Differential permeability of endothelial and epithelial barriers to albumin flux. We measured the flux of albumin between the vascular space and the pulmonary interstitial and luminal lining fluids in 20 adult sheep with chronic lung lymph fistulas. We sampled the bronchoalveolar lining layer by episodic fiberbronchoscopic lavage. A total of 62 alveolar lavages were performed at times ranging between 30 min and 60 h after intra-arterial injection of 100 microCi of 125I-labeled albumin. Samples of lymph and plasma were obtained simultaneously with lavage fluid, and the radioactivity and albumin content of all samples were measured and expressed as specific activity (counts/min . g albumin). We found that alveolar lavage fluid collected by our technique is not significantly contaminated by plasma or interstitial fluid proteins. Proteins present in alveolar lavage fluid and also present in plasma reach the alveolar space by a normal diffusive process, and not as a result of epithelial membrane damage occurring at the time of lavage. Lung epithelial permeability to albumin in small, but finite (4.3--5.8 x 10(-10) cm/s). Virtually all (greater than 92%) of resistance to albumin flux across the alveolocapillary membrane lies in the epithelial barrier. Increases in permeability of the respiratory epithelium, even minor, would have a marked effect on water and solute balance in the lung. Epithelial injury will potentiate pulmonary edema formation even in the presence of normal pulmonary microvascular pressure, plasma oncotic pressure, and endothelial permeability.


Estimating central and peripheral respiratory resistance: an alternative analysis. Pimmel et al (J. Appl. Physiol.: Respirat. Environ. Exercise Physiol. 45: 375--380, 1978) recently presented an analysis of the frequency dependence of respiratory resistance (Rrs) based on a simple electrical analog of the respiratory system that allows estimation of the central (Rc) and peripheral (Rp) components of Rrs. The method by which they determine these parameters from the experimental data is based on a number of unproven assumptions. Using the same electrical analog, we present an analysis that allows calculation of these parameters, as well as the corner frequency of the network (f1), without need for similar assumptions. Our technique is based on fitting the resistances (RTh) measured over a range of frequencies (f) to the exact solution of the network given by RTh = Rc + Rpf1(2)/f2 + f1(2)). Using the transformation X = 1/(f2 + f1(2), the equation becomes a linear relationship between RTh and X allowing the resistances to be determined by linear regression. Reanalysis of Pimmel et al.'s data demonstrated that the assumptions of a constant f1, and the equivalence of RTh at 0 Hz to RTh at 1 Hz in invalid under certain conditions. Thus, if one is to use the electrical analog to partition Rrs into its central and peripheral components, one should use the analytic approach suggested here that does not rely on these assumptions.


A head-out exercise body plethysmograph. A head-out exercise body plethysmograph has been developed to facilitate investigations of the extrathoracic airways. An airtight seal around the neck is provided by a pliable sheet of dental dam braced by a tubular bean bag. A set of bicycle pedals is connected by a chain drive, axle, and wall-mounted sealed ball bearing to an external ergometer. The box is air-conditioned to allow exercise up to work loads of 200 W with a temperature increase of less than 1 degree C above ambient laboratory readings. Nose, mouth, and extrathoracic airways are easily accessible for airflow and pressure measurements. O2, CO2, and humidity levels of respired air are not disturbed, verbal communication with the subject is possible, and the subject is unlikely to feel claustrophobic. The plethysmograph has a flat frequency response to 4.2 Hz; it thus functions accurately in both resting and exercise measurements of respiratory minute ventilation. The plethysmograph can also be used for determinations of nasal and oral airflow and pressure, and the study of breathing patterns.


The organization of neocortical projections from the ventrolateral thalamic nucleus in the brush-tailed possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, and the problem of motor and somatic sensory convergence within the mammalian brain. The retrograde transport of HRP was used to determine the extent and organizational details of the VL neocortical projection in Trichosurus. The major, or external, part of VL projects homotypically to the anteromedial part of the parietofrontal cortex, overlapping the VP cortical projection field extensively, but not completely. Overlap between the VL field and SmI is most extensive in the area of rear limb representation, and decreases considerably in the area of the head representation. A small internal subdivision of VL projects discontinuously to the SmI head region, and appears to be limited to portions of the cortical barrel field. The VL cortical projection is much less extensive than that of VP, but does include a small area of cortex which does not receive a VP projection. Thus VL and VP do not display congruent cortical projections. Details of the thalamocortical relationships, as determined from both anatomical and physiological studies, are compared with other mammals.


