[Indication and examination technique of voiding cystourethrography in children (author's transl)]. Roentgen diagnosis in children with urological disease are of special interest in pediatric radiology. These examinations are more frequent than those of the gastrointestinal tract. Voiding cystourethrography is an important diagnostic procedure in chronic relapsing urinary infections. Indications and performance of voiding cystourethrographies in children is described. All precautions reducing x-ray exposure have to be taken into consideration. New technical standards enhance higher accuracy in diagnosis at lowest x-ray exposure to the patients.


[Instrumental urological diagnostic procedures in infancy and childhood (author's transl)]. Instrumental investigations with catheters, bougies and endoscopes are important to diagnose urological diseases in children. Possiblities of the instrumental procedures and the value of endoscopy in the diagnosis of vesico-ureteral reflux are demonstrated.


[Gonadal dosis in intravenous urography and voiding cystourethrography of children (athor's transl)]. Measurements of gonadal doses of 92 children during intravenous urography and voiding cystourethrography are reported. The high deviation of doses in the testes is discussed. The application of a lead protector for the testes is demanded to decrease exposure by a factor 15 in the central beam and a factor 1.3-2 in scattered radiation. By choice of spot film radiography instead of large radiography the ovarian dose is reduced to a factor 7-40. The gonadal dose is clearly lower if 70 mm technique instead of large film technique is used. A correlation between area ionisation product and gonadal dose could not be found; therefore the genetic radiation dose cannot be calculated by data recorded as required by law.


[Radiological aspects of knee prostheses (author's transl)]. The radiological evaluation of knee prostheses has its own criteria. Exact implantation of prosthetic components, correction of axial deviations between femure and tibia, bone density near to the prosthesis, width of the radiolucent zone, and the degree of femoropatellar arthrosis are important features. The analysis of 47 knee prostheses showed a less periarticular soft tissue calcifications than in hip prosthesis. Fracture of palacos is not rare and may lead to intraarticular loose bodie's.


["Prophylactic" calcium administration in excretory urography in infants (author's transl)]. The technical approach to excretory urography in the first year of life - especially in small babies - is described. Rare incidents and the clinical toleration are discussed. More than 50% of babies had dyspeptic disturbances following excretory urography. In a previous investigation considerable metabolic changes were found immediately after injection of the contrast medium. Reduction of the calcium blood level seems to be most important. Occasionally convulsions may be induced. 3 ccm/kg body weight of a methylglucaminate is used generally with good toleration (Urovist-Schering). In this investigation 10 babies received 3 ccm Calcium-Sandoz just before the injection of the contrast medium. This prevented hypocalcemia but other electrolytes, for instance potassium had a similar blood level trop as in the control group. Potassium-magnesium-aspartat remained ineffective. Prevention of incidents in babies were reviewed. One possibility could be premedication of calciu. Addition of electrolyte solution (an industrial product) to the contrast medium in children under the age of one year seems to give further improvement. More investigations are necessary.


[Vena cava occlusion-syndrom by leiomyosarcoma. Two case reports (author's transl)]. Two cases of occlusion of the inferior vena cava by leiomyosarcoma are reported. This localisation is extremely rare for mesenchymal tumors. The neoplasm originated from the wall of the vena cava, expanded forward into the lumen of the vessel, in one case up to the right atrium. Collateral circulation, anasarca edema and varices develop by this occlusionsyndrome. The fatal outcome of the disease is usually determined by right heart failure and not by metastases directly. In most cases diagnosis is made by autopsy. In cavography the differential diagnosis of thrombosis might include the rare possibility of leiomyosarcoma of the caval vein. Only early diagnosis makes succesful surgical therapy possible.


Steroids: theoretical and experimental basis for utilization in prevention of contrast media reactions. In vitro and in vivo studies were done to examine the effects of methylprednisolone on the adverse reactions induced by contrast media. At very high concentrations, the steroid potentiated the complement-activating effect produced in vitro by iodipamide, but inhibited the immune and nonimmune mechanisms of hemolysis. Rabbits pretreated for 3 days with intramuscular methylprednisolone (at high or low dosages) were significantly protected against an LD47 challenging dose of iodipamide. Those treated once with a low intravenous dose immediately prior to iodipamide challenge were protected to a lesser degree. Rabbits treated once with a very high intravenous dose of steroid evidenced no protection. A hyper-responsive dog was consistently protected against adverse reactions to injected sodium iothalamate by a 3-day steroid pretreatment.


Mycosis fungoides with rapidly progressive pulmonary infiltration. A case of mycosis fungoides is reported in which diffuse pulmonary infiltration was noted in six days. Although pulmonary infiltration with the abnormal Sézary cells is a frequent occurrence in the extracutaneous spread of mycosis fungoides, this is the first case report documenting the rapidity of spread.


Lymphography in patients with suspected malignancy or fever of unexplained origin. Forty-four patients underwent bipedal lymphography for evaluation of fever of unexplained origin, or because a malignant tumor (usually lymphoma) was suspected clinically. Extensive prior medical evaluation was inconclusive. The lymphograms were of no apparent value in detecting the etiology of the illness. Reactive follicular hyperplasia was frequently seen and sometimes simulated lymphoma on the lymphogram. The primary value of lymphography in such cases is as an aid in planning biopsy and surgery.


The diagnostic accuracy and complications of closed lung biopsies. The diagnostic yields and complication rates of closed lung biopsies were determined by responses to a questionnaire. Of 5,255 procedures reported, 30% were aspiration biopsies (AB), 7% tissue core biopsies (CB), 2% trephine biopsies (TR), 37% bronchial brush biopsies (BB), and 23% transbronchial biopsies (TB). Of these biopsies, 70% were done for suspected neoplasms. The diagnostic accuracy rates were: AB=82%, CB=84%, TR=86%, BB=61%, and TB=56%. Mortality rates were: AB=0.1%, CB=0.3%, TR=2.9%, BB=0.0%, and TB=0.3%. Transthoracic needle biopsies (AB, CB) had the highest overall diagnostic accuracy, with an associated low mortality and moderate morbidity.


Vascular specificity in differentiating adrenal carcinoma from renal cell carcinoma. Cases of adrenal and renal cell carcinoma were reviewed to evaluate vascular origin and architecture. All 9 cases of adrenal carcinoma showed fine, sparse neovascularity. Coarse or at least extensive, neovascularity was demonstrated in 40 of 45 cases of renal cell carcinoma. An analysis of the angiographic features correlated with the known anatomical variations will nearly always enable one to ascertain the origin of the tumor.


Serial computed tomography of primary brain tumors following surgery, irradiation, and chemotherapy. 55 patients with primary brain tumors were studied by CT scans before, during, and after treatment to determine chronological changes in morphology. Pretreatment scans showed decreased density in most glioblastomas and low-grade astrocytomas and normal density in most unbiopsied tumors and optic nerve gliomas. All glioblastomas and 40% of the astrocytomas were enhanced by contrast material, suggesting that the latter tumor can be divided into two prognostic categories based on the presence or absence of enhancement. Lesion size regressed after treatment in 62% of patients, stabilized in 29%, and progressed in 9%. CT findings correlated with the clinical course in 93% of cases. 73% of tumors persisted, 20% disappeared, and 7% recurred after a mean follow-up of 10.1 months.


Radiology of cysticercosis of the central nervous system including computed tomography. Cysticercosis is a parasitic disease in which man serves as the intermediate host of Taenia solium, the pork tapeworm. The larvae have a predilection for the central nervous system and can cause a variety of neurologic and psychiatric symptoms. Areas of involvement are classified as intraventricular, parenchymal, arachnoidal, and mixed. The diagnosis is made primarily by roentgenographic and spinal fluid examinations. The authors reviewed 232 cases of cysticercosis involving the central nervous system. It was found that computed tomography is a useful tool in assessing this illness.


Computed tomography in the evaluation of herpes simplex encephalitis. A case of newborn congenital herpes simplex type 2 viral infection is presented. Computed tomography (CT) revealed diffuse hydrocephalus, and confirmed the periventricular nature of the brain calcifications. The pathologic, radiographic, and CT findings are discussed.


Attenuation values in computed tomography of the abdomen. Attenuation values were obtained from 50 CT examinations of the upper abdomen. A normal range of values, obtained for the organs in the upper abdomen, was compared with patient size and age. Rank ordering according to the mean attenuation values was also performed. The most significant finding was that the liver normally had the highest attenuation value of any of the viscera measured. When another organ in the upper abdomen had a mean value greater than that of the liver, this reflected severe systemic disease.


The nonspecificity of absorption coefficients in the differentiation of solid tumors and cystic lesions. Eleven lesions of the brain were analyzed and compared; they had absorption coefficients uniformly at the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) level following contrast enhancement, and ranged from benign to malignant and solid to cystic. Grossly solid tumors may have absorption coefficients on the CT scan equal to CSF even after contrast enhancement. Absorption coefficients are misleading as histological indicators and in diagnosis; it is impossible to separate cystic from non-cystic, benign from malignant, and neoplastic from non-neoplastic lesions by absorption coefficients alone.


Statistical profiles in computed tomography. A diagnostic console consisting of a high resolution video display coupled to a microcomputer was programmed to enable us to derive a battery of statistical parameters from any area of interest on a CT scan. These statistical parameters enable us to characterize the CT numbers of areas of interest in a more meaningful way than has been possible with most currently available consoles. A combination of statistical parameters enables us to discriminate between certain lesions with similar appearance such as porencephalic cysts, epidermoid tumors and cystic gliomas.


Pericardial cysts. A radiologic-pathologic correlation and review. Pericardial cysts are generally described as round radiodensities typically found at the right cardiophrenic angle in asymptomatic individuals. A review of all cases of pericardial cysts from the files of this Institute reveals that approximately one third of the cysts are found in other locations and that approximately one third of patients have symptoms of chest pain, dyspnea, or persistent cough. The radiographs of 41 patients show that in all but 6 of the cases the cyst is visualized as a round radiodensity touching both the hemidiaphragm and the anterior chest wall. Surprisingly, 15 of the 41 occurred on the left border of the heart. The six cysts significantly above the diaphragm were difficult to diagnosis radiologically and were usually mistaken for thymomas or pulmonary masses; two such cysts caused bronchial obstruction. In general, the possibility that a mass in either anterior cardiophrenic angle is a pericardial cyst should be strongly considered, even if the mass is on the left side and even if the patient is symptomatic.


Cerebral echinococcal cyst demonstrated on radionuclide angiogram: case report. A cerebral echinococcal cyst was detected by cerebral radionuclide angiography as a large avascular mass. Static brain scans did not show the abnormality, emphasizing the diagnostic value of the dynamic phase of the study.


