A study of the effect of povidone-iodine on polymorphonuclear leucocyte chemotaxis. Studies were made of the effect of povidone-iodine on polymorphonuclear leucocyte chemotaxis. Polymorphonuclear leucocytes were incubated with various concentrations of povidone-iodine and allowed to migrate across a membrane towards a chemotactic agent. Chemotactic movement was found to decrease as the concentration of povidone-iodine rose, 75 micrograms/ml completely inhibiting all movement. A concentration of 10 micrograms/ml of povidone-iodine was found actively to repel the white cells. In vivo studies in mice showed a reduction in polymorphonuclear leucocytes at wound surfaces in the presence of povidone-iodine dry powder spray.


[Sulfate transport across the limiting double membrane or envelope, of spinach chloroplasts]. Evidence is presented for low rates of carrier-mediated uptake of sulphate, thiosulphate and sulphite into the stroma of the C3 plant Spinacia oleracea. Uptake of sulphate in the dark was followed using two techniques (1) uptake of sulphate [35S] as determined by silicon oil centrifugal filtration and (2) uptake as indicated by inhibition of CO2-dependent O2 evolution rates after addition of sulphate. Sulphate, thiosulphate and sulphite were transported across the envelope leading to an accumulation in the chloroplasts. Sulphate for each molecule of sulphate entering the chloroplast, one molecule of phosphate leaves the stroma, and vice-versa. The uptake of sulphate by isolated intact chloroplasts exchanging for internal free phosphate induced a lower rate of photophosphorylation, which in turn inhibited CO2-dependent O2 evolution. The presence, on the inner membrane of the chloroplasts envelope, of a specific sulphate carrier, distinct from the phosphate translocator, is discussed.


[Interaction of thiamine diphosphate with magnesium ion]. The action of magnesium ion on the exchange rate of the proton in C2 of thiamine and thiamine diphosphate is studied at different values of pD. Above pD 5 the ion Mg2+ increases this exchange rate. The phenomenon is markedly enhanced for TDP rather than thiamine and increases with pD. Below pD 5 magnesium decreases the exchange rate. This decrease is greater for TDP than for thiamine. The maximum effect is reached at a magnesium concentration of 0.5/1 for thiamine and of 1/1 for TDP. T1 measurements are made for different pH values with and without magnesium ion. Results seem to prove that an increase in pD values from 3.9 to 5.9 leads to an accentuation of the molecules "folded" form. Nevertheless for a given pD value the TDP-Mg complex seems to have a more "folded" form than TDP.


Lip and nonpreferred forearm EMG activity as a function of orienting task. Subjects performed orthographic or semantic orienting tasks while preparing an overt response (pressing one of two buttons). Electromyographic (EMG) activity of lip and nonpreferred forearm muscles and heart rate were monitored. Only lip EMG activity distinguished the extent of covert processing, evidencing greater activity during the semantic than sensory task. In contrast, increased nonpreferred forearm EMG and cardiac activity accompanied the behavioral response. It was concluded that general semantic and autonomic activity serve biological needs, but in addition, there are specific patterns of physiological response that are intrinsic to convert information processing.


Reactive gaze laterality in schizophrenic patients. Reflective lateral eye movements (LEMs) in response to questions of different categories are indicative of differential hemispheric reactivity. These LEMs were studied in schizophrenic patients and normal subjects, in response to 24 questions (12 visual-emotional and 12 verbal-neutral). Two categories of saccades were observed: short-latency LEMs (S-LEMs) and long-latency LEMs (L-LEMs). S-LEMs are believed to be associated with orienting response mechanism. L-LEMs are considered to be related to decision-making or formulating hemispheric-activity-dependent response strategy. In the present study, a general trend of leftward LEMs was found among normals regardless of the question's category, whereas schizophrenics tended to show predominantly rightward LEMs. This suggests that individual cognitive style, rather than task variables, affects LEM direction. The two types of LEM's and their different involvement in hemispheric activity are discussed.


Sensorimotor rhythm feedback training and epilepsy: some methodological and conceptual issues. This study examined the hypothesis that the enhancement of a 12-16 Hz sensorimotor rhythm in the EEG is inhibitory to epileptic seizure activity. The effects of training to enhance 12-16 Hz central EEG, to enhance 8-10 Hz central EEG, to suppress high voltage EEG activity, and of random feedback were compared over a period of 12 months in three adult patients suffering from chronic, drug-refractory epilepsy. All three patients experienced a significant reduction in seizure rate by the end of the study, but this was not related to any one particular training condition. It is suggested that the therapeutic mechanism might involve placebo effects, relaxation training, or a facilitation of EEG desynchronization, the effect being idiosyncratic to the individual patient.


Adrenal-medullary and adrenal-cortical responses to understimulation and overstimulation: comparison between type A and type B persons. Male and female university students, classified as Type A and Type B persons with the aid of a questionnaire measuring coronary-prone behavior, were studied while doing mental work under laboratory conditions, characterized by understimulation and overstimulation, and while unoccupied (baseline session). The urinary excretion of adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol, heart rate (in the understimulation and baseline conditions) and self-reports were used as indices of arousal. The overall picture showed that both experimental conditions increased arousal, the rise being particularly pronounced for cortisol excretion during understimulation and for adrenaline excretion during overstimulation. Comparison between groups showed that cortisol excretion was higher in Type A than in Type B persons of both sexes during understimulation. Adrenaline excretion was about the same in both sexes (Type A and Type B) during understimulation, but was higher in males than in females during overstimulation. There were no group differences in performance.


Direction of changes in the cardiac component in a Pavlovian conditioning paradigm with variations in CS- and UCS-contents. The research reported was aimed at examining the direction of heart rate post-stimulus changes in a conditioning paradigm with fear-relevant (snakes and spiders), and fear-irrelevant (circles and triangles) slide-CSs. Furthermore, half of the subjects in each group had electric shocks as the UCS, whereas the other two halves were merely threatened about the shock. Finally, all subjects were informed at the start of the extinction about the removal of the UCS. Thus, a 2 X 2 factorial design was used. The conditioning situation involved a differential paradigm with an interstimulus interval of 8 sec. There were 12 presentations of each cue during acquisition, and 20 during extinction. The results showed reliable effects of decelerative acquisition in the fear-relevant shock group, and the fear-irrelevant threat group. During extinction, only the fear-relevant shock group showed evidence of continuing differential responding, with larger deceleration to the CS+. It is speculated that responses to fear-relevant CSs, together with shock-UCSs, share important similarities with the irrational aspect of phobic behavior, since the instructions about the omission of the UCS during extinction did not eliminate the responses to the CS+ in the fear-relevant shock group.


Structural investigation of biological material in aqueous environment by means of infrared-ATR spectroscopy. Infrared attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectroscopy may be used to investigate biological material (e.g., membranes, proteins, erythrocytes etc.) under biological conditions provided that adhesion of the sample can be achieved in aqueous environment. Uncharged lipid multilayer model membranes can be attached by hydrophobic interaction when hydrophobic internal reflection plates (e.g., ZnSe, CdTe) are used. However, if an electric field is applied across the membrane, germanium reflection elements would be preferred because of their low electric resistance (approximately 50 omega cm). This material can also be used if cells or proteins are linked chemically to the ATR plate because of the hydrophilic surface which is similar to that of glass and, thus, enables chemical modification by silanization. It has turned out that good adhesion of uncharged and negatively charged model membranes to germanium plates is achieved when they are coated with a monomolecular layer of aminopropylsilane. There is some evidence that erythrocytes remain more stable when adsorbed to a polymerized aminosilane coating (organic silanization) rather than to the corresponding monolayer (aqueous silanization). Negatively charged germanium surfaces have been obtained by succinylation of the aminosilane coating. Furthermore it has been demonstrated that proteins can be bound to the aminosilane coating by means of carbodiimide. Immobilized acetylcholinesterase was still enzymatically active.


[Circulatory responses to selective stimulation of medullated and non-medullated fibers of the aortic nerve]. Circulatory responses to selective afferent stimulation of medullated and non-medullated fibers in the left aortic nerve were followed in terms of changes in arterial pressure, heart rate, contractile force of the left ventricular fragment and vascular resistance of the hind limb of cats with an opened thorax. Stimulation of the medullated afferents induced a reflex fall of blood pressure mainly by means of decrease in the peripheral vascular resistance, while activation of non-medullated fibers influenced the heart work, i. e. decreased heart rate and myocardial contractile force.


[Role of adrenergic innervation in the regulation of the secretory activity of supraoptic nucleus cells in rats]. 6-hydroxydopamine (6-HD), producing specific destruction of noradrenergic (NA) terminals, was used to study the role of NA innervation in the production of peptide neurohormones by the supraoptic nucleus (SON) cells. Seven days after intraventricular administration of 6-HD in a dose of 250 micrograms the fluorescence intensity of NA terminals in SON area was highly decreased and morphological pictures, reflecting the activation of hormone production in SON cells, were observed. According to the data obtained NA innervation is likely to inhibit the peptide neurohormone synthesis by SON cells and to regulate the transport and release of peptide neurohormones from the posterior pituitary into general circulation.


[Regional neurovasomotor reactions of pulmonary circulation]. In experiments on anaesthetized cats with intact chest regional blood volume and flow in the lungs at horizontal and vertical body positions and under vagus and sympathetic nerve stimulation were studied using regional lung electroplethysmography. The regions of the lungs bearing more significant hydrostatic and hemodynamic load turn more labile to neurogen stimuli. The parasympathetic vasomotor reaction of the basal lung regions increases while the apical region reaction decreases at a vertical body position. The results obtained suggest the occurrence of regionally differentiated mechanisms of vasomotor control in the pulmonary circulation, directed to compensation of postural changes in pulmonary hemodynamics.


[Central hemodynamics of dogs in the early postresuscitation period and the outcome of resuscitation]. Variations in central hemodynamics of dogs were compared with the outcome of resuscitation of 18 dogs subjected to 12-minute reversible circulatory arrest because of ventricular fibrillation. Nine survived dogs with completely recovered neurological status during the first 10 minutes after resuscitation had moderate hypertension, the mean arterial pressure (MAP) being 175.0 + 8.9 mm Hg. In the dogs who died within 24-48 hours after resuscitation, the MAP did not rise during this period as compared to the initial level; 2 dogs developed excessive hypertension (MAP about 200 mm Hg). There were also found certain differences in other parameters of central hemodynamics. Moderate hypertension in the first 10 minutes of the postresuscitation period leads to rapid restoration of the adequate level of peripheral blood flow in organs and tissues, thus favouring survival of animals subjected to a long circulatory arrest.


