Absolute and differential sensitivities to touch stimuli after spinal cord lesions in monkeys. Concurrent two-choice and go--no-go procedures were used to measure difference thresholds (DLs) for discrimination of touch intensities and absolute thresholds (RLs) for detection of light tactile stimuli by Macaca speciosa monkeys. Consistent with the classical proposition that the spinothalamic tracts of primates contain sufficient tactile input to support simple recognition of light skin contact, RLs were not affected by lesions of the ipsilateral dorsal column or by subsequent section of the ipsilateral dorsolateral column. There was, however, a clear dissociation of the effects of the spinal lesions on the absolute and difference thresholds. DLs were elevated ipsilaterally by lesions of the dorsal column and, after long periods of postoperative testing (more than 6 months), the DLs returned to postoperative levels. Subsequent interruption of the dorsolateral column again elevated DLs ipsilaterally and with extensive testing DLs again returned to preoperative levels.


Mannose-binding hemagglutinins in extracts of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Mannose-binding hemagglutinins were found in the extracts of a pyocyanin-forming Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which contain galactose-specific hemagglutinins. They were purified simultaneously with the latter proteins by heating to 70 degrees C, precipitating with ammonium sulfate, application to a Sepharose 4B column, and elution from it by 0.05 M mannose. The mannose-specific hemagglutinins were shown to be similar to the galactophilic ones in (a) being glycoproteins of very low molecular weight (about 11 000 by SDS gel electrophoresis), (b) their tendency to aggregate, and (c) their ability to effect stronger agglutination of erythrocytes treated with papain than of untreated ones. They were found to resemble them also in their reaction with simple sugars and interactions with divalent cations, which are essential for their activity. In these properties, as well as in their relative resistance to heat and to proteolytic enzymes, these two types of bacterial hemagglutinins are like most of the plant, contrasted with the animal, hemagglutinins. The reactions with mannose and mannose-bearing compounds (yeast mannan, horseradish peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7), and serum globulins), which are not shared with the galactophilic Pseudomonas hemagglutinins, indicate a relationship of the mannose-binding protein of Pseudomonas to the plant lectin concanavalin A. The mannose-binding hemagglutinins do not exhibit identical cell-agglutinating spectra owing to difference in profiles of sugar specificity and relative affinity to mannose derivatives compared with free mannose.


Polymers of biogenic amines.

Polymers of biogenic amines. Biogenic amines, with a primary amino group, were reacted with glutaraldehyde to form insoluble precipitates. These precipitates had distinctive ultrastructural features upon further reaction with osmic acid. When tested in vitro, they had biological activity and showed evidence that part of this biological activity was due to the large polymer of glutaraldehyde and amine. Experiments with isotope-labelled amines in the production of these precipitates showed that the precipitated polymers were not completely stable and that free amine was liberated from them. Since they were not stable, , they could not be used for the morphological localization of the amines as had been intended, but they may have some use as depot drugs or in the immunization of animals against these amines.


Mitogenic activity of Neisseria gonorrhoeae surface antigens in mouse splenic lymphocyte culture. The mitogenic effects of Neisseria gonorrhoeae endotoxin, fractionated envelope componenents, and intact cells were examined on unsensitized mouse splenic lymphocytes in vitro. The stimulatory effect of these substances was measured by increased [3H]thymidine incorporation in spleen cell cultures. Intact cells, purified lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and cell envelope preparations were highly stimulatory and the stimulation index was dose dependent. Fractionated components of the envelope demonstrated variable stimulation when tested at identical LPS concentrations, reflecting the mitogenic activity of the protein moieties. The stimulatory dose responses for purified N. gonorrhoeae and Escherichia coli LPS were compared and mitogenicity was higher with gonococcal LPS at all concentrations tested. Alkaline detoxification or succinylation of N. gonorrhoeae LPS results in loss of ability to induce blast transformation. The mitogenicity of cell-surface components of N. gonorrhoeae is discussed in terms of LPS and protein content.


[Demonstration of 2 enzymes with beta-galactosidase activity in Rhizobium meliloti]. The beta-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23) activities of wild-type Rhizobium meliloti and its lactose slow-hydrolyzing mutant have been compared. The properties of the enzyme are very different in each strain. These differences allow us to prove that two enzymes with a beta-galactosidase activity can be found in the wild-type whereas only one enzyme remains in the mutant strain.


Mast cell response during the early phase of tuberculosis: an electron-microscopic study. Guinea pig lungs were infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis by intratracheal route and examined under electron microscope to investigate the morphological alterations of the organisms, if any, and the response of the host tissue. The bacilli showed no changes in their morphology, while the host tissues revealed several cells containing many electron-dense intracytoplasmic granules. These cells were predominantly seen during the 1st week of infection. The electron-dense bodies of these cells may be the ones observed by earlier workers and suggested to be the altered forms of tubercle bacilli. The present investigation, however, revealed them to be the granules of the mast cells. These cells were observed to respond to tuberculous infection during the first few days by appearing in large numbers crowded with intracytoplasmic granules and soon disintegrating as the result of subsequent degranulation. The above observation is presented and its significance discussed.


Virulence and immunogenicity of types 1 and 3 Neisseria gonorrhoeae in guinea pig subcutaneous chambers. The relative virulence and immunogenicity of type 1 (T1) and type 3 (T3) cells of Neisseria gonorrhoeae were determined by tests with two different kinds of subcutaneous chambers in guinea pigs. In tests with a tissue nonencapsulated (NE) chamber, T1 gonococci were found to be greater than 1000 times more virulent as well as about 1000 times more immunogenic than T3 cells of the same gonococcal strain. However, T1 and T3 cells were found to be equally virulent for a tissue encapsulated (TE) chamber in guinea pigs. Analysis of fluids from the two types of chambers in a complement-dependent bactericidal assay revealed that the NE chamber fluid contained a substantially higher level of complement activity than fluid from TE chambers. The decline in complement level of chamber fluids due to tissue encapsulation was also confirmed by quantitation with rocket gel electrophoresis. A greater resistance of T1 cells to the bactericidal effects of complement appeared to provide a mechanism by which the T1 cells were most virulent than T3 cells for subcutaneous chambers in guinea pigs. Consequently, the NE chamber implant would appear to provide a more relevant environment for studying the virulence, as well as immunological characteristics of gonococcal strains and experimental immunogens.


A dendrogram of plant viruses.

A dendrogram of plant viruses. To facilitate the recognition of plant viruses with similar characteristics a dendrogram of characterized viruses was constructed. The sequence of criteria included: type of nucleic acid; single or double stranded; presence or absence of lipid envelope; helical or nonhelical symmetry; and divided or single genome. Nonhelical RNA viruses with divided genomes were further divided into viruses with one or more than one capsid size. Those with one capsid size were subdivided into viruses with one or more than one sedimenting component. Nonhelical RNA viruses with a single genome were divided according to their RNA size, and their sensitivity to sodium dodecyl sulfate and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.


Effect of somatostatin on thyrotropin, prolactin, growth hormone and insulin responses to thyrotropin releasing hormone and arginine in healthy, hypothyroid and acromegalic subjects. The effect of somatostatin on the thyrotropin (TSH), prolactin, growth hormone (GH) and insulin responses to the combined administration of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) and arginine was studied in six healthy subjects, three hypothyroid patients and three acromegalic patients. Similar inhibition by somatostatin of the TSH and insulin responses was observed in the three groups. While the tetradecapeptide had no significant effect on the prolactin response in the healthy and acromegalic subjects, it caused an unexpected inhibition of the prolactin response in two of the hypothyroid subjects. Contrary to the findings in the healthy and hypothyroid subjects, somatostatin did not inhibit the GH response in the acromegalic patients. Normal inhibition by somatostatin of the insulin response, followed by a rebound in insulin secretion, was observed in all subjects. These preliminary data indicate increased sensitivity of the prolactin-secreting cells to somatostatin in hypothyroidism and suggest that decreased responsiveness of the somatotrophs to somatostatin could play a role in the pathogenesis of acromegaly.


Effect of chronic home care on admission to institutions providing long-term care. Home care programs are operating throughout Ontario. In October 1975 pilot-test chronic home care (CHC) programs were added in three areas. Whether the Kingston CHC program prevented or delayed admission to an institution providing long-term care was studied in the 218 patients admitted to the program up to mid-March 1976. Forms were completed for all 218 patients admitted, for the 109 still in the program 6 months later, and for the 131 who had left the program by August 1976. Of the 218 patients 20% had applied for admission to an institution providing long-term care before applying for CHC, and another 22% had seriously considered applying to such an institution. The CHC staff judged that 61% would have needed institutional care without CHC. Only 12% of the 218 patients left the CHC program to enter an institution, only 1 of the 48 patients discharged to self-care at home was considering a move to an institution, and only 2 receiving CHC for 6 months applied to an institution during that time. CHC therefore seems to delay greatly admission to an institution providing long-term care for a substantial group of patients.


A comparative study of two preoperative radiation regimens with cystectomy for bladder cancer. This report surveys the results of two programs of preoperative irradiation with radical cystectomy for bladder cancer in 205 patients. Irradiating the true pelvis to 4000 rads in 4 weeks with radical cystectomy after 6 weeks was implemented in 119 patients (Group 1) from 1959 to 1965; 2000 rads given in 1 week to the true pelvis and radical cystectomy within the following week was implemented in 86 patients (Group 2) from 1966 to 1970. Determinate survival without evidence of recurrence at 5 years was 43% in Group 1 and 42% in Group 2. Mortality with recurrence of bladder cancer in 5 or more years was 44% in group 1 and 42% in group 2. Pelvic complications occurred in 13% of group 1 and 9% of group 2.


