[Complex compounds with lipids in the evolution of metalloenzymes]. The change of the role of metals in the evolution of enzymes was going on from the formation by them first of labile compounds during activation by ions of various reactions to the formation of more stable complexes in active centres. During the transition from anaerobiosis to aerobiosis in oxidoreductases with the participation of metals an increase of the oxidationreduction potential values (E'O) occurred. A simultaneous accomplishment of reactions in the cells at strongly differing values of the potential became possible owing to the formation of complexes with lipids by metalloenzymes being active at high E'O. Entering the membranes of subcellular structures these metalloenzymes form complex compounds with various groups of lipids-phospholipids neutral lipids, glycolipids. These are compounds with Fe, Ti, Cu, Mn and other polyvalent metals; they regulate the transfer of electrons and its changes in the evolution of the main fermentative processes of living cells, as for example respiration and assimilation of carbon dioxide.


[Distribution of sodium and potassium in avian skeletal muscles]. Studies have been made on the peculiarities of distribution of Na+ and K+ in functionally different skeletal muscles of 6 species of birds. Comparison of tissue concentration ratio K+/Na+ as well as of distribution coefficients of these ions in tissue and the external medium revealed that selectivity of muscles to K+ and Na+ is related to functional specialization of the contractile mechanism. Dynamic contractile parameters in avian muscles were studied. It was shown that distribution coefficient of K+ and Na+ in muscles is quantitatively related to the velocity of development of isometric contraction. The described dependence between the ionic selectivity of muscle and their morpho-functional characteristics corresponds to the general pattern of this dependence established for skeletal muscles of other Vertebrates.


[Functional features of wind-sensitive receptors triggering the wing muscle neurons of the desert locust, Calliptamus barbarus]. At each side of the head of C. barbarus, 5 receptive fields were found triggering  the activity of neurons which directly control the work of wing apparatus. Total number of wind-sensitive receptors (presented by trichoid sensillae) amounts up to 200. Lateral receptive fields 1 and 5 are most developed and contain 24 +/- 5 and 23 +/- 4 sensillae respectively. In the response of a receptor to adequate stimulation, two components may be differentiated--phasic and tonic ones. The discharge frequency of the tonic component is equal to 90--100 impulses per sec. Simultaneous recording of impulse activity in axons of two receptors reveals a possibility of interaction of the receptors. In the experiments performed, this peripheral interaction was of the inhibitory nature. Functional peculiarities of the receptor investigated are discussed.


[Characteristics of the background activity of neurons of the torus, frontal and caudal regions of the chicken neostriatum]. Neurons of torus semicircularis, frontal and caudal neostriatum of hen are characterized by different mean frequencies of background activity, which comprise correspondingly 11.7, 4.7 and 2.1 impulse/sec. Statistical classification of semilogarithmic histograms of interimpulse intervals reveals 6 main types of distributions. Classes 1 and 2 are predominant ones, presenting low frequency impulsation. Among the neurons of these classes, sound-sensitive cells were found.


[Fine structure of the olfactory organ of elasmobranchs (Elasmobranchii)]. The structure of the receptor cells in the olfactory organ of the rays Raja clavata and Dasyatis pastinaca and spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias is similar to that of the olfactory cells in other Vertebrates, although their tops are invariably crowned by microvilli, not flagella. In the peripheral process of these cells of Elasmobranchs and some other vertebrates represent a special type of the olfactory receptors which originated as the result of differentiation of primary olfactory cells supplied both by flagella and by microvilli. In the olfactory epithelium of Elasmobranchs, together with the supporting cells crowned by cilia, numerous goblet cells were observed. These glands produce a mucus which protects the olfactory epithelium of Elasmobranchs from the direct contact with the sea water. Similar to that in all other vertebrates, this mucus represents an intermediate milieu for the molecules of odorous substances.


[Corticosteroid concentration in the blood of the Russian sturgeon, Acipenser güldenstädti, at different stages in its life cycle]. Corticosteroid content of the blood has been measured during upstream and downstream migrations as well as during sea period of life of the sturgeon A. galdenstädti. It was shown that during anadromous migration before spawing, the level of corticosteroids in the blood increases, the increases beginning already during the sea period. Corticosteroid content of the blood decreases after spawning. The results obtained confirm the histophysiological data.


[Aspartate and alanine aminotransferase activity in the adrenal cortex of human embryos and fetuses]. Aspartate aminotransferase was detected in the adrenals of 6-7-week human embryos, the activity being the highest at the 7-9th and 12-14th weeks. Alanine aminotransferase was found in 15-week foetuses. During all the period investigated (6-28 weeks), the activity of aspartate aminotransferase was found to be higher than that of the second enzyme. The activity of both enzymes is higher in female foetuses than in male ones. However, age changes in the activity of both enzymes in male embryos and foetuses were of the same sign as in female ones.


[Comparative angioarchitectonics of the kidneys of several rodents]. Studies have been made on kidney angioarchitectonics in 3 rodent species (allied taxonomically, but significantly different in their habitat) - the albino rat, the gerbil Meriones erythrourus and the aquatic rodent must-rat Ondatra zibetica - after the injection of the vessels with India ink and subsequent microphotometric analysis of unstained sections. The general pattern of vascular system of the kideny is similar in all the species studied. However, significant differences were found in vascularisation of the cortex and especially of the outer and inner medulla. In M. erythrourus, vascularisation of the papilla is approximately 2 1/2 times more intense than that of the cortex; large vascular bundles in the outer medulla are separated from both interbundle plexus and vascular system of the papilla; the glomeruli differ in their size; arterial sphincters are more numerous in the cortex. In O. zibetica, vascularisation of the papilla is somewhat 3 times less intense as compared to that of the cortex; medullar bundles are diffuse; the structure of the glomeruli is more uniform. With respect to its kidney angioarchitectonics, the albino rat occupies intermediate position. The observed differences are discussed in relation to ecological specialization of the species studied, indicating the important role of vascular system of the kidney in the formation of concentrating capacity of the latter.


[Dynamics of the establishment of renal glomerular filtration in dogs during the early postnatal period]. By means of inulin clearance method, studies have been made on the glomerular filtration rate in 1-35-day puppies and adult dogs. The filtration rate was calculated per body weight, body surface, wet and dry weight of the kidney, wet and dry weight of the kidney cortex. It was found that dry weight of the kidney cortex is the best basis for comparison of the glomerular filtration in growing and adult organisms, as well as for the investigation of the development of this function.


[Phosphorus metabolism in the red lateral muscles of Trachurus mediterraneus during muscle loading]. Studies have been made of the effect of controlled muscle work (swimming against water stream at a rate 1.2 m/sec) and fatigue on the content of adenylic nucleotides (ATP, ADP, AMP), phosphocreatine and inorganic phosphorus in red lateral muscles of the Black sea saurel T. mediterraneus under various thermal conditions (15-16 degrees and 11-12 degrees). It was shown that the content of the phosphates studied is lower in red muscles than in white ones. At water temperature 15-16 degrees, prolonged swimming results in significant changes of the content of the phosphates investigated in the red muscles. These changes correspond to three periods of biochemical adaptation to prolonged muscle work, which were earlier described for white muscles. At water temperature 11-12 degrees, the level of energy rich phosphates in the red muscles is affected insignificantly which is taken as an indication of the secondary role of these muscles in swimming of fish under these conditions.


[The ionic selectivity of the membrane mechanisms for potassium transport in the neurons of Planorbarius corneus mollusks]. The in- and outflow of 204Tl, 86Rb and 137Cs in a snail brain was studied. The inward rate constants determined in the presence and without ouabain decreased as follows: Tl+ greater than Rb+ greater than Cs+. The inflow rate constants differed about 2-3 fold. Rates of leakage of the cations were nearly similar, so that Tl+ approximately or equal to Rb+ greater than Cs+. A Na ouabain-sensitive outward transport in a K-free medium containing 0.1-0.2 mM Tl was as high as that in the presence of 1.6 mM external K. A further increase of external Tl inhibited the ouabain-sensitive Na transport. The intracellular distribution of Tl studied by microprobe analysis was found to be similar to that of K. There was a close resemblance of the ouabain-sensitive K-transporting system in the snail brain cells and that in other types of cells including human red cells in their selectivity to Tl+, Rb+ and Cs+. On the contrary, a passive permeability of neurons to Tl+ being similar to that of muscle cells was about 50-100 times less than a Tl+ permeability of inexcitable red cell membrane.


[Parameters of the reflex responses of cat spinal cord neurons during ontogenesis]. In acute experiments on immobilized "spinal" 1-68 days old kittens and adult cats, extracellular recordings of action potentials (AP) in lumbar interneurons have been made during afferent or antidromic stimulation with different frequency. It was shown that variation coefficient of the number of AP in a response reliably decreases with the age of the animals, as well as during the decrease of stimulation frequency and the increase of the mean frequency of the background activity. More complex changes were found in the distribution asymmetry of the number of AP, whereas changes in the excess of the distribution were found to be insignificant. Possible physiological mechanisms of the observed dynamics are discussed.


[A change in the reflex excitability of spinal motoneurons during daytime sleep in newborn infants]. Studies have been made on monosynaptic reflexes elicited by the electrical stimulation of the ulnar and peroneal nerves (H-reflexes) in 5-7-day infants during sleep and in the awake state. During the orthodox stage of sleep, which is characterized by slow oscillations in EEG and by synchronous respiratory movements of the thorax and abdomen, the amplitude of H-refelexes was the highest, variation coefficient being the lowest. During paradoxical stage of sleep, characterized by desynchronized EEG, the presence of rapid movements of the eyes and by asynchronous respiratory movements of the thorax and abdomen, the amplitude of H-reflex comprised 25-40% of this parameter during the orthodox sleep, variation coefficient exceeding 100%. In the awake state, the amplitude of H-reflexes was equal to 60% of that during the orthodox sleep.


[Background and evoked activity of hypothalamic neurons during development in cats]. In acute experiments on anaesthetized kittens, studies have been made on the background and the evoked activity of hypothalamic neurons elicited by sensory stimuli. It was shown that already from the 2nd day of postnatal life, it is possible to observe the background impulse activity of the neurons in the posterior hypothalamus. The evoked reactions to stimulation of the sciatic nerve were recorded at the 4-5th day of postnatal life. At early stages of ontogenesis, both phasic and tonic types of neuronal reactions are presented in the hypothalamus, the former being more frequent. To the end of the 3rd week, neuronal reactions in the hypothalamus do not reach definitive pattern.