[Regional redistributions of blood under peaking and dropping of fever in rats]. Regional redistributions of blood under height and drop of fever-heat were studied in rat experiments. Fever was induced by intravenous administration of leukocytic rabbit pyrogen as well as by intravenous injection of pyrogenal. The former factor produces more rapid and more significant temperature rise than the latter one. In all series of experiments multidimensional statistical analysis allowed one to reveal the effect conducive to a relative decrease in the blood content in the brain, myocardium, lungs, liver and to its increase in some abdominal organs, skin, muscle and bone tissues of the extremities, abdomen and pelvis. At the same time there emerged effects directed to blood redistribution mainly from organs and tissuesof the head, neck and chest to the liver.


[Changes in somatotropic and lactotropic functions of the adenohypophysis of rats with acute alloxan diabetes]. Increased growth hormone and prolactin contents of the rat adenohypophysis during the development of experimental diabetes were found by colorimetric studies of stained electrophoregrams. 4 to 5 days after alloxan administration the levels of somatotropic hormone (STH) and prolactin were higher in comparison to those in intact animals by 58% and 43%, respectively. Experiments on the primary cell culture using the precursor 14C-L-leucine revealed an enhanced secretion of somatotropic hormone and prolactin by cells of the rats with alloxan diabetes. A possible role of the adenohypophyseal changes in the development of experimental diabetes is discussed.


[Biosynthesis and cellular localization of embryonal prealbumin in human embryonal tissues]. Immunofluorescent analysis of chorion sections and various embryonal tissues revealed localization of embryonal prealbumin (EPA) in the mesenchymal cells of the chorion, bones, umbilical cord, skin and in the cytoplasm of the epithelium distal part of the embryonal kidney canals. Synthesis of EPA slow peak in the suspension tissue culture of the chorion, umbilical cord and bones was shown. It is suggested that EPA is a mesenchyme product which is actively synthesized during the period of embryonal development. EPA is resynthesized and localized in the cells of tumors originated from the connective tissue. Cells of the tumors of non-connective origin did not contain EPA, whereas it was detected in the cells of the adjacent connective tissue. The phenomenon of embryonal reversion, probably, takes place not only in the "original" tumor cells but also in the surrounding connective tissues.


[Kinetics of lipid peroxidation in isolated surviving rat livers]. The kinetics of accumulation of lipid peroxidation products (hydroperoxides as primary products and malonic dialdehyde and "fluorescent pigments" as secondary ones) was investigated in an isolated non-perfused and preliminarily perfused liver during aerobic incubation. In the course of surviving there takes place an intensive accumulation of primary, secondary and final products of lipid peroxidation whose kinetics is of an extreme character. The rate of this process in a non-perfused liver is considerably higher than in a preliminarily perfused liver.


[Effect of the beta-adrenoblocker propranolol on adrenaline-stimulated lipolysis in the adipose tissue of spontaneously hypertensive rats]. The effect of the beta-adrenoblocker propranolol on adrenaline-stimulated lipolysis was studied in the adipose tissue of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and control rats. The lipolytic activity was estimated from the increase in glycerol concentration in the incubation medium in vitro. The adipose tissue of SHR responded to adrenaline similarly to that of control rats, but the concentration of adrenaline inducing the half-maximum response (KA) was 2 times less for SHR than KA for normotensive controls. Under propranolol effect this parameter was increased more significantly in SHR than in controls. These data indicate higher sensitivity of SHR adipose tissue to propranolol that may well be relative to alteration of the properties of beta-adrenergic receptors of adipose tissue in this form of hypertension.


[Effect of sodium hydroxybutyrate on cerebral circulation and regional vasomotor reflexes]. In experiments on cats it was found using electromagnetic and resistographic methods that sodium hydroxybutyrate (100 mg/kg) considerably increases cerebral circulation. The drug also potentiates the blood flow to the brain during formation of pressor reflexes of the arterial pressure. The blood flow increase is also observed in the system of femoral arteries while in the intestinal artery, on the contrary, there is a reduction in the blood flow increase during vasomotor reflexes. The reflex changes of the resistance in regional vessels are also different: the inhibition of pressor reflexes in the cerebral vessels along with their facilitation in the intestinal and femoral arteries and the potentiation of the reflex dilatatory phase in the limb vessels are seen. Different sensitivity to the drug of synaptic formations in the central links of various regional vasomotor reflexes is likely to underlie the difference described.


[Acupuncture analgesia in rats and its changes under the effect of morphine and naloxone]. It was established in chronic experiments on rats that electric acupuncture of the acupuncture point noticeably decreases pain reaction to electric stimulation of the tail. Morphine given in a subanalgetic dose (5 mg/kg) potentiated acupuncture analgesia, while 5 mg/kg of naloxone completely abolished it. Potential mechanisms of analgesia realization during electric acupuncture are discussed.


[Embryotropic action of phenazepam in mini pigs, a new species of experimental animals]. It has been established in experiments on mini pigs of Siberian origin that phenazepam given at a dose of 1 mg/kg per os during organogenesis has no embryotoxic or teratogenic action. The drug content in the blood of pregnant animals was determined simultaneously. A conclusion is drawn about perspectiveness of using mini pigs for testing embryotoxic activity of drugs.


[Microionophoretic study of the mechanism of action of gamma-hydroxybutyrate]. The effect of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHBA) on the extracellularly registered spontaneous electrical activity of nervous cells of the rabbit brain sensomotor cortex was studied using the microionophoretic technique. GHBA decreased the frequency of action potential in the majority of the neurons studied. A specific gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) blocking agent bicuculline prevented GBHA inhibitory effect. GHBA is suggested to interact with central GABA-receptors. The frequency of discharges increased in some neutrons due to GHBA, while GHBA prevented the development of GABA inhibitory effect. This is indicative of probable competitive relations between GHBA and GABA during their interaction with the same receptor. The conditions for the development of such relations are discussed.


[Psychotropic effect of sodium hydroxybutyrate]. A conclusion was drawn on the qualitative features of the spectrum of sodium hydroxybutyrate psychotropic activity from its effect on the conditioned motor-defensive reflex, behaviour in the conflict situation, active avoidance without discriminative control in rats as well as from the lateral position test The results obtained allow the effect of sodium hydroxybutyrate in non-narcotic doses to be characterized as a hypnotic one showing elements inherent in neuroleptics and tranquilizers.


[Inhibition of serotonin uptake in synaptosomes and glia cells by some pharmacological substances]. The uptake of serotonin -14 C by glial cells and synaptosomes of the rabbit brain cortex was studied. The Km value of the uptake of serotonin -14 C proved to be equal (0.83 + 0.02 microM) both for synaptosomes and glial cells. Synaptosomes of the rabbit brain cortex take up serotonin -14 C twice as fast as glial cells (uptake rates were compared from protein). Among psychotropic drugs studied the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine and psychostimulant cocaine turned out the most active inhibitors of both synaptosomal and glial uptake of serotonin -14 C. The drugs in 50 microM concentration inhibit the uptake of serotonin -14 C in synaptosomes and glial cells by 90 and 75-80%, respectively.


[Action of naloxone on emotionally positive and antinociceptive effects of hypothalamic stimulation in rats]. Naloxone (5 mg/kg subcutaneously) failed to effect significantly the reaction of electric self-stimulation in rats with electrodes implanted into lateral hypothalamic area. In 3 rats the analgesic effect manifested in an increase of the threshold of painful vocalization under electrostimulation of the tail was revealed. The antinociceptive effect was abolished with naloxone. Morphine (3 mg/kg) potentiated self-stimulation while naloxone antagonized this action. The role of opiate receptors in effects of self-stimulation and centrally produced analgesia is discussed.


[Neurochemical mechanisms of the effect of euphylline in cerebral blood flow deficiency]. In cerebral blood flow deficiency the level of ammonia in the cerebral tissue is appreciably increased and the activity of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) is decreased without material variations in the content of glutamine and amide groups of protein. Favouring normalization of the deranged cerebral blood flow, euphylline neutralizes excess ammonia by means of GDH activity recovery in the reduction amination reaction. The drug exhibited the most pronounced effect during acute cerebral ischemia. This indicates that euphylline influences the neurochemical mechanisms of the compensatory regulation of cerebral blood flow.


[Effect of lithium oxybutyrate on excitability of the cortex and some subcortical structures in rabbit brain]. Lithium oxybutyrate microinjections (10 mg/ml) produce a depressant action on spontaneous bioelectrical activity of the cortex and subcortical structure. The drug brings down excitability of the motor cortex, hippocampus, caudate nucleus, thalamus, posterior hypothalamus and mesencephalic reticular formation; it also raises excitability of the tonsils. The depressant effect of lithium oxybutyrate is superior to that of lithium chloride.


[Suppressive factor release by mouse lymphocytes after incubation with syngeneic erythrocytes]. Suppressive factor, inhibiting the immune response to sheep red blood cells, is released after incubation in vitro of spleen cells of (CBA X C57BL) F1 mice, immunized with rat erythrocytes, in contact with syngeneic erythrocytes. Intravenous immunization results in the factor release by thymus and/or spleen cells but not by the bone marrow or lymph node cells. It is suggested that the factor is not antigen-specific and is secreted by non-specific T cells suppressors after the contact with syngeneic erythrocytes.


[Effect of antiserum against isologous aggregated immunoglobulins on the delayed-type hypersensitivity in mice immunized with sheep red blood cells]. The mouse antiserum against isologous aggregated immunoglobulins (MAAS) injected to mice sensitized with 10(5) sheep red blood cells (SRBC) did not influence the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) tested on the peak of sensitization (the 4th day) but enhanced significantly DTH tested on the 6th day. MAAS completely abolished the DTH suppression observed after sensitization with 5 x 10(7) SRBC. In transfer experiments the number of the DTH suppressor cells decreased in the spleen of sensitized mice under the MAAS action. MAAS did not affect the proliferation of antibody-forming cells (AFC) and hemagglutinin production but reduced by 70% the number of rosette-forming cells (RFC) in the spleen on the peak of the initial immune response.  The data obtained may indicate that RFC participate in DTH suppression.


