Biological activities of endotoxins from Yersinia enterocolitica. The chemical properties and the general biological activities of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Boivin-type endotoxin obtained respectively by phenol-water and trichloroacetic acid extraction from Yersinia enterocolitica serotypes O3 and O9 were studied. The yield of LPS from the O9 strain was about 10% of the O3 strain possibly because of the lower solubility of O9-LPS in aqueous phase. However, the chemical composition of O9-LPS was similar to that of O3-LPS in the proportions of reducing sugar, glucosamine, heptose, KDO, and lipid A. In pyrogenicity and local Shwartzman reactivity in rabbits and lethality for mice, there was also no difference between O3 and O9-LPS. The anthrone-positive carbohydrate and lipid A contents of Boivin-type endotoxin from O3 were higher than those of the endotoxin from O9. The biological activities of Boivin-type endotoxin from O3 were also remarkably higher than those of the endotoxin from O9. It seems that endotoxin of Y. enterocolitica serotype O3 may play an important role in infection by this organism.


Tolerance and other biological properties of Vibrio parahaemolyticus endotoxins. Biological properties of endotoxins prepared from three strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus were compared with reference to commercially prepared Salmonella typhi endotoxin. Endotoxin assays performed in rabbits included dermal Shwartzman reactivity, pyrogenicity, heat stability, and ability to induce tolerance as well as cross-tolerance. Mice were used for endotoxin LD50 determinations. Results showed V. parahaemolyticus endotoxins were similar to that of S. typhi strain O901. Induction of tolerance to V. parahaemolyticus strain 11590 endotoxin resulted in complete cross-tolerance to S. typhi endotoxin, and vice versa. Partial cross-tolerance to S. typhi endotoxin was demonstrated with rabbits rendered tolerant to endotoxin from V. parahaemolyticus strains Sak-3 and FC1011. Absorption spectra, nitrogen, phosphorus and carbohydrate analyses revealed additional similarities between endotoxins from V. parahaemolyticus and endotoxin from a member of the Enterbacteriaceae.


Inhibition of rat dental caries by dextranase from a strain of Spicaria violacea. Dextranase AD17 obtained from a culture liquor of a strain of Spicaria violacea was assessed for its ability to inhibit the development of dental caries in conventional Sprague-Dawley rats which had been infected with one of the Streptococcus mutans strains. MT6R (serotype c), OMZ 176R (d), or MT-703R (e). These experiments showed that caries was significantly inhibited when rats were given cariogenic diets No. 2000 and drinking water containing AD17 at a concentration of 10 units/g, as compared to control rats not given dextranase. The inhibitory effects of AD17 were more prominent in smooth surface caries than in total caries. AD17 had a tendency to retard both the establishment of inoculated S. mutans and plaque deposition on tooth surfaces. However, S. mutans could be implanted in the rat oral cavity after repeated inoculation of the bacteria, even in the presence of AD17. These results suggest that the anticaries activity of AD17 is due to not only inhibition of adherence of S. mutans cells on tooth surfaces but also to physiochemical changes of dental plaque formed under the enzymatic action of AD17. Preliminary histophatological examination showed that AD17 had no significant toxicity in rats.


Attainment and stability of the performance in differential low rate water reinforcement in rats. The establishment and stability of the behavioral baseline for rats in relation to the schedule of differential reinforcement of low rate under water reinforcer (DRL 20 sec for water) were studied, with the following results: When the DRL value was gradually stepped up from 1 sec to 20 sec with the advance of the sessions from 1to 16, the establishment of the behavioral baseline was slower than when DRL 20 sec was applied from the start. The establishment of the baseline was clearly accelerated by the prolongation of the length of time for training in one session from 60 min to 120 min. The baseline remained highly stable without being affected by the intermittent administration (2-3 times a week) of methamphetamine and diazepam, each in doses from 0.06 to 1.0 mg/kg, and of caffeine and pentobarbital, each in doses from 1.2 to 20 mg/kg, or by the discontinuation of the test from 1 to 15 days. However, during the retraining period following the test discontinuation it was found that the baseline fluctuated for a long time due to the elimination of water deprivation. The baseline stability, once established, could be maintained through about 300 daily sessions, with only a slight dependence on the change in environmental conditions such as humidity, temperature, and the season.


Fentanyl and tooth pulp evoked responses in the spinal trigeminal nucleus caudalis region. Electrical activities evoked by tooth pulp stimulation were recorded in the subnucleus caudalis region of the spinal trigeminal nucleus, and the action of fentanyl, a short-acting narcotic, on these activities was investigated in the alpha-cholinergic anesthetized cat. Fentanyl (20 to 40 mug/kg i.v.) depressed the first peak and potentiated the second one of negative potentials evoked by pulp stimulation in the border area betaeen the nucleus proprius (Pr) and the lateral reticular formation (LRF). Neurons, whose responses to pulp stimulation were depressed by fentanyl, were also predominantly localized in this region. Pulp-induced monophasic negative potential and spike discharges in the more ventro-medial portion of the LRF were not affected by fentanyl. The effect of fentanyl on cells in the marginal zone varied from unit to unit. The selective action of fentanyl on neurons in the border area between the Pr and the LRF may partially explain the analgesic action of fentanyl.


Inhibition of thalamic and hypothalamic somatosensory evoked potentials by stimulation of substantia nigra and its modification by morphine and methotrimeprazine (levomepromazine). A brief electrical stimulation of the substantia nigra induced a marked and long lasting inhibition of the somatosensory evoked potentials recorded from the centrum medianum of the thalamus (CM) and posterior hypothalamic area (PHA) following sciatic stimulation in unanesthetized rabbits. The nigral inhibitory effect on CM was prolonged by the administration of morphine (4 mg/kg i.v.) but not influenced by that of methotrimeprazine (2-4 mg/kg i.v.). In contrast, the nigral inhibitory effect on PHA was enhanced by the injection of methotrimeprazine (2 mg/kg i.v.), but not changed by that of morphine (4 mg/kg i.v.). These results indicate that the inhibitory system originating from the substantia nigra operates on the somatosensory transmissions from the peripheral nerve to the thalamus and hypothalamus, and that morphine or methotrimeprazine in small doses induced a selective potentiation of the nigral inhibitory influence on the thalamus or hypothalamus, respectively.


Effects of indomethacin and the other anti-inflammatory agents on activation of dorsal horn cell in the spinal cord induced by intra-arterial injection of bradykinin. Bradykinin (1-2 mug) injected into the femoral artery of the rabbit induced a marked increase in the firing rates of the dorsal horn cells (lamina V cells). This response was markedly inhibited by intravenous administration of indomethacin (1.0 mg/kg), acetylsalicyclic acid (20 mg/kg), aminopyrine (50 mg/kg) and oxyphenbutazone (20 mg/kg) in both intact and spinal preparations. Moreover, the intra-arterial injection of these agents depressed the response in lower doses. With these same low doses, no significant suppression occurred when the intravenous route was used. These results indicate that indomethacin and other anti-inflammatory agents tested suppress the bradykinin-induced response of the dorsal horn cell at the periphery, probably at the paravascular sensory nerve.


Centrally mediated cardiovascular effects of intracisternal application of carbachol in anesthetized rats. The pressor response to the intracisternal (i.c.) injection of carbachol (1 mug) in anesthetized rats was analyzed. This response was significantly reduced by the intravenous (i.v.) injection of guanethidine (5 mg), hexamethonium (10 mg) or phentolamine (5 mg), and conversely, potentiated by i.v. desmethylimipramine (0.3 mg), while propranolol (0.5 mg) i.v. selectively inhibited the enlargement of pulse pressure and the tachycardia following i.c. carbachol (1 mug). On the other hand, the pressor response to i.c. carbachol (1 mug) was almost completely blocked by i.c. atropine (3 mug) or hexamethonium (500 mug), and significantly reduced by i.c. chlorpromazine (50 mug) but significantly potentiated by i.c. desmethylimipramine (30 mug). The pressor response to i.c. carbachol (1 mug) remained unchanged after sectioning of the bilateral cervical vagal nerves but disappeared after sectioning of the spinal cord (C7-C8). From the above result it is suggested that the pressor response to i.c. carbachol ortral and peripheral adrenergic mechanisms, and that the sympathetic trunk is the main pathway.


Effect of anoxia on isotonic shortening induced by high-K medium in rat uterus. The effect of anoxia on the shortening induced by high-K medium was investigated in isolated rat uterus. The shortening induced by high-K medium was maintained for 75 min or more under normoxia in the initial load (0.35 g). Under normoxia 1, 2, 2.5, and 3 g load to the uterus reduced the maximum shortening induced by high-K medium to 93, 65, 18 and 3%, respectively. Under anoxia the high-K-induced shortening in the initial load was not so affected and it was maintained at least for 60 min. However, against 0.7 and 1 g load to the uterus, the maximum shortening reduced greatly to 14 and 13% under anoxia. Effects of anoxia on the shortenings induced by high-K medium in guinea pigs taenia coli and longitudinal muscle from ileum were also studied. Our observations support the theory that the shortening of the light loaded muscle under anoxia is maintained by only a little force and the muscle may not be so dependent on metabolic energy.


Age-dependence of the chronotropic response to noradrenaline, acetylcholine and transmural stimulation in isolated rabbit atria. The chonotropic response to noradrenaline, tyramine, acetylcholine and transmural electrical stimulation was compared in atria isolated from rabbits at different stages of developmental after birth (day 2 to day 210). Pacemaker rates understeady state conditions were related inversely to days after birth; the rate in atria from rabbits at day 2 was significantly greater than that at days 10-210. The rate of neonatal rabbit atria was not significantly reduced by propranolol and the positive chontropic response to noradrenaline was not significantly reduced by propranolol and the positive chronotropic response to noradrenaline was not significantly different in atria from ages of rabbits as far as threshold concentrations for inducing tachycardia and ED50's were concerned. The maximum rate induced by noradrenaline was higher in neonatal rabbit atria than in adult rabbit atria. The effect of tyramine was approx. the same regardless of age. Increase in the pacemaker rate induced by transmural neural stimulation varied directly with age. The negative chronotropic effect of acetylcholine was greater in neonatal than in adult rabbit atria; the ED50 in the former was significantly less than in the latter. Bradycardia induced by transmural stimulation of intracardiac cholinergic nerves was related directly to age. Tachycardia in the neonatal rabbit atria may be due to electrogenic characteristics of pacemaker cells which differ from those in adult rabbit atria. Our evidence strongly suggests that the adrenergic and cholinergic nerves innervating the S-A node develop at an early postnatal stage in the rabbit.


