Nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) in Chinese hamster chromosomes as visualized by Coomasie brilliant blue. Nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) of Chinese hamster chromosomes have been demonstrated by using a Coomasie brilliant blue dye (CBB) method. The staining procedure involved is simple and the results are reproducible. The staining process is easily controllable because over-staining of the chromosomes seldom occurs. The CBB solution is stable (pH 3) and can be used for many days at room temperature. Contrary to the silver technique, the stained material in the NORs is resistant to acid extraction. Since it is sensitive to trypsin treatment, it is suggested that the CBB stained material is protein in nature.


Hormone-responsive genes of the mouse mammary tumor virus. By optimal hormonal treatment the production of exogenously transmitted MMTV can be stimulated in vitro to different degrees, depending on cultivation conditions and origin of tumor cells. Moreover, after appropriate hormonal treatment, endogenous MMTV-Y can be rescued from primary cell cultures derived from dimethyl benzanthracene- and hormone-induced C57BL/10 mouse mammary adenocarcinoma, as determined by reverse transcriptase assay, distribution of 3H-uridine-labelled viral particles, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy. On the contrary, all attempts to rescue MMTV-Y from cultures derived from urethane-induced C57BL/10 tumors failed. These data indicate that upon syncarcinogenic action of non-viral carcinogenes, estrogen and prolactin, the MMTV-Y genome can be expressed in mammary gland parenchymatous cells, which in turn may result in cell transformation. The full MMTV-Y gene expression occur after appropriate hormonal stimulation of the C57BL/10 mammary cancer cells in vitro.


Photocoagulation treatment in diabetic retinopathy: a two-year pre- and five-year post-treatment study. A randomized controlled study covering a two-year pre-treatment and a five-year post-treatment period was performed in 42 patients with diabetic retinopathy given photocoagulation treatment in one eye. Patients with progressive diabetic retinopathy of equal intensity in both eyes were selected from a single diabetes department. The course of diabetic retinopathy was assessed by ophthalmoscopy and composite fundus photographs as well as fluorescence angiography. In the first two-year post-treatment period non-proliferative retinopathy improved in the coagulated eyes and also, albeit to a lower degree, in the control eyes. In the next three years the treated eyes showed further improvement or stabilization, whereas the control eyes showed either stabilization or deterioration of the retinopathy. The most favourable results were obtained in proliferative diabetic retinopathy, which regressed in the majority of the eyes, the other eyes remaining stable or progressing only very slightly, in contrast with the control eyes, in the great majority of which proliferative diabetic retinopathy developed or progressed.


A developmental model for studying choline acetyltransferase transport in chick motoneurons. The proximodistal axonal transport of choline acetyltransferase (ChAc) has been studied in the chick sciatic nerve in the absence of any experimental manipulation. The phenomenon utilized by us is a physiological transient fall in the activity of ChAc. This fall occurs in most areas of the chick central nervous system after hatching, and moves toward the periphery along the nerves. Having ruled out the presence of transient inhibitors, the movement of the fall towards skeletal muscles has been considered to correspond to the proximodistal transport of ChAc. The calculated average velocity is 7.86 mm/day, corresponding to the slow rate of transport. Nevertheless, the kinematics study suggests that the velocity varies along the nerve from a state of rest to an intermediate rate of transport (16 mm/day). The possible influence of variations in the resistance of the conductor on these changes in velocity is discussed.


Renin-activation by kallikrein: evidence for alkaline-activation of plasma renin. Porcine pancreatic kallikrein leads to a significant activation of human plasma renin when incubated at pH 8.2. 'Endogenous' activation of plasma renin can be seen by incubation of plasmas at the same pH. Both 'endogenous' alkaline- and kallikrein-activation of plasma renin can be inhibited by aprotinin. Both, kallikrein- and 'endogenous' alkaline activation of plasma renin are significantly correlated to cryo- and acid-activation. We suggest that kallikrein-and 'endogenous' alkaline-activiation come close to the in vivo activation process.


Amylase/creatinine clearance ratio and tubular proteinuria in acute pancreatitis. Amylase/creatinine clearance ratio (CAm/CCr), urinary protein concentration and urinary protein pattern were studied in 102 samples from 27 patients with acute pancreatitis and in 46 controls. Raised CAm/CCr, proteinuria and a tubular protein pattern were present in 74, 56 and 96% of the patients, respectively. However, CAm/CCr and proteinuria and CAm/CCr and tubular protein pattern were not correlated. These results do not support the suggestion that an elevated CAm/CCr in acute pancreatitis is due to generalized tubular protein reabsorption failure presenting with tubular proteinuria.


Diet composition and insulin effect on amylase to lipase ratio in pancreas of diabetic rats. In man and in rat, the diabetic state is associated with diseases of exocrine pancreatic function. In this work, streptozotocin diabetes was shown to lead to a 95% decrease in the amylase to lipase ratio in rats. Diabetes was reversed by either pancreas transplantation or insulin treatment. Transplantation of neonatal pancreases was successful in reversing the diabetic-induced alterations of exocrine pancreatic function. To assess whether insulin acts directly on the exocrine pancreas, or through the enhancement of glucose utilization, animals were fed either a low-fat diet or a high-fat diet during insulin treatment; this latter diet is well known to impair insulin's effect on glucose metabolism. When diabetic rats were fed a low-fat diet, insulin treatment was able to correct the hyperketonemia and to reverse the amylase to lipase ratio to the prediabetes level. In contrast, the insulin treatment failed to restore the amylase to lipase ratio when the diabetic rats were fed the high-fat diet. Despite insulin treatment, the hyperketonemia worsened implying that glucose utilization remained low as would be expected on high-fat diet. The dependence of the insulin effect upon diet composition demonstrates that the rate of glucose metabolism is the primary factor in the regulation of amylase to lipase ratio.


Common leukemia-associated antigen of DBA/2 mouse leukemia detected by tumor rejection and complement-dependent cytotoxicity assays. A cytotoxic antibody for L1210 leukemia cells was found in the (C57BL/6 x DBA/2)F1 (BDF1) mice immunized with L1210 leukemia cells infected with ts mutant of HVJ (HVJ-pi) and challenged several times with uninfected L1210 leukemia cells. These immune mice fell into two categories; high and low responders regarding the titer of cytotoxic antibody produced. The antigen defined by this cytotoxic antibody was present on leukemia cells originating in DBA/2 mice but not on leukemia induced by passage-A Gross virus or spontaneous mammary tumors. This serological cross-reactivity among L1210, P388, and L5178Y leukemia cells has been substantially confirmed by the observation of cross protection against challenge with DBA/2 leukemia cells in immune BDF1 mice. These findings strongly suggested the presence of a common DBA/2 leukemia-associated antigen different from known cell-surface antigens of murine leukemia. The results obtained in the present work also demonstrated the great efficacy of non-cytopathic, viable HVJ-pi-injected tumor cells as an immunogen for inducing tumor immunity.


Genetic variation in amount of salivary amylase in the bank vole, Clethrionomys glareola. Several investigated bank vole populations are polymorphis for the number of salivary amylase loci, and individual chromosomes may carry one, two or three linked amylase structural genes. In the present study, we have used bank vole stocks homozygous for different chromosomes to investigate the relationship between amylase production and gene number. By measuring the amylase activity in parotid glands and the percentage of amylase protein in saliva, we have been able to demonstrate that the amount of salivary amylase is directly proportional to the proposed gene number. The paper also describes the allele, AmySu, which codes for a heat-labile salivary amylase. The relative amounts of the heat-labile isozyme have been determined in different heterozygotes containing this allele, and these results also support the multiple locus model. Finally, a stock devoid of salivary amylase activity was established. Animals from this strain have, however, a protein in the parotid glands and in saliva that is very similar to amylase in molecular weight, amino acid composition and in its binding to glycogen and cyclohepta-amylose. In genetic crosses, the protein segregates as an amylase allele. Therefore, this protein, encoded by the functionally null allele AmyN, may represent an incorrectly processed amylase precursor.


F cells in gynaecologic malignancy.

F cells in gynaecologic malignancy. Red cells containing Hb F (F cells) were detected by immunofluorescence using a specific antiserum. In normal persons, the number of F cells was 2.5 +/- 1.1%. A significantly increased number of F cells was found in 65% of patients with cancer of the ovary, 69% of patients with cancer of the endometrium and in 22% of patients with cancer of the cervix. Highest values were obtained in cancer of the ovary and endometrium. There was no correlation between the number of F cells and stage of disease or degree of differentiation. It is postulated that in patients with malignant disease a humoral factor is produced which interferes with normal erythropoiesis resulting in a process of dedifferentiation.


Some histochemical aspects of keratinization of oral, esophageal and gastric membrane of the albino rat. Using histochemical methods a comparative study was carried out, to identify important substances at the keratinization metabolism. With the results obtained, we may conclude that: a) in the four layers of all regions studied, it was possible to detect the presence of the characteristic active radicals of the amino acids cysteine, cystine and arginine, mainly in the corneus layer; b) the presence of -SH radicals of cysteine in the keratohyalin granules was evident in all regions studied.


Investigation of the chemiluminescence associated with phagocytic and intracellular killing activity of human polymorphonuclear leucocytes and monocytes. The chemiluminescence associated with phagocytic and intracellular killing activity of human polymorphonuclear leucocytes and monocytes was investigated. A significant, opsonization-dependent increase in photon emission of polymorphonuclear leucocytes and monocytes was observed induced by engulfment of opsonized, heat-killed and living fungi (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), aggregated gamma globulin, latex and India ink particles. Mononuclear cells displayed only minimal enhancement of photon emission after incubation of various particles. It is suggested that the method can be used in clinical practice as a test of phagocytotic and intracellular killing function.