The use of rare-earth radionuclides and other bone-seekers in the evaluation of bone lesions in patients with multiple myeloma or solitary plasmacytoma. Twenty-four patients with multiple myeloma and 4 with solitary plasmacytoma had total-body scans after intravenous injection of 67Ga-citrate alone (17 patients) or combined with other agents (11 patients). The latter included 99mTc-diphosphonate (99mTc-DP), 99mTc-polyphosphate (99mTc-PP), or 99mTc-sulfur colloid (99mTc-SC) given alone or combined with 171Er, 157Dy, or 167Tm as citrate. In some patients more than one agent was compared to 67Ga and radiographic bone surveys. In general, localization of the rare-earth "bone-seekers" was poor except for 157Dy, which compared well with 99mTc-PP and 99mTc-DP; 157Dy was also helpful in studies of the abdomen and pelvis because of its failure to concentrate in the gastrointestinal tract. No toxic or nonspecific effects were noted.


Thick blood syndrome.

Thick blood syndrome. Twenty cases of hyperviscosity were studied prospectively to determine the presence and incidence of radiological findings and whether or not exchange transfusion had an appreciable effect on these findings. Serial chest radiographs revealed increased pulmonary vascularity, hyperaeration, and mild, bilateral alveolar infiltrates (perihilar and/or lower lobe). Ten patients were treated with partial plasma exchange transfusions which resulted in improvement of radiological findings. Hyperviscosity is more common than previously recognized. This entity may have profound significance as a potentially treatable cause of central nervous system damage in the neonate.


Radiological findings in symptomatic neonatal plethora resulting from placental transfusion. As a result of excessive placental transfusion at birth, 8 premature and 3 full-term infants presented with cardiorespiratory and neurological symptoms. Cord clamping was delayed in all infants, and blood volume studies showed polycythemia or hypervolemia. The radiological findings included pulmonary vascular congestion, hyperaeration, pleural effusion, and mild cardiomegaly. Most infants responded to conservative medical management and were asymptomatic within 24 to 72 hours. Three acutely ill infants showed great improvement after phlebotomy, providing further evidence that circulatory overload due to placental transfusion may be the etiological factor in this symptom-complex.


Clinical and radiographic considerations of sacrococcygeal teratomas: an analysis of 26 new cases and review of the literature. Teratomas develop most frequently in the sacrococcygeum and are often diagnosed by simple observation. Most sacrococcygeal teratomas are benign, and evident in the newborn. Females are affected four times more often than males, but affected males are more likely to have malignant tumors. Benign teratomas are generally noninvasive, cystic, and contain calcifications. Surgery is the primary, usually curative treatment, although malignant tumors can be treated effectively only by early diagnosis and removal. Twenty-six cases of sacrococcygeal teratoma were reviewed.


Proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD). Proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD) is a spectrum of congenital osseous anomalies characterized by a deficiency in the structure of the proximal femur. Thirteen patients with PFFD were classified based on a system describing acetabular shape and femoral position. Radiological evaluation includes identification and description of the PFFD and evaluation of the associated limb anomalies, of which ipsilateral fibular hemimelia is the most common. Contrast arthrography is indicated to disclose the presence and location of the femoral head.


Detection and classification of liquid-filled masses in the breast by gray scale echography. Gray scale ultrasonic visualization of the breast is a simple and safe technique for the detection of liquid-filled masses. Cysts and enlarged ducts as small as 2 mm in diameter can be reliably detected with a greater accuracy than is possible with any other imaging technique. The ultrasonic examination provides considerable information about the nature of the constituent tissues, and this information alone is often sufficient for a determination of the correct treatment.


Rocket propellant inhalation in the Apollo-Soyuz astronauts. Acute exposure to monomethylhydrazine and dinitrogen tetroxide, the principal toxic irritants in rocket fuels, is described with particular attention to the development of pulmonary edema as a herbinger of more severe central nervous system toxicity. An acute respiratory embarrassment is documented and possible means of therapy based on animal experimental models is suggested. Early clinical and radiographic examination as a baseline for further evaluation is essential, with follow-up radiographs recommended for assessment of possible developing chronic lung disease.


Ultrasonic distinction of abscesses from other intra-abdominal fluid collections. The nature of 103 intra-abdominal fluid collections examined by ultrasound was determined by autopsy, needle aspiration, spontaneous drainage or surgical exploration. Abscesses, chronic hematomas, lymphoceles, urinomas, cysts and fluid-filled bowel loops are all approximately elliptical or circular in cross section. Collections of ascites have a very irregular outline. Bowel loops appear as multiple circles, all of similar size. Chronic hematomas contain strongly echoing material, while lymphoceles, urinomas, renal and hepatic cysts and collections of ascites are echo-free. Ovarian cysts into which there has been bleeding may contain echoes. The walls of abscesses, chronic hematomas, and bowel loops are less sharp than the walls of other collections. Intrahepatic abscesses may have more ragged walls than abscesses elsewhere. Ultrasonic characteristics of abscesses and hematomas overlap. It is sometimes possible to distinguish the nature of the fluid by its ultrasonic properties, but atypical appearances are not rare.


Use of simethicone as a patient preparation for abdominal sonography. Fifty-eight patients about to undergo abdominal ultrasonography were randomly assigned into groups receiving preparation with oral simethicone and into control groups. A percentage value of sound transmission through the abdomen was calculated for each patient using sonographic measurements taken from a series of prescribed scans by a sonographer unaware of the patient preparation employed. Results indicate a statistically significant improvement in through sound transmission for those groups receiving simethicone preparation.


Distortion in converging collimator scintiphotography. Distortion is intrinsic to converging collimator scintiphotography although converging collimation offers improved resolution and sensitivity. The nature of the distortion is defined and compared to nondistorted parallel-hole collimator images. The analogy between long and short focal-film-distance radiographs, and parallel and converging hole collimators, is discussed.


Combined radiotherapy and Corynebacterium parvum treatment of a murine fibrosarcoma. A single dose of Corynebacterium parvum (Cp) at 70 microgram, 175 microgram or 350 microgram was effective in suppressing the growth of a subcutaneous fibrosarcoma and occasionally in inducing complete regression and in prolonging the survival time of C3H/HeJ tumor-bearing mice. A single exposure of x rays at 2,000 rads induced some complete regression, but a higher number of complete regressions was induced by combined x-ray and Cp treatment. In the combined x-ray and Cp treatment, Cp given on the same day immediately after x irradiation was best. When 70 microgram of Cp was given a few days before x rays, the intravenous and intraperitoneal routes were better than the intratumor route of injection.


Steel trimmer for use with 60Co tangential fields. A prototype steel trimmer provided by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited was modified for use with tangenital wedged 60Co fields. The trimmer virtually eliminated the penumbra of the wedged fields, permitting a more uniform irradiation of the chest wall. There was no significant change in the wedge transmission factors for the trimmed and untrimmed fields.


A device for the administration of high viscosity barium. For the administration of high viscosity barium, the authors employ a standard hardware-grade caulking gun with disposable cartridges. It is economical, permits controlled delivery safely and is considerably faster than conventional gravity feed appliances.


Transumbilical selective angiography in the newborn. A method of transumbilical selective angiography in the newborn using the Seldinger method is presented. Side-hole catheters are unsuitable, and a 5-French polyvinyl catheter is specified.


Radiologic treatment of esophageal food impaction using intravenous glucagon. Obstructing esophageal food impaction was successfully relieved in 3 patients by the administration of intravenous glucagon. Since proteolytic enzyme digestion of bolus impaction carries a clear risk of fatal esophageal perforation, early therapeutic administration of glucagon during initial esophagography affords a safe and effective acute-care radiologic adjunct. Advantages include immediate diagnosis and therapy, effectiveness in meat and vegetable impactions, and safety for repeated doses. A glucagon-papain combination is suggested as a routine regimen during standard efforts at enzymatic disimpaction.


Reciprocating Bucky for serial film changers. A reciprocating Bucky design for serial film changers is described. It is simple to construct. Inexpensive, and enhances radiograph resolution by eliminating grid lines.


Colonic polyp detection: role of roentgenography and colonoscopy. In order to determine the relative yields of colonoscopic and radiologic examinations of the colon, the following guidelines are suggested: (a) prospective data collection; (b) a standard, effective colon cleansing regimen; (c) colonoscopic and radiologic examiners of comparable expertise; (d) examiners should be unaware of each other's findings; (e) a suitable method for demonstrating false-negative findings and for resolving conflicting findings between the two examinations; and (f) indexing of the study findings as to lesion size, lesion location, quality of colon cleansing, and examiner's level of confidence. The two examinations should be used as complementary diagnostic procedures.


Secondary neoplasms of the small bowel.

Secondary neoplasms of the small bowel. Patterns of small bowel involvement from primary neoplasms elsewhere in the body were studied in order to determine whether the location of the lesions or their radiological appearance could provide criteria for distinguishing secondary from primary lesions. Multiplicity of lesions and the finding of "transverse stretch" were found to be highly indicative of secondary neoplastic involvement of the small bowel.


Visualization of the gallbladder wall at excretory urography: implication for infusion tomography of the gallbladder. Visualization of the gallbladder wall during intravenous infusion of diatrizoate has been equated with cholecystopathy. However, a large control group of patients without biliary tract symptoms has not been studied. The authors examined a group of 2,867 such patients who underwent excretory urography; the results suggest that visualization of the normal gallbladder wall occurs frequently enough to severely limit the usefulness of infusion tomography of the gallbladder in the diagnosis of cholecystopathy.


Wandering spleen--the radiological and clinical spectrum. Eight cases of wandering spleen demonstrate that this rare entity has a characteristic constellation of findings which, though nonspecific, are highly suggestive of the diagnosis. Angiography or isotopic imaging specific for the spleen confirms the diagnosis. Asymptomatic patients may be carefully observed, with the institution of splenectomy should signs of torsion develop.


Criteria for examination of the urethra during excretory urography. Of 2,234 patients, 97 (4.3%) had symptoms suggesting of urethral diseases, and underwent excretory voiding urethrography (EVU) as part of their excretory urographic examination. Successful EVU examinations were obtained in 84 (87%); 43 (51%) had abnormal findings; 29 (34%) were normal; and 12 (12%) were considered probably normal, with no further study required. The additional portion of the study can be accomplished without a significant increase in examination time and without excessive additional imaging; it avoids the risks of catheterization.


