.21 +/- 0.04). The synchrony of the potentials of different cortical regions increased and the crosscorrelation coefficients grew from 0.4 +/- 18 as sleep deepened. The functional reorganization of thalamic pacemaker mechanisms is supposed to take place with changes in the sleep depth. No distinctions in desynchronization were observed in different projective cortical fields because of the expressive orientation reflex. Only after the orientation reaction was suppressed and after application of the stimuli of adequate strength it was possible to reveal specific peculiarities of the projective field electrical reaction. Availability of definite conditions is emphasized for developing specific signs of the projective field electrical reaction.


[Reactions of neurons of the reticular and ventral anterior thalamic nuclei of the cat to electric stimulation of the relay nuclei of the optic thalamus]. Responses of 92 reticular (R) and 105 ventral anterior (VA) thalamic neurons to electrical stimulation of relay nuclei, ventrobasal complex (VB), lateral (GL) and medial (GM) geniculate bodies, were studied in cats immobilized with d-tubocurarine. 72.2% of R and 76.2% of VA investigated neurons responded to VB stimulation, while GM stimulation caused responses only in 15.0% of R and 27.1% of VA neurons and GL stimulation in 10.2% of R and 19.6% of VA neurons. The responses of R-VA neurons to relay nuclei stimulation were expressed, as a rule in excitation. Two types of excited neurons were distinguished: the first group responded to stimulation of afferent inputs by the discharge of 5-15 spikes at a frequency of 250-300 p/s, the second group responded by single action potential. According to peculiarities of their responses, the neurons of the first group are resembling inhibitory interneurons. 2.2% of R and 7.8% of VA neurons responded to relay nuclei stimulation by antidromic spikes. Among R and VA neurons there are cells which respond to stimulation of one, two and even three different relay nuclei. If stimulation of one relay nucleus is followed by a response of R or VA neuron, the preceding stimulation of another relay nucleus, with the time interval between the conditioning and testing stimuli being less than 30-50 ms, induced the inhibition of the response to the testing stimulus.


[Effect of stimulus intensity on neuronal reactions of the frontal region of the cat cortex]. The pulse activity of neurons of the cortex frontal region was studied in cat under conditions of acute experiment under chloralose (70 mg/kg) by means of extracellular recording. The stimulus intensity varied in the near threshold range (15-16 db over the threshold of a summarized evoked potentional). A comparative analysis of the neuronal responses of specific (field S1) and nonspecific projections demonstrated similar in principle reconstructions with an increase in the stimulus intensity: a decrease in the latent period, rise in total frequency and phase of the discharge, an increase in the response probability. However, a relatively stable level of the latent period and the response probability were achieved for neurons of specific projection at the stimulus intensity equal 3-5 of threshold units, and for neurons of nonspecific projections at the stimulus intensity equal to 10-15 of threshold units. All sensory projections in the frontal cortex are formed by two inputs: short-latent low-threshold and long-latent high-threshold. Analysis of modal conditioned differences in threshold sensitivity and duration of the latent period of the polysensory neurons responses gives reason to assume the convergence of different modal signals right on cortical neurons.


[Interaction of central and peripheral temperature signals on the thermosensitive neurons of the hypothalamus]. Changes in the mean firing rate of neurons in the posterior hypothalamus were studied in unanesthetized rabbits at the local increase in the brain temperature (0.7-1.5 C) and at an increase in the skin temperature (3-5 degrees C). 85 neurons were examined in 14 rabbits. 11 neurons (of 85) responded selectively to one of the used temperature influences. Changes in the unit activity to both temperature influences (more often of the same direction) were observed in 16 neurons. Different types of these neuronal responces were found. An increase in thermosensitivy was found in some neurons when the thermal stimulation of the skin was intensified.


[Changes in the distribution of synaptic vesicles in cone endings following electrical stimulation of the retina]. The conditions were found (hypoxic state of the retina) under which exhausture of the transmitter in presynaptic endings of photoreceptors may be supposed from a decrease in responses of horizontal cells to electric stimulation of the retina. Under these conditions the electric stimulation is accompanied by a decrease in the number of small synaptic vesicles near the presynaptic membranes in cones. However, there are no reliable changes in the total number of vesicles in cone endings.


Influence of a tendon reflex on the motor neurons of antagonistic muscles in man. The knee reflex was evoked during rhythmic activity of relatively low-threshold motor units of m. biceps fem. activated by weak voluntary contraction. Along with a reflectory response from m. rectus fem. the discharges from impulsating units of m. biceps fem. synchronous to the response were observed, as well as the recruitment of new units. Post-stimulation histograms and statistical analysis of interspike intervals of m. biceps fem. units revealed in most units a noticeable excitatory effect syndhronous to a reflectory response from m. rectus fem. This may be accounted fro by the presence of excitatory inputs of Ia afferents on motoneurons of the antagonist. Some delayed inhibitory effects on the antagonist motoneurons were found to follow their synchronous excitation. Apparently, they are analogous to the "silent period" of the antagonist motoneurons during the evoked tendon reflex.