Nucleolar organizers in human oocytes at meiotic prophase I, studied by the silver-NOR method and electron microscopy. Use of the silver-NOR method to study the nucleolar organizers in human oocytes demonstrates that topographic and quantitative variations occur during meiotic prophase. In the oogonia nucleolus the nucleolar organizers are dispersed, whereas beginning at leptotene and throughout the remaining stages of meiotic prophase they occupy a marginal position in the nucleolus. At leptotene, a modal number of seven nucleolar organizers can be observed, whereas this number falls to 2.5 at pachytene and rises to ten at diplotene, thus showing that there is intense rRNA synthesis during the latter stage of meiosis. During pachytene, one end of the bivalents containing the ribosomal cistrons is always associated with the Ag-positive zone of the nucleolus. Observation of pachytene in the electron microscope shows that the secondary constriction region of D and G bivalents is constantly associated with the fibrillar center of the nucleolus. Comparison of these two methods of investigation reveals that the silver-stained regions of the nucleolus correspond to the fibrillar centers. The latter are surrounded by a layer of electron-dense fibrils corresponding to the zone of rDNA transcription. This electron-dense layer is absent during pachytene when the nucleolus displays spontaneous segregation of its components; this absence is related to temporary arrest of rDNA transcription. The affinity of the fibrillar centers for silver-NOR staining confirms that these structures contain ribosomal cistrons. During the diplotene stage, numerous micronucleoli are formed outside the nucleolar organizers of D and G chromosomes. Most of these micronucleoli present an Ag-positive granule on one of their margins, thus indicating that they contain an actively transcribed sequence of rDNA. This observation confirms the existence of amplification of ribosomal genes in the human oocyte.


Normal and benign human prostatic epithelium in culture. I. Isolation. Isolation of normal human glandular epithelia and their growth and maintenance in vitro have been major problems. The primary objective of studies presented here was to isolate postpubertal, normal human, viable prostatic epithelium for in vitro cultivation. The long-term objective of these investigations was to develop an in vitro human cell model system for studies on prostatic carcinogenesis. A method for isolation of viable, normal and benign human prostatic epithelium, using collagenase for tissue dissociation, is described. Intact acini were isolated, which, on plating gave rise to vigorously growing monolayer cultures of epithelial cells. The purity of epithelial cultures partly depended upon the source of tissue. Specimens of normal prostate and those of benign tissue derived from open prostatectomies provided primarily pure epithelial cultures with occasional fibroblast colonies in some cultures, which could be removed. Cultures from some specimens of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) contained many fibroblast colonies due to incomplete separation of acini from the stroma. This resulted from incomplete digestion of denatured tissue caused by electrocauterization during surgery. Cultures established in this manner are being used to study the effects of hormones, vitamins and other growth regulators in order to establish growth requirements of these cells in vitro, which would facilitate their long-term maintenance.


A serum-free medium for the growth of muscle cells in culture. Rates of cell proliferation essentially equal to those in 10% serum were obtained when Yaffe's L6 myoblasts were incubated in Ham's F-12 medium containing 10(-5) M fetuin, 10(-6) M insulin, and 10(-7) M dexamethasone; we have designated this mixture muscle medium-1 (MM-1). Addition of other growth factors and hormones in various combinations did not increase the proliferation of myoblasts above the rate in MM-1, and neither fetuin nor insulin could be replaced by other growth factors. All glucocorticoids tested (but no other steroid hormones) were active. Fetuins prepared by the rather different procedures of Pedersen, Deutsch, and Spiro were all active, and the active material was heat labile and nondialyzable; this is the first cell culture system in which highly purified Spiro fetuin has been found active. Primary rat myoblasts proliferated more rapidly that fibroblasts in parallel cultures when incubated in MM-1. This simple medium, composed of relatively inexpensive and readily available components, should be useful for the study of muscle cell growth and differentiation.


A human breast tumor cell line (BT-474) that supports mouse mammary tumor virus replication. A human breast tumor cell line BT-474 derived from an invasive ductal carcinoma was experimentally infected in vitro with a mouse mammary tumor virus from the TIII strain (RIII-MuMTV). The virus that replicated in the human cells was characterized as a mouse virus by immunofluorescence, electron microscopy and the presence of a specific RNA-directed DNA polymerase. The cells themselves were human as per the karyotype and isoenzyme migration patterns. It is concluded that human cells are susceptible to the mouse mammary tumor virus and can, eventually, support its replication.


Alien H-2 allospecificities in murine chemically-induced tumors. Sera from C3H/HeHa mice immunized with syngeneic methylcholanthrene-induced sarcoma react with allogeneic thymus, lymphoma and leukemia cells. The presence on leukemia and lymphoma cells of H-2 specificities expressed on normal cells of other H-2 haplotypes from the one in which the tumor originates is described. It was observed that the reaction of antisera to H-2 specificities with lymphoma cells was blocked by anti-MCA sarcoma sera. The cross-reactivity between MC sarcomas, thymus, leukemia and lymphoma cells is considered to be due to antibodies against these "alien" allospecificities.


Characterization of turkey myelin basic protein isolated by a simple procedure. Highly purified basic proteins have been isolated from bovine and turkey brains by a novel method employing acid-acetone extraction. The final product gave a single band on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis at pH 4.3 and in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. Both proteins have arginine at the COOH-terminus while the NH2-terminal residue cannot be detected and is probably blocked. A higher ratio of histidine to lysine and a greater proportion of serine and valine was found for the turkey compared with the bovine protein. Both proteins contain one tryptophan and two methionine residues. However, it was found from cyanogen bromide treatment that there is a marked difference in the location of one of the methionine residues, while the tryptophan-containing peptides liberated after trypsin digestion have different mobilities on peptide maps. When dissolved in water these proteins give a typical random coil curve from circular dichroism (CD), whereas in 80% methyl alcohol they assume a 25% alpha-helix.


Detection of herpesvirus type-specific antibody by a micro solid phase radioimmunometric assay. A micro solid phase radioimmunometric assay has been developed which measures type-specific antibody in human sera to herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). The test is performed by coating wells of microtiter plates with purified HSV-specified glycoproteins, VP123 and VP119, derived from HSV-1- and HSV-2-infected cells, respectively. The coated wells are then incubated with diluted unadsorbed sera and subsequently with radioiodinated goat anti-human IgG reagent. Because these major viral envelope glycoproteins contain type-specific antigenic determinants, type-specific antibodies are preferentially detected in our assay.


Adrenal ablation.

Adrenal ablation. Of 135 patients who had bilateral adrenalectomies for metastatic breast cancer, 110 could be evaluated and 63 patients (57.3%) responded (43 objective, 20 subjective responders). Patients aged 31 to 45 years had a 56% response rate; 58% of patients aged 46 to 70 responded. Oophorectomy responders benefited from adrenalectomy 62% of the time and oophorectomy failures reponded in 38% of the cases. Patients with a disease-free interval of zero to 2.5 years responded to adrenalectomy at a rate of 46%, whereas patients with a free interval greater than 2.5 years responded at a rate of 73%. The median survival rate of 63 adrenalectomy responders was 28 months; it was ten months for 47 nonresponders.


Ultrastructure of Legionella pneumophila. Eleven lung samples positive for Legionnaires' disease, 12 strains of Legionella pneumophila cultured on various bacteriological media, and one strain growth in the yolk sac of fertile hens' eggs were examined by negative staining, thin sectioning, and scanning electron microscopy. All organisms studied were ultrastructurally similar irrespective of strain, source, or method of cultivation, presenting mainly as short rods, 0.6 x 1.5 micrometer, with tapered ends, though long forms and filaments were also evident. In this they resembled typical Gram-negative organisms. Division was by non-septate binary fission, and the cell wall was composed of two triple-unit membranes with morphological evidence of a peptidoglycan layer. The bacterial cytoplasm was rich in ribosomes and nuclear elements and often contained vacuoles. No acid polysaccharides or bacterial appendages were detected surrounding the organisms. In lung tissue and yolk sac membranes, the organisms replicated within the cytoplasm of infected cells and in the intercellular spaces and were specifically identified in thin sections by immunoferritin techniques.


A histochemical comparison of the O-acylated sialic acids of the epithelial mucins in ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and normal controls. Two histochemical techniques, the PAT/KOH/PAS and the PBT/KOH/PAS, were used to investigate the side chain O-acyl substitution patterns of the sialic acids of the colonic epithelial mucins in cases of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In both diseases there was, as compared to normal, a reduction in the proportion of sialic acids O-acylated at C7C8, the reduction being greater in ulcerative colitis. Further, there appeared to be an association between the severity of the disease and the reduction in the staining of O-acylated sialic acids. This relationship was more marked in ulcerative colitis. In some cases of both diseases there was evidence for epithelial mucins containing predominantly C7-substituted sialic acids. This study has confirmed our previous conclusion that, in Crohn's disease of the terminal ileum, the disease is associated with an increase in the proportion of sialic acids bearing side chain substituents.


Induction of refractoriness to isoproterenol by prior treatment of C6-2B rat astrocytoma cells with cholera toxin. Rat C6-2B astrocytoma cells responded to cholera toxin treatment with an 8-fold increase in intracellular cyclic AMP concentrations. Cyclic AMP levels began to rise 60--90 minutes after addition of the toxin and reached maximal concentrations in 3 hours. Cells exposed to cholera toxin and the phosphodiesterase inhibitor, 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine (MIX), displayed an increase in cyclic AMP of 15-fold. The peak isoproterenol response was reduced 80--90% in cells previously treated with cholera toxin. Cholera toxin-induced refractoriness was time dependent and was not altered by concurrent treatment with propranolol. Prolonged exposure of the cells to isoproterenol reduced the cyclic AMP response to cholera toxin by 80%. MIX augmented both cholera toxin-induced refractoriness and isoproterenol-induced refractoriness. Cycloheximide inhibited the full development of refractoriness to both cholera toxin and isoproterenol. These results indicate that C6-2B cell refractoriness to cholera toxin is mediated by cyclic AMP and requires new protein synthesis. Refractoriness in C6-2B cells does not appear to be agonist-specific and probably involves a common locus of action on adenylate cyclase beyond that of the membrane receptors for cholera toxin and isoproterenol.