Acute nonlymphocytic leukemia: a delayed complication of Hodgkin's disease therapy: analysis of 109 cases. The use of combined modality therapy (irradiation and combinations of drugs) in the treatment of Hodgkin's disease has produced a significant improvement in survival, during which most patients lead an active and productive life. The estimated 1% incidence of leukemia in treated Hodgkin's disease patients, however, is greater than would be expected in the general population. There is a vast amount of literature which indicates that alkylating agents, procarbazine and irradiation are leukemogenic and immunosuppressive in animals and man. It is than conceivable that the current intensive treatment programs which use these agents are promoting the development of acute non-lymphocytic leukemia (ANLL). This leukemia has occurred most often in patients whose Hodgkin's disease is poorly controlled and who have received more aggressive therapy. The latent period from the diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease to the diagnosis of leukemia is significantly shorter (p less than .0005) in those patients who have received intensive and near maximal radiotherapy (total nodal irradiation), combination chemotherapy (MOPP or equivalent) or a sequential combination of the two modalities than similar patients who were treated with less than total nodal irradiation and or single agent chemotherapy. The following characteristic features have occurred with sufficient frequency to suggest that the subsequent leukemia is a distinct clinicopathological entity: pancytopenia, megaloblastoid marrow, nucleated red blood cells in the peripheral blood, random chromosomal aberrations of the bone marrow in most patients (94%), and refractoriness to antileukemia therapy (response rate 6.5%) with a very short survival (median one month).


Multiple primary neoplasms and the nervous system. Studies of multiple primary neoplasms and their relation to the nervous system should consider two important principles: 1) neoplasms of the nervous system have certain unusual features that distinguish them from tumors occurring elsewhere in the body; and 2) there is good evidence that the various histologic types of nervous system tumors should be regarded as separate diseases. The association of nervous system neoplasms and tumors of other sites may occur in patients with phacomatoses or particular genetic syndromes. In addition, certain nervous system neoplasms may be multicentric in origin. Retinoblastoma and osteosarcoma occur together in the same patient more often than expected by chance, as do meningioma and breast cancer. These relationships are important in that they serve to identify the high risk patient, may provide etiologic clues, may point to the presence of genetic syndromes, and may highlight sites in which subsequent tumors are most likely to develop.


The activity of 7-methylbenz(a)anthracene metabolites in an in vitro-in vivo carcinogenicity test using mouse lung tissue. 7-Methylbenz(a)anthracene (7-MBA) and its 5,6-oxide and trans-5,6- and trans-8,9-dihydrodiol were tested for carcinogenic activity in a system in which mouse lung tissue was incubated in the presence of a test compound for 1 h and then implanted into isologous mice. All four compounds gave small yields of adenomas and in addition the 5,6-oxide gave two carcinomas.


Reaction of arene oxides with nucleosides. Inosine was reacted with phenanthrene-9,10-oxide and 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-5,6-oxide (DMBA-5,6-oxide) to yield the corresponding N-1-alkylinosines. They were shown to undergo hydrolysis to 5-amino-4-imidazole-N-alkylcarboxamide ribosides when heated in the presence of sodium carbonate. Guanosine was reacted with DMBA-5,6-oxide to yield a mixture of N-7-alkylguanines along with a smaller amount of an orcine positive product exhibiting an ultraviolet spectrum resembling that of DMBA-5,6-dihydrodiol.


Dose dependence of immunopotentiation and tumor regression induced by levamisole. Breast cancer was induced in female Sprague-Dawley rats by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene. Once tumors had become established, they were treated with varying doses of the immunopotentiating drug, levamisole. Tumor growth was measured in the various dosage groups, and at 6 months after tumor induction the animals were sacrificed. Their immunological competence at this time was measured by the mitogen responses of splenic lymphocytes. Untreated animals with breast cancer were found to be immunosuppressed compared to normal animals. The drug levamisole resulted in immunopotentiation, but at high doses it was immunosuppressive. Tumor regression was observed at doses that resulted in immunopotentiation, but not at high doses. There was a significant correlation between immune competence and tumor regression. It is concluded that levamisole can cause regression of breast cancer in the rat but that this effect is critically dependent on the dose of the drug; these observations confirm previous studies carried out on human cells in vitro. It is recommended that high doses of the drug be avoided in human clinical trials and that the patients who receive this drug should have their immune responses carefully monitored.


Characterization of benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase of trout liver. Trout liver microsomes contained as 0.40 nmole of cytochrome P-450 per mg of protein and a NADPH-cytochrome c reductase activity of 23 nmoles of cytochrome c reduced per mg of protein per min at 22 degrees. Associated with these was a high benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase activity, which required NADPH and O2 and was inhibited by CO. With thin-layer chromatography, at least five metabolites could be identified (including dihydrodiols, phenols, and quinones of benzo(a)pyrene). Inhibitors such as 2-diethylaminoethyl-2,2-diphenylvalerate, aminopyrine, metyrapone, pyridine, n-octylamine, and 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane were relatively ineffective in inhibiting trout benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase. Typical inhibitors of 3-methylcholanthrene-induced cytochrome (P-448), such as alpha-naphthoflavone, zoxazolamine, and testosterone, were effective, however. With benzo(a)pyrene it was possible to induce type I spectral change in trout cytochrome P-450. In spite of the many enzymatic characteristics of cytochrome P-448, trout cytochrome P-450 had maximum absorbance at 450.6 nm. when in reduced form and complexed with CO. the ethyl isocyanide gave an interaction spectrum with reduced trout liver cytochrome P-450 resembling that of control rat.


Stages in neoplastic transformation of adult epithelial cells by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene in vitro. Five tumor-producing cell lines were established from explant cultures of adult C57BL mouse submandibular gland. Four lines were from cultures treated for 24 hr on Day 4 of culture with 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene. Three of these gave rise to adenocarcinomas after transplantation into syngeneic mice; the fourth produced tumors with carcinomatous and sarcomatous areas. The fifth cell line was derived from an untreated culture and gave rise to adenocarcinomas. A series of four well-defined morphological stages occurred in the cultures before tumor-producing cell lines were established. In Stage I (0 to 30 days) there was an outgrowth of epithelium; in Stage II (30 to 70 days) ductal differentiation occurred in some epithelium; in Stage III (70 to 100 days) small, slowly proliferating foci developed either from the ducts or from flat epithelial areas. In Stage IV (over 100 days) the proliferation rate in some of the foci increased, and the cells became more irregular. The cells could not be transferred easily until about 150 days, after which time they were tumor producing. Neoplastic transformation occurred between 158 and 240 days in the treated cultures and at 325 days in the untreated culture.


Comparative effects of a series of prolactin inhibitors, 17beta-estradiol and 2alpha-methyldihydrotestosterone propionate, on growth of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced rat mammary carcinomas. Eight ergot alkaloids and ergoline derivatives, effective prolactin inhibitors, were tested for activity against DMBA-induced rat mammary carcinomas. Compounds were administered daily, 5 times/week for 4 weeks, and rats were observed for an additional 4 weeks. Groups treated with androgen and estrogen were used as positive controls. Those ergot compounds and ergolines that proved to be highly effective in reducing tumor size or in inducing regression of tumors to nonpalpability were Deprenon (D-6-methyl-8-ergolin-I-ylacetic acid amide) and ergocryptine; effective to an intermediate degree were Dironyl [N-(D-6-methyl-8-isoergolin-I-yl)-N',N'-diethylurea], ergocornine, and Lysenyl [N-(D-6-methyl-8-isoergolenyl)-N',N'-diethyl-urea]; and effective to a minimal degree were Lergotrile (2-chloro-6-methylergoline-8beta-acetonitrile), CB-154, and 6605-VUFB (D-6-methyl-8-cyanomethylergolin-I). Remission of many individual carcinomas was brief, and duration of complete regression (all tumors in the rat were nonpalpable) was less than 10 weeks.


Prolactin binding to 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced mammary tumors and liver in diabetic rats. Growth rates of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced mammary tumors and the specific 125I-labeled prolactin binding to membrane fractions prepared from livers and tumors were studied in rats made diabetic by streptozotocin injection. Growth was inhibited in a majority of tumors and prolactin binding was reduced in both tumors and livers from diabetic animals. Prolactin binding to individual tumors varied over a wide range in both intact and diabetic animals. Scatchard analysis of binding data revealed that the apparent affinity of prolactin binding to liver and tumor membranes was similar (Ka approximately 3.0 X 10(9) M-1) and was not affected by diabetes. We suggest that the reduction in prolactin binding to tumors may render these tissues less responsive to prolactin and thereby explain, at least in part, the observed inhibition of tumor growth in diabetic rats. However, some tumors in diabetic animals regressed despite relatively high levels of prolactin binding activity. Therefore, additional factors most certainly play important roles in the mechanism(s) by which the growth of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced tumors is impaired in the diabetic rat.


Antitumor activity of Propionibacterium acnes (Corynebacterium parvum) and isolated cytoplasmic fractions. The tumor-inhibitory effect of an intralesional injection of Propionibacterium acnes was of limited duration ("finite"). Our model was the DBA/2 syngeneic mouse injected with P815 mastocytoma cells (5 X 10(5)) into each rear footpad; only the left was treated, leaving the right as a "pseudometastasis." The finite effect occurred at approximately 21 days after the first treatment. Subsequent i.p. treatments with P. acnes did not alter this effect, although they increased mean survival time. With one footpad tumor, we achieved 22% cures with complete regression and no sign of metastatic growth. A RNA fraction from P. acnes produced inhibition of tumor growth, but crude cell walls and cell walls treated with Pronase had no effect. A P. acnes cytoplasmic fraction with tumor-inhibitory activity was pelleted by high-speed centrifugation; this fraction inhibited P815 mastocytoma as fully as whole cells injected in one-fifth the dose on a nitrogen basis and did not cause a local inflammatory reaction. The activity of the pellet also differed from whole cells in that it was equally inhibitory to the pseudometastasis in the contralateral right rear footpad. The cytoplasmic fraction apparently contained at least two active components since activity was obtained at two dilution levels. Such activity was relatively stable at 5 degrees, but it was unstable at -30 degrees.


Induction of the formation of new hair follicles in mouse tail epidermis by the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. The formation of new hair follicles was quantitatively demonstrated in the tail skin of adult mice in the course of a two-stage carcinogenesis experiment with 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene as an initiator and the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate as a promoter, as well as in experiments with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate alone. Two kinds of follicular neogenesis could be distinguished. The most frequently encountered type was characterized by the organization of new follicles from the upper neck and orifice regions of already existing follicles. During their development, these new follicles remained in close apposition to the original follicles but, after having reached a critical size, split off to form fully independent follicles. In the second, type of follicular neogenesis, which occurred very rarely, the new follicles seemed to arise directly from the epidermis between two sets of hair triads; however, these follicles never reached their final stage and did not produce hairs. The formation of new hair follicles may be explained by a "dedifferentiation" of epidermal cells caused by the tumor promoter. Because of the paucity and advanced stage of the papillomas formed in tail skin after long-term treatment with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, no reliable comment as to whether the papillomas derive from the hair follicles can be made.