[Coordination of the movement of the tube feet and arms of ophiurae during locomotion]. A role of the tube feet is considered for locomotion of ophiura Amphipholis kochii. During stepping, a tube foot sticks to the ground at its front position, and comes unstuck at the end of the step when reaching a certain hind position (relatively the direction of locomotion). Such an organization of the tubefoot mechanisms of stepping simplifies considerably the cooridination of tube feet and arms movements. The tube feet stick to the ground automatically when the arm on which they are located performs motor functions and push or pull the ophiura forwards; on the contrary, the tube feet come unstuck automatically when their arm moves forwards. Thus, the central nervous system is likely not to participate in the coordination of the tube feet and arms movements. It only determines the common direction of stepping for all tube feet, whereas the coordination between the tube feet and arms is achieved because of special properties of the tube feet stepping mechanisms.


The effects of high calcium concentrations on renal ammoniagenesis by rat kidney slices. Deficiencies in acid excretion during hypercalcemia have been reported, and this defect has been ascribed to a deficiency in ammonia excretion. Because no changes in urine pH and urine flow occurred to explain decreased ammonia excretion, this suggested to us that decreased excretion was secondary to decreased renal ammonia production. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the ability of kidney slices from rats to produce ammonia and glucose and to consume oxygen when incubated in varying concentrations of calcium. High medium concentrations of calcium (3 and 4 mM) decreased kidney slice ammonia-genesis from glutamine and glutamine and kidney slice oxygen consumption while not affecting gluconeogenesis. Based upon our findings, we propose that hypercalcemia decreases urine ammonia excretion by depressing renal ammonia production.


A case of juxtaglomerular cell tumor diagnosed preoperatively. A case of juxtaglomerular cell tumor, the fourth case in the world diagnosed preoperatively, was reported. Neither strict sodium restriction nor loading of upright position increased a grade of hyperreninemia observed at recumbant position on ordinary diet, but Pald elevated in response to them. Abnormal glucose tolerance was considered to be due to hypopotassemia. Selective renal arteriography revealed a small number of tumor vessels, a lucent area on the nephrogram and early appearance of the renal vein of the diseased side. Histologically, the tumor contained some canalicular structures among the polygonal nonepithelial tumor cells with rhomboid bodies. These findings suggested that this tumor was a hamartoma originated from the juxtaglomerular apparatus.


[Gamma-myelography in neurosurgery].

[Gamma-myelography in neurosurgery]. The gamma-myelography is rapid and riskless investigation whose practice is very easy to perform while doing CSF study. The choice of radioactive tracer in liquid or gaseous phase depends on suspected abnormality. In case of medullar compression, it enables to affirm the diagnosis of block and define its level. It does not enable to know the intra or extradural localization of a lesion. For this reason we often use in the same time a 99mTc stannous pyrophosphates scintigraphy of rachis. Association of these two technics is particularly interesting in case of pressure myelitis due to vertebral metastatic localization. In traumatic pathology, gamma-myelography can be realized in cases of emergency, because of its inocuity and rapidity of its realization (10 min. with use of 133 Xenon).


[The circle of Willis in children and the factors shaping it]. The pattern of the circulus arteriosus cerebri was studied on the sagittal plane in 41 brains taking off on children from birth to 14 years. Internal diameters were measured on the segments of the circulus, on the cortical efferent vessels and on the internal carotid afferent arteries. In only 17/41 cases, a symetry of the segment of the cortical efferent branches and of the carotid arteries. We found different factors associated with the assymetry of the circulus arteriosus, namely cerebral conditions as demonstrated in our pathological cases and embryological dispositions. Three grades are proposed according anatomic criteria. They are related to a greater complexity and interaction of the conditions mentionned above:-grade 1 "foetal" : symetry is complete;-grade 2 : there is a symetry of the cortical branches, but an assymetry of the circulus arteriosus, which is obtained by compensatory modelling of the circulus arteriosus, working to equalize the cerebral flow; -grade 3 : there is an assymetry of the circulus and of the cortical efferent branches suggesting a failure of adaptation. It is assumed that this modelling of the circulus has consequences on adult anatomic and functional conditions. Indeed, the other modelating factors which affect the adult circulus refer mainly to the grade obtained in childhood.