Dissimilar cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activities in subcellular fractions from normal and SV40-transformed WI-38 fibroblasts. Broken cell preparations of WI-38 and SV40-transformed WI-38 (VA13) fibroblasts were used to compare the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activities of the two cell strains. The bulk of the cAMP or cGMP phosphodiesterase activity of WI-38 and VA13 homogenates was found in the 100,000 x g fibroblast supernatant fractions. WI-38 and VA13 soluble phosphodiesterase activities showed anomalous kinetic behavior with either cAMP or cGMP as the substrate. At low substrate concentrations, e.g., 0.1 muM, WI-38 supernatant fractions hydrolyzed cGMP much more rapidly than cAMP. At high substrate concentrations, e.g., 100muM, the same enzyme preparations degraded cAMP more than twice as fast as cGMP. In contrast, VA13 soluble phosphodiesterase activity catalyzed the hydrolysis of a wide range of cAMP and cGMP concentrations at similar rates. Phosphodiesterase activity in WI-38 supernatant fractions was generally more sensitive than that of the comparable VA13 enzyme activity to inhibition by MIX and papaverine. The cAMP phosphodiesterase activity of both WI-38 and VA13 supernatant preparations was decreased by cGMP in a concentration-dependent manner. cAMP was an effective inhibitor of cGMP hydrolysis by VA13 soluble phosphodiesterase activity. Yet, the cGMP phosphodiesterase activity of WI-38 supernatant fractions was only slightly reduced in the presence of cAMP. DEAE-cellulose chromatography of WI-38 and VA13 supernatant preparations revealed two major peaks of phosphodiesterase activity for each cell type. WI-38 peak I showed much greater activity with 1muM cGMP than with 1muM cAMP and appeared to be composed of two different phosphodiesterase activities. WI-38 peak Ia included phosphodiesterase activity which could be stimulated by boiled, dialyzed fibroblast homogenates while WI-38 peak Ib coincided with column fractions which contained most of the cyclic GMP hydrolytic activity. VA13 peak I phosphodiesterase activity was eluted from DEAE cellulose columns at the same ionic strength as WI-38 peak Ia and hydrolyzed these two substrates at nearly identical rates. This enzyme activity was also increased in the presence of boiled, dialyzed fibroblast preparations. Peak II phosphodiesterase activities from both WI-38 and VA13 fibroblasts were relatively specific for cAMP as the substrate. Phosphodiesterase activity with the properties of WI-38 peak Ib was not isolated from VA13 supernatant fractions. These results suggested that the dissimilar patterns of cAMP accumulation in WI-38 and VA13 cultures may be at least partially related to different phosphodiesterase activities in the normal and the transformed fibroblasts.


Antigenicity of casein enzymatic hydrolysate. An enzymatic hydrolysate of bovine casein were studied for molecular size and antigenic properties. As determined by Sephadex G-25 gel filtration, polypeptide fractions having molecular weights greater than 1,000 were not detected in the soluble fraction of the casein hydrolysate. Antigenicity of the fraction was not detected by heterologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in guinea pig-rabbit antiserum system mediated by immunoglobulin G types of antibody (guinea pig passive cutaneous anaphylaxis) and its inhibition test. Furthermore, it was not detected by rat long latency homologous mediated by immunoglobulin E antibody and its inhibition test. To prepare anticasein immunoglobulin E serum for rat long latency homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis, immunization of rats was by single subcutaneous injection of casein with aluminum hydroxide. Antiserum with highest passive cutaneous anaphylaxis titer (1:64) against bovine casein was obtained by a dose of 2,000 micrograms of the protein at day 12.


[Value and limit of photocoagulation for juxtafoveolar sub-retinal vessels (author's transl)]. Sub-retinal new vessels arising from the choroid are the most dangerous components in disciform maculopathies. The greatest advance made in their treatment has been due to the use of photocoagulation over the last few years, but their destruction by this method is still a very controversial subject. The aim of the present study was to define which lesions should be treated and which should not. Results demonstrated that the use of photocoagulation to destroy new vascular membrane which is very close to the foveola, is possible, and can restore vision or preserve useful visual acuity. The laser can be used very close to the centre of the foveola, even in a part of the central avascular area. A randomized study is now being conducted and should supply statistical evidence as to whether this treatment should or should not be recommanded.


[Identification of nerve cells in the visual cortex of the rat using Nissl and Golgi-Kopsch methods]. The neurons of the visual cortex of the albino rat were studied using both the Nissl- and Golgi-Kopsch methods. In Nissl preparations we can distinguish between a group of neurons rich in cytoplasm, a group of neurons poor in cytoplasm and an intermediate group. In the Golgi preparations the neurons can be subdivided according to the shape of their cell bodies, dendrites and axons. Spiny cells with long axonal main trunks are pyramidal cells, multiangular cells and stellate cells of layer IV. Cells with spineless dendrites and short axonal arborization are basket cells, neuroglioform cells and small double bouquet cells. Due to its spines and the short axonal arborization, the coarse fusiform cell (Martinotti cell) is an intermediate type. We assume cells having long axons and dendritic spines are category I neurons and cells having short axons and no or a few spines are category II neurons (according to SZENTAGOTHAI 1973). On the basis of homological criterions and taxonomically relevant features references for identifying the cell group rich in cytoplasm and category I neurons, on the one hand, and the cell group poor in cytoplasm and category II neurons, on the other hand, were found. The group of cells rich in cytoplasm is related to pyramidal cells, multiangular cells and stellate cells of lamina IV. The group of cells poor in cytoplasm is discussed as corresponding to cells of lamina I, round or oval forms as basket cells and neuroglioform cells, fusiform cells as double bouquet cells. The intermediate cell form in the Nissl preparations is according to the Martinotti cell in Golgi material. These findings allow quantitative studies about particular cell populations and can, completed with electron microscopical date, instruct computer models to simulate the complicate neuronal network of the visual cortex.


Microscopic visualization of axon carbohydrates. Localization of glycoproteins and mucopolysaccharides in Central and Perypheral Nervous System axons of several mammals is studied by means of histochemical techniques. In some system of fibers of the Central Nervous System the inside of the axon appears PAS positive. However, Concanavalin A binding sites were not observed inside the axon. The myelin surface showed positivity for the Colloidal Iron method, PAS, and Concanavalin A. Differences for the PAS and Colloidal Iron methods among the axons of the Central Nervous System and those of the Peripheral Nervous System were observed. The study of three stages of postnatal development in the rat brain shows changes in the mucopolysaccharides content of the axons in function of the stage of development. The diverse involvements of the results obtained in relation to neuronal activity, axonal transport and morphogenesis of the Nervous System are discussed.


Findings of serotypes of group B streptococci in human and bovine sources. Five hundred and fifty-five strains of S. agalactiae of human or bovine origin were serologically typed. In human strains, serotype Ia was the most frequent irrespective of the source and kind of cultivation material, but serotype R was very frequent in urine. In bovine strains, one serotype was found as a rule in one stable both in small private and large socialist farms. The reason for such uniformity of serotypes is not known. Monocolonisation is one of the alternatives, but it seems more reasonable to assume that, the most resistant or more invasive strain will predominate in the herd in the course of time.


Effects of tamoxifen on the binding and metabolism of testosterone by human prostatic tissue and plasma in vitro. The in-vitro metabolism of testosterone in benign and malignant prostatic tissue was examined and distinct quantitative differences between the two types of specimens were observed. The major metabolite of testosterone in the hyperplastic prostate was 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone and a high 3 alpha(beta)-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity was also detected. In the malignant tissue, 5 alpha-reductase activity was considerably reduced and there was little or no androstanediol formed; the 17 beta-dehydrogenase activity was, however, higher than in the benign tissue. The decrease in 5 alpha-reductase was always followed by a compensatory change in the 3 alpha(beta)-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase of the malignant prostate. The present study revealed that the ratio of the mean activities of 5 alpha-reductase to 3 alpha(beta)-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the two types of specimen always remained a constant. Although the antioestrogen, tamoxifen, induced an inhibitory effect on the activities of 5 alpha-reductase and 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the gland, the present investigation also suggested that tamoxifen stimulated the activity of 3 alpha(3 beta)-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. In blood, the action of tamoxifen appeared to be confined to the displacement of androgens from the binding sites on the sex hormone binding globulin.


Cell differentiation in isolated inner cell masses of mouse blastocysts in vitro: onset of specific gene expression. Inner cell masses (ICMs) were isolated by immunosurgery from giant blastocysts formed by the aggregation of three morulae. A layer of endoderm cells formed on the outer surface of these primary ICMs in vitro. When this layer was removed by immunosurgery, a secondary endoderm layer formed. Alphafetoprotein (AFP) was used as a biochemical marker to characterize visceral endoderm formation in these cultured ICMs. The immunoperoxidase reaction on sections of ICMs cultured for intervals up to 120 h in vitro showed that some primary endoderm cells contained AFP, but these were always in the minority. The secondary endoderm layer, on the other hand, was composed of predominantly AFP-positive cells. It is concluded that the primary endoderm contains mainly parietal endoderm cells, while the secondary layer contains visceral endoderm cells. A model is proposed for the consecutive differentiation of parietal and visceral endoderm cell types from the ICM of mouse blastocysts.


Ebola and Marburg viruses: I. Some ultrastructural differences between strains when grown in Vero cells. A strain of Marburg virus and two strains of Ebola virus grown in Vero cells were compared by electron microscopy. The outer coat of the Marburg virion appeared to be more resistant to erosion by negative staining techniques than that of the Epbola strains. Marburg virus commonly produced "torus" forms and short filaments; the Zaire strain of Ebola produced extensive branched forms and very long filaments; the Sudan strain of Ebola produced shorter, less branched structures but very many aberrant forms. The mechanism for the production of these aberrant forms is described.


Simultaneous treatment of toxic diffuse goiter with I-131 and antithyroid drugs: a prospective study. We report a prospective study to avaluate the effect of antithyroid drugs containing the sulfhydryl radical on the outcome of I-131 (RAI) therapy. Twenty-four male patients withe toxic diffuse goiter were assigned randomly into tow treatment groups: Group A received RAI treatment while on antighyroid drugs after attainment of euthyroidism; Group B received no antithyroid drugs before, or when, RAI was given. Patients in each group received a dose of RAI calculated to deliver approximately 5000 rads per treatment. The incidence of hypothyroidism at 12 mo was 8% for Group A and 36% for Group B (p less than 0.01). During 12-102 mo of follow-up, no additional hypothyroidism was encountered in Group A. Two patients with significantly elevated TSH levels were found in Group B, one at 20 mo and one at 75 mo after RAI. The mean time to cure was 15.2 +/- 9.1 mo for Group A and 19.7 +/- 8.2 mo. for Group B (NS: p more than 0.45). The improved therapeutic outcome of patients in Group A suggests that further validation of the method in a larger patient population, including females, is warranted.


Calcium and receptor regulation of radiosodium uptake by dispersed rat parotid acinar cells. 1. Dispersed rat parotid acinar cells were used to study the effects of secretagogues on 22Na uptake. 2. Carbachol stimulated 22Na uptake, and caused a net gain in total Na and a loss in total K. These effects were accentuated in the presence of 10(-3) M-ouabain. 3. Substance P, epinephrine and phenylephrine also stimulated 22Na uptake while isoproterenol and angiotensin II did not. 4. The 22Na uptake due to carbachol was inhibited by atropine, procaine or CoCl2; the response to Substance P was inhibited by CoCl2 only. 5. Extracellular Ca was required for stimulation of 22Na uptake by carbachol. Strontium but not Ba could substitute for Ca in supporting 22Na uptake. 6. Uptake of 22Na was stimulated by the divalent cationophore, A-23187, and Ca was required for this effect. 7. It is concluded that activation of Ca influx by muscarinic, alpha-adrenergic or peptide agonists triggers, among other effects, an increased membrane permeability to Na.