The value of compression during excretion voiding urethrography. Voiding urethrography with compression of the urethral meatus was evaluated as part of excretory urography in patients with symptoms involving the lower urinary tract. Meatal compression permits distension of the urethra distal to any area of increased resistance to flow, obviating the need for retrograde urethrography. The examination can be performed as part of routine excretory urography and avoids the hazards of urethral catheterization. In selected patients, excretion voiding urethrography with compression has given as much information as the combination of noncompression voiding urethrography and retrograde urethrography.


Intervertebral disk calcification associated with spine fusion. Intervertebral disk calcification and spine fusion were observed in patients with Klippel-Feil syndrome, myositis ossificans progressive, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and surgical spine fusion. The fusion appears to come first, leading to calcification. This suggests that fusion prevents the normal mechanical stresses within the disk, leading to premature degenerative changes and calcification of the nucleus pulposus.


Malignant myelosclerosis simulating metastatic bone disease. A case of malignant myelosclerosis is described in a patient with a previous breast carcinoma. The difficulty in differentiating this entity from metastatic bone disease is discussed.


Arthrography in the diagnosis of ligament injuries and classification of ankle injuries. Arthrography was assessed in 300 cases of ankle injury to determine its diagnostic information yield and its aid in classifying ankle injuries. No complications occurred as a result of the procedure. In 59 cases, information gained from the procedure was verified at surgery. Arthrography was considered to give valuable information in 85% of the cases of ligament ruptures.


Magnification film mammography: image quality and clinical studies. Direct radiographic magnification (1.5 X) of the breast with a microfocus x-ray tube was compared with conventional contact mammography. Measurements of modulation transfer functions, Wiener spectra, scattered radiation, and dosimetry permitted quantitative comparisons of resolution, noise, contrast, and patient exposure. Images of surgical specimens of the breast, and the breasts of 125 patients, were qualitatively compared. Magnification images were superior (increased resolution, reduced noise) to conventional mammography images, at the expense of increased radiation dose. Clinical study revealed that the superior magnification image is useful in distinguishing malignant from benign breast disease, in selected cases.


Image quality in mammography.

Image quality in mammography. Image quality in mammography is affected by the shape, size, and x-ray absorption properties of the anatomic part or lesion to be radiographed in addition to x-ray beam quality, geometric unsharpness, and the resolution, characteristic curve, and noise properties of the recording system. The authors review x-ray energy spectra, modulation transfer functions. Wiener spectra, characteristic and gradient curves, and radiographs of a breast phantom and a resected breast specimen containing microcalcifications; these factors, and the complex relationship between them, affect image quality and patient radiation exposure. Evaluation of the best system or technique for obtaining a breast image is discussed in terms of the compromise between diagnostic certainty and cost or risk.


Fine needle aspiration biopsy of retroperitoneal lymph nodes and abdominal masses: an updated report. Percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy of retroperitoneal lymph nodes and abdominal masses was performed in 109 patients. Eighty-five per cent of the aspiration biopsies yielded sufficient cytologic material for a correct diagnosis. Indications include confirmation of lymphangiographic findings and the establishment of a histologic diagnosis in lieu of surgery. No significant complications were encountered.


A vena cava filter using thermal shape memory alloy. Experimental aspects. Surgical ligation of the vena cava in the treatment of pulmonary embolism is already being superseded by devices introduced via a peripheral vein. A new metal alloy (nitinol) with unique memory characteristics forms the basis of an experimental device which promises even greater safety, simplicity and speed of introduction. It is inserted as a straight thin wire via the small bore catheter used for angiographic diagnosis. Upon reaching the lumen of the inferior vena cava and sensing body temperature, it reverts to its preset complex filter shape and locks into place permanently. It will trap further thromboemboli from the pelvis or lower limbs.


Transcatheter splenic arterial occlusion: an experimental study in dogs. Three techniques of transcatheter splenic arterial occlusion were evaluated in dogs. Angiographic, hematologic, and morphologic studies were done up to 9 weeks postocclusion. All animals showed hematologic changes characteristic of depressed splenic function; the degree and duration of these changes depended upon the technique. Alterations in histology including vascular congestion, infarction, and fibrosis, were also dependent upon the method used and the time elapsed after occlusion. Celiac angiography demonstrated the extent of collateral circulation and degree of recanalization of the occluded vessels. Potential clinical applications are discussed.


Analogues of anthracene, phenanthrene, and benzoflavone inhibit prostaglandin biosynthesis by cells in culture. Prostaglandin production by methylcholanthrene-transformed 3T3 mouse fibroblasts (MC5-5), human normal fibroblasts (D550), and canine kidney (MDCK) cells was inhibited by several analogues of anthracene, phenanthrene, and benzoflavone. Among the most effective inhibitors of MC5-5's prostaglandin production were anthracene (ID50=1.7 micrometer), 9,10-diaminophenanthrene (ID50=0.48 micrometer), and 7,8-benzoflavone (ID50=0.55 micrometer). Under identical conditions, the ID50's for indomethacin and aspirin were 0.049 and 8.9 micrometer respectively. Production of radioactive prostaglandins by MC5-5 cells from tritiated phospholipids was blocked by 7,8-benzoflavone, but not the release of radioactive arachidonic acid.


Adenosine as a natural prostaglandin antagonist in vascular smooth muscle. Adenosine has actions on smooth muscle similar to those of prostaglandin (PG) antagonists. Like some PG antagonists it is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor and seems to interfere with calcium effects. It has agonist/antagonist interactions with theophylline, a PG antagonist. In rat mesenteric vascular smooth muscle adenosine blocked responses to noradrenaline which depend on release of intracellular calcium but not those to potassium ions which depend on calcium entry from extracellular fluid. Partial inhibition of endogenous PG synthesis by indomethacin enhanced the adenosine effect. In preparations in which vascular reactivity had been abolished by indomethacin and then partly restored by 1 or 5 ng/ml PG2, adenosine also inhibited responses to noradrenaline: the curve for the 5 ng/ml PG2 concentration was to the right of and parallel to the 1 ng/ml curve consistent with a competitive interaction between adenosine and PG2. Similar interactions between adenosine and PG2 were shown in human lymphocytes in which activation also depends on calcium release. These findings suggest how calcium-dependent metabolic responses may be controlled and indicate further reasons for caution in the interpretation of cyclic AMP experiments.


Prostaglandin E antagonist activity of 11, 15-bisdeoxy prostaglandin E1 and congeners. d,l-11, 15-bisdeoxy PGE1 and certain of its congeners were shown to inhibit gerbil colon contractions induced by l-PGE1. While some of these compounds were selectively antagonistic of PGE1-induced contractions, others additionally inhibited the gerbil colon agonist activities of l-PGE2alpha and acetylcholine. The PGE1 inhibitory activity was apparently competitive in nature. With relatively weak potencies, the bisdeoxy PGE congeners displaced 3H-PGE1 from a fat cell binding site, suggesting competition for a common, putative receptor. Structure-activity relationships and potential utility of these analogs are discussed.


A possible role of prostaglandins in guinea-pig isolated ileum contractions to serotonin. Nine non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs have been tested for their effect on contractions to serotonin of the guinea-pig isolated ileum. They exert a potent inhibition which is totally reversible by washing out the drugs. It is also well reversed by the addition of small amounts of PGE1 to the bath. It is concluded that prostaglandins exert a role in these contractions to serotonin which is probably specific as well as non specific.


Actions of the tricyclic antidepressant clomipramine on responses to pressor agents. Interactions with prostaglandin E2. Clomipramine inhibited pressor responses to potassium ions and vasopressin in the rat mesenteric vascular bed with an ID50 of about 1.8 microgram/ml against both pressor agents and the actions of indomethacin and PG2 on the clomipramine effect suggested that the drug may have been antagonising the action of an endogenous PG. This was supported by the inhibitory action of clomipramine on PG2 actions on guinea-pig ileum. A lower concentration also inhibited pressor responses to noradrenaline and angiotensin (ID50 about 9 ng/ml): inhibition was increased by PG2 and reduced by indomethacin. In this preparation potassium and vasopressin act primarily by stimulating calcium entry from the extracellular fluid whereas noradrenaline and angiotensin act primarily by releasing calcium from intracellular or membrane-bound stores. Our results can be explained by two actions: 1. a PG-antagonist action of clomipramine at the cell membrane and 2. a selectve inhibitory effect on release of intracellular calcium. Clomipramine may prove useful in studying PG and calcium-dependent mechanisms.


Role of prostaglandins in the mediation of systemic tachyphylaxis to angiotensin II. Angiotensin-induced prostaglandin release has been implicated in the deveolpment of tachyphylaxis to angiotensin in vitro. Based on these findings and evidence that prostaglandins modulate the angiotensin reposne locally, experiments were done to investigate the role of prostaglandins in the systemic tachyphylaxis to angiotensin. Rats were given intravenous infusions of 1-asparaginyl-5-valyl and 1-aspartyl-5-isoleucyl andiotensin II at two different doses. Using systemic blood pressure as a parameter, varying degrees of tachyphylaxis were produced and the aspartyl analog was found to be more tachyphylactic. When rats were given indomethacin, a prostaglading synthesis inhibitors, the response to intravenous infusion of aspartyl angiotensin was not significantly altered.


Urinary excretion of immunoreactive prostaglandin E: a circadian rhythm and the effect of posture. The excretion of urinary immunoreactive prostaglandin E (iPGE), sodium, potassium, creatinine and volume was studied in 4 hr collections in normal women at normal activity. iPGE exhibited a circadian rhythm with an amplitude of 29% and peak excretion at 4:55 P. M. There were also significant circadian rhythms for sodium, potassium, creatinine, and volume, all peaking in late afternoon. There were no significant changes either in the total excretion or in the circadian rhythms of iPGE, potassium, or creatinine excretion when the subjects remained in bed for an entire day while the circadian rhythms of sodium and volume were significantly modified in amplitude and phase, respectively. Urinary aldosterone excretion decreased significantly when the subjects were at bed rest. iPGE excretion increased 33% when subjects were first recumbent and then erect for consecutive 4 hr period on the same day (but when subjects were erect 1 day for a 4 hr period, iPGE excretion was lower by 32% than for the same 4 hr period the preceding day when they were recumbent). These data indicate that: 1) the sympathetic nervous system and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system do not affect the circadian rhythms of urinary iPGE, and 2) short-term experiments of prostaglandin E excretion must be designed to avoid misleading results due to the circadian rhythm.