Effect of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene on the binding of aminoacyl transfer RNA in rat liver. Homogenates of the liver of female rats obtained 2 or 7 days or 3 months after the i.v. injection of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene were used to prepare ribosomes and postmicrosomal supernatant fractions and to prepare 0.5 M KCl salt wash fractions of the 40 S ribosomal subunits. The activity of the ribosomes was unchanged by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene. The activity of the supernatant preparation, which contained limiting amounts of Elongation Factor 1 relative to Elongation Factor 2, in peptide synthesis was significantly increased 2 days not 7 days after the injection. Evidence was obtained that this increase was due to increased activity in binding phenylalanyl transfer RNA. The factor-dependent binding of methionyl transfer RNAfMet to control rat liver ribosomes was also markedly increased 2 days but not 7 days after the injection. The liver of animals that bore mammary tumors 3 months after 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene injection also showed an increase in binding both of the aminoacyl transfer RNA species. The results are discussed in relation to the induction of liver drug-metabolizing enzymes and to liver regeneration.


alpha-L-Arabinofuranosidases and beta-D-galactosidases in germinating-lupin cotyledons. Extraction of germinating-lupin cocyledons, followed by ion-exchange and gel chromatography, gave two alpha-L-arabinofuranosidases and three beta-D-galactopyranosidases. Some fractions were further purified by using Concanavalin A-Sepharose. The changes in the activities of the enzymes during germination have been determined. Some kinetic and physical properties of these enzymes are described, and their role in the modification of cell-wall polysaccharides is discussed.


Cellulase from Fusarium solani: purification and properties of the C1 component. The C1 component from Fusarium solani cellulase was purified extensively by molecular-sieve chromatography on Ultrogel AcA-54 and ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex. The purified component showed little capacity for hydrolysing highly ordered substrates (e.g., cotton fibre), but poorly ordered substrates (e.g., H3PO4-swollen cellulose), and the soluble cello-oligosaccharides cellotetraose and cellohexaose, were readily hydrolysed; cellobiose was the principal product in each case. Attack on O(-carboxymethyl)cellulose, a substrate widely used for measuring the activity of the randomly acting enzymes (Cx enzymes) of the cellulase complex, was minimal, and ceased after the removal of a few unsubstituted residues from the end of the chain. These observations, and the fact that the rate of change of degree of polymerisation of H3PO4-swollen cellulose was very slow compared with that effected by the randomly acting endoglucanases (Cx, CM-cellulases), indicate that C1 is a cellobiohydrolase. Fractionation by a variety of methods gave no evidence for the non-identity of the cellobiohydrolase and the component that acted in synergism with the randomly acting Cx enzyme when solubilizing cotton fibre.


Purification of some glycoside hydrolases by affinity chromatography. Two glycoproteins have been isolated from the cell walls of baker's yeast. One is a glucan-protein complex which has been partially characterised as having a branched carbohydrate structure composed of chains of (1 leads to 3)-linked beta-D-glucosyl residues, some of which are attached by (1 leads to 6)-linkages to the main chain. Immobilization of this glycoprotein was achieved by covalent attachment to Sepharose, and the product was used to isolate a number of (1 leads to 3)-beta-D-glucan hydrolases from Helix pomatia, malted barley, and Basidiomycete QM806. The second glycoprotein, a mannan-protein complex, after immobilization, has been used in the purification of an alpha-D-mannosidase from jack-bean meal.


A single integrated gene for ribosomal RNA in a eucaryote, Tetrahymena pyriformis. The macronucleus of the protozoan, Tetrahymena, is known to contain multiple rRNA genes which are not linked to the chromosomes. Here we present evidence that the germinal micronucleus of this organism contains a single gene for rRNA integrated into the chromosomal DNA. Unlike the extrachromosomal copies of the macronucleus, which are composed of a pair of reversely repeated sequences (a palindrome), the integrated copy of rDNA is nonrepetitive or half the size of the extrachromosomal rDNA. Furthermore, we have failed to detect such an integrated copy of rDNA in the macronucleus. The implications of these observations for the amplification and evolution of rDNA are discussed.


Ecdysone-stimulated RNA synthesis in salivary glands of drosophila melanogaster: assay by in situ hybridization. 3H-RNA was isolated from nuclei and cytoplasm of Drosophila melanogaster larval salivary glands after labeling in organ culture in the presence or absence of ecdysone. Hybridization to the sites of the ecdysone-induced puffs 74EF and 75B could be detected only if the RNA was labeled in the presence of ecdysone, while hybridization to the ecdysone-repressed puff 68C was found primarily in the cytoplasmic RNA sample labeled in the absence of ecdysone. Hybridization at the site of an ecdysone-insensitive puff, 50CD, was readily detectable in all RNA samples. RNA hybridizing to the unpuffed region 60D seemed to be restricted to the nucleus of salivary gland cells and was present at only a low level in cytoplasmic RNA samples. The data indicate that in situ hybridization can be used to detect specific hormone-induced changes in transcription.


Polytene chromosome puffing and in situ hybridization measure different aspects of RNA metabolism. Direct autoradiography of Drosophila melanogaster polytene chromosomes which have incorporated 3H-uridine suggests that the chromosomal puffs are the most active sites of incorporation; that the puffs are not the only sites of incorporation; and that there are sites which do not incorporate at all. In situ hybridization of 3H-RNA from salivary gland nuclei labels all three types of chromosomal sites. Labeling by in situ hybridization is not proportional to labeling by direct autoradiography. The differences may be explained by several models. Nuclear RNA of salivary glands probably contains transcripts from multiply repeated genes; these transcripts may hybridize to many chromosomal sites. The data furthermore suggest that the phenomenon of puffing may not be a simple reflection of transcription rate, since several puffs hybridize RNAs with quite different metabolic characteristics.


[Variation in the number and size of myelinated nerve fibers regenerated after repeated localized freezing of the sciatic nerve of rats]. The number and size of myelinated fibres have been determined in the nerve to medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle of Rats in which the sciatic nerve had been frozen locally 1 to 5 times at monthly intervals. The contralateral nerve was used as a control. When the measurements were made one month after the last freezing, the number of fibres increased progressively until the 3rd freezing, reaching about 220% of the normal value. No higher values were observed after 4 or 5 freezings. The mean diameter of fibres decreased with the number of operations. When the measurements were made 3, 6, 12 or 18 months after the 3rd freezing, the number of fibres decreased by about 30% between the 1st and the 3rd month and then stabilized. The mean diameter of fibres increased progressively. However, at the 18th month, the size of the myelinated fibres had not reached the normal value.


[Chronic hyperesthesia in rats caused by lesions in the dorsal roots of the branchial plexus]. Traumatic avulsions of the brachial plexus in Man is followed by development of hyperesthesia which is known to be reistant to pharmacological medication. We have been able to reproduce this syndrome in the Rat and have used this disturbed animal as a model. This model will give us the possibility of studying nervous mechanisms responsible for these abnormal pains and to look for effective treatments.


[Persistance of endocrine cells in immuno-induced carcinoma of the exocrine pancreas: insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin cells]. In immuno-induced exocrine pancreatic carcinomas, which keep their exocrine secretory specificity through their different evolution stages [(1), (2)], normal B, A and D endocrine cells are still found, demonstrated by immunochemical techniques. They are localized in the islets of Langerhans. B and A cells are scattered in adenomatous pancreatic remains, and in the anaplasic carcinoma; D cells are found in the ductular and adenomatous remains. The three types of endocrine secretion granules are analyzed by electron microscopy at the early and late stages of carcinogenesis. The origin of the persisting endocrine cells and the nature of undifferentiated cells proliferating from the ductular epithelium are discussed.


A possible physiochemical explanation for the psychotherapeutic role of lithium. Manic-depressive psychosis could result from degradation of lipids in some neuronic membranes. This degradation could lead to fatty acids, which when ionized in the external medium would definitely disappear. If this medium contains Li+, a poorly soluble precipitate would be formed with the fatty anions. This precipitate, impermeable to its formative ions would slow down the dissipation of the fatty acids and thus facilitate the resynthesis of the original lipids. Ca++ cations being divalent could not play the same role.


[Non-mendelial female sterility in Drosophila melanogaster: demonstration of an inducer chromosome 4]. Crosses between two classes of Drosophila melanogaster strains (reactive and inducer) may lead to partially sterile F1 females. This sterility, called S.F. sterility, can be characterized  by its physiological features. It appears to be the result of an interaction between two factors: "R" brought into the initial croos by the reactive mother and "I" by chromosomes of the inducer father. Except for chromosome 4, each chromosome of the well known inducer strains may carry the I factor (inducer chromosomes). The present results provide evidence for the presence of an inducer fourth chromosome in the inducer strain Nagasaki.


[Liberation of adenosine triphosphate after depolarization of the Torpedo electroplaque by potassium chloride]. The release of ATP after potassium depolarization was measured on fragments of electric tissue incubated in a solution containing the firefly extract. Light emission was proportional to the extracellular KCL concentration. In contrast to the release of ATP after single nerve impulses, the release after direct KCL depolarization was insensitive to curare of eserin.


[Inhibitory effect of some antrogenic hormones, administered in ovo after sex differentiation, on the development of Müllerian ducts in female bird embryos]. Some androgenic hormones injected into the vitellus of quail (8 and 10 days old) or chick eggs (10 and 12 days of incubation) inhibit the left Müllerian duct development and mainly that of the shell gland. They slow down or stop the right duct involution. After these effects, histo-pathogenic disturbances, affect them.


[Urea cycle and purinolysis in the embryos and pregnant females of the teleost fish Poecilia reticulata]. The presence of a functional ornithine-urea cycle is evidenced in the embryos of the viviparous Teleost Poecilia reticulata. The activity of the cycle decreases during developmental period but persists in adult tissues. Purinolytic (uricolytic) pathway is another source of urea in both embryos and adults. The implications of these findings are briefly discussed in relation to the problems of ureogenic and ureosmotic phenomena in Teleostean Fishes.


[Joint effects of dietary protein levels and vitamin A additions on the induction of cytochrome P450 by DDT in rats]. A 5 P. 100 level of protein from casein in a diet does not allow vitamin A to modify significantly induction of cytochrome P 450 on the Rat receiving or not receiving DDT. When the protein increases to a 15 p. 100 level, the induction is better providing vitamin A is to be given. If protein and vitamin A are necessary for cytochrom P 450 induction, an increase of protein level remains inefficient without vitamin A.