A new guanidine derivative: dissociation of the adrenergic neuron blocking activity from local anesthetic activity. Effects of 4-7-exo-methylene-hexahydroisoindoline-ethyl-guanidine hemisulfate (No. 865-123), a new guanidine derivative, on adrenergic neurons and its local anesthetic activity were investigated in comparison with guanethidine. Both derivatives produced in a dose-dependent manner a progressive irreversible reduction of positive chronotropic and contractile responses to postganglionic sympathetic nerve stimulation in isolated rabbit atria. The time course of the reduction by No. 865-123 was somewhat slower. In dogs administered both agents, the pressor response to carotid occlusion was reduced and that to exogenous noradrenaline was potentiated with a slight decrease in blood pressure. Noradrenaline stores in the heart and spleen of rats were also depleted to a similar extent. In the guinea pig weal method, guanethidine acted as a potent local anesthetic with a slow onset and a prolonged action as compared to procaine. No. 865-123 revealed no more anesthetic activity than did saline. It is unlikely that the local anesthetic activity of the guanidine derivatives contributes to the adrenergic neuron blocking activity.


Clinical characteristics of the carcinoma of the stomach and its localization. The result of follow-up study and the localization of gastric carcinoma subjected to the operation at the Second Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University during 7 year period from 1963 to 1969 form the basis of the present communication. The curative resectability was 70.3 per cent in the carcinoma of the distal third of the stomach (A), 82.9 per cent in that of the middle third (M) and 55.3 in that of the proximal third (C); the 5-year survival rate was 48.6 per cent in the cancer of A, 81.1 per cent in that of M and 49.1 per cent in that of C respectively. In the carcinoma of A incidence of high grade penetrative invasion into the gastric wall as well as metastatic involvment was high. It is noteworthy that the tendency of the metastasis was found even in those with low grade penetration. In the carcinoma of M the incidence of high grade penetration as well as lymphatic metastasis was relatively low. The hepatic metastasis and peritoneal dissemination was also not frequent. In the carcinoma of C the incidence of high grade penetration was very high and the lymphatic metastasis was frequently observed in those with high grade penetration. Biological characteristics of the carcinoma of the stomach in each location and their therapeutic significance are discussed.


The effect of cartilage-bone marrow extract (CBME) on the healing of intestinal anastomosis. The intestinal anastomosis made under various conditions with and without treatment with cartilage-bone marrow extract were compared. The preoperative or postoperative administration of cartilage-bone marrow extract was found to increase mechanical strength of the intestinal anastomosis, even under unfavorable conditions such as hypoproteinemia, long term treatment of corticoid or reanastomosis. Formation of connective tissue and healing process were also found to be promoted by cartilage-bone marrow extract treatment.


Abdominal aneurysm with aortoduodenal fistula. Two patients having the abdominal aneurysm with aortoduodenal fistula were treated surgically, but graft infection occurred. One patient died about 6 months after and the other about one year after the operation due to massive hemorrhage from the postoperative aortointestinal fistula. The difficulties in the treatment of the aortoduodenal fistula were discussed.


Reactive hyperplasia of paracortex and germinal centers of the regional lymph nodes in gastric carcinoma cases as a favorable prognostic indicator. The prognosis of 141 patients subjected to curative resection for gastric carcinoma was analyzed with special reference to the paracortex, germinal centers and sinus histiocytes in the regional lymph nodes. Five years survival rates of the patients with paracortical and/or germinal center hyperplasia (PH and/or GH) was definitely superior to those without such hyperplasia. This difference was most pronounced in those with moderately advanced stage. The incidence of lymph node metastasis was lower in the patients with PH or GH. The presence of sinus histiocytosis (SH) seemed to be correlated neither with a longer survival nor with lower incidence of lymph node metastasis. No close correlation was found between PH, GH and SH on one hand and histological types of the primary gastric carcinomas on the other. These results suggest that cell mediated and/or humoral immune response may play an important role in host resistance against gastric carcinoma.


A seven year review of invasive carcinoma of the cervix treated at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. 172 cases of invasive carcinoma of the cervix treated at the Johns Hopkins Hospital are reviewed. Failure rates are examined by stage, demonstrating a high percentage of local recurrences in patients with late stage disease treated by a traditional regime of radiotherapy. Reasons for these failures are explored and a proposal for a more individualized approach to therapy is made.


Phenacetin-induced sulfhemoglobinemia: report of a case and review of the literature. Phenacetin-induced sulfhemoglobinemia was diagnosed in a middle-aged woman with a 6-month history of cyanosis and a 10-year history of ingestion of analgesics. The laboratory and clincial diagnosis of sulfhemoglobinemia and methemoglobinemia are discussed. The reviewed medical literature suggests that the cyanosis of chronic phenacetin or acetanilid use is generally due to sulfhemoglobinemia rather than methemoglobinemia.


[Immunological reactivity in postinfarct cardiosclerosis]. In 77 patients with postinfarction cardiosclerosis the blood serum immunoglobulin level was studied along with some indices of the lipid and protein metabolism. An increased blood level of immunoglobulins A, M and G was observed in postinfarction cardiosclerosis cases, those with hyper-beta-lipoproteinemia, hypercholesterolemia and C-reactive protein having a significantly higher level of immunoglobulin G and than the rest of the patients. In those having an increased content of immunoglobulin G in the blood serum hypo-beta-globulinemia was observed, as well as a considerable increase of the gamma-globulin fraction as compared to those having a normal or decreased level of immunoglobulin G. Proceeding from these data the authors suggest the presence of autoimmune shifts in the patients with postinfarction cardiosclerosis that are closely connected with lipid and protein metabolism disorders.


[Intraventricular blocks in myocardial infarct]. The examination was carried out in 787 patients with macrofocal myocardial infarction. The most frequently encountered variant of intraventricular block in males was the right bundle branch block, in females--the left bundle branch block. The rarest variant of intraventricular conductivity disorders in myocardial infarction was the left-posterior hemiblock. The prognostically severest variant of bilateral block consists in a combination of the right bundle branch block with the left-posterior hemiblock. The leading causes of death among the patients with myocardial infarction and intraventricular blocks were acute (cardiogenic shock, pulmonary oedema) and chronic cardiac insufficiency. In patients with bilateral blocks the frequent causes of death were, along with cardiac insufficiency, also arrhythmias (ventricular fibrillation, asystole).


[Diagnosis of diffuse myocardial changes in ischemic heart disease using orthogonal ECG leads]. In 100 patients with chronic ischaemic heart disease and diffuse changes in the myocardium the data of 12 common ECG leads indicated that the corrected orthogonal leads according to Mac Fee--Parungao and Frank reflect these changes in all cases. The severity of the diffuse changes reflected in the deviations of the ST segment and the T-wave in the orthogonal leads corresponds to that reflected in the 12 common leads. A mathematical analysis of the waves of the QRS complex in the X, Y and Z leads indicates a growth of the left ventricular potentials with the development of diffuse myocardial changes. The mentioned systems of orthogonal leads can be recommended for wide employment for the diagnosis of diffuse changes in the myocardium in ischaemic heart disease.


[Course and outcome of ischemic heart disease in patients with angiographically confirmed coronary arteriosclerosis]. The clinical course and prognosis were studied in 116 patients with clinical signs of ischaemic heart disease when they were hospitalized in an institution in which selective coronary angiography was practiced along with the routine clinical examinations. Control examinations were conducted 2 years later. The dynamics of the clinical manifestations and the results of the disease were evaluated according to the following categories: improvement, stabilization, progressive course, death. All the examined patients were divided into 2 groups: 74 patients with atherosclerotic coronary heart disease proved at angiography, and 72 patients without angiographic signs of coronary pathology. The course of the disease was found to depend on the presence and severity of the atherosclerotic process in the coronary arteries. Essential hypertension aggravated the course and prognosis of the disease. The distinctness of the clinical manifestations of coronary insufficiency, the ischaemic changes in the ECG repolarization complex, the duration of the disease history, and the age of the patients tended to predispose the outcome of the atherosclerotic lesion of the heart. In the group of patients with clinical signs of ischaemic heart disease, but without angiographic changes in the coronaries the result was more favourable, than in those with coronary atherosclerosis. This group, however, included some patients with prognostically unfavourable myocarcial lesions of non-atherosclerotic genesis.


[Interstitial cells of the medulla and the renin-angiotensin system in disorders of water-salt homeostasis]. Electron microscopic studies of the intersticial cells of the renal medullar layer and the count of lipid granules in them were conducted in two experimental states accompanied by a reduction of the circulating blood volume--72 hours of water-free diet and intravenous administration of Lazyx that possesses a potent natriuretic and diuretic effect. The concentration of renin and angiotensin was determined in the plasma of the same animals, using the radioimmunoassay technique, and the juxtaglomerular apparatus of the kidneys was examined. The study has demonstrated that the reduction of the circulating blood volume is accompanied, on the one hand, by a significant elevation of the plasma concentration of renin and angiotensin, and, on the other hand, by a reduction of the number of lipid granules in the intersticial cells that is interpreted by the authors as an index of an increased synthesis of renal prostaglandins. It has been concluded that a close functional interrelashionship exists between the two hormonal systems of the kidneys that regulate the water-electrolyte homeostasis, i.e. the renin-angiotensin system and the prostaglandins system.


[Content of total metabolic sodium in arterial hypertension of varying origin]. The content of total metabolizing sodium was studied in 74 patients with hypertension of different genesis, using the Na24-isotope dilution technique. Among these patients 31 had essential hypertension, 43--symptomatic hypertension (40--renal, and 3--adrenal). In Stage IB and IIA hypertension, a reduction of the level of total metabolizing sodium and its increased urine excretion were found. At late stages of essential hypertension, like in symptomatic renal hypertension, normal levels of total metabolizing sodium were found, or a slight tendency towards its elevation. In cases of adrenal hypertension (Conn's syndrome, pheochromocytoma) the level of total metabolizing sodium is significantly elevated. No correlation was seen between the levels of total metabolizing sodium, and plasma and erythrocytes sodium. The decrease of total metabolizing sodium at early stages of essential hypertension must be an adaptative reaction of the body, which is proved by the increased urine excretion of sodium.