[The effect of glucose on the intestinal epithelial cells of the lancet Branchiostoma lanceolatum]. Animals were kept for 24 hours at 3-5 degrees C in sea water to which 100 mg% of glucose was added. Control animals were kept in the sea water without glucose. In gut epithelium of the lancelot 3 types of cells were revealed which correspond to those described earlier, viz. "digestive", "zymogen" and fine granular ones. Cytoplasm of the cells of the III type contains numerous granules of paraldehydefuchsine-positive material. After glucose loading, degranulation of the cytoplasm in these cells is more intensive than in cells of two other types. The product is released into the gut. The possibility of production of insulin or insulin-like substance by the cells of the III type is discussed.


[Distribution of monoamines in the hypothalamus and hypophysis of carp, Cyprinus carpio]. Monoaminergic fibres exhibiting green fluorescence have been revealed by the Falck histochemical fluorescence technique in the area of the hypothalamic preoptic nuclei and nucleus lateralis tuberis of the carp. Monoaminergic cerebrospinal fluid-contacting nerve cells with an intensive greenish and yellowish fluorescence were observed in the walls of the lateral and posterior recesses of the third ventricle. Monoaminergic fibres are few in the pro-and meta-adenohypophysis. Yellowish-green fluorescent fibres seem to be much more frequent in the meta-adenohypophysis. Fluorescence of the fibres is unstabel and of a weak intensity.


[Acid phosphatase activity during digestion in the anintestinal turbellaria Convoluta convoluta]. Studies have been made on changes in the activity of acid phosphatase during the digestion in the turbellaria C. convoluta. The increase of the enzymic activity of cytoplasm of the peripheral parenchyma at the initial stages after feeding (6 hours, 1 day) and gradual decrease of this activity at later stages (2,4 and 7 days) were noted. The presence of acid phosphatase in the nuclei and cytoplasm of cells of the central parenchyma at all stages of the digestive cycle is explained by degeneration of these cells which is associated with holocrine secretion of the digestive enzymes.


[The species specificity of fish and mammalian gonadotropic hormones]. Protein spectra of the hypophyses of fishes from various taxonomic groups obtained by disc electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel exhibit high species specificity. By means of biological testing on the loach Misgurnus fossilis, zones of gonadotropic activity were obtained which differ in various species by the electrophoretic mobility. The mammalian gonadotropins obtained reveal lower electrophoretic mobility. The gonadotropins investigated significantly differ in their biological effect.


[Age related changes in the glycosidases of chick embryo eye tissues]. Studies have been made on the activity of glycosidases from eye tissues of developing chick embryos and adult hens. The enzymes of carbohydrates metabolism (hyaluronidase, beta-glycosidase and beta-galactosidase) from the sclera, cornea and ciliary body were examined. It was demonstrated that the distribution of glycosidases in different tissues of the eye is not identical. The activity of beta-glycosidase and beta-galactosidase in all the tissues of 14-day embryos is higher than in adult hens; sharp reduction of the activity was observed at the stage of eye opening. The activity of hyaluronidase in the sclera and cornea of chick embryos is maintained at a low level up to the stage of eye opening, being subjected to minor changes.


[The functional role of the retino-tecto-thalamo-cortical system in rats]. After bilateral lesion of the posterior lateral thalamic nucleus in rats, studies been made of motor-feeding reflexes to light stimuli. Using spatial preference technique, it was shown that lesion of this nucleus (representing a part of the retino-tecto-thalamo-cortical system) disturbs differentiation of spatially uncoupled visual stimuli. These data confirm the idea on telencephalization of ancient retino-tectal part of the visual system in evolution and indicate that this part is involved into the analysis of spatial relationships.


[Lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes from teleost fish retina, cardiac and skeletal muscle]. Kinetic analysis, electrophoresis and selective inactivation were used in studies of isozymic composition of LDH in the retina, cardiac and skeletal muscles in 8 species of marine teleost fishes. In the retina, the number of isoenzymes in all the fishes studied varied from 2 to 7, the predominant ones being B4 and E4. The isoenzyme E4 was found only in the retina of Hexagrammus octogrammus, Pleurogrammus monopterygius, Liopsetts pannifasciata, Limanda yokohamae, Eleginus gracilis, Therarga chalcogramma. In two last species, the electric charge of E4, B4 and A4 is opposite to that of the corresponding isoenzyme in terrestrial animals, resulting in opposite migration of these isoenzymes during electrophoresis. In the retina of fishes containing the isoenzyme E4, double heterotetramers B1E3, B2E2, B3E1 were also found. The retina in Leuciscus brandti, Clupea harengus harengus does not contain the isoenzyme E4. Investigation of the distribution pattern of the isoenzymes in cellular fractions of the retina in P. monopterygius revealed that hyaloplasm and nuclei contain A4, B4, B3E1, E2B2, E3B1 and E4, which corresponds to the situation found after the extraction of LDH from the whole retina tissue. In the mitochondria B4 and E4 were found, while in the outer segments--only B4. Skeletal muscles in all the fishes studied differ by the predominance of the isoenzyme A4 which is present as a sole component (P. monopterygius, H. octogrammus, L. pannifasciata, L yokohamae, L. brandti) or together with B4 (T. chalcogramma, C. harengus harengus). In the cardiac muscles of four species of fishes (except L. yokohamae, L. pannifasciata, H. octogrammus, P. monopterygius), the predominant isoenzyme was found to be B4, although the total number and the ratio of the isoenzymes varied: A4, A2B2, B4 (E. gracilis), A4B4 (T. chalcogramma, C. harengus harengus), A4, A3B1, A2B2, A1B3, B4 (L. brandti). The LDH in the heart of L. yokohamae, L. pannifasciata, H. octogrammus, P. monopterygius has only one isoenzyme A4.


[The functional organization of the posterior lateral nucleus of the rat hypothalamus]. It has been demonstrated that the posterior lateral thalamic nucleus of the rat receives information from the visual, somatic and auditory systems. Some of the neurons (63%) have a convergent input from these systems, although these neurons exhibit functional specificity with respect to the predominant inhibitory influence of the background activity of one of the sensory systems investigated. The other part of the neurons (37%) receives information only from the visual or somatic system, these neurons exhibiting excitatory phasic reaction to sensory stimuli.


[Hippocampal dimensions, memory and learning during rat ontogenesis]. Injury to the hippocamp disturbs learning processes and short-term memory in 20-, 50- and 110-day rats. In 50-day rats, hippocampectomy results in lesser changes in learning and memory than in 20- and 110-day animals. Anatomo-physiological characteristics of the hippocamp in 20-day rats presumably indicate a particular importance of this structure at early stages of ontogenesis, when the brain cortex is not yet sufficiently mature and its connections with other structures are not completely formed. Non-linear dependence of learning disturbance in rats of varying age after hippocampectomy suggests that in rat hippocampal function undergoes changes during individual development of animals.


[The effect of total extirpation of the neocortex on reflex activity in rats]. Using motor-feeding methods, studies have been made of the effect of complete extirpation of the neocortex on formation of new or recovery of pre-formed differentiation of localization of sources of light of identical intensity. It was shown that decortication results in significant and mostly irreversible disturbances of unconditioned reflex activity. In decorticated rats, only the simplest forms of conditioned motor reaction were noted which exhibit dominant features. Conditioned reflex to illumination combined with feeding is not recovered and is not formed a new in its biologically perfect form.


[A method of assessing rat preference for different acoustic signals when seeking out pups]. A female albino rat was placed into an opened T-maze, and her maternal behaviour was stimulated by pups laid beneath her. Afterwards the pups were removed and impulses of tone (7 and 14 kHz) and tape recording of pup's nociceptive signal were simultaneously presented from different maze alleys. Maternal preference was checked by the predominant direction of seeking during random interchange of the sound sides. In 8 Wistar rats, preference for pup's nociceptive signal was observed.


[Cholinoreception in Ascaris suum (Nematoda) ascarids and the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica (Trematoda)]. Homogenates of synaptically rich structures of the body (the anterior end of A. suum and F. hepatica, as well as narrow strips of the anterior part of A. suum with median nerves and innervation processes of muscle cells) have been tested for the presence of acetylcholine receptor protein (AchR). Strips of the A. suum muscle tissue with low content of synaptic structures served as a control. AchR was detected by the decrease in the optic density at 260 nm and by the decrease in the reactivity of AchR SH-groups in the presence of Ach. Using both methods, AchR was found in water-soluble fraction of tissue homogenates rich in synaptic structures. No AchR was detected in tissues which do not contain synpatic structures. The data obtained are discussed in relation to the function of Ach as a mediator in helminths.


[The invariance of auditory perception with regard to frequency-temporal transformations of the signal in Tursiops truncatus dolphins]. In experiments on the porpose T. truncatus, using motor-feeding conditioned reflex technique, studies have been made on hearing under the conditions of frequency-temporal indetermination of the signal presented at noise background. It was shown that the effectiveness of auditory detection of tone-impulse signals is invariant with respect to Doppler and shift transformation of the signal, whereas the number of waves serves as a characteristic parameter of the auditory system in the porpoise.


[Organization of the receptive fields of the superior colliculus neurons of the squirrel Sciurus vulgaris]. Studies have been made on the reaction of single neurons of the superior colliculus to stationary and moving visual stimuli in immobilized squirrels. The main bulk of collicular units (59%) is not directionally selective, 11%--exhibit high directional selectivity and 30%--were found to be relatively selective. Most of the cells (85%) "prefer" high speed of stimulus motion. Optimal speed for these neurons is equal to 30--100 degree/sec. Testing by a stationary light spot (0.5degree in diameter), reveals different structure of the receptive fields with various types of "on"-and "off"-inputs. Lateral inhibition was observed in the receptive fields with both uniform organization and separated "on" and "off" areas.


[The dynamics of antibody synthesis against proteolytic enzymes]. The synthesis of antibodies to proteinases, such as terrilytin, hygrolytin, brinase, trypsin, chemotrypsin and papain was studied by using the complement fixation test and immunoelectrophoresis. The results obtained indicated that proteinases possessing fibrinolytic activities proved to differ considerably by their immunogenic properties. The antibody formation to microbial proteinases was found to be more intensive than against the enzymes from the antimal tissues.