[Transfer and induction of delayed hypersensitivity to methylated bovine serum albumin in the absence of adjuvant]. Delayed hypersensitivity to methylated bovine serum albumin may be induced in Mice without adjuvant, by injecting the antigen either with sensitized T lymphocytes, or by injecting just the antigen in Mice preptreated with Cyclophosphamid.


[The maternal protection reaction against a mother's rejection of her own larva in Salamandra salamandra L]. In vitro experiments have shown that maternal spleen cells from Salamandra salamandra are cytotoxic to cells from their embryos. This reaction can be inhibited by maternal serum. In this paper, we show that maternal serum protection acts through two effects: by inactivating spleen cells and by protecting embryonic cells. The more numerous the embryos are in a female, the stronger the protection is. The effect of the maternal serum does not appear to be individual specific.


[Diminution of the percentage of mononucleated phagocytes in patients with breast cancer]. Phagocytic activity of macrophages obtained directly from blisters induced by cantharide was studied in 19 normal women and 21 patients with untreated operable carcinoma of the breast. The percentage of mononuclear phagocytes from cancer patients was significantly decreased as compared to the percentage from control Women. The reasons for this phagocyte inertia in these patients remain to be determined.


[Anatomical variations and taxonomic relatedness in Hominoidea]. 31 anatomical variations were examined in 125 Pan paniscus and 96 Gorilla gorilla beringei skulls. Comparisons with published data of Hominoidea show that differences in their frequencies are proportional and parallel to taxonomic relationships on the subspecific, specific and generic level.


[Variation of the time constant (tau) of the decay of end-plate current during focalized transmitter release]. The variations of the time constant tau of the end-plate current (epc) have been studied at the clamped neuromuscular junction of the frog while transmitter release was focalised by local iontophoretic application of Ca++. In the absence of any anticholinesterasic drug, tau varies according to the variations of the intensity of epc (Iepc) due to pre or postsynaptic experimental procedure. It is suggested that focalisation of transmitter release induces local acetylcholinesterase inhibition by an excess of substrate; then the transmitter life time in the synaptic cleft is momentarily increased, allowing repeated binding of Ach to postsynaptic receptors.


[Origin of ammonia excreted by trout gill (Salmo gairdneri)]. In the perfused head of Trout the gills are the site of ammonia clearance which corresponds exactly to the appearance rate of ammonia in the external medium. Thus metabolic production of ammonia by the gill apparently does not participate to its excretion. Under ammonia-free Ringer perfusion however, endogenous production is observed and ammonia is excreted in both external and internal media.


[Facilitation of avoidance conditioning by reticular stimulation in the cat]. Learning is facilitated in Cats by posttrial reticular stimulation. It has been pointed out that this stimulation has no immediate anterograde effect and does not evoke any change in the cortical, motor or autonomic functions during its delivery. Moreover this stimulation has no effect on the time course of cortical and autonomic responses to the conditioned stimulus. Therefore, these results suggest that reticular stimulation has a specific action on memory consolidation or information processing.


[Influence of age on the plasma hormonal iodine response to thyrotropin injection in young calves]. The influence of age upon the increase in plasma hormonal iodine level following an intravenous injection of bovine TSH (0.2 USP units/kg) was studied in young jersey calves. The response to TSH increased between birth and the 7th day, then decreased regularly until the end of the third month. Reasons for these variations are discussed according to some results obtained following TSH injections.


[Evolution of testosterone metabolism during neonatal life in the guinea pig]. The neonatal period is characterized in the male Guinea-Pig by a steady increase in the metabolic clearance rate of testosterone and by a decrease in the conversion rate of testosterone to androstenedione. The transient rise in testosterone production rate on day 3 is concomitant with the neonatal peak in plasma testosterone.


[Natural pollution of continental waters by the antioxygenic effect of phytomelanin genesis in aqueous extract of autumn leaves, especially poplars]. Phenolase-acid phenol systems are present in variable amounts, variable proportion and variable water solubility in the autumn leaves of trees and bushes. The oxidative polycondensations into phytomelanins caused by these systems confer antioxygen properties to aqueous macerations of senescent leaves, which are sometimes very intense. They induce therefore a biochemical natural pollution of continental waters. The Poplars proved to be particularly deleterious.


[Replication of immune RNA by human lymphoblastoid cells]. Animal immune RNA used for the induction of the human lymphoblastoid cell line LDV/7, induces the appearance of receptor sites on the surface of these cells and the synthesis of specific immunoglobulins which are liberated into the culture medium. Furthermore, RNA has been extracted from these cells, which possesses the same properties of specific cytotoxicity as the RNA used for induction. It is supposed that the immune RNA derepresses specific genes on the genome of the induced cells.


[4-Thiouridine and photoprotection in Escherichia coli K 12]. A high level of protection is observed in the Escherichia coli K 12 strain AB 1157 rec A 1 nuv+ whose transfer RNA contains 4-thiouridine. In contrast, the photoprotection level is low and observed at higher doses in a strain which differs from the former by a single mutation, nuv-, (lack of 4-thiouridine). This nucleoside is therefore an important chromophore leading to photoprotection. This conclusion is corroborated by the similarity of the action spectra for 8-13 link formation in tRNA and for photoprotection.


[In vitro comparison of antigraft protection mechanisms in 2 genera of lumbricians: Eisenia and Lumbricus]. We sum up our in vitro experiments on allograft reactions in 2 genera of Lumbricians: Eisenia and Lumbricus. In Eisenia, first this reaction is a non-specific humoral one, then it becomes a specific cellular reaction. In Lumbricus the allograft reaction is a specific, mostly cellular one. Nevertheless it interferes with an acquired, specific humoral reaction.


[Abnormal sensitivity to erythropoietin in the erythroblast precursors in Vaquez disease]. Marrow specimens of patients with polycythemia vera rise to erythrocytic colonies in vitro without addition of erythropoietin to the culture. This behavior was never observed with marrow cells of normal subjects or secondary erythrocytosis. These results indicate that the sensitivity of some erythrocytic progenitor cells to erythropoietin is altered in polycythemia vera.


[Modification of chromatin condensation in cultured macrophages during induction of cell division by an inflammatory exudate]. The determination of chromatin condensation in rat peritoneal macrophages in culture showed a predominance of heterochromatin with low transcriptory activity. After induction of division in rat peritoneal macrophages in culture by an acute inflammatory exudate, a decrease of heterochromatin and an increase of euchromatin were observed. This result brings further evidence to support previous observations according to which this type of exudate shows mitogenic properties.


[Accumulation of mercuric selenide granules in the liver of Odontocetes (Mammifers, Cetacea): a possible method of detoxification of methylmercury by selenium]. In Mediterranean Cetaceans, concretions of pure mercuric selenide are found in the connective tissue of the liver. Their presence explains that high levels of mercury and selenium coexist with low level of methylmercury. The selenide could be produced parallel with demethylation of mercury, a process leading to the fossilization of mercury and partially of selenium under the form of a non biodegradable component.


[Pollution in Lake Leman. Evidence for the accumulation of tin in crustacean plankton: first results obtained by X ray spectrography]. Zooplankton was collected monthly from Leman Lake, from November 1976 to April 1977. Six of the most representative species of freshwater zooplankton were analyzed: Bosmina sp, Daphnia longispina, Bythotrephes longimanus, Leptodora kindtii, Eudiaptomus gracilis and Cyclops prealpinus. All of the samples were shown to accumulate tin in their different organs and tissues where high values were generally found. The consequences of concentration of this toxic element for aquatic food chains are discussed.


[Nickel content of human lymphoblastoid cells cultured in a nickel sulfate-enriched medium]. Nickel is titrated by atomic absorption in nuclear and non-nuclear fractions of cells cultured in media supplemented by nickel sulphate. The living cell percentages are estimated in the same culture conditions. We try to connect the nickel presence in cellular fractions and the living cell percentages. These used cells seem to have mortality probability when nuclear fraction has 55 x 10(-6) of nickel and non-nuclear fraction has 33 x 10(-6) of nickel. We discuss the nickel stimulating effect for the start of DNA synthesis and the nickel penetration into cells.


[Ultrastructural localization of photosystem I and II active sites in chloroplasts in situ]. Activities related to photosystem I and photosystem II are cytochemically localized at the electron microscope level by using suitable artificial electron donors and acceptors with, or without, factors uncoupling the light-induced electron flow between the two systems. Photo-oxidation of DAB, insensitive to DCMU, is linked to photosystem I activity. It occurs within the grana and stroma membranes of the chloroplasts. Photo-reduction of TC-NBT sensitive to DCMU, is a photosystem II mediated reaction. It is trapped within the grana membranes.


[An in vitro method for studying the metabolism of young bone matrix]. A method for studying in vitro bone resorption by the use of 35S labeled injection was investigated. Various substances (papaine) and hormones (calcitonin, vitamin D analogues) were tested and their effects on 35S and 45Ca metabolism were compared.


[Modification of alpha-glucosidases (E.C. 3.2.1.20) activity in honeybee hemolymph during nymphosis]. The main alpha-glucosidase fraction of Honey-Bee hemolymph undergoes an important increase of activity for a short time, at a precise stage of nymphosis (pink-brown eyes), without any changes of the apparent-Michaelis constant, nor corresponding increase of the protein quantity.


[Effects of prolonged ingestion of dodecanoic or lauric acid on the secretion of fatty acids in the rat mammary gland]. Dodecanoic or lauric acid (C 12 : 0) ingestion before and during lactation causes profound changes in the fatty-acid secretion by Rat mammary gland. Lauric acid concentration in milk lipids may reach 35% of total fatty-acids; saturated fatty-acids represent 80% of total secreted fatty-acids. When exogenous lauric acid supply is given, mammary tissue does not efficiently regulate the qualitative aspects of fatty-acid secretion.


[Calcitonin in the ultimobrancial body of Anguilla (Anguilla anguilla L.): cytologic localization by indirect immunofluorescence using human anti-salmon-calcitonin antibodies]. The localization of intracellular calcitonin has been achieved by immunofluorescence in the cytoplasm of all cells forming the epithelium of the ultimobranchial body of eels, using a human antiserum against synthetic Salmon calcitonin I. The specificity of the reaction is demonstrated by inhibition with synthetic salmon calcitonin (S.C.T.); the fluorescence is not inhibited by synthetic human calcitonin (H.C.T.).


