Metabolism of cyclic AMP in isolated renal tubules: effects of prostaglandins and parathyroid hormone. Concentrations of cyclic AMP (cAMP) were increased in isolated renal cortical tubules from hamsters by both parathyroid hormone (PTH) and prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) with maximal effects of PGE1 being 6-8 fold greater than those of PTH during a 10 min period. However, cAMP concentrations in cells treated with 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine (MIX) were increased with maximal concentrations of either hormone to the same degree. Similar effects of both hormones were observed on adenylate cyclase activity in renal homogenates. Simultaneous addition of hormones produced changes in both cAMP concentrations in intact tubules as well as adenylate cyclase activity of homogenates which were not completely additive. Degradation of cAMP, estimated in intact tubules as the difference in cAMP levels in the presence and absence of MIX, was increased by both hormones, however, changes were 2-3 fold greater in tubules exposed to PTH than to PGE1. Neither hormone directly altered cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity in either 30,000 x g supernatant or pellets from renal cortical homogenates. The results suggest that both hormones increase the production of cAMP in renal cortical tubules and may share a common target cell type in this response. Degradation of cAMP, however, is differentially effected by the two hormones, probably reflecting differences exerted on intracellular mechanisms regulating the enzymatic hydrolysis of cAMP.


[The "IgA secretory component complex" in bronchial mucus in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease under different therapy (author's transl)]. The concentration of "IgA secretory component complex" in the bronchial mucus was measured under different therapeutical influences. The "IgA secretory component complex" is a most important factor of the exogenous immunodefense. The formation of the "IgA secretory component complex" was independent from the age of the patients and from the intensity of their airway obstruction. Therapy with glucocorticosteroids and antibiotics had no certain influence on the formation of the immunocomplex. We did not find any certain influence of gammaglobulin therapy in adult patients with chronic airway obstruction, neither on the "IgA secretory component complex" nor on the immunoglobulin G, A and M. Furthermore, the clinical course of the disease was not influence by this therapy.


Some properties of the chylomicron remnant uptake by rat hepatocyte monolayers. The effect of mild proteolytic treatment on chylomicron remnant uptake by rat hepatocyte monolayers was studied both at 4 degrees C and at 37 degrees C. At 4 degrees C binding of remnants to the cells was considerably lower than at 37 degrees C, and preincubation of the cells with pronase (2 micrograms/ml) further descreased binding of remnants at 4 degrees C by 63%. At 37 degrees C the effect of preincubation of pronase was less marked, suggesting that reconstruction of remnant binding structures(s) may occur. Only marginal effects on remnant catabolism by cytochalasin B in hepatocyte monolayers were evident. There was thus no positive evidence for a role of microfilaments during interiorization of remnant particles by the cells. Remnant uptake in hepatocytes was not inhibited by EDTA, the presence of asialofetuin, or treatment of the cells with neuraminidase. This indicates that remnant binding sites are different from the hepatic receptor for desialylated glycoproteins. The lack of effect of EDTA is also at variance with the observation that the receptor-mediated uptake of low-density lipoproteins in human fibroblasts depends on the presence of divalent cations.


Possible tumour markers in patients with oesophagus cancer. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), alpha-foetoprotein (AFP), and enzymes were determined in the blood of 59 patients with primary oesophagus carcinoma. Raised CEA values were encountered in 59% of the patients, and AFP above that of an age-matched control group in 33% of the patients. Values of CEA during progression were significantly higher than in regression of disease. Two patients had exceptionally high serum AFP, but in most cases AFP levels were not related to disease progress. CEA and AFP could appear in a discordant fashion. The combined assay did not improve diagnostic sensitivity.


Isolation and properties of detergent-solubilized HLA antigens obtained from platelets. Deoxycholate-solubilized HLA antigens have been isolated from platelets and comprised a mixture of 43,000- and 39,000-dalton polypeptide chains associated with beta2-microglobulin. Limited proteolysis experiments suggested that the 39,000-dalton chain is a fragment of the intact 43,000-dalton chain. Further proteolysis of the 39,000-dalton fragment yields a 33,000-dalton component. The 39,000-dalton molecule is more acidic than both the 43,000- and the 33,000-dalton chains. Differences in the amino acid compositions of the 43,000- and 39,000-dalton species demonstrate that the peptide(s) released on generation of the 39,000-dalton component are charged. The proteolytic split most probably occurs in the COOH-terminal end, which, owing to its content of charged amino acids, most probably is not integrated into the hydrocarbon matrix of the membrane. The 39,000- and 43,000-dalton components bind detergent in micellar form and can be incorporated into liposomes. The 33,000-dalton fragment has lost the ability to bind detergent micelles and is not incorporated into liposomes.


Distribution of Ia-antigen-like molecules on non-lymphoid tissues. Ia-antigen-like molecules are expressed on cells within several different non-lymphoid tissues of the guinea-pig. In indirect immunofluorescence analyses anti-Ia-antigen antibodies stained epithelial cells lining the intestinal tract, the bile ducts, the respiratory tract and the urinary tract. The rabbit antibodies against Ia antigens also stained the cells of the parotid and the submandibular glands. Evidence was also obtained suggesting that the reticuloepithelial cells of the thymus, like the Kupffer cells of the liver, express Ia-antigen-like molecules. In several cases indirect immunoprecipitation analyses and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis confirmed the immunofluorescence studies inasmuch as Ia-antigen-like subunits with apparent molecular weights of 26,000 and 34,000 could be isolated from the non-lymphoid organs.


The plasma cell differentiation antigen PC.1 is absent in CH3/Tif and present in C3H/HeJ. (C3H/TifxDBA/2)F1 mice, immunized with viable BALB/c plasmacytoma MOPC315 cells, produce antibodies directed against a cell-surface antigen. The strain and tissue distribution of this antigen was identical to that of the plasma cell differentiation alloantigen PC.1. The antigen is absent in the mouse strain C3H/Tif but is present in the closely related substrain C3H/HeJ. This is the third difference between surface structures of the B-cell lineage of C3H/Tif and C3H/HeJ mice.


Phenotypes of 'null' lymphoid cells in human blood. F(ab')2 antibody fragments of heteroantisera directed against p28,33 (or 'Ia-like') antigen, T-cell antigen(s) (T), myeloid antigen (M), and immunoglobulin have been used along with rosetting techniques to analyse the antigenic heterogeneity of 'null' or 'unclassified' lymphoid cells purified 'negatively' from human blood by E rosette depletion of T cells and B removal on an anti-immunoglobulin immunoabsorbent. The results confirm that considerable heterogeneity exists within the 'null' cell population; the majority of cells are p28,33+ and Fcgamma-receptor-positive, and a proportion but not all of these p28,33+, Fcgamma+ cells are also C3-receptor-positive but negative for the other heteroantigens (T and M). 2-6% were 'pre-B' by the criteria of immunofluorescent staining for cytoplasmic IgM in the absence of detectable cell surface Ig. 1-3% stained intensely with anti-IgM, anti-IgG or anti-IgA, or anti-k plus anti-lambda and were presumed to be plasma cells or their immediate precursors. No null cells stained with antibody to terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase enzyme, a marker for early T lineage cells, and less than 1% expressed an acute ('non-T, non-B') lymphoblastic-leukaemia-associated membrane antigen which is believed to be an 'early' lymphoid lineage differentiation marker. A minor subpopulation made sheep 'E' rosettes, and another made mouse 'E' rosettes after neuraminidase pretreatment of the lymphoid cells. A small proportion of 'lymphoid', 'null cells' were reactive with an anti-myelomonocytic (M) antibody. It is suggested that 'null' lymphoid cells in blood are heterogeneous and that most are not immature T or B precursors but either a relatively mature B lymphocyte population with a very low density of membrane immunoglobulin or a distinct non-T, non-B cell type.


Isolation and characterization of an endogenous type C virus of rhesus monkeys. A type C retrovirus was isolated from a continuous cell line established from a spontaneous esophageal carcinoma of a rhesus monkey (Macaca mulata) by prolonged cocultivation with canine cells. A DNA transcript of the viral RNA hybridized to a high level and kinetic analysis indicated the presence of multiple copies of the viral genome in rhesus monkey DNA, showing that the virus is endogenous in this species. The rhesus monkey virus closely resembles, in several respects, an endogenous type C virus previously isolated from stumptailed macques (Macaca arctoides), aa species closely related to rhesus monkeys.


[Comprehensive view of air pollution problems (author's transl)]. Air pollution is treated under various aspects: natural, urban, industrial. Primary polluants are studied and their transformation into secondary polluants (oxidant smog, acid smog). Biologic effects on laboratory animals, human health are tackled.


Segregation of HLA--D specificities with the HLA--B12 allotype. In a search for bone marrow donors and HLA-D homozygous cells, MLC family studies were performed. Results of the experiments, in which the Seventh Workshop cells 7W569-KR and 7W568-WE were found, are presented here. Within the KR and the WE families two identified and two non-identified HLA-B12 allotype that both families carry.


HLA histocompatibility antigens in a Polynesian population -- Cook islanders of Mauke. Polynesians living on the island of Mauke in the Cook Island group were typed for HLA-A and -B locus antigens. The Mauke population has restricted HLA polymorphism, with five A-locus antigens and four B-locus antigens accounting for a majority of the HLA phenotypes. Although some differences in antigen frequency were found when Mauke Islanders were compared with Polynesians from Easter Island and Samoa, the Mauke Islanders were closer in their HLA antigenic profile to polynesians than to Melanesians.


NE1: a new neutrophil specific antigen.

NE1: a new neutrophil specific antigen. The sera of three children with chronic benign neutropenia, due to anti-neutrophil antibodies, were studied with respect to their antibody specificity. This was done by screening the sera against a panel of leukocyte donors in the EDTA micro-agglutination test and in the indirect fluorescence test. Two of the sera contained antibodies against the known neutrophil-specific antigen NA2. The third serum was directed against a new neutrophil-specific antigen. Genetic analysis showed no correlation between this antigen and the already known neutrophil-specific antigens: 9A, NA1, NA2, NB1, and NC1. In the Dutch population the frequency of the new antigen, tentatively called NE1, is 23%, which gives a gene frequency of 0.12.


HLA--DR typing of frozen B lymphocytes.

