Toxicity of chenodeoxycholic acid in the nonhuman primate. Toxicologic aspects of long-term therapy with the gallstone-dissolving agent, chenodeoxycholic acid (CDC) are under study in the baboon. Eighteen animals, subdivided into low (20 mg. per kilogram per day), incremental (18 to 38 mg. per kilogram per day), and high (38 mg. per kilogram per day) dose groups were fed CDC daily for 8 to 15 months. During that period they maintained on appearance of excellent, unchanged health and behavior indistinguishable from that of eight control animals. However, 15 of the 18 CDC-fed animals showed significant elevations of monthly serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase-serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase determinations, and 14 of the 18, from all dose groups, developed significant focal histologic changes in serial liver biopsies. Histologic changes are similar to those described for lithocholic acid toxicity and correlate with an elevated percentage of chenodeoxycholic acid and, particularly, with lithocholic acid (8 to 14 percent) in gallbladder bile of the CDC-fed animals. A few CDC-fed animals showed histologic changes without enzymatic changes and vice versa. To date none of the focal hepatic lesions appears irreversible; it is too early to determine whether continued CDC feeding results in progression, stabilization, or regression of changes. More intensive surveillance of human subjects receiving chenodeoxycholic acid is indicated.


Aortic valve allografts for mitral valve replacement. Between May, 1967, and April, 1971, 122 patients underwent mitral valve replacement with fresh aortic valve allografts mounted on rigid support rings. The operative mortality rate was 6.6 percent. Current evaluation was obtained on all patients; the average postoperative follow-up interval for surviving patients is 4.8 years (range, 3.3 to 7.1). Survival rates 1, 2, and 5 years after mitral valve replacement are 89, 86, and 71 percent, respectively. The average functional class of 90 current survivors is 1.6, as compared to 2.9 preoperatively. Thirty-six thromboembolic episodes have occurred in 28 patients, generating a thromboembolism rate of 7 percent per patient year of analysis. Allograft valve dysfunction has occurred in 64 patients, requiring reoperation in 16 and causing death in two. The linearized valve dysfunction rate is 13 percent per patient year. Pathological examination of recovered allograft valves revealed predominantly leaflet fibrosis and calcification, acellular collagenous valve matrix, and infiltration with chronic inflammatory cells. The results of this long-term analysis indicate that mitral valve replacement with fresh aortic allografts provides significant functional improvement and an acceptably low rate of thromboembolism. However, the time-related rate of allograft valve dysfunction is unacceptably high and does not justify further clinical use of this type of bioprosthesis.


Liver metabolism and glucogenesis in trauma and sepsis. The relationship of glucogenesis and other energy-requiring functions of the liver to the proteolysis which is characteristic of trauma and sepsis was studied in conscious pigs following laporotomy and after the induction of intraperitoneal sepsis. By means of appropriately placed thermal dilution catheters, portal and hepatic arterial blood flows, hepatic oxygen consumption, glucogenesis, and uptake of the fuel, substrates were measured. No animal was in shock. Despite significant increases of lactate and aminoacids delivered to the liver, the blood concentrations were maintained in the normal range. The rate of glucogenesis was proportional (r equals 0.71) to the sum of the glucogenic precursors (lactate, pyruvate, glycerol, and alanine) taken up by the liver. Higher rates of glucose production were accompanied by elevated blood insulin values. Hepatic oxygen consumption and the uptake of free fatty acids also were related directly to the glucogenic rate, the correlation coefficients being 0.69 and 0.74, respectively. In the absence of shock, the liver function and hepatic energy production remained normal in post-traumatic and septic states. Under the conditions insulin-resistant muscle in the presence of reduced free fatty acid availability mobilize protein to satisfy local energy requirements. Skeletal muscle can oxidize only branch chain aminoacids; other aminoacids, including alanine, are transported to the liver for glucogenesis or other purposed. This concept accounted for failure of glucose infusion to eliminate post-traumatic and septic proteolysis, since alanine is cleared only from blood by conversion in the liver to glucose. Thus it is concluded that in sepsis the release of glucogenic substrates because of altered metabolism in peripheral tissues determines the rate of hepatic glucogenesis. This relationship constitutes an important metabolic homeostatic mechanism.


Pulmonary mechanics and diffusion after 'shock lung'. Pulmonary function studies performed in seven patients who had recovered from 'shock lung' showed a highly significant decrease of diffusing properties of the lung, a slight loss of lung recoil pressure, and a borderline increase of residual volume with normal vital capacity and total lung capacity. Pulmonary compliance was normal. The interpretation of these findings is discussed.


Prevention of neurological damage during open-heart surgery. A previous study of neurological damage related to open-heart surgery suggested that the onset of cardiopulmonary bypass is a time of particular hazard, and there is evidence that both microemboli from the extracorporeal circulation and inadequate cerebral perfusion may be contributory factors. Measures to eliminate or minimize these hazards have been introduced, and a clinical survey has been undertaken to evaluate their efficacy. There has been a very highly significant decrease in the incidence of neurological damage as judged by comparison with the results of a similar survey carried out before these measures were introduced. In spite of limitations imposed by differences in workload, perfusion techniques, and methods of data collection, it is concluded that the prophylactic measures have been responsible for the reduction in the incidence of neurological damage.


Effect of preservation on the elasticity of human aortic valve homografts. The elastic properties of preserved human aortic homografts after different storage times in antibiotic-nutrient medium solution have been measured. There was a definite loss of elasticity within nine months leading to a rapid decrease after a year of preservation. It is likely that satisfactory valve function depends on its elasticity, and these studies indicate that aortic valves which have been exposed to antibiotic media for more than nine months should not be used in valve replacement surgery.


Tracheal size following tracheostomy with cuffed tracheostomy tubes: an experimental study. In view of the severe damage caused by unyielding, low residual volume cuffs, various modifications to the cuff of an intratracheal tube have been introduced. The merits of two low-pressure cuffs were assessed in an experimental study in dogs; both cuffs produced little visible damage to the tracheal wall in dogs intubated continuously over a two-week period. A modified technique of producing tantalum tracheobronchograms without distrubing the mucous blanket or traumatizing the tracheal wall is described. These tantalum radiological studies demonstrated a progressive temporary increase in size of the trachea at cuff level over the period of intubation with these cuffs. The implications of such a progressive weakness occurring in the tracheal muscle are discussed.


The pulmonary circulation in cystic fibrosis. The hearts and lungs of 36 patients dying of cystic fibrosis have been studied to establish the relationship between right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH), pathological changes in the pulmonary circulation, and the clinical features. The presence and degree of RVH were measured by Fulton's technique of weighing the ventricles separately. Of the subjects who died after the age of 3 years, one in six had no RVH, although the mean age of this group was not significantly different from that of the remainder. There was no correlation between duration of cyanosis, haemoglobin levels, and RVH. Although not statistically significant, the cases without RVH tended to have had clubbing of the finger-nails for longer periods before death. The electrocardiogram was useful in the diagnosis of RVH. Right ventricular hypertrophy was common in children with lungs of large volume as judged by the radiographic centile of lung length. Cases with RVH show reduced background haze in the arteriogram and fewer arteries per unit area of lung. For the first time thickening of the medial muscle layer proportional to the degree of RVH has been demonstrated, only in the smaller arteries. Arterial subintimal fibrosis is more common in cases with RVH, as is thickening of the walls of small pulmonary veins. The implications of these findings are discussed.


Variability in the size of airspaces in normal human lungs as estimated by aerosols. Measurement of persistence, expressed as half-life (t1/2), of a monodisperse aerosol during breath holding was interpreted as an indirect estimate of the size of intrapulmonary airspaces in healthy subjects. Within subject variation of t1/2 measured over a period of nearly two years was small (coefficient of variation 7-7 to 11-5%). Mean effective airspace diameters were calculated from the aerosol t1/2 values using the settling term from the equation of Landahl (1950). Calculated mean airspace diameters ranged from 0-30 to 0-79 mm for 36 males and from 0-40 to 0-62 mm for 12 females. Airspace diameters correlated poorly with age, height, weight, and lung volumes. These results suggest marked differences in airways geometry in subjects with similar heights and lung volumes.


Comparison of the bronchial response to running and cycling in asthma using an improved definition of the response to work. The bronchial responses to treadmill running and ergometer cycling have been compared in 13 adults with asthma. The exercises were performed on separate days with an interval ranging from three days to six months. The study was designed to ensure that the time course of oxygen consumption during running was replicated during cycling. The response to exercise was estimated by taking serial measurements of the maximum forced expiratory flow rate and forced expiratory volume in one second before and after work. Indices used to describe the response were (b-a)/b and a/b, where b and a were the average lung function before and the lowest value after exercise respectively. There was no significant difference in the lung function of the subjects before running and cycling nor did the duration of exercise or oxygen consumption differ between the two exercises. Eleven of the 13 patients showed a reduction in ventilatory capacity after both forms of exercise. Differences in the lung function responses to the two forms of standard work were trivial and not statistically significant, amounting to only about 1%. It is suggested that previous reports of larger responses to running than cycling were probably due to higher energy expenditures during running. General problems regarding the description and comparison of the responses to exercise are discussed.


Idiopathic progressive pulmonary fibrosis. Five patients with progressive fibrotic lung disease are described. The dominant symptom was slowly increasing dyspnoea, and cough and sputum were not prominent. Marked weight loss was also a feature. There was severe restrictive impairment of ventilation with normal arterial gas tensions. The changes were confined to the upper parts of the lung in some but others had more generalized disease. The duration has varied so far from two to 17 years. The lung changes are considered to be due to dense progressive fibrosis. Necropsy in two confirmed this. Histologically there was monotonous fibrosis with lymphoid collections and secondary bronchiectasis, a picture similar to that found in association with ankylosing spondylitis. None of these patients had joint disease. Tuberculosis was excluded as a cause by exhaustive bacteriological tests and the failure of chemotherapy to stop deterioration. All other recognized types of infective and non-infective progressive lung fibrosis were also excluded, and this is not considered to be a variant of cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis. Though these patients have many features in common they do not necessarily have the same pathogenesis. They are presented as an encouragement to further study.