[Binding of corticosteroids to plasma proteins in the adult green frog, in various physiological conditions]. Binding of corticosterone and aldosterone to plasma proteins of the edible Frog was studied by equilibrium dialysis technique. A high-affinity, transcortin-like, corticosterone binding system has been demonstrated, but, in vivo, the unbound fraction of this corticosteroid is higher that the bound one. Hypophysectomy and thyroidectomy do not change corticosteroids binding parameters which are modified by a variation of temperature.


[Influence of testicular fluid, spermatozoa and androgens on physiological activity of rat epididymis]. By ligation of the efferent duct and the corpus epididymis, the GPC concentration in this delimited anterior region decreased. However, HCG infection increased the GPC concentration. When spermatozoa are present in the epididymal tubule there is always a decrease in GPC concentration in these experimental conditions. Activity of the epididymis is disturbed by ligation.


[In vitro evaluation of cutaneous potentials in the triton, Pleurodeles waltlii Michah., by measuring transepithelial potentials]. Surface potentials previously measured in vivo have been approximately evaluated in vitro by means of an experimental device allowing a simultaneous record of transepithelial potential differences in 2 areas of the same skin piece cut out along the proximo-distal direction of the anterior limb of Pleurodeles waltlii. These potentials are thus explained by unequal transepithelial potential differences in the proximal and distal areas of the same skin sample.


[Effect of concanavalin A on the development of blastulae in Pleurodeles waltlii (Amphibia, Urodeles)]. The effect of concanavalin A (con A) on Pleurodeles waltlii blastulae was studied by incubating the eggs in presence of lectin. It was found that the protein exercised an inhibitory effect upon morphogenesis. This inhibition was concentration dependent. In certain cases, the inhibitory effect of con A was attenuated by alpha-D-methyl-mannose (0,05 M).


[Preventive effects of gliclazide on the development of cholesterol induced atherosclerosis in rabbits]. Administration of gliclazide inhibited the development of aortic and particularly coronary lesions induced by the cholesterol-containing diet; but it did not noticeably affect the evolution of plasma lipid disturbances.


[Morphologic alterations induced by aflatoxin B1 in Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner)]. Significative ultrastructural alterations shown in aflatoxin B1, treated cells of Bacillus thuringiensis are: increase of number of mesosomes which are hypertrophied, decrease of ribosomes and formation of imperfect cell septa.


[Water and electrolyte movements across the duodenal mucosa in laying hens during in vivo perfusion]. The net water movements through the duodenum in laying hens are directly dependent on the applied osmotic gradient. The passive water permeability (Lp) of the mucosa is 6 times higher during absorption (mucosa to serosa: 70 microliter/h/mOsm) than in the opposite direction (secretion: 11.5 microliter/h/mOsm) and its semi permeability is 0.49 (reflexion coefficient sigma). Net sodium and potassium movements seem to be linked to net water flux. Duodenal water absorption should not be explained by a process of passive permeability.


[Origin of the differences of superficial potentials in Rana esculenta]. The spatial distributions of superficial D.C. potentials on the skin of Rana esculenta have been compared to those of the intensity of short-circuit current (S.C.C.) expressing the transcutaneous active transport of sodium ions. It has been observed that the sites of maximum D.C. potentials coincide with the localisations of maximum S.C.C. values. Moreover, superficial D.C. potentials and S.C.C. are similarly modified by the depression of metabolic activity due to lowered temperature or poisoning by dinitrophenol (DNP). It is thus proposed that the spatial distribution of the transcutaneous active transport system for sodium ions is the origin of the electric generator of superficial D.C. potentials.


[Influence of sexual activity on longevity in adult male Drosophilia melanogaster]. Ageing in Drosophilia is modified according to their physiological state. Adult longevity is decreased by sexual activity: in both sexes the life span of virgins is higher. For the same physiological state male longevity is always lower than that of females.


[Influence of an injection of chorionic hormone (HCG) on the accumulation of testicular fluid following ligature of the vas deferens in adult Wistar rats]. Using the weight gain of the testis after efferent duct ligation, we have measured the testis fluid secretion. A single injection of HCG to Rats before, at the time or after the ligation leads to three types of effects: no effect which can be explained by the metabolisation of the hormone: a positive and/or a negative one. If the stimulating action of HCG remains unexplained, it must be related with ether anaesthesia. It seems likely that the decrease of testicular fluid secretion may represent the fundamental action of HCG upon the exocrine function of the testis, but the mecanism by which this action occurs remains to be solved.


[Congruence of monotonous DNA/protein polymers]. The comparative study of the monotonous polynucleotides and polypeptides reveals an univocal congruence between: poly-C and poly-PRO;poly-G and poly-GLY;poly-T and poly-PHE;poly-A and poly-LYS. The hypothesis is presented of a code of congruence ruling the specific recognition of the wide groove of the DNA by proteins.


[Formation of a depside-caffeine complex during cold conservation of coffee leaf samples in a hydro-ethanolic medium. Methodologic implications for the extraction of depsides]. The depsides present in coffee leaves are not apparent upon extraction with ethanol if the plant material has been fixed in boiling ethanol then maintained at - 25 degrees C. A complex formed with cafein prevents the extraction and this artefact from cold conservation concerns chlorogenic acid and its isomers. A treatment with chloroform can break the complex and allows the depsides to be dosed. The complex does not seem to exist in living tissues.


[Determination of the kinetic parameters of enzyme inhibition of the K-type mechanism: application to the control of alpha-glucosidase activity of honeybee hemolymph by glucose]. The alpha-glucosidasic activity of emerging honeybees haemolymph is submitted to a feed-back inhibition by glucose, according to a mechanism of the "K" type (competitive). The "resulting affinity-constant" (measured in the presence of the enzyme both with substrate and inhibitor) is linear function of the inhibitor concentration. The affinity constants between enzyme and pure substrate on one hand, and between enzyme and pure inhibitor on the other hand, were determined by means of this relation, which led to respectively equivalent values after determinations under in vitro or in vivo inhibitions.


[5-hydroxytryptamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity in brain synaptosomal membrane preparations]. A serotonine-sensitive adenylate cyclase system has been observed in horse brain membrane preparations. In crude mitochondrial fraction two types of activation sites were characterized, the Ka being = 2 nM and 1 micrometer. In purified synaptosomal membranes, a single adenylate cyclase activation was observed corresponding to the highest apparent affinity (KD = 2nM). This activation site might be related to the high affinity binding site (KD = 2NM) were previously described in the same membrane preparations.


Action potentials, afterpotentials, and arrhythmias. Triggered activity must be added to spontaneous activity and to circus movement as a cause for extrasystoles and tachycardias of either atrial or ventricular origin. The activity of a triggerable focus requires phase 4 depolarization caused by an afterpotential; this distinguishes it from the activity seen in circus movement. A triggerable focus becomes rhythmically active only if driven at a critical rate or by a critically timed premature impulse; this distinguishes it from a focus of spontaneous or automatic activity. The ease of triggering a triggerable focus increases in the presence of catecholamines; triggerable foci in the atrium become quiescent when exposed to acetylcholine. At the present time, fibers within the coronary sinus provide the most persuasive example of triggered activity as a possible cause of arrhythmias of clinical significance. It is possible that the coupled extrasystoles of digitalis toxicity may be triggered; there is every reason to believe that further examples of triggered arrhythmias of possible clinical significance will be discovered.


Large scale purification of hog renin. Physicochemical characterization. Renin was purified from 47 kg of hog kidney to produce enough enzyme for enzymatic and physicochemical characterization. The procedure included extraction at pH 3.5 in the presence of protease inhibitors, two ammonium sulfate precipitations, ion exchange chromatography on Sepharose-hexamethylenediamino-pepstatin gel, gel filtration, and isoelectric focusing. Renin, 2.3 mg, with a specific activity of 1,100 GU/mg of protein was obtained with about 70,000-fold purification and 16% overall recovery. The purity criteria were: (1) a single band on sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-gel electrophoresis, (2) same retardation factor on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for renin activity, protein and glycoprotein coloration. Renin was characterized by its stability at--20 degrees C, pH 6.5; its molecular weight on SDS-gel electrophoresis, 36,800; its relative mobility on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis at pH 7.8; its isoelectric point, 5.15; its amino acid composition, which revealed that renin is a glycoprotein; and its Michaelis constant on tetradecapeptide substrate at pH 6.6, Km = 7.7 X 10(-6) M.


The effect of acute changes in coronary blood flow on left ventricular end-diastolic wall thickness. An echocardiographic study. The effect of acute alterations in coronary blood flow (CBF) on left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic wall thickness was measured by reflected ultrasound in twelve anesthetized dogs. During five minutes of coronary ligation, wall thickness decreased from a control of 9.0 +/- 0.3 mm to 8.1 +/- 0.3 mm (P less than 0.001); during reperfusion (reactive hyperemia), wall thickness was greater than control (10.2 +/- 0.2 mm at one minute, P less than 0.001). Increased CBF produced by intracoronary nitroglycerin or papaverine resulted in transient increases in wall thickness from 8.9 +/- 0.1 mm to 9.7 +/- 0.2 at one minute (P less than 0.001) and 10.0 +/- 0.6 mm to 11.2 +/- 0.7 mm at one minute (P less than 0.001), respectively. The observed direct relation between CBF and wall thickness suggests a dynamic role for CBF in calculations of LV mass, diastolic wall stress, and myocardial stiffness constants.


Comparison of immunoglobulin determinations in pathological sera by radial immunodiffusion and laser nephelometry. Immunoglobulins G, A, and M were measured by radial immunodiffusion and by laser nephelometry in sera from 33 patients and in a preparation of purified colostral IgA. In general the results agreed for the two methods, with some exceptions attributed to the physicochemical characteristics of the immunoglobulins assayed: low-molecular-weight (monomeric) IgM gives falsely high values and IgA proteins (consisting predominantly of polymeric molecules) give falsely low values when assayed by radial immunodiffusion. Results from laser nephelometry apparently are not affected by the molecular-size characteristics of the proteins assayed.