HLA--DR typing of frozen B lymphocytes. In the complement dependent lymphocytotoxic microtechnique it was found that antibody-killed frozen B lymphocytes are sufficiently stained for reliable reading after 30 min of incubation with trypan blue, while the background of staining is only about 10%. During the next 30 min of incubation, however, the background of staining increases to about 30%, whereafter it remains constant for at least 24 h. Formaldehyde is able to stop the trypan blue uptake by killed or damaged lymphocytes completely. Consequently, if formaldehyde is added to the reactions 30 min after the trypan blue addition, the otherwise rapidly increasing background of staining is kept at an acceptable level of 10%, thus making HLA-DR typing of frozen stored B lymphocytes possible. The trypan blue staining seems rather independent of incubation conditions before the addition of the dye. Similar results were obtained with T lymphocytes.


Definition of two LD antigens in rhesus monkeys. Two rhesus (Macaca mulatta) monkey lymphocyte-defined (LD) antigens have been identified using two typing cells as stiumlators in a one-way mixed leukocyte culture (MLC) assay. An analysis of the genetic behavior of these LD antigens in six rhesus monkey families revealed that both antigens were linked with RhLA. One probable recombinant indicated that the LD locus lies outside the two known RhLA-SD loci and the locus which controls the serum protein, properdin B(Bf). These two antigens, LD1 and LD2, had observed gene frequencies of 0.07 and 0.25, respectively. Neither of these two new LD antigens was significantly associated with any serologically defined (SD) antigen.


HLA haplotype associations with disease. Interest recently has extended to the problem of looking for HLA haplotype associations with particular diseases. Higher order interactions, that is to say of particular haplotypes with a disease, are much more complicated than individual antigen associations, with which most disease studies have so far been concerned. Our aim in this work is to explain the concept of higher order interactions and to discuss the difficulties involved when trying to measure such haplotype associations. The main emphasis is to point out that it is not easily possible to detect haplotype associations if an individual antigen association with the disease exists.


The HLA antigens and leprosy in Thailand. HLA-A and -B locus antigens were determined in 170 unrelated patients with leprosy and 100 healthy controls. There were no statistically significant deviations from expected antigen distribution in patients with any of the various forms of leprosy, though the number of patients studied is relatively small. There were some interesting trends, particularly a possible decrease in the number of tuberculoid patients with A9, and an increase in the proportions of lepromatous patients with B18 and B40. Limited evidence of a genetically controlled pre-disposition to the clinical manifestations of leprosy suggests that further studies with extended typing should be carried out on the HLA haplotype segregation in informative leprosy families. These should provide a clearer indication of the relevance of the HLA (including DR) and possibly of other non-HLA loci to the possible mechanism(s) of disease susceptibility.


Hemolytic plaque formation to allogeneic human type A and B red cells. Plaque-forming cells can be generated from peripheral blood lymphocytes provided that the lymphocytes are prestimulated by in vitro sensitization in the presence of pokeweed mitogen. Of 91 blood type O persons whose lymphocytes were stimulated with red cell A antigen, 52% responded with plaque formation, whereas of 40 type O persons whose lymphocytes were stimulated with red cell B antigen, only 20% produced plaques. Similarly, reciprocal stimulation of type A and B persons showed higher plaque formation (65%) when 23 type B persons were stimulated with A than when 48 type A persons were stimulated with B red cells (19%). An optimal dilution of sensitizing cells is necessary and maximum time of sensitization was approximately 7 days.


Specificity of human lymphocytes primed against allogeneic cells in vitro. II. Discrimination and cross-reactivity in repeated priming. When studying the specificity of human lymphocytes primed in vitro against HLA-D determinants on allogeneic cells, it was found that specific restimulation of the primed cells 10 days after the first priming did not influence their discriminatory power compared to cells primed only once. Likewise, priming to one HLA-D determinant and repeated priming against another HLA-D determinant did not change the discrimination for the first priming antigen. Neither was there any increased relative reactivity to the second priming determinant. On simultaneous priming against two HLA-D determinants carried by two different stimulating cells, a good discrimination for both antigens was obtained compared to third party cells, but if the stimulations were separated by 24 h or more, the second priming was mainly without effect. Antigeneic competition is thought to be the mechanism involved in this early restriction of specificity.


HLA antigens and monoclonal gammapathy.

HLA antigens and monoclonal gammapathy. Despite the strict criteria required to distinguish Multiple Myeloma (M.M.) or Waldström's Macroglobulinemia (W.M.) from Benign Monoclonal Gammapathy (B.M.G.), nosological frontiers are still unclear and accordingly justify a comparative serological study of M.M., W.M., and B.M.G. patients.


Preparation of anti-alpha 2-macroglobulin using Canavalia lineata DC lectin for differentiating species-specificity of blood stains. To differentiate species-specificity of blood stains, anti-alpha 2-macroglobulin was raised in rabbits against Canavalia lineata DC lectin-serum complex (LSC). Adsorption of anti-LSC with human lipoprotein resulted in antiserum specific for alpha 2-macroglobulin. It was confirmed by Ouchterlony test that the antiserum adsorbed successively with monkey serum or anti-LSC adsorbed directly with monkey serum reacted with only human serum but not with mammalian ones. Immunoelectrosyneresis and anti-LSC consumption test could identify species-specificity of blood stains kept for up to two years and for up to several years, respectively. It is indicated that anti-LSC is quite effective for differentiating species-specificity of blood stains.


Fast green staining of whole embryos for examination and photography. Immersion for 15 seconds in a 1:1 solution of 0.25% fast green and 95% ethyl alcohol facilitates the examination of normal and abnormal embryos for gross surface morphology and renders their surface detail highly photogenic. The method does not interfere with subsequent histological staining when the embryos are sectioned.


A histochemical method for gross demonstration of motor end plates. The thiocholine-ferricyanide method of Karnovsky and Roots for histochemical demonstration of cholinesterases has been applied to whole fetal and neonatal mice and chicks for the visualization of motor end plate patterns in superficial muscles or deeper muscles exposed by dissection.


Cobalt staining of Actinia equina nematocysts. Nematocysts of Actinia equina are stained black by incubation in 2% CoCl2 followed by an aqueous wash and H2S treatment. They are also stained positively by morin. Nematocysts isolated from the acrorhage were found to have a high concentration of calcium of which only 30% was "free." It is suggested that the high concentration of calcium in the nematocysts accounts for their staining by cobalt and morin. Cobalt staining offers a simple and effective technique for investigation of nemotocysts.


[Problems in radiation therapy for carcinoma of the rectum (author's transl)]. The role of radiation therapy within the total treatment for carcinoma of the rectum is reported in this paper. Early treatment with radiological contact methods as well as systemic post operative irradiation of advanced tumor stages are interpreted in detail, and attention is drawn to the importance of pre-operative irradiation meanwhile being tested at many places. Therapy of recurrences and of inoperable tumor stages, including chemotherapy, is explained on the basis of own experiences and of reviewing the data of the literature.


Rapid quantitative assessment of Theileria infection in ticks. A simplified method for methyl green pyronin staining is described for Theileria parva and T. annulata in whole salivary glands of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and Hyalomma anatolicum subspecies respectively. The stain gives results comparable with Feulgen staining and can be used after the ticks have been in cold storage for 3 days. There is considerable variability in the rate and intensity of infection of these ticks with theilerial parasites and it is concluded that the method permits large samples (60 ticks per person per day) to be examined to overcome this variability when assessing infection quantitatively.


Cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil (CMF) in advanced gastrointestinal cancer. The effectiveness of the cyclophosphamide + methotrexate + 5-fluorouracil schedule (CMF) in 28 patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer has been studied. No complete remission was obtained; partial remission and objective improvement constituted 56%. The median response period is calculated at a minimum of 12 months, without significant differences between the group of patients previously subjected to palliative canalization surgery and the group of patients not subjected to this operation. The overall median survival time is 10.8 months. On the basis of the data given, the authors conclude by stressing that the CMF combination should be studied more fully in relation to its use in gastrointestinal forms of cancer.


Antibody binding to membrane of cultured melanoma cells by sera of melanoma patients. One hundred and nine sera from 75 patients with malignant melanoma and 69 sera from as many healthy donors were assayed by isotopic antiglobulin technique (IAT) on 2 melanoma cell lines. The same picture of reactivity was observed with patients' and healthy donors' sera, and in both groups 35% of the cases were high responders on 1 line and 21% on the other one. The specificity of the reactions was analyzed by absorption experiments using 12 melanoma sera selected for their high binding activity. Pools of human erythrocytes or leukocytes did not remove, except in 1 case respectively, the activity of the sera, suggesting that it was not directed against alloantigens. Quantitative absorption experiments were done with the 2 melanoma lines and with 1 colon carcinoma line. The results, evaluated on the basis of absorption capacity per cell, indicate that the 2 melanoma lines had a similar amount of shared antigens, whereas the colon line was also effective in absorbing out the serum activity, but less frequently and less efficiently. Further experiments performed to analyze the influence of culturing the target cells in presence of fetal bovine serum (FBS), showed that the activity of sera was removed, at various degrees for different sera, by absorption with free FBS, with FBS coupled to Sepharose 4B, and with normal leukocytes cultured overnight with 10% FBS. The same positive melanoma sera became negative when assayed on the same melanoma line cultured in gamma-globulin-depleted human AB serum. In conclusion, in our experimental conditions, the activity of melanoma sera seems mostly directed against components of FBS absorbed on cell membrane during culturing.


[Comparative study of Y-chromatin and fluorocenters in the interphase nuclei of human cells]. Y-chromatin of nerve cells and fibroblasts in culture has a similar morphofunctional organization. The average number of fluorocentres in the above-mentioned cells is different, i.e. the number of fluorocentres in neurons is less than that in fibroblasts. The fluorescence intensity of fluorocentres does not depend upon the body size. The data of a comparative study of Y-chromatin permit two classes of bodies to be distinguished depending on fluorescence density and their size.


The effect of short-term high-dose treatment with methenamine hippurate of urinary infection in geriatric patients with indwelling catheters. I. The preparation and morphology of a quantified urine sediment. A quantified sediment of the urine from patients with indwelling catheters was prepared by fixation of 0.1 ml urine in 0.9 ml 2% glutaraldehyde immediately after sampling. Slide preparations were then made from 0.2 ml of the glutaraldehyde suspensions by means of a cytocentrifuge. Bacteria and epithelial cells were properly contrasted by the May-Grünwald-Giemsa stain but haematoxylin-eosin and the Papanicolaou stain were superior as regards leukocyte morphology. It is suggested that glutaraldehyde-cytocentrifuge preparations of the urine cytology may be useful in the evaluation of urinary infection and in the evaluation of the therapy of urinary infection.


