Organization and receptive fields of primate spinothalamic tract neurons. A technique is described for recording from axons belonging to the spinothalamic tract of the monkey. The axons arose from cell bodies located within the spinal cord since the latency of orthodromic activation by afferents within the dorsal funiculus was short. The axons were antidromically activated from the ipsilateral diencephalon. The spectrum of conduction velocities indicates that the recordings favored large-diamter axons. However, all of the classes of spinothalamic tract units described from soma-dendritic recordings were represented in the sample. When the locations of the axons in the ventrolateral white matter were mapped, there was virtually complete overlap in the distributions of hair-activated, low-, and high-threshold spinothalamic tract axons, suggesting that the "lateral spinothalamic tract" conveys tactile, as well as pain and temperature, information. The only segregated population of axons were those belonging to units activated by receptors in deep tissues, including muscle. These were in a band along the ventral surface of the cord. The stimulus points for antidromically activating spinothalamic cells of axons were in the known diencephalic course of the spinothalamic tract, including the ventral posterior lateral nucleus. Stimulus point locations were similar for high-threshold and other categories of units. Receptive-field sizes were smaller for high-threshold spinothalamic cells or axons than for hair-activated or low-threshold units. Receptive-field size was correlated with position on the hindlimb. The smallest fields belonged to cells in lamina I, with progressively larger sizes for cells in laminae IV and V. Receptive-field shape was evaluated by the length/width ratio, which was smallest for high-threshold units and progressively larger for low-threshold and hair-activated units. The receptive-field positions of spinothalamic tract axons were related to the locations of the axons. There was a rough somatotopic representation in the tract, with the most caudal dermatomes represented dorsolaterally, and the most rostral ventromedially.


Static and dynamic responses of spinothalamic tract neurons to mechanical stimuli. The activity of primate spinothalamic tract neurons was investigated. Units were identified by antidromic activation from the diencephalon. Most had a spontaneous discharge. The fastest spontaneous discharge rates were from neurons activated by receptors in muscles or joints. However, such activity could be decreased by repositioning the hindlimb. Spontaneous activity was also altered by changes in anesthetic level. Time-interval histograms demonstrated the patterns of spontaneous discharge. Many units could be excited by noxious stimulation. Graded step displacements of the skin often evoked a slowly adapting discharge which was a function of pressure (or displacements above a threshold of some hundreds of microns). Responses continued to increase as pressures became noxious. Rapidly adapting responses of hair-activated and low-threshold spinothalamic tract neurons were tested with ramp stimuli and found to signal acceleration (or a higher derivative of position), velocity, or a combination of these. Responses to stimulus acceleration were prominent when hairs were displaced, while responses to stimulus velocity were seen with displacement of the skin. Possible receptor types which might account for the observations are discussed.


Afferent new fiber activity responding to temperature changes of scrotal skin of the rat. The discharge patterns of single afferent fibers from rat pudendal nerve were studied as a function in temperature of the scrotal skin, an area known to function in temperature regulation. In a number of respects the population of temperature-sensitive afferents here differ from most previously described; 75% of temperature-sensitive afferents were also sensitive to mechanical stimulation. Of the 25% nonmechanosensitive units, half showed dynamic and static responses to cooling, while most of the remaining fibers gave only static discharges to warming. The most frequent thermal reaction of the mechanosensitive units was a dynamic-static cold response or a pure static warm response. However, fibers were also present with only dynamic or only static cold responses. Of the bimodal units, 20% had a dynamic cold response, but showed a minimal static discharge at intermediate temperatures (about 35 degrees C) and an increased discharge on both warming and cooling from that temperature. One unit had static and dynamic warm responses. Whereas a bursting discharge in the cold has previously been considered to be a distinguishing characteristic of specific cold receptors, in the pudendal afferents a bursting discharge on cooling or at low temperatures is common both in mechanosensitive and specific cold fibers. This observation and the identical discharge patterns and mechanisms underlying the thermosensitivity argue for the view that the mechanosensitive afferents participate in thermal sensation and/or regulation along with the specific temperature receptors. Hellon and Misra (7) have concluded that there is processing of thermal information from the scrotal skin at the level of the first synapse in the cord. However, in this study, we have found peripheral afferents which have most of the discharge properties that led Hellon and Misra to conclude that processing had occurred. The unusual characteristics of thermosensitive afferents of the pudendal nerve suggest that there is probably organ specificity of neuronal discharge properties.


Directionally sensitive ganglion cells in the rabbit retina: specificity for stimulus direction, size, and speed. The receptive fields of directionally sensitive ganglion cells in the rabbit retina were analyzed. Several types of experiment showed that each point within the receptive field of the cell is inhibited by a fairly wide area of points around it, lying on each side of the preferred-null axis as well as along the preferred-null axis in the preferred direction. The excitatory or responsive receptive field of these cells has an inhibitory surround: this inhibitory surround appears to be simply an extension of the inhibition that occurs within the center of the receptive field. Points toward the edge of the responsive receptive field are inhibited from an area around them which extends into the center of the receptive field and also into the inhibitory surround. Directionally sensitive retinal ganglion cells respond to moving spots better than to moving bars. This is particularly true for objects moved perpendicularly to the preferred-null axis. In some cells a spot moved perpendicularly to the preferred-null axis will give a substantial response, whereas a bar moved in the same direction will give no response at all. This phenomenon can be explained by the inhibitory area which surrounds each point within the receptive field; since this inhibitory area is asymmetrical, it is also responsible for the cell's directional sensitivity. When two bars oriented perpendicular to the preferred null axis are flashed, one after the other, the response to the second bar is nearly always reduced by the presentation of the first bar. This is true for many temporal and spatial sequences corresponding to movement in the preferred direction, as well as those corresponding to movement in the null direction. However, there are temporal and spatial sequences, corresponding to movement in the preferred direction, for which the response to the second bar is unaffected by the presentation of the first bar. The time delay for this does not vary from cell to cell--it is always approximately 20 ms for on-off directionally sensitive cells and approximately 180 ms for on directionally sensitive cells. The spatial separation does vary from cell to cell, between 0.13 degrees and 1.2 degrees in 11 on-off directionally sensitive cells. This spatial separation, which gives linear summation of the response to two bars flashed 20 ms apart in the preferred direction, is correlated with the speed of movement which gives the best response for a bar moved through the receptive field in the preferred direction.


Afferent fibers from mystacial vibrissae of cats and seals. 1. Studies of vibrissae of cats and seals revealed minor species-specific differences in functional characteristics of the afferent fibers: vibrissal fibers from the seal showed a significantly higher rate (P smaller than 0.05) and frequency of occurrence (P smaller than 0.01) of spontaneous activity, and a significantly greater percentage (P smaller than 0.01) responded to vibrations greater than 256 Hz. None of these differences could be interpreted as an adaptation to the aquatic environment. 2. Of 455 afferent fibers obtained from the infraorbital nerve, a large proportion (66% in cats and 85% in seals) served vibrissae. A population study of 357 such fibers showed that two-thirds were rapidly adapting (RA) and the remainder were slowly adapting (SA). Neither group displayed preferential directional sensitivity, but for 75% of the individual fibers in cats and 71% in seals, a particular direction elicited maximal response. 3. On the basis of their tuning curves, the RA fibers were divisible into three major groups: insensitive, sensitive, and those with frequency-dependent tuning curves. Single RA fibers provided little information about vibratory stimulus amplitude. However, it is postulated that the range of thresholds in the RA fiber group within each follicle represents a mechanism of encoding the intensity of vibratory stimuli. 4. By contrast, single SA fibers encoded precisely the intensity of steady stimuli. The average fiber conveyed 2.7 bits of information about the magnitude of vibrissal deflections of smaller than 17 degrees (1.5 mm, at 5 mm from skin). 5. Each type of fiber abstracted one or more features from the environment, and conveyed these abstractions by its individual pattern of neural activity. It is postulated that vibrissae provide fine textural information about surfaces.


Responses to visual stimulation and relationship between visual, auditory, and somatosensory inputs in mouse superior colliculus. The superior colliculus was studied in anesthetized mice by recording from single cells and from unit clusters. The topographic representation of the visual filed was similar to what has been found in other mammals, with the temporal part of the contralateral visual field projecting posteriorly and the inferior visual field projecting laterally. At the anterior margin of the tectum receptive fields recorded through the contralateral eye and invaded the ipsilateral visual hemifield for up to 35 degrees, suggesting that the entire visual field through one eye is represented on the contralateral superior colliculus. Cells located closest to the tectal surface had relatively small receptive fields, averaging 9 degrees in center diameter; field sizes increased steadily with depth. The prevailing cell type in the stratum zonal and superficial gray responded best to a small dark or light object of any shape moved slowly through the receptive-field center or to turning a small stationary spot on or off. Large objects or diffuse light were usually much less effective. Less than one-quarter of superficial layer cells showed directional selectivity to a moving object, the majority of these favoring up and nasal movement. The chief visual cell type in the stratum opticum and upper part of the intermediate gray resembled in the newness neurons described for many other vertebrates: they had large receptive fields and responded best to up and nasal movement of a small dark or light object, whose optimal size was similar to the optimum for upper-layer cells. If the same part of the receptive field was repeatedly stimulated there was a marked tendency to habituate. Only very few cels responded to the ipsilateral eye. Intermixed with visual cells in the upper part of the intermediate gray were cells that responded to somatosensory or auditory stimuli. Here bimodal and trimodal cells were also seen. In deeper layers somatosensory and auditory modalities tended to take over. These two modalities were not segregated into sublayers but rather seemed to be arranged in clusters. Responses to somatosensory and auditory stimuli were brisk, showing little habituation to repeated stimulation.