Cell junctions in the adrenal cortex of the postnatal rat. The differentiation of cellular junctions in the adrenal cortex of the postnatal rat has been studied. Desmosome and gap junctions were well differentiated at birth in the deeper zones of the cortex, but in the glomerular zone tight and gap junctions were not observed until 2 weeks after birth. The possibility that the development of gap junctions in the different zones of the adrenal cortex is hormonally controlled is discussed.


Micro-stereological study of the avian epididymal region. Morphometric studies of the epididymal region of three avian species (Gallus domesticus, Coturnix coturnix japonica, Japanese quail, and Numida meleagris, guinea-fowl) were performed using a stereological compensating eyepiece graticule. The proportions of the volume of the region made up of rete testis lacunae, proximal and distal efferent ductules, connecting ducts, ductus epididymidis, blood vessels and connective tissue were determined. The efferent ductules constituted the largest proportion of the tubular components of the organs in the three birds (35.3% for the chicken, 56% for the quail and 61.9% for the guinea-fowl), while the ductus epididymidis formed only 7.6%, 2.4% and 1.8% of the total epididymal volume in the domestic fowl, quail and guinea-fowl respectively. The connective tissue component made up 38.7%, 27.3% and 22.6% respectively. The significance of these results is discussed in relation to the likely functions of the various components of the epididymal region.


Uptake of marker proteins by glycoprotein-containing cells of the pregnant rat uterus and placenta. A study was made of cells in the pregnant rat uterus and placenta known to contain glycoprotein inclusions to investigate their ability to endocytose marker proteins (fluorescein conjugated serum and horseradish peroxidase) injected into the maternal circulation. The visceral endoderm showed marked uptake of both proteins, though in later pregnancy this was restricted to the area of yolk sac adjacent to the chorio-allantoic placenta. The intracellular distribution of the endocytosed marker proteins resembled that of the glycoprotein inclusions. In the earlier stages some of the giant cell inclusions contained glycoprotein, some showed staining with the Dunn-Thompson technique for haemoglobin, and some showed peroxidase activity. There was endocytosis of both marker proteins by giant cells, and apparently this occurred independently of ingestion of red blood cells. Uptake by the giant cells persisted to a later stage in the area round the margin of the chorio-allantoic placenta than in the other giant cells. Endocytosis occurred in the labyrinthine trophoblast, and the glycoprotein inclusions found in this situation may represent material being transmitted or digested. The glycoprotein-containing granulated metrial gland cells showed no evidence of endocytotic activity, but there was uptake of both marker proteins by the associated stromal cells.


Sex differences in the formation of germinal centres in the rat thymus. Rats of inbred DA strain were given 20 intraperitoneal injections of typhoid-paratyphoid bacilli at 10 day intervals. Thymic lymph follicles with germinal centres were formed in females but not in males. However, orchidectomy permitted the formation of large numbers of thymic lymph follicles with germinal centres in males. The formation of lymph follicles with germinal centres in the thymus was not affected by ovariectomy. These results would appear to suggest an inhibitory role of androgens on the formation of thymic lymph follicles with germinal centres. In addition, large numbers of plasma cells, mast cells, and reticular cells, or macrophages with haemosiderin in their cytoplasm, appeared in the parenchma of the thymus in close association with the formation of thymic germinal centres.


The compressive strength of lumbar vertebrae. Values for the compressive breaking load of lumbar vertebrae at physiological strain rates show enormous scatter across the population, ranging from 0.8 kN to nearly 16 kN. Increase in strength was found at faster strain rates, but differences in compressive strength between upper and lower lumbar vertebrae were not significant. Hydraulic strengthening does not appear to contribute to the compressive strength at the strain rates studied.


Studies on the responses of different types of muscle fibre during surgically induced compensatory hypertrophy. The sizes of the different types of muscle fibre in the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles of mice have been measured, EDL muscles showing compensatory hypertrophy following the removal of the tibialis anterior muscle 116 days previously being compared with normal contralateral controls. Contrary to previous findings, the hypertrophy was well maintained after 116 days and Type II fibres were enlarged preferentially.


A morphological study of the development of the mouse choroid plexus. Development of the mouse choroid plexus was studied by semithin light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The choroid plexus is first observed as a bilateral ridge at 11 days postconception. The major morphological development appears to occur between 11 and 14 days postconception. By 14 days both dark and light choroid plexus epithelial cells are present. The percentage of dark cells appears constant from 14 days postconception up to 3 months postnatum. Metachromatically staining glycogen masses are present in the choroidal epithelium from 13 days postconception until 5 days postnatum, after which time glcogen granules are sparsely scattered throughout the cytoplasm. A few fine microvilli are present at 11 days postconception and these increase in number and become much more bulbous by 13 days. In contrast to the light choroid plexus epithelial cells, the dark cells have fine narrow microvilli. The possible significance of the two types of choroid plexus cells is discussed.