The trophic influence of tetrodotoxin-inactive nerves on normal and reinnervated rat skeletal muscles. 1. Nerve impulses in the rat sciatic nerve were blocked for long periods by tetrodotoxin (TTX) released from capillary implants. The TTX capillaries did not block axonal transport, nor did they cause any sign of nerve degeneration. 2. A comparison of the effects of TTX paralysis and denervation was made on both extensor digitorium longus (e.d.l.) and soleus muscles over 21 days, a time when the products of nerve degeneration were unlikely to contribute to the changes associated with denervation. The resting membrane potential of TTX-paralysed muscles was significantly different (P less than 0.005) from that of the denervated muscles at all periods and at 21 days the decrease that can be attributed to inactivity was 61% (e.d.l.) and 49% (soleus) of that which follows denervation. This disparity was even more pronounced for the ACh receptor density where the increase in receptors due to inactivity was only 34% (e.d.l.) and 21% (soleus) of that due to denervation. 3. A similar comparison was made on muscles which had been reinnervated by TTX-inactive nerves. These muscles were found to have a significantly higher resting membrane potential and lower ACh receptor density than the denervated muscles (P less than 0.05). 4. The experiments on reinnervated muscles preclude the possibility that nerve degeneration products are solely responsible for the difference between the TTX-paralysed and denervated muscles and suggest that the difference can be attributed to the trophic influence of the nerve. 5. An observed increase in the m.e.p.p. frequency of the TTX-paralysed muscles indicated that nerve action potentials play a role in regulating the spontaneous release from nerve terminals.


Electrostatic potentials of deoxydinucleoside monophosphates. 1. Deoxydinucleoside monophosphates and actinomycin chromophore interactions. We present electrostatic potential maps for the ten Watson-Crick base-pair combinations of dinucleoside monophosphates in a conformation appropriate for intercalation of drugs to occur. These maps reveal interesting differences among the base-pair combinations and suggest reasons for the base-pair specificities often observed upon intercalation. Simple electrostatic calculations on the intercalation energy of substituted actinomycin chromophores correlate qualitatively with the relative biological activity of these compounds, although the correlation with binding affinity is not as satisfactory.


Syntheses and activities of sulfur and selenium isosteric substitution analogues of retinol. The syntheses of sulfur and selenium isosteric substitution analogues of retinol, namely, retinyl phenyl thioether (2b), retinyl phenyl selenoether (2c), and retinyl thioacetate (2e) are described. These retinoid derivatives were examined for activity in terms of "chemoprevention" of cancer by measuring the reverse keratinization of epithelial cells in vitro. Retinoid analogues 2b, 2c, and 2e were found to be active in 20, 80, and 33.3% of the cultures, respectively, as compared to 72.7% activity for trans-retinol.


Polymer-linked 6-azauridine 5'-monophosphate, a resin of high bioaffinity to orotidine-5'-phosphate decarboxylase. Condensation of 6-azauridine with ethyl levulinate, followed by saponification or phosphorylation, leads to 2',3'-O-[1-(2-carboxyethyl)ethylidene]-6-azauridine and its 5'-monophosphate. The latter was coupled to 6-aminohexylagarose via its carboxylic group. Using the same synthetic route, agarose-linked uridine 5'-monophosphate has been prepared. Both polymers show specific binding toward orotidine-5'-monophosphate decarboxylase. The immobilized inhibitor (6-azauridine 5'-monophosphat) binds the enzyme more strongly than the immobilized uridine 5'-monophosphate. Both resins have been used to separate orotidine-5'-monophosphate decarboxylase from orotidine-5'-monophosphate pyrophosphorylase.


[Value of radiological investigations in patients with dysuria after prostatic adenomectomy (author's transl)]. Dysuria is a relatively frequent complication after prostatic adenomectomy. The authors review 107 patients with this complication and demonstrate that radiological investigation, including a micturition study, preferably after IVU, shows the presence of an obstructive cause for the dysuria in the vast majority of cases (92.5%). There are two main types of obstructive lesion: - parietal stenosing lesions, - compression lesions. - The most frequent parietal stenosing lesions, apart from those of the bladder neck, are urethral stenoses. - Stenoses with total compression of the capsule are often the cause of severe dysuria. - Localized compression of the capsule and urethral stenosis usually cause only moderate dysuria. - An irregular lacunar image should suggest cancer of the prostate.


Heterogeneity of sickle cell anaemia in Arabs: review of cases with various amounts of fetal haemoglobin. A study is presented on eleven patients with homozygous sickle cell anaemia. They are non-Sheeah Arabs from the United Arab Emirates on the south-eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. The proportions of fetal haemoglobin in these patients are variable, and there is a marked variation in the severity of their disease condition; these facts are not related. African sickle cell gene admixture is a likely affecting factor.


Longitudinal studies of lymphocyte response to Toxoplasma antigen in humans infected with T. gondii. Toxoplasma antigen-specific lymphocyte transformation was measured in subjects in whom the diagnosis of acute acquired Toxoplasma infection was documented and in whom the time of onset of clinical illness was carefully determined. Neither false positive nor false negative reactions to Toxoplasma antigen were seen in lymphocytes from uninfected subjects or subjects with chronic Toxoplasma infection. Lymphocytes from subjects in both of these control groups responded equally to a different antigen, streptokinase-streptodornase (SK/SD). On the initial determination, the lymphocytes of 7 of 24 subjects with acute Toxoplasma infection of less than 12 months' duration failed to transform to Toxoplasma antigen. Five of these 7 subjects were among a group of 14 who had developed clinical illness less than 3 months previously. To determine when lymphocyte transformation to Toxoplasma antigen developed, longitudinal studies were carried out in subjects with acute Toxoplasma infection whose lumphocytes failed to transform initially to Toxoplasma antigen. It was found that in all patients, lymphocytes transformed with Toxoplasma antigen eventually, though in two patients this occurred between 9 and 12 months after the initial infection.


Demonstration of an analogue to human pregnancy zone protein in the African green monkey. A serum protein in the grivet (Cercopithecus aethiops), immunologically cross-reacting with human pregnancy zone protein (PZP), is found in males as well as in nonpregnant females. The electrophoretic mobility, antigenic cross-reactivity, molecular weight, and carbohydrate structure appear analogous to PZP; however, contrary to the situation in man, exogenous estrogens cause a fall in serum concentration of the protein.


[Palliative chemotherapy with 5 FU and CPM in cancer of the prostate with bone metastases resistant to oestrogens. A clinical trial (author's transl)]. The efficacy of an association of cyclophosphamide (CPM) and 5-fluorouracil was studied in 15 patients with prostate cancer not responding to oestrogen therapy, and more particularly its effect on pain due to bone metastases. No objective improvement was noted with this association, but there was a definitite reduction in bone metastases pain in 5 of the patients, with an average remission time of 4 months. Half of the patients had nausea and vomiting, but in spite of this digestive intolerance those patients who obtained pain relief for 4 months considered the treatment to be of positive value. This therapy is recommended only fater the failure of castration, anti-androgens, and oestrogens, together with nitrogen mustard (Estracyt) and corticotherapy.


Inhibitory action of 6-ethyl-3-(1H-tetrazol-5-YL)chromone (AA-344) on IgE, IgGa- or chemical agent-induced histamine release from isolated rat mast cells. The antiallergic action of 6-ethyl-3-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)chromone (AA-344) was studied on isolated rat peritoneal mast cells. AA-344 clearly inhibited the IgE-mediated release of histamine caused by various concentrations of antigen and the 50% inhibitory concentration was 0.1 microM. On the IgGa-mediated release of histamine, a peak inhibition of AA-344 was observed at 10 microM. The histamine release induced by chemical agents such as concanavalin A, dextran and compound 48/80 was depressed by AA-344 at the range of 0.1--1 mM. The results obtained in this study indicate that the antiallergic action of AA-344 is due to selective inhibition on the immunological release of the chemical mediator from mast cells.


Effects of intra-arterial bradykinin and substance P on isolated, blood-perfused small intestine of the rat. Experiments were conducted on rat isolated, small intestine perfused at a fixed flow rate through the superior mesenteric artery with arterial blood from a donor rat, to determine the responses of the ileum to different peptides. Drugs were closely injected into the superior mesenteric artery. Single injections of bradykinin produced monophasic fast contractions of the ileum preceded by an initial fall and a subsequent rise of tone. The fast contraction was abolished by tetrodotoxin (TTX), morphine and hexamethonium (C6), but was resistant to blockade by atropine or mepyramine. Changes in ileal tone induced by bradykinin remained evident even in the presence of these blocking agents, thereby suggesting a direct action on smooth muscle fibers of the ileum. The fast contraction in response to substance P was not influenced by either TTX, morphine, C6, atropine or mepyramine. The present results indicate that bradykinin induces the fast contraction of the ileum by excitation of myenteric neuronal elements involving cholinergic interneurons, while substance P produces the contraction by a direct stimulation of smooth muscle fibers of the ileal region.


Histamine release from rat neutrophils and mast cells as induced by ionophore--a pharmacological approach--. A comparative study was carried out on the histamine release from rat neutrophils and mast cells by calcium ionohpore A 23 187 (Ionophore). A maximum release of histamine from neutrophils was induced by 10(-6) g/ml Ionophore and that from mast cells was 5 x 10(-6) g/ml. A fairly good correlation was found between the 45Ca incorporation into and the histamine release from both cells. The Ionophore-induced histamine release from both cells was decreased in Ca2+-free Tyrode's solution and by pretreatment with 0.05 M EDTA. Effects of different drugs on Ionophore-induced histamine release from neutrophils were similar to those seen in mast cells. Dibutyl cyclic adenosine monophosphate, theophylline, isoproterenol and prostaglandin E1 had not or only a slight inhibition on the release. The dose dependent inhibition of release was observed with disodium cromoglycate, N-(3',4'-dimethoxycinnamoyl) anthranilic acid and disodium baicalein phosphate, in experiments using both cells. Colchicine did not inhibit the reaction in these cells, however phosphatidylserine enhanced the reaction. On the other hand, the effect of concanavalin A was different in each type of cells, the release from mast cells was inhibited while the release from neutrophils was potentiated. These findings suggest the similarity of biochemical events in Ionophore-induced histamine release from neutrophils and mast cells.