The effect of glycosaminoglycans on the in vitro activity of human skin fibroblast glycosphingolipid beta-galactosidases and neuraminidases. The apparent low level of synthetic substrate beta-D-galactosidase activity in liver from patients with the Hurler-Hunter syndrome is caused by the inhibitory effect of accumulated glycosaminoglycans. We have demonstrated complete inhibition of GM1 ganglioside beta-galactosidase activity in vitro by both heparan sulfate and dermatan sulfate, but the effect on lactosylceramide and galactosylceramide hydrolysis was less marked. In contrast, lysosomal neuraminidase activity in vitro was enhanced by the addition of glycosaminoglycans. These observations are discussed in relationship to the observed storage pattern of glycosphingolipids in liver from patients with mucopolysaccharidoses.


Properties of human erythrocyte hexokinase related to cell age. The kinetic, electrophoretic and immunological properties of hexokinase from human erythrocytes have been studied in relation to cell age. No differences in kinetic behaviour between hexokinase partly purified from reticulocytes, 10% youngest cells, normal red cell population or from 10% oldest cells were observed. The stability of the enzyme preparations showed little differences; hexokinase from the 10% youngest cells was the most labile enzyme, followed respectively by the enzyme from reticulocytes, normal red cell population and the 10% oldest cells. The electrophoretic pattern of erythrocyte hexokinase changed during senescence. The hexokinase activity located in the second band from the anode is shifted to the third with increasing cell age. The molecular specific acitivity of the enzyme from the 10% youngest cells, the normal red cell population and the 10% oldest cells remains the same, while the molecular specific activity of hexokinase from reticulocytes was much lower.


An immunological study of nine proteins in CSF and serum of a group of epileptic patients. The concentrations of nine proteins, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, antitrypsin, prealbumin, transferrin, albumin, IgG, ceruloplasmin, IgA and alpha-2-macroglobulin, have been determined in the serum and CSF of two groups of patients, one control and one experimental, by an immunological method. The experimental group were patients suffering from grand mal epilepsy. The control group showed no detectable neurological disorder. In the group of grand mal epileptics, only prealbumin showed a significant elevation in CSF when compared with the control group. In contrast, the rest of the proteins are decreased with respect to the controls except for alpha 1-acid glycoprotein and transferrin. The results from this study also suggest that something more than an ultrafiltration process dependent upon molecular weight, is important in determining the concentration of some serum proteins in the CSF.


Lysosomal enzymes in medium from cultured skin fibroblasts from normal individuals and patients with lysosomal diseases. The release of acid hydrolases from cultured skin fibroblasts into the cell culture medium was studied in several lysosomal storage disorders (GM1-gangliosidosis, Fabry's disease, Hurler's disease, mannosidosis, and mucolipidosis). The levels of different activities were proportional to time (up to 44 h after medium change) and cell density with the exception of beta-glucosidase, which was not released. Culture medium from the fibroblasts of mucolipidosis patients exhibited higher activity of acid hydrolases than medium from cells of patients with GM1-gangliosidosis, Fabry's disease, Hurler's disease, and mannosidosis. These cells, however, exhibited somewhat higher levels of enzyme activity in their culture medium than control fibroblasts. The total production of acid hydrolases was yet rather similar in fibroblasts from controls and patients. Differential centrifugation showed that the highest specific activity of acid hydrolases was seen, as expected, in the lysosomal fraction, except in fibroblasts from patients with mucolipidosis, where the supernatant exhibited most activity. beta-Glucosidase, however, showed a normal differential centrifugation pattern also in fibroblasts from these patients.


The Stickler syndrome (hereditary arthro-ophthalmopathy). Three patients with Stickler syndrome are reported. Two of the patients were found among the 26 children attending a special pre-school for the visually impaired. One of the patients had bilateral choanal atresia which may represent an extreme example of the mid-facial hypoplasia commonly seen in these patients. It appears that Stickler syndrome may not be as rare as previously thought.


Experimental autoimmune thyroiditis in the vervet monkey. Autoimmune thyroiditis was induced in two vervet monkeys by immunizing them with human thyroid extract. As expected, both animals developed cytotoxic antibodies which were active against human thyroid and other human cells in tissue culture. In addition, a second serum factor was detected. This was capable of sensitizing human thyroid (and other) cells and rendering them susceptible to killing by normal lymphocytes. This finding implicates antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroiditis.


Antibacterial activity of ticarcillin, tobramycin and gentamicin alone and in combination against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in vitro. Using the biophotometer with ticarcillin no persistent bactericidal effect was found against Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCTC 10490. After addition of 1.2 microgram/ml gentamicin an increase of multiplication of bacteria was observed, but not after 1.2 microgram/ml tobramycin. With 6.2 microgram/ml tobramycin bactericidal effects lasted more than 24 h. In tube dilution test with Isotonic Sensi-test Broth out of 109 examined strains 51% were resistant to gentamicin, 16% to tobramycin and 4.5% to ticarcillin. If MIC values of gentamicin and tobramycin were calculated for magnesium-free media the resistance rate would be 10% for gentamicin and 3% for tobramycin. Combining subinhibitory doses of gentamicin or tobramycin with ticarcillin, most of the strains resistant to gentamicin and tobramycin became susceptible. The rate of inactivation of tobramycin by ticarcillin depends on the fluid into which they are placed. In combination therapy both antibiotics should be applied separately and immediately one after the other.


Diverticular disease of the appendix.

Diverticular disease of the appendix. Diverticular disease of the appendix involves about 1 per cent of all appendices removed. Considering the large number, the subject appears to have been neglected in medical literature. Since the symptomatology is similar to that of appendicits and diverticula are frequently very small, they could go unnoticed. A comparison of 30 cases of diverticular disease and 30 cases of acute appendicitis reveals a few fine differences. The patients with diverticular disease are at least a decade older, the duration of pain in these patients is longer, and the diverticula and appendix may or may not be inflamed.


The effects of long-term psychotherapy on patients' self-perception. A review of the literature regarding the effects of long-term psychotherapy indicates that it has rarely been examined purely from the standpoint of the patient. This study attempts to determine how the patients perceive attitudinal change in themselves and their therapists during the treatment process. Twenty patients who received dynamically oriented psychotherapy in excess of one year in a typical outpatient clinic participated. These patients were randomly assigned a therapist who was either a Clinic staff member or senior resident in psychiatry. Slightly more than half the patients included in the study had a diagnosis of psychoneurosis, while the remainder were viewed as possessing characterological or psychotic disturbances. Evaluation of patient attitudes was achieved through the use of a modified version of Osgood's Semantic Differential Scale. It was determined that patients perceived themselves as becoming significantly more like their therapists after one year of psychotherapy. They saw themselves as more active, independent, dominant, outgoing, realistic and happy. This "psychic shift" is discussed in terms of identification, transference and counter-transference phenomena.


Total parenteral nutrition: a safe procedure in the small community hospital? The complication rate for all patients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) over a 4-year period of time in a small community hospital has been continuously reviewed. Audit of the complication rate of the initial 15 patients receiving TPN revealed a 12.5% sepsis rate. After instituting rigid protocols concerning catheter insertion and care, a nursing care plan, and metabolic flow sheet, we found that the catheter sepsis rate decreased to 5.1% (P less than 0.05) in the subsequent group of 31 patients. However, metabolic complications related to TPN were not significantly different in the two groups. We conclude that community hospitals without a nutritional team can achieve acceptable complication rates for patients receiving TPN if the staff is committed to continuous critical analysis of complications. Transfer of depleted patients to institutions with demonstrated expertise in this area is recommended if such an analysis shows unacceptable complication rates.


[Clinical studies on the reduction of dental calculus formation by the use of a percent HEDP containing toothpaste]. In a clinical, uncontrolled double blind test, the effect of a 1% HEDP containing toothpaste on the formation and degree of mineralization of supragingival calculus was examined in 50 subjects over two periods of three month each. Considering all subjects the HEDP-containing paste reduced the new formation of calculus by 34.1% or 41.1% depending on the method of evaluation (CS or VM index) and the mineral content by 20.3%.


Estrogen-induced gonadotropin surges in decerebrated female rhesus monkeys with medial basal hypothalamic peninsulae. Hypothalamic peninsulae, posteriorly continuous with the brain stem, were produced in ovariectomized rhesus monkeys by aspiration of the cerebral hemispheres and all brain structures anterior and dorsal to the optic chiasm. These preparations were sustained for 52 to 60 h postoperatively by maintaining blood gases and pH within physiological limits and by supporting arterial blood pressure, when necessary, with infusions of rhesus monkey blood and norepinephrine. The sc injection of estradiol benzoate (EB) to such animals upon completion of the ablation procedure was followed 18-24 h later by unambiguous surges of serum LH and FSH with durations in the excess of 24 h. These findings are consonant with the view that the central components of the control system that initiates the preovulatory gonadotropin surge in the rhesus monkey are resident within the medial basal hypothalamic-hypophysial apparatus.


[The structure of bacillomycin L, an antibiotic from Bacillus subtilis (author's transl)]. The structure of bacillomycin L, an antifungal agent isolated from the culture medium of a strain of Bacillus subtilis, has been investigated. The peptide moiety contains one mole each of D-aspartic acid, L-aspartic acid, L-glutamine, L-serine, D-serine, L-threonine, and D-tyrosine. The lipid moiety is a mixture of 3-amino-12-methyltridecanoic acid (46%), 3-amino-12-methyltetradecanoic acid (38%, 3-amino-14-methylpentadecanoic acid (11%), and two minor homologues. The peptide sequence and the cyclic structure were determined by structural analysis of the peptides obtained by mild acid hydrolysis. The molecular weight was determined by the thermoosmotic method; this showed that bacillomycin L has a monomeric structure which is given in Formula 1.


Biosynthesis of the blood-group-B-specific trisaccharide in a rhesus monkey. A Rhesus monkey, serologically grouped as B, has been shown to excrete low-molecular-weight carbohydrate material in urine closely related to that found in human urine. Galactose feeding resulted in the excretion of a trisaccharide which was shown to be identical to the trisaccharide isolated from the urine of group B humans under the same conditions. Experiments in which [14C]galactose was administered both orally and via an intestinal vein demonstrated that the intestine is the site of biosynthesis.