[Atherosclerotic (systolic) hypertension]. Systolic hypertension was studied in 92 patients, aged 60 to 103 years, some of them being followed-up for periods up to 8 years. The examination included that of haemodynamics, functional state of the heart and gas composition of blood (by the dye dilution technique, polycardiography, teleradiography, Sechenov and van Slyke methods, the micro-Astrup technique). The previously reported concept of the author was proved, i.e. the immediate haemodynamic cause of arterial pressure elevation in this pathology consists in an increased cardiac output against the background of an increased total elastic resistance of the arterial system. The elevation of the cardiac output is due not only to the neuro-humoral disorders in the regulation of arterial pressure in old age, but also to the adaptational factors directed to the improvement of oxygen transport and consumption by the tissues when the premeability of the vascular-tissuemembranes is impaired.


[Experimental and clinical data on the state of the atria in postinfarct cardiosclerosis]. In 16 rabbit experiments with macrofocal postinfarction cardiosclerosis and 8 control intact animals delayed electron microscopy of myocardium portions from the left ventricle and atria was undertaken, and in 76 clinical observations of patients who had survived a myocardial infarction 1 to 10 years before the examination the indices of the haemodynamic and electrical activity of the atria were compared with those of the contractile function of the left ventricular myocardium under bicycle exercise tests of a growing intensity (with the data of the left ventricular ultrastructure--in the experimental cases). The changes in the left atrium were found to be of an adaptational nature, the right atrium entering the pathogenetic chain when the compensatory capacities of the left atrium got exhausted in the course of the disease, this being a prognostically alerting sign.


[Can myopia be influenced by the wearing of contact lenses?]. During 15 years the author has had the occasion to examine 11,454 spectacle wearing patients and 6,794 contact lens-wearing patients. In the age-group 15 to 25 years the contact lens-wearing patients manifested in 60% of the cases stationary myopia, whereas the spectacle-wearing patients in the same period manifested an increase of myopia in 75% of the cases. For a comparison in each patients visual acuity with and later without contact lens was determined, refraction performed and a slit lamp examination realized with and without contact lens. Determination of axial length of the eyes with the aid of ultrasonography could not be performed. The result of this analysis is compared with the results of other authors who have delt with the same problem. The author tries to give an explanation for the distinctly reduced increase of myopia in patients with contact lenses compared with those wearing glasses.


[A new iris double-forceps in the cryoextraction of cataract (author's transl)]. In the cryoextraction of a cataract associated with severe hypotension and narrow pupil, a new smooth iris double-forceps has been found useful for the grasping of the iris and the dilatation of the pupil. Thus, it will be possible to obtain a round pupil even in these rare cases.


[Vitreoretinal dystrophy with vitreous haemorrhage (author's transl)]. In two generations of a big family two men in each generation were struck with a vitreoretinal disease, which led to vitreous haemorrhage and were first was interpreted as Periphlebitis retinae (Eale's disease). Preretinal, perforated membranes containing vessels and a severe macular degeneration pointed to a vitreoretinal dystrophy. The uniform alteration of the ERG with reduction of the b-waves were striking in all four patients. Judging from the X-chromosomal pattern of transmission, from the juvenile vitreous haemorrhages and from the macular dysplasia with radial plication we seem to be dealing with a sexlinked juvenile retinoschisis, although at first microscopic examination the vitreous veils did not make us think of a retinoschisis.


[Gas gangrene panophthalmitis (author's transl)]. Gas gangrene panophthalmitis is a rare condition of penetrating injury to the globe. The infecting organism is usually Clostridium perfringens. Characteristic symptoms are a brawny swelling of the lids, marked chemosis, coffee-coloured discharge, hypopyon, ring abscess of the cornea, formation of gas bubbles in the anterior chamber, rise of intraocular tension and early amaurosis. Treatment consists in the evisceration or enucleation of the globe, rarely in the exenteration of the orbit. Antibiotics along (Penicillin, Tetracyclines) are insufficient. Administration of antiserum is almost completely abandoned, it is probably more dangerous than helpful. The use of hyperbaric oxygen is not indicated in cases of gas gangrene panophthalmitis. Extraocular extension of the infection and its danger for the individual is prevented by well-times surgical procedure.


[Statistical importance of tuberculosis and toxoplasmosis of the eye in recent years (1971-1974, Eye-Clinic, Davos) (author's transl)]. Tbc has not yet been eradicated in Western Europe. Among 311 human/bovin-tuberculin tested cases out of 500 patients with uveitis (1971-1974), 37-50% (average age 40-45 years) reacted highly positive. Chorioretinitis disseminata and periphlebitis retinae (Eales' disease): 90% positive. The criteria for a long term tuberculostatic treatment are exposed. 20% of all cases of uveitis and 90% of Jensen Retinochorioditis have been interpreted as caused by toxoplasmosis. 75% are relapses. The gigantic toxoplasmotic lesions of the eyeground is stressed. As a rule low Sabin Feldmann titers are found. Quantitative serology is valuable. In the closing discussion the immunologically well known adjuvans-effect of Koch's bacillus-extract is supposed to be of importance in highly tuberculin positive uveitis.


[Eye symptoms in the subacute necrotizing encephalomyelopathy (author's transl)]. A 30 years old man developed Parinaud's syndrome without other neurological symptoms. The X-ray-examination was normal. The autopsy revealed a subacute necrotizing encephalomyelopathy. The symptoms, pathology and possible aetiology are discussed.


[Keratoconus and contact lenses (author's transl)]. This work is a survey of 82 cases of keratoconus which have been followed up for 1 to 12 years. Among them only 66 were fitted with contact lenses. The contra-indications for them are: 1. a better visual acuity with spectacles than with contact lenses, 2. advanced cases (4th degree of Amsler) whose fitting is impossible, 3. unilateral keratoconus, 4. associated diseases such as trachomatous pannus, allergic kerato-conjunctivitis. Hard corneal lenses are now in use in most of the cases. Scleral lenses are much less used than they were 10 years ago, owing probably to the great improvement of the corneal lenses during this time. These hard corneal lenses have a short Ro (4 to 7 mm), an overall diameter between 8 and 11 mm, and an optic diameter of 5 mm. They are fitted under fluorescein control. The mobility must be good too. One case was fitted with soft lenses. The visual acuity is good and so is the tolerance: 80% of the patients wear their lenses 10 hours a day or more. Contact lenses do not affect the progression of keratoconus thus finally a keratoplasty must be performed in many cases. After the operation a contact lens is very often necessary, but its daily wearing time must be divided by two, to avoid corneal neo-vascularisation. Soft corneal lenses may be used in some cases of keratoconus. They are indicated when the hard lenses are no longer tolerated and before a keratoplasty. The base curves of these soft lenses are not related to the radii of the conic cornea. In most of the cases they are between 7.50 and 8.60 mm. The diameter is large: 14 or 15 mm. The lenses must not move too much: 1 mm up or down when the patient blinks. The edge of the lens must not depress the bulbar conjunctiva and there must be no air bubble under the lens. In many cases a cylindrical spectacle lens is necessary to obtain a good visual acuity. Some authors prefer to fit a hard corneal lens over the soft one: this is the "piggy back" method. Sometimes keratoconus has appeared in patients already fitted during several years to correct a myopic astigmatism. It is not clear whether these keratoconus have been produced or not be the contact lenses.


[The correction of anisomyopia with contact lenses (author's transl)]. Currently it is believed that correction of anisomyopia with contact lenses is contraindicated because most anisomyopias are axial. By determination of dioptric aniseiconia it has been shown that this is smaller than generally believed also with the correction by contact lenses. In childhood it is advisable to correct an anisomyopia fully as early as possible because the distortion of room perception by spectacles seems to play a much bigger role in higher anisomyopia than the functional aniseiconia. The results are shown in tables.


[Special indications for the use of soft contact lenses as a drug-release-system (author's transl)]. Research has been performed, both experimentally and clinically, to establish the value of the association of soft contact lenses and some types of eye drops. The use of soft contact lenses with eye drops may be useful in some special cases: a) more prolonged and more sustained effect compared with the usual way of administration of eye drops (especially antiglaucomatous substances, antimetabolites, mydriatics); b) possibility of reducing the concentration to avoid local discomfort or systemic side-effects, without loss of their effectiveness on the eye conditions to be treated. The combined use of soft lenses (12.5-15 mm in diameter) with eye drops may be obtained either by presoaking the lens in the liquid or by regular instillation of eye drops after insertion of the lens; the two techniques may of course be associated. In the present research the advantages of utilizing hydrophylic lenses with osmotically active substances, to obtain a better and more protracted dehydration of the cornea, were first examined, in vitro and in vivo. The following substances were tested: 10% propylenglycol, 10% glycerol, 10% glucose and 5% natrium chloride. The clearing effect of the different types of treatment was evaluated in 45 patients with edematous bullous keratopathy with an instrument which measured the infrared light emitted by an optic fiber and reflected by the cornea. The effects were more marked for the epithelial than for the stromal oedema. Another group of investigations was performed with two polypeptides with high molecular weight: Eledoisin, extracted from a mediterranean octopus, Eledone moschata, and Physalaemin, extracted from the skin of a south american batrachian, Physalaemus fuscomaculatus, both of these stimulate the lacrimal secretion and were previously successfully employed topically by the authors against keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The increase of the amount of fluid was however short-lived. Eledoisin at a concentration of 200 mug/ml, was examined in its effects both in vitro and in vivo, whereas physalaemin, at a concentration of 20 mug/ml, only in vitro, owing to the present shortage of the product. The clinical tests in 23 eyes of 14 patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca proved satisfactory, since the lacrymal stimulating effect is not only greater, but lasts three times longer by combining the instillation of eledoisin with a presoaked soft lens. Some antiglaucomatous products (propranolol, clonidine, prostigmine) were, finally, used in association with a soft lens to reduce the concentration of the eye drops for a better tolerance locally (propranolol: a beta-adrenergic blocking agent) or generally (clonidine: alpha-adrenergic agent), also with the advantage of protracted release. With propranolol the concentration could be reduced to 0.01-0,10% (instead of 0.125 to 0.25%) and to 1.5% (instead of 3%) with prostigmine, when lenses were presoaked or instillations took place at regular time intervals, after insertion of the lenses.