The haemostatic effect of purse-string suture in transvesical prostatectomy: a controlled clinical trial. In a series of 64 consecutive cases of transvesical prostatectomies it is shown that the use of a purse-string suture at the bladder neck significantly reduces the postoperative blood loss. A follow-up 3 months after operation has shown that the suture did not increase the number of either bladder neck stenoses, urinary incontinences, urinary infections or secondary lithiases.


Electrophoretic evaluation of different hormonal receptor sites in the prostate during anti-hormonal treatment and in response to hormones. Physical separations of different receptor entities by gradient ultracentrifugation or by separations based on ionic strength are interfered with, either by contamination with non-specific binding sites or they are irrelevant because of the low yield of sites after processing. Electrophoretic separation may give a better resolution because of the different nett charges on SHBG and the specific receptors. Isoelectric microfocussing allows the additional differentiation of sites based on the individual isoelectric points of each entity. Using this method, differentiation of at least three different sites in prostate tissue has been achieved.


Penile horn: verruca vulgaris.

Penile horn: verruca vulgaris. A case report of penile horn is presented. It is a benign penile wart of uncertain pathogenesis characterized by excessive hypertrophy and cornification of the epithelium. Treatment consists of excision and/or application of bleomycin ointment.


[Heterologous antistaphylococcal gamma-globulin in the treatment of staphylococcal sepsis]. The first experience with the immunotherapy of staphylococcal sepsis with heterologous anti-staphylococcal gamma-globulin (cozym) with a high antitoxin titer--above 200 A. E./ml--is generalized in the article. The results of the anti-staphylococcal gamma-globulin use in 19 patients are analysed. A comparative evaluation of the drug related to the donor preparation is set forth. The advantages of heterologous anti-staphylococcal gamma-globulin are grounded.


[Control of immunity against swine plague by the viral neutralization test on rabbits]. An idea may be got on the properties of the vaccine by applying a specific gamma-globulin against swine fever in pigs, mixed in definite amounts with lapinized K-vaccine and this mixture is injected to rabbits. By studying the mixture of sera from pigs, vaccinated against swine fever prior to a fixed period of time, and the K-vaccine, applied to rabbits, an idea may be obtained on the tension of the immunity and re-vaccination requirements may be assessed.


[Experiments for the serological establishment of the species of mycobacteria inducing an immune restructuring of the macroorganism]. Serological investigations are carried out on hyperimmune rabbit and guinea pig sera with two antigens each of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, Mycobacterium bovinus, Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium Kanzassi. One of the antigens is obtained through electrohydraulic destruction of delipidated mycobacteria, while the other constitutes cell walls, purified with ribonuclease, of non-delipidated mycobacterial cells, destroyed by the same method. The antigens, prepared by the electrohydraulic method, possess a markedly expressed complement-fixing capacity, conversely to the antigen from cell walls, which is slightly active in complement-fixation tests. Again a trend is observed towards a possible serological indentification of the species of mycobacteria that have caused the immune transformation of the major organism; yet the questions still remain to be settled. The immunogenes used possess a high activity and induce high titre antisera, established also in other investigations, which make reasonable their study as vaccines.


[Arteriolar hyalinosis in testicular biopsies (author's transl)]. Arteriolar hyalinosis is a common post mortem finding in the testes of even young men. Identical arteriolar hyalinoses can be demonstrated in testicular biopsies of patients with infertility or in patients operated on for cryptorchidism. In a series of such biopsies from 2400 patients, the frequency of arteriolar hyalinosis was examined. In 7 cases with positive findings, histochemical studies were carried out and in an additional 14 biopsies electron microscopy was performed. Arteriolar hyalinosis was found in 3.75% of the 2,400 patients with disturbances of fertility or cryptorchidism. The mean age of these patients was 34 years. In 58% of the cases with arteriolar hyalinosis the basic testicular lesion was tubular atrophy, in 22% cryptorchidism. The arteriolar lesions were due to deposits of lipoids and mucopolysaccharides. Electron microscopy revealed a granular material with vacuoles and rarely myelin bodies below the endothelial layer and between myocytes and fibrocytes of the arteriolar wall. In later stages elastin-like material could be demonstrated in the vicinity of the endothelial cells and collagen fibers at the periphery of these deposits. The etiology of testicular arteriolar hyalinosis and its pathogenetic significance are not yet clear.


[Biological properties of immunocompetent cells]. Inflammation is characterized by the combined reaction of living tissue of the target organ and various types of white blood cells recruited from the circulation and platelets, which tend to eliminate the injurious agent and to repair the damaged tissue. Much of the current knowledge of the functions and characteristics of human white blood cells has been derived from studies of lymphoid cells from patients with various diseases. The results of recent studies (17, 19, 28) have pointed to the diagnostic importance of the immunocompetent cells. The various characteristics of cells involved in immune mediated reactions of various organs and in circulation in man may lead to a better understanding of immune reactions and finally to effective therapeutic modalities.


[Quantitative determination of the alpha-feto-protein in the practice of perinatal medicine. 1st communication: the physiology of the alpha-feto-protein and its quantitative proof by means of electrophoresis in antibody containing gel according to Laurell (author's transl)]. The alpha-feto-protein (AFP) ist described on the basis of the available literature; its diagnostic use up to the present is outlined, and an immunological method of its quantitative determination is presented. The results obtained by quantitating the level of AFP in the cord serum of 50 mature newborns (-x = 9,9 mg/100 ml) are in good agreement with other reports.


Specific staining of bacilli by means of immuno-indian-ink method and immunofluorescent method. The possibilities for identification of B. anthracis are investigated by means of the Immuno-Indian-ink method (IIIM) and the immunofluorescent method (IFM) in their direct and indirect modifications. The specifity of sera against noncapsulated cells of B. anthrasis increases by their adsorption with antigenically related strains of B. cereus as their vegetative cells and spores are killed beforehand with performic acid. Repeated uses of the bacillus suspension for adsorption is possible by treating it with hydrochloric acid in order to restore its antigenic properties. The adsorbed sera against noncapsulated cells of B. anthracis in the direct and indirect modifications of IIIM and IFM stain specifically the 19 investigated B. anthracis strains but none of the 152 strains of saprophytic bacilli. In addition to that the possibility for differentiation of B. anthracis from saprophytic bacilli is established also by combination of cultivation on selective medium, facilitating the capsule formation of B. anthracis with IIIM and IFM, performed with sera against capsule antigens of the anthrax agent.


Environmental chemicals and nervous system dysfunction. Selected examples of associations between nervous system diseases and exposures to occupational and environmental chemicals have been reviewed. Recent outbreaks of human neurotoxicity from both wellknown and previously unknown toxicants reemphasize the need for the medical community to give increased attention to chemical causes of nervous system dysfunction.


[Immunogenic complexes of the soluble surface antigens of Sh. sonnei]. The comparative study of the immunogenic properties of Sh. sonnei (phases I and II) soluble surface antigens obtained by the modified method of aqueous-saline extraction and Sh. sonnei (phase I) antigen obtained by Boivin's method was made with the use of the keratoconjunctival test in guinea pigs. The protective activity of a high molecular fraction obtained by the fractionation of phase I soluble surface antigens in Sepharose 4B was studied. Boivin's antigen, when used for immunization in optimum doses, was found to have pronounced protective properties, whereas phase II soluble surface antigens showed no protective activity. A high molecular fraction obtained from phase I soluble surface antigen was found to be the most immunogenic. Protective activity was largely connected with protein antigen. The question whether protein antigen was an independent protective antigen or whether it constituted a part of a complex which determined the protective activity of a high molecular fraction remained unsolved.


[Role of macrophages in the immune response to soluble protein antigen and in staphylococcal infection]. In experiments on rabbits immunized with soluble protein antigen immune reactions were found to be accompanied by the production of lipofuscin in macrophages. This process was the morphological manifestation of the digestion of antigen by macrophages which thus acquired the ability to migrate in the organ and to form lymphoid follicules in the medullary zone of lymph nodes. The newly formed follicules seem to be the basis of pronounced specific immune response. In staphylococcal bacteriemia the phagocytic activity of macrophages was delayed, thus causing disturbances in lipofuscin production; as a result, the subsequent phases of immune response also lagged somewhat behind in time.


[Design of stable immunoglobulin erythrocyte diagnostica. 1. Erythocyte fixation and their sensitization by specific immunoglobulins]. The work presents the results of developing the method of fixation of erythrocyte constituting the cellular base of immunoglobulin erythrocytic diagnostic preparations and the sensitization of erythrocytes with immunoglobulin preparations of various specificity. Based on Ingraham's method, modified method of erythrocyte stabilization has been developed; it consists in the treatment of 50% cell suspension with 4% formaldehyde solution in the presence of 0.5% sucrose (erythrocyte suspension and formaldehyde solution being in the ratio 1 : 2.5). An economic and highly productive technique of sensitizing erythrocytes with immunoglobulin preparations has been developed. The essence of this technique lies in the interaction between 6% suspension of erythrocytes treated with formalin and tannin and the equal volume of sensitin taken in a working dose. The work also presents the method of synthesizing the bifunctional compound fluoro-borate bis-daizonium complex (obtained from benzidine) and discusses the comparative possibilities of the methods of developing immunoglobulin erythrocytic diagnostic preparations by sensitization of tannin-treated erythrocytes and by chemical conjugation.


[Admixtures present in antitoxic horse sera and pepsin preparations]. Antitoxic therapeutic sera produced by the method "Diaferm-3" (devised at the Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences) are contaminated in the process of production with group-specific substances and extraneous enzymes contained in crude preparations of swine pepsin. These ballast substances have a negative influence on the process of purification and the stability of antitoxin during the storage of the sera and constitute one of the reasons of their high reactogenicity.


The cellular infiltrate in contact hypersensitivity to picryl chloride in the mouse. In the present work, the contact hypersensitivity skin test reaction to picryl chloride in CBA mice was examined. The test was performed by applying the contact allergen to the ear skin and making a series of histological analyses up to 24 hours after challenge. An increment in ear thickness, measured with an engineer's micrometer 24 hours after challenge, was obvious in a group of sensitized mice when compared with a nonsensitized control group, and the difference was found to be highly significant. One hour after challenge, mononuclear cells appeared in the dermis, increasing in numbers during the following 12 hours. At this time, neutrophil granulocytes were the dominant cells in the infiltrate and remained so up to 24 hours after challenge. On the basis of the experiments performed here we conclude that measuring of the ear swelling with a micrometer 24 hours after challenge is a useful and reliable test of contact sensitivity in the mouse.