Application of ultrastructural morphometry to lung biopsy specimens in pulmonary histiocytosis X. Stereological techniques were applied to an electron microscopic study of biopsy samples from nine human lungs with diffuse pulmonary histiocytosis X, and the results were compared with values for normal lungs. This made possible a morphometric analysis of the tissue changes associated with the measurable abnormalities in gas transfer present in this disease. The small increases in arithmetic mean thickness of the alveolar-capillary membranes appeared insufficient to account for the reduction in gas transfer present. When compared with normal lung, a threefold increase in volumetric fraction of septal intercapillary tissue was found along with a corresponding decrease in septal capillaries. While uniformity of distribution cannot be determined by this method, it appears that abnormalities of blood gas transfer in this disease result primarily from a decrease in the available diffusing surface and the ventilation-perfusion distrubances with which these tissue changes are associated.


Absorption of phenol red from the human lung. Pulmonary absorption of phenol red was studied in normal subjects. Phenol red was administered by intratracheal injection and its urinary excretion was used as an index of pulmonary absorption. Doses ranging from 3 to 30 mg were given to two subjects and urinary phenol red excretion was found to be rate limited. That this effect occurred in the lung was shown by giving the dye intravenously to one subject. A linear relationship between dose and urinary excretion was then observed. Intratracheal p-aminohippurate did not reduce pulmonary absorption of phenol red in one subject. Pulmonary absorption of phenol red dissolved in 0-9% saline and 0-18% saline was compared in nine subjects. Dye absorption was three times greater when it was given in 0-18% saline. When the saline concentration of phenol red doses was held constant there was a linear relationship between the intratracheal dose and urinary excretion in one subject. These results suggest that phenol red is absorbed from the lung by passive diffusion. They also show the importance of solvent effects when studying pulmonary absorption of a substance.


Evaluation of breath holding in hypercapnia as a simple clinical test of respiratory chemosensitivity. Breath holding was used as the basis of a simple test of respiratory chemosensitivity. Breath holding was begun at selected degrees of hypercapnia produced by CO2 rebreathing. In 16 healthy control subjects there was a linear regression of the log of breath-holding time on the PCO2 at the start of breath holding. Breath-holding time (BHT) and the slope of a log BHT/Pco2 plot were closely correlated with the ventilatory response to CO2. In five cases of the idiopathic hypoventilation syndrome, CO2 retention and reduced ventilatory response to CO2 were accompanied by prolonged breath-holding time and the regression of log BHT on Pco2 was abnormally flat. However, in 17 patients with chronic airways obstruction, breath-holding time was never prolonged and the log BHT/Pco2 relationship was normal, even though 13 had a diminished ventilatory response to CO2 and four had chronic CO2 retention. It is concluded that the BHT/Pco2 relationship provides a useful index of respiratory chemosensitivity which is not influenced by airways obstruction. This may be helpful in the detection of impaired chemosensitivity as a cause of CO2 retention even when the ventilation CO2 response is reduced non-specifically by coexisting airways obstruction.


Successful outcome of complications of excision of aortic coarctation. A case is described of a patient who made a complete recovery following unusually serious complications of excision of aortic coarctation. The thoracic aorta was reconstructed successfully using an aortic graft along a course which appears to be short and direct.


Successful repair of a penetrating wound of the thoracic aorta. Penetrating wounds of the aorta are not necessarily fatal. A successfully managed patient with a stab wound of the ascending aorta is reported, and some problems of management associated with such injuries are discussed.


Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula presenting as spontaneous haemothorax. We record a case of pulmonary arteriovenous fistula presenting in a dramatic and unusual way. These lesions are generally diagnosed clinically by consideration of their associated features. In this case these were all absent, and the patient presented with a spontaneous haemothorax as an isolated finding. When blood is found on aspiration of the pleural cavity it generally represents bloodstained effusion (trauma excluded), and by far the commonest cause is bronchogenic carcinoma. Less frequently, however, aspiration of blood may represent spontaneous intrapleural bleeding without effusion (spontaneous haemothorax), and a rare cause of this situation is pulmonary arteriovenous fistula. We record this case to demonstrate that innocent pulmonary arteriovenous fistulae can masquerade as carcinoma.


[Contamination of broiler chickens by Salmonella during processing in a number of poultry-processing plants (author's transl)]. The mechanism of cross examination with Salmonella during processing was studied. For this purpose, various flocks were examined for the presence of Salmonella at various points in the slaughter-line during processing. The results show that not all Salmonella organisms present on the skin are killed during scalding at 55 degrees C. Contamination with Salmonella shows a marked increase during plucking. This increase is due, among other things, to the ways of processing. Evisceration did not cause a considerable change in contamination with Salmonella. It is apparent from the results that chillers may be used in a variety of ways, which has a markedly different effect on contamination. The studies show that the effect of a spinchiller is closely associated with that of processing on the whole slaughter line.


[The incidence of copper poisoning in sheep and the role of concentrates as a causative factor. Report of an inquiry (author's transl)]. An inquiry among Animal Health Services supplied data on the causes and incidence of copper poisoning in sheep in the Netherlands as well as on the copper levels of concentrates for sheep in random samples and concentrates causing copper poisoning. Approximately one hunderd sheep die from copper poisoning annually, at least 30 per cent of these deaths being due to high copper levels in concentrates for sheep. Provided other factors promoting accumulation of copper are absent, 15 ppm of copper in concentrate DM appear to be a safe limit, whereas levels over 20 ppm involve a definitie hazard.


[For the benefit of man and animals (author's transl)]. Food hygiene continues to be based on inspection of the "basic materials" which are consumed as such or after processing. In the meat sector, the work of the hygienist should continue to be based on clinical inspection before slaughter as well as on morbid-anatomical and laboratory inspection after slaughter. In recent years, however, new duties have become more clearly apparent, such as care for the welfare of the animal which is to be slaughtered (improvement of transport, improvement of treatment prior to slaughter), ensuring hygienic conditions of slaughter, the problem of slaughtered animals harbouring pathogenic micro-organisms, examination of the meat for residues of foreign substances such as pesticides, antibiotics and growth-stimulating agents, supervision of the product by the hygienist on its road from the place of production to that of consumption, promoting a minimum use (which is nevertheless justifiable from the point of view of hygiene) of water, detergents and disinfectants in the food line and drainage of the cleanest possible waste water. In the field of food hygiene, more attention should be paid to other foods such as poultry, fish and game, and increasingly close checks should be maintained on the quality of those products which are offered for sale to the consumer. In doing so, the veterinary hygienist should be prepared to co-operate. On the one hand, with those fellow-veterinarians whose activities take place at an earlier stage in the process of food production, i.e. in veterinary practice and particularly in the veterinary supervision of large fattening farms. And, on the other, with experts in a large number of other disciplines, who are in a better position to deal with the technological, chemical and toxicological aspects and, last but not least, the medical sector. The veterinary practitioner attending to productive livestock actually is also employed in the production of foods of animal origin and has to co-operate with his fellow in the public health sector to ensure the production of sound and wholesome foods.


Fine structural observations on the ciliary receptors in the epidermis of three otoplanid species (Turbellaria proseriata). In Notocaryoturbella bigermaria, Otoplana truncaspina and Paroto-planella heterorhabditica three types of epidermal receptors are recognized. Type I: with a single cilium running in a duct, piercing the distal dendrite process of the receptor. The internal wall of the dendrite process has eight ridges with longitudinal filaments lying inside them. The ciliary basal body lacks a longitudinal rootlet but is encircled by a thin annular formation. Type II: with a single (A) or several (B) cilia which protrude from the outer epithelial surface and are provided with a large and striped rootlet. Both types are considered as mechanoreceptors. Type III: with two or more short and stumpy cilia devoid of rootlets and displaying the usual 9 + 2 pattern in the proximal part only. They are considered as chemoreceptors.


Fine structure of the pharyngeal bulb in Trilobodrilus and its phylogenetic significance within archiannelida. Transmission electron microscopical studies of the pharyngeal bulb in the archiannelid Trilobodrilus sp. proved the presence of two opposing myofilament systems in the plate muscle cells forming this bulb. These muscles are obliquely striated. The significance as well as the origin of this specialized plate-muscle cells in the pharyngeal bulb of archiannelids is discussed in the light of their controversial phylogenetic and systematic position. In addition a hypothesis is suggested to explain the origin of the special arrangement of two opposing systems of myofilaments in one single muscle cell.


Hormonal control of morphogenetic cell death of the wing hypodermis in Lucilia cuprina. 1. Cytoplasmic fragments in the haemolymph of newly emerged flies derive from the degenerating wing hypodermis. 2. At the time of eclosion, dorsal and ventral cell layers of the wing are connected by processes containing bundles of microtubules and microfilaments. Cytoplasmic fragments contain similar bundles of microtubules but few microfilaments. 3. Extensive vacuolation marks the onset of hormonally initiated fragmentation of the wing hypodermal cells. Haemocytes containing lysosomes are present in the wing at this time, but do not invade the fragmenting hypodermis.


Structural modulations in the tsetse fly milk gland during a pregnancy cycle. Gross ultrastructural and histochemical details of the integumental milk glands of the tsetse fly Glossina morsitans have been examined during the pregnancy cycle. Structural evidence for protein secretion is found between Days 3-8 of the nine-day cycle: termination of activity is completed on the day of parturition. Onset of lactation is synchronized with the eclosion of the first instar larva. The changes in cell volume (notably in the extracellular reservoir) occurring throughout the pregnancy cycle are illustrated in electron micrographs, and a one hundred-fold volume increase in the reservoir volume between the inactive phase and the active period is illustrated and discussed in terms of membrane modulation of the limiting membrane of the reservoir. Intracellular membrane changes during the cycle, particularly the development of extensive ER arrays in the actively secreting cell, are illustrated and discussed. It is suggested that cytoplasmic microtubules play a part in maintaining the form of the distended secretory cell, at the height of secretory release and storage. Histochemical observations on the milk secretion, and the contents of the larval gut are presented.


Fine structure of tarsal sensory organs in the whip spider Admetus pumilio (Amblypygi, Arachnida). The sensory organs on the tarsi of the antenniform first legs of the whip spider Admetus pumilio C. L. Koch (Amblypygi, Arachnida) were examined with the scanning and transmission electron microscope. At least four different types of hair sensilla were found: (1) thick-walled bristles, which have the characteristics of contact chemoreceptors (several chemoreceptive dendrites in the lumen plus two mechanoreceptors at the base); (2) short club sensilla, innervated by 4-6 neurons which terminate in a pore on the tip; they are possibly humidity receptors; (3) porous sensilla, which are either innervated by 20-25 neurons and have typical pore tubules, or they have 40-45 neurons but no pore tubules; both types are considered to be olfactory; (4) rod sensilla occur in clusters near segmental borders; they are innervated by only one large dendrite which branches inside the lumen. Other tarsal receptors are the claws, which correspond to contact chemoreceptors, and the pit organ which resembles the tarsal organ of spiders. Compared to other arthropod sensilla, the contact chemoreceptors are very similar to those of spiders, while the porous sensilla correspond structurally to olfactory receptors in insects; the club and rod sensilla seem to be typical for amblypygids.