Effects of arachidonic, linoleic, linolenic and oleic acid on experimental arrhythmias in cats, rabbits and guinea-pigs. Antiarrhythmic effects of the Prostaglandin (PG) precursors arachidonic and Linoleic acid were demonstrated on three models of experimental arrhythmias, whereas the fatty acids linolenic and oleic acid proved to be ineffective in these models. In ouabain-induced arrhythmias infusions of arachidonic acid (1, 0 mg/kg/min) caused a strong antiarrhythmic effect in 80 percent of the animals. On the same model linoleic acid showed a maximum effct in 40 percent of the animals. BaCl2-induced arrhythmias were abolished by arachidonic and linoleic acid in 60 percent and 66 percent of the rabbits, respectively. Pretreatment by indomethacin reduced the antiarrhythmic effects of linoleic acid from 40 percent to 9 percent on ouabain-induced arrhythmias in cats. The results suggest a participation of PG synthesis in the antiarrhythmic effect of PG precursors.


The influence of unsaturated fatty acids on prostaglandin-release in isolated perfused guinea-pig hearts. Isolated perfused hearts of guinea-pig continuously release a prostaglandin-like substance into the effluent. Polyunsaturaed fatty acids, linoleic acid and arachidonic acid greater than linolenic acid, induced an increase in PG-efflux. Oleic acid was without effect. The results suggest that PG-formation is involved in the increase of contractile force and coronary flow after administration of linoleic, linolenic and arachidonic acids.


Structural requirements for, and the effects of chemicals on, the rat pulmonary inactivation of prostaglandins. We have investigated the removal of prostaglandins (PGs) from the pulmonary circulation using the isolated perfused rat lung in order to determine which parts of the PG molecule were essential for transport into the pulmonary tissue. From these studies we propse that three functional groups of the PG molecule are necessary for transport into the lung tissue: the carboxylic acid group at carbon 1, hydroxyl group at carbon 15, and an oxygen group at carbon 11. The geometrical relationship between these groups is important for transport since reduction of the 13, 14-double bond reduced transport, and changing the C-15 hydroxyl from an S to R configuration abolished transport. Various chemicals, drugs, and PG antagonists were tested for their ability to inhibit the transport system resposible for PG removal from the circulation. Diphloretin phosphate and polyphloretin phosphate were effective inhibitors, whereas dexamethasone, bromocresol green N-ethyl maleimide and imipramine were moderately effective inhibitors. The PG antagonist, SC-19220, 7-oxo-13-prostynoic acid, and hydrocortisone were ineffective.


Synthesis of diastereomeric bis-unsaturated prostaglandins. With the report given herein all diastereomers of PGF2, PGE2, and PGD2 which bear the naturally recognized 15-S hydroxylated center, whether in the natural or entprostanoic acid skeleton, have been prepared by a route involving initial introduction of the carboxyl (alpha) chain (1). A major advantage of the initial alpha-ylation route is the facile reduction of the 13, 14-en-15-one system with methanolic NaBH4 which proceeds without competing 1,4-reduction. The products are thus free of 13,14-dihydro-PG2 contaminants (2). The initial pharmacological evaluation of these diastereomers will be submitted for publication in this journal (3).


The mode of action of aescin and the release of prostaglandins. The horse-chestnut saponin Aescin, an anti-exudative compound, induces contraction of isolated portal vein of rat and rabbit. This effect appears to be mediated by Prostaglandins of Falpha type. The ability of Aescin to stimulate generation and release of Prostaglandins has been demonstrated in isolated lung of the rat. Mass-fragmentographic analysis of the lung effluent indicate that when Aescin is perfused through this organ the release of PGF2alpha is increased. The capability of Aescin to generate Prostaglandins is discussed in connection with its anti-exudative activity.


Uptake and metabolism of prostaglandins by isolated perfused lung: species comparisons and the role of plasma protein binding. We have investigated the uptake and subsequent metabolism of the prostaglandins (PGs) PGE1, PGA1, and PGB1 by rat, guinea pig and rabbit isolated perfused lungs (IPL). Significant species differences were not observed in the uptake or metabolism of any PG on passage through the IPL. However, differences in the uptake of PGA1 and PGB1 and in the metabolism of PGA1 were observed with a given species when the composition of the perfusion medium was varied. The IPL removed minimal amounts (less than 20% of the supply rate) of PGA1, and PGB1 from the circulation when the perfusate contained 4.5% bovine serum albumin (BSA). In the absence of BSA, however, both PGA1 and PGB1 were substantially removed from circulation (approximately 53% of the supply rate) and PGA1 was also metabolized. The composition of the perfusate had no effect on the uptake and metabolism of PGE1 which was always taken up and metabolized to a greater extent than was PGA1 and PGB1. Thus, the apparent species differences previously reported for the pulmonary biotransformation of PGA can result from differences in the perfusion medium used. Our data suggest that both plasma protein binding and a transport system play important roles in determining the selectively of the uptake of PGs by the lung.


Effects of propranolol on the responses of the rat stomach strip to prostaglandin E2. Propranolol is a local anaesthetic, membrane-stabilizing drug as well as a beta blocker. 2 mug/ml is added to many PG bioassay systems in order to inhibit beta adrenergic effects. This concentration inhibited responses of the rat stomach strip to PGE2 concentrations below 5 x 10(-7)M but potentiated responses to higher PGE2 concentrations. In calcium-free buffer only the potentiation was seen. Propranolol may not be a suitable drug for use in PG bioassay systems.


Comparison of the effects of prostaglandins D2, F2alpha and E1 on spontaneous contractions of rabbit oviduct. The effects of PGD2, PGF2alpha and PGE1 were studied on the circular muscle of post-ovulatory rabbit oviducts in vitro. PGE1 inhibited spontaneous contractile activity. Lower concentrations of PGD2 and PGF2alpha were stimulatory and higher concentrations were inhibitory. Since PGD2 may be produced in the oviduct, any hypothesis concerning the role of prostaglandins in the control of oviductal motility and ovum transport should include PGD2 as well as PGFs and PGEs.


Effects of prostaglandins E2 and F2alpha on lecithin biosynthesis by cultured lung cells. Transformed cells from human lung carcinoma (Line A549), resembling type II pneumocytes, were cultured in monolayer at 37 degrees C and incubated for five hours with 3H-choline and 14C-palmitate in the presence of various concentrations of prostaglandins (PGS) E2 and F2alpha. In the control (no PG) the level of % palmitate incorporation was 13.5 x as high as that of choline, after taking isotope dilution into account. Between the concentrations studied, 0.1 and 10 muM, both prostaglandins stimulated markedly the incorporation of both precursors, though choline up to 3 x better than palmitate. This was indicated by a change in the palmitate/choline incorporation ratio from 13.5 to as low as 4.2. At the lowest PG concentration, 0.1 muM, PGE2 was much more effective than PGF2alpha in stimulating the incorporation of both precursors.


Reduced exudation and increased tissue proliferation during chronic inflammation in rats deprived of endogenous prostaglandin precursors. Two models of chronic inflammation were studied in rats deprived of endogenous precursors of prostaglandins by feeding the animals on essential fatty acid deficient (EFAD) food. During kaolin-induced pouch-granuloma, exudate production was markedly reduced in EFAD rats, when compared with normal animals. The exudates from normal rats contained large amounts of PGE, but in the exudates from EFAD rats the amount of PGE was very markedly reduced. Similarly, with carrageenan-impregnated polyether sponges, the exudative component of inflammation was reduced in EFAD rats. However, the proliferative component was significantly increased, particularly in relation to the stunted growth of EFAD rats. Sponge exudates from EFAD rats contained fewer leucocytes than those from normal animals but the fall in leucocyte count was much smaller than the very marked reduction in PGE activity. EFAD rats also exhibited a significant increase in adrenal weights. The results are discussed in the light of the ambivalent (pro- or anti-inflammatory) role of endogenous PGS. It appears that, in the proliferative phase of inflammation, the anti-inflammatory role of PGs is more dominant.


Plasma concentrations of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin E2 in rabbits bearing the VX2 carcinoma: effects of hydrocortisone and indomethacin. In rabbits bearing the prostaglandin-producing VX2 carcinoma, the plasma concentration of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGE2 (PGE2-M) was elevated within one week after tumor implantation and preceded the development of hypercalcemia. Both the rate of rise and magnitude of the increase were greater for the metabolite than for PGE2; at the time of peak hyercalcemia (about 4 to 5 weeks after tumor implantation), the increase over basal in plasma PGE2-M was about 75 fold whereas it was previously shown that the increase in PGE2 was less than 2 fold. Indomethacin, which inhibits PGE2 synthesis in VX2 cells in culture, lowered in parallel plasma calcaium and PGE2-M in tumor-bearing rabbits. Administration of hydrocortisone to rabbits bearing the VX2 tumor prevented the development of hypercalcemia when given at the time of tumor implantation and reversed the elevated plasma calcium in previously untreated animals; the steroid hormone also lowered plasma concentrations of PGE2-M. These findings are consistent with our hypothesis that the hypercalcemic syndrome in VX2 tumor-bearing rabbits is due to the secretion of PGE2 by the tumor.


Prostaglandin-mediated hypercalcemia in the VX2 carcinoma-bearing rabbit. Prostaglandin biosynthesis and metabolism were studied in the VX2 carcinoma-bearing rabbit, an animal model of prostaglandin-mediated hypercalcemia. All the identification and quantification of the prostaglandins were done by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The tumor incubated in vitro converted exogeneous arachidonic acid principally to PGE2. Biosynthesis from endogenous precursor lipids yields mainly PGE2 and PGF2alpha. The 100,000 x g supernatant fluid of the tumor did not contain any metabolizing enzymes. Significant hypercalcemia developed between the first and second week after tumor implantation. The levels of the major plasma metabolite of PGE2, 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGE2, became elevated at one week, had risen 25-fold by the end of the second week, and at the fourth week were elevated to 256 times the pre-incubation levels. The concentration of 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGF2alpha in plasma rose in parallell but to a lesser degree. 7alpha-hydroxy-5,11-diketotetranor-prostane-1,16-dioic acid, the major urinary metabolite of the E prostaglandins, was elevated two weeks after tumor implantation and rose until the fifth week. Indomethacin treatment lowered both serum calcium and the plasma level of 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGE2.


Measurement of prostaglandin F2alpha levels in cerebrospinal fluid of febrile and afebrile patients with advanced cancer. Prostaglandin F2alpha levels were measured by radioimmunoassay in 95 samples of unextracted human cerebrospinal fluid obtained from 73 patients with advanced cancer. Concentrations of PGE were too low to be reliably determined by this method using the commercially available kits. Forty-six of the samples assayed contained less than 25pg/ml PGF2alpha. The remaining levels ranged from 25 to 1154 pg/ml c.s.f.; the majority contained less than 200pg/ml. A possible correlation was found between elevated c.s.f. granulocyte count and increased PGF2alpha. A similar relationship was found with regard to protein. These studies failed to demonstrate a correlation between elevated levels of PGF2alpha in cerebrospinal fluid and any pathophysiologic condition.