[Microsurgical treatment of a series of intracranial subtentorial arterial aneurysms]. A series of 60 arterial aneurysms is reported, pateints pre-operatively being from grade I to grade IV of the classification of Botterell. Microsurgical technique is emphasized : patients are operated on through the fronto-lateral approach described by Yasargil. The most patients with anterior communicating artery aneurysm are operated on from the right side, except for patients with only one left anterior cerebral artery. Middle cerebral artery aneurysms are approached by the proximal way, along the internal carotid artery and then following the main trunk of middle cerebral artery. Concerning the internal carotid artery aneurysms, the carotid bifurcation aneurysms, the true posterior communicating artery aneurysms, dissection is generally performed without particular difficulty, except for the low internal carotid artery aneurysms (carotido-ophtalmic aneurysms); in these latter, the anterior clinoid process and the internal part of sphenoidal ridge must be removed. In case of intra-cerebral hematoma, only a part of hematoma is at first sucked away, up to a sufficient view of the chiasmatic cistern; then, releasing of cerebro-spinal fluid allows the management of the aneurysm and the  remaining part of hematoma is totally evacuated after clipping of aneurysm. Reduction of the neck and sometimes of the whole aneurysm is performed with bipolar forceps. Every aneurysm was treated with metal clip (Yasargil, Scoville, Heifetz, Sundt's clip-graft). In no case a silk ligature was used...


[Value of computerized axial tomography in cranio-cerebral injuries]. Since May 1975 was have been working in the field of C.A.T. and its application to study head injuries. We are presenting differents groups of patients studied by C.A.T. I. -- DATA OF C.A.T. IN THE CASES OF EMERGENCY AND IMMEDIATE POST-OPERATIVE FOLLOW-UP OF HEAD INJURIES A) EMERGENCY STATE As soon as the clinical state  of an head injured patient was supposed to need an operation, C.A.T. was realized; so differents abnormal scanners may be observed: 1. epidural hematoma, 2. subdural hematoma, 3. intra-cerebral hematoma, 4. acute subdural hematoma or contusion. We must do some comments: -- The Emi-scanner is pre-eminent in showing the exact topography of the lesion : so, the flap is easier to realise. -- In most cases the Emi-scanner is easier to interpret than angiogram for example contusion and hematoma. We know the goods results in hematomas and the poors results in surgery of contusions. -- But the senior advantage of C.A.T. is to provide all the informations in the totality of skull content. Emi-scanner shows bilateral lesions, ipsilateral lesion. C.A.T. is pre-eminent in showing the presence of this two lesions, more accurately than senior methods of investigations, so C.A.T. permits emergency neurosurgical treatment. B) C.A.T. AND FOLLOW-UP Repeated studies at post-intervals can be accomplished without risk to the patient, thus making follow-up simpler and more effective to the neurosurgical attitude. C) POST-OPERATIVE CONTROL AND C.A.T. Post-operative complications are always hard to diagnosis. C.A.T. is painless, quick and safe, and easier to interpret than an angiogram. II -- SEQUELLAE STADE AND C.A.T. In this field certains advantages of C.A.T. are immediatly apparents. In most cases the C.A.T. is the best screening method. Patients carried out are: -- psychiatric troubles, -- post-traumatic epilepsy. The results are not reliable. There is no anatomical-clinical relation in most cases. Differents pictures are observed: -- asymetrical ventricle enlargment, -- global ventricule enlargment, -- partial cerebral atrophy. III -- DISCUSSION 1. We are at the beginning of our study. 2. This not always possible to obtain a C.A.T. in emergency for a head injury, especialy at night. 3. Patients investigated following head trauma are among the most difficult to study with C.A.T. These invididuals send to be restless and uncooperative. Numerous artefacts produced by patient motion may lead to erroneous negative or positive diagnosis, so general anesthesia is often helpful. It is hoped that as a more rapid scanners become available this problem will be obviated. The C.A.T. alone is not capable, to provide all the necessary date concerning head injury. The C.A.T. is, however, re-adjusting our total investigation (E.E.G., angiograms) philosophy and practice rather than replacing the standard neuroradiological technique, except, may be, with epidural hematoma.


The role of hypothalamic afferents in the release of prolactin induced by ovarian steroids. The importance of frontal and caudal afferents to the hypothalamus in the release of prolactin induced by estrogen and progesterone was studied in gonadectomized female and male rats. The serum prolactin levels 2 or 3 days after the injection of 20 mug estradiol benzoate (EB) into ovariectomized rats were significantly lower in animals with retrochiasmatic section interrupting the anterior inputs to the hypothalamus than in control animals, whereas the prolactin secretion induced by progesterone (2 mg) injection in EB-primed animals was not affected. On the contrary, interruption of caudal afferents to the hypothalamus had no effect on the increase in serum prolactin induced by EB injection. A hypersensitive prolactin response to the injection of estrogen or progesterone occurred in animals with frontal hypothalamic deafferentation. It is concluded that prolactin secretion induced by estrogen injection depends not only on the activation of hypothalamic and pituitary mechanisms, but also on the stimulation of frontal neural afferents to the hypothalamus. The latter mechanism does not operate in male rats.


[Right lumbo-crural sciatica due to a vertebral osteochondroma]. The above case-report is about unilateral lumbar-crural-sciatalgie which has led to the finding of a spinal tumour situated within the articular block on the right side of the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae. The clinical picture produced by this slowly growing tumour was that of spinal root compression which has called for its surgical removal. Histological examination of the tumour revealed an osteochondroma, the original aspects of which lie in its localization, the presenting symptoms, the age of the patients an in its course.