[Tegumentary glands of the supra-anal pit of Scutigerellidae (Symphala, Myriapoda)]. Tegumentary glands of the 'supra-anal pit' in the genus Scutigerella are ductule-associated glandular cells. The invaginated cavity consists of two distinct parts, the inner bearing microvilli collector. The efferent ductule penetrates into the upper part of the cavity by means of a receiving tubule, the wall of which is perforated and composed of two layers having different electron densities. The glandular cell cytoplasm is packed with smooth endoplasmic reticulum which arises from rough endoplasmic reticulum and by blebbing of the outer membrane of the nuclear envelope, blebs immediately losing their ribosomes. Secretion granules are released into the extracellular invaginated cavity between the microvilli and form an amorphous layer that covers the cuticular invagination of the 'supra-anal pit'.


The distribution of orthogonal assemblies and other intercalated particles in frog sartorius and rabbit sacrospinalis muscle. Freeze-fracture replicas have been prepared from two fast-acting vertebrate muscles (frog sartorius and rabbit sacrospinalis) and are described with particular reference to the distribution of intercalated particles in the plasma membrane. T-tubule and SR cisternae. Orthogonal assemblies of small particles are present on the A face plasma membrane in each instance, and their distribution (in sartorius) is found to be random with respect to the underlying myofibrillar sarcomere repeat. Such assemblies are not present on A or B faces of T-tubule or SR cisternae. Asymmetric particle distribution is described for fracture faces of the T-tubules and SR: the profuse particle packing of the SR A face is uniform from terminal cisternae to medial fenestrated collar. Intercalated particles are present on A and B faces of T-tubule fractures; more commonly on the latter. These results are compared with studies on insect muscles, and a comparative approach to further studies on the correlation between membrane structure and function is discussed.


Chemical compositions of glomerular and tubular basement membranes of human kidney. Glomerular basement membranes (GBM) and tubular basement membranes (TBM) were prepared from human kidney and their chemical compositions were studied. Electron microscopic figures showed no contamination of the cellular components components or collagen fibers, indicating a high degree of purity of the preparations. Low contents of phospholipid supported this indication. Amino acid compositions of the human GBM and TBM resembled that of the bovine GBM, containing hydroxyproline, hydroxylsine, half-cystine, methionine and a large amount of glycine as the characteristic amino acids. The human GBM and TBM had similar carbohydrate compositions consisting of glucose and galactose, as the major sugars, together with mannose, L-fucose, hexosamine and sialic acid. Glucosylgalactosylhydroxylysine and a small amount of galactosylhydroxylysine were detected in alkaline hydrolyzates of both membranes. The human GBM and TBM separated into more than ten subunits having molecular weights ranging from 2.5 times 10-4 to more than 2.5 times 10-5 on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium laurylsulfate and 2-mercaptoethanol. The electrophoretograms of both membranes resembled that of the bovine GBM. These observations indicate that the human TBM has a similar chemical structure to those of the human GBM and the bovine GBM.


Exocrine pancreatic function after upper abdominal surgery. Daily pancreatic flow and daily outputs of bicarbonate and amylase in pure pancreatic juice were observed in 15 postoperative patients who underwent upper abdominal surgery. Exocrine pancreatic secretion under the stimulation by enodgenous or exogenous hormones was well correlated with the extent of pancreatic fibrosis estimated by the histometrical treatment. Exocrine pancreatic secretion in Billroth II type of gastrectomy was depressed to 60-70% of the patients' with Billroth I type of gastrectomy. In distal pancreatectomy the depression in the exocrine pancreatic secretion almost corresponded with the resected volume of pancreas. Exocrine pancreatic secretion in pancreatodoudenectomy was highly depressed beyond the expected value from the resected volume and fibrosis of the pancreas. This was interpreted as partly due to the elimination of hormonal mechanism by duodenectomy and partly due to the denervation of the secretory fibers by surgical manipulation.


Plasma glucagon-like immunoreactivity (GLI) in dogs. Gut glucagon-like immunoreactivity (GLI) was extracted from plasma of dogs and was compared for its molecular size and insulin releasing activity with GLI present in the intestine. Plasma was obtained from the portal vein of dogs, of which the pancreas was removed as rapidly as possible during the glucose administration into the intestine. Plasma GLI of intestinal origin was extracted by a modification of Kenny's method. The amount of GLI extractable from plasma in each dog ranged from 4.30 to 25.74 ng. The extract of plasma during glucose absorption was observed to have two peaks on gel filtration, corresponding to Peak I and Peak II of GLI extracted from the gastrointestinal tract. The intrapancreatic infusion of the Peak II GLI extractable from plasma promoted remarkable insulin release in dogs, like pancreatic glucagon. In contrast, the Peak I GLI from plasma caused an equivocal rise of insulin in the pancreatic vein. It is concluded from the experiment that gut GLI extracted from plasma shows the same elution pattern on gel filtration and the same insulin releasing activity as GLI extractable from the gut.


Pharmacological analysis of dopamine action on the isolated dog atrium. The isolated right atrium of the dog was perfused with arterial blood introduced from a carotid artery of a support dog. The selective injection of dopamine, tyramine and norepinephrine into the cannulated sinus node artery induced dose-relatedly positive chronotropic and inotropic effects. However, for an equal increase in sinus rate, dopamine caused less increase in tension development than norepinephrine. Tyramine caused least increase in contractility. Effects induced by dopamine were not blocked by treatment with tetrodotoxin which blocked those induced by nicotine. Desmethylimipramine treatment significantly suppressed dopamine-induced effects and completely blocked tyramine-induced ones but rather enhanced norepinephrine-induced ones. Alprenolol inhibited effects of dopamine, tyramine and norepinephrine. From these results, it is concluded that positive chronotropic and inotropic effects of dopamine are partly due to tyramine-like effect which causes the release of norepinephrine from sympathetic storage sites.


Increase of dermatan sulfate in a case of pulmonary fibrosis. The quantity and composition of acid glycosaminoglycans (mucopolysaccharides) were compared between a fibrotic lung and normal lungs. The acid glycosaminoglycans were isolated by proteolysis, fractionation with ethanol and precipitation with cetylpyridinium chloride, and were identified by chromatography, electrophoresis and incubation with mucopolysaccharide-lyases. Evidence was obtained for the presence of hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate A(C), dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate. Quantitation of individual glycosaminoglycans by using specific mucopolysaccharide-lyases revealed that the quantity of dermatan sulfate in the fibrotic lung exceeded that in the normal lungs.


Problems of retained calculi in the bile duct. A study of 68 patients subjected to re-surgery for residual or recurrent gallstones provided the following results: Among the 68 patients, the stones were recurrent in only 4, residual in 38, and uncertain but mostly suggesting residual in the other 26 cases. In many of the residual stone cases, the previous operations were cholecystectomy alone, retrospectively suggesting insufficient search for residual stones and other abnormalities in the biliary tract during the operations. Of the 4 recurrent stone cases, 3 of them showed bile duct stricture, papillary stenosis and idiopathic choledochus dilatation, respectively, while the remaining one, though free of any sign of bile stasis, had a gallstone formed around a silk-thread core. The indications for additional sphincteroplasty and biliodigestive anastomosis in re-operations were strictly consistent with those in the first operations. Seven operative fatal cases (10%) were mostly those of long persistent gallstones with serious hepatic failure. The follow-up studies in 53 patients showed as many as 51 cases returning to the preoperative occupation without any significant complaints. These results emphatically suggest that retained gallstone cases should be referred to surgical treatment as early as possible.


Eccrine sweat gland sensitivity to catecholamines in patients with pheochromocytoma and primary aldosteronism. The sensitivity of the eccrine sweat glands to adrenaline and noradrenaline was examined in 9 patients with pheochromocytoma and 12 patients with primary aldosteronism by Wada's method for determining threshold concentrations of local sweat response to intradermal injection. In pheochromocytoma most of the patients characteristically showed considerably reduced sensitivity to catecholamines in the sweat glands. Sensitivity was rapidly restored after the extirpation of the tumor in all cases. In primary aldosteronism the sweat gland sensitivity varied over a very wide range from subnormal to supernormal levels. These were restored to normal range after extirpation of the adrenocortical adenoma. In both diseases it was found that the sensitivity of the sweat glands to catecholamines and the vascular system to noradrenaline altered almost in parallel.


Digital plethysmographic responses to auditory stimuli in patients with vibration disease. Digital plethysmographic responses to auditory stimuli in 15 healthy men and 82 patients with vibration disease were analyzed in order to clarify the functional conditions of autonomic nervous system in this disease. The auditory stimuli given to healthy men caused a rapid decrease in the amplitude of the plethysmograms. After cessation of the auditory stimuli the decreased amplitude recovered to the control value within 30 sec. In the patients with vibration disease, however, the recovery of the decreased amplitude was delayed. The plethysmographic changes in the patients with vibration disease were divided into 4 types: normal (N), intermediate (I), delayed (D) and poor response (P) types. Each type of I, D and P was altered to type N by treatments consisting of therapeutic exercises, hot spring cures and so on. All healthy men showed type N. There were no significant differences between the time courses of the recovery of the plethysmographic changes and the amplitudes of the plethysmograms before the auditory stimuli. The results obtained seem to indicate that the autonomic nervous system in the patient with vibration disease is in disorder, and that the digital plethysmography with auditory stimuli is instrumental to detect the functional changes in the autonomic nervous system.