The combined clinical and hemodynamic effects of trinitrin and propranolol. The clinical and hemodynamic effects of trinitrin (nitroglycerin) have been studied in 5 patients with long-established coronary artery disease who had been receiving long-term beta blockade therapy (propranolol). 5 similar patients not on propranolol acted as controls. Patients on propranolol reported as effective relief of angina with trinitrin as patients not on this therapy. Although the patients on propranolol had an initially lower systolic blood pressure and mean ventricular rate, sublingual trinitrin caused in both groups a similar fall in aortic pressure, pulmonary wedge pressure, oxygen consumption and stroke volume, together with a similar rise in ventricular rate. It was concluded that trinitrin was as effective, both subjectively and objectively, in patients on propranolol as in those without beta blockade and promoted similar side effects.


Idiotypic analysis of the response of C57BL/6 mice to the (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl group. Strain C57BL/6 mice produce a highly restricted primary response to the (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl (NP) group. This response is composed of molecules having mu or gamma1 heavy chains and light chains of the lambda type. A guinea pig anti-idiotype was raised to the purified C57BL/6 primary anti-NP immunoglobulin. After suitable absorption, this anti-idiotype was shown to detect markers present on the primary anti-NP immunoglobulin only of those strains which express the Ig-1b allotype. Breeding experiments demonstrated that the marker segregated with the heavy chain linkage group.


An IgM-producing tumor with biochemical characteristics of a small B lymphocyte. A lymphocytic tumor, 38C-13, induced by the chemical carcinogen 7, 12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene in C3H/eB mice and adapted to tissue culture, produces 7-8 S IgM with "core" carbohydrates (N-acetylglucosamines, mannoses), but not "branch" carbohydrates (neuraminic acids, fucoses, galactoses) attached to the mu heavy, but not to the light chains. Turnover of the 7-8 S 38C-13 IgM is slow (half disappearance time = 10-15 h). The IgM is released from the cells as 7-8 S IgM. The ratio of IgM synthesis to the synthesis of all cellular glycoproteins is 0.005-0.01. After comparison of these data with data obtained with normal B lymphocytes before and after mitogenic stimulation, we conclude that 38C-13 tumor cells are transformed counterparts very near or within the population of small, mitogen-sensitive, resting B lymphocytes.


Calcium ionophores and tension production in skinned frog muscle fibers. Antibiotics, X-537A and A23187, were added in micromolar concentrations to selected bathing solutions of skinned frog muscle fibers, and they were shown to affect the production of tension in the skinned fibers. Segments of skinned fibers were bathed in a buffered calcium solution with a pCa near the threshold for contraction. When a segment was moved to a lightly buffered calcium solution with a pCa higher than the threshold for contraction but one containing either antibiotic, a transient contracture of the segment resulted. if the procedure was repeated in the same segment, no contracture was produced. The results are consistent with the idea that the antibiotics function as calcium ionophores in the membrane of the sarcoplasmic reticulum of skinned fibers.


[Effects of colchicine treatment on rat intestinal disaccharidase activities]. The changes in morphology and proliferation kinetics produced by colchicine in the intestinal mucosa are known. Contrarily, the functional changes have yet not been investigated systematically. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of colchicine treatment on rat intestinal disaccharidase activities. For the experiments male SPF-Wistar rats, body weight 180--200 g (supplied by Mus-Rattus AG, 8011 Brunnthal, FRG) were used. The animals were kept under constant conditions (6 rats per cage) and fed Altromin (Altromin Gmb H,Lage/Lippe), tap water ad libitum. Per day 6 animals of each test group were scarificed by cervical dislocation at defined time. About 3 cm of the intestine were removed 8--10 cm distally of the pylorus and cut longitudinally. After cautious cleaning the mucosa was detached using a scalpel. The thus obtained specimens of the mucosa were frozen at -- 20 degrees C in an air-tight humidity chamber and preserved there until further handling. For histological examination the correspondent parts of the intestine were fixed in 10% formol. From each specimen 4 different stainings were made (haematoxylin-eosin, Giemsa, PAS and Feulgen stain). Per test series 60--66 rats were used. The following doses of colchicine were applied: 1 X 1.0 mg/kg body weight, 1 X 0.5 mg/kg body weight, 5 X 0.1 mg/kg body weight within 24 hours. The single doses were dissolved in about 0.5 physiological saline and applied intraperitoneally. In each 6 rats per group the activities of the following diasccharidases were measured at 24 hours intervals from the 1st to 10th or 14th day: sucrase, maltase, lactase, and cellobiase. The enzyme activities were determined after the two-step method developed by DAHLQVIST (5,6) which can be used as micromethod. The ascertained enzyme activities were always related to the protein content. Protein determination was done after the method of Folin-Ciocalteu as modified by LOWRY et al. (14). The enzyme activities were expressed in international units per g protein (U/g protein). the results obtained were statistically ascertained by the non-parametric test after Kruskal-Wallis, variance analysis with linear contrasts after Scheffe as well as by double variance analyses (26).


[Muscarin-sensitive cholinoreactive systems in the respiratory center]. Muscarinic cholinergic drugs (arecoline, oxotremorine) which can easily overcome the blood-brain barrier inhibit the action potentials of the phrenic nerve in anesthetized or decerebrate curarized cats after a selective blockade of peripheral muscarinic cholinoreceptors with quaternary anticholinergic drugs (oxyphenonium, benzilycholine). These inhibitory effects are abolished by drugs blocking the central muscarinic cholinoreceptors (atropine, scopolamine, benactyzine). This suggests the existence of muscarinic cholinoreceptive neurons in the respiratory center of the cerebral ponto-bulbar region, the said neurons inhibiting the activity of the inspiratory motonerons.


[Trial of the culture media Microcult GC for detection of gonococci]. A trial of the culture medium 'Microcult GC' for the detection of gonorrhea in 246 patients confirms its utility. The direct smear of the exudate is still indispensable. The best culture medium is the Thayer-Martin plate. The main advantage of the new medium tested is its simple utilization technique which makes it suitable for the practitioner.


The direct effect of hypoglycaemic sulphonylureas on myocardial contractile force and arterial blood pressure. The cardiovascular effects of glibenclamide, gliclazide and carbutamide were studied on myocardial contractile force, cardiac output, mean arterial pressure and heart rate in 43 intact, 14 pancreatectomized and 18 adrenalectomized dogs. It is shown that a positive inotropic and hypertensive effect of hypoglycaemic sulphonylureas develops without the mediation of glucagon, insulin or adrenaline. Contrary to the other investigated sulphonylureas, glibenclamide reduced myocardial contractile force and arterial blood pressure.


Home parenteral nutrition as primary therapy in patients with extensive Crohn's disease of the small bowel and malnutrition. Seven patients with extensive Crohn's disease have received nightly supplementary home parenteral nutrition (HPN) for a total of 120 patient months. Indications for HPN were short bowel in 5, growth failure in 1, and gastric outlet obstruction in 1. Before HPN, body weight averaged 72% of ideal body weight in 5 patients; 1 adolescent was less than the third percentile in weight. Anthropometry in 6 patients confirmed decrease in fat and lean body mass in all. All patients were anemic and serum albumin was low in 6 of 7 (1.8 to 3.0 g per dl). During HPN average weight gain was 11 kg in the 6 patients treated for 6 months or longer. Hemoglobin increased an average of 1.5 g per dl and serum albumin increased an average of 1.0 g per dl. There were 50% fewer hospitalizations after HPN was begun compared with similar time periods before HPN. HPN did not prevent or reverse complications of Crohn's disease other than malnutrition. Major complications were displacement of the catheter on two occasions in 1 patient and metabolic acidosis in 2 patients. Sepsis did not occur. HPN is justified in selected patients with extensive Crohn's disease and malnutrition in that patients gain weight, nutritional parameters improve, and patients' activities increase as number of hospitalizations decrease.


Function of hypothalamo-pituitary thyroid axis in depressed patients. Nineteen out of 51 depressed patients showed abnormal TSH response to TRH in terms of exaggerated, diminished and delayed responses. The basal value of T3 and its response to TRH were significantly lower in patients with delayed or diminished response than in the normal subjects. These results indicate that the dysfunction of the hypothalamo-pituitary thyroid axis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of depression.


[Hepatic coma in liver cirrhosis. Prevention and treatment]. The prognosis of hepatic coma is poor if the patient has jaundice, ascites, defects in clotting factors, a low serum-albumin level and haemorrhage from oesophageal varices. After 5 years, the survival rate is less than 20%. Approved methods of intensive care are recommended. Cerebral oedema, respiratory and renal failure, infection and lactate acidosis are dangerous complications with the necessity to early treatment. The difficulty of parenteral nutrition depends on the extent of liver cell failure. In spite of the rise in blood ammonia mixtures of selected amino acids should be given in small doses. In selected cases temporary hepatic support and detoxification methods are indicated in hepatic coma. Charcoal haemoperfusion decreases the depth of coma and regulates the electroencephalogram, some patients fully recover consciousness. But there is no long-term improvement of survival-rates in cases complicated by bleeding oesophageal varices and by septic circulatory failure. The lethality of the first bleeding from varices is about 50%. Diagnostic endoscopy is necessary, sclerosing of oesophageal varicosis and laser-coagulation can be life-saving in hepatic pre-coma. The mortality of surgical procedures is more than 60%. Emergency anastomosis shunting portal blood has a better prognosis than ligation of the varices or oesophageal and high gastric transsection operations, demonstrated by surgical management in 248 cases. Even with this long-term succes is unusual.


[Nutrition after gastrectomy].

[Nutrition after gastrectomy]. Dietary therapy after gastrectomy demands a differentiated approach. In the immediate postoperative phase parenteral nutrition is indicated. If no complications occur, the transition to oral nutrition can soon be made, the basic principle of which is adherence to 6-8 small meals. Since, in our experience, after gastric resections numerous disorders can occur, a carefully controlled diet with the aid of nutrional anamnesis is to be recommended. At the same time substitution of vitamin B12, iron, calcium and pancreatic enzymes is absolutely essential.


Islet cell transplantation in treatment of diabetes. Transplantation of isolated islets in volunteer patients with functioning renal allografts reduced their insulin requirements for up to 18 months. These trials were based on experiments with rats with induced diabetes in which plasma glucose levels and glucosuria were decreased, and retinal and renal complications prevented or reversed. The approach may make possible correction of the carbohydrate metabolism defect.