[Effect of levamisole on the cytotoxic activity of normal lymphocytes in tissue culture]. Preliminary incubation of normal non-immune spleen lymphocytes from C57BL/6j and BALB/c mice with levamisole (1 . 10(-4) - 1 . 10(-5)M) for 45 min at 37 degrees C with subsequent wash-out resulted in potentiation of the cytotoxic effect with respect to allogenic target cells (L-cells). Simultaneous administration of lymphocytes and levamisole to a culture of target cells did not produce cytotoxic effect.


[Effect of melatonin on mitosis of the mouse ascites hepatoma Gelstein 22A]. The action of melatonin on mitosis of the mouse ascites Gelstein 22A hepatoma has been studied in C3HA male mice with 7-day ascites. The cells of ascites hepatoma have shown the metaphase block after intraperitoneal injection of melatonin. It was found that 3 hours after administration melationin at a concentration of 200 and 100 micrograms per 1 g body weight induces an increase in the mitotic index and accumulation of mitoses at the stage of metaphase.


[Basophil "degranulation" as an index of the body stress state]. A regular "degranulation" development of basophilic leucocytes in the blood has been established not only in cases of the joint and skin allergic reactions but in acute and chronic experimental hemorrhage, skin burns and acute radiation disease. Basophilic "degranulation" denotes the stress state of the organism as a result of stress situations.


[Electron microscopy autoradiographic investigation of DNA synthesis in a nucleolus]. A compensatory increase in the number of the DNA synthezising hepatocytes was induced in mice by the CCl4 injection. Some variants of the distribution of the labeled DNA were detected in the nucleus after a short-term (20-30 min) labeling of the hepatocytes by thymidine-3H. In one of the variants the label was localized almost exclusively in the body of the nucleolus. Some features of the replication of intranucleolar DNA were noted: a rather poor labeling at this time of all the other nucleus structures including nucleolush eterochromatin, synchronism of DNA synthesis in different nucleoli of one nucleus; the decrease in electron density of the body of the nucleolus and a high label concentration above it.


[Gliovascular changes in the rat central nervous system induced by angiotensin II]. The action of the synthetic polypeptide hormone angiotensin-II (A-II) on the ultrastructure of capillaries and perivascular glia of the cerebral cortex was studied in experiments on adult male rats. Intraperitoneal injections of the hormone are accompanied by swelling of the growing fibers and bodies of the precapillary glia (astrocytes), and by a strong narrowing of the capillary lumen. The endothelium of these vessels swells and layer inclusions appear in the cytoplasm of endothelial cells. The process is characterized by the growth of changes and reaches the maximum day 21 after the drug injections are started. The revealed changes in the pericapillary glia and capillary structure indicate microcirculatory disturbances in the cerebral cortex that may lead to trophic and functional abnormalities of the central nervous system.


[Characteristics of human neutrophils obtained by the chamber method of "skin window"]. Viability, morphology and function of healthy human cells migrated into the chamber through the "skin window" were studied. After 18 to 20 hours there were 42.0 +/- 5.3 (x 10(6))/cm2 viable cells characterized by a high content of mature neutrophils (98.6 +/- 0.6%). Normal reactivity of migrated neutrophils was observed using the nitroblue tetrazolium reduction test. The chamber variant of the "skin window" method is recommended as a simple physiological technique for preparing pure populations of human neutrophils.


[Mechanical device for morphological and orientation analysis of biological structures]. A simple mechanical device for different kinds of morphological analysis is suggested. It consists of a binocular microscope, a luminiscent illuminator, a coordination table with a disc-chuck (0-360 degrees) and a nest for disposing the test systems and the light or electronmicroscopic negatives (6 x 9 and 9 x 12). The analysis is performed by means of visual scanning of the negatives, by counting the number of crossings of the structure with the test system knots and by registration of the measurements by a key recorder. For orientation analysis the microscope is supplied with a goniometer (0-360 degrees) and an oculometer with a cross of filaments.


[Application of mechanotronic transducers in experimental biological investigations]. Mechanotronic transducers applied usually in technical investigations for the measurement of displacements, tensions, pressures and other mechanical parameters have been studied to register the contractile activity of isolated organs (the frog heart ventricle, the rat ileum strips) and the blood pressure in anesthetized animals. It was found that the mechanotronic transducers are simple, convenient and reliable devices for such investigations.


Medical audit in British hospital practice. The imposition of a rigid system of medical audit throughout the NHS would be inappropriate at this time; nevertheless, every hospital and general practice could usefully consider what informal methods of audit should be employed. Most hospitals should try weekly death and complication meetings in addition to their other postgraduate activities. Greater attention is required to ensure that the medical records are improved in both hospital and general practice. Metcalf's (1979) suggestion for auditing GP work seems feasible. As medicine becomes more complicated in terms of techniques and team activities there is a greater need for more systematic methods of defining and measuring standards of care and feeding back this information. Much more research is needed to determine whether process or outcome studies are preferable, and structure and patient risks must be taken into account. Whatever system is devised the medical profession will accept it provided it is fair, educational, and shown to benefit the patient.


Five variations of sleep deprivation in a depressed woman. Systematic variation in aspects of the sleep-wakefulness cycle of a depressed woman showed that recovery occurred reliably after 19 to 20 hours sustained wakefulness, unrelated to diurnal rhythm. Depression returned during as little as 15 minutes sleep. The effect of sleep deprivation was a specific response, probably unrelated to REM sleep.


Degree of sobriety in male alcoholics and coping styles used by their wives. The 'Coping With Drinking' questionnaire, administered to 124 A1-anon members, was factor analyzed and revealed nine identifiable styles of coping. Multiple regression analyses between three measures of sobriety and each of the nine styles of coping factors provide support for the general hypothesis that the coping styles used by wives of alcoholics are related to drinking outcome. Further, those modes of coping in which the wife communicates her feelings of distress and frustration to the drinking husband in a way which is minimally threatening for him seem to be most positively related to his attainment of sobriety.


The hierarchy model of psychiatric symptomatology: an investigation based on present state examination ratings. Psychiatric diagnoses are arranged in a rough hierarchy, generally regarded as a convention to enable patients with a wide range of symptoms to be allocated to single diagnostic categories. Foulds, on the basis of self-report questionnaire responses, claimed that patients with symptoms at the higher levels of this hierarchy not only may but characteristically do exhibit symptoms at all lower levels as well. Foulds' hierarchy model was tested here, using PSE ratings from two large series of in-patients; at least 75% fulfilled the requirements of the model, but up to 50% of schizophrenic and manic patients failed to do so. Almost two-thirds of all patients with psychotic symptoms establishing them in one of the upper two classes of the hierarchy did not exhibit the neurotic symptoms they required lower in the hierarchy.


Neuroendocrine effects of apomorphine: characterization of response patterns and application to schizophrenia research. Apomorphine, a direct-acting dopamine agonist, stimulates release of growth hormone (hGH) and suppresses release of prolactin (PRL) from the anterior pituitary. Previous studies comparing the magnitude of these responses in schizophrenics and controls suggest that many acute (and some chronic) schizophrenics have exaggerated hGH responses; many chronic schizophrenics (and patients with tardive dyskinesia) have blunted hGH responses to apomorphine, and possibly blunted PRL responses. The present studies extend and confirm these findings in chronic schizophrenics; in addition, several studies were undertaken to further characterize these apomorphine-induced endocrine responses. Studies in which apomorphine was given on 2 or 3 separate occasions to each of five subjects indicate that the hGH response is a highly reproducible individual index, but PRL suppression is a less satisfactory measure. hGH responses to apomorphine were consistently antagonized by pretreatment with haloperidol, supporting the concept that the hGH-releasing effect of apomorphine is mediated by its action on dopamine receptors. Cyproheptadine pretreatment was associated with erratic increases or decreases in the hGH response to apomorphine, but did not alter PRL levels or apomorphine-induced PRL suppression. The relationship of these findings to biological hypotheses of schizophrenia and to neuroleptic-induced receptor changes is discussed.


Kinetics of acetylcholinesterase immobilized on polyethylene tubing. Acetylcholinesterase was covalently attached to the inner surface of polyethylene tubing. Initial oxidation generated surface carboxylic groups which, on reaction with thionyl chloride, produced acid chloride groups; these were caused to react with excess ethylenediamine. The amino groups on the surface were linked to glutaraldehyde, and acetylcholinesterase was then attached to the surface. Various kinetic tests showed the catalysis of the hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine iodide to be diffusion controlled. The apparent Michaelis constants were strongly dependent on flow rate and were much larger than the value for the free enzyme. Rate measurements over the temperature range 6-42 degrees C showed changes in activation energies consistent with diffusion control.


2,3-butanedione as a photosensitizing agent: application to alpha-amino acids and alpha-chymotrypsin. 2,3-Butanedione sensitized the rapid photodestruction of free alpha-amino acids, and the photoinactivation of alpha-chymotrypsin, in the presence of ultraviolet light and oxygen. These reactions showed "pseudo-first-order" kinetics at 2,3-butanedione concentrations approximating those employed for the chemical modification of arginine residues in proteins. The photoreactions were inhibited in anoxic media or in the presence of azide; findings were consistent with a singlet oxygen mechanism for these reactions. No enhancement in the rate of reaction was observed in D2O. The rate of 2,3-butanedione-sensitized photodestruction of free amino acids increased with increasing pH. However, the rate constants for the photosensitized inactivation of alpha-chymotrypsin, as well as those for the photodestruction of the tryptophan residues of this enzyme, decreased linearly with increasing pH.


Additional properties of a soluble polymer of glucose from cultures of Acetobacter xylinum. The results of differential, thermal analysis of a soluble, beta (1 leads to 2)-branched, beta (1 leads to 4)-D-glucan isolated from cultures of Acetobacter xylinum are consistent with previous conclusions about its structure. The O-acetyl content of the polymer is 8.3% which corresponds to a maximum substitution of one acetyl group per three glucose residues. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra confirm that all the glycosidic bonds are beta linkages. Some preparations of the polymer are contaminated by another polymer containing mannose and rhamnose. No evidence was obtained to support a previous suggestion that the branched D-glucan is a precursor of bacterial cellulose and this suggestion is now withdrawn.