Photodynamic reactions induced by compounds derived from lichens. Contact dermatitis from lichens is now well documented but the possible influence of exposure to sunlight is less clear. Positive reactions on photopatch testing has recently been described, but whether this represented an unspecific exacerbation or a true photoallergic response was difficult to evaluate. In this study 13 different substances derived from lichens commonly found in nature were investigated with regard to their capacity to induce photo-oxidative membrane damage, as revealed by the photohemolysis technique. It was found that the earlier suggested ability to induce photosensitization could be confirmed for several of the lichen compounds investigated. It was also shown that singlet state excited oxygen may participate to some degree in some of these reactions.


Studies on Fc-receptor-bearing mononuclear leukocytes from peripheral blood of patients with dermatitis herpetiformis. Isopaque-Ficoll separated mononuclear cell suspensions from peripheral blood of patients with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) and healthy controls were investigated by means of a rosette assay for Fc-receptor-bearing leukocytes (EA-RFC), peroxidase staining for monocytes (Pox) and a plaque formation assay (PFC) as well as a 51Cr release assay for cell-mediated cytotoxicity. The cell suspensions were investigated both before and after fractionation on nylon fibre columns. In the patients the mean percentage of PFC in unfractionated cell suspensions was significantly higher than in the controls. In fractionated cell suspensions both the mean percentage of EA-RFC and the mean cytotoxicity index in the 51Cr release assay were significantly lower than in the controls. There were no differences in the percentages of PFC- and Pox-positive cells in fractionated cell suspensions. The results suggest a numerical defect of circulating Fc-receptor-bearing lymphocytes as estimated both by the rosette assay and the 51Cr release assay. These data may reflect a pathogenetic role of these lymphocytes in DH.


HLA antigens in patients with lichen planus. HLA-ABC antigens were determined in 89 patients with biopsy-confirmed lichen planus, and the HLA antigen frequencies were compared with those in 1967 controls. The younger patients were predominantly male, the older patients predominantly female. No significant association was found between HLA types and lichen planus in this study. A slightly greater incidence of HLA-A3 and B5 antigens was seen, but this increased frequency was not as pronounced as reported by others. When combined, available data on HLA and lichen planus indicate a slightly, but significantly, increased frequency of HLA-A3. None of the HLA antigens known to be associated with insulin-dependent diabetes are associated with lichen planus.


Oral photochemotherapy in lichen planus (LP) and mycosis fungoides (MF): ultrastructural modifications of the infiltrating cells. Six patients (5 with mycosis fungoides and 1 with lichen planus) treated with PUVA, were subjected to biopsy of lesional skin before and during oral photochemotherapy. Ultrastructurally, a reduction in the density of cellular infiltrate was observed in the superficial dermis. In the same areas, necrotic cellular changes were observed. PUVA therapy exercises its beneficial effect by direct destruction of these cells.


In situ identification of mononuclear cells infiltrating cutaneous carcinoma: an immuno-histochemical study. The present study was undertaken in order to investigate the exact nature of the cells surrounding cutaneous tumours. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections were tested with a horse antihuman T lymphocyte serum and with IgG, IgA and IgM rabbit antihuman serum. All the sections were respectively treated with rabbit anti-horse or swine antirabbit peroxidase-labelled serum. The advantages offered by the immunoperoxidase technique are briefly discussed. T cells are in overwhelming proportion in comparison with IgG, IgA and IgM bearing cells. This seems a further demonstration that mononuclear infiltrate surrounding cutaneous carcinoma mainly represents a cell-mediated immune response.


An in vitro study of IgE production in severe atopic dermatitis. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from 4 patients with severe atopic dermatitis and with high serum IgE levels produced measurable amounts of IgE in vitro in repeated tests. These patients had increased numbers of IgE-bearing peripheral blood lymphocytes on at least one test occasion. No measurable IgE production in vitro was found in 6 other patients with atopic dermatitis and in 3 healthy controls. Inhibition of the IgE production was observed following treatment with PHA, Con A, PWM, mixed lymphocyte culture and radiation. LPS and histamine induced neither definite stimulation nor inhibition of IgE production. Supernatants from Con A stimulated cells were used in tests for suppressor factors. The hypothesis that depressed suppressor function of the T cells might be responsible for the tendency to increased IgE production in atopic dermatitis is discussed.


In vivo and in vitro immune responses to trichophytin in dermatophytosis. Cell-mediated immunity in patients with verified dermatophytosis was investigated by means of skin test and lymphocyte stimulation test (LST) using purified trichophytin, prepared by the ethylene glycol method, and commercially available trichophytin. The purified trichophytin seemed to be more specific and sensitive both in skin test and in LST. In the majority of cases skin-positive patients were also positive in LST, especially when T. mentagrophytes or E. floccosum was the causative organism. Patients with non-chronic infections also showed a close correlation between skin reactivity and LST. Patients with chronic mycosis or infected with T. rubrum, on the other hand, were often skin-negative. Their lymphocyte reactivity in vitro, however, was usually positive, thus showing a discrepancy in the ability of these two methods to measure cell-mediated immunity.


Dermatological manifestations in psoriatic arthritis: a follow-up study. Of 227 patients with psoriasis and rheumatic complaints, inflammatory arthritis was present in 168 patients, of whom 95 have been followed up for more than 5 years and 28 had been followed up for more than 10 years. In patients with psoriasis and inflammatory arthritis the majority were women, but in the Distal joint group, males predominated. The skin disease usually began on the arms and was restricted in extent, initially. It usually began before the arthritis. A few cases were apparently precipitated by trauma, but more by psychological factors. The course pursued by the skin lesions was generally favourable. The skin lesions were resistant to treatment in 20% of the patients. Puberty, pregnancy and the menopause had little effect on the skin lesions. Nail lesions were present in 80%, a greater frequency than that seen in uncomplicated psoriasis. These nail lesions began at a later age than the skin lesions, and commonly preceded the development of arthritis. There was a family history of psoriasis in 26% of first-degree relatives. A history of polyarthritis was obtained quite frequently, and of psoriatic arthritis in 3% of patients with Distal arthritis, and 2% of the Indistinguishable group. The arthritis was usually mild in degree. Ankylosing spondylitis occurred in 5% and sacro-iliitis in 19%. The sheep cell agglutination test for rheumatoid factor was negative in the majority of patients. It was positive in 16% and a fluctuating positive result was obtained in 10%.


Oral retinoid and UVB radiation: a new, alternative treatment for psoriasis on an out-patient basis. The combined application of an oral retinoid (Ro 10-9359) and phototherapy with predominantly UVB radiation (Selective Ultraviolet Phototherapy=SUP) is a new, highly effective method of treating psoriasis. It has few side effects and can be performed on an out-patient basis. With the aid of this combined treatment we achieved good or very good improvement in 19 out of 23 patients with generalized psoriasis (=82.6%). The average number of radiation sessions required to achieve this was 22.9, and the mean total therapeutic dose (TTD) was 73 J/cm2. In a control group of 40 psoriasis patients, who received only radiation therapy, we achieved good or very good results in only 60% with an average of 26 radiation sessions and 94 J/cm2 TTD. The effect of the oral retinoid and UVB radiation therapy is apparently additive, since the retinoid does not increase the sensitivity of the skin to light.


Systemic effects of local treatment with high doses of potent corticosteroids in psoriatics. The risk of systemic effects of high doses of potent topical corticosteroids was evaluated in 6 psoriatics with lesions on more than 50% of the body surface. Before the examinations the patients had been treated for 3-4 months with 35-65 g fluorinated corticosteroids daily. General clinical examination, plasma cortisol determinations, and tetracosactrin tests were carried out. One patient showed clinical signs of Cushing's syndrome including diabetes mellitus, another had a slight Cushingoid appearance. The plasma cortisol levels were depressed in 5 of the 6 patients on the first post-treatment day. A subnormal plasmacortisol response to tetracosactrin stimulation was noted in 3 of the patients. In these cases the potent corticosteroid therapy was discontinued. One month later a follow-up was performed, which showed a clinical and laboratory normalization except for the tetracosactrin test in one case. The study emphasizes the risk of serious systemic effects of the absorbed corticosteroids, if high doses are used for long periods.


Chronic non-scarring folliculitis of the scalp. Forty patients with recurrent follicular pustules of the scalp but without obvious necrosis or residual scarring were re-examined (mean 8.3 years after onset of lesions). The most common age at onset was 20-40 years. The sex ratio (M/F) was 3 : 1. Only 7 of 40 patients had concomitant acne vulgaris on the face. All patients still had active, recurring scalp lesions, although 7 out of 40 had had temporary remissions. Post-lesional scarring was not observed. Oral low-dose tetracyclines had a symptomatic effect in 7 of 11 patients. Most of the patients treated topically with steroids and alcoholic lotions experienced little or no effect. Histopathology disclosed a neutrophilic folliculitis. Bacteriological examinations showed only the usual resident microflora of the scalp with P. acnes being the most frequent species. In 3 cases (5 examined pustules), P acnes was isolated from the content of the pustules without being found on the skin surface over the pustule. Chronic non-scarring folliculitis of the scalp probably constitutes a disease entity.


Incidence rate of oral lichen planus among Indian villagers. In a house-to-house survey in South India, comprising 10,000 villagers, the age-adjusted incidence rate per 1,000 person-years for oral lichen planus was found to be 2.1 for males and 2.5 for females, based upon a 10-year follow-up study. The highest incidence was in the age group 55-64 for males and 45-54 for females. The age-adjusted relative risk was higher for the 'chewing habits' group (6.2) than for the 'smoking habit' group (2.2). The combined effect of the two habits appeared to be multiplicative; the age-adjusted relative risk for the mixed habit group being 13.7.


Dermatitis plantaris sicca: a retrospective study of children with recurrent dermatitis of the feet. 19 patients with recurrent dermatitis of the feet were re-examined in order to review the atopic predisposition, and the duration of the disease. 14 patients (74%) had a history of atopy, vis-à-vis 31.5% in the control group. In 8 patients (42%) the dermatitis persisted beyond puberty, though in a clinically considerably milder condition.


Mycosis fungoides with digital ischaemia due to DIC. A patient with mycosis fungoides (MF) developed digital ischaemia due to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).