Quantitative aspects of the embryonic growth of the intestine and stomach. The increase in the volume of the intestine and stomach with time was estimated in mouse embryos by means of a morphometric technique. The specific growth rate of the intestine is constant until birth, whereas that of the stomach decreases by a constant amount in time. Evidence is given that the growth of both these organs is a continuous process in the period under study; growth models based on exponential phases separated by breaks were not confirmed. A methodological criticism relating to the effect of skew sectioning in the estimation of the intestinal length and cross sectional area is put forward.


Morphological changes in the right ventricular septomarginal trabecula (false tendon) during maturation and ageing in the dog heart. Right ventricular septomarginal trabeculae ('false-tendons') from puppies, young adult, and older adult dogs were examined by light and electron microscopy. The connective tissue of the trabeculae obtained from the puppies and the young adult dogs had few elastic fibres, but this component was well developed in the connective tissue of the adult dogs. The trabeculae of older dogs also showed scattered foci of extracellular fat droplets, and their junctional regions nearest to the ventricular wall were often heavily laden with fat. The Purkinje cells were uniform in each group, but differed from one group to another: in the puppies they resembled typical conducting cells, being predominantly cuboidal with few, poorly developed myofibrils, whilst in the adults the Purkinje cells resembled working myocytes, being elongated with a well developed complement of longitudinally arranged myofibrils. The cells of all age groups showed a complete absence of T-tubules, simply arranged interculated discs, and frequent dilatations of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The cells of older dogs showed separations of the undifferentiated regions of most discs. Membrane degenerations and the presence of numerous fat droplets also were common. The fine structural cytology of Purkinje cells therefore appears to change considerable with age in the right ventricular septomarginal trabeculae ('false-tendons') of the dog heart.


Changes in the spleen related to birth.

Changes in the spleen related to birth. The spleens of 124 anatomically normal weight-for-age fetuses and 115 term babies dying between birth and four weeks have been assessed histologically. The mean weight of the spleen shows a steady increase from 27 weeks of gestation up to 42 weeks. There is a weight loss of about 4 gm at the time of birth. The weight of the spleen increases steadily in neonates and, by the fourth week, it reaches the same weight as the full term stillbirth. The amount of lymphatic tissue in the spleen increases steadily in the stillbirths of different gestations and continues, without interruption, at the time of birth and in neonates. The weight loss of the spleen at birth can only be accounted for on the basis of a reduction in the blood lake of the pulp.


A comparison of cell proliferation at different sites within the large bowel of the mouse. This study was undertaken in order to compare cell proliferation at different sites along the length of the large bowel of the mouse. Simple morphometry has been used along with 3HTdR labelling studies and metaphase arrest with vincristine. Differences have been described in the shape and size of crypts, the distribution of proliferating cells, the duration of the cell cycle, as well as in the rate of cell production by the crypts. The findings explain some of the apparent inconsistencies in the literature.


A method for testing the growth activity of tissue culture media using suspension lymphoblastoid cells. A new rapid method for testing the growth activity of tissue culture media using the 'Raji' and 'Simpson' strains of lymphoblastoid cells grown in suspension is described. This method has advantages for rapidly assessing the quality of a culture medium.


Stability of a reference panel of lyophilized hepatitis B antigens and antibodies. A lyophilized hepatitis B working/reference panel has been prepared for use in standardization tests. This panel includes HBsAg, anti-HBs, HBeAg/anti-HBe and subtype reagents. Quantitative analysis of the HBsAg reagents indicates that at a storage temperature of -20 degrees C, only 1 log at maximum of RIA counts per minute would be lost in 95 years. After storage at -20 degrees C for 1 year, there has been no loss of reactivity in any of the tests used to detect HBsAg, anti-HBs, HBeAg/anti-HBe or subtypes.


The British Reference preparation for tetanus antitoxin for the flocculation test. To facilitate the quality control of tetanus toxoids used in the formulation of adsorbed vaccines, an equine antitetanus serum has been extensively assayed and established as the British Reference preparation for tetanus antitoxin for the flocculation test.


Potency measurement of pertussis vaccines and consistency in production. If one accepts the minimum requirement of 4 i.u. shd-1 for the potency of pertussis vaccine--and there is no convincing evidence to reject this--the usual MPT with 20 mice per dilution offers a sufficient guarantee that no vaccines with too low potency will be accepted, provided that the consistency in production has been sufficiently proven. As higher concentrations than necessary should be avoided in view of the undesirable side-effects, the establishment of requirements for the lower level of the 95% confidence limits might, however, entail exactly this risk.