Representation of head and face in postcentral gyrus of the macaque. The receptive field and submodality characteristics of individual neurons within the cytoarchitectural and topographic subdivisions of the head and face areas of the postcentral gyrus (SI) were determined with the technique of extracellular recording. Correlation of the single-unit data with the intracortical location of the recording electrode provided a detailed description of the functional organization within each of the several cytoarchitecturally distinct regions contributing to the representation of the head and face in SI. The data indicate that the functional organization of the SI cortex which receives its principal input from trigeminal mechanoreceptors is comparable to the organization within those SI regions which receive their input from the mechanoreceptors of the limbs, trunk, and tail. In each topographic subdivision of the SI cortex 1) a single region in the periphery is represented several times in widely separated locations, each time in a context of different submodalities and peripheral receptive fields; and 2) neurons belonging to the different submodality classes are segregated so that projections from cutaneous afferents terminate mainly in cytoarchitectural area 3 in the adjacent anterior portion of area 1, while projections from the afferents innervating deep tissues terminate mainly in cytoarchitectural area 3a, area 2, and the posterior part of each 1. Although the mechanoreceptor input to SI is segregated according to submodality and the mechanoreceptors from most body regions project to multiple widely separated regions within SI, neurons with receptive fields confined to the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal peripheral innervation field are found within a restricted region of the anterior postcentral gyral crown which is positioned symmetrically about the junction of cytoarchitectural areas 1 and 3. Neurons with receptive fields confined to the maxillary division of the trigeminal innervation field are found within a ring of cortex which a) completely surrounds the representation of the ophthalmic field, and b) includes parts of cytoarchitectural area 2, 1, 3, and 3a. SI neurons with receptive fields restricted to the mandibular division of the trigeminal innervation field occupy the largest portion of the SI face area and form a ring of cortical cell columns which completely surrounds that cortical region which receives its input from the maxillary peripheral innervation field.


Effects of exercise and of food restriction on the development of spontaneous obesity in rats. The effects of exercise and of food restriction on Zucker obese and lean rats were studied. Zucker obese rats pair-fed to lean littermates gained more body fat on the same intake indicating greater efficiency of diet utilization. Exercise significantly reduced the fat pad weights and body fat content of obese rats. Serum insulin levels were higher in the obese rats and were not influenced by exercise. Exercise had no effect on adipose cellularity of the obese rats. Liver tissue in vitro lipogenic capacity and lipogenic enzyme activities were significantly elevated in obese rats. Exercise increased liver tissue hexokinase and in vitro lipogenesis in lean rats. Exercise increased pentose phosphate pathway enzymes in adipose tissue from lean rats only. Although exercise reduced fat content significantly, obese rats were still fatter (27.7% fat) than the lean controls (6.4% fat). The protein content of obese rats was significantly increased by exercise, indicating that physical activity is important in the regulation of protein metabolism.


Comparison between the metabolic effects of tryptophan and histidine deficiencies in the rat. Rats fed a tryptophan-free diet for 2 days showed less weight loss but more nitrogen loss than those fed a histidine-free diet. The metabolic nature of the body weight loss and of urinary nitrogen loss in rats fed the tryptophan-free diet was investigated in comparison with those fed the histidine-free diet. More body water was retained in rats fed the tryptophan-free diet than in those fed the histidine-free diet. This suggests that the lesser weight loss associated with tryptophan deficiency than with histidine deficiency may be due to the greater water content in rats fed the tryptophan-free diet. The tryptophan contents of the muscle, plasma, and liver decreased rapidly in rats fed the tryptophan-free diet, whereas the histidine contents of these tissues did not decrease as much as in rats fed the histidine-free diet. The conversion of radioactivity of (U-14-C)phenylalanine into respiratory CO-2 and liver and muscle proteins of rats fed the tryptophan- and histidine-free diets were compared. The relative recovery ratio of 14-C into respiratory CO-2 was found to be higher in tryptophan deficiency than in histidine deficiency, and the recovery ratio in muscle was lower in tryptophan deficiency than in histidine deficiency. These results suggest that the greater nitrogen loss seen in tryptophan deficiency than in histidine deficiency may be due to reduced synthesis of muscle protein, presumably due to the low free-tryptophan content in muscle resulting from the tryptophan-free diet.


Studies on the vitamin C requirements of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Three feeding studies on the vitamin C requirements of channel catfish were conducted with practical and semipurified diets. In a long-duration study in which fish achieved almost a 4,000% increase in weight, 50 mg of l-ascorbic acid/kg diet was required for maximal growth and food efficiency. A diet stability study revealed that excessive losses in activity of l-ascorbic acid occurred when practical diets were stored for 16 weeks at 20 degrees. The typical scoliosis condition associated with severe vitamin C deficiency in fish occurred in the nonsupplemented groups in the study with practical diets. Severe growth reductions were obtained from fish fed nonsupplemented semi-purified diets, yet no incidences of spinal abnormalities were noted.


Riboflavin and mouse hepatic cell structure and function. Mitochondrial oxidative metabolism in severe deficiency states. Weanling mice were fed a riboflavin-deficient diet or the same diet with added galactoflavin. Both diets produced changes in hepatic mitochondrial morphology, the most striking of which was the development of giant mitochondria. The livers from these animals were fractionated, and the nuclear and mitochondrial fractions were examined by electron microscopy. The nuclear fraction contained giant mitochondria; the mitochondrial fraction contained the remaining normal to moderately enlarged mitochondria. Oxidative studies were carried out on the mitochondrial fractions. It was found that both experimental diets resulted in a marked reduction in fatty acid oxidation by the mitochondria. In addition, the mitochondria of mice with advanced riboflavin deficiency (induced simply by a riboflavin-free diet) showed a severely decreased state 3 (ADP-stimulated) respiration and depressed respiratory control ratios, but normal ADP/O ratios. In contrast, mitochondrial performance (aside from fatty acid oxidation) in galactoflavin-supplemented, riboflavin-deficient mice was related to the gross appearance, i.e., color, of the liver from which these organelles were derived. In mice fed this diet, the livers were either red or yellow. Mitochondria from yellow livers showed normal oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondria from red livers showed a serious reduction in state 3 oxidation. This study demonstrates that in the mouse, riboflavin deficiency, however produced, not only results in altered mitochondrial morphology but also results in significantly impaired mitochondrial function.


Methionine replacement value of N-acetylmethionine and homocysteinethiolactone hydrochloride for growing rats. The ability of young growing rats to absorb DL-homocysteinethiolactone hydrochloride (HCTL-HCl) and N-acetyl-DL-methionine (NAM) and to use them for growth when fed a methionine-deficient diet was studied. In situ intestinal absorption studies demonstrated that both compounds are readily absorbed. Intestinal half-times were 24 minutes for NDTL-HCl and 44 minutes for NAM. Adding molar equivalents of 0.2 or 0.4% methionine to a 0.2% methionine basal diet fed ad libitum resulted in 28-day gains that were 83.2 and 91.1%, respectively, for NCTL-HCl and 94.6 and 99.8% for NAM of the average gain resulting when DL-methionine was added at equivalent levels. Feed efficiencies were also significantly (P smaller than 0.05) improved over rats fed the basal diet. Increasing the HCTL-HCl addition to 0.6% reduced feed intake and gain but not feed efficiency.


Sodium requirements of lactating ewes.

Sodium requirements of lactating ewes. At parturition, lactating ewes were given ad libitum one of six diets containing either a basal level of sodium (200 ppm Na) or basal plus 12.5, 25, 37.5, 50, or 100% of the National Research Council (NRC) allowance of sodium for lactating ewes (equivalent to 0.5% of the ration as sodium chloride). Deionized water was supplied to the ewes with a sodium concentration of less than 0.5 ppm. The parotid Na+:K+ ratio was taken as an index of sodium adequacy. At 4, 6, and 8 weeks postpartum, there was a positive rectilinear relationship between the Na+:K+ ratio of the parotid saliva and level of sodium in the diet up to 37.5% of the NRC allowance. The Na+:K+ ratio of parotid saliva from ewes consuming 37.5% or greater of the NCR allowance was not affected by the level of sodium in the diet. It was concluded that the NCR allowance for sodium for lactating ewes was excessive, and an allowance of 870 mg/kg diet was adequate for the maintenance of a normal Na+:K+ ratio of the parotid saliva.


Interactions of cadmium with copper, iron, zinc, and manganese in ovine tissues. Diets containing 0, 5, 15, 30, and 60 ppm of cadmium were fed to male lambs for 191 days to ascertain what effect cadmium might have on the tissue concentrations of copper, zinc, iron, and manganese. The cadmium content of all tissues increased with an increase in dietary cadmium. The iron concentration of the ileum tissue was significantly depressed in the cadmium-treated groups compared with that of the controls. Liver copper, iron, and manganese were significantly depressed and liver zinc significantly increased by varying levels of dietary cadmium. The copper concentrations of the spleen and testicles were significantly decreased by all levels of cadmium while the copper and zinc concentrations of the kidneys were significantly increased in the 30 and 60 mug Cd/g and 15, 30, and 60 mug Cd/g groups, respectively. In general, cadmium had no significant effect on the rumen, abomasal, heart, or lung concentrations of copper, zinc, iron, or manganese.


Effects of different levels of pyridoxine fed during pregnancy superimposed upon growth in the rat. Effects of pregnancy superimposed upon a rapid phase of growth in the rat on the vitamin B-6 needs during gestation were examined. Rats were fed 1.2, 2.4, 4.8, 9.6, or 19.2 mg pyridoxine-HCl/kg diet from weaning. Some animals from each dietary treatment were mated at 55 (P-55) and 115 (P-115) days of age; others of the same ages served as nonpregnant controls. Analyses were made on day 21 of gestation. Excepting the 1.2-mg diet treatment, maternal weight gains during gestation were greater for P-55 groups compared with gains of the P-115 groups, possibly reflecting maternal growth. Both maternal weight gains and fetal weights were less for the 1.2-mg, P-55 group; otherwise reproductive performance was similar among the groups. On the basis of stimulation of erythrocyte alanine aminotransferase activity by pyridoxal phosphate added in vitro, the needs in all pregnant and nonpregnant groups were met by 2.4 mg pyridoxine/kg diet. However, on the basis of vitamin B-6 saturation of tissues, the pyridoxine needs were 9.6 mg/kg diet for young growing animals and 4.8 mg/kg diet for older animals in which growth had almost ceased. The needs for both young and older pregnant animals possibly exceeded 19.2 mg pyridoxine/kg diet for vitamin B-6 saturation of maternal liver, fetus, and fetal brain. Pregnancy superimposed upon a rapid phase of growth in conjunction with a restricted intake of pyridoxine resulted in low values for most parameters used in the assessments compared with values for animals fed the same vitamin level but mated after growth velocity had diminished.