Acylglycerol structure of mustard seed oil and of cardiac lipids of rats during dietary lipidosis. Stereospecific degradation and combined gas chromatographic--mass spectrometric (gc/ms) analysis were employed in a detailed investigation of the triacylglycerol structure of mustard seed oil and of the triacylglycerols transiently accumulating in the hearts of young rats receiving the oil in their diet. It was shown that feeding of mustard seed oil at 40% of the daily caloric requirement resulted in a deposition of cardiac triacylglycerols containing a high proportion of enantiomers of a positional distribution and molecular association of fatty acids which were closely similar to those found in the dietary oil. Complete structures were derived for a total of 88 species representing 75 to 85% of the triacylglycerols. About 90% of the accumulated triacylglycerol contained at least one long-chain (C20--C22) monounsaturated fatty acid per molecule. The long-chain acids were confined mainly to the primary positions and preferentially to the sn-3-position of the glycerol molecule. The dietary lipidosis, is, therefore, accompanied by little or no accumulation of the normal rat tissue triacylglycerols containing C16 and C18 fatty acids. It is suggested that the deposition and eventual clearance of the enantiomeric long-chain triacylglycerols in the rat heart during mustard seed oil feeding may be largely a result of a gradual change in specificity of the cardiac lipases.


Analysis of a 5S RNA-protein complex isolated from the ribosomes of rye embryos. Rye embryo ribosomes were dissociated into subunits and the large subunit fraction was treated with formamide. A low molecular weight complex of RNA and protein (RNP) was released. Electrophoresis of the RNP in polyacrylamide gels containing sodium dodecyl sulphate yielded an RNA band and a single protein band. The protein had a molecular weight of approximately 41 000 and the RNA of the complex was shown to be 5S ribosomal RNA. Embryos were germinated in the presence of [32P]orthophosphate and the labelled RNP was isolated from their ribosomes. The RNA component was partially digested with pancreatic A ribonuclease and the parts protected from degradation by the protein were determined by sequence analysis. Although the whole 5S RNA molecule was shielded to some extent, the portion most protected was between nucleotides 68 and 108. This is, therefore, probably the part of plant cytosol 5S RNA which is primarily involved in the interaction with protein in the complex and possibly in the ribosome as well.


Synthesis of peptides by the solid-phase method. IV. Des-Arg(9)-bradykinin and analogs. We have synthesized a series of 19 analogs of the octapeptide fragment of bradykinin (BK), des-Arg 9-bradykinin, in order to perform a structure-activity study of this peptide on the newly discovered B1 receptor of bradykinin. The first time, each residue of the octapeptide was replaced by L-alanine to pinpoint biologically important residues. Thereafter, both phenylalanine residues in positions 5 and 8 were substituted by L-tyrosine methyl ether, L-cyclohexylalanine, D-phenylalanine, and L-leucine. This paper describes the synthesis of the analogs by the solid phase method. A Beckman peptide synthesizer was used to assemble the peptides on the resin support. Couplings were performed by the symmetrical anhydribe procedure. After cleavage with liquid HF, the peptides were purified by ion-exchange chromatography on carboxymethyl-cellulose and by gel filtration on Bio-Gel P2 resin. The purity of the octapeptides was then checked by tic, paper electrophoresis, amino acid analysis, and elemental analysis. The new peptides were tested on the rabbit aorta in order to evaluate their kinin-like activities and to see if they act as antagonist. The results of the biological assays are discussed in terms of structure-activity relationships.


The binding of fluorescein-labelled stapbylococcal alpha toxoid to erythrocytes. Erythrocytes of different animal species have variable hemolytic sensitivity to staphylococcal alpha toxin. Specific and non-specific binding of toxin was measured using fluorescein-labelled toxoid. These studies indicate that toxoid binding to erythrocytes increases with concentration for all species tested. Scatchard plot analyses of 35 animals representing seven species indicate that rabbit, pig, cow, and chicken erythrocytes possess 125 980, 103 920, 82 500, and 41 200 receptors per cell, respectively. The number of receptors remains constant over a period of at least 10 days. No detectable receptors were found for human, rat, and guinea pig erythrocytes. A correlation coefficient of 0.992 exists between receptor number and hemolytic sensitivity for those species having receptors. Variation in hemolytic sensitivity is governed by receptor number and not by variation in the dissociation constant. A threshold sensitivity of 37 000 receptors per cell has been calculated. Since species lacking detectable receptors have considerable sensitivity to hemolysis, it is proposed that two binding mechanisms, specific and non-specific, exist which prepare erythrocytes for destruction.


Comparative studies of the mosquito-larval toxin of Bacillus sphaericus SSII-1 and 1593. Two strains of Bacillus sphaericus. SSII-1 and 1593, were bioassayed for toxic activity against second-instar larvae of the mosquito Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus. It was found that strain 1593 developed a level of toxicity 3000 times that of strain SSII-1. Although the toxic activity of B. sphaericus SSII-1 was relatively unchanged throughout growth, an increase in activity of strain 1593 occurred as the bacteria began to sporulate. Strain differences were examined by (i) growth cycle experiments, (ii) bioassays of the toxicity of oligosporogenous mutants, and (iii) manganese limitation experiments. The toxin of strain 1593 was shown to be more stable than that of strain SSII-1. Unlike the spores of strain SSII-1, the spores of B. sphaericus 1593 were found to  be highly toxic. Thin sections of SSII-1 or 1593 cells did not reveal the presence of any inclusion body that might be related to toxicity.


Effects of oxygen tension on the lipid composition of Azotobacter chroococcum. Lipid content and composition were determined in Azotobacter chroococcum grown, under nitrogen-fixing conditions, in continuous culture with intense aeration under atmospheres containing between 5 and 40% O2. Total lipid content remained almost constant at approximately 9% of dry weight. Phospholipid content was maximal at 20% O2 where it accounted for 92% of total lipid, and was minimal at 40% O2. Phosphatidylethanolamine was the only species of phosphatide detected in this fraction. Neutral lipid content was minimal at 20% O2 and maximal at 40% O2 where it represented approximately 30% of the total lipid. Glycolipid remained between 2 and 13% of total lipid throughout. The principal fatty acids of A. chroococcum were hexadecanoic (C16:0), hexadecenoic (C16:1), and octadecenoic acid (C18:1) at all O2 tensions, but C18:1 increased at the expense of C16:1 at higher O2 tensions, particularly in free fatty acid and phospholipid fractions. [U-14C]acetate was readily incorporated into lipid  at both 20 and 40% O2, but total incorporation was much greater at 20% O2.


Selective infection of maize roots by streptomycin-resistant Azospirillum lipoferum and other bacteria. The percentage of low-level streptomycin-resistant (20 microgram/mL) bacteria in surface-sterilized or washed maize roots was more than a thousand times higher than that in soil populations. There was also a higher incidence of resistant bacteria in rhizosphere as compared with non-rhizosphere soil and bacteria isolated from maize roots were relatively tolerant to several other antibiotics. Azospirillum lipoferum was predominant in surface-sterilized roots of field-grown maize and was low-level streptomycin-resistant while most soil isolates were sensitive. Inoculation with A. brasilense isolated from wheat roots was unsuccessful in terms of establishment even when streptomycin-resistant strains were used. Unidentified causes of specific plant-bacteria affinities therefore transcend the role of antibiotic resistance in maize root infection.


Effect of glycerol on carotenogenesis in the extreme halophile, Halobacterium cutirubrum. Growth of cells of Halobacterium cutirubrum in complex medium in the presence of 0.1 to 0.5% glycerol was slightly stimulated (about 10%), but the content of the major red pigment, bacterioruberin, was reduced fourfold and that of the minor red pigments, mono- and bisanhydrobacterioruberins, was also reduced but to a lesser extent. The content of the C40 carotenes, beta-carotene and lycopene, however, was greatly increased in 0.1 to 0.5% glycerol but was then reduced to negligible amounts at higher glycerol concentrations (1 to 5%). Similar effects of glycerol on carotenogenesis were observed when cells were grown in a chemically defined medium (BSMK), but growth of cells was considerably slower.


Studies of the biosynthesis of C50 carotenoids in Halobacterium cutirubrum. Cells of Halobacterium cutirubrum were grown in the presence of [14C]mevalonate with and without 3 mM nicotine. Growth of cells was inhibited to a maximum extent of 25% but overall incorporation of 14C into total, neutral, or polar lipids was only inhibited about 16% during active growth and to a much lesser extent or not at all in stationary phase. Little effect of nicotine on labelling of squalenes, vitamin MK-8, geranylgeraniol, and phytoene was observed. However, labelling of bacterioruberin and monoanhydrobacterioruberin was extensively inhibited while that of lycopene and bisanhydrobacterioruberin was increased reciprocally by growth in the presence of 3 mM nicotine. Reincubation of the labelled nicotine-grown cells in fresh cold medium without nicotine restored the 14C-labelling of bacterioruberin and monoanhydrobacterioruberin at the expense of lycopene and bisanhydrobacterioruberin. These results confirm our previous findings suggesting that the C50 bacterioruberin is made by addition of a C5-isoprene unit to each end of the C40-lycopene chain, followed by introduction of four hydroxyl groups.


Synthesis of a selective agar medium for Yersinia enterocolitica. A new agar medium for isolation of Yersinia enterocolitica was formulated based on growth studies which defined an optimum basal, and the evaluation of selective chemical agents, dyes, and antibiotics. The final formulation, designated cefsulodin-irgasan-novobiocin(CIN) agar, provided quantitative recovery of 40 different strains of Y. enterocolitica in 24 h using incubation at 32 degrees C or with 48 h of incubation at 22 degrees C. The medium was highly selective, especially against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis. Colony morphology coupled with a differential reaction resulting from mannitol fermentation permitted discrimination of Y. enterocolitica from most of those Gram-negative bacteria that were able to grow on the medium. Recovery and selective characteristics of CIN agar were stable during storage at room temperature for 9 days. CIN agar gave a higher recovery of Y. enterocolitica from feces both direct and with cold enrichment (0.4/1.5%) than Salmonella-Shigella (0.0/0.7%) and MacConkey (0.0/0.9%) agars while significantly reducing the level of background organisms.