Effects of adrenergic agonists on the oxygen uptake and amylase output in rat submandibular gland slices. Oxygen uptake and amylase output in rat submandibular gland slices were measured by utilizing adrenergic agonists. Adrenaline, noradrenaline and isoproterenol significantly stimulated the oxygen uptake and amylase output. In the presence of propranolol or phenoxybenzamine, adrenaline-stimulated oxygen uptake was obviously blocked. Adrenaline-stimulated amylase output was inhibited by propranolol, but was not inhibited by phenoxybenzamine. The increase in oxygen uptake by nornol-stimulated oxygen uptake and amylase output were strongly inhibited by propranolol. The oxygen uptake due to isoproterenol was little affected by phenoxybenzamine. These results suggest that the increase in oxygen uptake seen with adrenergic agonists is mediated by both alpha- and beta-receptors, and that the amylase output is evoked through the stimulation of beta-receptors.


A system for the three-dimensional construction, manipulation and display of microbiological models. A system is described for building up serial sections into a three dimensional structure, incorporating density, that can be displayed and then further manipulated by rotation about three orthogonal axes. The initial application was to produce a computer model of a protein structure and to compare the diverse images obtained from rotation with the two dimensional images observed in related electron micrographs. To obtain sufficient contrast in the electron microscope images of protein structures, the specimens need to be stained and since this can cause some deformation of the observed images, it is also necessary to simulate ths possible effects of stain on the protein model. Because of the need to compare numerous orientations of the combined model, techniques are available either for speeding up the comparison or for obtaining better accuracy. The methods have been applied to the interpretation of electron micrograph images of microbiological specimens, where the three dimensional structure of the specimen is an important aid in understanding its biological function, but the techniques are also applicable to more general serial reconstruction requirements.


Isolation and characterisation of a strain carrying a conditional lethal mutation in the cou gene of Escherichia coli K12. A strain which carries a mutation conferring clorobiocin resistance and temperature sensitivity for growth was isolated from Escherichia coli K12. Genetic mapping and the molecular weight of the gene product suggest that the mutation is in the cou gene, specifying a sub-unit of DNA gyrase. Nuclear organisation and segregation and placement of septa are grossly abnormal in the mutant at 42 degrees C. RNA synthesis and initiation of DNA replication are also affected at the restrictive temperature but the rate of DNA chain elongation continues almost undisturbed.


Hierarchy of T cell dependency in antibody response among different antigens. T cell dependency of antibody response to polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), sheep red blood cells (SRBC), bovine gamma globulin (BGG), and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was examined. PVP and the other three are known as a T cell-independent antigen and T cell-dependent antigens respectively. Adult mice were thymectomized, X-irradiated, reconstituted with syngeneic bone marrow cells (TxXB mice), with bone marrow cells plus thymus cells (TxXBT mice), or with bone marrow cells treated with anti-Thy-1.2 serum and complement (TxXB-theta mice) and used as experimental animals. The anti-PVP response of TxXBT mice was significantly lower than that of TxXB mice, suggesting that T cells exerted a suppressive effect on the response to PVP. Both IgM and IgG responses to SRBC and BGG occurred even in TxXB-theta mice with the aid of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). However, a significant response to BSA was not observed in TxXB mice even in the presence of LPS or several other adjuvants. These results indicate that the T cell dependency of antigens is different among so called thymus-dependent antigens, that antibody response less dependent on the helper action of T cells can be supported by LPS in the absence of T cells, and that anti-BSA response seems to be extremely T cell dependent.


Antigenic analysis of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis viruses (enterovirus type 70). The antigenic characteristics of enterovirus type 70 (EV 70) were investigated by means of cross and kinetic neutralization tests (NT). Twelve strains of EV 70 isolated in a period from 1971 to 1976 were analyzed using seven rabbit and one monkey hyper-immune sera. All the strains investigated were found to possess a common and prime variant antigens in varying proportions. Accordingly, EV 70 isolates were devided intratypically into three antigenic sub groups; (1) prototype-like (four strain from 1971 to 1972), (2) intermediate, G-10/72-like (two strains from 1972 to 1973), and (3) prime variant, G-2/74-like (six strains from 1974 to 1976) groups. Thus it was considered that EV 70 might represent a virus type with antigenic heterogeneity, and that antigenic drift from the prototype to the prime type may have occurred successively after 1971.


The use of antithyroid therapy in the treatment of neoplastic conditions with cytotoxic drugs. Taking into account the known actions of thyroid hormone, we suggest that standard antithyroid therapy may be used to create a situation of greater sensitivity to cytotoxic drugs in tumour tissues as compared with normal tissues.


Advanced male non-seminomatous germ-cell tumours. Combination chemotherapy with cis-platinum, vinblastine and bleomycin. Nineteen men with advanced germ-cell tumours were treated with a combination of vinblastine, bleomycin and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II (cis-platinum). One patient died nine days after starting chemotherapy. Seventeen patients responded to therapy (14 completely and three partially). Toxicity was very high, and three patients died of septicaemia during therapy. Eight patients remain in complete remission 36 to 80 weeks after starting chemotherapy.


[Electrophoretic mobility test in the early diagnosis of malignant tumors; findings in the prestages of cervical and breast cancers]. A double-blind pilot study of 130 female patients was carried out to determine the feasibility and significance of the EM test in the early diagnosis of carcinoma of the female genital organs and breast. Early stages of cervical carcinoma (carcinoma in situ) as well as fibroid adenoma, mastopathy and breast tumors were tested and compared with the results of their manifest forms. Positive results were recorded in 87.5% of the cases of middle-grade to severe epithelial dysplasia (Papanicolaou III and IV) (n = 10) and in 90% of the cases of carcinoma in situ (n = 16). A positive result in 90% of the cases of carcinoma in situ (n = 16). A positive result in 90% of the cases of genital carcinoma was also recorded. In the case of fibroid adenoma (n = 10) and breast tumor (Prechtel I and II) (n = 16), negative results were recorded in 80.8%, whereas in the manifest forms of carcinoma of the breast a positive result of over 95% was shown. As a result of this pilot study, it can be seen that immunological in vitro screening has clinical significance in the early diagnosis of tumors as well as for confirmation of their manifest forms.


Conversion of 3H-testosterone to dihydrotestosterone in human hypertrophic prostatic tissue. The aim of the study was to develop a simple method for the determination of the conversion of testosterone to 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (5 alpha-DHT) after incubation of human hypertrophic prostatic tissue with 3H-testosterone. The mean conversion rate of 3H-testosterone to 5 alpha-DHT in hypertrophic prostatic tissue was found to be higher than in normal and carcinomatous tissue. The results indicate that androgen metabolism in the hypertrophic prostatic gland is enhanced.


Intermolecular base-paired interaction between complementary sequences present near the 3' ends of 5S rRNA and 18S (16S) rRNA might be involved in the reversible association of ribosomal subunits. Highly conserved sequences present at an identical position near the 3' ends of eukaryotic and prokaryotic 5S rRNAs are complementary to the 5' strand of the m2(6)A hairpin structure near the 3' ends of 18S rRNA and 16S rRNA, respectively. The extent of base-pairing and the calculated stabilities of the hybrids that can be constructed between 5S rRNAs and the small ribosomal subunit RNAs are greater than most, if not all, RNA-RNA interactions that have been implicated in protein synthesis. The existence of complementary sequences in 5S rRNA and small ribosomal subunit RNA, along with the previous observation that there is very efficient and selective hybridization in vitro between 5S and 18S rRNA, suggests that base-pairing between 5S rRNA in the large ribosomal subunit and 18S (16S) rRNA in the small ribosomal subunit might be involved in the reversible association of ribosomal subunits. Structural and functional evidence supporting this hypothesis is discussed.


Chlorinated pesticide residues in chicken egg. Two hundred and twenty-one representative samples of chicken eggs of native and commercial strains of Gallus domesticus were collected during January 1975 to August 1977 throughout the Tehran area and the Northern province of Mazandarane. The samples were analyzed for chlorinated pesticide residues by gas-liquid chromatography. The insecticides [1,1,1-Trichloro-2,2-bis (P-Chlorophenyl)ethanel] (DDT), [1,1-Dichloro-2,2-bis (P-Chlorophenyl) ethane] (TDE), [1,1-Dichloro-2,2-bis (P-Chlorophenyl)ethylene] (DDE), isomers of benzene hexachloride (BHC), Aldrin/Dieldrin, Heptachlor/Heptachlor epoxide, Dieldrin, and endrin were detected in varying concentration in the eggs. The eggs of native bred chickens, mainly as a result of their food sources, showed greater concentration of all pesticides except BHC isomers than those of commercial types. Though concentration of DDT compounds in 22% of native bred and 5% of commercial eggs exceeded WHO tolerance limit, the mean concentrations of pesticides residues were not exceeding these limits. There was no correlation between concentrations of pesticides and egg shell thinning.


Prenatal amphetamine exposure: ovulation, sexual behavior and hypothalamic monoamine content in rats. Previous observations have pointed out that amphetamine treatment during pregnancy produces behavioral and neurochemical changes in the male offspring. The present study was undertaken in order to determine whether those findings could be extended to sexual behavior, reproductive function and hypothalamic monoamine metabolism in female rats. It was found that offspring of amphetamine treated rats have greater sensitivity to estrogen and estrogen-progesterone for the induction of sexual receptivity. 5-HT content in medial hypothalamus of estrogen-progesterone treated rats was decreased with respect to controls. On the other hand the content of 5-HIAA was not different; noradrenaline levels in hypothalamus were also normal. Sex cycle duration and ovulatory phenomena were not affected.


[Clinical and biochemical contributions on the effect of maprotiline and clomipramine in depressive states (preliminary observation)]. This study has been conducted on 17 patients suffering from neurotic and psychotic depressions, who had not received a pharmacological antidepressive therapy since at least 1 month. 6 patients suffering from psychotic depression were treated with 100 mg clomipramine i.v. daily for 20 days; 11 patients, 7 of whom suffered from psychotic depression and 4 from neurotic depression, were treated with 150 mg maprotiline i.v. daily for 20 days. In both groups  the therapy has been continued orally. In 17 patients a remarkable improvement and even in some cases complete recovery has been obtained. The two psychotropic antidepressive drugs are, furthermore, both active in the same symptoms. The determination of serotonin in human platelets confirms the strong inhibition of its re-uptake by clomipramine and the absence of re-uptake of 5-HT with maprotiline. A constant and progressive increase of 5-HIAA was noted in patients treated with clomipramine. This increase may be considered as a consequence of the increased metabolism of the larger quantitity of 5-HT used by the central synapses. The interpretation of the increased levels of 5-HIAA in patients treated with maprotiline is more difficult. Further trials, for instance on the plasmatic tryptophan level, will perhaps solve the problem.