Stability of cholera and typhoid vaccines. Fluid plain and adsorbed and freeze-dried cholera and tyhpoid vaccines of different composition were examined for thermostability by potency testing (by active mouse protection tests) after exposure to 37 degrees C for 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Loss of potency was evaluated by comparison with samples stored at 4 degrees C. The fluid plain cholera vaccine remained fully potent for 1--3 weeks, the adsorbed vaccine for at least 4 weeks. The fluid typhoid vaccines showed greater thermosensitivity than the fluid plain cholera vaccine. The freeze-dried cholera and typhoid vaccines were both very stable, retaining fully potency after at least 12 weeks' exposure to 37 degrees C. It should be emphasized that the above results apply exclusively to vaccines prepared by the methods used by the authors and formulated to identical compositions.


Isolation and properties of a phage lytic for non-smooth Brucella organisms. A phage for non-smooth cells of Brucella abortus was isolated from a mixture of three brucella-phages incubated with rough brucella cells in the presence of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine. It did not lyse smooth cells of Br. abortus strains nor those of other Brucella species, but during the course of its replication in rough organisms a small proportion of phage mutants were produced which were similar in properties to smooth-specific phages. The rough-specific phage, R, itself resembled Weybridge phage in its morphological and serological properties. Phage R was found to contain DNA and segregated into high and low density fractions, both with plaque-forming activity, on ultra-centrifugation in CsSO4 gradients. Unlike the smooth-specific phages it attached to heat-labile receptors present on non-smooth brucella cells.


Interferon standards: a memorandum.

Interferon standards: a memorandum. The progress that has been made in the production of human interferons has led to clinical trials that suggest significant antiviral and antitumor effects. The growing possibilities of clinical usefulness and the greater appreciation of the complexity of the nature and actions of interferon, as well as its possible, varied biological roles, are factors that dictate the need for international interferon standards. This memorandum includes recommendations regarding characterization and use of interferon standards; definition of unitage; calibration of assays and reporting requirements; use of cells, viruses, and reagents in interferon assays; and description of a reference interferon bioassay.


Report of Ad Hoc Committee on karyological controls of human cell substrates. A conference on the Standardization of Cell Substrates for the Production of Virus Vaccines was jointly sponsored by the World Health Organization and by the International Association of Biological Standardization at Geneva in 1976. Participants at the meeting agreed that recommendations then current regarding karyological control of human cell substrates should be reviewed and revised. Extensive experience using human diploid cells in vaccine manufacture as documented at that symposium indicated that certain karyological requirements of existing standards should be eliminated or modified. An Ad Hoc committee appointed by the chairman of the conference, Dr Frank Perkins, was charged with this task; however, since opinions varied widely regarding modification this committee requested the organization of a karyology workshop.


The regulation of amounts and proportions of genetic elements in the macronuclei of Tetrahymena thermophila strains of diverse karyotype. Measurements of the micronuclear DNA content of clones with assumed different degrees of micronuclear ploidy confirmed the triploid nature of one clone. The micronuclear DNA content of a presumptive haploid clone was found to be slightly higher than expected, whereas one of two aneuploid clones had an unexpectedly low micronuclear DNA content. The macronuclear DNA content of cells with macronuclei which had developed from triploid, diploid and probably haploid and aneuploid macronuclear-Anlagen is very similar. Specifically, the smallest individual macronuclear DNA contents are consistently found within the same size class in all clones tested.  Cell volumes, RNA and protein contents are alike in all clones tested. Only the growth rate and maximal density reached of one out of two aneuploid clones is reduced in comparison with the very similar other clones. The results are discussed with reference to the regulation of macronuclear DNA content, and to the compensation of gene-dosage.