Influence of soil texture on survival and saprophytic activity of Rhizoctonia solani in soils. Survival of Rhizoctonia solani in precolonized tablebeet seed was greater in a light-textured sandy loam (SL 1) than in a heavy-textured silty clay loam (SiCL). Reduction in survival as well as competitive saprophytic activity of the pathogen resulted when clays (kaolinite and montmorillonite) were added to SL to prepare soils of heavier texture. Survival and activity of R. solani, however, were not increased when sand was added to SiCL (suppressive to R. solani survival) to make this soil lighter in texture. In natural soils of different textures, activity of R. solani was maintained longer in two light-textured sandy loam soils than in a light-textured loamy sand or loam. During investigation of soil chemical and biological influences on R. solani survival, high K2O content in soil was significantly correlated with low saprophytic activity of the pathogen. In all instances where soil microbial activity as determined by a dehydrogenase assay was high, low saprophytic activity was found. Since high microbial activity or K2O content in soil were not associated with any particular soil type, biological or chemical factors may be more important than soil texture in influencing survival and activity of R. solani in soil.


[A new Salmonella serotype isolated in Canada:Salmonella sherbrooke (16:d:1,6)]. A new Salmonella serotype classified in the Kauffman sub-genus I (Kauffman 1963) has been isolated in Canada from a stock of cacao beans from Nigeria. Salmonella sherbrooke shares the antigenic structure 16:d:1,6.


Enhancement of tissue damage by Candida albicans in cortisone or nitrogen mustard-treated mice. Mice were either rendered leukopenic by administration of nitrogen mustard or were treated with cortisone prior to intravenous challenge with Candida albicans. Leukopenic animals died five times faster following Candida challenge than untreated controls and also had significantly higher serum levels of the enzyme creatine phosphokinase. Similarly, when Candida infection occurred in cortisone-treated mice, mortality rates were markedly accelerated and serum levels of creatine phosphokinase and blood urea nitrogen were significantly higher than those found in untreated animals. Severe lesions and large numbers of Candida were observed in tissue sections of heart, kidney, and stomach from cortisone-treated animals. These data indicate that damage to host tissues is one manner by which Candida contribute to the morbidity of immunosuppressed animals.


DNA base composition, nature of intracellular DNA, morphology, and classification of bacteriophages infecting Micrococcus luteus. Ten bacteriophages infecting Micrococcus luteus have been characterized. All phages contain double-stranded DNA, of 64.3--73.5 mol% guanine plus cytosine (GC). The DNA of phage N7 has the highest GC content reported for any bacterial virus. No unusual bases have been found. The intracellular replicating DNAs of six phages are covalently closed circular molecules. All 10 phages have isometric, probably icosahedral, heads and long, flexible, noncontractile tails and can be sorted into two morphological groups based on size and presence or absence of a collar. Host-range studies indicate six host-range groups.


Microbiology of a northern river: bacterial distribution and relationship to suspended sediment and organic carbon. Epifluorescent microscopy showed as many as 4 x 10(6) bacteria/mL in the turbid waters of the Athabasca River near the tar sand deposits in northeastern Alberta. The numbers were usually similar upstream and downstream (60 km) from pilot-mining operations. The majority of bacteria existed as free-living cells in spite of the fact there were high concentrations of suspended sediment present (average 220 mg/L) during the ice-free period. Fluctuations in bacterial concentration were positively correlated (r = 0.86, P less than 0.05) with total organic carbon concentrations in the river water.


Characterization of two Salmonella newport bacteriophages. Salmonella newport phages 16--19 and 7--11 have very long heads and are members of two rare and so far little-known phage groups. Both produce various morphological aberrations. Preparations of phage 7--11 contain numerous polyheads and about 0.4% short heads belonging to nine size classes. In addition, one giant phage particle was observed. The head of phage 7--11 seems to be an icosahedron which became elongated by adding successive rows of subunits. Phages 16--19 and 7--11 have buoyant densities in CsCl of 1.43 and 1.48 g/mL and particle weights of 103 and 204 x 10(6) respectively. Both viruses contain double-stranded DNA, internal proteins, and sugars. Phage 16--19 contains 46.5% DNA of 35 x 10(6) molecular weight, and glucose. Phage 7--11 contains 47.5% DNA of 108 x 10(6) molecular weight, and mannose. Base compositions of phage and S. newport DNAs were determined from buoyant densities, melting point, and acid hydrolysis. Phage 16--19 contains 5.4% 5-methylcytosine.


The mitogenic activity of lipopolysaccharide for spleen cells from germfree, conventional, and gnotobiotic rats. Spleen cells from germfree rats, conventionally reared rats, and gnotobiotic rats associated with two Pseudomonas species gave no positive blastogenic response when incubated with each of four lipopolysaccharide (LPS) preparations from Escherichia coli, with glycolipid extracted from Salmonella minnesota R595 or with S. minnesota R595 lipid A. However, spleen cell preparations from athymic mice demonstrated a positive blastogenic response when incubated with E. coli LPS. Removal of adherent cells from germfree and conventional-flora rat spleen cells did not increase the mitogenic activity of LPS for nonadherent cells (less than 0.5% esterase-positive cells). All rat spleen cell preparations gave positive blastogenic responses to phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A. This study indicates that LPS may not be a mitogenic agent for rat spleen cells.


Antibiotic production by Pseudomonas reptilivora as a phage conversion. The ability of Pseudomonas reptilivora to produce three broad-spectrum antimicrobial substances is easily lost when bacteria are subcultured. The study of the antibiotic production under defined culture conditions has shown that the biosynthesis of these substances depends upon the presence of a temperature-sensitive temperate phage. Antibiotic production is lost after phage induction.


Effect of a bacteriophage on the colonisation and nodulation of clover roots by a strain of Rhizobium trifolii. The presence of a virulent bacteriophage in the root zone of clover growing in seedling agar under controlled environments (14--17 and 19--23 degrees C) produced changes in the persistence and symbiotic effectiveness of a susceptible strain of Rhizobium trifolii. The phage reduced the rhizoplane population of rhizobia and led to the appearance of variant substrains which were less susceptible to the bacteriophage and mostly ineffective in symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Some were also changed in colonial morphology and nutritional requirements. At the higher temperature, the frequency of bacterial variants increased and the number of nodules due to the parent strain decreased. A large initial population of bacteriophage was able to reduce, but generally did not completely suppress, nodulation.


Effect of a bacteriophage on colonisation and nodulation of clover roots by paired strains of Rhizobium trifolii. The effect of a virulent bacteriophage on the competitive behaviour of paired strains of Rhizobium trifolii in the root zone of clover plants was examined. The presence of bacteriophage reduced the population density of susceptible strains on the root surface and, in nodulation, favoured resistant or even partially resistant strains which were otherwise less able to form nodules. These effects occurred with different growth temperatures, host species, and ratios of strains in the inoculum.


Properties of Rhizobium trifolii isolates surviving exposure to specific bacteriophage. Six strains of Rhizobium trifolii were exposed to specific bacteriophages and the properties of 10 surviving clones of each studied. Two temperate bacteriophages produced clones which were lysogenic but showed no changes in colony form, symbiotic properties, or somatic antigens. Of forty clones selected by exposure to four other bacteriophages, none were lysogenic although there was some indication of unusually long association of phage with bacteria in infected cultures. Seventeen of these clones were changed in symbiotic properties, 15 in colony morphology, and 13 in somatic cross-reaction with the parent. Unexpectedly, despite stringent selection conditions, 28 were still either partially or completely susceptible to the selecting phage.


Differentiation of rapidly growing mycobacteria with trimethoprim (Tmp). Inhibition of Mycobacterium smegmatis, M. vaccae, and M. diernhoferi by Trimethoprim (Tmp) in both liquid and solid media is described. Other mycobacteria were not inhibited by the same concentrations. The selective inhibition of the above strains, particularly M. smegmatis, by Tmp could be used for differentiation of these species from other fast-growing acid-fast bacteria.


Investigations on the photosynthetic sulfur bacterium Chlorobium phaeobacteroides causing seasonal blooms in Lake Kinneret. Between May and December, the annual stratification period in Lake Kinneret, sulfide is formed and accumulates in the hypolimnion. In July-August a large population (up to 10(6) cells/mL) of green, photosynthetic, sulfur bacteria develops at the boundary of the oxidative and reductive zones of the water column lasting for 3--8 weeks. These bacteria were isolated from the lake and identified as Chlorobium phaeobacteroides. Optimal growth conditions included 160 mg S=L-1 and light intensities of 5--30 micron Einstein (micron E) m-2s-1. Glucose and acetate augmented growth when added to the mineral medium. The lowest light intensity which still supported growth was 0.3 micron E m-2s-1 when acetate was present and 1.0 micron E m-2s-1 when no organic substrate was present. Under complete darkness, either with or without organic substrate, the bacteria die. Photosynthetic activity was higher when no organic compound was added to the medium. Uptake of acetate was light-dependent. In the lake the photosynthetic activity of the bacteria is low because of the limited light intensity (0.3 micron E m-2s-1) at the bloom layer. It is suggested that the appearance and the disappearance of the bloom are caused by the influence of the daily internal seiche.


[Cytological and electron microscopy diagnosis of neuroblastoma]. Out of three cases of neuroblastoma under observation, the diagnosis could be established from the cytological and electron microscopical examinations of bone marrow in two of them. Slide smears revealed the rosette-shaped pattern characteristic of malignant neuroblastoma, many of which were fitted with dendritic plasmatic processes. Electronography helped to prove intraplasmatically the presence in those cells of dense neurosecretory granules, and--in their plasmatic processes--the presence of microfilaments, microtubules, neurosecretory granules and empty vesicules.


[The diagnostic significance of cytological and histological examination of secretions, washout materials, catheterization and brush biopsy materials in the diagnosis of malignant bronchopulmonary diseases]. Referring to their group of 325 patients examined by means of all-around endobronchial biopsy material withdrawal the authors present the results of cytological and histological diagnosis. Endobronchially material obtained by direct aspiration of bronchial secretions, by wash-outs, and by catheterization and brush biopsy represents, particularly in peripheral localizations, a significant and often decisive contribution to the objectivization of malignant affections. The authors present and discuss morphological criteria of malignity derived from endobronchially obtained material processed by the method of cytoblocks stressing, at the same time, the possibility of an accurate localization of the pathological process down to the particular segment involved.