[Obtaining purified staphylococcal enterotoxin type B]. The authors elaborated a method of purification of staphylococcus enterotoxin, type B, consisting of three stages: the first stage--lyophilization and dialysis of the culture fluid against distilled water for 36 hours, the second stage--precipitation of dialyzed preparation with 2 volumes of ethanol at --15 degrees C, and the third stage--gel-chromatography of the enterotoxin preparation precipitated with alcohol on a column with Sephadex G-100 in a 0.015 M solution of NaCl (pH 7.0). Preparation isolated by the mentioned method possessed enterotoxic activity in a dose of 0.015 mg of protein per 1 kg of cat weight; by antigenic composition it represented a two-component system. In immunization of rabbits with a purified enterotoxin preparation an antiserum with the prevalence of antibodies to enterotoxin, type B, was obtained.


[Study of the cholinoreceptive membrane of an isolated identified neuron of the mollusk Planorbarius corneus]. An identified neuron (L Ped-2) of the Planorbarius corneus left pedal ganglion was isolated after the treatment of the ganglionic ring with pronase. The LPed-2 retains after the isolation the main features characteristic of this neuron in the ganglion. Nicotinomimetics (nicotine, suberyldicholine) produced depolarization whereas muscarinomimetics (F-2268, arecoline, methylfurmethide, acetyl-beta-methylcholine) hyperpolarized the cell membrane. Acetylcholine (ACh) in small concentrations (less than 1.10(-6) M) caused depolarization followed by hyperpolarization; greater concentrations depolarized the cell membrane. In the presence of tubocurarine ACh produced pure hyperpolarization. The conclusion was drawn that two kinds of cholinoreceptors exist on the membrane of LPed-2 neuron which differ both in pharmacological properties and in the sign of the response they mediate. The isolated neuron is much more sensitive to cholinomimetics than the same neuron in the ganglion.


[The role of subclinical forms of epidemic parotitis in the formation of collective immunity]. A study was made of the outbreaks of epidemic parotitis in kindergartens and schools. Of 276 children aged from 2 to 13 years 58 (21%) sustained clinically manifest infection and 48 (17.4%)--a subclinical one. The clinically manifest process mostly developed in children aged from 3 to 5 years: the ratio of the clinical and subclinical forms in them constituted 1:0.5. With the progress of age there was an increase in the proportion of the subclinical forms (in 10--13-year-old children this ratio was 1:1.3). The presence of blood antihemagglutinins in the titre of up to 1:64 before the infection failed to prevent the development of the infectious process. There was no correlation between the antibody titre and the severity of the infectious process. Subclinical cases of parotitis were accompanied by less intensive antibody production than the clinically manifest ones.


[The effect of pituitary injections on the isoenzyme composition of non-specific esterases in the tissues of the silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix]. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis reveals differences in the isoenzymic spectra of non-specific esterases from various tissues of H. molitrix. Hypophyseal injections result in changes of the isoenzymic spectra of all the tissues studied. The pattern of changes depends on the tissue examined. Some of the isoenzymes are resistant to hypophyseal injections, whereas the other ones undergo changes which depend on the dose of the hormone.


[The infectivity of surgical wounds].

[The infectivity of surgical wounds]. A study was made of microbial contamination of wounds and wound fluid in 114 patients operated upon (clean and conditionally clean operations). Directly before suturing the subcutaneous-fatty cellular tissue no microbes were revealed in 50% of cases, but in 23% of cases potentially pathogenetic microorganisms were isolated. Potential causative agents of purulent infection were revealed in 50% of the patients on the 1st-3rd postoperative days. Suppuration developed in 3 cases only. In a number of cases there were revealed in the wound discharge such microbes which were not detected before the wound was sutured. Sometimes the presence of even numerous potentially-pathogenic microbes in the wound secretion led to no suppuration.


[The role of external respiration and blood circulation in heat emission during exposure of Taurotragus oryx canna antelopes to solar heat]. Experiments have been made on 4 elands at the age of 3--4 months, mean body weight 78 kg. At ambient temperature 31.5degrees combined with solar radiation, polypnoe was observed in the animals. Under these conditions, only small changes in the body temperature were observed, although skin temperature became 4--6degrees higher than in the morning. Heat production was 10% lower than that at 22.5degrees. The animals eliminated about 8% of metabolic heat through respiration in the morning and about 7%--in the afternoon.


[Evolution of the epidemic process as a form of solution to its internal contradictions]. The author formulated the main contradition of the epidemic process consisting of contradiction between the interaction of the motive forces of the epidemic process, since this contradiction at the same time served as the imperative condition of the origination and as the cause of the subsequent arrest of the spread of infection. The main contradiction of the epidemic process is expressed in reduction of the number and limited activity of the sources of infection, attenuation or arrest of the mechanism of transmission of the causative agents, formation of immunity in the population, the appearance of hereditary resistance in the hosts to the causative agent of the infection. The action of the principal internal contradiction of the epidemic process in the course of evolution conditions genetic variability of the causative agents of the infectious diseases, intensification of the mechanisms of excretion of the parasites from the host organism, and increase of their resistance in the external environment, formation of latent forms of infection.


[Immunochemical and biochemical characteristics of a preventive preparation against cholera, cholerogen-toxoid]. Cholerogen-toxoid served as a complex vaccine preparation composed of the main pathogenicity factors of cholera vibrio--cholerogen (toxoid), endotoxin and a number of exoenzymes. The preparation contains 65 +/- 7.5% of protein, 12 +/- 1.2% of reducing sugars, 7 +/- 1.2% of lipids, and 2 +/- 0.3% of nucleic acids. Analytic disc-electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel and immune disc-electrophoresis revealed at least seven individual proteins with the serological activity in the preparation. About 70% of these constituted toxoid proper; the content of O-antigen was 22%. In the cholerogen-toxoid there were revealed seven exoenzymes of cholera vibrio; proteinase, lecithinase, lipase, DNA-ase, RNA-ase, hyaluronidase, amylase. Antibodies against proteinase, lecithinase, amylase and RNA-ase of cholera vibrio were found in the serum of rabbits immunized with cholerogen-toxoid.


[Pigment formation and other biological properties of staphylococci]. A comparison was made of the pigment-forming capacity and the enzymatic activity, growth rate, virulence and sensitivity to antibiotics and egg lysozyme in 397 pigment, 203 pigment-free strains of staphylococci and 24 pigment-free Staph aureus mutants. Pigment formation did not always correlate with the general biological activity of the cultures, the rate of their growth and the sensitivity to antibiotics and lysozyme. Pigment-free staphylococcus mutants retained the principal properties of the initial strains (including the virulence and sensitivity to antibiotics and egg lysozyme) more frequently. It is supposed that the marker determining the pigment formation in staphylococci was not connected with the markers determining the most significant pathogenicity properties and also antibiotic resistance.


[Vital observations and microcinematography of the intracellular development of D. marinus and its interaction with cells]. With the aid of stop motion cinemicrography of the interaction of D. murinus with cells in the tissue culture there was revealed a marked irritation of the cells by rickettsia with activation of mobility of the affected cells and their exit from the cell layer. Development of the causative agent of vesicular rickettsiosis in the cells was accompanied by an intensive movement of rickettsia in the cytoplasm, their active exit from the cell and their marked cytopathic action on the cells.


[Catalase activity in the agent of tularemia]. The catalase activity was studied in the extracts of 27 strains of Francisella tularensis belonging to three geographical races. The most active enzyme was possessed by nonarctic strains, and the least--by holarctic. Japanese variant of the holarctic race was separated in an individual group since it possessed a higher catalase activity in comparison with the typical strains. The Central Asian race occupied an intermediate position by this sign and was placed between the Japanese variant and the nonarctic race. Attenuation of the strains of all the three races of F. tularensis led to a marked reduction of the catalase activity.


[Typing staphylococci of intestinal origin according to the character of their bacteriocins]. Results of studying the properties of bacteriocines of pathogenic staphylococci isolated from children with intestinal disturbances are presented; morphology of the inhibition zones, the capacity to penetrate through cellophane, the rate of diffusion in agar and the period of inactivation pointed to the nonhomogeneousness of the 275 strains under study and a possibility of their differentiation with the aid of a provisional scheme including 12 bacteriocinogenotypes. Reference of all or the majority of the strains isolated from the same person to the same bacteriocinogenotype of the scheme pointed to a possibility of its practical application.


[The quantity of immunoglobulins (A, G, M) in different forms of typhoid fever]. Results of determination of the quantitative content of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG and IgM) demonstrated chronic typhoid carrier state to be a dynamic process characterized by high IgA and IgG indices which began to form as early as the acute period. A complex of clinico-laboratory indices permitted to detect the latent phase of the carrier state among the persons who sustained typhoid fever within the range of 30%; this confirmed the statement of a number of investigators put forward earlier that the true number of carriers was much greater than that recorded.


[A comparative study of serum H-antibodies in typhoid patients and bacteria carriers]. A study was made of the dynamics of serum H-antibodies in typhoid patients depending on the period of the disease and the severity of its course; the blood sera of chronic carriers were examined as well. H-antibodies were determined in the indirect hemagglutination test with the use of erythrocyte H-dignoasticum. Antibodies of different physico-chemical nature (of IgG and IgM classes) were obtained by fractionation in columns with DEAE-cellulose. Results of the investigations showed that the titres of sum total serum H-antibodies failed to depend on the severity of the course of the disease. The maximum value of the mean geometrical titre of H-antibodies in the blood serum was determined on the 3rd-4th week from the onset of the disease. In chronic carriers the sum total H-antibody titres were greater than in typhoid patients. The serum H-antibody titres increased on account of IgG-globulins both in the typhoid patients and in carriers.