Quantitative replicon analysis of DNA synthesis in cancer-prone conditions and the defects in Bloom's syndrome. A quantitative method of replicon analysis of DNA fibre autoradiographs has been used to study the relationship between mean rate of DNA chain growth (R) and distance between adjacent replicons (ID) in fibroblasts from cancer-prone conditions. Results are expressed in terms of the mean linear regression R = delta +(K.ID)10-2. When replicon behaviour was examined in cells from patients with ataxia telangiectasia, basal cell naevus and Bloom's syndromes grown at high density after 48 h in culture, no significant differences could be found in replicon behaviour between these syndromes and normal cultures. However when Bloom's cells were grown at low density and examined 24 h earlier, the mean rate of chain growth R was reduced compared to normal cells at the same density. Both cell types at high densities at 24 h showed equal but lower R values than at 48 h after plating the cultures. The lower rate of chain growth in Bloom's was accompanied by a longer S-period and cell cycle. Studies of cell proliferation kinetics using consecutive mitoses after bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR) incorporation and harlequin banding showed that Bloom's cells at low cell density require a longer period to recover a normal cell cycle length after plating than do normal cells at the same density. Plating densities and using conditioned media shorten the recovery period in Bloom's cells, and when foetal calf serum/MEM is replaced by human AB serum/McCoy 5a medium as the growth media, cell cycle behaviour of low density Bloom's and normal cells are equal at a much earlier time. It is concluded that the slow rate of DNA chain growth in Bloom's cells is an artefact introduced by culture conditions and also may be present in normal cells at an earlier period. The behaviour of replicons during this recovery period appears to be similar in Bloom's and normal cells except for the time lag. As recovery proceeds, the DNA chain growth in the associated replicon pairs recover progressively. This alters both the mean R value from 0.4 to 0.8 micron/min, the slope of the regression K from less than 1.0 to approximately 1.0 while the distance between initiation sites (ID) remains constant throughout. Pretreatment of all cultures with fluorodeoxyuridine (FUdR) produced the same differential effect on release from DNA synthesis inhibition, that is a similar increase in the activation of normally inactive replicons and a slightly slower rate of chain growth over all replicons. No evidence of a substance released by Bloom's cells in culture capable of increasing the sister-chromatid frequency in normal cells could be found. Since SCE frequencies were found to increase with fixation time after BUdR introduction it is concluded that some of the reported changes could be due to differences in cell cycle kinetics brought about by the different media conditions.


A quantitative electron-microscope analysis of chromatin from Xenopus laevis lampbrush chromosomes. The morphology of the DNP axis and RNP transcripts from Xenopus laevis lampbrush chromosomes has been analysed using a modified Miller spreading technique. Two basictypes of chromatin have been distinguished. (1) Discrete portions of DNP exhibiting high levels of transcriptive activity, with clear initiation and termination points (transcription units). Interspersed with the units are sequences with little or no transcriptive activity (spacer DNP). The combination of transcription unit plus spacer DNP is normally repeared to form a transcriptive array. (2) large aggregates of loosely packed, mainly transcriptively inactive regions (chromomeric DNP). Where the DNP axis is not obscured by tightly packed polymerases it has regular beaded appearance, both in the transcriptive arrays and in chromomeric DNP. The beads are 17-20 nm in diameter and have packing densities of about 40 beads per micron of chromatin in preparations from young females not stimulated by human chorionic gonodotrophin. Most transcription units have polymerase packing densities of 13-20 polymerases per micron, but in some cases the density is much lower (less than 10 polymerases /micron). The lateral RNP transcripts in most units have a complex, bushlike appearance, the axis being beaded and folded to form circles and branches.


Karyotype analysis of the plant-parasitic nematode Heterodera glycines by electron microscopy.  1. The diploid. Heterodera glycines is a diploid amphimictic nematode with n = 9 chromosomes. Nine normal synaptonemal complexes (SC) were detected following 3-dimensional reconstruction of pachytene nuclei from electron microscopy of serial sections. Regions of unique 'modified synaptonemal complexes' (MSC) were observed along 2 SCs. These consist of a heterochromatic knob within which the SC appears either disorganized or stacked in layers of lateral elements. Its function is not known. Recombination nodules and 'cylindrical granular complexes', were not observed in H. glycines.


Non-nucleolar transcription complexes of rat liver as revealed by spreading isolated nuclei. Miller's technique was applied to isolated nuclei of rat liver. Both the usual nucleolar and non-nucleolar transcription complexes were visualized. In addition, an unusual type of putative non-ribosomal transcription unit was revealed. It was charcaterized by a high density of the lateral ribonucleoprotein (RNP) fibrils. Although these particular units exhibited a regular increase of fibril lengths, the length of the transcript-covered deoxyribonucleoprotein (DNP) fibres and the morphological aspect of the RNP fibrils distinguished them from the nucleolar 'Christmas-tree'-like figures. The linear and granular configuration of the transcripts and the absence of terminal knobs made them similar to non-nucleolar nascent RNP fibrils.