Free amino acids in crocodilians fed proteins of different biological value. Changes in plasma levels of amino acids derived from fed protein were determined by feeding crocodilians (Caiman crocodilus crocodilus and Alligator mississipiensis) 7.5 g protein/kg body weight and by monitoring the plasma free amino acids for several days. Zein and several other vegetable proteins produced no rise in plasma amino acids and were excreted intact in the feces. Casein and fish muscle were rapidly digested but produced little rise in plasma amino acids, and the increases showed no relationship to the composition of the protein fed. Gelatin feeding led to large increases in plasma amino acids that persisted for more than a week, and the resulting pattern was nearly identical to the composition of gelatin with the exception of aspartic and glutamic acids, and several animals died. Equivalent quantities of fish muscle protein were assimilated without difficulty by the crocodilians. Endogenous protein secreted into the gut apparently contributed little to the amino acid mixture absorbed.


Heart rate and ECG responses of fire fighters. Data were obtained from 35 fire fighters responding to 189 alarms. Fifteen to 30 sec after an alarm heart rate showed a mean increase of 47 beats/min (range 12-117 beats/min). Approximately one minute after the alarm, while on the truck, heart rate still showed a mean increase of 30 beats/min (range 1 to 80 beats/min) above that recorded before alarm. S-T segment changes were observed in the ECG shortly after the alarm sounded. Upon approaching a fire, heart rates as high as 150 beats/min were observed before the men got off the fire truck. During actual fire fighting extremely high heart rates were observed for prolonged periods of time. One fire fighter had a mean heart rate of 188 beats/min for 15 minutes during the initial stages of a structure fire. The heart rate responses observed immediately after the alarm as well as on the truck approaching a fire indicate that the men experience a state of high anxiety. The extremely high heart rates observed for prolonged periods during fire fighting may also indicate a state of high anxiety coupled with the heavy work performed in a hot environment. Repeated exposure to states of high anxiety as well as inhaling pollutants related to the high incidence of ischemic-stress tests previously observed in fire fighters.


The relationship of the rate of intrauterine growth of low-birth-weight infants to later growth. The relationship of the rate of intrauterine growth of low-birth-weight infants (1,501 to 2,500 gm) to their postnatal growth up to 10 years of age was investigated. Each child was assigned to one of four gestation quartiles which have identical birth weight distributions but differ widely in their length of gestation. The mean heights and weights of the children in each of the four quartiles were compared with similar data of a control group of children who had birth weights above 2,500 gm. Only infants in the long gestation quartile failed to catch up in height and weight to the control group by the end of the 10-year period. The same results that were obtained for the total cohort were also found separately for white and black children and for boys and girls. The data relate to 488 single white and black low-birth-weight infants and 488 normal-birth-weight infants.


Classic phenylketonuria: diagnosis through heterozygote detection. Fifty-nine male and female (pregnant and nonpregnant) normal control subjects were differentiated from 18 male and female obligate heterozygotes for classic PKU. The method of genotyping utilized midday semifasting blood P and T quantitated by ion-exchange chromatography, an empiric determinant, P-2/T, and a discriminant function (sigma), in which sigma = a(1)(P)+a(2)(T);a(1) and a(2) were computed by multivariate analysis, This method of genotyping was applied in three clinical settings. In one family hyperphenylalaninemia was differentiated from classic PKU in two sisters with elevated blood P. In a second family maternal PKU was related to microcephaly in two retarded siblings, one of whom was also homozygous for classic PKU. In a third family a diagnosis of classic PKU was established in a normal-appearing infant whose blood P concentration was elevated.


Use of an oral elemental diet in infants with severe intractable diarrhea. Twenty-seven infants from 1 day to 9 months of age with severe intractable diarrhea were fed an oral elemental diet (Vivonex) consisting of crystalline amino acids, glucose, electrolytes, and vitamins by continuous nasogastric drip. Complete control of diarrhea was achieved in 24 patients (89 percent) who had an average weight gain of 28 gm/day. Nitrogen balance and plasma amino acids were measured in five patients while they received 2.25 gm of amino acid/kd/day for two weeks and 4.58 gm of amino acid/kg/day for two weeks; the nitrogen balance and weight gain in three patients was proportional to the amino acid intake. When compared to normal levels, plasma amino acids were not appreciably increased with the lower amino acid intake. With the higher amino acid intake, there were significant increases in plasma values for 11 amino acids.


The micromeasurement of free erythrocyte protoporphyrin as a means of differentiating alpha thalassemia trait from iron deficiency anemia. Free erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels were measured in 29 individuals with alpha thalassemia trait, 19 with proved iron deficiency anemia, and 25 normal control subjects. Individuals with alpha thalassemia trait and normal iron studies had FEP levels in the normal range despite marked degrees of microcytosis. In contrast, individuals with iron deficiency anemia had marked elevation of FEP levels with similar degrees of microcytosis. Measurement of FEP levels appears to be a useful tool in differentiating alpha thalassemia trait from iron deficiency anemia.


Iron deficiency anemia and increased urinary norepinephrine excretion. Chronic iron deficiency in rats resulted in decreased MAO activity both in vitro and in vivo. Since MAO is an important enzyme in inactivation of catecholamines, urinary excretion of DA, NE, E, MN-NMN, and VMA was measured in 24-hour samples from 11 iron-deficient children before and after treatment with intramuscular iron. Pretreatment NE excretion was abnormally high and returned to normal (P=0.001) within one week of therapy. VMA excretion also was higher before than after treatment (P greater than 0.05), but most values were within the normal range for healthy children of comparable size. There was no significant difference between DA, E, and MN-NMN excretion before and after iron therapy. Anemic, non-iron-deficient children had normal urinary NE, E, and VMA excretion before and after transfusion. These findings suggest that the irritability, lack of attentiveness, and low performance scores of iron-deficient children may be related to alterations in catecholamine metabolic pathways secondary to dependence of MAO on adequate iron stores.


Constrictive pericarditis, intestinal lymphangiectasia, and reversible immunologic deficiency. A patient with constrictive pericarditis, secondary intestinal lymphangiectasia, and protein-losing enteropathy was demonstrated to have the characteristic immunologic deficiency associated with intestinal lymphangiectasia: hypogammaglobulinemia, lymphocytopenia, cutaneous anergy, impaired allograft rejection. and diminished in vitro lymphocyte proliferative responses. Following surgical correction of the cardiac abnormality, the intestinal lymphangiectasia and protein-losing gastroenteropathy resolved and was accompanied by a slow but progressive return of normal immune function. This documented reversal of the immunologic deficiency in intestinal lymphangiectasia supports the concept that the immune defect in this syndrome is due to the excessive loss of lymphocytes and immunoglobulins into the gastrointestinal tract.


Long-term effect of phototherapy on visual function. Computer-averaged electroretinogram records were used to examine scotopic retinal functioning of a group of 4-year-old children who were treated for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia by exposure to at least 42 consecutive hours of continuous phototherapy. Dark adaptation functions of the children were similar to those previously found for control subjects, suggesting that no permanent damage to rod function had been incurred during exposure. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in the final electroretinographic amplitudes of light-treated and control subjects. Ophthalmologic and neurologic examinations were also negative.


Cerebroside sulfatase activity in cultivated human skin fibroblasts and amniotic fluid cells;. In an effort to improve the precision in prenatal monitoring for metachromatic leukodystrophy, levels of cerebroside sulfatase were determined in fibroblasts and amniotic fluid cells. Cells from MLD patients demonstrated no significant sulfatide hydrolysis, whereas cultures from heterozygous subjects hydrolyzed diminished but definite amounts of sulfatide. Cells from a fetus with low arylsulfatase A activity were able to cleave considerable amounts of sulfatide; enzyme assays performed postnatally suggest that the infant is heterozygous for MLD. This report documents the value of cerebroside sulfatase assays in the in utero monitoring for MLD.


Roentgen patterns of extravasation of calcium gluconate in the tissues of the neonate. Calcium gluconate is irritating to soft tissues and can produce tissue necrosis and slough; Radiographs of the part following extravasation initially show only soft tissue swelling. A variable pattern of soft tissue calcification then develops in one to three weeks, and gradually is completely resorbed over several months' time. The cause of the soft tissue calcifications may be quite puzzling, if the incident of calcium gluconate extravasation has been overlooked.


Effects of gentamicin on albumin binding of bilirubin. The effects of gentamicin on albumin binding of bilirubin and bilirubin transport were studied using Sephadex gel filtration, spectrophotometric analysis, peroxidase assay, and red blood cell uptake. No significant interaction between gentamicin and bilirubin binding or transport was observed.


Brain tissue levels in a fatal case of neonatal mepivacaine (Carbocaine) poisoning. A fatal case of mepivacaine poisoning in a newborn infant is reported. Regional brain tissue concentrations of mepivacaine were determined by a sensitive and specific gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method. The brain tissue levels in this patient were higher than those previously reported, possibly due to alkalosis occurring several hours prior to the infant's death.


The role of the pediatric nurse practitioner in a neonatal unit. A pediatric nurse practitioner was given responsibility for a nursery. Her major responsibilities included: (1) daily chart and infant rounds, (2) initial physical examinations, (3) rounds with mothers, and (4) daily report to the physician on the condition and problems in her nursery. Over a one-year period of time, the PNP detected 20 serious problems, such as significant jaundice, sepsis, tachypnea, hypoglycemia, and two major congenital anomalies. The accuracy of the physical examination by the PNP was compared with that of the physician. In 72 percent of cases, the assessment of the PNP was essentially the same as that of the physician; in the remaining 28 percent the differences in diagnosis were minor and related to the timing of the examination. A telephone interview of a random sample of mothers showed that mothers under the care of the PNP had received more instructions on infant care; an 81 percent return of the infants to the clinic was achieved. The pediatric residents approved the participation of the PNP in the nursery. It is concluded that there is a useful role for the PNP in a neonatal unit.


The immune response in iron-deficient children: Impaired cellular defense mechanisms with altered humoral components. Humoral and cellular defense mechanisms were evaluated in 20 children with iron deficiency anemia and in seven with latent iron deficiency. Serum immunoglobulin concentrations, salivary IgA, and total hemolytic complement were within normal range; C'3 concentration was increased. Tests of lymphocyte function showed impaired delayed hypersensitivity skin responses in vivo and decreased in vitro H-3-thymidine incorporation following stimulation with phytohemagglutinin and candida antigen. Tests of neutrophil function showed normal nitroblue tetrazolium dye reduction, decreased bactericidal function, and increased chemotactic activity. These abnormalities could be detected in latent iron deficiency before the development of clinical anemia suggesting that altered immunologic function was an early manifestation of iron deficiency. Normal results were obtained two to three months after iron therapy was begun. The clinical implication of these findings is disucssed in relationship to the reported susceptibility of iron-deficient children to intercurrent infections.