Does the cancer accompanying acanthosis nigricans contain endocrine cells of the APUD series? Following the publication of Hage & Hage, who believe that gastric cancers accompanying malignant acanthosis nigricans might constitute a specific group of carcinomas in which cells from parts of the tumor arise from the APUD-series of endocrine cells, carcinomas of 2 patients with malignant acanthosis nigricans were subjected to investigation. There were no APUD-cells in the adenocarcinomas studied but they were present in the overlying mucosa. It is known, moreover, that internal carcinomas not accompanying malignant acanthosis nigricans may contain APUD cells.


Solitary lichen planus simulating malignant lesions. Four patients with similar cutaneous lesions clinically simulating Bowen's disease or basal cell carcinoma revealed histopathological changes of lichen planus. Examination by direct immunofluorescence was performed in two of the patients, showing ovoid bodies containing IgM, IgA and fibrinogen in one patient and IgM and fibrinogen in the other patient.


Liver biopsy in PUVA-treated patients.

Liver biopsy in PUVA-treated patients. Seventy-five liver biopsies were performed in 30 psoriatics and 5 patients with mycosis fungoides undergoing treatment with photochemotherapy with 8-methoxypsoralen and UVA light. All patients had pre- and post-PUVA biopsies, the latter after one year. Five psoriatics had a further biopsy after 2 1/2 years of treatment. No statistically significant differences were found between biopsies taken before and after treatment.


Clinical trial of a new chromone compound for systemic treatment of atopic dermatitis. In a double-blind group comparative study, 14 adults with atopic dermatitis were treated systemically for 6 weeks with a new anti-allergic chromone compound (FPL 57787) 6 mg four times a day. A similar group of 13 adults was given placebo. Both groups improved during the trial in all the clinical assessments without significant differences, but there was a tendency to a decreased use of local treatment (hydrocortisone butyrate) in the active group during the trial. There were no drug-related complaints, but one patient in the active group had transiently elevated liver enzyme levels. Further investigations are warranted.


Peroral aromatic retinoid treatment of palmoplantar pustulosis: double-blind comparison of Ro 10-9359 and placebo. Nineteen patients with chronic, recalcitrant palmoplantar pustulosis took either placebo or aromatic retinoid ethyl ester (Ro 10-9359) during a 4-month therapeutic trial. The maximal dose of Ro 10-9359 varied between 25 and 100 mg per day, according to the individual patient's tolerance. An excellent or good therapeutic response was obtained in 6 out of 9 patients on the active medication and in 2 out of 10 patients on placebo. The difference in therapeutic response between the Ro 10-9359 group and the placebo group was statistically significant (p less than 0.05). Drying and chapping of the lips was the most common side effect of Ro 10-9359 treatment.


Treatment of scabies with disulfiram and benzyl benzoate emulsion: a controlled study. In a double-blind study, 38 adults with scabies were treated with the scabicide Tenutex (a proprietary aqueous emulsion containing 0.5% DDT, 2% disulfiram and 22.5% benzyl benzoate) and 42 patients were treated with a similar emulsion lacking DDT. The treatment consisted of a single whole-body (except for the head) application which was washed off after 24 hours. When examined 3 weeks later, both groups were completely cured. Thereafter, a further 35 patients took part in an open trial with the DDT-free Tenutex emulsion and all patients were cured, irrespective of whether the treatments were administered by skilled personnel or by themselves at home. It is concluded that for the treatment of scabies in Sweden, the most commonly used preparation, Tenutex, can be replaced, without risk of loss of efficacy, by an emulsion containing 2% disulfiram and 22.5% benzyl benzoate, i.e. Tenutex without DDT.


Percutaneous absorption of DDT from a parasiticide used for treatment of scabies. Moderately to markedly increased plasma concentrations of DDT and its major metabolite DDE were found in 3 boys 4, 7 and 9 years of age and also in a 50-year-old woman who, because of suspected or proven scabies infection, had all repeatedly received between 7 and 200 applications of Tenutex (a DDT-containing scabicide) during recent years. Normal values were found in 4 untreated children and in 2 children who had been treated with Tenutex four and three times respectively. In 9 adults there was no significant increase in the plasma concentrations of DDT and DDE after a single 24-hour treatment with Tenutex. These results indicate that DDT, a known constituent of the scabicide Tenutex, can be percutaneously absorbed and lead to measurably increased plasma concentrations after repeated application, especially in children.


Erythromycin and lymecycline treatment in chlamydia-positive and Chlamydia-negative non-gonococcal urethritis--a partner-controlled study. A group of 213 men with non-gonococcal urethritis and their sexual partners were treated either with erythromycin stearate 500 mgx2 for 15 days or with lymecycline 300 mgx2 for 10 or 20 days. Chlamydia trachomatis was isolated from 40% of the men, from 26% of their female partners and from 56% of the partners of men with chlamydia-positive urethritis. One hundred and eighty-one men were available for evaluation of therapy. There were no significant differences between the treatment schedules. The cure rate was 86-90% in men with chlamydia-positive and 89-100% in men with chlamydia-negative urethritis. Four of the 17 chlamydia-positive females treated with erythromycin and 2 of the 20 chlamydia-positive females treated with lymecycline for 10 days still had chlamydia at re-examination.


Acridine orange staining of urethral and cervical smears for the diagnosis of gonorrhea. Smears of  urethral and cervical discharge for direct microscopical examination of gonococci were stained with acridine orange and methylene blue and the findings compared with culture of direct inoculated plates. These two staining methods yielded similar results. Acridine orange staining seems a valuable alternative due to its sharp image contrast.


An analysis of factors for the differential staining of sister chromatids in human chromosomes using Giemsa. Various reagents were tested for the purpose of developing an improved Giemsa staining technique for the differential staining of sister chromatids in human chromosomes. Reagents like acids, bases, buffers, protein denaturants and proteolytic enzymes were all potent inducers of differential staining. The best results were obtained by brief trypsinization followed by extraction of nucleic acids by incubation in hot HCl. There was poor contrast between unifilarly and bifilarly BrdU substituted chromatids in slides from which trypsin treatment was omitted. The method of slide preparation as they affect the spreads of BrdU substituted metaphases were also evaluated. The results support the role of these reagents in the conformational changes and structural lesions of chromosomal protein leading to differential staining.


Melanin and dopa-positive cells in the skin of tropical cattle. Various histochemical and histological techniques were used to study the melanin and dopa-positive cell distribution in the skin of some tropical and temperate breeds of cattle in Nigeria. Melanin pigments were concentrated in the basal and lower spinous layers of the epidermis and in the hair cortex, follicle sheaths and papillae of the various breeds. In the White Fulani and N'Dama breeds, melanin pigments were however found in all layers of the epidermis. Dopa-positive cells (melanocytes) were observed in the epidermis, dermis and hair follicles; the distribution pattern varied among breeds, being copiously disposed in the basal epidermis and papillary dermis in the White Fulani and Muturu and, except in areas of thick epidermal ridges, scanty in the epidermis and dermis of the Friesian and N'Dama. Mast cell distribution pattern in the various breeds was similar to that of the dopa-positive cells. Peroxidase-positive cells were present in the basal epidermis and upper dermis of the Muturu, widespread in the subepidermal layer of the N'Dama and very scanty in the dermis of the White Fulani and Friesian. Acid phosphatase activity was intense in the granular layer of the Muturu and N'Dama breeds and also in the papillary dermis and hair follicles, whereas alkaline phosphatase-positive dendritic cells, and 'clear' cells were also observed in the basal and upper epidermis.


Microdissection in the study of renal structure. The normal nephron. The technique of microdissection and the structure of nephrons and collecting ducts from normal kidneys were studied. The structure of the assumedly normal nephrons and collecting ducts is characterized by the uniformity of the outlines of the tubules. The various parts of the tubules are distinguished by the differences in diameter and epithelial structure.


Lens antigen development in chick embryos studied in vivo and in vitro by immunofluorescence. Lens antigens, detected by immunofluorescence using rabbit antiserum against adult chick lens, appear in the chick embryo at stage 16. When eye rudiments are cultured in vitro, antigens developed; but they did not when optic cups were cultured but for a few cases. Isolated presumptive lens ectoderm from stage 4 did not develop antigens when cultured, but such ectoderm from stages 7--9 developed lens antigens and also showed lens structures. Stage 4 ectoderm could be induced to lens antigen development by alcohol-killed cups from stages 9--13. The experimental system can be used for in vitro studies on lens induction.


A specific pattern of connections from the sensorimotor region of the cerebral cortex to the thalamus in the rat. In the course of an investigation of the thalamic connections of the frontoparietal cortex in the albino rat, lesions were placed in the parietal cortex of adult rats, and the resulting terminal degeneration was observed in the ventrobasal complex, using the Fink-Heimer silver impregnation technique. Lesions made in the primary somatosensory forelimb region of the cortex result in a narrow band of terminal degeneration which extends dorsoventrally throughout the rostrocaudal two-thirds of the ventrobasal complex. This portion of the ventrobasal complex coincides with the electrophysiological representation of the thalamic primary somatosensory forelimb area, and corresponds closely to the medial portion of the lateral part of the ventrobasal complex as described by Smith, as well as to the medial portion of the posterolateral ventral nucleus according to Matano et al. These results serve to confirm the close correlation determined electrophysiologically between the topographical organization of the somatosensory forelimb areas of both the parietal cortex and the ventrobasal complex of the rat thalamus.


Effects of acetylsalicylic acid on lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood. The in vitro and in vivo effects of therapeutical doses of acetylsalicylic acid on lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood were investigated with the following results: Acetylsalicylic acid caused both in vitro and in vivo a reduction of complement receptor bearing lymphocytes and of lymphocytes identified with fluorescent rabbit antibody to human Ig (polyvalent) and to human IgG. Sheep red blood cell receptor bearing lymphocytes, and lymphocytes identified with antibody to human IgM and IgD were unaffected by acetylsalicylic acid.


Axonal transport of adrenaline, noradrenaline and phenylethanolamine-N-methyl transferase (PNMT) in sympathetic neurons of the cod, Gadus morhua. The axonal transport of adrenaline, noradrenaline and phenylethanolamine-N-methyl transferase (PNMT) has been studied in vivo in sympathetic neurons of the splanchnic nerve in the cod, Gadus morhua. Adrenaline and noradrenaline are transported at a mean axonal transport rate of 16 mm/day. After correction for a non-mobile fraction of adrenaline and noradrenaline, which does not contribute to the amine accumulation proximal to a ligature, a maximal rate of transport was calculated to about 45 mm/day for both amines. The increased level of catecholamines in front of a ligature could be depleted by reserpine treatment, which strongly suggests that both amines are stored in granules. PNMT is transported at a slow rate of 2 mm/day. The subcellular distribution of the cod PNMT was exclusively non-particular. The cod PNMT was further characterized by studying substrate specificity, temperature and pH optima. It is concluded that adrenaline and noradrenaline, stored in granules, are transported in a proximo-distal direction at a high rate compared to PNMT.