[Diffuse malignant mesothelioma of the pleura and peritoneum]. An analysis is presented of 14 cases of diffuse mesothelioma [one of them involving the peritoneum, the rest being of the pleural type] in postmortem material for a period of 18 years [1962--1978] with a view to the clinical course, macroscopic and microscopic pictures, diagnostic possibilities, and to the relationship to aetiological factors. With only one exception, no correlation to asbestosis was found in terms of either the patients' personal histories or morphology. A meticulously performed postmortem examination appears to be the most reliable diagnostic criterion.


[Morphology of systemic anaphylactic reaction in rabbits to bovine serum albumin and ferritin. I. Manifestations of the reaction after antigen administration: laboratory, macroscopic and optical microscopic findings]. A report is presented on systemic anaphylactic reaction [SAR] of rabbits to bovine serum albumin and ferritin. Active anaphylactic sensibilization with a high yield of sensibilized animals was achieved by administering antigens to rabbits aged a few hours up to 3 months. Tre rabbits showed no presence of precipitins in the circulation, but there were reagins against bovine serum albumin or ferritin. There were various types of SAR activity. Macroscopic findings showed acute emphysema and signs of right heart overload. Apart from acute pulmonary emphysema, histology showed occasional bronchospasm and certain manifestations of RES activation as there was evidence of oedematous infiltration of the peribronchial and perivascular spaces. The above morphological findings cannot as yet be regarded as pathognomonic for SAR.


[Morphologic findings in the liver tissue of young rats after long-term administration of alcohol]. Pregnant female rats and a litter of 10 young were given ethanol for a period of 9.5 months. Focal, prodominantly centroacinous droplet steatosis and enlargement of hepatocytic mitochondria without changes in their enzymatic activity were found in 9 of them as a result. One of the animals developed cirrhotic liver tissue restructuring of the pseudoacinous type with focal extinction of hepatocytes, mild haemosiderosis and a preponderance of neutrophil leucocytes in the inflammatory infiltrates in connective tissue bands.


[Primary hemangioendothelioma of the liver in childhood]. Rare cases of multiple haemangioendothelioma of the liver were seen in a boy 2 and a half months old and a girl aged 3 and a half years. More foci--in the skin in case No. 1, and in the spleen in the other case--were rated as part of the multiplicity not as metastases. Death was caused by cardiac failure due to arteriovenous shunt in the tumour.


[Distance of alveolar septum insertions to nonrespiratory bronchioles in emphysema]. In the severest forms of emphysema the distance between neighbouring alveolar septa inserting to the walls of non respiratory bronchioles increases, and that by their disappearance. This reduces one of the externally acting forces which keep the bronchiole open, which subsequently results in secondary bronchial narrowing.


[Validity of retrograde peripheral phlebography (author's transl)]. The Authors present and discuss the results obtained in phlebographic exploration by a particular method, namely retrograde peripheral phlebography. After describing the technicalities of this procedure, they evaluated its advantages and disadvantages, and conclude by recommending a more widespread use of this examination.


[Clinico-statistical review of 74 cases of subcutaneous rupture of the Achilles tendon]. The Authors report 74 cases of subcutaneous hole of Achille's tendon that were treated surgically. 52 patients were clinically controlled at a distance from 1 to 5 years. The functional result at a distance is good in 67,3% of cases, satisfactory in 25%, insufficient in 4%. They point out an hig incidence of local post-operating complications (29,8%), especially when the paratendinea medial incision has been made. The authors suggest to opt for a paratendinea lateral incision and, experimentally, to drop the use of hemostatic string.


[Surgical treatment of hiatal hernia in adults. Indications, technical and tactical considerations on 310 operated cases]. On the basis of 310 cases of hiatal hernia surgically treated, the anatomical, pathophysiological and clinical aspects are reviewed together with their surgical consequences. In rolling type hernia, gastroesophageal reflux and its sequelae do not occur: the treatment is based only on reduction and suture of the fundus to the undersurface of the diaphragm with repair of right crus. In sliding hiatal hernia the purpose of operation is functional one, that is satisfactory and lasting control of gastro-esophageal reflux. With one exception, the fundamental step of all successful procedures of repair is the creation of restoration of an infradiaphragmatic segment of esophagus: it puts the lower esophageal sphincter into the abdominal cavity with restoration of gastroesophageal competence.


[Association of idiopathic megaesophagus and carcinoma]. In the light of three cases of esophageal carcinoma developing on a pre-existing idiopathic megaesophagus the authors examine etiopatological, clinical and terapeutic problems related to this association. They believe that carcinoma of the esophagus tends to be a complication of cardiospasm in patients inadequately treated for the primary condition. Early diagnosis and an adequate Heller operation for cardiospasm will lessen the chance of cancer developing in megaesophagus with stasis. When finally diagnosed, this variety of esophageal carcinoma has an extremely poor prognosis. An even more important claim upon the clinician is to be alert to the hazards of continued stasis in megaesophagus and to devise earlier techniques of recognition, including more frequent recourse to biopsy during esophagoscopy.


[Doctrinal and clinical aspects of cancer of the male breast]. On the base of a recent observation of one case of male mamma carcinoma, the authors examine the generalities and the etiopathogenetic factors of this rare tumor, also on the base of the most recent acquisitions on hormonal receptors. Then they stop on the characteristics of clinical picture, and outline the high frequency of unfavourable events, at the first medical examination already. In the end they outline the elective treatment and the therapy for the recovery of the cases with metastasis and they present the results of the most qualified mondial casuistry.


[Primary closure of the perineum after Miles's abdominoperineal amputation for carcinoma of the rectum (author's transl)]. In view of the results obtained in 32 cases of primary closure of the perineum after amputation of the rectum for cancer, the authors believe that this policy is best after removal of the malignancy by the abdominoperineal approach. Unquestionable advantages are shortening of the patient's hospital stay and a more rapid recovery; the possible disadvantages are relatively rare, from an uncommonly severe dysmetabolic situation to local disorders such as poor hemostasis, contamination of the operation site, inadequate preoperative antibacterial protection, or an unusually large tumor.


[Clinical considerations on the surgical treatment of perforated gastroduodenal ulcer: experience in 479 cases]. In this work, the authors support the therapeutic validity of gastric-duodenal resection in urgency surgery. This study has been made on 479 cases observed during the last 21 years (1957-78). In 58 of them we have made a sinking of ulcer, in 421 patients we have made, immediatly, a gastric-duodenal resection with B II technique. On the base of the good obtained results, the authors conclude that the contro-indications to this operation (age, general conditions of patient, old pierce, etc.) that were accepted by the most surgeons up to few years ago, must considered of secondary importance.


[Lymphatic cyst of the retroperitoneal space (author's transl)]. The authors describe an enormous lymphatic cyst, occupying cephalad and of the retroperitoneal space on the left side, half of it filled with a liquid collection and the other half being solid, displacing and compressing the stomach, spleen, and left kidney and adrenal gland (the later showing evidence of athrophy as a result of compression), Witlial, the patient had no subjective complaints and gave no objective signs of illness beyond the mere evidence of a space-occupying mass.


[Morgagni-Larrey hernia (author's transl)]. The authors describe minutely Morgagni-Larrey hernia, that is the least frequent of the spontaneous herniae of diaphragm, but it seems that it has a real superior incidence that in past time. They sop, particularly, to sketch the different stages of diagphragmatic embryogenesis that, in its complexity, induces to morphogenetic mistakes of variable relief. These mistakes have always their role in the pathodenic mechanism of considerate disease. In the end, they report a case which happened to their observation and that seems to resume the paradigmatic data of Morgagni-Larrey hernia, for its etiopathogenic, anatomo-pathologic and symptomatologic characteristics.


[Hodgkin's lymphoma with "primary" ileal localization]. The authors describe an observation of Hodgking's disease with primitive location in ileum, that they treated urgently for intestinal stoppage. After having explained the peculiar history of this disease, they analyze the diagnostic and therapeutic principles, emphasizing the elements that are useful for determining the primitivity of the form and the peculiarity of the treatment.


[The hematic histamina in malignant tumors of alimentary canal and respiratory apparatus (author's transl)]. The Authors estimated the blood histamine level in 39 subjects with malignant tumors of the lung (19), Sthomac (11) and colon (9) and found a significant increase with respect to normal values. Among the groups investigated, the subjects with gastric tumors presented the greatest values. The results show a significant relationship between tumor and hyperhistaminemia as demonstrated by other Authors in experimental animals.


[Total hematic histamine in gastrectomized patients]. The Authors estimated the blood histamine in 15 patients after gastric-resection and found a significant decrease in all the cases with respect either to basal valus or to normal subjects. The autors suppose it is due to a lower presence of istidin-decarbojlase, owing to removal of gastric tissue where such enzime is placed.


[A-mode echography in surgery: a study of solitary thyroid nodules (author's transl)]. As part of their exploration of the possibilities afforded by A-mode ultrasonic investigation in several disorders of surgical interest, the authors report the results obtained in the study of solitary thyroid nodules. More precisely, after a brief explanation of ultrasonics, current apparatus for echography, and methods for echographic examination, they describe the semiological features exploited in A-mode echography: namely nodules with liquid content, mixed content, solid homogeneous content, and solid heterogeneous content. They conclude with considerations on the principles and indications of this diagnostic procedure in the light of their personal experience.


[A-mode echography in surgery. Study of nodular lesions of the breast]. In the context of researches for studying the possibilities of ultrasonic A-mode research for a diagnosis of thyroid, mamma and abdominal organs affections, in this first part the authors make known the results obtained studying nodulary lesions. After a short notice about ultra-sounds, echoscopic apparati and methods for echoscopic research, they outline the semeiologic characters for echoscopic A-mode diagnostic and they stop on echoscopic obtained pictures: liquid crops, nodulary images with homogeneus echostructure scarcely ecogena and nodulary images with not homogeneus echostructure highly ecogena. Then they ended with some considerations about the principles and the indications of this method, in the light of personal experience.


[Coloportal fistula in ulcerative colitis (massive penetration, through the splenic vein, of barium and air into the portal system during barium enema)]. The authors describe one case of massive penetration of barium and air through the splenic vein into the portal system during administration of a radiopaque enema to a woman suffering from hemorrhagic proctitis in the florid phase. They provide a detailed description of this rare clinical case and discuss the possible etiology and pathophysiology of the observed event.