The relation between experimentally induced pyelonephritis and hypertension. Hypertension resulting from chronic pyelonephritis has been shown in clinical as well as experimental cases, although some authors deny that there is a pathogenic relationship between the two. To throw light on this problem the present authors conducted a series of experiments with mongrel dogs, in which chronic pyelonephritis was induced and postoperative changes in blood pressure and plasma renin activity were observed over a period of 3 months. The pyelonephritis infection was brought about by a method involving vesicoureteral reflux and ureteral dysfunction, as described in a previous paper. Preoperative and postoperative levels of systolic pressure wer compared, but no definit trends were found for the first 3 weeks after operation. At 30, 60 and 90 days the pressures were found to have risen by 21.2 plus or minus 11.2 mmHg, 21.7 plus or minus 14.6 mmHg and 17.1 plus or minus 16.7 mmHg, respectively. Thus there was a significant elevation (p smaller than 0.01). No appreciable change in the plasma renin activity was found, however, at any stage. From these results it was concluded that experimentally induced chronic pyelonephritis in dogs caused a rise in blood pressure. No connection between the pyelonephritis and the renin angiotensin system was found.


Bronchial hypersensitivity to methacholine in monkeys with beta-adrenergic blockade. In monkeys with beta-adrenergic blockade caused by administration of propranolol, we found that the conductance of the total respiratory system markedly decreased following intravenous administration of methacholine. The presence of beta-adrenergic blockade was judged from inotropic effect on the heart, levels of blood glucose and lactic acid, and the reaction of eosinophils after adrenalin injection.


A procedure for assaying commercial samples of eosin. A simple, rapid and inexpensive assay method for the colored components of commercial samples of eosin is described. Samples are dissolved in dilute aqueous ammonia and absorbance measurements made at wavelengths of 492 nm, 512 nm, and 518 nm. The concentrations of fluorescein, tribomofluorescein and eosin are derived by solution of simulataneous equations in three unknowns. The validity of the method has been confirmed by recovery experiments. Mean recoveries of fluorescein, tribromofluorescein and eosin were 99.1%, 100.2% and 98.8% respectively. Seventeen commercial samples have been assayed by this procedure. Concentrations of fluorescein, tribromofluorescein and eosin ranged from 0.00%-0.82%, 4.34%-29.92% and 44.89%-82.82% respectively. The sodium concentrations of the same samples were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and found to range from 0.10% to 6.13%. The presence of free halide (Br-, Cl-, or both) was demonstrated. These observations, together with color variations in the samples, indicate that in commercial products eosin is in the form of both the free acid and sodium salt. Volatile matter accounted for 1.68%-16.11% of the samples.


Transmission electron microscopy of tissue prepared for scanning electron microscopy by ethanol-cryofracturing. Tissue processed for scanning electron microscopy by ethanol-cryofracturing combined with critical point drying was embedded and sectioned for transmission electron microscopy. Study of specimens cut in a plane passing through the fracture edge indicated that preservation of cellular fine structure of fractured cells was excellent. Even at the most peripheral edge of the fracture there was no evidence that movement of cytoplasmic components occurred to distort the original structural organization of fractured cells. Lack of cytoplasmic detail in ethanol-cryofractographs has been due more to the nature of the fracturing of the tissue and to the obscuring effects of the metal coating than to structural deformation at the fracture edge or to limitations in resolving power of the scanning electron microscope used.


Microscope densitometer system for point measurement of autoradiograms. A photometric system for measuring optical densities generated by tissue autoradiograms has been adapted to an ordinary light microscope. The optics of the microscope are used to direct the light transmitted through the autoradiogram to ocular-mounted photoconductive cells coupled to a bridge amplifier. Readout is on a digital panel meter. The integrated area analyzed varies between 33.16 to 0.02 0.02 mm2 depending on the objective magnification. The system is linear over a range of optical densities from 0.5 to 0.05.


Metal contaminants in commercial thiazine dyes. The iron, potassium, sodium and zinc content of commercial samples of the thiazine dyes azure A (C.I. 52005), azure B (C.I. 52010), azure C (C.I. 52002), methylene blue (C.I. 52015), new methylene blue (C.I. 52030), polychrome methylene blue, thionine (C.I. 52000) and toluidine blue (C.I. 52040) have been determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The metal concentration varied widely in the 38 samples examined--iron, potassium, sodium and zinc together comprised between 0.02% and 25.35% of individual samples.


The azure dyes: their purification and physicochemical properties. II. Purification of azure B. A method is described for the purification of the dye azure B in quantities sufficient for biological staining experiments on a larger scale. The method is based on the use of column chromatography. Two columns are employed. In column A with silica gel as adsorbent the azure B fraction is isolated from a suitable substrate ('technical' azure B gained by a modification of Bernthsen's synthesis of methylene blue, or polychrome methylene blue) using an acetate-formate mixture as eluent. In column B, on an Amberlite polymeric adsorbent (XAD-2) the acetate-formate anions are exchanged in chloride. Regeneration of both columns is possible: KMnO4, Na2S2O4 and water are run through column A; 5% NaOH, methanol and water through column B. Purification of azure B on economic terms is thus attained. The opinion is expressed that this method is also applicable to the purification of other cationic dyes.


Neutralized lanthanum solution: a largely noncolloidal ultrastructural tracer. Lanthanum nitrate solution adjusted to pH 7.4 and pH 7.7 was subjected to column chromatography, ultrafiltration and conductivity measurements. Lanthanum concentration was measured by a colorimetric method employing eriochrome cyanine RC. Under these conditions, lanthanum was not excluded from the column by a packing with an exclusion limit of 1800 daltons. Ultrafiltration through a membrane with a filter limit of 500 daltons allowed approximately 75% of the lanthanum to pass. Conductivity measurements showed a decrease of charge of about 20% on adding sodium hydroxide to a solution of lanthanum nitrate up to a pH of 7.7. It is concluded that approximately 80% of the lanthanum exists as a charged particle of less than 500 daltons at pH 7.7; the other 20% consists of larger, possibly colloidal particles. Nonfiltered and ultrafiltered lanthanum have equally good staining and tracer properties in the electron microscope, suggesting that staining depends largely on the ultrafiltrable noncolloidal lanthanum ion.


[New experiences in primary radiotherapy for vaginal carcinoma with notes on a multistage refined target volume concept]. Based on an analysis of a small new series of carcinomas of the vagina, observed in St. Georges General Hospital, Hamburg, a five year cure rate of more than 59% as a result of radiotherapy alone in 27 cases has been stated. Compared with former statistical information this effect represents a highly significant improvement. This improvement can be attributed to an individualized use of localised curie therapy. Performed with the flexible application of 127 Cs vaginal cylinders adapted to the individual anatomic extention of tumours. Apart from this individual adaption to the tumour size and site the method of curie therapy includes full utilisation of the space available within the genital tract. It is combined with a telecobalt treatment performed as a 4-axis-180 degrees-rotation directed the lateral parts of the true pelvis. The study gives a chance to discuss the target volume concept for combined radiotherapy of gynecological cancers. It is distinguished between target volumes of 1st, 2nd and 3rd order. The difficulties arising when the different components of combined radiotherapy of gynecological tumours have to be summed up, cannot easily be overcome. Further research with this field seems to be desirable.


[Therapy and results of primary irradiated cervix carcinomas in the years 1966 to 1968]. This is a report about 442 patients with a carcinoma of the cervix uteri, who underwent a primary radiotherapeutic treatment in the period from 1966 to 1968. 342 (77,4%) were at the age between fifty and seventy years. 226 (60%) of the women were in the stages III and IV. A five-years-healing could be obtained with 234 patients (45%). Nobody died in consequence of the treatment, i.e. primaryly. 34 (7,6%) died intercurrently. A rectovaginal fistula appeared on 10 women (2,2%). No vesicovaginal fistula was observed. 58 women (13%) suffered from an alimentary diabetes. It is determined that this grouping represents a negative selection of patients as the stages I and II have been operated according to Wertheim, if no contraindication for the operation was existent; for that reason, the intercurrent rate of mortality in the stage I was relatively high.


[Therapy of penile plastic duration using radium moulages]. During the last 42 years, 1524 patients with I.p.p. were treated in our department. In 69% of the cases (173 out of 248) an improvement was observed within 13 months, following therapy with radium moulages. Through improved radiation protection this therapy can be performed without undue exposure of the testes. A 15 year old patient ist the youngest case on record. Trend-calculations show a progressive tendency of this disease in later years.


[Hard x-ray therapy with special reference to postoperative irradiation of breast carcinoma]. Five-year-experiences have shown that a considerably intensified tolerance of the skin and an absorption equability of tissues and bones and muscles are obtained with the hard ray roentgen irradiator, RT 305, for half-value depths from 20 mm to 70 mm H-2O and half-value thickness to about 7 mm Cu. By means of a rod anode tube of 300 kV with a super-normal filtration to 3.5 mm Pb, a hard and nearly monochromatic radiation, which already possesses the above mentioned advantages of the ultra-hard ray therapy with an effective energy about 0.2 MeV, appears. The application of this hard ray therapy is given preferably for disease foci in the environment of bone tissues, i.e. in the head and throat, the vertebral column, the osseous pelvic ring and the extremities and as the conventional roentgen therapy ist not able to give it. The hard ray therapy seems to be particularly adapted for the postoperative irradiation of the cancer of the breast with the ribs lying in the region of the irradiation fields, with the sternum and the bones of the shoulder girdle. With regard to these radiotherapeutic possibilities, corresponding cases are demonstrated.


Halothane on irradiated liver  tissue.

Halothane on irradiated liver  tissue. The results of animal experiments show that distinction must be made between acute and chronic tissue changes produced by irradiation of the liver. The pathologico-morphological findings obtained by irradiation of the liver combined with repeated halothane administration during short-term experiments are scanty and dosage-dependent. Long-term observation has revealed higher-dosage irradiation to be followed by minor inflammation which, if combined with regular halothane administration, progresses to produce the patho-anatomical picture of chronic hepatitis with diffuse cell damage and focal necrosis even in those groups of animals which had been exposed to low-dosage irradiation. It must be assumed that even low-dosage irradiation of the liver which fails to produce measurable changes at the beginning, may influence the structure and function of the hepatic parenchyma. The latent radiation damage manifests itself under additional toxic irritation of the liver, such as that caused by halothane.


Histological studies after experimental grid irradiation. IV. Findings in the skin. In the skin of the rat with longer focus-to-grid distance and wider slot openings the grid pattern corresponding to the inhomogeneous dose distribution may be demonstrated by histological means; after slot irradiation the damaged skin portion corresponding to the slot may be recognised. The shorter length of this skin portion compared with the width of the slot as well as the differences after grid irradiation of the average length of the severely damaged and relatively intact portions is in accordance with the authors conception, justified already by previous experiments, namely that the tissue parts covered by the bars of the grid exert a protective influence on the adjacent directly irradiated tissues.