A human model system for the release of endogenous inhibitor(s) of prostaglandin biosynthesis. The evolving vesicular patch test reaction served as a human model for immunologically induced epidermal damage. We observed that inhibitory factor(s) were detectable in the homogenates only after epidermal disruption had appeared. Maximum inhibition correlated with acute changes seen histologically in the evolving patch test reaction. During resolution of the patch test reaction, the presence of inhibitory factor(s) in the skin homogenates became undetectable. A white ring similar to the Woronoff ring described after ultraviolet light and coal tar therapy of psoriatic plaques was reproduced surrounding the vesicular patch test reaction, suggesting that the inhibitory substance(s) detected following epidermal trauma of various types (physical, immunologic, inflammatory, etc.) functioned in vivo in a similar fashion. Our results suggest that Woronoff's ring is a nonspecific phenomenon that can be formed following various types of trauma to the skin rather than a specific occurrence associated only with the treatment of psoriatic plaques.


Effectiveness of extra-ovular injection of prostaglandin E2 in tylose gel to ripen the cervix prior to elective induction of labor at term. Ripening of the unfavorable cervix (Bishop score less than or equal to 4) was obtained in 92 clinically normal gravidae at term (68 nulliparae and 24 parous women), not in labor and with intact membranes, by injecting one or two doses (250 to 500 mug each) of prostaglandin (PG)E2 suspended in a viscous gel (5% Tylose) into the extra-ovular space. On average 7 to 8 hours after the injection the mean increase of the cervical score was 3.7 and 4.1 in the nulliparous and parous women, respectively. Complications associated with placement of the catheter were few. The method is simple, well tolerated and no untoward maternal or perinatal effects could be directly attributed to it. However, suitable criteria for predicting both the effect of the procedure and the optimal PG dose to be administered are still needed.


Midtrimester and missed abortion treated with intramuscular 15 (s)-15 methyl PGF2alpha. Abortion was successfully induced in 79 of 80 patients in midtrimester, by the serial administration of 250 microgram of 15 (S)-15 methyl PGF2alpha intramuscularly every second hour until abortion occurred. All 12 patients with missed abortion and 87% of the legal abortion patients aborted within 24 hours. The average period until abortion occurred in the missed abortion group was 8.2 hours (+/- 4.5 SD), and in the legal abortion group 16.4 hours (+/- 7.3 SD). All the patients were given prophylactic treatment for vomiting, using prochlorperazine. The average number of episodes of vomiting was 2.8 per ptient. All but 3 patients were given loperamide or diphenoxylate for "diarrhoea". The average number of episodes of diarrhoea was 2.5 per patient. The frequency of complications was low apart from a case of low uterine rupture.


[Description of Streptomyces malvinense nov. sp. isolated from the soil of Islas Malvinas]. In the course of a study on antibiotic activity of microorganisms isolated from soil samples from Port Stanley, Islas Malvinas, Argentina, four thermophilic Actinomycetes were sudied. The four strains had the same morphological and physiological characteristics. The new species belonged to Seccion Rectiflexibilis genus Streptomyces and had the following characteristics: sporophores straight, round spores of 1,5 or 2 millimicron in diameter. The colonies in agar meat peptone were round, flat, mealy, with fimbriate edges, odorless, friable, easy to emulsify and the aerial mycelium was white to light gray. The sporulation was rapid (less of 24 hours at 50 degrees C), the microorganisms grew in media with organic nitrogen and his ability to utilize carbon was scarce, only a trace of growth was detected with manitol (20 days at 50 degrees C). No growth was observed in gliceril-asparagine agar and the utilization of glucose was scarce or absent. It produced coagulation and peptonization of milk and liquifaction of gelatin. Neither was starch hidrolized nor nitrate reduced. The optimun growth temperature was between 45 - 60 degrees C. Very resistant to high temperatures having a thermal death point of more that 2 hours at 100 degrees C. It produced SH2.


[Effect of triiodotyronine on liver glycogen in gallus domesticus (author's transl)]. The effect of single injections of triiodotyronine (T3) on liver glycogen levels of Gallus domesticus has been studied at the embryonary and postnatal stages. In starved newborn chickens, after the administration of 4 microgram of T3, an important decrease in liver glucogen is observed between 4 and 10 hours after the injection. In a series of experiments following the chicken development, a gradual increase in glycogen can be seen, until the sixth day after eclosion, with the only exception of newborn chickens. T3 has a gradual and significant effect from the 17 th. incubation day onwards producing a decrease in liver glycogen to values lightly inferior to 50% of the control.


[Erythropoiesis in the mouse following chronic administration of small doses of busulphan (author's transl)]. After both splenectomized and non-splenectomized mice had received a total amount of five doses of Busulfan at a rate of 0.14 mg/48 h, the recovery of their erythropoietic organs through the addition of 59Fe was investigated, after the cytostatic treatment had been cut off. In the non-splenectomized animals recovery was clear, keeping high 59Fe uptake values, significantly above normal, throughout the 21 days of the experiment. In the splenectomized mice, 59Fe uptake reached a peak of 38 per cent three days after the supply had been cut off, and from then on it descended to subnormal values.


Participation of the nervous system in the adrenal cortical response to neurogenic stress. The response to immobilization stress has been studied in intact, hypophysectomized and hemidecorticated (bearing removal of the left cortical hemisphere) male rats. Blood and adrenal corticosterone content was measured fluorimetrically in these animals, killed at different intervals after the beginning of the stress. In intact animals, a monophasic curve, stabilized after 10 minutes, was obtained in blood, and a biphasic response occurred in the adrenal gland, with similar peaks at 5 and 30 minutes. In hypophysectomized animals a decrease of adrenal corticosterone, parallel to a blood increase, was found during the first 10 minutes. After 15 minutes the elevation was simultaneous in blood and adrenal glands. In hemidecorticated animals no difference was found between the homo and heterolateral glands to the ablation, but the adrenal basal level was higher than that in intact animals. The gas-liquid chromatographic study has permitted observation of changes in the relative concentrations of the different corticosteroids in the above mentioned groups.


[Effect of the overload of Sr++ and Ba++ on the association of Ca+, Mg++ and Pi with total proteins (author's transl)]. The percentage of ultrafiltrable calcium, magnesium and inorganic phosphate has been determined with overload of strontium and barium in concentrations of 50 and 100 ppm. The first and the third decreased significantly, whereas magnesium did not.


[Serum levels of testosterone, follicie-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone in normal human males (author's transl)]. The serum levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) have been measured in healthy man of different ages to stablish their normal values in the population of Granada. The serum levels of testosterone, FSH and LH have been compared to each other in each age group. No clear relation between these hormones was found at any age.


[Effect of administering prostaglandine f2alpha and e2 on lh secretion in rat (author's transl)]. Intraperitoneal administration of 100 ng of synthetic LH-RH to castrated male rats, produces a significant elevation of plasma LH values, as determined by RIA. A greater increase is obtained, by administrating 400 ng of LH-RH. Intrayugular injection of physiologic saline reduces basal values of plasma LH. This pattern is not modified by administration of 10 microgram or 100 microgram of PGF2alpha. On the other hand 10 microgram of PGE2 compensates the fall and 100 microgram significantly increases plasma LH over the basal values. Intracarotidly a similar pattern is observed. Plasma LH values decreases in the control group and no modification is observed by the administration of 10 microgram of PGF2alpha. By injecting the same amount of PGE2, plasma LH values remains constant, compensating the fall observed in the controls. Our results show a stimulatory effect of PGE2 and no effect of PGF2alpha on LH secretion in the castrated male rat.


[Some aspects of vagal control of exocrine pancreatic secretion in rabbits (author's transl)]. Stimulation of the thoracic vagus nerves in anesthetized rabbit appears to act only by increasing the amylase content of pancreatic juice. Stimulation of the abdominal vagus nerve slightly increased the flow of juice and clearly its amylase content, effects which were respectively reduced and abolished by atropine. The vagal control of the exocrine pancreas in rabbits shows substantial differences when compared with other herbivorous monogastric species such as horse and pig.


Influence of the ionic environment on the responses to adrenaline and potassium of the isolated rat tail artery. Isolated non-stripped segments of the rat tail artery, after stimulation by catecholamines or high-K, developed an isometric contraction strong enough to as, to allow easy recording of complete dose response curves. Lowering external Na to 17% of its standard concentration decreased the responses to the higher range of K concentrations whereas it enhanced those to the lower range of K concentrations. Raising external Na by 38% or decreasing it 50% did not alter responses to adrenaline. But, lowering Na enhanced those responses when arteries were rendered hypodynamic by prior immersion in a low-Ca medium. The curves depicting the relationship between Ca concentrations and tension induced by adrenaline or high-K were also studied. Curves of the arteries exposed to adrenaline were placed to the left with respect to those of K. The present data provide evidences that Na is involved in the excitation-contraction coupling processes of arterial smooth muscle. However, its role is affected when Na concentration is far below the physiological one. The effects of changing Na concentrations vary according to the K and Ca concentrations. It also reinforced the belief that adrenaline may act by increasing the Ca inward movement beyond that elicited by mere depolarization.


Intestinal absorption of sugars and amino acids in the earthworm. Absorption of glucose, galactose, fructose and leucine from luminal to coelomic compartments across the intestinal wall of Scherotheca sp. seems to be a simple diffusion process and not a product of active transport or facilitated diffusion. A concentration gradient never developed from identical initial concentrations of the 14C-labelled substrates on either side of in vitro everted intestinal sacs. The rates of net passage of glucose and galactose were in linear function with the respective sugar concentration gradient. A competition between these two sugars was not observed. The diffusion rate of glucose was higher from mucosal to serosal than in reverse direction. Intestinal tissues synthesized glycogen from glucose in the medium, this process being strongly inhibited by dinitrophenol.