[Introduction to problems of plastic surgery of the eyelids (author's transl)]. The qualities of the plastic surgeon and the basic principles of plastic surgery are briefly described, particularly in relation to the reconstruction of wounded eyelids.


[Differential diagnosis of ptosis (author's transl)]. An accurate differential diagnosis of ptosis results if one refers the functional disorders of the levator to the different levels of the motor unit: Muscle, synapsis, peripheral neuron and nucleus. Therefore ptosis can be classified into myogenic, synaptogenic and neurogenic forms. This classification is also based on electromyographic findings from the levator muscle. Myogenic forms of the ptosis are: Senile ptosis, chronic progressive ocular muscle dystrophy, acute exophthalmic myositis and affections of the levator together with general systemic myopathies. Synaptogenic forms of ptosis are: Botulism and myasthenia gravis. Neurogenic forms of ptosis are: Cortical ptosis, ptosis from lesions of the oculomotor nucleus (congenital ptosis, Moebius-syndrome), peripheral oculomotor palsy, ptosis in aberrant third nerve regeneration, sympathetic ptosis (Horner-syndrome), ptosis in cases of paradoxic innervation such as the Duane retraction-syndrome and the Marcus-Gunn-Jaw-Winking-syndrome (ptosis linked with jaw movement). According to the classification in myogenic, synaptogenic and peripheral-neurogenic forms of ptosis, the therapeutic possibilities (medical, surgical etc.) are discussed.


[Results of the modified dacryocystorhinostomie described by Werb (author's transl)]. 42 cases operated by the modified Werb's dacryocystorhinostomy with polyethylene tubing are reported. The postoperative follow-up was between 1 and 4 1/2 years. The success rate was 75%. The tube should remain at least 3-4 months. A longer time does not give significantly better results. On 2 unsuccessfully operated persons strong fibrous scar tissue was found during the reoperation at the site of the anastomosis of the tear sack with the nasal mucous membrane. This was probably induced by remaining bone fragments. This simple operative approach can be recommended as a first surgical intervention on patients with a presaccal tear duct stenosis.


[When should congenital lacrimal fistulae be operated? (AUTHOR'S TRANSL)]. In most cases of congenital lacrimal fistulae occuring in the ophthalmic literature the condition is diagnosed only during later life. Then, however, the congenital nature is doubtful. This paper describes a new-born with bilateral congenital lacrimal fistulae. Furthermore, the underfed patient has heart and genital malformations. The indication for surgical management of congenital lacrimal fistulae is discussed.


[Critical flicker frequency (CFF) in the central and peripheral visual field (author's transl)]. Two methods with their instruments are presented. First the measurement of C.F.F. in modified Goldmann perimeter. Secondly the register of the trimodal curve. The term "flicker acuity" is proposed with its mathematical translation. The second method concerns an original papillophotometer which can perhaps explore the color vision mechanism.


[The visually evoked cortical potentials (VECPs) in optic neuritis (author's transl)]. The visually evoked cortical potentials (VECPs) were examined in 22 patients with optic neuritis. 1. In the acute stage, amplitude and latency time of the VECPs are impaired not only on the affected eye, but often also of the fellow eye. 2. A bilateral disturbance of the VECPs often persists in the recovery period, although psychophysical functions, including color vision remain normal. 3. It follows that in cases of unilateral optic neuritis, demyelinations without clinical evidence may occur in the optic nerve of the fellow eye.


[A new argon-laser-approach for the management of aphakic pupillary block (author's transl)]. 9 cases of aphakic pupillary block with high intraocular pressure were managed successfully by means of a new argon-laser-technique. This new approach consisted in the application at the iris border, 1.5 mm from the pupillary border, of a mobile argon-laser beam of variable intensity, ranging from 250 to 500 mw, of constant time (0.5 sec) and of fixed spot size (200 mu). In some instances the beam was moved parallel and in other cases vertically to the pupillary border in the direction towards the ciliary portion of the iris. This technique ensures maximum retraction of the pupillary border, corresponding to the line of running application, coupled with the least possible damage to the iris and a minimum of applications. Simultaneously with the retraction of the pupillary border the posterior synechiae of the iris are detached and the out-flow of the aqueous trapped in the posterior chamber is released.


[The frequency of various forms of senile cataract (author's transl)]. On classifying 1000 senile cataracts it was found that in pure cataract forms - starting from the cortex - the typical grey senile cataract (cataracta supranuclearis) mostly occurs with a clear nucleus. The dense permeability cataract (cataracta subcapsularis) most frequently shows a dense grey clouding of the nucleus and in addition a still smaller increase in frequency with a clear nucleus. The cortex was also frequently clear when the nucleus of the lens was a dense cloudy grey. Conversley, starting from pure nuclear cataract forms, the dense grey clouded lens nucleus most frequently accompanies a permeability cataract (cataracta subcapsularis) and - with a second peak - with a clear cortex. The brown (black) nucleus (cataracta brunescens [nigral]) quite predominantly shows a clear cortex. If all the cataracts, including the mixed forms between the various cortical and nuclear cataracts are so classified that the percentage participation of the individual forms of cataract in the entire collective (including the mixed forms) is summarised, then the distribution is: Typical grey senile cataract (cataracta supranuclearis) in 23%. Permeability cataract (cataracta subcapsularis) in 36%. Light brown-grey nuclear cataract (mainly nuclear sclerosis) in 13%, grey nuclear cataract in 37%, brown nuclear cataract in 5%, mature cataract in 4%, hypermature cataract in 1%, intumescent cataract in 11%.


[Aging of the lens and cataract (author's transl)]. Lens opacities in old patients are usually classified as "senile cataracts". Since there are very distinct morphologic types of opacities it is evident that we have to deal with different types of triggers in discussing the cataractogenesis. A great variety of risk factors might act as triggers for the development of opacities in aged people, and there is no doubt that among them age changes of lens metabolism are the most important. These age induced changes of lens metabolism do not only influence the energy level of lens metabolism (energy concept of lens transparency), the trigger may as well be located within the protein synthesizing system or the processes responsible for maintaining normal protein conformation, further, an exogenous intoxication may also occur. Lack of normal human lenses of all ages suited for metabolic research and an undefined classification for instance, coloration of the cataractous lens) makes biochemical research with respect to the pathogenesis of senile cataracts almost impossible. Animal models (naphthalene cataract, tryptophane-deficiency, X-irradiation) suited for the purpose may well support the basic research of this subject, even if we have to assume certain species differences of lens metabolism.


[Subnormal binocular vision -- principles for the classification of microstrabismus (author's transl)]. The studies of several hundred case records, most of them carefully observed for years, show that a simple definition of microstrabismus is not sufficient. Contrary to usual opinions about correspondence problems 7% of these cases were even found to be corresponding normally. One third of the cases remained unstable in their sensory behavior. In our opinion combinations of 4 sensopathological prinicples allow a better description of the clinical findings in cases showing a more complicated state. The 4 prinicples are 1. haziness of cortical connections, 2. rivalry of more than one correspondence, 3. horror fusionis, 4. inherited amblyopia -- inborn lack of monocular capacity. Furthermore it can be demonstrated that the four prinicples match with recent findings in neurophysiology and neuroanatomy.


[Fluorescein angiographic picture of sympathetic ophthalmia (author's transl)]. The fluorescein angiographic picture of sympathetic ophthalmia is described in an instructive case, which first started at the posterior pole. In the acute phase there was a picture of an exudative process with multiple subretinal enlarging hyperfluorecent spots and some dye-pooling. The retinal vasculature was unaffected. In the healing phase a transitory involvement of the optic nerve head was observed. The cicatricial phase was characterized by a coarsening of the pigment pattern of the fundus. In addition to fluorescein angiography the degree of transitory hyperopia was an excellent indicator of the activity of the disease process.


[Antilymphocyte-globulin and cytostatic therapy in the case of sympathetic ophthalmia (author's transl)]. The authors make known a combined immunosuppresive treatment in a case of sympathetic ophthalmia, which could not be healed by preliminary corticosteroid therapy. The authors recommend in addition to a high dosage of corticosteroids an optimal combination of cytostatics and administration of ALG.


[The central vitreo-retinal fibroplastic (edematous-fibroplastic) syndrome (author's transl)]. This term comprises a series of symptoms with a common pathogenesis. The disease begins with disseminated foci of paravascular fibroplasia which are ophthalmoscopically visible as "stationary reflexes" (Vodovozev 1963). These foci result in the formation of vitreo-retinal adhesions. A posterior vitreous detachment effects then traction on the retina with subsequent retinal hypoxia, destruction and edema. This edema if often cystoid, macular holes may originate also. Some patients develop degeneration of connective tissue in the central part of the retina, which may proceed intra- or epiretinally. The syndrome complicates cases of uveitis, senile changes of the fundus, diabetic and hypertonic retinopathies and tapetoretinal degenerations as the postoperative course after extraction of cataract or coagulation of retinal detachment. A classification of the different forms of this syndrome is proposed, its clinical picture and its evolution are described.  Possibilities of treatment and experiences gained in it are shown.


[Signs and symptoms of endocrine orbitopathy (author's transl)]. The typical motility disturbances of endocrine orbitopathy and the methods of examination are described. Particular reference was placed on the active force generation test and the passive forced duction test. The differential diagnosis between endocrine orbitopathy and tumor was described. Occasionally the endocrine infiltrations may lead to retinal folds or to a tumour-like echographic picture.


[Cell metabolic investigations as a test of vitality of frozen preserved corneas (author's transl)]. The protective effect of DMSO in cryopreservation (Capella a. Kaufmann) of 36 corneas is demonstrated by estimation of carbon dioxide as well by electronmicroscopical methods.


[Corneal operations for lessening high anisometropia in children (statistical results of refractive keratoplasty) (author's transl)]. Sixty four cases of refractive keratoplasty in children are described. The postoperative results are compared with the preoperative values statistically. The correction of the anisometropia by surgical procedures was succesful in the majority of patients. The average postoperative increase in visual acuity was 0.2. The complications following surgery were minimal.