[Stenosis of hepatic artery associated with portal vein anomaly and splenomegaly: a haemodynamic evaluation (author's transl)]. The authors describe one case of stenosis of the common hepatic artery associated with splenomegaly. After commenting on the rarity and peculiarity of such an occurrence, they explain the decisive role of selective celiac tripod arteriography not only for precise diagnostic definition of the case but also in terms of formulating an appropriate therapeutic program. The study of this case includes a detailed exploration of the hemodynomic situation created by the anomaly in the hepatosplenic district, and an equally detailed study of the associated blood picture changes.


[Variations of hematic viscosity due to water-electrolyte disorders induced by muscular stress]. In view of the increasingly widespread tendency of common people to undertake sports activities without adequate athletic preparation, and in consideration of certain cardiovascular alterations detected in subjects cultivating athletic activities of some magnitude for a number of years, the authors set out to explore the effects of severe muscular activity on circulation. More precicely, they measured blood and plasma viscosity at rest and after 50 minutes of intense athletic activity, competitive or otherwise, at the same time looking for possible changes of volemia, blood lipid composition, and hemodynamic parameters. Trained subjects, even if no longer very young, showed viscosity values in the lower range of normal, with no increase following muscular exertion; and likewise no changes of circulating blood volumes. Untrained subjects, conversely, showed more significant increase of both said values, albeit not beyond the limits of norm. The definitely if not dramatically different behavior of the two groups of subjects (trained versus untrained) brings out the value of this simple test. The authors discuss the factors and mechanisms that may be responsible for the observed changes: namely the loss of water and associated changes of electrolyte and protein concentrations, the alterations of blood pH, the changes of paO2, and the increased velocity of blood flow.


[The behavior of blood viscosity in polyglobulism]. In polyglobulic subjects we have found a variable reduction of plasmatic viscosity, with an increase of total viscosity. If the increase of Ht is the first cause of the increase of total viscosity, it is less simple to find the cause of plasmatic viscosity decrease; to this end we have analysed direct and indirect factors (coagulation factors, proteinous and lipidic components). We haven't found any significant qualitative alterations. It is proposed the importance of the interventions of basic proteins of polication type. To this end it has been studied the connection between plasmatic viscosity and ESR, being both influenced by the same factors, but in a contrary way and with variable results. Then the role of plasmatic viscosity in these subjects, in substitution of ESR, is significant.


[Variations of hematic and plasmatic viscosity as a function of flow velocity, analyzed by means of an experimental model]. The authors have determined the hematic and plasmatic viscosity in 60 sound subjects, 30 men and 30 women respectively, at different values of cut drop, corresponding to the values that can be found at different levels of circulatory system. These subjects had value of Ht, total protidemy, cholesterolemy and trigliceryds, included in normal limits. For these determinations, made at constant temperature, they have used Well-Brookfield with a divergent angle of 0,8 degrees. In this way they could determinate the normality limits of hematic and plasmatic viscosity, in men and women, in connection with the physiologic modifications of flux speed. It has been confirmed the tixotropo behaviour of blood, whose viscosity increases exponentially for lessenings of cut drop and we have put this fact in touch with genesis of thrombosis. They haven't shown any expressive difference in the behaviour of the curves of two undergroups; the curve of middle values is higher for men, and it seems that this difference is owing to Ht. esclusively. In the end they have considered the curves of subjects that had values of viscosity different from normality; in this way they have found three different curves, in pathologic conditions.


[Traumatic hernias of the right hemidiaphragm]. Four cases of right traumatic diaphragmatic hernia are reported. The original aspect of this type of lesion is that herniation of abdominal viscera into the chest is usually delayed due to the liver temporary plugging of the diaphragmatic defect. Diagnostic importance of diaphragm elevation combined with mediastinal push-back is stressed, as well as the value of x-ray examination following pneumoperitoneum. Reduction of the hernia and repair of the diaphragmatic defect can easily be accomplished by abdominal route alone, instead by a transthoracic approach usually preferred by surgeons in delayed presentation, particularly in those patients with marked limitation of pulmonary reserve.


[Hemorrhagic duodenal ulcer].

[Hemorrhagic duodenal ulcer]. The authors report their experience in the treatment of hemorrhagic duodenal ulcers in 19 patients (17 men, 2 women) between 1972 and 1977. They compare the results obtained with the two methods adopted, namely gastric resection and local hemostasis of the ulcer followed by troncular or selective vagotomy, or selective proximal vagotomy and pyloroplasty. The results so analyzed speak definitely in favor of the latter procedures as opposed to gastrectomy.


[Our experience in the treatment of perforated duodenal ulcer]. The Authors considers 49 cases of perforated duodenal ulcers in free peritoneum, observed in 6 years from 1972 to 1977. They are quite exclusively males (9 : 1), aged from 22 to 80 years, observed from over 4 to 72 hours from effective perforation. After the bare necessities of their hydroelectrolitics balancing, 20 cases came to a simple suture, 29 to an ulcer excision, vagotomy and pyloric plastics. No post operative complications were noted in the two groups: mortality has been of 2 patients in the first group and of no one in the second; pathological ulcerous relaps have been of 47% in the first group and 0 in the second one, with from over 15 months to 6 years controls. By clinical, radiological and andoscopical examinations the AA, concludes that the best therapy treatment in perforated duodenal ulcers--except very particular cases--consists at the same time in the treatment of ulcerous pathology and its complications, with vagotomy completed by piloric plastics sec. Judd, and ulcer's excision.


Fitness and employee productivity.

Fitness and employee productivity. What should management consider when deciding whether to sponsor a company fitness program? This article gives pragmatic answers to the business community as well as outlining critical avenues for future research for both academics and corporations. Understanding the nature of the commitment is a prerequisite for success. Whether the program should be short term and serve as a catalyst for future individual efforts, or a long-term commitment, is a question which must be considered. Decisions of this type are partially dependent on what criteria are used to evaluate success. As measurements of employee productivity are very subjective or non-existent, absenteeism and turnover are potential yardsticks. Details of employee programs must also address the issue of participation as well as the frequency, intensity and duration. Future research must separate the effect of the fitness improvement from the benfits derived from just being in a program. The measurement of productivity and the long-term effect of fitness programs, especially short-term programs, are also areas for future work.


Potential sources of anxiety and depression associated with athletic competition. The major purpose of this paper is to explore some tentative hypotheses concerning the relationship between the athlete's personal (internal) vulnerability and the realistically induced stress of world class competition. Clinically-oriented psychodynamic theory provides the theoretical underpinnings for this exploration. First, the positive, and particularly the negative impart of anxiety and depression on athletic performance is discussed. Then, for purposes of demonstrating the potential applications of clinically-oriented theory, a composite case example is offered illustrating the manner in which an athlete's internal vulnerability could lead to performance inhibitions. Finally, some tentative formulations are offered with a view towards correctively intervening with athletes whose natural capacity to cope with stress is temporarily outstripped, leading to inhibited performance.


Some factors affecting accuracy of Canadian Home Fitness Test scores. Factors affecting the accuracy of Canadian Home Fitness Test scores have been evaluated in male and female office workers. At a first attempt, the typical subject underestimates his 10 sec post-exercise pulse count by 1 beat, with a superimposed probable error of 2 beats. However, the modest experience of pulse counting gained in an employee fitness programme corrects the systematic error, while the probable random error is reduced to approximately 8 beats/min. Taking account also of variations in the fficiency of stepping, the probable error of an Astrand prediction of V O2(max) is approximately 10.3%. Comparison with directly measured values in a subsample of 22 men shows an actual random discrepancy of 9.5%, plus a systematic error of approximately 19% due to an increase of heart rate with anticipation of the maximum test. The Jetté prediction formula has a random discrepancy of approximately 8%, plus a systematic error of approximately 10.6%. Assuming the latter can be corrected by evaluation of a larger population, the fitness scores should give most people an indication of both their initial fitness and responses to a training regimen.


Influence of running pace upon performance: effects upon oxygen intake, blood lactate, and rating of perceived exertion. Three different techniques of middle distance running (fast/slow, slow/fast, and steady pace) have been compared in terms of oxygen intake, blood lactate and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). The subjects (10 middle distance and long distance male runners) carried out the three patterns of running on the laboratory threadmill according to a randomly ordered sequence, on each occasion covering 1400 m in 4 min. The fast/slow protocol resulted in a rapid and sustained on-transient of oxygen intake, less lactate accumulation, and a lower rating of perceived exertion during the final 2 min of th4 min run. Physiological data thus support coaching impressions of the superiority of the fast/slow protocol.


A comparison between predicted VO2 max from the Astrand procedure and the Canadian Home Fitness Test. The purpose of this study was to compare the predicted maximal oxygen concumption derived from the Canadian Home Fitness Test (CHFT) and the Astrand ergometer test to the observed VO2 max determined from a progressive multi-stage treadmill test. Sixty-four sedentary subjects (35 males and 29 females) ranging in age from 20 to 54 years participated in the study. The mean VO2 max measured on the treadmill for males and females was 34.6 +/- 6.0 ml/kg/min while the Astrand procedure predicted a mean VO2max of 29.6 +/- 6.5 ml/kg/min and the CHFT predicted a mean VO2 max of 34.8 +/- 5.0 ml/kg/min. Statistical analysis revealed a significant under-prediction (P less than 0.001) of the VO2 predicted by the Astrand test to the VO2 max derived from the treadmill test while there were no differences between the treadmill VO2max and that predicted by the CHFT. When the male and female values were analyzed separately, the same results were seen in the males. For the females, however, there were no significant differences among predicted and observed values. It concluded that the CHFT provided an adequate prediction of cardio-respiratory fitness as well as, if not superior to, the Astrand procedure.


Growth patterns of elite French-Canadian female gymnasts. In the present investigation, an elite group of competitive female French-Canadian gymnasts (N = 7) were evaluated using 35 standardized morphological measures at an interval of 475 days. At the two evaluatione, the average age of the gymnasts was 13.9 and 15.3 years and at the termination 4 of the 7 girls had not yet reached menarche. Standard body lengths, widths, skinfolds and proportions were measured. Almost everybody dependent variable increased significantly while the body proportions, for the most part, stayed the same. Skinfold measures of body fat tended to remain the same or to decrease over this period. In comparison to other reference groups of female gymnasts tested over the last 10 years, these elite competiters were younger, smaller, and lighter reflecting the present day trends. Implications of this decreased body size were discussed in terms of the potential mechanical advantages that accompany these characteristics.