[Purification of peroxidases and separation of isoperoxidases from various plant species (author's transl)]. The partial purification of peroxidase (EC.1.11.1.7) and separation of isoperoxidases by disc electrophoresis from Cucurbita Pepo L., Phaseolus vulgaris L., Cicer arietinum L. and Hordeum, Secale and Triticum sp., have been studied. Peroxidase from fruit of pumpkin and from 6-day-old coleoptiles of French bean and chick pea has been partially purified, 128-, 174-, and 140-fold, respectively. The apparent Km at the optimum pH were: pumpkin (epicarp.), 2.7 X 10(-4) M; barley, common rye and wheat (primary leaves, in all cases), 1.4 X 10(-5), 1.2 X 10(-5) and 3.1 X 10(-5) M, respectively. Isoperoxidases have been separated by disc electrophoresis on 7% polyacrylamide gel and stained with p-phenylenediamine. Differences in patterns of anodic and cathodic isozymes were observed: 3 isozymes from fruits of pumpkin, 4 from French bean, 4 from chick pea, 11 from leaves of barley, 10 from leaves of common rye and 9 from leaves of wheat.


[Electrophysiology of the telencephalic cortex in reptiles (lacerta galloti); EEG and evoked potentials (author's transl)]. EEG recordings were made on the telencephalic cortex of the saurius Lacerta galloti by means of chronically and acute implanted electrodes. In acute experiment cases, the animal was curariced and given artificial respiration. In chronic experiment cases the recordings were made extradurally, epicortically and subcortically. Evoked potentials were obtained by optical, acoustic and somatosensory stimulations. The results show two main aspects: 1. High amplitude slow waves. 2. Very abundant spindles of high frequency. They also show clear responses to sensorial stimuli but without precise topographical localization.


Whole-body hyperthermia. A systemic treatment for disseminated cancer. At the present time, whole body hyperthermia has been used to palliate disseminated disease in terminally ill patients, and to increase the quality of their lives by relieving tumour induced pain. Soft tissue sarcomas and tumours of gastro-intestinal origin may prove to be sensitive to hyperthermia. The future depends on finding individual tumour sensitivities and fractionating treatment more effectively.


Marihuana metabolites in urine of man. VII. Excretion patterns of acidic metabolites detected by sequential thin layer chromatography. The 11-oic acid metabolites of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabidiol (CBD) can be identified presumptively in human urine using standard thin layer chromatographic procedures. Other acidic metabolites are also excreted but these are not yet identified. These acidic metabolites appear in urine soon after exposure but persist for at least 48 to 72 hours. Such long persistence does not permit their detection to be used for forensic purposes. Using only simple chemical methods, we have been able to identify presumptively the 11-oic acids of THC, CBN and CBD in the urine of persons taking these materials. A sequential thin-layer chromatography system we have devised provided the basis for this first report of such isolation without the use of labeled drug or mass spectrometric methods.


3H-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol distribution in pregnant dogs and their fetuses. Pregnant dogs were administered intravenously 0.5 mg/kg of 3H-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and sacrificed at 30 minutes, the time of peak behavioral effects. The distribution of radioactivity in mothers and fetuses was quantified in many peripheral tissues and in major brain areas by sample combustion and liquid scintillation spectrometry. Brains were subfractionated by differential centrifugation in order to compare the subcellular localization of radioactivity in maternal and fetal brains. Although the level of radioactivity in maternal brain was three times higher than that in fetal brain, the distribution of radioactivity in the major brain areas was similar in mothers and fetuses. However, the subcellular distribution of radioactivity in whole brain homogenate of fetal dogs was markedly different from that in whole brain homogenates from mothers and appeared to be related directly to differing phospholipid content.


Acute and chronic effects of tetrahydrocannabinols on monoamide oxidase activity: possible vehicle/tetrahydrocannabinol interactions. The acute and chronic effects of delta9 and delta8-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) were studied on the monoamine oxidase (MAO) acitvity of various organs of the rat. The experimental design included two vehicles for the cannabinols (1% Tween 80 in saline and ethanol) and a further control group, given saline only. Neither delta9 nor delta8-THC (1 and 14 mg/kg, i.p.) altered MAO activity after one day and no changes from the saline control were found in the vehicle-treated groups. However, drug (delta8 and delta9-THC 1 mg/kg, i.p.) and vehicle-induced changes were observed after 14 days (Tween 80) and 28 days (ethanol) of continuous daily treatment. These data were interpreted upon the basis of a possible time-dependent, vehicle/drug interaction at the level of outer mitochondrial membranes. Contrary to previously published reports, no compelling evidence was obtained for any inherent pharmacological effect of the cannabinols upon MAO activity.


Quantitation of digoxigenin in serum following oral administration of digoxin in humans. Separation of the acid breakdown products from digoxin in serum was accomplished by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The major, less cardioactive, product digoxigenin was quantitated by several different commercial antisera from digoxin radioimmunoassay (RIA) kits. When two normal subjects were given digoxigenin (0.5 mg) orally appreciable concentrations were detected by digoxin RIA kit. Administration of a digoxin (0.5 mg) solution to the same overnight-fasted recumbent volunteers resulted in digoxigenin detection (HPLC-RIA) in serum only in one subject.


Abolition of the diethylstilbestrol reduction of enzyme leakage from muscle by a 3,3' diallyl substitution. Diethylstilbestrol (DES) lowers enzyme efflux from isolated mouse skeletal muscle. It also lowers the high serum enzyme activities in Duchenne's muscular dystrophy. We have begun a systematic study of DES congeners, to identify those portions of the DES molecule which are critical to these effects, and to tailor a molecule which might have fewer feminizing effects. The first compound tested was the 3,3' diallyl derivative of DES (DAS). It was selected because previous reports indicated that it was as anabolic as DES, but only 1/10 to 1/30 as estrogenic. Doses of 20, 100 and 250 microgram/mouse/day were administered in 0.05 ml sesame seed oil vehicle to C57BL/6 mice. Control animals received only the vehicle. In contrast to DES which has consistently reduced muscle enzyme efflux 30-50%, DAS was inert. The substitution of the two allyl groups in the 3 and 3' positions blocks access to the neighboring ethyl groups and partially covers the two phenolic hydroxyl groups of DES. This suggests that these molecular sites have pertinence to the reduction of enzyme efflux from mouse skeletal muscle by DES, and possibly the reduction of the high serum enzyme activities in Duchenne's muscular dystrophy.


The glycogen-depleting effect of aqueous estrone on the cerebral hemispheres of the chick embryo. Aqueous estrone (10 to 50 pigrams/egg) was injected into the albumen of the 13 day chick embryo. The control solution and estrone carrier was 0.1 ml bacteriostatic saline. The KOH-alcohol-Anthrone colorimetric method was used to determine glycogen. 20 or more pigrams estrone/egg lowered the mean cerebral glycogen significantly (P less than 0.01) after 24 hours duration in a non-dosage-dependent manner. The glycolytic effect was demonstrated by the 20.0 pigram dosage after 120 hours duration.


The effect of chronic hypobaric conditions on enzyme activities in guinea-pig sartorius muscle. The activities of a number of enzymes concerned with energy metabolism have been studied in homogenates of sartorius muscle of the guinea-pig under chronic hypobaric conditions. No changes in the activities were observed. It is concluded that 'white' muscle, which does not depend greatly on oxidative catabolism, is unaffected by chronic hypoxia.


Biphasic effects of m-chlorophenyl-piperazine on 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid concentration in rat brain. m-Chlorophenyl-piperazine dihydrochloride injected i.p. into rats caused a rapid increase and a subsequent decrease in whole brain concentration of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), a metabolite of dopamine. The increase in DOPAC at 30 min and the decrease at 3 hrs were dose-related and occurred after doses as low as 5 mg/kg of m-chlorophenyl-piperazine dihydrochloride.


Linear and nonlinear assessment of tolmetin pharmacokinetics. Plasma concentration-time data in man after oral dosing of the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agent, tolmetin sodium, were fitted to both linear and nonlinear pharmacokinetic equations. The apparent elimination half-life of tolmetin is shown to be 4.5 to 6.0 hours. An analytical method is presented which allows measurement of plasma concentrations for at least 32 hr (compared with a previous limit of about 8 hr) after a single oral dose of the equivalent of 400 mg of tolmetin acid.


Specific radioimmunoassays for codeine and morphine. Metabolism of codeine to morphine in the rat. Specific antisera to morphine have been raised in response to immunization with a conjugate of N-carboxypropylnormorphine with bovine serum albumin (BSA). These antisera effectively distinguish changes in substituents at the 3 and 6 positions of the alkaloid, thus reducing cross-reactivity with codeine and morphine-3-glucuronide to negligible levels. The utility of these antisera has been illustrated by their application in radioimmunoassay procedures, along with similarly specific anti-codeine sera (Findlay et al., 1976) to a study of the biotransformation of codeine to morphine in the rat. After oral administration of codeine, serum levels of morphine were low, but significantly higher than codeine levels after 15 min., indicating rapid metabolism of codeine to morphine in this species.


Effects of piperonyl butoxide on hydroxylation of 2-acetylaminofluorene in hamster liver. Single i.p. injection of piperonyl butoxide induces a dose dependent and prolonged inhibition of hamster liver acetylaminofluorene hydroxylation. However, this slight inhibition is the result of a 61% inhibition of acetylaminofluorene-7-hydroxylase activity and a 10 fold stimulation of acetylaminofluorene N-hydroxylase activity. This was confirmed by in vivo experiments. The DNA and RNA binding of acetylaminofluorene-C14 increased 2.1 and 2.4 fold, respectively, 16 hrs after treatment with acetylaminofluorene-C14 in combination with piperonyl butoxide.


Association between induction of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase and depression of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase activity. Mice that were genetically responsive (C57BL/6J) or non-responsive (DBA/2J) to induction of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase were treated with equal doses of 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (25 microgram/kg/wk, i.p.) for five weeks. Urine porphyrin excretion remained unchanged in the non-responsive mice but was increased in the responsive group two weeks following the first dose and continued to rise. Upon sacrifice, uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase activity was found to be normal in the non-responsives but decreased 48% in the responsive mice. These results suggest a relationship between induction of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase and the decreased uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase activity resulting from exposure to chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons.


Effects of cannabinoids on L1210 murine leukemia. 1. Inhibition of DNA synthesis. The effect of cannabinoid derivatives on thymidine-3H uptake in L1210 murine leukemia was determined. In experiments at 200 mg/kg 3 hrs after treatment, the order of activity was delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol less than cannabinol less than cannabidiol less than abnormal cannabidiol less than 11-hydroxy-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol less than delta8-tetrahydrocannabinol. The inhibitory effect of delta8-tetrahydrocannabinol was 99%. When animals were dosed on consecutive days with delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and killed on the third day, thymidine-3H incorporation was increased while delta8-tetrahydrocannabinol retained its inhibitory activity under the same conditions. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and delta8-tetrahydrocannabinol inhibited RNA and protein synthesis in a fashion analagous to the inhibition of DNA synthesis.