Familial occurrence of nonobstructive, noninfectious vesicoureteral reflux with renal scarring. A family is described in which gross vesicoureteral reflux and renal scarring are present in the father and three sons, none with a history of urinary tract infection. Vesicoureteral reflux alone is present in an infant daughter. Father-to-son transmission of vesicoureteral reflux has not been previously reported. Autosomal dominant inheritance of the trait is suggested. The renal scarring noted in these patients may reflect generalized maldevelopment of affected renal units. The increasing recognition of vesicoureteral reflux as a familial trait suggests the need for evaluation of families in which vesicoureteral reflux is found in more than one member.


Fanconi syndrome following bowel surgery and hepatitis reversed by 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. A permature male infant required intravenous alimentation for six weeks following extensive surgery for ileal and cecal necrosis. At 3 months he developed evidence of hepatitis. Subsequently osteoporosis and the Fanconi syndrome appeared. Urine phosphate clearance was 83 percent of creatinine clearance at a serum phosphate concentration of 1.6 mg/dl. Concentration of plasma immunoreactive parathyroid hormone was elevated at 550 pg/ml. 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol was given at 240 mug/day. Aminoaciduria disappeared and bone healing occurred. Serum phosphate rose to 6.5 mg/dl and phosphate clearance fell to 2 percent of creatinine clearance. Upon cessation of 25-OHCC therapy, the Fanconi syndrome recurred despite administration of vitamin D2. 25-OHCC was then administered at 40 mug/day, and the urine abnormalities were reversed. The patient probably developed hyperparathyroidism, secondary malabsorption, and hepatitis. The Fanconi syndrome was the consequence of the hyperparathyroidism. 25-OHCC therapy was more effective than vitamin D in reversing the disordered state, possibly because of impaired hepatic metabolism of vitamin D2.


Analbuminemia in a neonate.

Analbuminemia in a neonate. A small-for-gestational-age infant, found to have analbuminemia in the neonatal period, is reported and the twelve cases recorded in the world literature are reviewed. Patients lacking this serum protein are essentially asymptomatic, apart from minimal ankle edema and ease of fatigue. Apparent compensatory mechanisms which come into play when serum albumin is low include prolonged half-life of albumin and transferrin, an increase in serum globulins, beta lipoprotein, and glycoproteins, arterial hypotension with reduced capillary hydrostatic pressure, and the ability to respond with rapid sodium and chloride diuresis in response to small volume changes. Examination of plasma amino acids, an investigation not previously reported, revealed an extremely low plasma tryptophan level, a finding which may be important in view of the role of tryptophan in albumin synthesis.


The inheritance of the Aarskog facial-digital-genital syndrome. Prominent physical features of the Aarskog syndrome are short stature, telecanthus, ptosis, short broad nose, long philtrum, thin upper vermilion border and pouty lower lip, low-set jug-handle ears, short broad hands with clawlike positioning of the fingers, broad feet with bulbous toes, ventral scrotal folds, cryptorchidism, and hernias. Four families with 20 affected males are reported. Pedigree analysis is compatible with X-linked recessive inheritance with occasional partial expression in heterozygote females. The fact that seven sons, all unaffected, have been born to affected males argues against the alternative hypothesis of autosomal sex-influenced inheritance.


Studies in calcium metabolism in infants with intrauterine growth retardation. Serial serum Ca values in 47 infants with intrauterine growth retardation were analyzed in relation to clinical and biochemical factors. Serum Ca concentrations in IUGR infants fell within the 95 percent confidence limits for serum Ca in infants whose birth weights were appropriate for gestational age. Serum Ca concentrations in IUGR infants were significantly correlated with birth asphyxia and bicarbonate therapy for acidosis. Serum Ca concentration at 24 hours of age was inversely correlated with serum P values. Thus the incidence of neonatal hyocalcemia in IUGR infants is not increased above the incidence expected from their respective gestational ages. Infants with IUGR who are well at birth do not appear to develop neonatal hypocalcemia, but IUGR infants who are asphyxiated at birth develop significant hypocalcemia.


Preliminary report: treatment of the hemolytic-uremic syndrome with aspirin and dipyridamole. Three children with the hemolytic-uremic syndrome were treated with heparin, aspirin, and dipyridamole. Two of the children had remained profoundly thrombocytopenic in spite of platelet transfusion and heparin therapy. All three patients responded with prompt elevation of their platelet counts and apparent termination of the pathologic consumption of platelets. Our experience suggests not only that primary platelet consumption may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of the HUS, but also that such patients may benefit from therapy with drugs which inhibit platelet function.


Description of Nematobibothrioides histoidii (Noble, 1974) (Trematoda: Didymozoidae) and comparison with other genera. Nematobibothrioides histoidii, inhabiting the body wall tissues of the sunfish, Mola mola, is characterized by its great length, reaching over 12 m, diverticulated excretory horns, large excretory tube, presence of 2 suckers, rudimentary pharynx, absence of gland cells around pharynx and ceca, oblong vitelline reservoir, and oval eggs, 17 by 15 mu. A description is given of the single species. Of 19 genera in the subfamily Nematobothriinae, 6 that possess the greatest similarity with Nematobibothrioides are compared. A brief discussion of didymozoid affinities is given.


Schistosoma mansoni miracidial behavior: an assay system for chemostimulation. A new system for evaluating the responses of miracidia to chemostimulants is described. The apparatus consists of a translucent plastic block with a center well and a hole in the edge leading to the well. One end of a glass tube, covered with a dialysis membrane, was inserted into the hole. Experimental solutions to be tested were put into the tube and Schistosoma mansoni miracidial behavior was observed in the well on the other side of the permeable membrane. Miracidia were released near the membrane; those which contacted the membrane were scored as to whether they returned (contact with return) or did not return (contact without return) before leaving the field of view. Materials eliciting significantly more contact with return responses than did controls were considered to be stimulatory. In this assay system, snail (Biomphalaria glabrata) conditioned water elicited 75% contact with return as compared to 8% for well water control (P less than 0.05). Tracings from motion pictures showed swimming behavior of miracidia toward snail-conditioned water to be different from behavior toward well water controls. This system permits generation of dilution response curves for chemicals and provides generally quantitative results.


Genetic studies on variation in infectivity of Schistosoma mansoni. Biomphalaria glabrata snails of known genetic susceptibility types were exposed to miracidia from 2 strains of Schistosoma mansoni differing  in infectivity.. Individual snails were exposed to single miracidia and penetration observed. Snails of a genetic type susceptible to both parasite strains served as controls, while snails of a genetic type susceptible to one parasite strain but relatively refractory to the other served as test snails to demonstrate the difference in parasite infectivity. Cercariae from snails with single sex infection of each of the 2 parasite strains were injected into mice to provide crosses. Results of test snail exposures to F1 miracidia from reciprocal crosses suggested that the parasite strain difference in infectivity was genetic and involved sex linkage. Results also suggested that the female S. mansoni was heterogametic (XY), the male XX.


Cytochemistry of gastrodermal autophagy following starvation in Schistosoma mansoni. The gastrodermis of adult Schistosoma mansoni was examined by electron microscopy to determine the effects of starvation and the effects of hycanthone, administered in vitro. Special attention was focused on the relationship of the Golgi complexes with the process of autophagy. In general, autophagy was increased in the gastrodermis when it was exposed to stress conditions such as starvation and hycanthone. Acid phosphatase and thiamine pyrophosphatase activities were used as enzyme markers for the Golgi complexes and lysosomes. During the early stages of starvation, there was a 4-fold increase in the number of Golgi complexes per unit area in the gastrodermis. A progressive increase in the number of secondary lysosomes was evident as starvation time was increased. Hycanthone accelerated the effects of starvation. It was hypothesized that acid hydrolases are passed to the Golgi complexes via ER-derived vesicles. The enzymes are subsequently released as primary lysosomes from the Golgi complex to fuse with cytosegresomes and form secondary lysosomes (cytosomes).


Viruslike inclusions in the cecal epithelial cells of Pa  agonimus kellicotti (Digenea, Troglotrematidae). Rodlike or tubular inclusions are described from the cytoplasm and nuclear matrix of the cecal epithelial cells of Paragonimus kellicotti. These inclusions are 3.4 mu or more long, 350 A in diameter, and comprised of a wall of helically arranged subunits and a dense, possibly filar, central core. They occur in organized bundles of up to 17 members. Cells containing these inclusions manifest a series of nucleolar modifications typical of inclusions is discussed, noting especially their resemblance to known rodlike viruses from other systems.


Tetraphyllidean cestodes from western North Atlantic selachians with descriptions of two new species. Rhinebothrium corymbum sp. n. is described from Dasyatis americana Hildebrand and Schroeder. Rhabdotobothrium anterophallum sp. n. is reported from Mobula hypostoma (Bancroft) representing a new family of hosts (Mobulidae) for tetraphyllideans. Both new species can be distinguished from all others by the number and arrangement of bothridial loculi, position of the genital pore, and testes number and distribution. A new host and additional data are presented for Phoreiobothrium triloculatum Linton, 1901. The validity of Caulobothrium Baer, 1948, and Rhabdotobothrium Euzet, 1953, is discussed.


An explanation of the apparent reversal of the circadian migration by Hymenolepis diminuta (Cestoda) in the rat. Hymenolepis diminuta exhibits 2 concurrent migrations: an age-dependent, forward migration and a circadian migration. In experiments where the age of worms was assumed to be uniform throughout the test-day, 2 patterns (7-day-old and 16-day-old) of circadian migration were seen and an apparent reversal in circadian pattern suggested. In experiments where the age of worms became progressively older during the test-day, only the 16-day-old pattern was seen and no reversal was observed. The 7-day-old pattern and hence the apparent reversal in circadian migration is postulated to be an artifact of the method whereby both the age and size of worms were presumed to be uniform throughout the test-day. The 7-day-old pattern results from comparing worms of unequal size and thus at different positions in their forward migration. Data on the daily variation of stomach contents of rats and the results from protein determinations of 6-day-old worms support this hypothesis. Therefore H. diminuta is believed to exhibit only the 16-day-old pattern of circadian migration: an anterior migration between 12 midnight and 6 AM, and a posterior migration between 12 noon and 6 PM.


Axenic growth of oncospheres of Hymenolepis citelli (Cestoda) to fully developed cysticerocoids. Cysticercoids of the cestode Hymenolepis citelli were grown axenically in vitro from the oncosphere to stages infective for the mammalian host. Reducing agents were an essential component of the culture medium. Of several reducing agents tested, L-cysteine was the most effective. Concentration of reducing agent was critical in that excessive amounts induced abnormal growth.