Abnormal gamma globulin binding of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormone levels were studied in a thyrotoxic patient, who was treated with propylthiouracil. He had heavily increased triiodothyronine concentrations, measured by radioimmunoassay, in spite of only mild clinical symptoms of thyrotoxicosis. A moderately increased serum triiodothyronine concentration was observed in another patient, who was euthyroid and who had recently recovered from subacute thyroiditis. By gel electrophoresis and precipitation tests with human anti-IgG and anti-IgA, a binding to the gamma globulins of both triiodothyronine and thyroxine was detected in patient 1, and of triiodothyronine in patient 2. Such abnormal binding may result in serious errors in the determination of thyroid hormone concentration by radioimmunoassay.


Determination of cell mediated immunity against tumour associated antigens in patients of ENT. In an unconventional assay system (MEM Test) Caspary & Field claimed in 1971 to have detected lymphocyte sensitization to a common tumour antigen in all patients with cancer. There was no evidence of histogenetic specificity to the reaction and their conclusions are in direct contradiction to those of all workers who have studied the cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes on tumour cells. To improve the specificity of the test system, another type of tumour antigen was used in MEM Test incubation. Tumour-associated antigens were prepared according to the hypertonic salt extraction method introduced by Reisfeld, Leonard, Meltzer et al. As shown by the results, information could be gained concerning the existence of a malignant tumour and its location.


Mechanism of conjugation and recombination in bacteria. XX, Recombination DNA synthesis during mating in Escherichia coli K-12. In crosses of dnaA recipients with HfrH at restrictive temperature a functional recombinant structure and viable recombinants were formed at a nearly normal rate, whereas recombination in crosses with HfrC was markedly inhibited. Recombinational DNA synthesis, as determined by 3H-thymine incorporation, was found in dnaA merozygotes from HfrH crosses. The recombinational synthesis was completed shortly after the end of mating. The replication of recombinant chromosomes in dnaA Lac+ recombinants started 120 minutes after interruption of mating, and at the restrictive temperature was sensitive to acridine orange, thus pointing to the presence of integrated F factor in the recombinant chromosome.


Genetic properties of the Salmonella enteritidis R404 plasmid aggregate. IV. Reconstruction in R404 plasmid aggregate and separation of twelve genetically distinct derivative forms. R404 plasmid aggregate is composed of two conjugative and two nonconjugative plasmids. Plasmid aggregate reconstructed from separated plasmids had the same genetic properties as the original R404 plasmid aggregate. It was found that plasmids of R404 factor could be transferred in conjugation in twelve different sets. These twelve genetically distinct classes of transconjugants formed only six groups differing in phenotypic characters.


Bacteriocinogeny of Rhizobium trifolii.

Bacteriocinogeny of Rhizobium trifolii. Rhizobium trifolii strains differing in cell and colony morphology, streptomycin resistance, phage sensitivity pattern and infectivity to clover plants produced bacteriocins sensitive to proteases. Elimination of bacteriocin production ability wtih SDS and rifampicin treatment indicates that this feature is plasmid controlled. Elimination of bacteriocinogenic plasmid did not influence other features of R. trifolii.


The effect of strA mutation on symbiotic nitrogen fixation by Rhizobium meliloti. Studies on 3H-dihydrostreptomycin accumulation and binding to ribosomes showed that ineffective strain CMts17 carries strB type mutation changing its membrane permeability to the drug. Introduction of high level streptomycin resistance of strA type into strain CMts17 was correlated with acquisition of effectiveness and membrane permeability to the drug. This suggests that changes in membrane permeability, responsible for ineffectiveness of strain CMts17, can be reversed by strA mutation.


Spermine hinders post-conjugational recombination in Escherichia coli K-12. Treatment of Hfr and F- mixture with spermine during the first minutes of mating decreased the number of viable recombinants and inhibited functional recombinant structure formation in the intragenic cross lacz157Xlaczs. The treatment applied after 15 minutes of mating was ineffective. The decrease of recombination frequency was not caused by any interference in mating union formation. The efficiency of donor DNA transfer in the presence of spermine was increased two-fold. Spermine blocked the formation of S1-nuclease degradable DNA in the post-conjugant recipient cells. It is suggested that spermine probably interferes with the early steps of recombination, most likely by the stabilization of DNA against strand separation.


Mutants of Escherichia coli with altered level of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activities. Five strains of Escherichia coli with reduced level of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity were isolated. The mutations responsible for reduced activity of the enzyme have been localized in one of the strains between 25 and 27 minutes on the genetic map of E. coli. The mutants do not differ morphologically from the original strain. This suggest that beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase is of the secondary importance in the biosynthesis of murein.


Study of interaction between IgG and IgM antibodies against rubella virus by the immunofluorescence method. In immunoglobulin fractions or after elimination of IgG by absorption the immunofluorescence test for rubella IgM antibodies is more sensitive than in whole serum. Blocking of IgM activity by IgG antibodies was eliminated when the time of incubation of the serum with virus antigen was prolonged. After prolonged incubation higher titres of rubella antibodies were also obtained in the IgM immunoglobulin fractions. Protein A in Staphylococcus aureus suspension effectively absorbs antibodies of IgG class. The IgM antibody titres in absorbed sera of patients infected with rubella were in some cases 2 to 4 times higher than in unabsorbed sera.


Leucocyte migration inhibition test as an index of immunological response to measles virus. IV. Blood, spleen, lymph nodes and peritoneal exudate cell reaction. The migration inhibition test of leucocytes isolated both from the peripheral blood, spleen and lymph nodes as well as peritoneal exudate cells of guinea pigs, immunized with the various doses of measles virus was determined. For in vitro testing of cellular immunity to measles virus, viral antigens could be used in both infective and inactivated form.


Study on dissimilatory reduction of sulphates. A new strain of sulphate reducing bacteria was isolated from swampy forest soil. After 120 h reduction, sulphate conversion attained 100%, the molar ratio of the consumed lactate and reduced sulphate amounted to 2:1. This confirms the reduction mechanism proposed by Senez (1951).


Beta-thromboglobulin and the diagnosis of thrombosis in elderly patients. The plasma concentration of beta-thromboglobulin was estimated in elderly in-patients using a radio-immuno-assay technique. There were highly significance differences between the mean values of patients with arterial or venous thrombosis, as compared with controls. The ability of the test to detect thrombosis above the inguinal ligament means that it is a useful addition to the existing battery of tests for detecting thrombosis.


Comparison of different antigenic preparations of Coxiella burnetii used for antibody detection in guinea pigs. The dynamics of antibody response in guinea pigs infected with Coxiella burnetii was investigated by microagglutination (MA) and complement-fixation (CF) tests with different preparations of C. burnetii antigens. At the onset of antibody response the highest antibody titres were detected by the MA test with natural antigen 2, later on by the MA test with artificial antigen 2. Throughtout the 1-year period of observation, the CF antibody levels were usually lower and, with the exception of the highest infectious doses, the CF antibodies appeared later than agglutinating antibodies. There was no difference in the appearance of agglutinating and CF antibodies directed to antigen 1. Inactivation of the sera caused a marked decrease in antibody titres when tested with artificial antigen 2, whereas the antibody levels remained unchanged when tested with natural antigen 2.


Isolation of a virus strain from Argas persicus ticks. A previously undescribed virus was isolated from Argas persicus ticks collected on sentinel chicken in western Slovakia. The strain was lethal for suckling mice only after intracerebral inoculation. No symptoms were induced in adult mice. The virus strain was insensitive to sodium deoxycholate and resistant to ether treatment. An antigen prepared from the virus did not agglutinate goose or human O erythrocytes. The single strain obtained in 1976 appeared to be untrelated to a large number of known arboviruses when tested by the complement-fixation reaction.


Isolation of an influenza A virus strain from a bird embryo (Larus ridibundus) collected in Slovakia. Avian influenza virus A/Larus 36/77 (Hav7Nav1) was isolated in 1977 from a trinket (Larus ridibundus) embryo. This result suggests the possibility of vertical transmission of influenza A virus.


Plasma proteins in patients receiving intravenous amino acids or intravenous hyperalimentation after major surgery. Eleven plasma proteins were compared for each of three groups of 10 closely matched patients before and 15 days after rectal excision who were receiving an addition to oral diets the following parenteral solutions by central venous catheter: 1) no hyperalimentation, 2) hypertonic glucose plus amino acids, or 3) amino acids alone. Plasma transferrin, prealbumin, and retinol-binding protein were normal before surgery in all but seven patients. Postoperatively, concentrations were decreased, but were restored to normal after full hyperalimentation whereas they were significantly less and lower than normal in controls and patients receiving amino acids. Acute phase proteins were higher than normal before surgery and also 15 days later. Lower values in patients receiving hyperalimentation were mainly due to hydration compared with higher values in the other groups caused by the higher incidence of sepsis. It is concluded that full hyperalimentation after major surgery restores "visceral" proteins more rapidly than by infusion of amino acids alone and is associated with fewer clinical complications.


Late onset systemic lupus erythematosus. This study describes the clinical and laboratory features and the natural history of 31 patients with late onset (in the sixth decade or later) systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients with late onset SLE constitute a distinct subset of the general lupus population that accounts for approximately 12 per cent of the cases. Advanced age modifies the expression of SLE in terms of clinical presentation (pleuritis and/or pericarditis are the most common presenting manifestations) and pattern of organ involvement (pulmonary abnormalities are more common, whereas lymphadenopathy, Raynaud's phenomenon, neuropsychiatric disease, alopecia and skin rash are less common). Because SLE is not usually considered to be a disease that affects the elderly, and because the pattern of SLE in the older age group may differ substantially from the seen in younger patients, there is often a delay in diagnosis (median of 10 months, with a delay of over one year in 32 per cent of patients). In light of the high incidence of steroid complications in older patients (40 per cent in our series), and because these patients with SLE have a relatively good prognosis (five year survival of 92.3 per cent; nine year survival of 83.1 per cent), therapy should be more conservative in late onset SLE.