Control of nerve cell formation from multipotent stem cells in Hydra. Feeding of starved animals provides a very short signal which determines stem cells to differentiate into nerve cells after the next mitosis. Only those stem cells become determined which are just in the middle of their S-phase at the time of feeding. Stem cells of any other stage of the cycle do not become determined.  Nerve cell determination is suppressed by very low concentrations of an endogenous inhibitor. The inhibitor exerts its effect only during the first half of the S-phase, not before and not after this period. Based on these finding it is proposed that stem cells are susceptible to 2 different signals during the first half of their S-phase; one signal allows the development into nerve cells, the other prevents this development. Within this period the decision whether to become a nerve cell or not is reversible.  It becomes fixed at the end of this period.


Intercellular transfer of beta-glucuronidase in chimeric mice. Chimeric mice were produced by aggregating 2 embryos, each of which was homozygous for a different structural allele of the enzyme beta-glucuronidase. The alleles used were Gusb, the 'wild-type' allele, and Gush, an allele whose gene product shows decreased activity in all tissues as well as decreased heat stability. Staining of untreated adult chimeric livers for glucuronidase activity revealed a mosaic of high (Gusb) and low (Gush) activity cells. The boundaries between cells of different activity were sharp and revealed no diffusion of enzyme or reaction product. Treating sections at 73 degrees c before staining led to a decay of staining activity in normal (non-chimeric) Gush/Gush and Gusb/Gusb tissue. The rates of activity loss under the conditions used differed by 10-fold. Of the 2 genotypes in the chimera, the dark-staining, Gusb, cells decayed in a fashion similar to that of the Gusb/Gusb control. The light-staining, Gush, cells of the chimera lost their staining a a unique fashion. Within 20 min they quickly lost a majority of their staining activity but that which remained was relatively heat stable. The second Gusb-like phase of the decay, seen both photographically and photometrically, suggests that Gusb gene product has been transferred to cells of Gush/Gush genotype.


High-voltage electron microscopy reveals new components in the axonemes and centroplast of the centrohelidian Raphidiophrys amibigua. A high-voltage electron microscope was used to study the structure of the centroplast and axonemes in the centrohelidian Heliozoan Raphidiophrys ambigua. In Raphidiophrys the microtubules (Mts) of each axoneme are arranged so that they describe the apices of an array of hexagonally shaped prisms and all axonemes originate from a centroplast located near the centre of the cell. The centroplast was found to consist of 3 components: (1) a tripartite central disk, (2) a sphere of electron-opaque material, approximately 0.75 micron in diameter, which immediately surrounds the central disk, and (3) a slightly less electron-opaque centroplast shell, approximately 2-3 micron in diameter which consists primarily of hitherto undescribed components associated with the proximal 1-2 micron of each axonemal base. The new axonemal components described in this study include: (1) a 20-nm rod positioned in the centre of each hexagonal prism of Mts comprising the axonemal pattern, and (2) an electron-opaque linkage material which connects each Mt of the axonemal pattern to its 4 nearest neighbours. Both of these structures are associated with the base of each axoneme within the centroplast shell, both form crossbridges with axonemal Mts, and both terminate at the periphery of the centroplast shell once the complete axonemal Mt pattern is established. It is suggested that these structures are involved in forming and maintaining the Mt pattern seen in the axopodia of Raphidiophrys.


Location of fucosyl transferases in the membrane system of maize root cells. There are two fucosyl transferase activities present within the endomembranes of the cells of maize root-tips. One transfers fucose to polyprenyl phosphate and occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum, the second transfers fucose probably to polysaccharide or glycoprotein. In order to show an association of this second fucosyl transferase activity with the endoplasmic reticulum as well as the Golgi apparatus, a method of fractionating the membranes in a discontinuous sucrose gradient was used. Membranes were prepared in the presence of Mg2+, which maintained the attachment of ribosomes to the endoplasmic reticulum, and also in the presence of EDTA, which removed most of the ribosome complex. This caused a shift in density of these membranes. Two types of experiments were carried out; either maize roots were incubated in L-[1-3H]fucose and then membranes prepared and the amount of polymer synthesized in vivo determined or isolated membranes were incubated with GDP-L-[U-14C]fucose in vitro and the amount of polymer synthesized was found. The results showed that the Golgi apparatus had the highest amount of this fucosyl transferase activity, but there was a significant amount of activity associated with the endoplasmic reticulum and the latter was shifted in the sucrose gradient depending on the conditions used.