[Use of the swarming phenomenon for the purpose of isolating pure cultures of salmonellae from feces. I]. The authors elaborated and tested a number of elective-differential media for swarming of salmonellae. When pure cultures of Proteus, E. coli and salmonellae were seded on these media the latter exeeded the rest of enteric bacteria by the intensity of swarming. In the capacity of saprophyte inhibitors the most effective were media with the addition of penicillin and sodium selenite. Satisfactory results were obtained on the mentioned media in isolation of salmonellae from the artificially contaminated feces by the method of swarming


[The possible connection between immunoglobulin levels in the blood and human susceptibility to dysentery]. A determination was made of the immunoglobulin G, M and A concentration in the blood serum of women suffering from dysentery and other acute intestinal diseases, those who sustained the disease and healthy persons (259 in all). Probability of detection of low IgA concentrations in the patients was 7-12 times greater during the first days of the disease than in healthy persons; IgG And IgM levels in the patients who sustained the disease and in healthy individuals showed no significant difference. Possible relationship between the synthesis of the secretory IgA in the intestine and the blood serum IgA level was discussed; however, a conclusion on a possibility of detection of persons most susceptible to dysentery and other acute intestinal diseases by the low serum IgA level could be made only after further investigations.


[Personal method in gastro-jejuno-jejuno-duodeno and jejuno-jejuno anastomoses in extended and high gastric resections--early surgical results--]. It is often prooved that high gastric resections for various pathologic conditions, although effective in treatment, are not without serious immediate, and delayed complications that greatly endanger postoperative course, and impair operative results. That is the reason why attempts are being made to find better operative solutions following a subtotal gastrectomy which could prevent, or significantly improve some of the postgastrectomy sequences. With the above in mind, the author explains his particular method of Gastro-Jejuno, Duodeno-Jejuno, and Jejuno-Jejuno Ante, or Retrocolic Anostomosis. These anastomosis are performed following radical and high Gastric Resections for ulcers or neoplasms. Eight cases and the results of such treatment are reviewed.


[Testing of the resistance of peripheral blood vessels by ultrasound]. The authors carried, out a test on the resistance of blood vessels to the flow of blood, (namely arteries), using an apparatus known by the name SONICAID EM 220. The SONICAID is a portable ultrasound generator and receiver weighing 3.5 kg. It consists of a transducer, and an ultra sound generator. The transducer, (which is about as large as a matchbox), receives the generated ultrasound signal, transforms it to an audible signal, and sends it to the main via a cable. The amplified signal can be monitored through a built-in speaker, or through headphones. The signal can also be recorded on tape, but th is feature was not included in the authors' unit. The SONICAID is based on the Doppler Principle; interference of reflected waves. If the generated ultrasound waves reach moving matter, (in this case a stream of blood), they are reflected back in such a way that they reach the transducer as interference waves. This signal is not unlike the sound produced by the heart during systolic contraction, or by stenotic blood vessels. The authors examined 21 ill patients with normal circulation using the SONICAID, and found it difficult to register the signals. The arteries of the forearm and lower leg could not be convincingly registered because it was difficult to determine the proper angle required to pick up the signals. In addition the area in which the signals could be picked up did not always concide with the anatomical position of the artery. These are the factors which the authors used to explain the rather inanccurate results. In 9 individuals (38%), the SONICAID indicated pathooligcal findings (false positive results). Later the authors examined 23 patients with previously confirmed vascular diseases, and obtained 15 pathological findings (65%). With 4 individuals, a false positive result was obtained, and wit the remaining 4, a false negative result, or a total of 8 false results (35%). Based on these results, the authors concluded that; the relatively large percentage of false results, the difficulty of demonstrating normal findings, and the relatively long examination time make this method of examination rather uncertain. The subjectivity of the person conducting the examination also influences the interpretation of the sounds emitted by the machine, which in turn influences the results. Objectivization, and documentation of such results is not certain. As a result, This method has no advantage over the oscillograph, and clinical examination. Such a conclusion however does not justify discontinuing the use of the more sophisticated diagnostic tools and methods used in vascular surgery.


[Revascularization syndrome].

[Revascularization syndrome]. The author presents two cases of serious trauma of the extremities complicated with lesions of the arteries. Both cases were treated in the cardiovascular surgery clinic in Ljublgana. In the first case besides on osteosynthesis of a fractured femur, a termoterminal anastomosis was performed on the totally severed Superficial Femoral Artery. In spite of the the Thrombectomin that was later performed on the Posterior Tibial Artery, gangrene of the foot set in, and exitus lethalis, due to a cerebral process. In the second case, besides a fractured femur, the patient had an arterial stupor of the popliteal Artery with periarterial hematomas. A revision of the Popliteal Artery was made. The ruptured Femoral Vein was ligated. Despite surgical intervention, gangrene of the foot set in, and a below the leg amputation was carried out. Due to renal insufficiency, this patient had to undergo peritoneal dialysis. The common denominator of both cases was acute ischemia of the distal portions of the lower extremities, and pathological processes throughout the eitire organism and, above all, of the renal function. In the general theapy of such cases, the author insists on adequate; revascularization, and concrrent regulation of hypovolemia, measures in preventing acidosis, and concern for late diuresis.


[Surgical treatment of thymoma].

[Surgical treatment of thymoma]. This paper presented 6 cases of thymomas, surgically treated at the Newcastle Regional Cardiothoracic Surgical Service-England during the period 1970-1971. Excision of the tumour alone was carried-out in two patients. In the remaining four, a thymectomy and removal of the tumour was performed. In one case histological appearance suggested malignancy. The author insists upon an early excision, because the because the benign thymomas are potentially malignant tumours and the possibility of recurrence can be more effectively prevented by thymectomy at the same time. The coincidence of thyretoxicosis and thymoma, respectively aplastic anaemia and thymoma, were presented in 2 patients. To date, all patients have been well.


[Possibilities of traffic-injury prevention using seat belts and their disadvantages]. As a result of the increasing number of serious injuries, and/or deaths caused by automobile accidents, seatbelts, along with other safety items are installed in cars. The idea of having automobile seatbelts came from the aircraft seatbelt. In our country there is no law requiring installation of seatbelts in all automobiles. Most imported cars, however do have built-in seat builts which are more or less used by the drivers and passengers. Wearing seatbelts is a necessity because, according to statistics, of 100,000 registered vehicles, 340.8 drivers and/or passengers lose their lives. In Sweden however, this value is 44.1 or eight times less. The number of injuries in Yugoslavia is also great. One of every three injuries are serious with chances of causing invalidity. The basic cause of death in an automobile accident is being thrown out of the vehicle by inertia during a collision has a five fold less a chance of surviving than if he were not thrown out. Secondary impacts of the passenger's body with objects within the automobile are: dashboard, doors, steering wheel, etc. are also a significant cause of many severe injuries. The force of inertia of a 70 kg passenger when the vehicle in which he is riding decelerates from a speed of 80 km/hr to 0 km/hr in a time span of 0.14 sec, and distances of 2 meters equals 878.83 kg. The greater the force of inertia is: (sometimes reaching 2000 kg). The advantages of the safety belt are in that they prevent ejection and secondary impacts of the passenger with protruding objects within the passenger compartment. Today the 2-point seatbelt is no longer in use, having been replaced by the 3-poing seat belt. The 3-point seatbelt must fit snugly about the wearers body so that it cannot be pulled away more than a distance of one or two fingerbreadths. The automatic 3-point seat belt, (the latest of designs), permits freedom of body movement. Should a collison occur, the seat belt locks in position holding the passenger back against the force of inertia. Disadvantages of the seat belt are illustrated by what is reffered to as the seat belt syndrome which was introduced by the American authors Garrett, and Baraunstein (1962). The presented 2,778 cases involved in automobile accidents, in which at least one passenger in each of the vehicles involved was wearing a seatbelt: 2,325 people). Of these 2,325, 944, 29%, or every third person was injured. 150 of them were injured on their lower torso. 26, or 0.8% were seriously injured. Not one case, however resulted in death. The seatbelt syndrome can be recognized by several characteristic injuries. In the event of a collision, those wearing seatbelts usually sustain multiple bruises and/or lacerations of the head, contusions of the lower abdomen with excoriation, adrasions, internal hemorraging, fractured ankle of foot. When such injuries are confirmed it is necessary to carefully search for injuries to internal organ as they usually accompany the above mentioned...


Prognosis of chronic hepatitis.

Prognosis of chronic hepatitis. The morbidity by viral hepatitis within the municipal and rural district of Eisenhüttenstadt with 66 211 inhabitants from 1960 t0 1970 amounts to 19.45 +/- 1.06%. The transition into chronic hepatitis appears in 5.5 per cent in 1 283 controlled cases of illness. Contrary to the acute viral hepatitis the numbers of illness by chronic hepatitis are increasing with proceeding age (0.3 per cent up to 14 per cent). The prognosis of viral hepatitis is altogether favorable. 84.1 per cent are healing completely primarily without any subsequences and 4.4 per cent are followed by defective states. The chronic persisting hepatitis heals in more than the half of the cases, mostly after a duration of two till five years of illness. The tendency to heal is significantly stronger in children and adolescents than in adults. The chronic aggressive hepatitis has an unfavorable prognosis. In the development of the cirrhosis of the liver (0.5 per cent) additional noxes are playing a role. The alcohol shows an unfavorable influence on the course of the illness (0.7 per cent). A hyperbilirubinemia does not appear essentially more frequently than in the normal population. The prospective character of the study in not selected patients imparts to these findings a real epidemiological sentential power.


Immune complexes in chronic hepatitis.

Immune complexes in chronic hepatitis. Rheumatoid factors were present in 33.2%, crioglobulins in 47.6%, and anticomplementary assay in 34.2% of cases with chronic active hepatitis. No statistically significant loss of total complement was observed, but its components especially C1 and C3, exhibited lowered titers in 48.6% and respectively 45.7% of 160 cases. The origin, significance and pathogenicity of these factors are discussed in connection with the presence and possible role of the immunologic complexes to the development of chronic liver injury.


Detection of HBsAg and HBsAb in sweat.

Detection of HBsAg and HBsAb in sweat. HBsAg was detected in the sweat of 9/18 seropositive, but 0/20 seronegative probands. Frequency of detection correlated to serum titer of HBsAg, blood contamination and efficiency of sweat concentrating. On base of quantitative evaluations it is assumed, that blood and/or plasma contaminations are responsible for the presence of HBsAg in sweat. Since HBsAg and hepatitis virus B are of similar diameter, this mechanisms should work on the infectious agent too. Thus HBsAg could prove a marker, to calculate the infectivity of sweat in comparison to the corresponding serum specimen (10(-6) to 10(-7). HBsAb was detected in sweat too and was confined to HBsAb-seropositive probands (4/5). It is discussed, that the presence of HBsAb in sweat could provide protection against reinfections by contact and thus contribute to homologous immunity in hepatitis B.