Knowledge of performance, skill level and performance on the balance beam. Knowledge of performance (KP) using video-tape replay (VTR) was given to a group of girls aged 12--13, n = 8, learning to perform a beginning balance beam routine. A control group (n = 8) was taught utilizing conventional information feedback. Performance was assessed by three U.S. Federation Gymnastic judges after four weeks and again after six weeks. All S's in the experimental group were judged to be at the associative learning stage. The data were analyzed using a mixed repeated measures design with one between and one within subjects variables. A significant treatment effect (F = 48.7, alpha less than or equal to .01) and treatment by group interaction (F = 19.21, alpha less than or equal to .01) resulted. The experimental group was responsible for the bulk of the significance and it was therefore concluded th KP via VTP for S's in the associative learning stage was beneficial.


Report on the survey of National Sport Governing Bodies' Sport Science needs. This study identifies areas of current and anticipated future utilization of Sport Science Specialists by National Sport Governing Bodies in National level Sport Programs. The results of the survey are discussed in terms of financial and time commitments for sport administrators and sport scientists, respectively.


Haemodynamic alterations after reversal of renal hypertension in rats. 1. Cardiac output, heart rate and mean arterial pressure were determined in two-kidney Goldblatt hypertensive rats of 4 weeks' duration, in matched normotensive controls and in declipped renal hypertensive rats 2 h-28 days after renal artery declipping. 2. After declipping mean pressure fell rapidly due to a corresponding reduction in total peripheral resistance, this being normalized after 1 day. Cardiac output and heart rate remained initially unchanged, but 1 day after declipping the former was significantly increased compared with output in renal hypertensive rats. 3. The initial normalization of total peripheral resistance must be ascribed to a subnormal vascular smooth muscle tone. The reason is that the hypertensive structural vascular changes are not yet significantly reduced and their presence implies an elevated flow resistance, even when vascular smooth muscle activity equals that in normotension. 4. This considerable 'overshoot' in vascular relaxation and lack of reflexogenic tachycardia, despite resetting of baroreceptors, suggest that peripheral as well as central mechanisms contribute to the rapid normalization of mean arterial pressure in two-kidney Goldblatt hypertension in rats, later stabilized by reversal of structural vascular changes.


Plasma catecholamines and blood pressure responses to the carotid baroreceptor reflex in essential hypertension. 1. Slight decreases and increases in carotid baroreceptor activity were induced in subjects with essential hypertension by slight alterations in carotid transmural pressure (variable pressure neck-chamber technique) in order to obtain limited increases and reductions in sympathetic adrenergic activity. 2. When sympathetic activity was reflexly increased there was a rise in arterial pressure but no significant increase in plasma catecholamines. Likewise when sympathetic activity was reflexly reduced there was a fall in arterial pressure but no significant reduction in plasma catecholamines. 3. Plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline significantly and markedly increased in the same subjects when sympathetic activity was increased by activation of both arterial and low pressure baroreceptor reflexes with tilting. 4. It is suggested that measurements of catecholamines in systemic plasma may reveal marked degrees of sympathetic activation but may not be a sensitive index of more moderate changes in sympathetic tone.


Baroreflex control of blood pressure and plasma noradrenaline during exercise in essential hypertension. 1. Twelve subjects (mean age 46.3 +/- 12.5 years) with mild to moderate hypertension were studied before, during and after bicycle ergometer exercise. 2. Baroreflex sensitivity was determined by the Oxford phenylephrine method; sensitivity at rest was inversely related to intra-arterial pressure and age. Age and resting arterial pressure were not related. 3. Exercise for 5 min at 50 W and 5 min at 75 W raised the mean arterial pressure from 116.4 +/- 18.0 to 150.0 +/- 25.4 mmHg, the heart rate from 73.2 to 126.7 beats/min and the plasma noradrenaline from 541 +/- 142.7 to 1309.8 +/- 543.5 pg/ml (P less than 0.001). 4. The increase in noradrenaline during exercise and the maximum mean pressure achieved were inversely related to resting baroreflex sensitivity (r = -0.68 and -0.77 respectively). Resting values of noradrenaline were not related to baroreflex sensitivity, age, or resting blood pressure. 5. It is possible that the rise in both plasma noradrenaline and arterial blood pressure produced by exercise is controlled by the baroreceptor reflexes; these are less effective in hypertensive subjects and thus the increases in noradrenaline and arterial pressure during exercise are greater in subjects with raised blood pressure.


Increased plasma and urinary normetanephrine in young patients with primary hypertension. 1. Normetanephrine was measured in small samples of plasma and urine of hypertensive patients and normal volunteers (age 20-60 years) by a specific radioenzymatic assay with bovine adrenal phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase and tritiated S-adenosylmethionine. 2. Noradrenaline was measured simultaneously in plasma and urine. 3. Plasma normetanephrine and noradrenaline concentrations varied in direct proportion to activation or suppression of sympathetic nerve function. 4. Both plasma and urinary normetanephrine concentrations were elevated in patients with phaeochromocytoma. 5. Plasma normetanephrine concentrations were related to plasma noradrenaline concentrations of hypertensive subjects. 6. Plasma normetanephrine and noradrenaline concentrations and urinary normetanephrine excretion rates were increased in some young patients with primary hypertension, suggesting that sympathetic nerve hyperactivity is a pathogenic factor in these patients.


Cardiovascular design after 'reversal' of long-standing renal hypertension in rats. 1. After 4.5 months of renal hypertension in rats renal artery 'declipping' was performed. Eight weeks afterwards paired hindquarter perfusions were performed on the declipped rats and normotensive control rats, exploring the relationships between mean arterial pressure and flow, from maximal vasodilatation to maximal vasoconstriction, induced by graded noradrenaline infusions. Left ventricular weights were measured. 2. Declipping caused a fall in mean arterial pressure from 180 to 135 mmHg, though still after 8 weeks the mean pressure was 19% higher than in normotensive control rats. 3. All parameters reflecting design and reactivity of the resistance vessels and left ventricular weight decreased significantly, but not as much as mean arterial pressure, and were still significantly increased compared with those of control rats. 4. This neither mean arterial pressure nor cardiovascular design was normalized 8 weeks after 'reversal' of long-standing renal hypertension, in contrast to short-standing renal hypertension where both are completely normalized 3 weeks after declipping.


Catecholamines and haemodynamics in fixed essential hypertension. 1. Arterial plasma catecholamines and haemodynamic status were simultaneously studied in 27 patients with fixed essential hypertension (WHO I-II). 2. Total arterial plasma catecholamines were found to be directly related to mean arterial pressure and to calculated total peripheral resistance, and they were inversely related to stroke index. 3. The degree of total peripheral resistance reduction after alpha-receptor blockade (phentolamine 10 mg intravenously) and the degree of mean arterial pressure reduction after combined alpha- and beta- receptor blockade (labetalol 100 mg intravenously) were directly related to pretreatment plasma catecholamine concentrations. 4. These findings support the view that the sympathetic nervous system, as evaluated by plasma catecholamine concentration, may have an important role in maintaining hypertension in a subgroup of patients, contributing mainly to the degree of peripheral vasoconstriction.


Recordings of renal and splanchnic sympathetic nervous activity in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats. 1. Recordings have been obtained from single sympathetic fibres to the left kidney in anaesthetized adult spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats and Wistar-Kyoto normotensive (WK) rats. 2. Under control conditions SH rats had a mean sympathetic activity of 3.3 +/- SE 0.45 Hz and WK rats 1.6 +/- 0.23 Hz. During noradrenaline infusion single fibre discharge decreased gradually to low levels in both SH and WK rats. The absolute decrease in fibre activity/mmHg rise of arterial pressure was greater in SH rats than in WK rats, but the reverse was true when the discharge reduction was expressed as a percentage change. 3. Recordings have also been obtained from the left splanchnic nerve in awake SH and WK rats. Upon volume load with blood, in SH rats the sympathetic activity decreased significantly more than in WK rats. 4. Thus the sympathetic discharge to the kidneys is higher in SH rats than in WK rats. Upon volume load SH rats show an exaggerated reflex response, probably due to an augmented volume-receptor response.


Effect of neonatal sympathectomy by 6-hydroxydopamine on volume and resistance regulation in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats. 1. Neonatal sympathectomy with 6 hydroxy-dopamine (6-OHDA) was used as a tool to assess the significance of an increased sympathetic vascular tone for the development of high blood pressure in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats. After administration of 6-OHDA the rise in blood pressure was blunted for the following 9 weeks until innervation was re-established. 6-OHDA-treated rats retained more sodium and had larger plasma and blood volumes than sham-treated rats. 2. Catecholamines in plasma were increased 2-10-fold immediately after sympathectomy, but their concentrations were subnormal on day 7. Eight weeks after sympathectomy plasma noradrenaline and dopamine were not elevated, but plasma adrenaline has increased twofold. 3. The reactivity of resistance vessels to noradrenaline was markedly enhanced and the neuronal uptake and metabolism of noradrenaline were still reduced 8 weeks after neonatal sympathectomy. 4. These results confirm the significance of an intact sympathetic nervous system for the development in these rats. Sodium retention and increased plasma and blood volume may be considered as a compensatory mechanism for the vasodilatation resulting from decreased vasomotor tone.


Absence of sympathetic cholinergic vasodilatation in cats during early stages of affective behaviour elicited by stimulation of central amygdala, postero-lateral hypothalamus and locus coeruleus. 1. Stimulation of the central amygdala, postero-lateral hypothalamus and locus coeruleus in cats resulted in a sustained increase in arterial pressure, an increase in heart rate, with a poststimulation bradycardia and an increase in peripheral resistance (vasoconstriction in the vessels of the hindlimbs). The behavioural pattern was characterized by an alerting reaction. Increased stimulus intensities resulted in rage reactions if the amygdala or the hypothalamus were stimulated. 2. Stimulation of the basal amygdala resulted in a cardiovascular pattern characterized by a sympathetic cholinergic vasodilatation. The concomitantly observed behaviour was characterized by alerting, anxious behaviour, eventually resulting in defence. 3. Alerting was not necessarily linked to sympathetic cholinergic vasodilatation. 4. The cardiovascular pattern including sustained vasoconstriction of the vessels of the hindlimbs was supposed to be of greater importance for the induction of hypertension than the cardiovascular pattern, including sympathetic cholinergic vasodilatation.