[Objective vision test in very young children (author's transl)]. By means of the Catford Visual Acuity Apparatus it is possible to determine objectively the visual acuity even in very young children easily and in a very short time; in children aged less than one year in most cases only a binocular later on a monocular acuity could be ascertained. There are almost no difficulties caused by the language. The visual results of 100 patients are given, 63 of which were under 3 years old; 10 children were aged between 5 and 24 months. A control group of 30 patients was also tested with Pflüger optotypes, and the results were compared; half of them were as good as, half of them -- mostly slightly -- better than the results gained by the Pflüger-test. We can therefore recommend the use of the Catford Apparatus in very young children and in such cases where the visual acuit can be determined only under very difficult conditions. The results are exact and can be assumed to be the same as with Pflüger's optotypes. Moreover, the Catford's apparatus may be also used for the testing of aggravants.


[Intraocular solitary granuloma of toxocara canis (author's transl)]. 5 cases of intraocular Toxocara canis solitary granuloma are demonstrated. The coincidence of two different aspects of a disease: pseudocoloboma of the macula (toxoplasmosis) in the right and a toxocara solitary granuloma in the left eye of the same patient (case 5) perhaps will furnish proof possibility of foetal infection (via placenta) by Toxocara canis.


[The fellow eye in acute angle-closure glaucoma (author's transl)]. With 5 years after the acute angle-closure glaucoma of an eye, in the fellow eye the same disease developed in only 15% of cases, but in 42% of cases in spite of the preventive miotic therapy a chronic angle-closure glaucoma developed unnoticed by the patients. Hence preventive iridectomy is suggested in the fellow eye.


[Rehabilitation into employability after traumatic loss of an eye (author's transl)]. After the loss of an eye re-education can become either imperative according to present law or because of medical reasons. The insurer's attention should be drawn to these facts very early, perhaps already by the accident report, to avoid unnecessary long times of incapacity for work.


[The use of peracetic acid for desinfection of tonometers (author's transl)]. 0.1% Peracetic acid (Wofasteril) is suited for desinfection of tonometers, because it has a great rapid microbicidal effect and low concentration. Moreover it is very compatible with cornea and conjunctiva.


The effect of saralasin (1sar-8-ala-angiotensin II) on blood pressure in patients with Cushing's syndrome. To investigate the role of the renin angiotensin system in the pathogenesis of hypertension in Cushing's syndrome two patients with hypercorticism were infused with 20 mg saralasin (1-sar-8-ala-angiotensin II) over a period of 30 minutes under constant blood pressue control. In addition, one patient with primary aldosteronism, an established form of mineralocorticoid hypertension, served as control. Neither in the two patients with Cushing's syndrome nor in the patient with primary aldosteronism could a blood pressure lowering effect of saralasin be observed. In the two patients with hypercoritcism both renin activity and plasma aldosterone increased during saralasin infusion. The patient with primary aldosteronism only showed a weak increase in plasma aldosterone concentration.


Clinical correlates of in vitro effect of adriamycin on advanced lung carcinoma. The effect of 1.38 X 10(-5) M adriamycin on tritiated uridine incorporation was studied after 3 hours treatment of suspensions of 25 advanced human lung carcinomas in vitro. The results were correlated with the responses to clinical therapy. All tumours which showed an inhibition of uridine incorporation in vitro of more than 40% were also sensitive to clinical treatment with adriamycin.


[Influence of spirolactone on the myocardial potassium balance following strophanthin in man (author's transl)]. In order to examine the question, whether improved digitalis tolerance by Spirolactone may be partially a result of antagonism on myocardial potassium balance, 6 patients without clinical signs of heart failure were given 400 mg, 3 were given 200 or 300 mg Spirolactone orally daily and 6 patients received placebo during a 5 to 7 days period. During cardiac catheterization hemodynamics and serum potassium concentrations were determined repeatedly prior to and following intravenous administration of 0,375 to 0,625 mg Strophanthin. Injection of Strophanthin resulted in a significant drop in left ventricular enddiastolic pressure and a rise in dp/dt max. In the control group a significant increase in arterial and coronary sinus potassium concentration was observed. Myocardial potassium balance was definitely negative from the third to the eighth minute. Values in the group receiving Spirolactone did not differ significantly from the placebo group. It is suggested that therapeutic doses of Strophanthin resllt in a loss of potassium from the myocardium by inhibition of the Na+, K+ membrane ATPase not influenced by pretreatment with Spirolactone.


[Fatty acids in 80 brands of edible vegetable oil and in 14 brands of mayonnaise (author's transl)]. The fatty acid patterns have been defined in 80 commonly used table oils chosen at random and of 14 brands of mayonnaise commercially available in West Germany. In addition, sterols of the various mayonnaises were analysed. The oils could be grouped into 8 different categories: 12 oliver oils, 8 maize oils, 14 soya oils, 5 linseed oils, 22 sunflower oils, 3 safflower oils, 5 groundnut oils, and 8 rapeseed oils. As a result of the analyses, it is in almost every case a question of a pure variety of non-animal oils. The range of the values obtained for the composition of the fatty acids for each variety, which can be considerable, represents a modern complement to previous analyses. The fatty acid pattern of 3 additional commerical table oils suggest an amalgamation with fats of other types, among which are 2 cases of mixture with rapeseed oils. For mayonnaise, soya oil is used almost exclusively as a fat component. The presence of sunflower oil was only confirmed in one brand of mayonnaise. The concentrations of cholesterol which were determined lie between 17.0 and 72.3 mg (average 53 mg) per 100 g mayonnaise, so that even in the case of persons which present an elevated risk of atherosclerosis there can be no objection to the consumption of mayonnaise. The nutritive-physiological significance of these various oils for human nutrition is thoroughly discussed. A possible health hazard is the sale of vegetable oils rich in erucic acid permitted in the West German Republic (proportion of erucic acid in the 8 samples examined: 223-53%). These vegetable oils, as is shown by the additionally indicated trade names with the corresponding supplementary specifications are overwhelmingly labelled as vegetable oil (Pflanzenöl) or table oil (Speiseöl). The purchase prices indicated and paid by us for the oils examined are subject to considerable fluctuations even for oils of the same quality.


[Significance of forced expiratory vital capacity-curves to detect early mechanical alterations in human lungs (author's transl)]. In persons who have been smoking cigarettes for many years, who have normal conventional lung function tests the semilogarithmical plotting of forced expiratory vital capacity curves (FEVC) shows statistically significant differences in volume changes below 25 per cent of vital capacity when compared to FEVC-curves of normal subjects of comparable age. On the basis of the equal pressure point theory it is suggested that the simple semilogarithmical plotting of FEVC-curves may reveal early mechanical alterations rather than can be shown by spirometry and airway resistance measurements.


Serial measurements of total blood volume in patients on maintenance hemodialysis. In 10 patients on maintenance dialysis red cell and plasma volumes (PV) were measured before and after dialysis and several times during the next 3 days in order to establish the usual pattern of intravascular variation associated with this treatment and to determine whether there was a correlation with dialysis induced untoward effects. PV decreased from 23.7 +/- 1.5 before to 20.7 +/- 1.5 ml/cm body height immediately after dialysis. Unexpectedly it was even significantly lower 16 h after (20.1 +/- 1.4 ml/cm). Nevertheless, undesired dialysis symptoms had disappeared by that time indicating that they had not been caused by a reduction in PV or that the patients had adapted to it. Changes in PV correlated better with changes in hematocrit (r = 0.89) than with changes in body weight (r = 0.60). Therefore careful determination of the large vessel hematocrit offers a reliable estimation of blood volume variations over short periods.


[Incorporation of 4-14C-labeled cholesterol into the cholesterol ester fractions of plasma lipoproteins in patients with cirrhosis of the liver (author's transl)]. In vivo incorporation studies with 4-14C-cholesterol were performed in five patients with cirrhosis of the liver. All patients showed low concentrations of total cholesterol, esterified cholesterol, and a low activity of the lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase activity (LCAT). The pattern of incorporation corresponded to the results known from hypercholesterolemic, normocholesterolemic and hypertriglyceridemic patients. Low cholesterol ester concentrations and low LCAT activity do not modify the pattern of incorporation into the lipoprotein ester fractions.


The rationale in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. 1) In chronic gastric ulcer bed rest, leaving out smoking and carbenoxolone have increased the rate of healing. 2) In chronic duodenal ulcer it has yet to be shown that any medical measure so far significantly altered the course of the disease. 3) The surgical approach to the treatment of chronic duodenal ulcer is based upon three principles, all of them aiming at reducing the acid-pepsin secretion: a) Removal of the acid secreting mucosa decreases the acid secretory capacity of the stomach; b) Removal of the pyloric antrum eliminates the main source of gastrin, the major known humoral excitant of acid secretion; c) Section of the vagi probably renders the acid secreting cells less responsive to humoral stimulation (Brooks). The major problem, however, which is the prevention of recurrent duodenal ulcer is yet unsolved. There is some hope that the new receptor blocking agent metiamid is the first step, and there is even more hope in that the proceedings of this symposium will show us further steps forward.


Histamine and peptic ulcer: a prospective study of mucosal histamine concentration in duodenal ulcer patients and in control subjects suffering from various gastrointestinal diseases. In a prospective study the histamine content of the mucosa of the body of the stomach was measured in 100 patients consisting of control subjects, patients with duodenal ulcer and patients suffering from various gastrointestinal diseases. The histamine content was found to be 43 mug/g in male control subjects (median) while in duodenal ulcer patients levels attained were significantly lower by about 30 per cent. In all the other groups of patients histamine concentrations in gastric mucosa were found to be "normal". Since in most species it is extremely diffcult to alter the mucosal histamine concentration by any form of treatment, the diminished histamine content of the gastric mucosa in patients with duodenal ulcer seems remarkable. Among several possible explanations offered for this finding we think the most likely is that histamine release is increased in duodenal ulcer disease.


The role of gastrin in duodenal ulcer surgery. The role of gastrin and of serum gastrin analysis in duodenal ulcer disease and duodenal ulcer surgery is analysed. As far as etiology and pathogenesis are concerned up to now gastrin has never been shown to play a significant role. Neither does it provide any diagnostic help in the typical duodenal ulcer disease (but it will allow for diagnosis of the retained antrum after Billroth II resection and of the Zollinger Ellison syndrome). Gastrin determination therefore is not helpful in the choice of the correct operative procedure for the ulcer disease. In today's clinical practice its major role consists in the control of surgical results. This is illustrated by a prospective randomized study on proximal selective vagotomy with and without pyloroplasty. In these patients serum gastrin analysis has shown that the omission of pyloroplasty is not followed by antral stasis. It furthermore always exhibits the typicel vagotomy profile, although vagotomy is incomplete in the 2-DODG-test.