Sphaerirostris wertheimae sp. n., and other Acanthocephala from vertebrates of Israel. Sphaerirostris wertheimae sp. n., is described from Burhinus oedicnemus and Vanellus vanellus in Israel. It is characterized by having 42 to 50 longitudinal rows of 12 to 14 hooks, the largest of which are 44 to 56 mu long. Seventeen species of Acanthocephala are reported from birds, mammals, and a reptile.


Acanthocephalus parksidei sp. n. (Acanthocephala: Echinorhynchidae) from Wisconsin fishes. Acanthocephalus parksidei sp. n. is described from over 4,000 specimens recovered from 11 fish hosts in the Pike River, southeastern Wisconsin. A parksidei is a highly variable acanthocephalan which appears to present an intermediate form between the only 2 other members of the same genus, A. dirus and A. jacksoni, described from North American freshwater fishes. It is structurally similar to the larger A. dirus but is separated from it primarily by having fewer proboscis hook rows and hooks per row. It is separated from A. jacksoni on the basis of its slender body form, relatively larger size of male reproductive system in proportion to body size, as well as other features. It differs from the larger European A. lucii by having smaller proboscis hooks, different hook root shape, smaller proboscis receptacle, and smaller embryos.


Variability in Acanthocephalus parksidei Amin, 1974 (Acanthocephala: Echinorhynchidae). Acanthocephalus parksidei Amin, 1974, was recently described from 11 species of Wisconsin fishes. Considerable variation was observed in this acanthocephalan's body size, number and arrangement of proboscis hook, size of hooks, proboscis, proboscis receptacle, lemnisci, embryos, testes, and cement glands, and number of the latter two. Most of these variations were related to worm sex and age as well as host species. Structural variations in the shape and lobation of lemnisci, abnormalities in hooks and body wall, and changes associated with monorchidism in males were noted. The significance of the erection of this new taxon in relation to the taxonomic criteria applied to acanthocephalan species is discussed.


Host and seasonal associations of Acanthocephalus parksidei Amin, 1974 (Acanthocephala: Echinorhynchidae) in Wisconsin fishes. Ecological associations of Acanthocephalus parksidei Amin, 1974, were studied in 11 southeastern Wisconsin fishes during 1972-73. Parasitic load was found to be related to host species, size (age), sex, concurrent infections, collection site, and season. Distribution in host intestine was related to the extent or intensity of infection, posterior migration, and concurrent infections. Parasitic cycle commenced in later summer-early autumn, peaked (in frequency and maturation) during the spring, and terminated in the  late summer.


Thynnascaris reliquens sp. n. and T. habena (Linton, 1900) (Nematoda: Ascaridoidea) from fishes in the northern Gulf of Mexico and eastern U.S. seaboard. Thynnascaris reliquens sp. n. is described from the type host, the sheepshead, Archosargus probatocephalus (Walbaum), and other fishes of the northern Gulf of Mexico and southern Florida, including the Gulf toadfish, Opsanus beta (Goode and Bean); the spiny boxfish, Chilomycterus schoepfi (Walbaum); the slippery dick, Halichoeres bivittatus (Bloch); and the Atlantic croaker, Micropogon undulatus (Linnaeus). Its salient characters are: length up to approximately to 12.5 cm; lips broad, with pedunculate pulp and equatorially constricted flanges; esophagus 8 to 12% and spicles 3 to 6% of body length; preanal and postanal papillae up to 33 and 6 pairs, respectively. In the type host, some adults attained a considerably greater size than in other hosts, and their labial morphology changed as the maximum length was approached. Thynnascaris habena is redescribed from the oyster toadfish, Opsanus tau (Linnaeus), its type host, on the basis of examination of specimens collected from Massachusetts, Virginia, and Georgia. Thynnascaris melichthysi (Olsen, 1952) and T. ogcocephali (Olsen, 1952) are transferred from the genus Contracaecum as new combinations.


Filaroides hirthi sp. n. (Nematoda: Metastrongyloidea) from the lung of the dog. Filaroides hirthi sp. n. is smaller than previously described species of the genus Filaroides v. Beneden, 1858, and differs from F. milksi Whitlock, 1956, with which it is most likely to be confused, in having shorter, slightly stouter spicules with a broader proximal knob for attachment of the retractor muscles.


Rapid morphological transformations of spermatozoa in the uterus of Brugia pahangi (Nematoda, Filarioidea). Mature, umated male and female Brugia pahangi worms were implanted into the peritoneal cavity of gerbils, allowed to mate, and then recovered and examined by means of electron microscopy. The proximal portion of the uterus of female worms recovered in copula contained a morphologically heterogenous population of sperm ranging from a rigid, nonmotile form to the mature ameboid sperm. The immotile sperm are identical in morphology to sperm found within the seminal vesicle of the male. The in utero transformations occur in less than 1 hr, and probably represent a final maturation event preceding competency to fertilize eggs. First in the sequence of events leading to the mature spermatozoon is a decrease in the density of the cytoplasmic matrix concomitant with the elaboration of an abundant tubular smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The position and appearance of the sperm in the uterus suggest that the formation of this membranous system occurs within minutes and involves de novo assembly from cytoplasmic precursors. Following the appearance of the tubular membranous system, certain other membranous organelles become spherical, fuse with the plasmalemma, and release their electron-dense contents into the lumen of the uterus. Filamentous rodlike elements, previously extending the length of the peripheral cytoplasm, begin to disintegrate and cytoplasmic projections form at the margins of the cell. Polarization of the sperm results from the aggregation of mitochondria, nuclear material, endoplasmic reticulum, and membranous organelles at one pole of the cell leaving an organelle-free filamentous pseudopod at the other.


Dirofilariaformia pulmoni sp. n. (Nematoda: Onchocercidae) from the eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis Gmelin). Dirofilariaeformia pulmoni sp. n. from the eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis Gmelin) is differentiated from other species of the genus by its smaller body size, shorter spicules, arrangement of caudal papillae, and morphology of microfilariae. Adult filarids were found in the pulmonary artery and its branches, and the microfilariae occurred in the blood. A large antemortem thrombus that occluded approximately two-thirds of the lumen of the artery was associated with infection in one squirrel.


Aroapyrgus costaricensis, hydrobiid snail host of paragonimiasis in Costa Rica. A small freshwater hydrobiid snail found in narrow shallow steams at various altitudes in Costa Rica is the intermediate host of Paragonimus mexicanus. Based on the morphology of its shell and soft parts the snail is assigned to the species Aroapyrgus costaricensis (Mörch). It is easily maintained in the laboratory; the female is ovoviviparous, carries up to 40 embryos in its brood pouch, and young-to-young cycle is about 10 weeks. Natural infection rates with rediae and cercariae of Paragonimus mexicanus are less than 1%, the majority of the naturally infected snails are of medium size (about 2 mm in height), but all sizes (ages) can be experimentally infected. The microcercous cercairae of P. mexicanus emerge from A. costaricensis in late afternoon and evening, about 2 months after exposure to the miracidia.


Two new species and new records of nasal mites of the genus Sternostoma (Acarina: Rhinonyssinae) from birds in Texas. Two new species and new host and locality records are established for nasal mites of the genus Sternostoma from birds in Texas. Sternostoma tracheacolum Lawrence is reported for the first time from Pipilo fuscus and Pyrrhuloxia sinuata, respectively. Additionally, a new host record for Sternostoma porteri Hyland from Centurus aurifrons and a new locality record for Sternostoma pirangae Pence from Piranga rubra are established. A redescription is provided for Sternostoma augei Amaral from Speotyto cunicularia. Sternostoma crotophagae sp. n. is described from Crotophaga sulcirostris. It differs from the other species of the genus by the heavily sclerotized margins of the anal plate and tiny cribrum, the two small rounded bifuractions of the movable digit of the chelicerae, abscence of dorsal opisthosomal setae (J, Z, and R series), and chaetotaxy of tarsi II, III, and IV which have only 3 ventral club-shaped setae in the distal row (al1, av2, and pl1 with pv1 apparently absent) and 2 club-shaped setae in the more proximal row (al2 and av3 with pv3 modified into a spinelike seta in the more proximal row and al2 and av3 with pv3 modified into a spinelike seta having an enlarged base and pl2 shorter and with a rounded tip). Sternostoma sayornis sp. n. is described from Sayornis nigricans. The new species is most similar to Sternostoma hedonophilum Fain but differs in the absence of enlarged punctate areas around the stigmata, 5 additional pairs of seta on dorsal opisthosoma (Z and R series), absence of gnathosomal and capitular setae, and slight differences in the leg chaetotaxy with al1 and pl1 on tarsi II, III, and IV very long and whip-like and slight differences in the solenidia on and adjacent to the sensorial area of tarsus I. The host-parasite relationships and affinities of the species of Sternostoma from the host family Tyrannidae are briefly discussed and Sternostoma callithrix Fain and Aitken is reduced as a synonym of Sternostoma longisetosa Hyland on the basis of their existing descriptions.


Diapause in Ornithomya biloba Dufour (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) parasitic on fairy martins in South Australia. A pupal diapause in Ornithomya biloba gives the parasite a life cycle that is well adapted to the migratory life cycle of its host, Petrochelidon ariel (Gould). The fairy martins breed in colonial mud nests to which they return each spring and abandon when they migrate during late summer and autumn. The parasites spend the summer as diapausing puparia in the abandoned nests. Diapause development is completed during winter and the adult flies emerge during August about the time that the martins return. In the laboratory diapause development was completed most rapidly at about 11 C. The parasites complete at least one nondiapausing generation during spring and early summer but diapausing puparaia begin to appear in the nests about the time of the summer solstice. It is not known whether the facultative diapause is induced by photoperiod or food.


Pharmocokinetics of hexobarbital in man after intravenous infusion. The plasma levels of hexobarbital in humans were determined during and after a 30-min or 60-min zero-order intravenous infusion. Hexobarbital kinetics could be described by conceiving the body to exhibit two compartments. The plasma concentrations were fitted to the postinfusion equation and the parameters intrinsic to the two-compartment open model were estimated. The elimination half-life varied considerably among the 14 individuals (160-441-min), which could mainly be explained by the greatly varying metabolic clearance of the compound (123-360 ml/min). The apparent volume of distribution per kilogram of body weight was relatively constant (1.10 plus or minus 0.12 liters/kg).