Investigations on the polymorphism of glyoxalase I (EC 4.4.1.5) in the population of Hessen, Germany. The phenotypes of glyoxalase I (GLO) were determined in a random population from Hessen (Germany) by  high-voltage agarose gel electrophoresis. The gene frequencies in 1150 unrelated individuals were 0.4391 for GLO1 and 0.5609 fro GLO2. Rare phenotypes were not observed. The segregation of phenotypes in 50 families and 32 mother-child combinations supports the assumed autosomal codominant inheritance. The possibility of a simultaneous typing for GLO, esterase D (EsD), and carbonic anhydrase2 (CA2) on one gel is discussed.


Red cell enzyme polymorphisms in the Yoruba. In this study are presented the results of an investigation of variation in 17 red cell enzyme systems in the Yoruba, a Negro population of western Nigeria. Nine of the systems were found not to be polymorphic. The other eight systems revealed a close resemblance to the Negroes of Southern Africa, and a marked contrast with the San ('Bushmen'). The Yoruba have a history of many centuries of urbanization, while the Southern African Negroes have only recently begun to inhabit large towns. It would appear not only that the polymorphisms investigated are irrelevant to adaptation to urban conditions, but also that no selective forces, and very little drift, has operated on them since the remote ancestral separation of the populations. These results also suggest that the Khoisan contribution to the Southern African Negro gene pool might not be as uniform or as considerable as might be supposed.


Adenosine phosphorylase activity in a mutant HEp-2 cell line contaminated with Mycoplasm hyorhinis. Metabolic studies in HEp-2/MP,MIR cells (an adenosine kinase, hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase negative mutant) indicated the presence of adenosine phosphorylase activity. This activity, unknown in established mammalian cell lines, resulted in the glycosidic cleavage of both adenosine and the antiviral drug arabinosyladenine. The activity was observed readily in the presence or absence of the adenosine deaminase inhibitor conformycin. Isopycnic separation of [3H] thymidine-labeled DNA species in CsCl density gradients resulted in the appearance of two distinct peaks. The heavier peak coincided with [14C]thymidine-labeled marker DNA of human origin, whereas the lighter peak was within the range associated with mycoplasmal DNA. Testing by commercial laboratories confirmed the presence of mycoplasma in HEp-2/MP,MIR cells. The contaminant was identified as Mycoplasma hyorhinis, a porcine mycoplasma. Following gamma-irradiation (3000 rads) to block cellular mitosis, the mucoplasma-contaminated HEp-2/MP,MIR cells were cocultivated with mycoplasma-free wild-type HEp-2 cells which did not exhibit adenosine phosphorylase activity. Following serial cocultivation in a medium designed to favor the survival of the wild-type cells, adenosine phosphorylase activity was found in the previously uninfected cells. Studies of this nature emphasize the need for investigators to carefully monitor their cell lines for mycoplasma.


Increased cell-mediated lysis of chicken erythrocytes following the addition of metabolic inhibitors. The effect of a variety of metabolic inhibitors on the cell-mediated lysis of chicken erythrocytes by immune spleen cells was investigated using the Cr-release assay. The addition of cycloheximide, puromycin, emetine, pactamycin, actinomycin D or EDTA during the early stages of the reaction (0-2 h) produced partial to complete inhibition of the cytotoxic reaction, while the addition of these compounds at later time periods (2-4 h) resulted in the progressive loss of inhibitory effects. Later additions (4-6 h) of all compounds, except EDTA, resulted in a significant increase in target cell lysis. The ability of these compounds to induce increased cytotoxicity required complete inhibition of protein synthesis and the presence of reactive effector cells. It did not appear to be due to an increase in the rate of 51Cr release from previously damaged target cells, or inhibition of a target-cell repair mechanism dependent on protein synthesis. At least a portion of the increased reactivity was due to effector cell-target cell adhesions which formed after the addition of the inhibitor. The data suggests that the addition of metabolic inhibitors during the later stages of the reaction induced an increase in the efficiency or number of cytotoxic attacks.


[Comparison of peripheral parenteral feeding with an exclusively carbohydrate diet during the postoperative period]. 40 patients, who underwent abdominal surgical procedures, received 3 different types of peripheral-venous postoperative infusions. Two groups had peripheral parenteral nutrition with different amounts of amino acid substitution, whereas a comparable group only received carbohydrates and electrolytes with same energy content. Regarding plasma proteins there was no evident difference among the various groups. In all patients, however, we found a significant decrease of protein-levels in the early postoperative period indicating a malnutrition at this time. Supply of amino acids had a significant positive effect on nitrogen balance. Utilisation of added protein theoretically came up to 65-70%. Therefore postoperative peripheral parenteral nutrition should be preferred.


[Hyperammonemia during parenteral nutrition of intensive-care patients]. Metabolic features of parenteral feeding with conventional amino acid solutions were examined in 47 patients over a long period. 30 patients were kept alive by artificial respiration. The metabolic parameters ammonium, blood urea nitrogen, GOT, alkaline phosphatase were carried out, in 6 patients the pattern of amino acids was analysed. All patients showed a significant increase of ammonium during the course of parenteral feeding. The amino acids demonstrated pattern of imbalance. The other other parameters were not changed significantly. Traumatic, hypoxic or toxic liver damage might influence the reduction of liver function.


[Complete parenteral nutrition of amino acids, glucose, vitamins and minerals with inclusion of fats]. The objective of complete intravenous nutrition is to supply by the intravenous route all the nutrients normally obtained in the oral diet and the same relative proportions as absorbed from an oral diet. Some suggested allowances to meet these nutritional requirements in patients with different clinical conditions are made. There appears to be little overall difference in the clinical effectiveness of an intravenous regime in which all the non-protein energy is provided by glucose and one in which both glucose and lipid are used. However, the use of a system of complete intravenous nutrition, which by definition must contain lipid, does have specific practical advantages which make it the system of choice in certain circumstances.


[Metabolically adapted nutrition following the concept of clinical nutrition therapy--success and prospects]. Modern dietetics abandon the traditional, mainly hypothetically based special types of nutrition. A better knowledge of the physiological and pathological metabolic reactions and the technical possibilities to produce defined, tailor-made dietetics products require a new way of thinking. It is attempted to establish a simple scheme according to the composition and use of balanced and defined diets and to outline future tendencies. In summary, it is concluded that the consequent use of modern nutritional physiology and the application of the actual technologies allow to supply patients with a metabolicly adapted nutrition even under difficult conditions.


[Practice in infusion therapy and parenteral feeding]. Today, the steadily growing selection of industrially produced infusion and nutritive solutions can hardly be overlooked by the clinician. It is therefore most important for him to limit himself to a number of modern, clinically approved solutions whose composition, maximal infusion rate, indications, contra-indications and side-effects are well known to him. Moreover, a successful infusion therapy and parenteral nutrition postulate the mastery of modern infusion techniques.


Heterogeneity of nonimmune immunoglobulin Fc reactivity among gram-positive cocci: description of three major types of receptors for human immunoglobulin G. Two hundred and thirty strains of various gram-positive cocci were tested for quantitative, nonimmune binding of radiolabeled human polyclonal immunoglobulin G (IgG). The majority of coagulase-positive staphylococci and streptococci belonging to serogroups C and G showed a high uptake of IgG. The binding of immunoglobulin to group A streptococci was considerably less, with a number of strains completely negative. None of the pneumococcal or the group B or D streptococcal strains displayed any binding capacity. Heterogeneity of the IgG reactivity of various reactive strains was studied in an inhibition assay using 10 different animal serum pools. Three different inhibition patterns were seen, each of them revealing a striking degree of homogeneity within single bacterial species. Staphylococcus aureus and group A streptococci, respectively, constituted two homogeneous groups which differed markedly from each other and from C and G streptococci. No differences were observed between group C and G streptococci. Based on the profound differences between these homogeneous groups, three major types of Fc receptors could be defined. Type I and II Fc receptors were found on S. aureus and on group A streptococci, respectively. Fc receptor type III represented the immunoglobulin-binding structure of both group C and G streptococci.


Immunochemical studies on the galactomannans isolated from mycelia and culture broths of three Hormodendrum strains. Six major antigenic galactomannans isolated from both mycelia and culture broths of three representative strains of three species of the genus Hormodendrum, H. pedrosoi IFO 6071, H. compactum IFO 6726, and H. dermatitidis IFO 6421, were investigated for their immunochemical properties by precipitin reaction and the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test. We found that partial acid hydrolysis of the these galactomannans with 0.005 M sulfuric acid yielded free galactose and corresponding acid-resistant core moieties. In agar-gel double-diffusion reactions, no acid-resistant core moiety of galactomannan showed a corresponding precipitin line against homologous antiserum, indicating that the acid-labile galactofuranosyl residues were solely responsible for the precipitin activity of these galactomannans. All galactomannans and their core moieties gave sharp cross-precipitin lines against anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae serum, specific for the alpha1 leads to 3- or alpha1 leads to 2-linked D-mannopyranosyl residue. Quantitative precipitin reactions of the same antigen-antibody systems showed that all acid-resistant core moieties were completely inactive in the homologous systems but were highly cross-reactive with anti-S. cerevisiae serum. Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis tests using guinea pigs sensitized with homologous antisera or with anti-S. cerevisiae serum provided results consistent with those obtained in the in vitro assay.


Synchronized replication of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. When Mycobacterium tuberculosis was grown in Tween-albumin broth without any agitation, the bacilli replicated in the upper, oxygen-rich portion of the medium at a rate that was just balanced by the rate at which the bacilli settled toward the bottom of the tube. When the organisms that accumulated in the sediment were suspended and diluted into fresh medium, they exhibited synchronous replication. The bacilli initiated ribonucleic acid synthesis immediately upon suspension, but marked deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis was not apparent until after the first cellular division was completed, about 14 h after suspension.


Bacterial adherence to nasal mucosal cells. The ability of several bacterial species to adhere to human nasal mucosal cells and their distribution on nasal mucosal surfaces was studied. Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa adhered to scraped nasal mucosal cells. In contrast, viridans streptococci and Klebsiella pneumoniae exhibited feeble or no adherence to nasal mucosal cells. S. aureus affinity for the nasal mucosal cells of carriers of S. aureus was greater than for those of the noncarriers (P less than 0.005). Heat treatment of S. aureus did not block, but slightly reduced, its binding to mucosal cells. The data suggest a high degree of specificity involved in the adherence of bacteria to nasal mucosal cells. The greater affinity of S. aureus for the nasal mucosal cells of carriers (than noncarriers) seems to be a property of mucosal cells rather than bacteria.