[C.T. scan appearances of acute necrotizing herpes encephalitis (7 cases). Preliminary therapeutic results after isoprinosine (author's transl)]. Seven cases of confirmed or probable acute necrotizing herpes encephalitis (ANE) were studied using computer tomography during the various acute or chronic stages of the disease. They were bilateral, or in some rare patients, asymmetrical pseudofocal cases of ANE. Computer tomography appearances are described from the morphological and topographical point of view, before and after intravenous injection of a contrast medium. Analogous data reported in the published literature is used to describe the findings and to emphasize the problem of differential diagnosis. Computer tomography appears to be an essential examination for establishing the diagnosis and prognosis in herpes encephalitis, but it must be correlated with the results of an electro-encephalogram, and biological and immunological tests of the cerebrospinal fluid. It can also be of value for choosing the optimal site for urgent cerebral biopsy with immunofluorescence. Treatment must be given very early, whether Ara A antiviral DNA or Isoprinosine (Inosiplex) which stimulates cellular immunity, as soon after diagnosis has been established as possible. The authors chose the latter medication for 6 of the 7 cases reported, as well as in 12 other cases of acute primary viral encephalitis, and 3 cases of subacute sclerozing panencephalitis, and obtained very positive results.


Hypozincaemia after jejuno-ileal bypass. Serum zinc, albumin, alpha 2-macroglobulin, calcium, and magnesium were measured in 39 jejuno-ileal shunt-operated patients. The binding of serum zinc to albumin and alpha 2-macroglobulin were calculated. The results demonstrate that the patients as a group had a highly significant hypozincaemia (P less than 0.001), caused by a reduction of the albumin-bound serum zinc (P less than 0.001). Furthermore, the patients showed hypocalcaemia (P less than 0.001) and hypomagnesaemia (P less than 0.001). The findings indicate that patients with jejuno-ileal bypass for gross obesity develop deficiency of the divalent cations.


Trypsin as a regulator of pancreatic secretion in the rat. The effect of intraduodenally administered trypsin on pancreatic exocrine secretion was investigated in conscious rats surgically prepared with bile--pancreatic fistulae. Introduction of NaHCO3 into the duodenum did not influence pancreatic secretion. Reintroduction of bile--pancreatic juice into the duodenum, however, suppressed pancreatic protein output, mainly because of changes in protein concentration. Infusion of trypsin into the duodenum in the absence of intraluminal pancreatic juice significantly suppressed the secretory volume and pancreatic enzyme output; addition of trypsin inhibitor to the trypsin infusion resulted in an immediate increase of pancreatic secretion. Trypsin inhibitor per se, however, was without effect. Bile--pancreatic juice affected amylase, kipase, and trypsinogen output in a parallel fashion; after addition of trypsin inhibitor to the infusion the inhibitory effects on pancreatic enzyme output was reversed in a parallel manner. The results support the hypothesis that pancreatic exocrine secretion is regulated by a feedback mechanism exerted--at least partly--by intraluminal trypsin.


A double-blind trial of synthetic salmon calcitonin in the treatment of acute pancreatitis. A multicenter randomized double-blind trial on the use of synthetic salmon calcitonin (SCT) was carried out in 94 patients with acute pancreatitis. In addition to strict standard treatment--without aprotinin, atropine, or antacids--50 patients received daily 3 x 20 micrograms = 300 MRCU SCT intravenously and 44 patients received placebo for 6 days. Mortality rate was not influenced, overall mortality being 5.3%. The number of patients without pain and with normalized serum amylase on a given day was significantly higher in the group treated with SCT. Other parameters such as doses of analgesics, leukocyte count, and normalization of seven defined clinical and laboratory criteria within 6 days showed a positive trend without reaching significance.


[Lidocain poisoning. 5 patients with letal (2 patients) and reversible course]. A report is presented on two cases of lethal intoxication with lidocain. One death occurred after paracervical anesthesia for legal abortion and the other after accidental oral administration. In three instances intoxication occurred during intensive care for ventricular arrhythmia. Immediate therapy in these cases led to rapid and complete recovery. The clinical signs of lidocain, intoxication are discussed and appropriate treatment for prevention of lethal complications is outlined.


Circulating immune complexes, free antigen and alpha 1-antitrypsin in levels in sarcoidosis patients. Consecutive serum samples from 26 sarcoidosis patients were examined for circulating immune complex (IC) activity. Fifteen (58%) gave IC-positive reactions in a complement consumption (CC) test and a significant difference as regards anticomplementary was observed when comparing patients in clinical stages 2 and 1 respectively (P less than 0.01) The serum alpha 1-antitrypsin levels were not correlated (r=0.36) to the results of the CC-assay. The duration of IC-occurrence was studied, by two IC-assays, over 1 1/2 to 2 years. The majority of the positive reactions were registered in patients in clinical stage 2. Isolated IC was used for immunization of rabbits. Absorbed immune sera produced a single precipitate of postalbumin mobility with seven out of 36 sarcoidosis sera. In two cases a tailing of the recipitate suggested that the antigen was in complex formation. Immunoelectrophoresis indicated identity between the antigen detected in different sarcoidosis sera. No precipitates were observed using 130 sera from other patients, and screening of 100 blood donors revealed one positive reaction. The antigen, which eluted in the first protein peak on Sephadex G-200, has not been identified serologically.


[Alpha fetoprotein and dysgerminaomas].

[Alpha fetoprotein and dysgerminaomas]. Sera of 128 consecutive patients in whom a malignant testicular tumor or an extragonadal teratoma was thought to be present were tested for alpha 1-fetoprotein (AFP). The AFP results were correlated with the final diagnoses. AFP was normal in all 9 patients with non-malignant testicular disorders and in all 29 patients with seminoma. AFP was elevated in 72% of the patients with non-seminomatous germ cell tumors when tested before treatment was started. At that time the degree of AFP elevation gave little information on the stage of the tumor. However, AFP concentrations reflected the disease course when tested repeatedly. Thus, regular AFP measurements may be of value in monitoring therapy in patients with non-seminomatous germ cell tumors.


Changes in ovarian activity during hepatocarcinogenesis by N-2-fluorenylacetamide: role of alpha-fetoprotein. During chemical hepatocarcinogenesis by N-2-fluorenylacetamide, the hormonal status of female Sprague Dawley rats is largely modified. Ovaries present a reduced activity which is evidenced by a decreased number of follicles and corpora lutea. The level of progesterone in N-2-fluorenylacetamide treated rats is low and agrees with the lack of corpora lutea. Conversely, estradiol level remains normal. This fact may be explained by the presence of alpha-fetoprotein, a carcino-embryonic protein which binds specifically estrogenic hormones.


Ligand properties of diethylstilbestrol: studies with purified native and fatty acid-free rat alpha 1-fetoprotein and albumin. We report the equilibrium binding parameters for the interactions of the estrogen analogue diethylstilbestrol (DES) with highly purified rat alpha 1-fetoprotein (AFP) and serum albumin preparations. At 25 degrees C and pH 7.4, an association constant (Ka) of about 1.5 X 10(6)M-1 and 2 sites/mole are measured with the DES-AFP system, whereas for the DES-albumin interaction, we find a Ka of approximately 2 X 10(5)M-1 and about 11 sites/mole of protein. The removal of fatty acids from pure AFP causes a reversible 3 fold increase of the number of DES binding sites; the same delipidation procedure applied to albumin slightly diminishes its DES binding parameters. We also demonstrate the capability of DES to displace competitively estradiol-17 beta (E2) from its high affinity sites on the estrophilic rat AFP. Finally, the binding behaviour of the two serum proteins towards the synthetic estrogen is compared to their interaction with the natural hormones. The physiological and pharmacological relevance of these data is discussed.


Combination of a viability test and a quantification method for Schistosoma haematobium eggs (filtration--trypan blue-staining-technique). The efficiency of the polycarbamate membrane filtration technique for detecting Schistosoma haematobium eggs in urine has been increased by using a pore size of 14 micrometers diameter and the suction of a water jet pump. The technique permits filtration of several 1000 ml of urine in one test. Eggs concentrations of 1 egg in more than 1000 ml of urine were detected. Viability was assess after filtration by staining with trypan blue. Preliminary data of 118 Schistosoma haematobium-positive urine samples of 32 patients suggest that the filtration trypan blue-staining-technique is of high validity in light infection with scanty egg-output.


[Therapy of non-Hodgkin lymphomas].

[Therapy of non-Hodgkin lymphomas]. The survey is introduced by references to the relations between special diagnostic findings and life expectancy. Also the contribution of the clinician to the diagnostics of the non-Hodgkin-lymphomas is dealt with. Five standpoints are to be regarded in the new management of chemotherapy: 1. The polychemotherapy is more effective than the monotherapy. 2. Massive-dose therapies of middle degree are more favourable than frequent, low-dosed cytostatic dosages. 3. Connection of the polychemotherapy with the radiotherapy in stage III and IV. 4. Particularly in the lymphomas with a high degree of malignancy polychemotherapy already in stage II following the radiation. 5. Especially intensive polychemotherapy in the lymphomas with a high degree of malignancy. The hitherto got findings in the polychemotherapy of the non-Hodgkin-lymphomas are reported. Here particularly the COP-scheme proved to be favourable, if necessary in connection with bleomycin, adriamycin or methotrexat; also BCNU or dakarbacin are possible. Own propositions, separated for lymphomas for low and high malignancy, respectively, take into consideration also the GDR-preparation Cytostasan.


[Absence of bioavailability of HPL following intramuscular application (author's transl)]. Repeated intramuscular application of HPL to pregnant women did not significantly influence serum concentrations of HPL, SP-1 and estriol. Thus, this mode of application seems to be not adequately for substitutional therapy during pregnancy.