Cytospectrophotometric analysis of DNA content in the invasive cancer of the vervix. Fourteen cases of invasive, well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma were studied by means of spectrophotometry for relative DNA content in the tumor cells. Comprehensive review of literature on the subject is given. No correlation of relative DNA value in the tumor cells and clinical stage of the malignancy was found. Lack of the correlation between percentage of aneuploid cells and clinical stage of the tumor was observed. Based on the results of this paper and the literature on the subject, the interrelationship of the proportion of aneuploid cells with low arbitrary DNA value and radiosensitivity of the cervical lesion is suggested. The value of quantitative DNA study for treatment planning is emphasized.


Effects of feeding an elemental diet during abdominal irradiation. Rats fed with normal laboratory feed or elemental diet 3200-BD (Mead Johnson) were administered fractions of 240 rd (-60Co gamma-radiation) abdominally. Consumption of food and its nutrition efficiency were the parameters studied. Anorexia occurred rapidly following only one fraction of 240 rd and was unaffected by the feeding of the diet. Animals fed the latter, however, recovered normal appetite much faster upon completion of abdominal irradiation than those fed normally. While nutritional efficiency of the diet was smaller than that of normal feed with the controls, the opposite was obtained with irradiated animals.


Radiation effects on rat testes. VII. Alterations in nucleic acids and P-32 incorporation after partial body gamma-irradiation. Effects of partial body gamma irradiation have been studied on rat testis at lethal (2000 R) and sublethal (720 R) doses. Radiation produced a progressive decline in DNA and RNA content of testis for first 15 days at both lethal and sublethal doses, followed by recovery as evidenced up to 74 days without any evidence for recovery of spermatogenesis. The incorporation of P-32 into nucleic acids was also low as compared to normal rats on day 8 postirradiation. Subsequently there was a tendency for the enhanced incorporation of P-32 in nucleic acid fractions. The P-32 nucleic acids specific activities were higher on 74th day in radiated rats than in normal controls. Enhanced incorporation of P-32 in nucleic acids and phospholipid fractions after 15 days of irradiation indicates greater synthetic activity of testicular interstitium rather than in recovery of germ cells.


[Glutamate-oxalacetate-transaminase in irradiated and nonirradiated chick embryos]. The enzymatic activity of glutamate-oxalacetate transaminase (GOT) in 16 days old chick embryos was investigated in 10 minute-intervals following X-ray irradiation with 1000 R. Initially, in the tissue homogenates of the embryos and in the blood serum a decline of enzyme activity was observed, which continued for 30 minutes after irradiation. Subsequently - during a second phase - the enzymatic action was increased far beyond the norm. On the contrary, in the tissues of the allantois no significant change of the GOT-concentration was seen following irradiation.


Aldosterone plasma radioimmunoassay interference by a spirolactone metabolite. The plasma aldosterone radioimmunoassay developed by Ito et al. was found to be non-specific for aldosterone following administration of the spirolactones, spironolactone and canrenoate-K, in rabbits, dogs and humans. The assay interfering principle was identified as a hydroxylated derivative (M-B) of canrenone, which itself is a metabolite common to both spironolactone and canrenoate-K. The metabolite M-B possessed a high cross-reactivity to the 21-hemisuccinate aldosterone antibody relative to other spirolactones. A modified procedure was developed specific for plasma aldosterone in the presence of M-B. Following single doses of spironolactone and canrenoate-K, aldosterone plasma levels were unchanged in humans and in dogs and decreased in rabbits.


Serum 11-deoxycorticosterone levels in adrenal-regeneration hypertension under conditions of quiescence and stress. A time course study to measure adrenal cortical function was undertaken for the period prior to the development of hypertension until the onset of hypertension in the adrenal-regeneration hypertension (ARH) model. Quiescent rat kills were used so that all adrenal cortical parameters investigated would reflect basal or resting levels for controls. Thus a more accurate determination of the differences between control and experimental animals could be made. A radioimmunoassay procedure for deoxycorticosterone was developed to measure this steroid in individual rat serum samples. Elevated serum deoxycorticosterone levels were observed in rats with regenerating adrenals when they were killed under quiescent conditions. This agreed with our recently reported in vitro finding of restoration of cholesterol side chain cleavage activity while 11beta-hydroxylase activity remained imparied 25 days after adrenal enucleation. When rats were killed after ether stress, deoxycorticosterone levels were elevated in both control rats and in rats with regenerating adrenals but the difference was not significant. In contrast, after ether stress serum corticosterone levels were lower in rats with regenerating adrenals than in controls. These studies, in conjunction with our previous in vitro findings, point to the importance of deoxycorticosterone in the pathogenesis of adrenal regeneration hypertension and help to explain the anomalous corticosteroid secretion rate data found in this experimental hypertension model.


Metabolism of 4-3-H- and 4-14-C-17alpha-ethynylestradiol 3-methyl ether (mestranol) by women. A mixture of 4-3-H and 4-14-C-mestranol was administered orally to four women. Reactions involving position 4 were no greater than 1.7-3% of the dose as measured by liberation of 3-H into body water. The extent of de-ethynylation in vivo was no greater than 1-2% of the dose as measured by urinary estrone metabolites. Mestranol (0.7 and 0.32% of the dose), 17alpha-ethynylestradiol (6.6 and 11.3%) and 2-hydroxy-17alpha-ethynylestradiol (0.64 and 0.7%) were identified as metabolite aglycons by reverse isotope dilution after Ketodase hydrolysis of the urine from two of the women.


In vitro metabolism studies of (1, 2, 6, 7-3-H)-cortisol in human gingiva in health and disease. The major conversion products of incubation of 3-H-cortisol with slices of human clinically normal and inflamed gingiva were identified as 11beta-hydroxyandrostenedione and cortisone. Reduction of C-20 of cortisol to 20alpha- and 20beta-dihydro metabolites was found only after incubation of cortisol with normal gingiva and not with inflamed tissue. Thus the two major pathways of metabolism of cortisol in the gingiva appear to be the oxidative cleavage of the side chain and the oxidation of 11beta-ol while the reduction of the 20-one appear limited to the normal tissue. The mean rates of conversion of cortisol to its various metabolites in 12 normal and 12 chronically inflamed gingival tissue samples were 147 and 55.2 pmoles hr-1-mg-1 respectively. The less conversion of cortisol in inflamed tissue might explain its effectiveness as a naturally occuring antiinflammatory hormonal steroid.


New bile alcohols--synthesis of 5beta-cholestane-3alpha, 7alpha, 25-triol and 5beta-cholestane-3alpha, 7alpha, 25-24 (14C)-triol. 5beta-Cholestane-3alpha, 7alpha, 25-triol and 5beta-cholestane-3alpha, 7alpha, 25-24(14-C)-triol were synthesized from 3alpha, 7alpha-dihydroxy-5beta-cholanoic acid (chenodeoxycholic acid). Chenodeoxycholic acid was converted to the diformoxy derivative (II) using formic acid. Reaction of II with thionyl chloride yielded the acid chloride which was treated with diazomethane (CH-2-N-2 or 14-CH-2-N-2) to produce 3alpha, 7alpha-diformoxy-24-oxo-25-diazo-25-homocholane (III, A or B). 25-Homochenodeoxycholic acid (IV, A or B) was formed from III by means of the Wolff rearrangement of the Arndt-Eistert synthesis. The methyl ester of V (A or B) was treated with methyl magnesium iodidi in ether to provide the desired triol, VI (A and B). The triol was identified by mass spectrometry and elemental analysis and was characterized by thin-layer and gas-liquid chromatography. The 3alpha, 7alpha, 25-triol is of possible significance as an intermediate in the pathway of bile acid formation from cholesterol.


Testicular testosterone concentration and in vitro response to HCG in normal and in testosterone immunized rabbits. The testosterone concentration, the in vitro response to HCG and the percentage Leydig cells in testes of normal and of testosterone-3-BSA immunized rabbits were determined. Following immunization all three parameters increased in the same order of magnitude (1.8-2.6fold). The results indicate that active immunization with testosterone has no deleterious effects on the endocrine capacity of the Leydig cells. The observed functional and morpholigical alterations of the testes are due solely to increased trophic hormone secretion from the pituitary caused by antibody binding of circulating androgens. The basic testosterone concentration in the testes of the control rabbits were in the range of values reported for other species.


The metabolism of 3-H-cortisone and 3-H-cortisol by the isolated perfused rat and guinea pig lungs. Isolated perfused rat lungs removed more than 35% of 3-H-cortisone (1 times 10-9M) from the perfusate during one passage through the pulmonary circulation. The cortisone in the lungs was then rapidly converted to cortisol, which was returned to the perfusate. The tritiated steroid taken up was so rapidly washed from the lung, that only 10% remained after a 12 minute perfusion with steroid-free medium. In recirculating experiments, nearly 60% conversion to cortisol occurred over 32 cycles; in addition, there was a slow increase in the percentage of polar compounds in the medium. Similarly, the perfused hindlimbs preparation from the rat converted cortisone to cortisol and returned the cortisol to the perfusate. In contrast, guinea pig isolated perfused lungs had neglible effect on cortisone. Rat lungs demonstrated only a limited ability to convert 3-H-cortisol to cortisone. The results suggest that the lungs may play an important role in maintaining cortisone/cortisol levels in the plasma.


D-ring oxygenation of 5alpha-androstan-3-one in rabbits. Metabolism of 5alpha-androstan-3-one in the rabbit was studied in order to investigate changes in the steroidal ring system. The total crude urinary extract was separated into a non-ketonic and a ketonic fraction and was further purified by column chromatography. 3-alpha- and 3-beta-Hydroxy-5-alpha-androstan-16-one together with 5-alpha-androstane-3-alpha, 16-alpha- and 3-beta, 16-alpha-diol, and 5-alpha-androstane-3-beta, 17-alpha-diol have been isolated and identified by spectroscopic methods and comparison with authentic samples. The results were compared with other metabolic studies of steroid derivatives. From this study it is suggested that metabolic oxidation occurs in positions removed from the initial oxygen function of the monooxygenated steroids.