Extraction of gastrin from normal porcine pancreas. Gastrin was extracted from normal porcine pancreas by the method used by Gregory and Tracy for the extraction of gastrin from the antrum. Radioimmuno-assay was used for identification at all stages of the extraction procedure. Gastrin of pancreatic origin was eluted from a sephadex G 50 and a DEAE-collulose column at the soma position as porcine antral gastrin. In disc electrophoresis (7.5% polyacrylamide in tris-glycin buffer) we found a single band which migrated the same distance from the origin as reference gastrin (synthetic human gastrin I). Densitometircally there was also a single band. The eluate of this electrophoretic band produced an increase in gastric acid secretion after intravenous injection in the rat. A dilution series was made from the extracted fraction and radioimmunologically tested with gastrin antibodies. The individual points of the dilution curve corresponded well with the standard calibration curve of gastrin. A certain discrepancy between the small amount of gastrin found by radioimmunoassay (500 pg/g fresh pancreas) and biochemical and biological findings could probably be explained by a different sensitivity of the gastrin antibody of the radioimmunological system to pancreatic gastrin. Our results prove that there is gastrin in the normal porcine pancreas.


Interaction of somatostatin and pentagastrin on lower oesophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) in man. The effect of intravenous somatostatin on basal and gastrin-stimulated human lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) was examined with the rapid pull-through technique. In a group of 7 healthy volunteers LESP was not influenced under basal conditions, but there was an augmented response to pulse-doses of pentagastrin (0.6 mug/kg) during infusion of somatostatin (250 mug/kg-h). The physiological importance of these findings still has to be evaluated.


Lack of gastric effects of S-(carboxy-methyl)-L-cysteine. In 10 male subjects, the effects of oral S-(carboxy-methyl)-L-cysteine (SCMC) -- a mucolytic agent useful in the treatment of chronic obstructive bronchitis -- on gastric secretion of acid and N-acetylneuraminic acid (NANA) containing glycoproteins were investigated. Gastric acid outputs and mucus secretory rates remained unchanged during a 10-day period of daily administration of SCMC. Thus, the receptors of SCMC in the bronchial system appear to differ basically from those in the stomach.


Effect of feeding on catabolism and activity of exogenous gastrin in dogs. The effect of meal upon the catabolism and activity of exogenous gastrin was tested in 4 antrectomized and 4 non antrectomized dogs with Heidenhain pouches. In both antrectomized and non antrectomized dogs infused with exogenous gastrin, the meal decreased the serum gastrin level. This decrease amounted to about 20%, 60 minutes after feeding and the gastrinemia then returned gradually to control levels. In non antrectomized dogs, infusion of a near maximal dose of gastrin increased the acid response to the meal to a level above the maximal histamine acid output. Exogenous gastrin also increased the acid response to a meal in antrectomized dogs. These data indicate: 1) That feeding increases the metabolic clearance rate of exogenous gastrin. This effect could be at least partly related to changes in the intestinal blood flow. 2) That, after feeding, one or several hormones capable of stimulating the acid secretion but unrelated to gastrin are probably released. These hormones could be of major importance in the response of denervated pouches to feeding.


Clinical conference: Unusual course of chronic colitis. Case presentation of a 35-year-old patient with a history of chronic colitis of 16 years duration. Crohn's disease in this patient involved the entire colon without skip lesions and without terminal ileitis. The course was complicated by recurrent erythema nodosum and wandering arthritis as well as sclerosing cholangitis and multifocal adenocarcinoma of the large bowel. Sclerosing cholangitis is a rare condition in Crohn's disease (1,8) whereas pericholangitis in liver biopsy specimen was diagnosed in prospective studies in 8 (7) to 30 (2) per cent. The same is true for carcinomas complicating granulomatous enterocolitis. In a recent review 36 cases of small bowel cancer (4) and 20 cases of colon cancer (5) were reported. Weedon et al. (9) calculated the risk of developing carcinoma to be 20 times greater in Crohn's enterocolitis than in a control population. Using life-table methods the 10-year probability of remaining cancer free was 99.7 per cent, the 20-year probability 97.2 per cent. In our patient the long-lasting history of Crohn's colitis with several minor complications and the multiplicity of colonic carcinomas speak in favor of a causal relationship between the chronic inflammation and the development of malignancy.


Effect of testosterone propionate on the ultrastructure of the preputial gland in the rat. Testosterone propionate accelerates the maturation of acinar cells in the preputial gland of female rats. The weight of the preputial gland was increased significantly and the gland contained a large amount of secretory material. Various stages of maturation of acinar cells were observed. In an early stage, cells contained predominantly rough endoplasmic reticulum. In a second stage, lipid accumulated in association with focal areas of smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Membrane-bound dense bodies similar to lysosomes and secondary lysosomes predominated in a late stage. In the final stage, acini fused with a duct, thereby liberating the cells into the ductal lumen. Cell structure then became unrecognizable.


[Lung structure of Sphenodon punctatus. A comparative anatomic study]. After a critical review of the literature, the authors describe the structure of the lung of Sphenodon, dealing with form, arteries, veins, and septation. The external form, circulatory pattern, degree of complication, height of the septa, vascular structure, and decrease in complication (?) are discussed from the standpoint of comparative anatomy. In an attempt to explain the unusual findings, the capacity for development of the central and subpleural type of differentiation is compared and contrasted. Obvious relations between the unusual lung structure and the phylogenetic age of the Sphenodon were sought, with the conclusion that the Sphenodon cannot be included in the Reptilian oders since its physical structure forms a class by itself.


[Mitotic anomalies observed in fibroblasts of chicken embryo cultured in vitro with 80% oxygen]. Fibroblasts cultivated in vitro were observed during mitosis. Already after 24 h of culture in 80% oxygen, some anomalies affect mitosis (atypical mitosis): abnormalities of the usual mitosis stages, chromosomal aberrations. Mitosis is interrupted at metaphase during the first and second day of culture in hyperoxia and at prophase (prometaphase) during the third day. The new mode of nuclear division is discussed.


Effect of surgical trauma on the endogeneous heme iron in the brain. Paucity of electron-microscopic studies on the fate of endogenous heme iron, released as a result of planned surgery, in the central nervous system warranted the present work. During investigations of neuronal plasticity in the cat, an experimental model, in which the proximal cut end of the vagosympathetic trunk was rerouted into the diencephalon, presented an ideal substrate for studying this problem. At 3 months, the brain tissue containing the implant was processed for light and electron microscopy and histochemistry. Under light microscopy, Prussian-blue-positive, dense cytoplasmic aggregates were visible within the macrophages. The cells were mostly clustered around the junctional area between the central and peripheral nerve elements. Electorn-microscopic findings were highly characteristic and distinguished the macrophages from the surrounding neural elements by their rich content of electron-dense granules. While the latter were mostly scattered as free cytoplasmic particles, large aggregates of the same were also observed inside the lysosomes. Besides, a few inclusions were seen within astrocytic processes, close to the plasma membranes. At higher magnifications, the particles revealed the characteristic internal subunit structure of ferritin micelles. The uptake of hemoglobin and its subsequent conversion of ferritin within the macrophages and astrocytic processes are discussed at subcellular level in the light of other available studies.


Histomorphology of the urethral process of the goat (Capra hircus). The urethral process of the goat was an extension of the pars spongiosa of the male urethra. The erectile (cavernous) tissue of the urethral process was a continuation of the corpus spongiosum penis. The epithelium lining the urethra was stratified transitional. Two compact fibrocartilaginous strands were embedded in the erectile tissue, which were absent towards the tip of the urethral process. Smooth muscle was absent in the tunica mucosa-submucosa of the urethral process. The tunica mucosa-submucosa was richly supplied with blood vessels and nerves and it may be assumed that the urethral process is a sensory structure. Large cavernous sinuses, within the erectile tissue, were lined by endothelial cells. There was a circular fibroelastic layer enclosing the entire corpus spongiosum penis to withstand expansion of the erectile tissue during erection and copulation. The surface epithelium lining the urethral process was stratified squamous. A few connective tissue papillae were observed evaginating into the surface epithelium.


Vascular arrangement in the skin of tropical cattle. The vascular arrangement in the skin of some tropical breeds of cattle and of temperate cattle in a tropical environment is reported. Four vascular plexuses were observed in the skin of all breeds of cattle studied. The first horizontal plexus was observed between the subcutaneous and reticular layers, the second at mid-reticular layer level, and the third and most prominent at the level of the hair papillae and sweat glands. The fourth plexus arose as a branch from the third, extended upwards to the sebaceous gland and upper hair follicle region and gave off twigs to the dermo-epidermal junction. The sweat glands and hair follicles were profusely supplied with blood vessels. The branches of the fourth plexus extended closer to the epidermis in the tropical breeds than in the Friesian.


Development of the secondary palate in man. A study of secondary palate formation in man employing histochemical techniques indicates that (1) tongue muscles are sufficiently differentiated at the time of palatal shelf elevation to produce active tongue movements; (2) an embryo with asymmetrically arranged shelves and tongue suggests that the tongue is indeed active at this time; (3) few blood vessels are present beneath the epithelium at fusion sites both before and after fusion has occurred suggesting that this epithelium is not metabolically active; (4) only slight lysosomal enzyme activity is seen in the disintegrating epithelium at the junction of palatal shelves and nasal septum, and (5) macrophages are infrequent near to the disintegrating epithelium and their scarcity is consistent with the prolonged survival of epithelial rests in the midline of the human secondary palate.


The points of nerve entry and the intramuscular nerve branchings in the human muscles of mastication. The sites of nerve entry and the intramuscular nerve branchings in the masseter, temporalis, medial and lateral pterygoid muscles were studied. A total of 55 muscles were taken from eight infants and only one adult subject. It was found that for each of the four muscles of mastication, the nerves entered at a nearly fixed point. The masseter and medial pterygoid have their origin, the temporalis very near to its insertion, the lateral pterygoid midway between its origin and its insertion. The intramuscular nerve branchings were investigated in the four muscles and, according to their relation to the direction of the muscle fibres, three patterns have been recognized. The results obtained were compared with those of other workers on other muscles.