Staining calcified tissues in plastic embedding medium. Two procedures for staining sections of calcified teeth and/or bone embedded in plastic without dissolving the embedding medium were developed to study early bone regeneration in proximity to carbon implants in monkey alveolar bone and tissue degeneration in pathological human bone. These procedures allow differential staining of delicate bone tissues and prevent breakage of sections because the supporting plastic does not have to be removed.


Plasma complement and histamine changes after intravenous administration of sodium fluorescein. Venous blood samples were obtained from 85 patients before and at three, ten, and 30 minutes after intravenous administration of sodium fluorescein. Whole complement hemolytic activity and plasma histamine were measured. The patients were observed for side effects. Clinical adverse reactions occurred in 18 (21%) of the patients. Changes in complement hemolytic activity occurred in all patients, but probably were the result of binding of fluorescein to complement proteins, or on the membrane of sensitized red blood cells used in the assay. Plasma histamine was increased within the first few minutes after infusion of fluorescein and persisted up to ten minutes. Increased histamine was found in 66% of patients with adverse reactions and in only 15% of patients with no reactions. Histamine may be an important mediator of adverse reactions to fluorescein.


Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein screening: a cost-benefit analysis. The prenatal detection of fetal neural tube defects (NTD) is now possible by means of a multi-tiered program utilizing maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) screening coupled with ultrasonography and amniocentesis where indicated. This paper considers the economic consequences of screening for fetal NTD a theoretical cohort of 100,000 pregnant women at risk of having an affected fetus who would elect to terminate their pregnancies if an affected fetus were found. The cost of the program was balanced against the benefits of the program, such as the averted costs of institutionalization, medical care, and the like. The total cost of the program to screen 100,000 such women was calculated to be $2,047,780, or slightly over $20 per woman screened, while the total economic benefits exceeded $4,000,000.


Degradation of tropoelastin and elastin substrates by human neutrophil elastase, free and bound to alpha2-macroglobulin in serum of the M and Z (Pi) phenotypes for alpha1-antitrypsin. Human neutrophil elastase degraded tropoelastin approximately 9 times faster than it did solubilized elastin and approximately 19 times faster than it did lung elastin. When bound to alpha2-M, the enzyme retained approximately 6 per cent of its activity toward tropoelastin and solubilized latter observations suggest that alpha2-M--bound elastase, cleared slowly from lung extracellular tissue space, may participate normally in the turnover of soluble precursor (s) of elastin and may contribute to the development of emphysema in alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency.


Re-evaluation of sputum staining for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. Data were collected at 2 teaching institutions, University Hospital, University of Michigan (UMH) and University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Hospital, to evaluate the usefulness of the auramine-rhodamine fluorochrome stain in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in hospitalized patients. The patients studied had received no prior therapy, and their sputum specimens were positive for a pathogenic Mycobacterium by microscopy or culture or both. The true-positive smear rate was 0.88 at UMH and 0.83 at UCLA; the relative false-positive smear rate was 0.12 at UMH and 0.17 at UCLA. The sensitivities at UMH and UCLA were 0.78 and 0.51, respectively, and the specificity was greater than 0.99 at both. The data suggest that sputum stained by the fluorochrome method is useful and reliable for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis, because the false-positive rates are acceptably low in hospitalized patients.


Bleomycin.

Bleomycin. Bleomycin was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1975 for therapy against squamous cell carcinomas, testicular cancers, and malignant lymphomas. An extensive bibliography on this drug indicates that there is little evidence of activity against other malignancies. Although initially used exclusively as a single agent, bleomycin has been considered recently for use in combination chemotherapy. Because of associated toxicity involving the lung and mucous membranes, bleomycin should be used cautiously by physicians, particularly in noninvestigational settings.


[Effect of levorin on the chromatin of the prostate of dogs in its hypertrophy]. The effect of prolonged oral use of levorin on chromatin from the hypertrophic prostate of old dogs was studied. It was found that the chromatin from the hypertrophic prostate of old animals was characterized by a decrease in the relative content of non-histone proteins, the melting temperature and hyperchromism value. The results of the electrophoretic analysis of the histone fraction composition showed its proteolytic degradation. The matrix activity of chromatin in the RNA-polymerase system remained unchanged. Administration of levorin had no effect on the structural and functional characteristics of the chromatin isolated from the hypertrophic prostate of the old dogs.


[Aspects of the biosynthesis of actinomycin C]. The protoplasts of Actinomyces sp. 26--115 producing actinomycin C were obtained by the action of lysozyme on the mycelial paste of a 48-hour microbial culture. The protoplast capacity for synthesizing actinomycin was decreased as compared to that of the intact mycelium. The transport of L-isoleucine, a precursor of actinomycin C biosynthesis in the protoplasts also decreased but this could not be the only cause of the decrease in the actinomycin biosynthesis capacity. The biosynthesis of actinomycin C by the protoplasts of Actinomycin sp. 26--115 did not require galactose and was not inhibited by glucose and exogenic actinomycin.


[Ischemic cardiovascular accidents during treatment with progestins alone. Apropos of 3 cases]. Three cases of ischaemic cardio-vascular accidents are reported under progestative treatment; the drug used was chlormadinone acétate (0,5 mg daily) in one patients, and noréthistérone (5 mg daily) in two others. The accident was observed in two cases at the end of the second menstrual cycle and in one case after three years. Lipid abnormalities have been detected in the three cases: minor type IV (two patients) and mixed hyperlipidaemia (one patient).


[Triaminotricarboxylic amino acid oxidation productions of actinoidin and ristomycin]. Aromatic acids with three benzene nuclei bound through oxygen were obtained from actinoidin and ristomycin on their oxydation with permanganates of methylated aglycones and peptides. The structures of the methyl esters of these acids were determined by spectral methods. They are the following: methyl-3,5-bis-(4-methoxycarbonyl-phenoxy)-4-methoxybenzoate (from ristomycin) and methyl-3-(2-chlor-4-methoxycarbonyl-phenoxy)-5-(4-methoxycarbonyl-phenoxy)-4-methoxybenzoate (from actinoidin). The compounds are the aromatic parts of the molecules of the unusual triaminotricarboxylic amino acids present in the aglycones of all antibiotics of the group of polycyclic glycopeptides.


[Joint therapy of experimental tumors with diazan in combination with antibiotics]. Antitumor efficiency of combined therapy of experimental tumors with diazan and antibiotics was studied. The experiments were performed with leukosis La and P-388 and Walker carcinosarcoma. The kinetic regularities of the tumor process were used in planning regimens of the combined therapy. It was found that the combined use of diazan with antitumor antibiotics of the anthracyclin series increased the therapy efficacy. Therapeutic synergism of the drugs was noted which was evident from a significant increase in the average life rate and recovery of a part of the animals.


[Toxicity, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the Soviet bleomycin, bleomycetin, in a single administration to laboratory animals]. Toxicity of bleomycetin (bleomycin A2) administered intravenously, intraperitoneally, subcutaneously or intramusculary in a single dose to animals was almost identical. On its oral administration bleomycetin was 10--14 times less toxic than on its parenteral use. Rats were somewhat less sensitive to bleomycetin than mice. Bleomycetin had no significant effect on the level of the arterial pressure, respiration, ECG characteristics and elements of the vegetative nervous system in narcotized cats. After a single intravenous or subcutaneous administration to rabbits bleomycetin was detectable in the blood for 4--5 hours. The highest bleomycetin levels were registered in the skin, kidneys and lungs. Bleomycetin was mainly excreted with the urine.


Human serum and epithelial spread in tissue culture. The dependence of epithelial spread on human serum in culture has been studied. Using measured pieces of mouse ear skin epithelial outgrowth about floating explants (epiboly) and from adherent explants was studied. Where compared directly the two systems show similar results. Because of its ease of quantitation, the adherent explant culture was studied in greater detail. In this system in the presence of serum appreciable spread was found only after 48 h but spread continued for at least the next 4 days. In the absence of serum only minimal epithelial spread occurred. Adding serum to deficient media enhanced spreading and removing serum from media depressed spreading. The extent of spread appeared independent of mouse age for the first 4-10 weeks though 2-week-old mouse skin showed quantitatively greater spreading. The activity in human serum responsible for epithelial spread acts under conditions of minimal DNA synthesis and is not reproduced by bovine serum albumin, fetuin, or serum that had been exposed to 100 degrees C for 5 min. The activity is not dialyzable and it is resistant to the protease inhibitors DFP and PMSF. These studies suggest that a specific serum component(s) serves to support epithelial spread in vitro.


Serum concentrations of SP1 (pregnancy-specific-beta1-glycoprotein) in healthy, nonpregnant individuals, and in patients with nontrophoblastic malignant neoplasms. The presence of [SP1 (PSbetaG)] in healthy men and nonpregnant women was demonstrated with a highly sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay. Detectable serum levels (1-5 ng/ml) were found in 37 of 69 individuals. Concentrations of 3-10 ng/ml could be detected in 80% of the patients with a variety of nontrophoblastic malignant neoplasms and in 17% of patients with breast cancer. In 11% of these patients the serum level was raised to 10-50 ng/ml. SP1 was also found in extracts of fresh tumor tissue. In 27% of these specimens 3-15 ng/ml SP1 were found. Serum SP1 levels that were elevated before surgery fell to the normal range within a few days after tumor removal. SP1 might thus be regarded as a marker for various nontrophoblastic cancers and as such might become important as a guide to treatment.


Antithyroid drugs and radioactive iodine. Fifteen years' experience with Graves' disease. The population for this study included 186 patients who were treated between 1962 and 1977 for diffuse toxic goiter. Patients were divided into two groups according to the primary mode of therapy, which was either thioamides or sodium iodide I 131. Of 96 patients who were treated with primary drug therapy, only 16% experienced a prolonged remission (more than two years) of hyperthyroidism. Except for a greater likelihood of remission among patients with mild hyperthyroidism, no other clinical features of Graves' disease were predictive of the long-term response to drug therapy. Among the 90 patients who received primary sodium iodide I 131 therapy, those who were pretreated with thioamides required a higher total dose to achieve a cure (13.8 mCi vs 9.6 mCi) and had a lower initial incidence of hypothyroidism (54% vs 73%).