[Enzyme activities of beta-hexosaminidase in urine from patients with renal diseases (author's transl)]. Enzymatic activities of beta-hexosaminidase and beta-galactosidase were determined in 24 h urine specimens from patients with renal diseases, from individuals with essential hypertension and patients with other diseases. Patients suffering from various renal diseases had significantly higher activities of the beta-hexosaminidase than individuals with essential hypertension or other diseases. However for beta-galactosidase only the mean value of the enzymatic activities was elevated. The possible mechanisms causing an increase of these enzymes in 24 h urine samples are discussed.


Molecular basis of a control mechanism of DNA synthesis in mammalian cells. Personal observations made on the model of isoproterenol-stimulated DNA synthesis have pointed out the following: 1) cell hypertrophy precedes constantly the onset of DNA synthesis; 2) the length of the G1 phase is mass-dependent; 3) accumulation of ribosomes is needed for cell progress through G1; 4) ribosomal protein synthesis is involved in cell growth activation. These results together with a consideration of the pertinent literature allow us to formulate a hypothesis on the control of cell division in mammalian cells. DNA synthesis might be the terminal event in a chain of metabolic processes whereby a cell adjusts itself to increased functional demands (Increased Functional Demand Hypothesis). The main points of this model are the following: the interaction of the extracellular effector on the target cells first activates the pre-existent protein-synthesizing apparatus of the cell, which in turn brings about the activation of the "translation-transcription connecting mechanism" whereby the cells adjusts itself to an increased need for protein synthesis. Such a mechanism is characterized by cytoplasmic signals arising from the protein-synthesizing apparatus of the cell which reach the nucleus and call forth a messenger RNA for ribosomal proteins. The latter, once synthesized, protect the nascent ribosomal RNA from nuclease attack, resulting in an accumulation of ribosomes in the cytoplasm. Once the ribosomes have reached a "critical amount", the cell is triggered to enter DNA synthesis. As a link between the enhanced ribosomal RNA synthesis and DNA synthesis a reduction in the capacity of the ribonucleotide pool as source of DNA precursors has been suggested.


Coagulation studies and platelet function after somatostatin infusion. The effect of short- and long-term somatostatin (GIF) administration on haemostatic function in man was investigated. The dosage programme applied in this study was 250 mug GIF as a bolus injection and 250 mug GIF/h by way of infusion. In five healthy volunteers a short-term (3h) treatment resulted in a statistically significant drop of platelet count and impairment of platelet aggregation at the end of infusion. However, these changes were within the physiologically normal range and disappeared after two hours on all subjects. Other parameters such as bleeding time, thromboplastin and partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, fibrin/fibrinogen split products, plasma factor XIII, ethanol gelation test were not affected. In two patients with gastric haemorrhage and persistent amylasaemia a 67 or 120-h treatment induced no remarkable haemostatic defect. By contrast, peptic ulcer bleeding in one patient stopped 60 min after starting the GIF infusion. These studies indicated that somatostatin administration in man at the dosage programme used neither results in clinical evidence indicating bleeding tendency nor does it influence laboratory parameters in an apparent way.


[Successful treatment of thyroid storm by continuous plasmapheresis with a blood-cell separator (author's transl)]. Continuous plasmapheresis with the IBM blood cell separator showed to be a successful therapy in a 26 year old patient with thyroid storm. The patient regained consciousness already during plasmapheresis whereby 5 liters of plasma were exchanged within 3.5 h. Although 633 mug thyroxine (T4) and 13.6 mug triiodothyronine (T3) were removed with the 51 plasma, no fall occurred in total serum T4 and T3 levels, probably due to the rapid reflux of thyroid hormones from the tissue into the intravascular space. Though total T4 and T3 did not change, there was a significant fall in free thyroid hormone levels documented by reduction of T3-uptake test and particularily of urine T4 and T3 excretion. These findings show that the elevation of thyroid hormone binding sites with donor plasma is even more important than the removal of thyroid hormones.


[Lymphocyte stimulation of healthy probands with a "Hodgkin's HL-A type" (author's transl)]. Reported correlations between HL-A type and Hodgkin's disease suggest that genetic factors as HL-A associated immune response genes may play a role in the pathogenesis of Hodgkin's disease. Assuming that healthy individuals having a Hodgkin HL-A constellation may demonstrate impaired immune function mitogen stimulation and mixed lymphocyte reaction were carried out. However, lymphocytes of 12 persons with a Hodgkin-HL-A type did not show any abnormality in the in vitro tests when compared to a control group.


[Tolerance of +Gz acceleration by pilots with tendencies to hypotensive reactions in hot climate conditions]. During acrobatic flying the acceleration tolerance of healthy and hypotensive pilots was studied under hot climate conditions. From the professional point of view pilots were very similar. The tolerance was determined on the basis of indirect indices derived from flight accelerograms (maximum and median acceleration values, number of peaks over 4 g. time of flying). The maximum value and the number of peaks of acceleration (+Gz) over 4 g can be recommended as practically indicative of the tolerance. The observations showed an adverse effect of initial hypotension occurring in hot climate on the acceleration tolerance. As compared with the controls, the tolerance decline in 12 hypotensive pilots was I.I. g and 0.6 g of the maximum and median values, respectively.


[Human reactions to prolonged centripetal accelerations (+Gz) of small magnitudes]. The effect of centripetal acceleration (+Gz) of low values (0.5-0.6 g) applied for four days against the background of relative hypokinesia was investigated. The peripheral and intracranial circulations, equilibrium function and morphological composition of the capillary blood were examined. During the first three centrifugation days the hemodynamic state differed insignificantly from the initial level. On the fourth day signs of cardiovascular deconditioning were found. This was shown by the orthostatic test. Changes in the peripheral blood indicated a moderate stress-reaction that persisted throughout the entire experiment. Equilibrium changes that were observed on the first centrifugation day regressed and the post-test function did not essentially differ from the initial level. The experimental results give evidence that inertia forces can be used to diminish the unfavorable effects of hypokinesia.


[Effect of systematic gravitational forces on the external respiration function in conditions of prolonged immersion]. Test subjects were exposed to 13-day water immersion per se or combined with centrifugation. The immersion did not influence the state of ventilation and gas exchange at rest, diminished significantly the functional capabilities of external respiration. An exposure of the test subjects to acceleration during the second half of water immersion resulted in the normalization of the functional reserves of external respiration. This may be a consequence of an increase in the total physical tone of the body.


[Reactions of the human cardiovascular system to orthostasis following high altitude adaptation]. Orthostatic tolerance of 18 healthy test subjects (three groups of 6 persons each) who were exposed to an altitude of 2200 m for 12 days and 3200 m for 12 days was studied. The first group subjects remained in bed with minimized motor activity. The second group test subjects rested in bed and twice a day performed physical exercises with energy expenditures of 300 kcal/day. The third group subjects led a normal mode of life. The studies demonstrated that a prolonged restriction of motor activity and a decrease in the blood hydrostatic pressure of healthy test subjects in highlands resulted in their diminished orthostatic tolerance. Physical exercises proved ineffective in that case. The subjects who led a normal mode of life showed increased cardiovascular reactions to orthostatic tests.


[Protein and ribonucleic acid metabolism in the central nervous system of rats during space flight in the "Kosmos-605" satellite]. On the 2nd postflight day the activity of neutral protamine peptide hydrolase of different compartments of the rat brain did not differ from the control level. With respect to the protein and RNA content and concentration motoneurons of anterior horns of the spinal cord and their glial-cells-satellites of rats exposed to the ground-based synchronous experiment did not differ from those of vivarium controls, except cells of the supraoptic nucleus. That was found on the 2nd and 27th postflight days. On the 2nd postflight day the protein and RNA concentration in neurons decreased and the protein concentration and content in gliocytes lowered; the RNA concentration and content in Purkinje cells of the cerebellum became reduced. On the 27th postflight day the RNA concentration in neurons of the supraoptic nucleus remained diminished whereas the protein content increased; in spinal motoneurons the protein concentration decreased and in adjacent gliocytes the protein concentration and content lowered. All the above changes made no more than 15% of the control values.


[Morphological effects in rats following a 22-day space flight]. A morphological examination of 27 rats flown onboard the biosatellite and sacrificed on the 1st-2nd and 26-27th postflight days demonstrated no significant changes in the structural organization of the vital organs and systems of the animal body. It was, however, found that the space exposure induced morphologically detectable changes in the musculo-skeletal system, hemo- and lymphopoiesis, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system and the juxtaglomerular apparatus of the kidneys. The changes were reversible and nonspecific, and could be seen in animals exposed to ground-based hypokinetic and other stress experiments. Postflight the animals developed some reactions that were similar to those in humans. This helps to identify the morphological substrate of certain changes in the human body and to investigate their pathogenesis.


[Quantitative evaluation of ultrastructural changes in the rat myocardium during prolonged hypokinesia]. It was morphometrically shown that during 120-day hypokinesia chromatin redistribution was similar in nuclei of myocardial cells of the ventricles of the rat heart. Quantitative rearrangements in the mitochondrial apparatus of cells were of different pattern. On the 14th hypokinetic day the number of mitochondria increased and their size decreased; on the 30th day their size increased and their number decreased; on the 45 and 60th day the number and size of mitochondria returned to the normal; on the 120th hypokinetic day the number and size of mitochondria were higher than the control. Throughout the 120-day experimental the ratio of the total area of mitochondria to the total area of myofibers varied periodically and by the end of the experimental the mitochondrial area increased. Thus, it is obvious that by the 120th hypokinetic day myocardial changes increased indicating a new level of cardiac activity during prolonged hypokinesia. Quantitative changes in the organelles of the myocardium of the left ventricle were more significant than those of the right ventricle during the exposure.


[Effect of nerobol on the water-electrolyte balance and kidney function in man during 120-day hypokinesia]. The influence of anabolic steroids on the fluid-electrolyte metabolism and renal function of man was studied during a prolonged bed rest experiment. Seven test subjects were kept under surveillance. Three test subjects were given nerobol and four subjects served as controls. The fluid-electrolyte metabolism and the osmoregulatory function of the kidneys were studied. Nerobol induced a decreased excretion of sodium, potassium, calcium, chlorides and osmotically active substances. Nerobol produced the most pronounced effect on the calcium and potassium metabolism. The effect of the drug used during the prolonged bed rest experiment depended on the time and dosage as well as on the state of fluid-eletrolyte metabolism and the renal function.