The presence of metabolites of 3-H-testosterone in the lumen of the cauda epididymidis of the rat. Following the administration of 3-H-testosterone to adult male rats radioactivity appeared in epididymal fluid and at 60 minutes was in excess of the level in tissue of the cauda epididymidis and blood plasma. Ligation of the arterial blood supply to this region caused a significant decline in the radioactive content of epididymal fluid and cauda tissue. It is concluded that direct transfer occurs from the systemic circulation into the cells of the cauda epididymidis and thence into the lumen of the duct. The major radiometabolite of 3-H-testosterone identified in chloroform extracts of epididymal tissue (60.6%) and epididymal fluid (72.8%) was 17-beta-hydroxy-5-alpha-androstan-3-one.


Effects of ten steroids on acridine orange uptake and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase levels in rat liver lysosomes. Ten steroids have been compared for their ability to modify the rate of uptake of acridine orange by rat liver and by rat liver lysosomes in vivo. The short-term effects of the ten steroids on the specific activity of a lysosomal enzyme, beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, were also compared. Five of the ten steroids were administered as tritium-labelled compounds and the concentration of steroids or metabolites was measured in rat liver and liver lysosomes at 2.5h and 3.75h after administration. Cortisone acetate, etiocholanolone (5-beta-androstan-3-alpha-01-17-one) and testosterone accelerate and increase the uptake of acridine orange by rat liver lysosomes. Deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone, triamcinolone (9-alpha-fluoro-11-beta, 17, 21-trihydroxy-16-alpha-methyl-pregna-1, 4-diene-3, 20-dione), estradiol-17-beta and progesterone appear to inhibit the uptake of acridine orange by rat liver lysosomes at 2.5 hours. Cortisol and dexamethasone (9-alpha-fluoro-11-beta, 17, 21-trihydroxy-16-alpha-methyl-pregna-1, 4-diene-3, 20-dione) had little effect. All steroids with the exception of etiocholanolone and deoxycorticosterone increase with the specific activity of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase in the lysosomal fraction at 2.5h. None of the effects at 2.5h are due to lowered protein levels. Lysosomal concentrations of radioactivity following the administration of tritiated steroids were greated for the glucocorticoids, corticosterone and cortisol. Estradiol-17-beta, progesterone and testosterone showed much lower concentrations of radioactivity in isolated lysosomes. Most of the lysosomal radioactivity (73-96%) was associated with the soluble fraction of the disrupted lysosomes.


Cyclization of 13beta-ethyl-3-methoxy-17beta-ol-8,14-seco-1,3,5(10),9-gonatetraen-14-one and its 17 acetate derivative. 13beta-Ethyl-3-methoxy-17beta-ol-8,14-seco-1,3,5(10),8-gonatetraen-14-one (IIIa) was isolated and its participation in the well-known acidic cyclization process was established.


New synthetic routes to 2alpha,3beta-dihydroxy-5alpha-cholestane. Better synthetic approaches to 2alpha,3beta-dihydroxy-5alpha-cholestane and its ester derivatives, which were hitherto difficult to prepare, are reported. A satisfactory preparation of the desired trans-diequatorial 2alpha,3beta-dibenzoate, starting from the easily available corresponding cis 2alpha,3alpha-diol, has been devised. Finally, the influence of the temperature as well as of the bulkiness of the silver carboxylate on the steric course of the Prevost reaction have also been examined.


Metabolism of testosterone sulfate in the rat: analysis of biliary metabolites. Following intraperitoneal injection of a mixture of testosterone-7-3-H-17-sulfate and testosterone-4-14-C into male and female rats with bile fistulas, biliary metabolites were separated and purified by a combination of column chromatography, enzymic hydrolysis or solvolysis of the conjugate fractions and identification of the liberated aglycones. The injected steroids were extensively metabolized and excreted predominantly in the bile. The major portion of the 3H was excreted in the disulfate fraction in both sexes. Solvolysis of the disulfate revealed the sex-specific aglycone pattern: 5alpha-Androstane-3beta,17beta-diol was the major metabolite in the male rat, whereas 5alpha-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol and polar steroids were found in the female. In marked contrast, testosterone was metabolized in a different way than testosterone sulfate. 14-C radioactivity was distributed in monoglucosiduronate, monosulfate, and diconjugate fractions. Analysis of the aglycones showed that polar steroids were the main metabolites in the male. In the female, testosterone was metabolized to polar steroids, androsterone, and 5alpha-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol.


Influence of age on the formation of 5alpha-androstanediol and 7alpha-hydroxy-testosterone by incubated rat testes. Testes from rats of different ages were indubated with or without tritiated testosterone. The exogenously-added or endogenously-produced testosterone is mainly metabolized to 7alpha-hydroxylated testosterone in adult animals, and to 5alpha-reduced metabolites (especially 5alpha-androstanediol) in immature animals.


A new method for determining liver microsomal cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase. A method is described to determine the mass of 7alpha-hydroxy cholesterol synthetized in vitro by liver microsomes without the use of a radioactive substrate.


Preparation of androsta - 2,4-dien-17beta -ol. A simple preparation of androsta-2,4-dien-17beta-ol from testosteroneis described...


Identifications of radioactive steroid estrogen conjugates in blood plasma of laying hens after intramuscular injection of (4--14C)-estrone. [4--14C] Estrone was injected intramuscularly into six laying hens. Fifty minutes later the hens were exsanguinated. The plasmas were examined for conjugates of radioactive phenolic steroids by recovery on columns of Amberlite XAD-2 or by extraction with tetrahydrofuran followed by chromatography on a column of DEAE-Sephadex A-25 in a gradient of NaCl. The biggest Sephadex chromatographic fraction (50,4% of total) contained about 42% of its radioactivity as estradiol-17alpha-3-sulfate and 18% as estradiol-17beta-3-sulfate and the remaining 40% was identified tentatively as estradiol-17alpha-17-sulfate plus a small proportion of estradiol-17beta-17-sulfate. The second biggest Sephadex chromatographic fraction (12.7% of total) was a mixture of conjugates not further identified. Minor fractions identified comprised estrone-beta-glucuronide (2.8%), estradiol-17alpha-3-beta-glucuronide (2.8%), estradiol-17beta-3-beta-glucuronide (2.3%) and estrone sulfate (6.0%). Evidence was obtained for the presence of small proportions of estradiol-17alpha disulfate and estradiol-17beta disulfate.


Sri Lanka: the impact of allowing paramedical prescription and resupply of oral contraceptives. The 1968 decision of the Sir Lanka Ministry of Health to allow paramedical distribution of oral conctraceptives at a reduced price greatly expanded availability. Available data on the immediate effects of this policy indicate that oral contraceptive acceptors increased significantly and there was no reduction in the number of other contraceptive acceptors. A policy decision on nonclinical distribution must be implemented rigorously by adequate training of distributors, by ensuring adequate supplies, by assigning importance and responsiblity for this activity to the paramedics, and by educating and motivating acceptors.


Attitudes toward menstruation. International Committee on Applied Research in Population. Historically, various interpretations of the menstrual process have been reflected in a wide, and usually negative, range of social attitudes toward menstruation. Recent clinical experience with continuation of the modern hormonal and mechanical methods of contraception that induce changes in the normal menstrual pattern suggests the need to understand current variations in attitudes and practices related to menstruation. This paper briefly outlines historical Western, Orthodox Jewish and Muslim, and contemporary US women's attitudes toward menstruation and begins to explore their relationship to contraceptive continuation.


Knowledge, attitudes, and practice of family planning in Singapore. The First National Survey on Family Planning in Singapore was designed to gather data that would aid in evaluating the program of the National Family Planning and Population Board and the influence of government population policies on attitudes toward family planning. Interviews with 2,078 currently married women aged 15--44 revealed high levels of contraceptive knowledge and use, satisfaction of clinic users with the Board's services, and attitudes that favor greater acceptance of abortion and sterilization. Continued promotion of the concept of the two-child family appears necessary in light of divided opinions of respondents on this government recommendation.


Family planning in Bali.

Family planning in Bali. Despite low per capita income and little evidence of economic development, the response to the government-sponsored family planning program in Bali has been remarkably favorable. After five years of government involvement, a total of 29 percent of eligible women are estimated to be using program methods, including 25 percent who have accepted IUDs, and 4 percent more are estimated to be using nonprogram methods. This level of performance is higher than in most other developing areas of the world. A number of the factors that might help to explain the success of the program in Bali are identified, and the future prospects for continued success are assessed.


Fertility rates and abortion rates: simulations of family limitation. A computerized model that simulates reproductive events during the childbearing years of a cohort of women is used to analyze the impact of contraception and induced abortion on fertility. Four different reproductive regimens are investigated: (2) contraception only, (2) abortion only, (3) abortion as a backstop to contraception, and (4) combinations of abortion and contraception. It is concluded that in historical as well as in modern populations, levels of fertility near replacement are unlikely to be obtained without the use of induced abortion.


Estimate of births averted in the Profamilia program. Kelly's parity approach is used to estimate the number of live births averted at 6, 12 and 18 months after acceptance by 3,518 acceptors at nine Profamilia clinics in 1969. The calculated rates per thousand acceptors at 6, 12, and 18 months, respectively, are 137, 267, and 363. In order to obtain a general idea of the number of abortions averted by contraceptive use through the Profamilia program, Kelly's formula is also used, with modifications, to estimate the number of fetal losses (stillbirths and spontaneous and induced abortions) averted by the sample of users. It is estimated that 86 fetal losses per thousand acceptors are averted at 18 months postacceptance.


Traditional midwives and family planning in Asia. The objectives of this article are (1) review the contribution of traditional midwives to family planning communication in several Asian countries; (2) organize knowledge gathered from various studies into general guidelines for the most effective use of traditional midwives in family planning programs; and (3) present hypotheses for future research. In certain countries where pilot projects have tested the potential performance of traditional midwives in family planning programs, results have been encouraging. In other nations, more research is needed to determine the contribution traditional midwives can make to the family planning program.


The impact of organization of family planning clinics on waiting time. Mathematical simulations and structured observations were used to assess factors in family planning clinic procedures responsible for long waiting times for clients. Principal causes of unnecessarily long waiting times in selected clinics of a Mexican program included: inflexibilty of client's routes within the clinic and of staff functions, late arrival of staff, patterns of client arrival times, and the proportion of clients seen by the doctor.