[Relationship between water transfers and the salinity of the environment in the isopod crustacean Sphaeroma serratum (Fabricius)]. The isopod Crustacean Sphaeroma serratum is isotonic to the medium in sea water and hypertonic in diluted media. The drinking rate is 15.9 microliter in SW and 3.2 microliter 24 h-1 100 mg-1 wet weight in 50% SW. The extracellular space is 28.4% in SW and 27.0% of the wet weight in 50% SW. The rate of urine production, calculated from the half time for the loss of sodium diatriazoate is 11.8 mg in SW and 42.9 mg 24 h-1 100 mg-1 wet weight in 50% SW. 95% of the diffusion fluxes of water take place through the pleopods: their surface is about 62.6 mm2 in a 100 mg weighing animal. The activation energy of water molecules is 15.0 kcal/mol between +5 degrees C and +15 degrees C and 6.7 kcal/mol between +15 degrees C and +25 degrees C. The diffusion permeability coefficient Pd is 1.71 X 10(-4) cm/sec in SW and 0.70 X 10(-4) cm/sec in 50% SW. The osmotic permeability coefficient Pos has a mean value of 1.91 X 10(-4) cm/sec in SW and 1.24 X 10(-4) cm/sec in 50% SW. Our results are compared with those obtained in other Crustaceans and in Fishes. Their validity is discussed (influence of unstirred layers, solute-solvent interaction). They are explained according to the different theories dealing with the water transit through the membranes.


[Carcinoma of the prostate with intraprostatic hematoma simulating adenoma]. A rare case is presented in which a Carcinoma of the prostate gland simulated an Adenoma. We feel that in similar cases, in particular with a "soft" rectal probe but with no infectious clinical picture, the possibility of a Carcinoma of the prostate gland should be considered. Prior to any handling of the "adenoma", a complete analytical, gammagraphic study, etc. should be carried out in order to rule our the existence of a carcinoma. Finally, in a similar case, anatomopathological study of the hematic material should also be carried out.


On the mechanism of p-piperidyl and p-benzyl sulfamyl benzoic acids transport by renal tissue. The uptake of cyclic analogues of probenecid by kidney cortical slices has been studied in detail, in order to obtain more information on the secretory system for these compounds. Both p-piperidyl sulfamyl benzoic acid and p-benzyl sulfamyl benzoic acid were accumulated against concentration gradient, by renal tissue under aerobic as well as anerobic conditions. PAH, phenol red and probenecid competitively inhibited the active accumulation of these compounds by kidney tissue. Aerobic uptake of probenecid analogues was stimulated by succinate and octanoate at low medium concentrations while inhibition of renal accumulation of these compounds occurred at higher concentrations. Both p-piperidyl and p-benzyl sulfamyl benzoic acids like probenecid strongly interact with kidney cortex homogenates. Binding of these cyclic analogues to various cellular constituents of homogenate was efficiently inhibited by probenecid. The binding affinity of probenecid and analogues for kidney tissue, phospholipid vesicles (liposomes) and human serum albumin increased in the order : p-piperidyl sulfamyl benzoic acid less than p-benzyl sulfamyl benzoic acid less than di-n-propyl sulfamyl benzoic acid (probenecid). By contrast to the view put forward by Beyer (1950 & 1954), the results presented in this paper established that probenecid analogues are the true substrates of renal organic anion transport system.


Lipolytic enzymes in bovine thyroid tissue. I. Subcellular localization, purification and characterization of acid phospholipase A1. In mammalian cells the catabolism of membrane phosphoglycerides proceeds probably entirely through a deacylation pathway catalysed by phospholipase A and lysophospholipase (Wise & Elwyn, 1965). In the initial attack of diacylphosphoglycerides by phospholipase A two enzymatic activities with different positional specificities have been distinguished: phospholipase A1 (phosphatidate 1-acyl hydrolase EN 3.1.1.32) and phospholipase A2 (phosphatidate 2-acyl hydrolase EN 3.1.1.4) (Van Deenen & De Haas, 1966). Studies on these intracellular phospholipases were mainly concerned with their subcellular localization. Only occasionally more detailed enzymatic investigations have been conducted on them, in contrast to export phospholipases e.g. from snake venom, bee venom and porcine pancreas, which have been extensively investigated (Brockerhoff & Jensen 1974a). In a previous paper (De Wolf et al., 1976a), the presence of phospholipase A1 and phospholipase A2 activities in bovine thyroid was demonstrated, using 1-[9, 10-3H] stearoyl-2-[1-14C] linoleyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine as a substrate. Optimal activity was observed in both instances at pH 4. Addition of the anionic detergent sodium taurocholate increased the A2 type activity and decreased the A1 type activity suggesting the presence of different enzymes. The lack of influence of Ca2+-ions and EDTA and the acid pH optima could suggest lysosomal localization. In this paper the subcellular distribution of both acid phospholipase activities is described as well as a purification scheme for phospholipase A1. Some characteristics of the purified enzyme preparation are discussed.


Lipolytic enzymes in bovine thyroid tissue. II. Hydrolysis of [3H, 14C] phosphatidylethanolamine by neutral and alkaline phospholipase A activities. Phospholipase and lysophospholipase activities are present in bovine thyroid (De Wolf et al., 1976). However, using exogenous [14C] phosphatidylcholine as substrate and subcellular fractions as enzyme source no activity could be detected at neutral and alkaline pH. Phospholipase A2 activity was found at neutral pH when [14C] phosphatidylethanolamine was substituted for [14C] phosphatidylcholine (De Wolf et al., 1976). In the present paper the occurrence of neutral and alkaline phospholipase A activities is clearly established. In addition their subcellular localization was investigated.


Arterial and venous responses to hypothalamic stimulation in the dog. Stimulation of the ventro-medial nucleus of the hypothalamus induces active constriction of both pre- and post-capillary vessels in the dog's hindlimb. Alpha-adrenolytic agents reduce these responses, indicating that they are mediated by the sympathetic nervous system. Stimulation of the paraventricular nucleus dilates both resistance and capacitance vessels. The present study demonstrates that hypothalamic neurones can control venomotor tone.


[Analysis of the circadian rhythm of motor activity in white rats by using several pharmacologic agents which act on cerebral monoamines]. Three pharmacological agents, (disulfiram, imipramine and reserpine) influencing the brain monoamine transmitters have been studied to explain the mechanism involved in the motor circadian rhythm. The new results corroborate our previous ones : the norepinephrine transmitter responsible for the paradoxical sleep is unable to explain the depressed metabolic phase of the circadian rhythm; the negative results obtained with disulfiram and imipramine corroborate the previous results with nialamide. On the contrary, the agents which reduce the serotonine transmitter mechanisms (p-chlorophenylalanine) decrease the difference between active and sleep phases by their action involved in the non-activated sleep. Reserpine, supposed to reduce both transmitter mechanisms (serotonine and norepinephrine) shows a p-chlorophenylalanine-like effect, perhaps more strong. It thus appears that the non-activated sleep is responsible for the two essential sleep functions : the restitution function and the depressed phase of the circadian rhythm.


Tissue specific glucose-trehalose variations prior to spinning in the eri-silkworm, Philosamia ricini. A sharp rise in trehalose level of haemolymph is observed towards the end of 4th instar accompanied with sudden fall of the sugar in fat body during the same period, but after moulting blood trehalose abruptly decreases. Whereas, blood glucose level is maintained constant throughout life span of both the instars. Silkgland of 5th instar larvae presents a consistent gradual increase in glucose-trehalose levels reaching to the maximum prior to spinning with a higher value for trehalose than glucose which can be attributed to the decrease in blood trehalose level during the period.


[Effect of submaximal muscular exercise of short duration on urinary excretion of catecholamines, DOPA and their metabolites]. Thirteen human subjects were submitted to a moderate muscular work on ergometric bicycle (at intensity corresponding to 80% of maximal oxygen uptake during 10 min). No modifications were observed in the urinary amounts of the three catecholamines (A, NA, DA), DOPA, DOPAC and 3-MT. On the contrary, the excretion of metadrenaline (MN) and normetadrenaline (NMN) was slightly increased, showing a mild stimulation of adrenergic system. Our result point out the interest of urinary methoxyamines as useful index of adrenergic activity in man. For experimental and physiopathological use, the metabolic alteration induced by a short submaximal muscular work is negligible for most adrenergic compounds, except for MN and NMN, the amounts of which are slightly modified.


Oxaloacetate deficiency in MCT-induced ketogenesis. This study was an attempt to discover whether a deficiency in hepatic oxaloacetate can explain the acceleration of ketogenesis observed after the ingestion of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT, constituent fatty acids from C8 to C12). The method of investigation used consisted in supplying oxaloacetate (by intraperitoneal injection of oxaloacetate, aspartate, or L-tryptophan) to rats that had ingested MCT. The indirectly given oxaloacetate caused a decrease in ketone body levels in the liver. The stimulation of ketogenesis induced by an exogenous supply of MCT is therefore at least partly due to a deficiency of oxaloacetate. The results show that this can be explained both by a leakage of this metabolite into the pathway of gluconeogenesis and by its reduction into malate. Since the acetyl-CoA derived from oxidized medium-chain fatty acids cannot enter into the Krebs cycle, it is diverted to the production of ketone bodies.


Gastric chemoceptive projections to fasciculus solitarius and its dipole field structure. The gastric branch of the vagus nerve, close to the stomach was stimulated electrically and the evoked potentials recorded from the fasciculus solitarius of frog within the stereotaxic coordinates P 4.1-4.6; L 0.5-0.8 and V 0.3-0.5. A predominantly monophasic negative potential, the amplitude (1.0-3.0 mV) of which rises with increase in stimulus strength up to 6 V, could be recorded. From the velocity of conduction (30 m/sec) it appears that the gastric afferent fibres belong to Group A. The depth-recording resulted in the reversal of the negative sign of the potential at depth beyond 180-200 mu. The significance of the appearance of a positive potential and the cellular configuration of the area of fasciculus is discussed in the context of a possible dipole that might exist in the spatial structure from which the depth-recording has been made.


Reinforcing stimulation of the postero-lateral hypothalamus and mating behaviour in the rat. Male rats implanted with chronic electrodes into the postero-lateral hypothalamic site were tested for self-stimulation behaviour. Rats exhibiting steady self-stimulation behaviour were observed during mating tests with an oestrus female. During these tests the hypothalamus of male rats was stimulated. Results show that no stimulus-bound sexual behaviour was observed. Nevertheless, correlations were found between the rewarding value of the cerebral stimulation and the specific sexual components of mating behaviour. These results are interpreted with the hypothesis of a balancing effect between the reward elicited by direct stimulation of the brain and reward acquired by the presence of an oestrus female.