The role of the liver in the clearance of l-dope from plasma. The role of the liver in the plasma clearance of l-dopa in the rat was examined. Some published studies which ascribe an important role to the liver in l-dopa clearance are discussed and critically evaluated. Contrary evidence suggesting that the liver is not a significant site of l-dopa clearance in vivo is presented. The plasma concentration of l-dopa during intravenous infusion of the drug was not significantly reduced after a single passage through the liver. All of the data discussed are consistent with the conclusion that the liver plays a minor role in l-dopa clearance in vivo. It is suggested that the small intestine is the major site of metabolism of orally administered l-dopa.


Pharmacokinetics of theophylline in relation to increased pain sensitivity in the rat. In the rat, theophylline increases, in proporation to dose, the sensitivity to painful stimulation. A study of the pharmacological registration of this property combined with the determination of drug... levels in plasma indicated that theophylline behaves according to a two-compartment open modelmby relating the pharmacological activities to the drug level data using different pharmacokinetic types of calculation, it was concluded that the site of action of theophylline in the central nervous system lies closer to the central (plasma) compartment than to the peripheral one. The registered pharmacological effects of theophylline are thus directly reflected by the plasma concentration of this drug.


A dissolution rate apparatus for the prediction of initial drug absorption patterns in beagles: tolbutamide tablets. An apparatus utilizing liquid turbulence to simulate hydrodynamic conditions generated by gastrointestinal peristalsis was designed to estimate drug release from solid oral dosage forms; This turbulence was achieved through special arrangements of a pipetting pump to a dissolution chamber. By adjusting the flow rate of the pump to deliver and withdraw a fixed volume of dissolution medium per minute, a correlation was developed between dissolution rates and absorption patterns in beagles of two commerical tolbutamide tablets, A and B, and a micronized tolbutamide suspensionmon the basis of this relationship, it was possible to predict the initial absorption patterns of two misformulated tablets, C and D.


Application of the Loo-Riegelman absorption method. The Loo-Reigelman absorption method provides the correct A infinity/V1 value and the correct rate constant ka (if absorption is first order), whether metabolism occurs in compartment 1 only, compartment 2 only, or both compartments 1 and 2 of the two-compartment open models. In cases where there is metabolism in compartment 2, the disposition parameters estimated from intravenous data are only apparent and not the real values. The correct A infinity/V1 and ka values are obtained, however, only under conditions not hithertofore specified. Thes conditions are that there must be essentially no bias in the disposition parameters k12, k21 and kel, and in the C0 value estimated from the intravenous data, and that in the oral study a large number of interpolated plasma concentrations, as well as the observed plasma concentrations, must be used, especially for drugs with long half-lives. It is shown that application of the Guggenheim method to the initial At/V1, t values frequently provides a better method of estimating A infinity/V1 and ka than the classical method. If biased disposition parameters are used in application of the Loo-Reigelman method oral data, then essentially the correct ovalue of ka will be estimated, but the estimate of A infinity/V1 will be approximately equal to the true value of A infinity/V1 multiplied by the ratio of the biased C0 value (obtained in fitting the intravenous data) to the true C0 value of the intravenous data. The above indicates that intravenous data should be fitted by computer until there are no systematic deviations or trends and as small a sum of squared deviations as possible is obtainedmthe oral data should be fitted by spline or Akima methods, or similar procedures, to produce a function which passes through each observed plasma concentration and at the same time provides a large number of interpolated concentration data.


Crystal structures of azathioprine dihydrate and 6-methylmercaptopurine trihydrate. The crystal and molecular structures of 6-methylmercaptopurine trihydrate and of azathioprine dihydrate were determined by the use of three-dimensional, X-ray, diffractometer data and were refined by least squares. Both molecules crystallize in the N(9)-H tautomer form, in contrast to the N(7)-H tautomer form found in crystals of 6-mercaptopurine. Unlike 6-mercaptopurine, or other thiopurines that have unsubstituted thio groups, the sulfur atoms of 6-methylmercaptopurine and azathioprine do not act as hydrogen-bond acceptors in the crystal structures. These two derivatives of 6-mercaptopurine assume a conformation in which the substituents on the sulfur atom are directed away from the imidazole moiety of the purine.


Stability, absorption, excretion, and distribution of nafiverine. The stability of a new antispasmodic, nafiverine, in an aqueous solution and in rabbit plasma was investigated. Metabolites of nafiverine in blood, bile, and urine were determined quantitatively. The effectiveness of an intramuscular administration of nafiverine was comparable to that of an intravenous administration. One metabolite of nafiverine, N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N'-[alpha-(naphthyl)propionyloxy-2-ethyl]piperazine, is a new compound and its synthesis is described.


Possible antineoplastic agents I.

Possible antineoplastic agents I. A few thalidomide and glutarimide derivatives were synthesized. Several compounds possessed significant antineoplastic activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in Swiss albino mice.


Influence of topical anesthesia on tear dynamics and ocular drug bioavailability in albino rabbits. The bioavailability of topically applied ocular drugs is very poor, due largely to drug loss through drainage and tear turnover. The use of high viscosity solutions or solid matrixes to delay or eliminate drainage is the usual approach for decreasing drug loss but the alternative approach of chemically reducing tear turnover and/or solution drainage has not been investigated. By means of a simple isotopic dilution technique, using radioactive technetium sulfur colloid, the quantitative influence of topical anesthetics on tear production and instilled solution drainage was determined. The reduction in the rate of tear turnover and solution drainage varies for different anesthetics and is dose dependent. The implication of these results for some long accepted clinical procedures is discussed, and questions are raised regarding the present understanding of the mechanisms of tear production. Quantitation of precorneal drug loss through instilled solution drainage and tear turnover permits the establishment of a baseline for ocular drug bioavailability. Aqueous humor drug concentration versus time profiles of radioactive pilocarpine nitrate were obtained, both in the presence and absence of topical anesthesia. The results verify the importance of tear turnover and instilled solution drainage as a major route of drug loss in the eye. Moreover, the success of the present study in improving ocular drug bioavailability by the chemical approach of repressing solution drainage and tear turnover suggests that this approach is viable for improving drug bioavailability.


Simultaneous determination of phenylbutazone and oxyphenbutazone in plasma by high-speed liquid chromatography. A sensitive, specific, high-speed liquid chromatographic procedure is described for the simultaneous determination of phenylbutazone and its metabolite, oxyphenbutazone, in plasma. Acidified plasma is partitioned with cyclohexane-ether (1:1) containing the 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone of 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde as an internal standard. The organic extract is reduced to dryness, the resulting residue is redissolved in chloroform, and aliquots of this solution are chromatographed on an adsorption column, using a mobile phase of 0.002% acetic acid and 23.0% tetrahydrofuran in n-hexane at 35 degrees. Use of a UV detector permits quantitative analysis of samples containing less than 0.25 mug/ml of phenylbutazone or oxyphenbutazone.


Alkylation by secondary alcohols III: Fusion of medicinal sulfanilamides with benzhydrol. The fusion of certain sulfanilamides with benzhydrol in the presence of anhydrous zinc chloride affords several different products, depending primarily on the temperature at which the reaction is carried out. With sulfanilamide itself, three different products were isolated at 100, 160, and 180 degrees. A sequence of steps is suggested to account for the three products, one of which involves an intramolecular rearrangement of a benzhydryl moiety. The fusion of benzhydrol with p-toludine gives 2,6-dibenzhydrylaniline and not the N,N-dibenzhydryl derivative as previously reported.


Active antitumor components in a decomposed amino sugar I: Effect of sugar structure on activity. While pure methyl 5-(2-chloroethylamino)-5-deoxy-2,3-O-isopropylidene-beta-D-ribofuranoside hydrochloride has no L-1210 leukemia activity, a decomposed sample was found to be very active. One of several approaches taken to determine the nature of the active component involved a study of how sugar structure affects antitumor activity. A number of aminoribose derivatives were prepared and tested against the murine L-1210 and P-388 leukemia and the B-16 melanoma tumor systems. Compounds were tested as pure materials and as synthetically degraded mixtures. Both the beta-haloethyl group and a secondary amine were required for highest activity.


Pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine in monkeys following intravenous and oral administration. The pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine were evaluated in four male rhesus monkeys. A 20-mg/kg dose was administered by intravenous (5-min) infusion and orally (nasal-gastric intubation) in a propylene glycol-ethanol-water solvent. Plasma and urine determinations were performed by GLC. All semilogarithmic intravenous curves exhibited an irregular decay behavior in the first 3-hr period, followed by a linear disappearance phase (T 1/2 equals 1.0-2.4 hr). Urinary excretion measurements confirmed the short elimination half-life and showed that less than 1% of the dose was excreted unchanged. Oral studies also yielded a short elimination half-life (1.0-1.60 hr), which was confirmed by urinary excretion measurements. The oral curves were analyzed pharmacokinetically. The fraction of the dose reaching the systemic circulation ranged between 58 and 87%. Measurable (but insignificant) amounts of drug were found in the feces after intravenous and oral administrations.


Simultaneous high-speed liquid chromatographic determination of tetracycline and rolitetracycline in rolitetracycline formulations. A rapid, precise high-speed liquid chromatographic procedure for the simultaneous determination of tetracycline and rolitetracycline in rolitetracycline formulations is described. Samples are dissolved in water, chilled to 0 degrees, and chromatographed on a pellicular cation-exchange resin, The specificity of this method represents a significant improvement over present analytical procedures, which fail to differentiate between rolitetracycline and its hydrolysis product, tetracycline, in these formulations.


Measurement of surface color and color difference of tablet colorants by tristimulus colorimetry. The surface color of a series of color dispersions containing from one to three FD&C or D&C dyes suspended in a sucrose syrup was examined using tristimulus colorimetry. CIE (x, y) and Hunter (a, b) chromaticity data, determined directly from an integrating sphere colorimeter or from reflectance spectra and suitable calculations, were used to order materials by color on expanded chromaticity diagrams. Color difference was evaluated quantitatively from Hunter (a, b) data using the Judd color difference formula. Quality control specifications were established either by defining areas of acceptable color by applying limits to the chromaticity coordinates of color standards or by requiring the Judd color difference to be less than a specific number of National Bureau of Standards standard units. This method eliminates the subjective character of color evaluation and permits the quantitation of visual color difference. These differences can be used, in conjunction with defined color standards, to develop color specifications for tablet colorants, finished tablets, and liquid and cream pharmaceutical preparations.