Spinal retroflexion in craniorhachischisis: its classification and limitations. Spinal retroflexion has been studied in five stillborn human fetuses having craniorhachischisis. The findings show that retroflexion in this variant of anencephaly can be classified into severe, moderate and mild forms. The three grades can be differentiated from one another by the direction of the face, shape of the mentothoracic junction, extension of hairline on back, radiographic abnormalities of the spine, and the diaphragmatic defects. It is discussed that, though the anencephalies with severe or moderate degree of cervical retroflexion resemble iniencephaly in their features of spinal retroflexion, those having mild retroflexion are contrasted and should not be categorised with iniencephaly. It is suggested that for precision the term "spinal retroflexion" should be used after duly prefixing it by an appropriate word (severe, moderate or mild) indicating the degree of retroflexion observed.


Receptor activity on some mesenchymal cells in CNS of normal rabbits. Indications of the monocytic origin of intracerebral perivascular cells, epiplexus cells and mononuclear phagocytes in the subarachnoid space. The surface receptor activity for various cell types within rabbit CNS was investigated. Sheep red blood cells (E) used as markers were washed, sensitized with the IgG-fraction of E-antibodies (EA) or additionally coated with complement (EAC) and incubated with CNS cells. The inhibitory effect produced by the addition of soluble IgG was investigated. Incubation (1 h) with red cells was undertaken in three ways: 1. Rabbit leptomeninx was stripped and incubated. 2. Rabbits were killed, the brain was perfused with warm buffer and red cell complexes were then injected intracerebrally, intrathecally and intraventricularly into the perfused brains. 3. E, EA and EAC were injected intracerebrally, intrathecally and intra-ventricularly into living rabbits. Using these methods, receptor sites for IgG and complement of mononuclear cells from the subarachnoid space, epiplexus cells and perivascular cells from intracerebral vessels could be demonstrated. In other areas of the body, these receptors have been demonstrated using similar methods only on cells from the monocyte-macrophage series. The common derivation of these three cell types from the monocytes as well as their comparable function within the immune response is discussed.


Electron microscopy of postmortem autolysis of rat muscle tissue. To define the progression of ultrastructural changes in normal muscle at post mortem, rat gastrocnemius muscles were studied at various times after storage at +4 degrees C and +22 degrees C. Degeneration of the I-zone (discoid necrosis) and membranous bodies were found to be similar to that seen in muscle diseases, and lamellar formations were seen in mitochondria. At +4 degrees C there was contraction of the sarcomere which vanished in 12 h and inter-filamentous oedema appeared. Z-line degeneration was seen at 24 h and at 4 days all Z-lines had disappeared, and the H-zone showed darkening. In the same samples collapse or ruptures of the I band were seen. At 8 days the H-zones and M-lines were still discernible. In the early stages the mitochondria showed swelling and loss of matrix granules, while later they showed broken cristae and outer membranes, and flocculent densities. At 4 days rearrangement of the cristal material into long pentalaminar "needles" was seen in a few mitochondria. At 4 and 8 days membranous bodies were seen and the T-system and sarcoplasmic reticulum showed ruptures and disintegration into vesicles. The nucleus showed increasing condensation of chromatin at the periphery and clearing of the center. Polysomes and glycogen were reduced at 2 h, and has practically vanished at 24 h. At 22 degrees C the changes were the same but appeared about 4 times as quickly as at +4 degrees C.


An autopsy case of the "demyelinating type" of Wilson's disease. A 17 year-old male, who was mentally and bodily retarded from the age of 7 years. At the age of 16 years, several neurological signs appeared. Pathologically, there was widespread myelin loss and tissue sponginess in the white matter of the cerebrum and cerebellum, bilaterally and symmetrically. A great many Alzheimer type II glia and Opalski glia were widely distributed in the cerebral cortex and the basal ganglia. Despite severe destruction of the white matter, mesenchymal and gliofibre proliferation were not noticed. In the liver, Laennec's cirrhosis and a great many copper granules in the cytoplasm of the parenchymal cells were identified. From the above mentioned findings the present case, being a new type, could be called "Demyelinating type of Wilson's disease".


Experimental pineocytoma of the Syrian hamster induced by a human papovavirus (JC). A light and electron microscopic study. The gross, light and electron microscopic features of a pineocytoma of the Syrian hamster (mesocricetus auratus) which had been induced by a human oncogenic virus (JC papovavirus) have been defined. For comparison, adult hamster pineal tissue was studied, and the literature was consulted in regard to other pineal parenchymal tumors, and to pineal cell differentiation during ontogeny and phylogeny. Many differentiated tumor cells contained organelles, such as vesicle-crowned lamellae (synaptic ribbons) and microtubular sheaves, as consistent with adult hamster pineocytes. Some cells showed rudimentary photoreceptor-like differentiation as consistent with fetal hamster pineocytes and with cells seen in the pineal systems of some lower vertebrate species. Such tumor cells had lumen-directed specialized cytoplasmic extensions which, by their richness in mitochondria and presence of centrioles and striated rootlets, resembled inner segments. Extending 9+0 cilia were accompanied by occasional lamellar whorls. Oncogenesis seems to have simulated different stages of hamster pineal ontogeny. This observation would support the theory that the secretory mammalian pineocyte derived phylogenetically from the true photoreceptor cell of the pineal system of fishes and amphibians. The possible influences of host and of virus in the accomplishment of tumor morphology were discussed. This tumor differed considerably in pattern and cell detail from the only other pineocytoma studied previously by electron microscopy. It is the first experimentally induced pineocytoma.


Virus-like particles in human pinealoma. Virus-like particles were seen in the tumour cells of a pinealoma in a male of 18 years. The particles were dense, spherical or hexagonal in shape, and 100-130 nm in size. They were found in the cytoplasm, but not in the nucleus. They occurred in aggregates or in isolation. They tended to form rows or circles. These particles may be viral in nature, and of one of the herpes-, leuro- or arena-groups, especially when judged from their size. However, greater certainty as to their nature is impossible from the morphological evidence.


Effect of bilateral lesions of the solitary tract nucleus on arterial blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats of Okamoto strain. Bilateral electrolytic lesions of the solitary tract nucleus in control Wistar albino rats as well as in Okamoto rats with spontaneous arterial hypertension caused a considerable rise in the arterial blood pressure. Quantitative comparison of blood pressure rise in normotensive and hypertensive rats demonstrated that the rise in the systolic and mean blood pressure was not significantly different in both groups of animals. However, the rats with spontaneous hypertension reacted, with a greater rise in the diastolic pressure. A characteristic feature observed in the normotensive rats was a high rise in pulse pressure following lesion of the solitary tract nucleus while in the rats with spontaneous hypertension this change was not found. The authors conclude that increased peripheral vascular resistance in the rats with spontaneous hypertension is not due to inhibition or resetting of the baroreceptor reflex.


The effects of CO2 on the components of breathing pattern. Experiments were performed on 12 rabbits in 4 experimental groups: A. breathing spontaneously; B. nonparalysed and ventilated by means of a pump driven by the integrated phrenic nerve activity; C. paralysed and ventilated as mentioned above; D. like in the group C, but subjected to bilateral vagotomy. The relationships were investigated between the chosen basic parameters describing the rhythm and depth of respiration in steady states during exposure to hypercapnic mixtures. A high correlation was found between the amplitude of the integrated phrenic nerve activity and the time of inspiration which is modified by the afferent activities from the lungs and thorax TI and TE seem to be controlled by different mechanisms, and the contribution of TE to the control of the cycle duration is greater than that of TI.


Influence of acetylcholine on intracellular distribution of calcium antimonate in the guinea pig atria. Isometric contractions and cellular action potentials (A.P.) of isolated left atria of guinea pig hearts were recorded. The preparations were exposed to acetylcholine (ACh 1X10(-6) M), rapidly fixed at various functional states with 1% osmium tetroxide in 2% potassium antimonate and inspected with electron microscope. In the atria fixed at a constant stimulation rate of 90/min, calcium precipitates formed dense lines across the I bands of sarcomeres and were dispersed over A bands and mitochondria. They disappeared completely or almost completely from the atria perfused with calcium-free and containing EDTA or EGTA solutions. Precipitates were strikingly depleted in all locations in the atria treated with ACh at constant stimulation rate (which developed inotropic effect). ACh did not reduce relative density of precipitates in the resting atria. If stimulated, they developed only slightly diminished post-rest contraction. The relevance of these findings to the excitation-contraction coupling and to the mechanism of negative inotropic effect of ACh is discussed.


Cardiodepressor and vasodepressor activities of partially purified bovine hypothalamic extract. About 2000 bovine hypothalami were homogenized, extracted, purified and three times filtrated on Sephadex G - 25 column. During the first and second filtration the fractions with vasodepressor activity were collected for further purification. During the third filtration about 40 fractions possessing vasodepressor activity were found. The fractions emerging before vasopressin decreased the arterial blood pressure and induced transient bradycardia in rats. The results indicate that some fractions of hypothalamic extract produce vasodepressor response by vasodilatation only and the other ones by simultaneous vasodilatation and heart rate decrease.


The effect of prolonged ethanol administration and its withdrawal on catecholamine turnover in the rat brain. Dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline (NA) levels and their turnover were determined in the rat brain after seven weeks of oral administration of ethanol and five or ten days after its withdrawal. No changes in DA and NA levels were found. Elevation of 14C-DA and 14C-NA accumulation and acceleration of 3H-DA disappearance were shown after prolonged ethanol administration. The effect of ethanol on NA turnover was much smaller than that on DA turnover. Five days after ethanol withdrawal no changes were found in DA and NA turnover. Five days later DA turnover was slightly slower than that in the control animals.


Turnover of catecholamines in some regions of the rat brain during prolonged vasopressin administration and after its withdrawal. Turnover of noradrenaline (NA) and dopamine (DA) in some regions of the rat brain was determined after 1 and 3 weeks of daily injections of lysine vasopressin (LVP) and 2 weeks after the termination of 28-day LVP injections. Disappearance of 3H-DA was estimated in the hemispheres, brain stem and striatum and of 3H-NA in the hemispheres and brain stem after intraventricular injection of 3H-tyrosine. A significant acceleration of 3H-NA disappearance from the hemispheres was found in all the experimental animals and from the brain stem 3 weeks after LVP adminstration and 2 weeks after its withdrawal. No marked changes in dopamine turnover in the examined regions of the rat brain were found. Since prolonged vasopressin administration produces hypertension in the rat it seems likely that central NA, but not DA, plays a role in the vasopressin-induced hypertension.