[Diagnostic value of the free amino acid content in blood plasma during human dietary protein deificiency]. The influence of alimentary protein deficiency on the content of free amino acids in the blood plasma of man was studied. Changes in the value and arginine concentration that correlated with alterations in the protein content in the diet were the most consistent. The relationship can be used in the biochemical test to detect early stages of protein dificiency in man.


[Human calorimetry in sealed hermetic enclosures]. The paper gives the results of an experimental assessment of personal biocalorimeter and calorimetric garment. The paper is addressed to biologists, physiologists and physicians investigating heat exchange and thermal regulation of the human body as well as to thephysicists developing calorimetric theories and methods. It presents theoretical concepts underlying direct calorimetry of a suited man and contains a block-diagram of the biocalorimeter that was used to examine energy parameters of the human body, including metabolic rate, heat production, heat release and heat balance. The data obtained were statistically treated and heat effects were characterized by empiric expressions. It was for the first time in medical practice that the personal calorimeter and calorimetric garment made it possible to accumulate information on the thermal state of the human body. This information helps to diagnose the health condition of man, to standardise environmental parameters in aviation, space and such like suits and to automatize their maintenance in experimental and real life situations.


[Hegglin's syndrome in flight personnel with atherosclerotic coronary cardiosclerosis and its clinical evaluation]. In order to identify the frequency and degree of the Haggline syndrome, 954 polycardiograms recorded in 241 patients, aged 39-55, with moderate atherosclerotic coronary cardiosclerosis were studied. Certain deviations in the mechanical work of the heart were noted. Elongation of the electric systole was found in 16% and that of the electro-mechanical in 21.4% of the subjects. This suggested metabolism disorders in the heart and reduction of its contractile capacity. The study made it possible to identify early abnormalities in the mechanical work of the heart that are very important to prevent further adverse developments.


[Reactions of the cardio-respiratory system of cosmonauts to dosed physical loads following 30- and 63-day flights in orbital station "Salyut-4"]. Cardiorespiratory responses of Salyut-4 crewmembers to exercises of 600 kgm/min performed for 7 min on a bicycle ergometer in the supine position were studied. It was found that the 30- and 63-day flights induced a certain decrease in the body response which included a less economic functioning of the cardiorespiratory system during exercise. The degree of postflight changes of the 30- and 63-day crewmembers was similar. At the same time the cardiorespiratory system of the 63-day crewmembers returned to the preflight level more rapidly than that of the 30-day cosmonauts.


[Sonic booms--new environmental factor (bases for standardization)]. The paper discusses physical, psychophysiological and social aspects of a new type of sound effects--sonic shocks of supersonic vehicles. An up-to-date approach to the standardization of environmental effects should include a study of human physiological  responses, comparison of the results of psychophysiological scaling with the available standards and prediction based on sociological questionnaires. This kind of standardization is illustrated.


[Effect of 22-day space flight factors on the state of the sex glands and reproductive capacity of rats]. The paper presents the results of the morphological examination of tests of the Wistar rats flown for 22 days onboard the biosatellite Cosmos-605. Histological, histochemical, electron microscopic and biometric investigations of sex glands carried out 24-48 hours and 26-27 days postflight show that an exposure of the rats to weightlessness and other space flight factors induced no morphological changes in the spermatogenic tissue or disorders in the spermatogenic process of the rats. The offspring of male rats that were exposed to 22-day weightlessness did not differ from the controls with respect to the number of the newborns, their weight at birth, weight gain during the first postnatal month, resistance to hypoxia, etc.


[Orthostatic stability in cosmonauts following 30- and 63-day flights in orbital station "Salyut-4"]. Reactions of the circulation system of cosmonauts to the up and down body movements were studied after 30-day and 63-day flights. All the four cosmonauts showed a decline in the orthostatic tolerance. An improved system of countermeasures against unfavourable effects of weightlessness used in the 63-day flight helped to maintain a better orthostatic tolerance of the crewmembers than that of the 30-day cosmonauts. It is assumed that a rapid increase of orthostaic tolerance postflight indicates an adequate maintenance of functional capabilities of circulation and suggests possible stimulation of its antigravity mechanisms prior to reentry in order to prevent postflight orthostatic disorders. An exposure to weightlessness increased the capacity of circulation to counteract the blood  redistribution in the cranial direction in the head-down position. This capacity became more pronounced and stable with an increase in the flight time.


[Theroretical aspects of the problem of prognosing the state of the human body during space flight]. The paper presents general principles underlying the construction of mathematical systems used to predict the human health status in space flight. It describes methods of prediction based on the concepts of homeostasis and general adaptation syndrome. The paper discusses applications of methods of statistic approximation and expertise estimates to predict changes in different parameters of the Salyut crewmembers. It gives an evaluation of the accuracy with which variations in the heart rate of the Salyut crewmembers were predicted using a linear model and expertise estimates.


[Preliminary results of medical research completed during the flight of the second expedition of orbital station "Salyut-4"]. The 63-day flight of cosmonauts P. I. Klimuk and V. I. Sevastyanov onboard the orbital station Salyut-4 has shown that man can well adapt to weightlessness and carry out diverse and intensive activities in the weightless state. Weightlessness effects on the human body may be both direct and indirect. The direct effects include reversal of deformations and mechanical tensions in tissue structures, change in the afferent impulsation from receptor zones reacting to the gravity effect, blood redistribution, disturbance in the function of sensory system. The indirect effects of weightlessness are associated with an unusual environment and unusual conditions of work rest, food and water consumption, etc. In the course of flight the human body adapts itself to the new environment; this is assured by self-regulation of physiological functions aimed at the maintenance of a constant level of vitally important parameters. Human adaptation to the weightless state can be subdivided into two periods: 1) period of adaptive rearrangement and 2) period of relative stabilization. The first period includes a rearrangement of functions and regulatory systems of the body. The second period can be defined as attainment of an intersystem homeostasis in the human body and a relatively stable equilibrium of the body with the environment. Incomplete adaptive reactions in shorter flights, e. g. during the first expedition of the orbital station Salyut-4 (G. M. Grechko, A. A. Gubarev), may be one of the factors responsible for a less favourable development of postflight readaptation. Thus, the most important purpose of the medical monitoring and prediction in prolonged space missions is to determine how complete or incomplete these adaptive reactions are. Relative stabilization can be reached, as a rule, after a 1.5 month exposure to weightlessness. However, this time period is rather relative since it depends on the characteristic features of the human body. The results of medical investigations carried out during and after the 63-day flight demonstrated no changes that could prevent from a further increase in the duration of future space missions.


[Duration of maintenance of increased bodily resistance with different regimes of adapatation to oxygen deficiency]. The altitude resistance of albino rats was studied via measurements of their altitude threshold on the 3rd, 7, 15, 30, 45th days of their step-by-step acclimatization to highlands (Tuya-Ashu pass at an altitude of 3200 m), on the 3rd, 7, 15, 30, 45th days of their nonstep-by-step acclimatization at the Tuya-Ashu pass and on the 3rd, 7, 15, 30, 45th days of their altitude chamber training. The step-by-step acclimatization of animals included their 15-day exposure to an altitude of 2200 m and subsequent stay in lowlands where their altitude threshold was recorded on the 3rd, 10, 20 30, 40, 60, 80th days. The data obtained indicate that step-by-step acclimatization to highlands results in a more significant increase of the altitude resistance of the animal body and a longer maintenance of the resistance on return to lowlands.


[Optimization of rotatory tests in electronystagmography]. The paper discusses optimization of rotatory tests as related to the classification of electronystagmograms. It presents criteria of the efficiency of the action on the vestibular analyzer taking into account statistical properties of different classes of electronystagmograms. The paper shows that the methods of variation statistics should be used to determine the category of action. The method described has been applied to identify an optimal action in the case of electronystagmograms of two classes (normal and pathology of a certain type). An action described as a sequence of delta-impulses of an angular acceleration has been obtained. A higher efficiency of the optimal action on the vestibular analyzer has been shown on the basis of a comparative study.


[Changes in central and peripheral hemodynamics during prolonged anti-orthostatic hypokinesia as a model of weightlessness]. Central and peripheral circulation was studied rheographically in 6 test subjects during a 30-day bed rest experiment and in 9 test subjects during a 49-day bed rest. The bed rested subjects were kept in a head-down position at an angle of --4 degrees. At an early stage of the experiments the cardiac output and stroke volume increased, the total peripheral resistance decreased, the tone of major regional vessels decreased and that of small vessels increased. During the 3rd-7th weeks the changes were just the opposite: cardiac output and stroke volume decreased, the total peripheral resistance increased the tone of major regional vessels increased and that of small vessels decreased. At the end of the bed rest experiment the cardiac output and stroke volume increased and the tone of regional vessels changed accordingly. Circulation parameters returned to the pretest level, at least, 3-4 weeks after the end of the best rest experiments.


The microbiological and parasitological status of laboratory animals from accredited breeders in the United Kingdom. The incidence of significant organisms isolated from mice, hamsters, rats, guinea-pigs and rabbits from Accredited Breeders in the United Kingdom (1970-1974) is recorded. An improvement in quality in the case of mice, rats and guinea-pigs as a result of hysterectomy derivation is demonstrated and the importance of the various organisms is discussed.


[Flight staff medical expertise with regard to several forms of myocardial disease]. Cardiovascular disease occupy a major place among the adication required to disqualify pilots due to visceral injuries. Surveillance of the persons with myocardial lesions of non-coronarogenic (infectious, toxic, allergic) genesis suggests that disorders of the myocardial function may be stable, irreversible in some cases and transient in others. The expertise evaluation should take into consideration the pattern and severity of the clinical picture and the status of functional capabilities of the cardiovascular system. The pilots with transient or firstly detected disturbances of myocardial excitability and conduction should be properly treated and released for 1.5-3 months from flying activites. After complete recovery confirmed by a special examination in the hospital they may continue flying.