Studies in Mediterranean leishmaniasis. 3. The leishmanin skin test in kala-azar. Leishmanin skin testing was carried out in the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy, the site of an outbreak of kala-azar in 1971-72, and in Catania, Eastern Sicily an old endemic focus of Mediterranean kala-azar. Nearly all the people who had recovered from kala-azar in the past gave positive skin tests. Active cases of kala-azar gave negative tests. There was a higher proportion of positive reactors amongst the household contacts and neighbours of cases of kala-azar than among the general population. Age specific leishmanin rates showed an increasing positive rate with age in Catania, comparable to those found in endemic areas in Kenya, but in the Emilia-Romagna area all age groups showed a high positivity rate suggesting a simultaneous exposure to infection. The age specific rates from Catania suggest an interruption in transmission 20-30 years ago. The leishmanin skin test is a useful tool for the study of the epidemiology of Mediterranean kala-azar.


[An electron microscopic study on a strain of Trypanosoma vivax maintained in cattle (author's transl)]. The ultrastructure of the blood forms of Trypanosoma vivax from its natural host, cattle, is described. The pellicula, consisting of an unit membrane with a superimposed surface coat, the structure and attachment of the flagellum and the sub-pellicular microtubules showed the usual structural and organizational features. Cell organelles and cytoplasmic inclusions such as cell nucleus, mitochondria, kinetoplast, Golgi-complex, endoplasmic reticulum and membrane-isolated vacuoles, which occur in trypanosomidae, are presented and described. The ultrastructure of the trypomastigote forms of T. vivax has been compared to that of other trypanosome species and similarities and deviations are discussed. The mitochondrion shows a striking difference in dimension and number of microtubules from other trypanosome species. The kinetoplast, the K-DNA containing part of this mitochondrion, differs in its relative position to the basal body and in the mitochondrion from other flagellate species. It is marginally situated and the K-DNA is frequently lying parallel to the basis of the flagellum.


Chromosomal identification of eight species of the subgenus Edwardsellum near and including Simulium (Edwardsellum) damnosum Theobald (Deptera: Simuliidae). Examinations of the banding pattern of polytene chromsomes from larval salivary glands of the population in west Africa once thought to be a single species, Simulium (Edwardsellum) damnosum, revealed eight species all within the Nile subgroup of the complex. The following names were proposed: S. (E.) squamosum Enderlein, S. (E.) yahense n.sp., S. (E.) soubrense n.sp., S. (E.) sanctipauli n.sp., S. (E.) dieguerense n.sp., S. (E.) damnosum Theobald, S. (E.) sirbanum n.sp. and S. (E.) sudanense n.sp. Micromorphological characters by which there species are distinguished include interspecific inversions, different sets of intraspecific inversions, different sets of sex chromosomes and a few micromorphological features other than the banding pattern. By following the logical sequential development of interspecific inversions both a key to the species and a phylogenetic chart have been drawn up. Analysis of the proportions of alternate sequences for random distribution or not with ther Hardy-Weinberg equation have confirmed the existance of distinct populations, uncovered an example of incipient speciation and showed the existance of a genetic variant of S. damnosum which could possible colonize below dams.


[Studies on the antigens of leptospires (author's transl)]. The authors show the existence of a TR (thermoresistant) antigen capable to withstand heating at 100 degrees C for 30 minutes. This antigen is present in Patoc I, serogroup Semaranga. It absorbs the corresponding immune serum at rates exceeding 99%, and appears to be the only antigen playing a part in the absorption of agglutinins. The existence of a TR antigen was demonstrated in various pathogenic serotypes. This antigen withstands heating at 80 degrees C for 10 minutes. The TR antigen absorbs antibodies of immune sera of the corresponding strains; and, in cross agglutination reactions, antibodies of the other immune sera of the studied pathogenic leptospires. the TR antigen of serotypes icterohaemorrhagiae Wijnberg, australis Ballico and pyrogenes Salinem are not able to absorb agglutinins of sera anti-Patoc I, whereas TR/Hebdomadis and TR/Pomona absorb as much as 20%. tr/hond Utrecht IV and TR/Patoc I (by absorbing their immune sera in cross agglutination) act as homologous strains with an absorption rate of 99%. The capability of absorption of TR changes according to the composition of culture media. This antigen, heated at 80 degrees C for 10 minutes and obtained pyrogenes Salinem is used for macroscopic diagnosis in slide test procedure by mixing equal proportions of antigen and serum. A positive reaction is indicated by distinct agglutination clumps.


The role of the marabou stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus (Lesson)) in Kenya in the spread of echinococcosis from the abattoir. In experiments, adult marabou storks were fed with hydatid fluid of viable Echinococcus cysts obtained from sheep and goats. On microscopic examination of the birds' faeces no scolices were found, the only remaining undigested parts of the parasites fed being the chitinous hooks of the rostellum. The feeding trials have shown that the marabou does not play a role in the spread of echinococcosis from the abattoir.


[Investigations on the filariidae of the cervidae in Southern Germany. 1. Development of the nodule, finding of the sexes and production of the microfilariae in Onchocerca flexuosa (Wedl, 1856), in the red deer (Cervus elaphus) (author's transl)]. The biology of O. flexuosa was studied during the examination of numerous subcutaneous nodules, which were taken from the hides of red deer of all age-classes. In fawns the development of the nodule is induced by the immature stages, probably by the females. At the same time a hematome is formed. Males of different ages penetrate into the nodule where mature or immature females are present. Later they mate and remain within the nodule until the microfilariae in the uteri of the females develop. Usually 1 or 2, occasionally 4 females are found together. During the development of the embryos in the uteri the initially stretched female winds up. Only a short anterior part remains always straight. It is put out through the wall of the capsule in order to release the microfilariae. The males  are often the majority reaching to 13 in one nodule. During the release of the microfilariae the males are found outside the nodule on the surface or near-by in the subcutaneous connective tissue. Both sexes are able to mate a second time. In older deer the males are also able to induce the development of nodules.


The geographical distribution of Onchocerca volvulus infection in Liberia. The survey carried out for the assessment of onchocerciasis prevalence in Liberia from 1968 to 1971 covered about 1% of the rural population. From 10.885 persons examined parasitologically, 38% were carriers of microfilariae of O. volvulus in the skin, and an additional 6.8% carried nodules but no mf. One or more onchocercal nodules were prevalent in a total of 27% of the population. Geographic and sex differences were observed as well as several different patterns of increasing age. A description of the geographic distribution patterns is given but evaluation of population clusters classified by overall endemicity is considered more profitable for analyses of parasitological and clinical lesions related to the transmission of the filarial infection. Regional differences of the age-adjusted mf-rates ranging from 0 to 78% prevalence were obtained from the analysis of 121 communities throughout the country. The general onchocerciasis distribution pattern showed the highest endemicity in the western part of the country with a general decline towards hypoendemic condition in the Eastern regions. Exceptions were found in that sizable pockets of high transmission activity seems to exist in Eastern Liberia near the coast and also in Central Liberia.


The differential dispersal of nulliparous and parous Simulium damnosum. Dissections of Simulium damnosum in the Sudansavanna zone of Cameroon indicated that nulliparous flies dispersed mainly inland away from their riverine breeding sites. Parous flies also dispersed inland to the same distances as nulliparous flies, but mainly they stayed close to, or moved along, the banks of the breeding rivers. This tendency was most marked in the older parous flied. As a result of this differenital dispersal, the numbers of S. damnosum carrying infective larvae of Onchocerca volvulus were highest on the banks of breeding rivers. This has an important bearing on the epidemiology of onchocerciasis. Tests at one place in Guinea savanna indicated a similar dispersal pattern there. In the forest zone nulliparous flies tended to stay near the rivers; and the proportions of parous and of infective flies were higher inland than on the river bank.


Babesia sp.: the relationship of stage of development to structure of intra- and extracellular parasites. The relationship of stage of development to structure in Babesia rodhaini and B. microti was studied by freeze-etching, carbon replication, and thin sectioning. The trophozoites of these Babesia are surrounded by a single membrane over most of their surfaces, but in some regions of the cytoplasm, membranous structures may parallel the plasmalemma, providing a double membrane. Merozoites are produced from trophozoites by budding. An early external indication that a bud will form is the organization of a pellicle complex at the site of the bud. The trophozoite nucleus divides before bud formation starts. The pellicle forms by development of a thick subplasmalemmal layer just under the plasmalemma in a bulging area that contains one of the daughter nuclei. The subplasmalemma layer of the pellicle of babesial merozoites is similar to that of plasmodial merozoites as it is divided into a series of roughly hexagonal plates by a reticular network which resembles coarse chicken wire. Thus, not only are the merozoites of these two species of Babesia budded in a fashion similar to that by which plasmodial merozoites are budded, but they also have similar pellicles.


[The ultrastructure of the rabbit oocyte at the bilaminar follicle stage]. The electron microscope study of the nucleus and organoids of the rabbit oocytes cytoplasm during growth showed nucleoluslike bodies (RNP-granules) on the lampbrushen chromosomes to reach their maximal size at the stage of bilaminar follicle. The RNP-granules differ from the nucleoli by the time of their occurrence cytochemical characteristics, and by their ultrastructural pattern. Throughout the bilaminar follicle stage four components may be seen in the oocyte nucleolus: a dense fibrillar framework around the vacuoles, islets of the granular mass loosely dispersed, and electron dense fibrillar elements filling up the numberous electrontransparant vacuoles. The nucleolus-like bodies are round in shape and have no vacuoles, consisting to two components only: distinctly outlined granules, and weakly developed fibrillar component. The nuclear envelope is seen blebbing. Separation of two nuclear membranes forms a pocket-like enlargements of the perinuclear space. The pockets are limited by small regions between the adjacent nuclear pores. The outer membrane may bulge producing lacuma and large channels in the cytoplasm, which are interconnected making a closed branched network extending inside of the cytoplasm. The nuclear envelope is suggested to be involved in formation of the endoplasmic reticulum through the blebbing process.


[Protein granules and spheres in the nuclei of reptile oocytes]. The morphology, the time and place of formation of the protein granules and spheres in nuclei of reptiles 11 species of oocytes are described. The problem of the place of protein synthesis forming the granules and spheres is discussed. Examples are cited showing presence of protein bodies in nuclei of primary sex cell, oogonies, spermatocytes, and in macronuclei of protozoa as well as in oocytes at the diplotene state of some invertebrae and vertebrae. The description of their chemical composition and ultrastructure is given. With regard to the nucleus programming role. the significance of these structures for accumulation of proteins necessary for meiotic division and cleavage of oocytes, was suggested.