[Selective effects of lindane (gamma-1,2,3,4,5,6 hexachlorocyclohexane) on photosynthesis, membrane transport of amino acids and protein synthesis in Anacystis nidulans (author's transl)]. Effects of the chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide Lindane on membrane transport of two neutrale amino acids in the Cyanobacterium Anacystis nidulans (Synechococcus AN) were measured. In white light the L-Leucine incorporation into the protein fraction was inhibited, increasing with time. After 30 minutes the degree of inhibition was the same as the effect of DCMU (5 X 10(-6) M) on L-Leucine incorporation. 14CO2-fixation was also reduced at this time. At 717 nm, which enables PS I activity allone, no inhibition was observed. The light energy dependent membrane transport itself of L-Leucine in presence of CAM and of the non-metabolisable alpha-AIB in white light and in monochromatic light of 630 nm and of 717 nm were not influenced by Lindane. The different sites of Lindane action are discussed. It is assumed that in 30 minutes chiefly photosynthesis (PS II and CO2-fixation) is affected by Lindane, resulting in a suppression of protein synthesis caused by a depletion of intermediates of CO2-fixation.


Data on the efficiency of specific antimumps immunoglobulins in the prevention of mumps and of its complications. Administration of specific antimumps immunoglobulins(Ig) to mumps contacts in various children communities conferred protection only when performed early after the outbreak of the epidemic and if the proportion of previous mumps cases did not surpass 8% of the total number of children. Application of specific Ig to mumps patients within the first 5 days after onset prevented the appearance of secondary determinations and/or complications and reduced the duration of the disease and of the hospitalization period. The efficiency of standard gamma-globulins was very limited.


[Pesticide residues in poppy seed (author's transl)]. 131 samples of poppy seed imported in 1977, 1978, and 1979 were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides. The average and maximum residue levels were 0.05 and 0.42 ppm for BHC-isomers without lindane, 0.07 and 0.40 ppm for lindane, 0.016 and 0.14 ppm for total DDDT (DDT, DDD, and DDE). Other pesticides could not be detected. The residue level was much higher in the first half year of our examination. Poppy seed from Eastern Europe and Turkey showed appreciably higher contamination than imports from Western European countries.


Synthesis of substance P analogs and agonistic and antagonistic activities. Fourteen analogs of substances P (SP), six previously synthesized by a solution method and eight newly synthesized by a solid-phase technique, have been tested for agonistic and antagonistic activities utilizing the isolated guinea pig ileum. The primary objective is to achieve effective inhibitors of SP. These analogs had agonistic activities ranging from negligible to that equivalent to SP. Six of the fourteen analogs had some degree of antagonistic activity [D-Leu8, D-Phe9]-SP is an analog which constitutes a lead to new substitutions, because it had antagonistic activity, but only negligible agonistic activity. One concept for effective antagonistic activity requires negligible or no agonistic activity.


Separation of the isoenzymes of glyoxalase I from human red blood cells by electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing on polyacrylamide gel and by ion exchange chromatography. Methods have been devised for the separation of the isoenzymes of glyoxalase I(S-lactoylglutathione methylglyoxal-lyase (isomerizing), EC 4.4.1.5) from human red blood cells by electrophoresis and electrofocusing on polyacrylamide gel slabs. Three different staining methods were used for the location of the enzyme. Three electrophoretic phenotypes of the enzyme were resolved, the fast and slow types with one band and the intermediate type with three glyoxalase I activity bands. In gel electrofocusing (pH gradient 3.5-9.5) two glyoxalase I activity bands were found for all electrophoretic types. In electrofocusing on gel with a narrow pH gradient, at least four separate enzyme components were resolved for the fast and slow electrophoretic types and at least six components for the intermediate type. The phenotypes could be distinguished correspondingly to the electrophoretic results. Preparative separation of the isoenzymes were achieved by ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel but gel chromatography on Sephadex G-100 gave the same elution volume for all enzyme phenotypes. This corresponds to an apparent molecular weight of about 47 000.


Intracellular collagen fibrils in cultured human skin. During cultivation, the collagen fibrils of skin explants are broken down. The cells of the explants participate in this resorption. The ultrastructure of the intracellular degradation of collagen fibrils of cultured human skin has been examined. Intracellular collagen fibrils occur in fibroblasts, macrophages, smooth muscle cells and unidentifiable cells. Normal collagen fibrils are engulfed and appear within membrane-bounded tubes of the cytoplasm. Primary lysosomes fuse with the tubes. Degraded intracellular collagen fibrils are frequently present in secondary lysosomes and show decreasing diameters, filamentous splitting, loss of axial periodicity, variable stainability and cross-banded filamentous aggregates. The changes in the intracellular collagen fibrils are identical with those seen in the extracellular space. The present study demonstrates that various cell types in dermis are involved in collagen fibril degradation and that the lysosomes play an important part in the intracellular resorption.


Studies on fibronectin in the skin. III. Indirect immunofluorescence studies in lichen planus. Fibronectin is a glycoprotein which is responsible for a varity of functions in the human organism, such as mediation of contact between cells and between cells and fibres, opsonic qualities, interaction in the stabilization of fibrin, etc. Fibronectin is an important constituent of the ground substance having a special affinity to collagen. In indirect immunofluorescence studies its presence has been abundantly demonstrated in normal human skin, in collagen-rich structures such as the basement membranes, the papillary and reticular dermis, and in the vascular and neural structures, demonstrable by its characteristic staining patterns. Fibronectin is not found in the epidermis. In lichen planus, the distribution in unaffected skin is identical with that in normal skin, whereas in affected skin, changes in the pattern of fibronectin are found. The basement membrane zone becomes broader and hazy, later undergoing disintegration and destruction, concomitant with swelling and homogenization of the reticular distribution of fibronectin in the papillary dermis. Globular structures containing fibronectin are found in the basement membrane area, together with an intensified immunofluorescence in the vascular system. Fibronectin has certain adhesional properties and changes in the distribution of this glycoprotein may result in loss of tissue stability. The pathophysiological significance of the changes of fibronectin in lichen planus is, however, difficult to evaluate at present.


Photolysis of mast cells in presence of protoporphyrin. The effects of ultraviolet and visible irradiation in presence of protoporhyrin upon mast cells were investigated. Rat peritoneal mast cells were suspended in a medium containing varying concentrations of protoporphyrin and were irradiated using a mercury vapor lamp. The release of histamine is related to both the concentrations of protoporphyrin and the period of irradiation. Comparatively negligible amounts of histamine were released when the cells were irradiated in absence of protophyrin or when the cells were incubated in the dark in presence of protoporphyrin. When 51Cr-labelled cells were employed, the release of histamine was paralleled by the release of 51Cr. These results suggest that the release of histamine was due to the lysis of cells. It was found that 2-deoxyglucose, iodoacetate and carbonyl cyanide, m-chlorophenyl hydrazone at concentrations which are known to inhibit the secretory release of histamine or uncouple oxidative phosphorylation, had no effect on the photolysis of mast cells. When mast cells were irradiated in presence of protoporphyrin for 5 to 10 minutes and then kept in the dark, the release of histamine was greater than when the cells were irradiated but not subsequently kept in the dark. It is suggested that the initial site of photochemical lysis is at or near the cell surface.


Strongyloides stercoralis in routine Papanicolaou-stained sputum smears. Three cases are reported in which the initial detection of unsuspected Strongyloides stercoralis infestation was made on Papanicolaou-stained smears of sputum submitted for routine cytopathology. All cases were subsequently confirmed by the examination of stool specimens. A common factor in the three cases was long-term treatment with corticosteroids for chronic respiratory disease. All three patients responded to treatment with antihelminthics. The significance of this parasite is discussed, and its appearance in Papanicolaou-stained smears is described and illustrated.


Erythemal and pigmentary phototest reactions in polymorphic light eruptions. The erythemal and pigmentary skin reactions in 110 patients with chronic polymorphic light eruptions (PMLE) and in 154 control persons were investigated by phototesting with a medium pressure mercury lamp. Recording the erythemal threshold (MED) at 2-h intervals for up to 24 h after irradition disclosed no differences between PMLE patients and controls. There was, however, a tendency for the erythemal reaction to subside more slowly in the PMLE patients; this tendency reached a statistically very significant level by day 7. Seventy-three per cent of the PMLE patients and 86% of the controls showed immediate pigmentation. Three days after irradiation, however, 91% of the PMLE patients showed a delayed pigmentary response, in contrast to 66% of the controls; the depth of pigmentation was also greater in the PMLE patients. This study demonstrates that although PMLE patients and healthy controls, taken as groups, may show some differences in their erythemal and pigmentary response, the measurement of the these reactions is of no immediate assistance in the diagnosis of individual cases of polymorphic light eruptions.


Pruritus in polycythemia vera: treatment with aspirin and possibility of platelet involvement. The characteristic temperature-dependent pruritus in polycythemia vera (PV) is described. The triggering factor seems to be a sudden decrease in skin temperature, e.g. after a hot bath or shower. The sudden onset and limited duration of the pruritus might suggest an activation or release of some humoral factor(s). In a controlled study we showed that aspirin alleviates this particular pruritus. Therefore, the possibility of prostaglandin and platelet involvement was considered. It was found that substances such as PGE2 and serotonin, produced and released by platelets, could elicit pruritus in healthy volunteers when injected intradermally and that PGE2 enhanced the cutaneous responses to serotonin. Studies of platelet aggregation did not reveal any abnormalitites in the PV patients but ADP was shown to sensitize platelets to adrenaline-induced aggregation in vitro. Although not proven the following hypothesis is suggested: a combination of ADP, emerging from erythrocytes, and catecholamines released from adrenergic vasoconstrictor nerves when the skin is cooled down, might stimulate platelets to aggregation in skin vessels and to production and release of pruritogenic factors.


Two siblings with epidermodysplasia verruciformis with large clear cells in the epidermis: electron microscope and immunological findings. In two Arab brothers presenting the characteristic clinical picture of epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV), histological examination revealed large clear cells in the granular layer and uppermost part of the prickle cell layer of the epidermis. The report of this histological picture in two cases by other authors in the past had aroused considerable discussion as to the true diagnosis. The finding of large clear cells in our two confirmed cases of EV supports the opinion that this does not necessarily contradict the diagnosis of EV. Electron microscope investigation revealed groups of particles in the nuclei of a few keratinocytes in the granular layer which were compatible with papova virus particles. The changes seen in the clear cells support the theory of the viral etiology of EV. Ehe immunological studies showed intact humoral immunity but impaired cellular immunity.


The activity in vitro of five different antimycotics against Pityrosporum orbiculare. The activity in vitro of miconazole, clotrimazole, econazole, sodium omadine, and sodium thiosulphate against Pityrosporum orbiculare was found to correlate with the good clinical results these drugs produce in tinea versicolor. In addition many substances used as solvents or in vehicles had an inhibitory effect in vitro against P. orbiculare. The influence of the culture medium, especially lipids, on the action of imidazole derivatives is discussed.