The effect of noradrenaline and acetylcholine on blood arginine vasotocin level in the domestic fowl. The effect of naredrenaline and acetylcholine on the blood arginine vasotocin (AVT) level in hens as well as the effect of reserpine and atropine on the release of this hormone following the intravenous injection of hypertonic NaCl solution were investigated. It was dound that noradrenaline causes a decrease in blood AVT level in contrast to acetylcholine. Reserpine itself caused a rise in the blood AVT level; the effect was also found after administration of hypertonic solution. Atropine had no effect on the blood AVT level, but inhibited the AVT release following the adminstration of hypertonic Nacl solution.


Influence of erythropoiesis stimulation on 54Mn distribution in rats. The experiments were carried out on animals in which erythropoiesis was stimulated. The rats were anaemized by blood letting or they received subcutaneous injections of erythropoietic filtrate of anaemized sheep plasma. The investigations demonstrated that enhanced 54Mn incorporation into the erytrocytes and bone marrow is induced by stimulation of the erythropoiesis process, whereas the raised 54Mn level in the plasma of anaemized rats is associated with blood loss and not with erythropoiesis.


The effect of physical exercise on 2,3-diphosphoglyceride (2,3-DPG) concentration in erythrocytes. Concentration of 2,3-DPG was determined in erythrocytes of 30 young cyclists at rest, immediately after a strenuous physical exercise on a bicyle- ergometer, and then in 30th min rest following the exercise. It was found that exercise changes the concentration of 2,3-DPG in the erythrocytes and the trends of these changes were different depending on endurance of the subjects examined. In the subjects with higher endurance a tendency was observed for decreasing concentration of 2,3-DPG immendiately after the exercise with a futher significant fall after a 30 min rest. On the other hand, in the subjects with lower endurance the erythrocyte 2,3-DPG concentration rose after the exercise and returned to its initial value at 30 min of rest.


Cerebral blood flow and oxidative brain metabolism during and after moderate and profound arterial hypoxaemia. In anaesthetized artificially ventilated dogs, the effect of graded arterial hypoxaemia on cerebral blood flow (CBF) and on the oxidative carbohydrate metabolism of the brain was tested. It is shown that the hypoxic vasodilatory influence on cerebral vessels is present even at moderate systemic hypoxaemia, provide that PaCO2 is kept within normal limits. At PaO2 of about 50 Torr, CBF increased from 56.6 to 89.7 ml/100g/min. With increasing cerebral hyperamia (CBF increased to 110.9 ml/100g/min, at PaO2 of 30 Torr), CMRO2 (4.2 ml/100g/min) was not significantly raised above its normal level (4.7 ml/100g/min) even with profound arterial hypoxaemia. This shows that CMRO2 levels are poor indices of hypoxic hypoxia. A disproportionately high increase in cerebral glucose uptake (CMR glucose levels rose from 4.4 to 10.4 mg/100g/min) and enhanced cerebral glycolysis (CMR lactate changed from 0.2 to 1.6 mg/100g/min) at moderately reduced PaO2 (50 Torr) indicated early metabolic changes which became more marked with further falls in arterial oxygen tension. However, 60 minutes after restoration of a normal PaO2 level, CBF and brain metabolism were found to have completely recovered. It is concluded that a short period of profound systemic hypoxaemia does not produce long lasting metabolic and circulatory disorders of the brain provided the cerebral perfusion pressure does not vary, and is kept at normal levels.


Partial transtentorial displacement of the cerebellum and the brain stem in hydrocephalus-a primary condition or a result of treatment? Two cases of upward displacement of parts of the brain stem and the cerebellum are discussed. In both cases shunts for a hydrocephalus had been operating for a long time (three and a half years in one and seven months in the other). One infant had a meningomyelocele but no complete Arnold-Chiari malformation. The cause of the hydrocephalus in the other case was doubtful, but was thought to be transtentorial displacement of the brain stem and the cerebellum causing traction on the pons and consequent meningeal fibrosis with obstruction of the cisterna pontis. In this case osseous hypoplasia of the posterior fossa was excluded by craniometry, so the upward displacement must have been due to hypoplasia of the tentorium cerebelli and its low attachment to the occiput, bringingg about a narrowing of the infratentorial space. The authors believe the condition to be a primary malformation, and reject the hypothesis of secondary herniation following long standing supratentorial decompression. The concept of a primary malformation is supported by previous descriptions of the condition in cases with spina bifida, Arnold-Chiari malformation, and hydrocephalus without shunting, as well as by other features in the cases which have been recorded.


A new technique for accurate placing of the tip of the atrial catheter in ventriculo-atrial shunt operations for hydrocephalus. A new method for accurate positioning of the tip of the atrial catheter in the middle of the right atrium in ventriculoatrial shunt operations is described. The correct length of the catheter is obtained from a consideration of the surface anatomy of the heart in each patient. The position of the tip of the catheter was checked by postoperative chest radiographs in postero-anterior and lateral views. The technique was used in 50 cases of hydrocephalus in which ventriculoatrial shunts were performed. The approach is simple and reliable, and is useful not only for elective operations but also in emergency situations where specialized monitoring equipment is not readily available.


Temporary external valve drainage in hydrocephalus with increased ventricular fluid pressure. (Experiences with 202 cases). (Experiences with 202 cases). When the ventricular fluid pressure has reached a level of 120 to 150 mm H2O, there is a risk of rapid internal herniation. The effects of corticoids and hyperosmolar drugs on this are not as striking as they are on brain oedema. The only efficient therapy is the establishment of an external ventricular drainage system proposed for the first time in 1941 by Ingraham and Campbell and regulated with a valve system by White et al. 1967. From our experience of 202 cases we review the technique, the indications, and the complications of ED.


[Unilateral hydrocephalus due to membranous occlusions of the foramen of Monro (author's transl)]. A case of dilatation of the right lateral ventricle due to membranous occlusion of the foramen of Monro is reported. A child aged two and a half years developed raised intracranial pressure together with disturbed consciousness, but other neurological defect, two months after after an attack of bilateral broncopneumonia. The preoperative diagnosis of occlusion of the right foramen of Monro by infiltrating tumour was made angiographically. At operation the obstruction was found to be due to a membrane. The septum lucidum was fenestrated and a ventriculoatrial shunt was inserted. After a year the shunt was removed. Twenty eight cases of unilateral hydrocephalus due to nontumorous occlusion of the foramen of Monro have been reviewed, and the aetiologies have been discussed. Clinical picture and diagnostic procedures are reviewed. The authors discuss surgical treatment, and lay stress on fenestration of the septum lucidum.


Multiflanged ventricular Portnoy catheter for hydrocephalus shunts. In 77 patients with hydrocephalus the Portnoy ventricular catheter was incorporated in ventriculoatrial or ventriculoperitoneal shunts. Occlusion of the catheter by brain debris was avoided and the number of choroid plexus obstructions was reasonable low (5%). The flanges of the catheter cannot prevent the catheter from being pushed into the brain parenchyma. The ideal ventricular catheter has not yet been found, but the multiflanged Portnoy catheter seems to be the best at present.


Brain abscess and congenital heart disease. The clinical features and management of 18 patients with congenital heart disease and a brain abscess are reviewed. Except for one patient all had cyanosis. All abscesses were large, containing at least 50-60 ml of pus, and mostly unilocular. Bilocular and multilocular abscesses were also encountered. The organisms cultured from the pus had little relation to the mortality. Tapping may be the final investigation, and is also the treatment of choice. The high mortality (50%) is attributed to the delay in referral of these patients to a neurosurgical unit.


Influence of laminectomy on the course of cervical myelopathy. The pathogenesis of cervical myelopathy resulting from cervical spondylarthrosis seems to be the result of intermittent compression of the cervical cord and its feeding arteries. In the literature proof is given that both factors play an important role. By laminectomy or ventral fusion a regression of the neurological disability can be obtained. In our series of 75 patients there was no significant difference in the results obtained by either partial or total laminectomy. In all our cases there was a narrowing of the sagittal spinal diameter.


Spinal endodermal cysts without associated vertebral or other congenital abnormalities. Report of four cases and review of the literature. Four cases of spinal cysts lined by simple columnar epithelium of endodermal origin, without associated vertebral or other congenital anomalies, are reported. Pathology, pathogenesis and nomenclature of such cysts are discussed. Misplacement of endodermal cells is though to be the common developmental error leading to the formation of such cysts, as well as of those replicating intestinal wall or containing other endodermal derivatives such as bronchial tissue.


Redundant nerve roots of the cauda equina. A case report. One further case of redundant nerve roots of the cauda equina is described, and a review of eleven comparable cases in the literature is provided. In the authors' opinion, this disease appears to be a congenital anomaly, frequently but not necessarily associated with spinal changes.


Spasm of the ophthalmic artery in a case of posttraumatic amaurosis. Case report. An extensive and segmental spasm of the ophthalmic artery has been demonstrated angiographically a few hours after a car accident in a case with posttraumatic amaurosis. The possibility of a correlation between ophthalmic artery spasm and posttraumatic amaurosis has been discussed.


Internal carotid artery occlusion due to intraoral trauma. Case report. Traumatic thrombosis of the internal carotid artery following soft palate injury in a 3 1/2 year old boy is reported. Prominent collateral circulation through the circle of Willis and the orbit was a good prognostic sign. The problem of traumatic carotid thrombosis is of considerable practical importance in differential diagnosis from intracranial haematoma.


Possible role of insulin in the transport of tyrosine and tryptophan from blood to brain. The administration of insulin or the ingestion of glucose increases the concentration of tryptophan and tyrosine in the brain. This increase is associated with a parallel decrease in the concentration of free tryptophan and tyrosine in serum. The results suggest that insulin enhances the transport of tyrosine and tryptophan from blood to brain. The results, moreover, suggest that exogenous or endogenous insulin enhances the transport of tyrosine and tryptophan from blood to brain.


Dystonia in the black and Puerto Rican population. Dystonia among Black and Puerto Rican patients has been reported  to be a rare occurrence. Two such patients have been presented. An attempt was made to discover other cases by utilizing a mail survey. This has documented the rarity of dystonia in those ethnic groups.