Subcellular localization of lead in synaptosomes. The neurotoxicology of lead is reported to involve effects on cholinergic and monoaminergic pathways. However, no information is available on the site of action at which lead exerts neurotoxic effects. The technique of x-ray elemental analysis coupled scanning-transmission mode electron microscopy has been applied to study the in vitro interactions of lead with synaptosomes. To minimize possible translocation effects on elemental distribution, isolated synaptosomes were air dried on EM grids; no fixing or staining procedures were used. In such preparations, synaptosomes and intrasynaptosomal mitochondria were distinguishable. Lead was found only in mitochondria in association with Ca ad P. Thus, lead appears to enter isolated nerve terminals and to be sequestered in mitochondria.


Effect of mianserine on brain serotonin turnover in mice. One hr after mianserine administration brain 5-HT concentration was reduced, the greatest decrease was observed with 2.5 mg/kg dose. This reduction lasted for 1 hr. Brain 5-HT turnover was increased by all doses of mianserine used. The increase in brain 5-HT turnover after a single injection lasted for 8 hr. This increase may be related to inhibition of central 5-HT receptors.


Hydroxyproline fractions in serum and urine of rats during wound healing. Total hydroxyproline in urine and free hydroxyproline, free and peptide hydroxyproline and protein bound hydroxyproline in serum are measured during wound healing in rats. The free and free+peptide fractions vary in concert with each other and with urine hydroxyproline. Protein bound hydroxyproline fractions take a very different course and behave as an acute phase reactant. The results suggest that protein bound hydroxyproline does not mirror collagen turnover but may be more relevant to C1q or complement metabolism.


Simultaneous protective effect of a new chelating agent and zinc, on the carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic injury in squirrels. An attempt has been made to study the protective effect of a new chelating agent named p-amino salicylic acid oxine azo dye complex and metallic zinc on the Ccl4 induced hepatic injury in squirrels. This is probably the first multidisciplinary approaching (histological, histochemical and biochemical), report, employing this chelating agent and zinc together in the cure of a hepatic tissue. Apart from a pathological support, biochemical estimation of two enzymes noticed: Viz glucose-6-phosphatase dehydrogenase and beta-glucuronidase were treated as enzymatic denominators in liver cure. It further claims the suitability of the drug for clinical use. However, a detailed mechanism of action of this chelating agent remains practically unknown. It is hypothesized, that chelation of zinc facilitates the peneteration of a drug complex in the hepatic cells. Further zinc serves the purpose of drug transporter. The chelating agent masks the toxic substances (metabolites of Ccl4), which are eventually excreted, but still bound to it. The regeneration progresses speedily after the biomembranes are stabilized.


Mechanism of increased tracheo-bronchial response to inhalative acetylcholine aerosol in pulmonary vascular congestion and unilateral pulmonary artery occlusion. The study was carried out in anesthetized, intubated and spontaneously breathing dogs. The aim of this study was to examine the responsiveness of the tracheo-bronchial system to inhalative ACh. It was considered that any change in ACh-sensitivity signifies the involvement of receptors in the lung itself. Increased pressure in the right heart and main pulmonary artery did not affect the ACh-sensitivity. Whereas, the sustained pulmonary vascular congestion produced by blocking the ascending aorta or by glass bead embolism provoked greater ACh-sensitivity. Increased ACh-sensitivity was also observed in unilateral pulmonary artery occlusion. ACh-sensitivity was greater in the later part of occlusion or vascular congestion and persisted even after the occlusion or block was withdrawn. It is concluded that the increased ACh-sensitivities in pulmonary vascular congestion and in unilateral pulmonary artery occlusion are due to the formation of edema and atelectasis respectively. Anyway, the disturbance of the metabolism of the receptor cells around the small vessels of the lung circulation seems to be essential.


Catecholamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase of human fat cell ghosts. Inhibition of isoproterenol-stimulation by dihydroergotamine. Isoproterenol-activation of the adenylate cyclase system of human fat cell ghosts was markedly inhibited by dihydroergotamine which had no effect on basal and NaF-stimulated enzyme activity. Our results indicate that the antilipolytic action of this substance in human adipose tissue is probably due to inhibition of catecholamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity.


Effect of ischaemia on the enzyme activity of the hepatic tissue. The lactate and pyruvate levels, as well as acid and alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glutaminic acid-oxalacetic acid transaminase and aldolase levels of rat liver homogenizates were measured at 24 degrees C and 38 degrees C during 120 min ischaemia from 0 to the 120th min. With the exception of transaminase and aldolase, the other enzymes were also enzyme-histochemically studied. The early lesions of the liver can be detected, both the quantitative laboratory tests and enzyme histochemical studies. The deviations from normal, observed at 24 degrees C between the 60th and 100th min, and at 38 degrees C between the 30th and 60th min, might be signs of irreversible lesions. Fractionated study of the liver homogenizate improves the assessability of enzyme determinations. In the course of "warm" ischaemia, the liver lysosomal lesions are early symptoms. Parallel to the breakdown of aerobic glycolysis lactic acid, fermentation, and an active pentose phosphate cycle can be detected. Quantitative testing of the liver homogenizate and enzyme histochemical observation of the hepatic tissue, might be a suitable method for the assessment of ischaemic liver lesions.


[Lysosomes and lysosomal enzymes in the wall of imbalanced arteries of rats (author's transl)]. The electron microscope demonstration of reaction products of the acid phosphatase within matrix vesicles (=extracellular membrane-bound corpuscles) of the wall of hemodynamic or metabolic imbalanced arteries stimulated experiments about the activities of lysosomal enzymes in the wall of wrongly loaded arteries. In our case arteries without any hemodynamic function (="null function") were investigated 4, 5, 7, 13 and 14 days after applying a ligature. In relation to the nonligated testicular arteries of the other side the wall of theligated vessels show an increase of lysosomal glycosidases (beta-N-Acetyl-glucosaminidase and beta-galactosidase) about 40-70%. The significance of the extracellular lysosomes for transformations of the vessel wall under physiological and pathological conditions is discussed.


[The Göttinger minipig as a laboratory animal. 4. Communication: respiration parameters (author's transl)]. The following parameters were determined: Rate of breathing (f): 31.95 +/- 6.73/min. Minute volume (V): 5.11 +/- 6.73 liter/min. Tidal volume (VT): 0.166 +/- 0.053 liter. Ratio expiratory to inspiratory time Et/It : 1.04 +/- 0.18. Physiological dead space (VD): 0.061 +/- 0.024 liter. Dead space quotient (VD)/VT): 29.92 +/- 1.53%. Dynamic lung compliance (C dyn): 0.06 +/- 0.06 liter/cm H2O. Maximum interpleural negative pressure during inspiration (max. neg. Ppl. Insp.): 12.00 +/- 4.06 cm H2O. Minimum interpleural negative respectively maximum interpleural positive pressure during expiration (min. neg. or pos. Ppl. Exp.): +0.07 +/- 6.53 cm H2O. Maximum change of interpleural pressure (delta Ppl. max): 11.97 +/- 3.18 cm H2O.


Absorption, distribution and excretion of the tritium-labelled beta2 stimulator fenoterol hydrobromide following aerosol administration and instillation into the bronchial tree. The administration by aerosol of fenoterol hydrobromide (Berotec) was investigated in four test persons. Two patients with operable carcinomas of the lung were given tritium-labelled fenoterol hydrobromide aerosol immediately before undergoing surgery. Parts of the pulmonary segments removed were biochemically analysed and it was observed that the radioactive contents in pulmonary tissue and blood plasma were almost identical. The pharmacokinetic data recorded after aerosol administration, viz. plasma levels and renal excretion, are not different from those recorded after oral administration. The expired air following aerosol administration was examined in two patients, whereby less than 0.1% of the dose administered was recovered. The oropharynx on the other hand, was found to contain 53% of the dose immediately after administration. Absorption via the lungs was examined in four other test persons by instilling an aqueous solution of fenoterol hydrobromide into the right bronchial tree. Comparison of renal excretion levels showed that absorption here is greater than after oral administration; the plasma level curves, however, run a very similar course.


[Bronchomotoric in antigen induced airway obstruction (author's transl)]. Ascaris suum extract inhalation causes bronchoconstriction in dogs. Following this reaction, the bronchi stay oversensitive against acetylcholine for at least 7 h. Electrical stimulation of the peripheral end of a nervus vagus after cutting supports the meaning that the bronchoconstriction will be caused mainly by challenge of sensory receptors. The reflex way runs through the nervus vagus. Sensitization of the bronchial tree means sensitization of the sensory receptors. Results of the arterial blood gases correspond to earlier results which showed two parts of the bronchial tree: the vagus-controlled part is mainly respnsible for the airway resistance, the vagus-noncontrolled part is mainly responsible for the regulation of the ventilation/perfusion relationships.


Relations of pulmonary diffusing capacity to ventilation and haemodynamics in healthy subjects. The pulmonary diffusing capacity (DLCO) was measured in 13 healthy subjects during heart catheterization by the steady-state method (according to Bates and his coworkers). The DLCO shows the closest correlation to the tidal volume at rest, and to the central blood volume during exercise. Further, the DLCO correlates with the cardiac index both at rest and during exercise and with the stroke index at rest only. The DLCO did not show any relationship to the pressures in central circulation, pulmonary vascular resistance, total and alveolar ventilation. Statistical analysis shows that DLCO is most consistently related to the tidal volume at rest, whereas relation to central blood volume is much more stable during exercise.


Effects of altitude on myoglobin and mitochondrial protein in canine skeletal muscle. Myoglobin and mitochondrial protein contents were measured spectrophotometrically in the sternothyroid muscle of 8 dogs, first in Dnver, at a PB of 635 mm Hg, and after a 3-week exposure to a PB of 435 mm Hg, using a hypobaric chamber. The PaO2 at a PB of 635 mm Hg was 81.9 mm Hg and at a PB of 435 mm Hg, it was 54.6 mm Hg. Myoglobin concentration increased from 3.67 +/- 1.07 to 5.47 +/- 0.90 mg/g fresh muscle while mitochondrial protein content increased from 3.04 +/- 0.80 to 4.96 +/- 2.59 mg N2/g fresh muscle upon exposure to simulated altitude. It is believed that these changes in the biochemistry of the muscle are related to alterations in muscle fiber type composition, which seem to be adaptive in nature.