[The ultrastructure of the white rat olfactory epithelium]. As a result of electron microscope observation of olfactory mucosa in the white rat, variability of structure of the supporting cells was established. Among these cells secretory ones and those rich in endoplasmic reticulum were discovered. The differences revealed in dendrites and rods of olfactory cells seem to be associated with functional condition of these cells.


[Chief factors in the polyploidization of cerebellar Purkinje cells during chicken embryogenesis. I. Characteristics of the morphologic differentiation and growth of Purkinje cells]. The Purkinje cells of the cerebellum of chick embryos differentiating from the neuroblasts of the ventricular epithelium by the 10th day of development continue the process of morpho-functional specialization, which is characterized by formation of tigroid and neurofibrilles, by intensive growth of cells, decrease of nuclear-plasmatic and increase of nucleolar-nuclear relations. At the period of hatching the specialization of the Purkinje cells comes to an end.


[An analysis of the impulse character of cellular proliferation in the livers of sexually immature mice]. The quantitative ratio between labelled pre-and postmitotic nuclei of hepatocytes was studied 8 hr after H-3-thymidine administration in the 12-15 g mice. The karyoautoradiographic analysis showed that DNA-synthetizing cells are concentrated at a certain stage of S-period. This indicates the complete synchronization of DNA synthesis in the liver parenchyma. The times during which all the hepatocytes enter the S-period did not exceed 4 hr.


[Changes in the functional activity of macrophages, their morphology and metabolism under the influence of several biologically active substances]. The functional activites of peritoneal macrophages, their morphology and metabolism under the effects of some metabolic inhibitors and  various biological ngents were studied. A correlation between functions of macrophages (speading on glass, pinoctosis of virus particles), changes in their metabolism (RNA and protein synthesis; specific activity ofcreatinkinase and catepsin), properties of the macrophages plasma membrane, and the number of lysosomes, was found.


[The karologic method in the taxonomic diagnosis of the genus Wilhelmia End. (Simuliidae, Diptera)]. Karyotypes of Similidae of the Wilhelmia genus were studied on polytene chromosomes. Reasonableness of their distribution in the two groups, was confirmed. W. lineata, W. veltistshevi and W. paraequina transcaucasica, according to their karyological signs (uniting of the chromosomes by centromeres, absence of the extended zone in the chromosome I, puffs at the ends of the IIS and their localization in  different areas, high inverse polymorphism), should be excluded from the equina group and included into the salopiensis group.


[Conjugation of polytene chromosomes in intraspecies hybrids of the virilis group of Drosophila. II. Hybridization of complementary RNA with polytene chromosomes in specimens]. A cytological hybridization of H-3-complementary RNA synthetized from DNA a template of D. virilis with the polytene chromosomes of D. virilis and the hybrids between D. virilis and D. texana, was carried out in situ. The uridine label of RNA was shown to be located mainly over the disc of the polytene chromosomes, the silver grains in interspecies hybrids being located over both homogous chromosomes including the unpaired gions.


[Ultrastructural organization of polytene chromosomes of Chironomus thummi salivary glands]. An electronmicroscopical mapping of a number of regions of the polytene chromosomes of Ch. thummi salivary glands (3rd chromosome, right arm of the 1st chromosome, centromere regions, puffs 1-A2e, 1-A3ij, III-A5c and others) was done by the method of oriented ultrastructural sections of the unsquashed polytene chromosomes. The banding pattern on the electron micrograph was similar to the observed with the light microscope. The difference was that some doublets appeared as single cavity-containing bands with the double structure only in short regions under the electron microscope. It was also difficult to distinguish single bands in those regions where heavy adjacent bands were connected by dens, protrusions and anastomoses. These connections were most pronounced in the regions of the centromerers which had "spongy" appearance on the electron micrographs. These pictures may be connected with small interbands between heavy bands. Thin bands and some broad bands were frequently dotted. The puffs examined contained mainly RNP granules 200-400 A in diameter and RNP fibrils; BR-1 and BR-2 contained granules 500 A, RNP fibrils and smaller granules (200-400 A). BR and puffs were characterized by loop-like structures composed of granules arranged along the central DNP fibril. Only fibrils were presented in small interbands (0.05 mk), while larger interbands could include a small number of granules similar to those observed in puffs. It was found that centromere, telomeres and some heavy bands formed characteristic contacts with the nuclear membrane.


[Ultrastructure of the silkworm testis. II. Ductus deferens]. Ultrastructure of the silkworm's ducts defferens is described after spermatozoa went out of lobulli testis and after the end of secretion. D. defferens is composed of an external layer of the ring and longitudinal muscles and of an internal layer of glandular cells. Both layers are separated by structurless lamina--tunica propria. Z-discs of irregular form are placed at the borders of sarcomeres. M-lines are absent. Sarcolemma intrudes into the muscle fibers at the level of Z-discs and gives origin to T-system the tubes of which together with sarcoplasmic reticulum form dyades. Structures like intercalate discs are observed in muscle tissue at the level of Z-discs. Glandular cells have unusually developed nucleoli, many ribosomes, lysosome-like and residual bodies. There are comb desmosomes between the glandular cells.


[Ultrastructure and functions of the cells of proximal and distal segments of the nephron of anadromous and freshwater fishes]. In the carp kidney, the proximal tubule cells have no infoldings of the basilar plasmatic membrane. In the Salmonidae nephrons the numerous parallel membranes of proximal tubule cell are formed by foldings of the basilar plasmatic membrane with numerous mitochondria in between. In O. nerka and S. malma experiments with MgCl2 injection showed that their kidneys secrete magnesium in contrast to the carp kidney. The numerous invaginations of proximal tubule cells membrane are suggested to be a morphological equivalent of the Na/Mg exchange mechanism.


[Swelling of neurosecretory fibers (Herring bodies) in the reorganized hypophyseal stalk following hypophysectomy]. Herring bodies were revealed in the reorganized hypophyseal stalk of rats two months after hypophysectomy both in normal laboratory condition and under salt load. We observed Herring bodies with a storage of neurosecretory granules and neurohormones, as well as with massive destruction and disappearance of neurosecretory granules due to release of hormones in neuroplasm. Many Herring bodies were characterized by degenerative changes probably associated with aging of neurosecretory cells or their lesion due to the operation. Occasionally we revealed Herring bodies which contained a network of dilated neurotubules, that probably reflected either the reparative phase of secretory cycle of corresponding neurosecretory cells or restoration of their functions after hypophysectomy. Herring bodies were often situated around capillaries, but they were separated from perivascular space with narrow sprouts of pituicytes.


[Quantitative analysis of the DNA content in salivary gland chromosomes of Chrironomus thummi in the larval and prepupal stages]. Relative DNA content during the polytenization of the salivary gland nuclei of Chironomus thummi was measured by cytophotometric and cytofluorometric methods. To estimate polyteny degree, DNA content was calculated in hemocyte and spermatocyte nuclei. Chromosome polytenization is associated with the 10th-12th replication rounds. There are 4-5 replication rounds in the 1st instar, 2-3 rounds in the 2nd instar, the 3rd and the 4th instars have 1-2 rounds each. From early postembryonic development, larvae already have salivary gland nuclei representing two polyteny classes (2-2-2-4c), this heterogeneity being retained in all instars. Approximate DNA content is 0.51-0.58 picogram per a diploid set.


[Differential reaction of condensed and diffuse chromatin to polyamines. I. Reaction of interphase nuclei chromatin to putrescine]. Condensation of the interphase nuclei chromatin under putrescine treatment was studied in cultured human fibroblasts 46, XX: 47, XXX: 49, XXXXY, and aneuploid cells of the Chinese hamster. The effect was tested separately for diffuse and condensed chromatin. Putrescine treatment did not affect the percentage of cell nuclei with X-chromatin bodies in the human cell strains while significantly increasing the percentage of nuclei with coarse chromatin network and chromocenters. In cultured Chinese hamster cells, putrescene did not change the percentage of nuclei with identified chromocenters and no significant condensation of diffuse chromatin was observed either.


[Effect of acid extraction of basic proteins on the binding of acridine orange by cell chromatin]. The binding of acridine orange to chromatin of fixed human lymphocytes is increased after stepwise removal of histones by hydrochloric acid. No changes in the dye-binding features of the cells were found after f1 histone extraction (0.01 N HC1). Additional extraction of f2 and f3 by 0.05 N HC1 (partial extraction) and by 0.25 N HC1 (more complete extraction) resulted in increased binding of acridine orange (1.9 and 2.5 of that of the control, respectively).9222


[Biochemical differences in the reactions of visual cortex neurons to deprivation]. Early visual deprivation was interferometrically shown to entail changes in the concentration and contents of the protein substance with simultaneous changes of the neurons size. The changes are statistically significant in the lamina V and not in the laminasIII and IV. The changes in each lamina are associated with definite group of the neurons the development of which is, probably, determined by visual stimuli.


[Comparative study of the effect of nonionic detergents as inhibitors of respiration of tumor ascites cells]. The action of derivatives of polyoxyethylene oxide (triton X-100, triton X-305, tween 21, tween 40, tween 60, and tween 80) on respiration of Ehrlich's tumor and rats ovarium tumor cells involved inhibition of the cells respiration due to alteration of commonly uncorrelated with the distribution of detergents between the cell and the extracellular milieu.


[Shape and orientation of nuclei of embryonal fibroblast-like cells cultured on substrates with ordered relief]. Embryo fibroblasts of hamster, rat, mouse, and were cultured 24 hrs on polyvinylchloride plates with regular relief of grooves with cylindric surfaces in between. Most cells were accumulated on the middle part of spaces between the grooves, their nuclei were elongated and oriented in the direction of grooves. Nuclear elongation was assessed quantitatively by the ratio of long to short nuclear axes. Contact orientation was measured as deviation of the long nuclear axes from the grooves direction. Both contact orientation and elongation considered respectively as "orientation reaction" is maximal and the "form reaction", increased with increasing cylinder curvature (i. e. when the radii diminished from 333 to 61 mcm). Both reactions are well expressed in cultures of the human and (less distinctly) the rat cells. In murine cells, the "orientation reaction" is maximal and the "form reaction" is weak while for the hamster cells the opposite is true. Therefore, both types of reaction seem to be independent characteristics of cells.