Dystonia in Spain: study of a Gypsy family and general survey. A girl from a Spanish Gypsy family developed idiopathic torsion dystonia when 12 years old. Parents were first cousins and both the pattern of clinical involvement and the rate of progression corresponded to that usually found in the autosomal recessive form of the disorder. Serum dopamin-beta-hydroxylase activity in the patient and close family members were also in keeping with this hereditary form. A nationwide inquiry failed to detect further cases of torsion dystonia among Gypsies, but revealed a relatively large number of recessively inherited disorders of the nervous system in this inbred, genetically isolated population. Thirty-six additional cases of torsion dystonia were collected from the general Spanish population, including four with a family history for this condition. The gene responsible for the recessive illness appears to be rare in many countries, explaining the sporadic nature of the disorder and its eventual appearance only in genetic isolates or after consanguineous  matings.


Torsion dystonia in Panay, Philippines.

Torsion dystonia in Panay, Philippines. There is an unusually high frequency of torsion dystonia in Panay. Of the 28 Filipino cases, 23 (82%) are from the island of Panay and 19 of the 23 (82%) are from the province of Capiz. The 28 cases belong to 25 families Six sets of brothers are noted. All are males. Pedigree analysis reveals six families with several members affected. Two families show features suggesting possible sex-linked recessive transmission, a mode of inheritance previously undescribed in the literature. The clinical features of the cases seen in this series differ from previously described cases in the literature in several aspects: (a) sex preponderance--all males; (b) age at onset--older age of onset, mean of 31; (c) hereditary--possible sex-linked recessive transmission; (d) spasmodic eye blinking as first symptom in four patients.


The natural history of dystonia.

The natural history of dystonia. We have analyzed 226 patients with a diagnosis of dystonia musculorum deformans seen in our clinica between 1955 and 1974. These were evenly divided between male and female, but of the 226 patients, 225 were white and only one was black. Forty-two percent were Jewish, as contrasted with 3% Jewish population in the United States. It is interesting to note that a family history was obtained in 28% of both the Jewish and the non-Jewish groups. Thirty of the patients reported a significant viral infection within 3 months preceding the onset of symptoms. Only six patientss had a history of one or more remissions during the course of their illness. The mean duration of symptoms before examination in this series was 8.6 years with a duration of 1 to 42 years. Fifty-six of the patients had been diagnosed as having conversion hysteria at some time during the course of their illness. The majority of the patients had the onset of symptoms between the ages of 5 and 10, although the age span was from 2 to 45 years of age. Seventy-six of the patients had an IQ statistically significant above average (3). Each symptom, rate of progress of the disease, and various other factors in the history were corrolated with age, sex, ethnic group, mode of onset, and 20 other variables. The most pertinent subgroupings affecting the natural history were the age on onset and the ethnic group and family history. Trunkal involvement was most common in the non-Jewish group with a positive family history. This particular sub-group of patients showed predominately midline symptomatology. In the groups below the age of 13, the onset was almost invariably in one of the four limbs. However, in the group 14 years of age and older, 30% had their initial dystonic symptoms in the neck and a total of 40% of the patients whose onset was at age 14 or later, had marked nuchal symptoms. This clear-cut predominance of limb involvement in the youngest groups is also indicated by the observation that 38% in the youngest group had become confined to a wheelchair because of gait abnormalities, whereas none of those whose age of onset was 14 or older were disabled to this degree by gait abnormality. The most rapidly progressive and incapacitating symptomatology was seen in those patients with onset of symptoms below the age of 8 so that in general the younger the age at onset, the more rapid the progress of the symptoms.


Psychological studies in dystonia musculorum deformans. Sixty-eight patients with DMD underwent psychometric assessment before or after thalamic surgery. Statistical comparisonss between categories of patients were undertaken as a function of religion, family history, and age at onset of symptoms as independent variables. It was found that Jewish patients, with negative family history, and age at onset of symptoms from 9 to 13 years, scored significantly higher on IQ tests than did all other groups. Other psychological test data revealed no specific personality patterns in the DMD patients, particularly no pattern of conversion hysteria or hysteria. Pre- and postoperative psychological testing in a small group of patients revealed no evidence of any changes in intellectual, cognitive, or personality functions as a consequence of thalamic surgery, involving up to 10 lesions in some instances.


Dystonia and tremor in spasmodic torticollis. The occurence of extranuchal dystonia, facial spasm, parkinsonian symptoms (facial masking, bradykinesia, rigidity), tremor and family history of tremor was tabulated in a group of 30 patients with IST. The incidence of extranuchal dystonia increased as severity of IST increased. There was a strong trend for severity of extranuchal dystonia to increase as severity  of torticollis increased, which was significant (p less than 0.001). There was a similar trend for severity of facial spasm to increase with increasing severity of torticollis (p less than 0.025). Parkinsonian features were seen in 10 of 30 patients, and in three the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease could be entertained. Tremor was seen in 26 of 30 patients being mild in 12, moderate in 11, and severe in three. A family history of tremor was present in 16 of 28 cases for whom history was available (12 primary, four secondary relations). The results are most consistent with the hypothesis that IST is a variant of DMD with tremor as an integral part of the disease and tremor represents a forme of the disease in family members.


Effect of supplemental ascorbic acid in a case of torsion dystonia. Determinations of various catecholamines and their metabolites have been performed on 24-hr urine collecions obtained from a patient with torsion dystonia and compared to values obtained in a control population. This study was initiated following significant symptomatic worsening by the patient with supplemental ascorbic acid at a dosage of 2 g/day. Compared to base-line values, there resulted no significant alteration in urinary excretion of DOPA, dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, or VMA for either the patient or a group of controls, receiving 1 g/day vitamin C. MHPG is the glycol metabolite of norepinephrine, and is produced both in central and systemic tissues, whereas VMA is not synthesized in brain. The MHPG excretion for the patient increased 150% with supplemental ascorbate, whereas the control individuals demonstrated a mean increase of 19.6%. It is possible that the symptomatic worsening by the patient and the increased excretion of MHPG in response to supplemental ascorbic acid are causally related. Ascorbic acid affects catecholamine biosynthesis at two metabolic loci; it is the necessary cofactor for dopamine-beta-hydroxylase and, by maintaining biopterin in reduced form, facilitates tyrosine hydroxylase holoenzyme activity. Thus, the vitamin may have effected increased central synthesis or turnover of norepinephrine, or both, with resultant clinical worsening.


Multidisciplinary management of dystonia misdiagnosed as hysteria. Dystonia in the pediatric age group can be confused with hysteria, particularly when it occurs in an emotionally disturbed child with a negative family history of dystonia. A 20-year-old girl with a 12 year history of DMD is described. From age 12 to 17 she was housed in a mental institution after a misdiagnosis of hysteria was made. The progressive nature of DMD and the important emotional components are stressed. The multidisciplinary management model is discussed as a valuable method in the treatment of this chronic neurological disorder.


Induction of DNA synthesis in rat peritoneal macrophages in culture by a pleural inflammatory exudate. Peritoneal macrophages in culture are blocked in the G0 phase of the cell cycle, but retain many of their functional characteristics such as phagocytic ability. Peritoneal macrophages have been thought to be a terminal cell type. It has been investigated whether such properties could be modified by a substance released in acute inflammatory exudates. For this purpose a pleural exudate obtained from rats injected with dextran (40,000) 4 hours before, was centrifuged to eliminate cells, sterilized by filtration on Millipore filter 0.22 mum and diluted 50% with 199 medium culture. This medium was used to treat normal and activated peritoneal macrophages in culture. The effects were observed 24, 48, 72, 96 hours after the beginning of treatment. An enhancement of spreading and capacity of phagocytosis was observed 24 hours after the beginning of treatment. After 48 hours, the number of cells incorporating tritiated thymidine increased and became highest 4 days later. These phenomena were also obtained with pleural exudate of inbred rats (Lewis, Wag) treating macrophages of the same strain and with rat pleural exudate treating mouse macrophages. No effects were observed with dextran alone. The chemical nature of the stimulatory factor remains to be elucidated.


Proliferation of macrophages in inflammation. Proliferation of macrophages in chronic inflammatory loci is an essential part of granuloma development and as such helps to defend the host against dissemination of harmful microorganisms. Its induction seems to depend in part on local appearance of soluble mitogenic factors since sterile cell-free exudates will induce mitotic activity in vitro in a macrophage population otherwise unable to divide. Macrophage proliferation is probably checked and controlled by inherent restrictions on the number of divisions possible. This in turn probably depends on the rapid appearance of gross chromosomal defects, the effete cells being eliminated by their incorporation into multinucleate giant cells which then form non-viable polyploid cells.


Effect of a cholesterol-rich diet on cholesterol content and phagocytic activity of rat macrophages. Treatment for 11-13 weeks with a cholesterol-rich diet induced increases in free and esterified serum cholesterol. There was also an increase in free cholesterol of peritoneal macrophages. A 2.2 times rise in the cholesterol to phospholipid ratio of plasma membranes occurred in cholesterol-enriched macrophages. No changes were observed in phagolysosomes. Cholesterol-enriched macrophages showed a 35.8% inhibition of latex particles phagocytosis. When lipid droplets were substituted for latex the inhibition was 81.7%.


A novel relationship between plasma kininogen and rheumatoid. Plasma kininogen levels in the peripheral venous blood of untreated patients with active rheumatoid disease was found to be more than twice the levels measured in healthy normal individuals or in convalescing uncomplicated fracture patients. Treatment with oral indomethacin or aspirin lowered the kininogen levels nearly to normal. Sequential studies showed that the fall in kininogen was very rapid, occurring within 1-2 hours of ingestion of drug, and was parallelled by reduction in the clinical indices of inflammation. Control studies showed that the kininogen changes were not due to changes in plasma volume or non-specific changes in plasma protein concentration. Indomethacin treatment had no effect on plasma kininogen levels in healthy volunteers. The significance of this finding will be discussed.


A method for the measurement of ultra-low amounts of prostaglandins in inflammatory exudates using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. A GC-MS assay for PGE2 and PGF2alpha has been described. The method is highly specific and sensitive down to the sub-picogram level. The assay has been used to measure the time dependence of PG concentration in carrageenan-induced inflammatory exudates and the results compared with a bioassay. Estimates of the extraction and purification yield of PGs from exudates have also been obtained.