Effect of isolated plasma membranes on cell cohesion in the cellular slime mould. The effects of isolated plasma membranes on cohesion of Dictyostelium discoideum Ax-2 cells have been studied. Membranes isolated from cells in the log phase of growth gave complete inhibition of log-phase cell cohesion. This effect was specific for the cohesion log-phase cells mediated by contact sites B, since the cohesion of aggregation-competent cells which have acquired contact sites A was only partially inhibited by log-phase plasma membranes. Membranes isolated from stationary phase cells gave partial inhibition of log-phase cell cohesion, while membranes from aggregation-competent cells gave complete inhibition of log-phase cell cohesion but at much higher concentration than log membranes. Treatment of log-phase cells with cycloheximide for 8 h rendered them completely non-cohesive. Membranes from cycloheximide-treated cells had no effect on log-phase cell cohesion. Log-phase membranes gave complete inhibition of cohesion of 4 slime mould species. The results are discussed in terms of our ligand-receptor model of log-phase cell cohesion.


Necessary amino acids and vitamins for the growth of human diploid fibroblasts. Only 2 amino acids and one vitamin were found to be essential for the growth of human embryonic diploid lung fibroblasts when 10% undialysed calf serum was used as a medium supplement. These amino acids were either glutamine + cysteine or serine + homocysteine. Replacing cysteine or homocysteine with cystine or homocystine, respectively, reduced growth. The growth rate in the glutamine + cysteine medium was slightly less than that in Eagle's medium, but the in vitro life time was similar. Folic acid was the only vitamin needed to support cell growth in vitro. The addition of other vitamins had no stimulatory effect with the possible exception of nicotinamide. When other amino acids were added to glutamine + cysteine none showed stimulatory effects but tryptophan was either toxic or inhibitory for the 3 human diploid strains examined. Serine was inhibitory for WI-38 but not for MRC5 cells. Subtle nutritional differences appear to exist between fibroblasts of the same type obtained from different embryos.


Ultrastructural cytochemistry of the nucleus in Zea mays embryos during germination. The ultrastructure of embryonic root cells of Zea mays was studied from the quiescent stage (dry seed) to 72 h of germination. Semithin and ultrathin sections of tissues fixed with only glutaraldehyde and embedded in Epon were observed after usual section staining and after cytochemical reactions specific for DNA or preferential for ribonucleoproteiNS. In quiescent cells, dense chromatin forms a network which fills a great part of the nucleoplasm. Following germination, gradual dispersion of chromatin occurs: total dispersion is reached at 24 h. After 48 h the chromatin appears moderately condensed again. The nucleolus is compact and predominately fibrillar in dry cells. At 48 h a typical pars granulosa is differentiated. At 8 h a pronounced vacuolation of the nucleolus is observed; nucleolar vacuoles persist until 72 h but become less numerous. During the first 8 h of germination a nucleolus organizer region (NOR) in an eccentric position is associated with the nucleolus; by 24 h and later this NOR has disappeared. No DNA can be visualized in the nucleolar matrix between 0 and 8 h of germination, whereas later, when the nucleolus is reactivated. DNA is always detected in the nucleolar matrix and vacuoles. During the first 72 h of germination, heavily contrasted areas, rich in ribonucleoproteins and appearing to be fibrillar texture, are found in the nucleoplasm, often in closed contact with the dense chromatin. In quiescent cells dense ribonucleoprotein granules, approximately 40 nm in diameter are found dispersed or clustered in the nucleoplasm; after 8 h larger (50 nm), dense ribonucleoprotein granules are found frequently clustered in granular areas in the extranucleolar space. At 8 h of germination, when the nucleolus is temporarily highly vacuolated, unusual 35-nm ribonucleoprotein granules are found both in the smallest vacuoles and on the periphery of the nucleolus.


Membrane alterations and other morphological features associated with polyethylene glycol-induced cell fusion. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) induces rapid fusion of LM cells. Membrane fusion, as detected by formation of pentalaminar membrane arrays, occurs as early as 1 min after PEG treatment. The entire cell surface arrears to be capable of fusion since fusion occurs in regions where pseudopodia make contact with each other or with a neighbouring cell body and also in areas where cells are in contact along their entire periphery. Cytoskeletal components showed no apparent deleterious effect from PEG treatment or subsequent cell fusion as determined by thin-section EM. Freeze-fracture of monolayer cultures reveals a thermotropic rearrangement of intramembranous particles following PEG treatment.


Cell adhesion and proteoglycans. I. The effect of exogenous proteoglycans on the attachment of chick embryo fibroblasts to tissue culture plastic and collagen. Proteoglycan was isolated from cartilage and freed from contaminating glycoproteins and hyaluronic acid. The macromolecule consists of a protein core covalently linked to a number of glycosaminoglycan side chains, namely chondroitin sulphate and keratan sulphate. This proteoglycan retards the attachment of a variety of cell types to tissue culture plastic and to collagen. Glycosaminoglycans alone, have no significant effect on rates of attachment. Similarly, trypsinized proteoglycan is without effect.  It is concluded that the structural integrity of the proteoglycan macromolecule is essential for its effect on cell adhesion.