Intragranular starch: comparison of starch USP and modified cornstarch. Incorporation of starch USP or a modified cornstarch within the granules of several drug formulations was investigated. In general, the formulation containing the modified starch exhibited improved processing characteristics as well as improved tablet properties. A comparison of a granulated and a direct compression formulation of the same ingradients indicated that granulation of an active ingredient is not necessarily detrimental to its (pharmaceutical) availability.


Pressure changes in bottles during sterilization by autoclaving. A method is described to measure changes in pressure inside a bottle during autoclaving without disturbing the integrity of the seal. Experiments showed that, in a perfectly sealed bottle, the pressure rose to a maximum of 58.2 psi absolute. If the rubber linear was unable to maintain the seal, air leaked slowly from the bottle both during the heating-up and the early sterilization period.


Effect of aging on physical properties of phenylbutazone tablets. A study was made of the influence of age on the physical properties of phenylbutazone tablets BP, with special reference to in vitro dissolution rates. Past batches of tablets showed a progressive decrease in dissolution rate with age. This effect could be simulated in short periods by using elevated temperatures. The effect appears to be connected with the subcoat layer of the sugar coating of the tablet which adheres more strongly to the tablet core and slows down its disintegration.


5-chloro-2-pyrimidinyl analog of dantrolene. 1-[5-(5-Chloro-2-pyrimidinyl)furfurylidene]amino-hydantoin, a structural analog of the skeletal muscle contraction antagonist dantrolene, was synthesized and found to have no skeletal muscle relaxant activity.


Alkaloids of Vinca species V: structure elucidation of herbadine, an alkaloid isolated from Vinca libanotica. Herbadine, a novel dihydroindole alkaloid, was isolated from the arterial parts of Vinca libanotica Zucc. (Apocynaceae). The physical and spectral data (UV, IR, NMR, and mass spectroscopy) indicated the alkaloid to be a derivative of aimaline. Comparative high-resolution NMR studies with quebrachidine and high-resolution mass spectral studies established the structure of the alkaloid to be 2-epi-3-hydroxyquebrachidine. Herbadine was previously isolated from another species by Russian workers and a structure was postulated. The current paper gives evidence for a corrected structure of herbadine.


Fluorometric and GLC analyses of aristolochic acid. Aristolochic acid is a natural product with possible implication in Balkan endemic nephropathy. A convenient fluorometric assay for the compound is described based on reduction to the lactam and measurement of the intensity of fluorescence. The limit of sensitivity was 0.05 mug/ml. A GLC assay is also described, based on flash methylation of aristolochic acid and its lactam using trimethylanilinium hydroxide. Conditions for optimum performance with a sensitivity limit of 1-5 mug/ml are described.


Long acting delivery systems for narcotic antagonists II: release rates of naltrexone from poly(lactic acid) composites. Parallel in vitro and in vivo release rates of tritiated naltrexone from poly(lactic acid) composites were studied. The in vitro release of naltrexone was 67% of the dose over a 35-day test period, while the in vivo release was only 24% within 70 days. Apparently, an exchange of the tritium for the hydrogen of the body water takes place, indicating that urinary excretion radioactivity is not a reliable measure for estimating the naltrexone released. Naltrexone-poly(lactic acid) composites showed effective blocking action to morphine in rats (24 days), dogs (29 days), monkeys (20 days), and mice (21 days).


Dehydration of tetracycline.

Dehydration of tetracycline. The dehydration of tetracycline at the C-5a-C-6 position as a function of acidity was investigated at various temperatures. The rate was first order with respect to tetracycline and with respect to [H+]. Rate constants and an activation energy are reported. Tetracycline was unstable in dilute acid.


New compounds: addition products of heterocyclic chalcones. Michael-type adducts, 1,3-heterocyclic-3-mercaptopropan-1-ones, were prepared by the base-catalyzed reaction of heterocyclic chalcones with thiols. These new compounds were found to be active as fungicides.


Evaluation of nuclear-substituted styryl ketones and related compounds for antitumor and cytotoxic properties. A number of nuclear-substituted styryl ketones, the related Mannich bases, and allyl alcohols were synthesized and evaluated for antitumor activity, principally in the L-1210 lymphoid leukemia and P-388 lymphocytic leukemia screening tests. The cytotoxicity of some of these compounds assessed in Eagle's 9KB carcinoma cell culture system was also recorded. Two of the Mannich bases showed promising levels of activity in the P-388 screening; of the results obtained to date, over one-third of the derivatives showed cytotoxicity at dose levels of 1-3 ppm. Other pharmacological results of these compounds are briefly reported.


Submicrogram assay for scopolamine in plasma and urine. A GLC-mass spectrometric method for scopolamine, sensitive to 50 pg/ml for a 4-ml plasma or urine sample, was developed. The method used a deuterated internal standard to minimize variability in absolute recovery in the extraction procedure. Scopoline and deuterated scopoline were formed from the base-catalyzed hydrolysis of scopolamine and the internal standard and were analyzed as the heptafluorobutyrates, using a GLC-mass spectrometric system by monitoring the m/e 138 and 141 fragments, respectively.


Effect of ethanol on theophylline absorption in humans. This study was carried out to determine if ethanol, which enhances theophylline absorption from the rat small intestine, has a similar effect when administered orally to human subjects. Seven normal adults received 200 mg of theophylline/m-2 of body surface area, in 50 ml of either aqueous solution or hydroalcoholic solution containing 20% ethanol. There was no significant difference in the average plasma concentrations of theophylline produced by these two solutions, but three subjects (all female) experienced nausea after taking the aqueous solution while none became nauseous after taking theophylline in the hydroalcoholic solution.


The volume and energy content of meals as determinants of gastric emptying. 1. Results were collected from thirty-three published and unpublished studies of gastric emptying.  The volumes of the meals ranged from 50 to 1250 ml., and composition varied from pure carbohydrates to ordinary food.  2. From the published composition of the meals, their nutritive density, as kcal/ml. (4-18 KJ/ml.) was computed: it ranged from zero to 2-3 kcal/ml.  3. The volume of each meal, or test meal, delivered to the duodenum in 30 min was determined, assuming that gastric emptying was exponential.  4. The greater the nutritive density of a meal, the less was the volume transferred to the duodenum in 30 min.  The original volume of meal given was not a determinant of the rate of emptying (ml./min).  5. The slowing of gastric emptying with a meal of high nutritive density was not sufficient to prevent an increased rate of delivery of energy to the duodenum (nutritive density times volume delivered in unit time) with a meal of high nutritive density.  6. Assuming an appropriate relationship for the interaction of a stimulus (kcal/ml.) and duodenal receptors, it was possible to predict a rate of gastric emptying for each meal, given its nutritive density.  Knowing the initial volume of the meal, it was possible to predict the mean half time for its emptying.  7. There were eight sets of anomalous results: in four the volumes of meal given were less than 200 ml.; explanations of the anomalies in the other four results could not be provided.  8. The results are consistent with equal slowing of gastric emptying by the duodenal action of the products of digestion of isocaloric amounts of fat, protein and carbohydrate, for example, 4 g fat or 9 g carbohydrate, both 36 kcal, taking carbohydrate and protein as 4 kcal/g and fat as 9 kcal/g.


Eye movements due to linear accelerations in the rabbit. 1. Compensatory vertical or torsional eye movements of rabbits caused by linear accelerations along the transverse or sagittal axis were measured.  Sinusoidal accelerations (parallel swing) in a frequency range of 0-068--1-22 Hz and acceleration steps (linear track) of 0-02--0-11 g were applied.  2. On the parallel swing, properties of the maculo-ocular reflexes were similar for transverse and sagittal acceleration.  Gain (rotation of eye/rotation of the resultant linear vector) proved to be very low: about 0-1 for 0-3 Hz and smaller than 0-01 for frequencies above 1-0 Hz.  The decrease in gain was accompanied by an increase in phase lag to about 180degrees.  No non-linearity was revealed by the use of different amplitudes (10--30 cm).  3. On the linear track, eye deviation after an acceleration step took many seconds to develop fully.  Gain increased with time and was about 0-65 after 5 sec.  4. The results indicate that the responses of the otoliths, as reflected in maculo-ocular reactions, are very slow.  Fluctuations in the direction of gravity seem to be averaged over several seconds by the system.  This may explain that erratic linear accelerations(frequency greater than 1 Hz) during locomotion or transport do not lead to eye movements or disorientation.


The transmission of -125-I-labelled immunoglobulin G by proximal and distal regions of the small intestine of 16-day-old rats. 1. Standard doses of -125-I-labelled rat IgG were injected into the intestinal lumen of rats aged 16 days, and their sera were sampled 2 and 3 hr later.  High concentration quotients were obtained after injection into the proximal small intestime, whereas very little immunoglobulin was transmitted from doses injected into the terminal 20 cm of the small intestine.  2. The villi of the terminal 18--20 cm of the small intestine of 16-day-old rats, the region from which very little transmission of IgG occurred, were lined by tall columnar absorptive cells with very larg supra-nuclear vacuoles.  The extent of the terminal intestine, in which this cell type predominated in the absorptive epithelium, varied with age.  The importance of defining the precise location of the region of the intestine under examination is stressed.  3. The experimental results and the histological observations are discussed in relation to (a) the results which have been obtained using PVP, which is unsuitable as an indicator of immunoglobulin transport in the rat and (b) the histological composition of the absorptive epithelium and the maturation changes which affect the epithelium between 18 and 21 days.


Receptive fields in cat superior colliculus after visual cortex lesions. 1. The superior colliculus has been studied in intact cats and in cats with visual cortex lexions by recording the responses of single tectal units to visual stimuli.  2. Three classes of units have been identified in the superficial layers of the colliculus in these visually decorticate cats.  3. One class, comprising 5% of the units studied, has receptive fields organized concentrically in a manner similar to retinal ganglion cells.  4. The second class, comprising 12% of the units studied, responds to stimulus velocities over 300/sec, responds well to both small and large stimuli, and can be driven by strobe flashes at frequencies up to 35--40/sec.  These units are termed 'flicker' cells.  5. The third class comprising 83% of the units studied, responds best to stimuli which are not larger than the activating region of the receptive field, moving at relatively low velocities.  These units show strong suppressive surrounds which are sensitive to higher velocities of stimulus movement than the central activating region.  Responses from the activating region in these units are dramatically inhibited by flickering dhanges in the level of background illumination.  6. In intact cats few units are found which are strongly inhibited by background flicker.  7. It is suggested that a high-velocity sensitive element such as the 'flicker' cell or phasic retinal ganglion cell is responsible for the flicker-induced inhibition of collicular units in the visually decorticate cat.