Erythrocyte basophilic stippling in the Mongolian gerbil. Basophilic stippling of the circulating erythrocytes is characteristic of the Mongolian gerbil. Its enzymatic digestion along with the concomitant removal of diffuse erythrocytic polychromasia by the action of ribonuclease demonstrates that it represents microscopically visible aggregates of cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein, presumably of ribosomal origin. Up to 40% of the total circulating erythrocytes may be stippled in foetal and newborn animals. There is then a progressive decline in incidence until adult levels are attained at least by 20 weeks of age. The bone marrow of the adult gerbil contains a higher proportion of stippled red cells than the circulating blood. The stippling can be either coarse or fine and observable in both polychromatophilic and orthochromic cells. It is suggested that erythrocytes with basophilic stippling are relatively immature red cells still demonstrating remnants of cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein.


[Method of computing positive pressure in the human lung following space cabin decompression]. The paper presents a mathematical model and differential equations to be used in computer-aided estimations of the positive pressure in human lugs upon space cabin blast decompression. The paper gives a simplified method of computing the pressure which utilizes a special diagram of decompression of a rigid container communicating with the cabin through a hole of a constant area. The characteristic feature of the method is a simultaneous computation of the air outflowing from the lungs and their expansion during decompression. The paper illustrates the advantage of the simultaneous computation of the processes and specifies the pulmonary regions of positive pressure at given blast decompressions. The paper compares theoretical and experimental (data by foreign researchers) peak values of the positive pressure in human lungs during blast decompression, indicating good agreement of the results.


Retinal detachment in the rat.

Retinal detachment in the rat. Retinal detachment is uncommon in the rat. Retinal atrophy, rosette formation and folding of the retina are some of the sequelae following reattachment.


A technique for intravenous injection in the red-eared turtle (Pseudemys scripta elegans). A technique is described for exposure and injection of the jugular vein in the red-eared turtle. Satisfactory anaesthesia and muscular relaxation for this procedure was obtained by intramuscular injection of a mixture of chloral hydrate and sodium pentobarbital at a dose of 2.5 ml/kg bodyweight. Induction time was 30-45 minutes. Time for surgical procedure 30-45 minutes. Recovery time 1-8 hours.


A method for the collection of lymph from the prescapular lymph node of unanaethetized sheep. A method for cannulating the efferent duct of the prescapular lymph node of sheep was developed and carried out on over 100 occasions so that lymph could be collected from unanaesthetized sheep under physiological conditions. On average the lymph flowed at 9 ml/h and contained 15 X 10(6) lymphocytes/ml. The surgical procedure and relevant anatomical details are described.


[Pathomorphologic changes in the organs of rats following chronic inhalation exposure to liquid polyethylsiloxane]. A chronic 90-day inhalation of polyethylsiloxane fluid at a concentration of 10 and 2 mg/m3 produced local irritation and general toxic effect on rats. Local irritation induced catarrhal-desqueamative tracheitis that was accompanied by a microfocal interstitial process in the lungs. The general toxic effect gave rise to interstitial myocarditis that was followed by focal cardiosclerosis and dystrophic lesions of vascular walls and areas of liver parenchyma. Changes in the thymus-lymph system and adrenal structure suggested prolonged protective tension of the animal body. A chronic 90-day inhalation of polyethylsiloxane at a concentration of 0.2 mg/m3 brought about no pathological lesions in the microstructure of animal organs.


Effect of bodyweight on the rate of glucose uptake by isolated rat muscles. The uptake of glucose by isolated extensor digitorum longus muscles was measured in rats of 78-350 g bodyweight. The rate of uptake per unit weight of muscle fell as the weight of the animal increased. It is concluded that in metabolic studies with isolated rat skelatal muscles, only muscles from weight-matched rats should be compared.


Lifespan, age changes and tumour incidence in an ageing C57BL mouse colony. Detailed data from a colony of C57BL mice kept for research into ageing processes are given on weights of 13 organs between the ages of 6 and 30 months; pathological findings and x-ray results from animals aged 6, 24 and 30 months; age-specific tumour incidences in 24 organs in 3-month period up to 36 months of age. Results of previously published age-related studies of reproductive capacity, dental abnormalities and brain changes are summarised.


The parasitic ecology of the rodent mite, Myobia musculi. III. Lesions in certain host strains. Mice (C57BL/6N) from a commercial production colony with ulcerative skin lesions were shown to have low level infestations with Myobia musculi. Lesions were abolished by exposure to dichlorvos-impregnated plastic strips. Experimental reinfestation with M musculi resulted in prompt exacerbation of lesions in previously healed mice. Exacerbated lesions were again abolished by subsequent dichlorvos treatments. The histopathology of such lesions was shown to be similar to those in cats allergic to Otodectes cynotis; and a morphologic basis for an allergic interpretation of the myobic lesions in the C57BL/6 mice was described. Other evidence supporting an allergic interpretation included the heritability of susceptibility to such lesions in certain strains, the paucity of mites required for extensive lesions, the chronic duration of infestation required prior to lesion development, and the apparent anamnesis to experimental reinfestation. A large commercial hybrid production colony requiring C57BL/6 females had an incidence of ulcerative lesions (in females) of 20% and depressed reproductive indices. Two 48 hour treatments at an interval of 14 days utilizing dichlorvos-impregnated strips (1 square inch per cage) abolished lesions and elevated production indices for a period of 5 months.


Maintenance of axenic mice in open cages in mass air flow. The effect of vertical air velocities in mass air flow systems on axenic mice maintained in open cages six inches from cages of non-axenic mice was investigated. The experiment was designed to exclude all but the airborne route of contamination. An airspeed of 10 ffet per minute was sufficient to maintain 15 of 16 animals in the axenic state in four experiments when personnel activity was minimal. During personnel activity, which consisted of changing dirty mouse cages, 26 of 32 axenic mice remained uncontaminated in an airstream of 10 and 26 feet per minute while all mice remained axenic in velocities of 35 and 49 feet per minute.


Cell mediated immunity in the chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger): in vitro lymphocyte transformation. The cell mediated immune system of the chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger) was examined using both in vivo and in vitro methods. An in vitro lymphocyte transformation microassay was developed utilizing tritiated thymidine incorporation into spleen cells stimulated by the nonspecific mitogen, phytohemagglutinin-M. Peak stimulation of blastogenesis occurred between 48 and 72 hours of incubation with 5 X 10(6) cells/ml in 12.5 mul phytohemagglutinin-M/ml. In spleen cell cultures from chinchillas sensitized 2 weeks previously with Freund's complete adjuvant plus additional Mycobacterium tuberculosis, incubation of 2.5 X 10(6) or 5 X 10(6) cells/ml with 50 mug/ml of the specific antigen, purified protein derivative, produced marked blastogenesis after 96 hours. The blastogenic response of the chinchilla to this specific antigen was extraordinarily high when compared with transformation responses of canine, bovine and avian peripheral blood lymphocytes utilizing a similar microassay system. The macroscopic in vivo delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity response to an intradermal injection of 10 mug purified protein derivative into chinchillas previously sensitized with Freund's complete adjuvant plus Mycobacterium tuberculosis appeared to be deficient. Grossly, erythema and induration were very slight or absent; however, histologically a slight cutaneous inflammatory response of mixed but predominantly mononuclear leukocytes was observed. The chinchilla's unique ability to display an extraordinary in vitro lymphocyte transformation response and its apparent inability to mount a consistent observable delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity response makes it an excellent model for the further study of the relationship of these phenomena to the total concept of cell mediated immunity.


A survey of fur mites in domestic rabbits. A survey of six commercial rabbit colonies was conducted to determine the prevalence of the mite Cheyletiella parasitvorax. This mite was present in all six colonies, and 43.2% of 220 rabbits examined were infested. Listrophorus gibbus, reported only once previously in domestic rabbits in the United States, was found in four of the six colonies, and in 7.3% of the 220 rabbits examined. Non-parasitic mites were found in 3.2% of the samples. Over 50% of the rabbits examined had inapparent mite infestations.


Studies on the peripheral blood and the in vitro response of peripheral blood lymphocytes to common mitogens in Macaca speciosa. In a longitudinal study on 13 adult female stumptailed macaques, Macaca speciosa, peripheral blood samples were analyzed hematologically and the in vitro response of the lymphocytes to the common mitogens concanavalin A, phytohemagglutinin and pokeweed mitogen were investigated. The results showed that the total leukocyte and differential counts in each animal remained quite stable throughout the 3-month experiment. The responses in culture to the mitogens showed that there were differences in the stimulation obtained by each mitogen and that the animals may be placed into high, medium and low groups based on differences in their level of response.


The in vitro response to phytomitogens of marsupial leukocytes. Leukocytes from two macropod marsupials, the quokka (Setonix brachyuras) and the tammar (Macropus eugenii) were separated from whole blood by dextran sedimentation and established in culture with either phytohemagglutinin-P, concanavalin A, or pokeweed mitogen. The leukocyte response to each mitogen, as measured by the incorporation of tritiated thymidine into DNA, was similar to that described in other experimental systems. These results suggest that the functional elements of the cellular immune response in marsupials may have evolved along very similar lines to those in the eutherian mammals.


Apparent acaridal dermatitis in a C57BL/6 Nya mouse colony. Dermatitis in a breeding colony of black (C57BL/6 Nya) mice was characterized by intense pruritus leading to self-mutilation and death. The cause appeared to be infestation with the mite, Myobia musculi. Ulceration of the skin resulted in exudation of serum proteins and exposure of the animals' immune defenses to microorganisms and irritants, with subsequent hyperplasia of regional lymph nodes and spleen. Affected mice had an increase in sessile plasma cells, serum immunoglobulin concentration, and percent of circulating granulocytes. The mites were eliminated by treatment with a dichlorvos-ronnel combination in liquid form, which was dispensed onto the bedding with an automatic syringe. The incidence of dermatitis was reduced to zero. Our experience with M musculi in two other strains of mice, both white, indicates that pathogenicity of this mite for mice varies according to the strain, sex, age, and individual differences in sensitivity of the mice as well as the mating ratios employed.


Facial alopecia in the rabbit associated with Cheyletiella parasitivorax. A facial dermatitis characterized by alopecia over the frontal area with varying degrees of erythema and scale formation was observed in 46 newly arrived New Zealand White rabbits within a 5-month period. The clinical history, nature of the lesion, and laboratory findings indicated that the mite Cheyletiella parasitivorax was the most likely cause of the dermatitis.