Cyclic AMP and psoriasis once more.

Cyclic AMP and psoriasis once more. Imbalanced cyclic nucleotides are implicated as an underlying pathogenetic mechanism in psoriasis, but conflicting data on the levels of cAMP in psoriatic tissue have been obtained by different laboratories. Using heat separation and a competitive protein binding cAMP assay, a noticeably decreased epidermal level of cAMP was detected in newly formed guttate lesions in 10 patients with psoriasis (involved: 4.32 +/- 1.06 pmol/mg dry weight mean +/- S.E.M.). uninvolved: 7.97 +/- 1.63 pmol/mg dry weight mean +/- S.E.M.). In proliferative rat skin, bidirectional alterations in cAMP levels are known to occur. On the basis of present observation, we assume that the conflicting data hitherto obtained in psoriatic tissue similarly may merely reflect the various levels of cAMP at different developmental stages.


Ultrastructural study of mechanobullous desquamative gingivitis: a case report. A 67-year-old female with localized bullous desquamative gingivitis is described. Ultrastructural studies of the perilesional area showed changes similar to those seen in cicatricial pemphigoid and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita.


Mixed bullous disease with labile erythrocyte sedimentation rate. A woman, aged 66, fulfilled all the usual criteria of dermatitis herpetiformis. Subsequently, she developed circulating IgA and IgM basement membrane zone antibodies, a labile erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and the clinical picture changed to one of bullous pemphigoid. Her labile ESR was obviously caused by a factor related to the erythrocytes. Direct Coombs test was positive.


Congenital localized skin defect and epidermolysis bullosa hereditaria letalis. Epidermolysis bullosa hereditaria letalis (Herlitz) rarely appears with all the clinical characteristics originally described as belonging to the syndrome. Besides the blistering of the skin and mucous membranes in the oral cavity, the case presented showed dystrophic nails, congenital localized skin defects with hypoplasia of underlying structures and a rare but characteristic malformation of the foot of the affected extremity. No scar formation occurred before death at the age of 6 months. Histological examination of the blisters showed separation between the basement membrane and the cell membrane of the basal cells. In areas of skin defects, normal appearing hair follicles and sweat glands were seen. The relation of the syndrome to Bart's syndrome is discussed.


Pustulosis palmaris et plantaris: the value of routine radiographic examinations in the detection of an infectious focus. A three-year clinical material of 163 patients with pustulosis palmaris et plantaris is presented. The study was designed to assess the value of routine radiographic examinations of teeth, nasal sinuses and chest in the detection of an asymptomatic infectious focus. 66 patients underwent 151 examinations. Infectious lesions were found in the lungs of 0 of 53 examinations, inflammation in the nasal sinuses in 3 of 52 examinations (6%) , and abscesses at the teeth roots in 8 of 46 examinations (17%). The 3 patients with sinuitis had symptoms leading to the diagnosis. The root abscesses were all asymptomatic. Elimination of the infectious foci did not affect the course of the disease. The high incidence of asymptomatic tooth root abscesses is discussed. From studies on clinically healthy persons, similar results have been reported. It is concluded that routine radiographic examinations are of little or no value, possibly with the exception of the dental examination.


Chequered localized pseudoxanthoma elasticum: a variety of Christensen's exogenous pseudoxanthoma elasticum? We report a very curious case of a condition which has never been described before. Its features are comparable but not quite identical with those of Christensen's saltpetre-induced PXE which the author considers to be an exogenous variety of pseudoxanthoma elasticum. Since our case appeared spontaneously without any accidental episode we prefer to designate it under the name 'localized PXE'. The chequered appearance of the lesions seems to be the characteristic feature of the disease.


Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis: a report of neonatal onset. A child developed diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis when 20 days old. His prognosis appears good, compared with other reports of similar neonatal onset.


Dermatomyositis induced by penicillamine. A case of dermatomyositis is reported in a 50-year-old woman receiving D-Penicillamine therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. There was no evidence of neoplasia on full investigation. Remission of dermatomyositis occurred on withdrawal of D-Penicillamine.


Local photochemotherapy in nodular prurigo. Fifteen patients with nodular prurigo were treated with a trioxsalen bath (50 mg/150 l of water) and UVA given in an ordinary PUVA cabin. Good results were observed in 8 and moderate in 7 patients in the initial phase. The result was good or excellent in 13 of the 15 patients during maintenance treatment. The good results are promising in the treatment of this chronic and otherwise therapy-resistant disease.


Induction of delayed-type sensitivity to Leishmania parasite in a case of leishmaniasis cutanea diffusa with BCG and cord-factor (Trehalose-6-6' dimycolate). The delayed hypersensitivity against the leishmania parasite was restored to a patient who had suffered from diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis (DCL) for 26 years, by the application of an ointment containing heat-killed and lyophilized BCG and cord-factor (trehalose-6-6'-dimycolate) after stripping the affected and adjacent areas with scotch-tape.


Treatment of leishmaniasis recidivens with intralesional injections of emetine hydrochloride: a case report. A patient, suffering for 42 years from the late tuberculoid-type of leishmaniasis located in his face, was successfully treated with intralesional injections of emetine hydrochloride. Previous treatments, which included intralesional injections of steroids and concomitant intramuscular injections of antimonials, flagyl, fluorocytosine, infusions of amphotericin B--with and without concomitant treatment by steroids systemically and/or intralesionally--and amphotericin B intralesionally, were altogether ineffective. In addition, the patient underwent five operations in a plastic surgery department.


Antibiotic sensitivity of comedonal Propionibacterium acnes. Previous studies on antibiotic MIC levels for P. acnes and P. granulosum have shown them generally sensitive to therapeutic levels in both blood and surface lipids. The clinical response of acne vulgaris to antibiotic therapy is slower than one would anticipate from in vitro studies. It is also delayed well beyond the time tetracycline is known to appear in surface lipids. The concentration of antibiotics in comedonal material could be important, but it is not known. To determine the sensitivity level required for such an assay, MIC studies on P. acnes and P. granulosum from comedonal material were carried out from 0.05 to 25 microgram/ml. The assay would need to detect 0.05 microgram/ml or less in comedonal material. Interestingly, two organisms were found to be resistant to one or more antibiotics at the 25 microgram/ml level and another had a MIC level of 12.5 microgram/ml for tetracycline.


Inhibition of hyperhidrosis by topical application of a local anesthetic composition. An eutectic mixture of 5% lidocaine and 5% prilocaine applied locally to the skin inhibited epinephrine-induced sweating in healthy subjects. It also inhibited palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis from 1 to 6 hours after application to 15 of 17 patients tested. A placebo lotion was without effect. When used daily for 3--4 weeks, only 25% of the patients were very pleased with the treatment. The reason for the decrease of efficacy is uncertain.


On the mechanism of HBFP stain and an analysis of heterogeneous nuclei in rat hepatocytes. Haematoxylin-Basic fuchsin-Picric acid (HBFP) technique characterises two varieties of nuclear population in the rat hepatocytes. HBFP technique is capricious and the differentiation step should be controlled stringently; ethanolic picric acid, therefore, is recommended as a differentiation fluid. On the basis of controls treated with (1) ribonuclease (RNase), (2) deoxyribonuclease (DNase), (3) Bouins fluid or (4) protease, this study has determined that DNA-associated protein(s) and some DNA may be responsible for the HBFP produced nuclear fuchsinorrhagia. The heterogeneous nuclei of the rat hepatocytes were statistically analyzed in periportal, centrilobular and intermediate areas. Fuchsinorrhagic nuclei were preponderant in the periportal areas.


A critical re-evaluation of the anisotropic index used in polarization microscopy: a study on epiphyseal cartilage. Topo-optical reactions specific for collagen and glycosaminoglycans were performed on epiphyseal cartilage plates which differed in age, in chemical composition, and in structure. Retardation values were measured with the polarization microscope and anisotropic index values were calculated after each reaction. It was found that the anisotropic index proposed earlier for quantitative evaluation of topo-optical reactions did not refer either to the submicroscopic orientation pattern or to the quantity of cartilage matrix components. It is suggested that retardation values of induced birefringence may be only used to characterize the spatial orientation of these components in the cartilage matrix.


Distribution and nature of desmosomes in the bovine developing ruminal epithelium. Desmosomes entirely similar to those of the deeper layers of ruminal epithelium are seen in the luminal layers of the early fetal ruminal epithelium. In the older fetuses, these desmosomes have morphological features that reveal to some extent the occurrence of processes of keratinization. This could indicate that the basis for cell keratinization is already present in the fetus and that postnatal keratinization corresponds mainly to the full development of the prenatally existing pattern of differentiation.


Cross-reactions between Staphylococcus aureus and fifteen other bacterial species. Fifty-five different antigens were demonstrated in an antigen preparation obtained by sonication of a protein A-free strain of Staphylococcus aureus, using crossed immunoelectrophoresis and antiserum obtained from rabbits. The antigens were characterized by absorption experiments with formalin-killed bacterial cells, temperature resistance and protein and polysaccharide staining. One of the antigens showed reaction of identity with a preparation of teichoic acid from S. aureus. Using this reference system, cross-reactions between the S. aureus reference strain and S. aureus strains from the four phage groups as well as 15 other bacterial species, were studied by various quantitative immunoelectrophoretic methods. The S. aureus antigens from the four phage groups showed almost 100% cross-reactivity for all antigens, while antigens from nine other bacterial species cross-reacted to varying degrees with one to four S. aureus antigens. All of 12 S. aureus antigens cross-reacted with the four S. epidermidis biotypes.


Cerebrospinal fluid proteins electrophoresis without prior concentration. There is a need for new methods to study CSF proteins. Kerenyi et al., 1973 and Verheecke, 1975 have already used this method and discussed its advantages. The electrophoresis is carried out according to the method of Wieme with as supporting medium agar. The volume applied varies between 5 to 15 microliters according to the total protein content and the width of the slit. Care must be taken to work at all times with bidistilled water and pro analysis reagents. After drying, the electrophoretic plates are reduced in a 10% solution of thiodiglycol, dried again, then immersed in 2% potassium hexacyanoferrate, washed thoroughly, then revealed with a silver nitrate solution (Kerenyi et al., 1973; Verheecke P., 1975) and left in 1% acetic acid. This technique is of major value as: 1. It avoids artefacts due to concentration and loss of proteins; 2. It works with very small amounts of fluid; 3. Where the CSF is silent for antibodies restricted heterogeneity using the classical methods, it reveals marked IgG fractionation.