Thyroid control of small intestinal oxygen consumption and the influence of sodium ions, oxyhen tension, glucose and anaesthesia. 1. Oxygen consumption of jejunum removed from either killed or anaesthetized euthytoid, hypothyroid and triiodothyronine (T3)-treated rats was measured polarographically in vitro.  2. Hypothyroidism induced by drinking 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil depressed jejunal oxygen consumption.  3. Treatment of euthyroid rats with T3 stimulated jejunal oxygen consumption by 39% in the presence of 28 mM glucose and by 23% in its absence.  4. Sodium ions appear to play a major permissive role in the action of T3 on jejunal oxygen uptake.  In the presence of sodium, T3 stimulated significantly the oxygen consumption by 23% while in the absence of sodium the stimulation was only 10% which was not significant.  The sodium-sensitive oxygen uptake of the jejunum was expanded by 57% after T3 treatment.


Membrane properties of the smooth muscle cells of the rat anococcygeus muscle. 1. The membrane properties of the rat anococcygeus muscle, during rest and activity, were investigated with micro-electrodes and partition stimulation.  2. Intercellular current spread occurred within the muscle and the mean length constant was 2-7 mm.  The membrane showed rectification to depolarizing pulses.  3. The mean resting potential was --62-1 mV and the input resistance was 23-0 MOMEGA.  Stimulation of intramural nerves produced depolarization to --21 mV and a 10% reduction in input resistance.  Displacement of the membrane potential indicated that the transmembrane potential at the peak of the response was independent of the membrane potential.  4. Noradrenaline also produced depolarization and this was accompanied by a decrease in membrane resistance as indicated by a reduction in amplitude of the electrotonic potential.  5.  It was concluded that the muscle possesses cable properties and that the action of the transmitter, noradrenaline, is to increase membrane permeability so that the membrane potential moves towards an equilibrium potential.


Stimulus-response functions of slowly adapting mechanoreceptors in the human glabrous skin area. 1. Single unit impluses were recorded from the ulnar and median nerves of awake human subjects with tungsten electrodes inserted percutaneously in the upper arm. 2. One hundred and one slowly adapting receptors with receptive fields in the glabrous skin area were studied. The units were classified as type SA-I and type SA-II largely on the basis of their responses to lateral stretching of the skin. Eighty-eight receptors did not respond to this type of stimulus (type SA-I), whereas thirteen receptors readily responded to stretching (type SA-II), AND OFTEN EXHIBITED DIRECTIONAL SENSITIVITY. 3. The SA-I receptors showed no spontaneous discharge, and the discharge pattern was mostly rather irregular, whereas most of the SA-II receptors had a spontaneous discharge, and a very regular discharge pattern. 4. The conduction velocities of the afferent were all in a A alpha range. The mean value for the SA-I receptors was 58-7 plus or minus 2-3m/sec, and for the SA-II receptors 45.3 plus or minus 3.6 m/sec. 5. The neural response to stimuli of varying skin indentation amplitudes was analyzed. The threshold for a dynamic response ranged for the SA-I receptors from 0.15 to 1.35 mm and for the SA-II receptors from 0.25 to 0.95 mm. The threshold for a static discharge ranged for the SA-I receptors from 0.25 to more than 2.0 mm and for the SA-II receptors from 0.55 to 1.65 mm. 6. The stimulus-response functions were analysed for 25 SA-I receptors and 2 SA-II receptors. A hyperbolic log tangent function was the best description when the neural response was defined as the total number of impluses evoked by a stimulus of 1 sec duration. When only the static part of this type of plot was analyzed, a power function was a very good description for many units, but other functions (linear, logarithmic exponential, log tanh) were equally good or better for many units. This was also the dase when the mean impulse frequency of the sustained discharge was defined as a measure of the neural response. These two latter types of plots were clearly negatively accelerating, the exponent of the power function being 0.66 (mean).


Observation on the localization of mechanoreceptors in the kidney and afferent nerve fibres in the renal nerves in the rabbit. 1. The distribution and localization of mechanoreceptors in the kidney were studied by recording afferent impulses from the renal nerve bundle or from single nerve fibres in the isoloted kidney preparation in the rabbit.  2. It was observed that mechanoreceptors are distributed in the cranial, central and caudal portions as well as the pelvic portion of the kidney.  Diameter range of single nerve fibres from which afferent impulses were recorded was from 2 to 8 mum.  3. Histological studies show that the renal nerve possesses abundant non-myelinated nerve fibres with a relatively small number of myelinated nerve fibres.  The myelinated axons had diameters ranging from 0-5 to 13-4 mum and the peak of the unimodal distribution curve was 1-5--2-4 mum.


[Epiploic arteries. Normal and pathological radiological appearances (author's transl)]. The blood supply of the greater omentum was studied using selective digestive angiography in 450 cases. Comparison of the radiology and the anatomical appearances showed that their are two independent systems, right and left, the size of which is variable from one subject to another. These blood supplies are united by variable anastomoses which are difficult to demonstrate by arteriography. However, the classical anastomotic arterial circle of the greater curvature, between the right and left gastro-epiploic arteries was never found. The pathology of the greater omentum is of two types: Tumoral pathology: the demonstration of epiploic metastases is the most frequent finding in pathological cases. Its practical and prognostic importance is very great for it contra-indicates laparotomy. Associated pathology: the greater omentum reacts to any infective or neoplastic process of the abdominal cavity, such as "sentinel loop". These topographic changes should orient analysis of the films towards a given region and lead one to suspect some disease yet undiagnosed or not very obvious on arteriography.


[Embryonic sarcoma of the uro-genital sinus in children and adolescents. Report of 5 cases from Nancy (author's transl)]. The authors report 5 cases of embryonic sarcoma of the uro-genital sinus. 3 children, aged respectively, 17 months, 2 1/2 years, 6 years and two adolescents of 17 and 19 years. There were 3 boys and 2 girls. In only one case was the tumour obvious on clinical examination. In all the other cases, it caused urinary retention. On cystography, there was a polycyclic vesical filling defect resembling a parachute, which is specific of the botryoid variety and always leads to the right diagnosis. In girls, sarcoma of the urogenital sinus above the bladder, may be confused with other pelvic tumours. The authors recall the importance of lateral views of cystography to eliminate, if necessary, low paravertebral neurogenic tumours or sacro-coccygeal dysembryomas. After discussing the pathology, and the clinical and radiological findings, the authors then review rapidly the present methods of treatment which give a large number of survivals and should lead one to treat all cases, even when there are recurrences or metastases.


[Benign extrinsic lesions of the large bowel simulating a carcinoma of the colon. Report of 16 cases (author's transl)]. Sixteen cases of benign extrinsic lesions involving the colon and producing roentgen findings simulating a neoplasm are reported. The literature is reviewed. In 5 cases the pathologic process proved to be an inflamed epiploic appendage, in 4 a "congenital" band, in 3 adhesions, in 2 pancreatitis and, in one case each, an old pericecal abscess and an endometriosis.


[Contribution to the early diagnosis of splenic rupture using radioactive isotopes (author's transl)]. Among the methods of early diagnosis of rupture and trauma of the spleen, fixation of radioactive isotopes is one of the most interesting. An experimental study in the dog of B.M.H.P. metabolism, using B.M.H.P. labelled with Hg-203 and its rate of elimination by the kidney, gives information on lesions of the spleen, in particular, sub-capsular rupture. Splenic trauma reduces the capacity of uptake of mercury by this organ. Excretion in the urine then increases very definitely. This simple and inoffensive method should be used in man.


[Rapid 105 mm ampliphotography (author's transl)]. The authors report the results obtained with a new 105 mm ampliphotographic camera for filming at high speeds (camera GV 105 of the General Radiological Company). Thanks to a rate of 8 films per second, this camera seems particularly interesting for the study of sphincters and fleeting phenomena. However, the quality of the images, comparable with those of standard films, the rapidity of the examinations, the easy reading of the films, the important reduction in the dose of X Rays delivered and the economy of film, render advisable the use of this technique in general radiology. Unfortunately, there is not at present a simple, rapid formula for presentation of the films obtained. Progress will also have to be made in order to facilitate loading of the camera. Rapid resolution of these problems will permit this technique to be more widely used.


[Dodger filters in the modulation of X-Ray beams (author's transl)]. Dodger filters represent a very great improvement in the usual technique of modulation of X-Ray beams, The mobility of the filters permits one to use them efficaciously in numerous situations encountered in common radiodiagnosis. Original optical methods ensure perfect adaptability of the filters to morphology and density of the structures examined. The shape and structure of the filters prevent formation of artefacts ducts mains interference on the X-Rays. To an improvement in the quality of the films, may be adder reduction in exposure of the examined subjects. This apparatus, easy to bring into operation, may thus be used more widely in numerous branches of radiodiagnosis, in particular, in cerebral and visceral angiography.


Cyclic variations in Sertoli cell lipid content throughout the spermatogenic cycle in the rat. The formation, distribution and fate of lipid inclusions within the seminiferous tubules of the rat has been studied throughout the spermatogenic cycle. The occurrence of lipid inclusions within the Sertoli cell exhibited cyclic variations with the stages of the rat seminiferous cycle. At stage 9 of the cycle, residual bodies of maturing spermatids were phagocytosed by the Sertoli cell and released numerous lipid droplets which appeared to coalesce into large inclusionsat the base of the Sertoli cell at stage 10. The Sertoli cell lipid inclusions persisted througout the completion of meiosis (stages 11 to 14) and the formation of young spermatids (stages 1 to 2) and their numbers appeared to reach a peak at stages 12 to 13 of the cycle. The inclusions decreased markedly within the Sertoli cell cytoplasm during stage 2 and remained low untilstage 9 when lipid from the residual bodies again became available to the cell. This cyclic variation of lipid inclusions within the Sertoli cell does not support previously held views that there is a gradual decline in Sertoli cell lipid during stages 10 to 14 of the spermatogenic cycle. A hitherto unnoticed finding was the presence of large lipid inclusions in the cytoplasm of late pachytene to diakinetic spermatocytes, and some observations suggest a transfer of these lipid inclusionsfrom the Sertoli cells to primary spermatocytes.