Postnatal changes in blood oxygen affinity in piglets from the 1st to 71st day post partum. Using the photometric micromethod of Niesel and Thews the authors determined the oxygen fixation blood curves at 20 degrees C and at CO2 tension of 38 mm Hg in newborn piglests until 71 days post partum. The O2 affinity of the piglet blood which is high immediately after birth, decreases within the first 48h of the life and reaches an adult value at the age of 2 days, a minimum at the age of 10 days and then increases with advancing age. The difference between the adult and newborn P50 value was significant.


Erythropoietin level and macrocytosis in patients with chronic pulmonary insufficiency. In 30 patients with respiratory insufficiency due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and with normal red blood cell counts, the effect of hypoxia on erythropoiesis was studied. Pronounced hypoxaemia was ascertained in all the patients by measuring PaO2. The calculated HbO2 saturation was less than 85% in group I and greater than 85% in group II, each consisting of 15 patients. Although the RBC counts and Hb concentration were within the limits of normal values, the packed RBC volume was higher than 45% in all the patients tested. The calculated MCV was increased and the erythropoietin level in plasma, indirectly measured in polycythaemic mouse bioassay, was higher than normal. Macrocytosis was shown to be PaO2-dependent and should be, according to Stohlman's data, the result of erythropoietin excess and the subsequent cessation of nucleic acid synthesis with skipped terminal division of erythroblasts in the bone marrow. The absence of erythrocytosis in these patients could be explained by a shortened survival time of macrocytes and/or other causes.


Salmonella empyema as a complication in malignant pleural effusion. Salmonella empyema in an immunologically compromised patient with malignant pleural effusion is described. Antimicrobial treatment was ineffective when given parenterally. Intrapleural administration of antibiotics resulted in a rapid rise of the antibacterial activity of the pleural fluid, leading to rapid clinical improvement and eradication of the infections.


Ventilatory responses to CO2 in the chicken: intrapulmonary and systemic chemoreceptors. The independent effects of pulmonary and arterial Pco2 on respiratory amplitude (RA) and respiratory frequency (f) were studied in unidirectionally ventilated chickens anesthetized with phenobarbital (160 mg-kg-1). Pulmonary Pco2 was set by the level of PIco2 ventilating the vascularly isolated right lung (VIL), whereas the systemic arterial Pco2 was set by the level of PIco2 ventilating the denervated left or gas exchange lung (GEL). The following results were obtained: 1) Increasing the PIco2 to the VIL from 0 to 35 torr and maintaining Paco2 constant at 2. torr increased RA from apnea to 76% of the animals' maximal hypercapnic response and decreased f: further increases in PIco2 to VIL had only minimal effects on RA and f. 2) increasing Paco2 from 19 to 61 torr and maintaining pulmonary Pco2 constant increased RA and decreased further increases in Paco2 had only slight effects on RA ulmonary chemoreflex and can dominate the control of RA during hypocapnic conditions, and (2) systemic CO2-sensitive chemoreceptors dominate the control of RA during hypercapnic conditions. It is suggested that the intrapulmonary chemoreceptors may act as a sensory system which plays a pertinent role in the regulation of parabronchial ventilation.


["Beginning and end of dose" dyskinesias caused by L-DOPA]. The four cases of dyskinesia at the "beginning and end of dose" caused by L-Dopa presented in this series were characterized by four essential features: 1) their onset at the beginning and end of the period of effectiveness of a dose of L-Dopa + IDC (benserazide); 2) their ballic and dystonic appearance associated with a reinforcement of Parkinsonian signs; 3) the possibility of their reduction by an increase and fractionning of the daily dose of L-Dopa; 4) the particular nature of the underlying Parkinsonian problem in which they were seen, i.e. the young age at onset of the disease, the severity of akinesia, and the quality of the clinical response to L-Dopa. Thus on the basis of the circumstances of their development, their appearance, and their treatment, such forms of dyskinesia at the "beginning and end of dose" appear to be different from classical "mid-dose" dyskinesia. In addition, they pose a new physiolopathological problem.


[Late syringomyelic syndromes in paraplegics]. The authors have reviewed 35 cases in the literature and reported on 12 cases seen personally of late onset syringomyelia in paraplegics. Initial pain was found to be present in only slightly more than half the cases and an insidious onset particularly with sensory disturbance led sometimes to delayed recognition. In the fully developed case, it can closely simulate idiopathic syringomyelia with arthropathy but impairment of touch and proprioception sometimes occurs in addition. Neurosurgical treatment to the fluid-filled cavity, does not seem to modify obviously the spontaneous evolution of the condition. In 5 cases, the paraplegia was not of traumatic origin. Possible mechanisms are discussed.


[Cerebral form of Degos's disease].

[Cerebral form of Degos's disease]. The writers report on a new anatomical and clinical observation of Degos' disease with neurological complications. A highly fluctuating meningoencephalitic syndrome took place in a young man 17 years old with a fatal outcome in 2 months. It was a general examination which revealed the lesions of atrophic papulosis typical of the disease. A histological examination confirmed the skin arteriolar, intestinal, and hemispheric lesions. It drew attention to the very abundant similar venular lesions, thus leading to a reconsideration of the physiopathology of this disorder, in which the oft demonstrated autoimmunity and arterial involvement are perhaps only symptoms of the disease.


[Adhesion of polynuclear cells to nylon fibers during filtration leukapheresis]. The study of fibres and leukocytes obtained by filtration leukopheresis show a loose retention in the filters and alterations only in leukocytes recovered by elution with prolonged striking.


[Comparative study by scanning electron microscopy of the internal surfaces of blood transfusion bags, according to brand]. The internal surface of blood plastic bags, have been observed by electron scanning microscopy. The products of the four commercial marks available in France have been testd. The roughness of the surfaces is considerably different according to the origin of the plastic bags.


Computed tomography of abnormally shaped pediatric cranium. Computed tomography is an important diagnostic procedure in evaluation of the pediatric patient with an abnormal cranial size and (or) shape. Differential diagnosis of cranial abnormalities based on two hundred and thirty-one computed tomograms is presented. It allows accurate assessment of ventricular size, cerebrospinal fluid pathways, brain substance, and calvarium. Frequently the abnormality demonstrated is so specific that an etiologic diagnosis is made.


[Intracranial aneurysms. 12-year review]. In angiographic studies of the Pathology Department and Radiology Department of the "20 of November Hospital" of the I.S.S.S.T.E. (Mexico, D.F.) from 1962 to 1974, were reviewed and 178 intracranial aneurysms in 141 patients were found. There is a two to one ratio females over males. 16.8% of the cases show multiple aneurysms and they were found to be more common during the fifth decade of life.


Deep venous occlusion in the Sturge-Weber syndrome. Of the venous abnormalities in the Sturge-Weber syndrome, deep venous occlusion is an uncommon finding. As far as can be determined it has been described in only two previously recorded cases. Another such case is presented to illustrate the usefulness of this finding, in conjunction with other venous anomalies, in the diagnosis of the Sturge-Weber syndrome, especially before two years of age when calcifications in the brain may not have appeared.


Accuracy of estimates of contrast media concentration. An animal model was used to prepare 18 experimental roentgenograms with differing dilutions of Conray 400 in each renal pelvis. Fifty radiologists were asked to estimate the iodine concentrations after they had been shown examples with known iodine concentrations. It was found there was a great deal of variation in the ability of individual subjects to accurately estimate the iodine concentration present. When the urinary iodine was less than 25 mg/ml, contrast estimations became grossly unreliable. At higher concentrations, the average performance of the sixty subjects was fairly clos to observed densotimetric readings. This study demonstrates that the ability to estimate iodine concentration is similar to other perceptive abilities in demonstrating both thereshold sensitivity and a near normal distribution among observes of the ability to judge perceptable differences in contrast media density.


Post-voiding roentgenograms in routine intravenous urography. 57 patients were studied to determine the validity of post-voiding films in routine urography. It was discovered that if the post-voiding film was delayed by as much as five minutes after the patient had actually voided, a significant error was introduced. The post-voiding film must therefore be obtained immediately after voiding and even a short delay, which is not uncommon in busy Radiology Ddepartments, may result in a false impression of incomplete voiding.


Three year experience with percutaneous introduction of inferior vena cava filter. Fifteen patients with recurrent pulmonary embolism were treated with a Mobin-Uddin umbrella filter (UF) introduced percutaneously via femoral vein. There were not technical difficulties, bleeding, or migration of the UF. The incidence of lower extremity edema or phlebitis was not higher than in patients with transjugular application of the UF or in patients with surgical inferior vena cava clipping. Two patients had fatal recurrent pulmonary embolism: in one of them the UF was positioned correctly in the vicinityof the renal veins; in the second the UF was placed too low and a large clot may have formed proximal to the UF. The transfemoral approach of the UF insetion represents a significant simplication of the inferior vena caval interruption, but it can only be used if thrombi are excluded by venography in the iliac vein and inferior vena cava. The UF should be placed as close as possible to the orifices of the renal veins to prevent a thrombus formation proximal to the filter.


The association of ano-urethral and tracheo-esophageal fistulae (a report of two cases). Anorectal atresia with recto-urethral fistula is one of the most common congenital anomalies afflicting the hindgut (1,2). The "H-type" ano-urethral fistula, however, is relatively rare, similar to the "H-type" tracheo-esophageal fistula which is the least common such anomaly of that region. The association of an "H-type" tracheo-esophageal fistula and an "H-type" ano-urethral fistula and stricture of the anterior urethra is considered a rare combination of anomalies. Two cases of "H-type" ano-urethral fistula with stricture of the anterior urethra and associated in one instance with an "H-type" tracheo-esophageal fistula and the other with esophageal atresia and tracho-escophageal fistula are reported and comment is made on the interesting underlying embryologic defect.


[Possibilities of error in EEG in sleep and consciousness (electroencephalographic observations in 153 children)]. The study concerns the EEG records of 153 children, aged within 1 and 4 and suffering from different neuropsychiatric disorders. Particularly during the first stages of sleep, graphoelements of epileptogenic morphology have been recorded in considerable amount. Obviously they were present in the records of clinically epileptic patients but they appeared also in the records of several patients having never suffered from epileptic seizures. The Authors suggest extreme caution in considering "epileptogenic" EEG patterns evoked by sleep in those children who are not clinically epileptic.


[Prevalent frequency of prosopagnosia in males]. In order to find out how frequent prosopagnosia is in males in comparison to females, all cases hitherto published have been reviewed and a remarkably greater frequency in males has been pointed out. Since the etiology has resulted to be in the majority of cases vascular, the epidemiology of vascular diseases as possible factor of this different incidence is discussed. It is concluded that the greater frequency observed in males seem to be a real fact inherent to prosopagnosia, and not related to other factors.