The ultrastructure of mitosis in Plasmodiophora brassicae (Plasmodiophorales). Mitosis was examined in plasmodia of Plasmodiophora brassicae within artifically inoculated cabbage roots, using light- and electron microscopy. Mitotic nuclear divisions are characterized by a persistent nucleolus, bipolar centrioles paired end-to-end, densely staining chromatin, and a complex array of membranes that surround and ramify through the spindle.  Chromatin begins to condense in prophase, and is aligned at metaphase in a reticulate plate on the nuclear equator. The chromatin is not resolvable into distinct chromosomes at metaphase, and a chromosome count is not possible. Large amounts of membrane cisternae within the spindle are most clearly visible at metaphase, and apparently represent the remains of the nuclear envelope. The nuclear envelope is disrupted during prometaphase and may become entangled in the spindle when centriolar microtubules enter the nucleus. Several concentric sheets of perinuclear endoplasmic reticulum surround the spindle and give the mitotic nucleus the superficial appearance of having an intact nuclear envelope.  This interpretation of the identity of nucleus-associated membranes differs from those previously reported for other protists, including members of the Plasmodiophorales.


[Our experience of mesenterico-caval anastomosis with prosthetic interposition (report of 30 cases) (author's transl)]. The authors report their experience of 30 mesenterico-caval anastomoses with prosthetic interposition according to Drapanas's technic. From the point of view of the operative indications, they have never carried out a prophylactic operation. In 19 cases, the operation was carried out as an emergency for inefficacy of the medical treatment. In 11 cases, a cold operation was performed, either to prevent eventual hemorrhagic recurrence (8 cases) or for chronic ascites (3 cases). Half the patients belonged to group C with a poor surgical risk. There was only one case of post-operative thrombosis due to a technical error, and two cases of secondary thrombosis. The overall mortality was 60%. But when the patient was of group A or B the mortality was only 20%. The survivors are those in whom the operation was rapid and the blood loss minimal. To conclude, the authors the necessity of better selection of patients, and rapid operation without bleeding.


[Traumatic lesions of the tibial epiphysis in children and adolescents (author's transl)]. The authors observed 4 cases of traumatic lesions of the upper tibial epiphysis in children or adolescents. These are fairly rare lesions, treated usually by plaster immobilisation. The authors recall the main anatomical characteristics and note the difficulty and instability of conservative treatment. They carried out in 3 cases stable osteosynthesis (internal fixation) which permitted a complete cure with a minimum of sequelae. They advise in similar cases surgical operation as soon as possible.


[The parathyroid risk in thyroid surgery (author's transl)]. A parathyroid insufficiency, defined like a functional deficit sufficient to pull down calcemia underneath 75 mg/l and/or give clinical obvious disturbances of neuromuscular hyperexcitability, have been observed on 57 patients (2,7%). The risk as interested bilateral gestures (5,5%) with a maximum for total thyroïdectomies (17,7%), surgery for carcinoma (8,5%) and Basedow's illness (8,3%). Less than half the patients can stop their vitaminocalcical treatment, and before the sixth month. First prevention is respect of the frail glandules and their vascularisation, obliging a particular, precise and bloodness surgery. Finally the autotransplantation of parathyroid gland accidentally pulled off or deteriored seems to constitute an interesting contribution.


[Tactical approach to tumours of the sacro-coccygeal region. Report of five cases (author's transl)]. The name of sacro-coccygeal tumors is used generally for various tumors embryologically different in their origin. Rare, but not exceptional in number, these sacro-coccygeal tumors may have various locations and different sizes which make diagnosis more or less difficult. Benign in the first months of life, risks of malignancy will increase with age. Systematical intrarectal exploration will help not to overlook pelvic forms and will recognize pelvic extension in other types. Once found out, the extension of these sacro-coccygeal tumors should be estimated by complementary examination choosen according to the presumed type of tumor and it is to be regretted that myelography should be so often neglected. Treatment should always be surgical with one piece aphotesis if possible; good preparation and exact reanimation of the child are necessary because sometimes surgical treatment may be a very severe aggression for small babies. Constant surgical and biological overall should be maintained for many years in order to discover as early as possible any local relapse or metastasis.


[Sub-phrenic abscess: 28 cases, one death (author's transl)]. 28 patients were operated on for subphrenic abscess, one patient died. The author emphasises the disadvantages of excessive antibiotics. The diagnosis should be made early in order to avoid severe infective complications. The diagnosis is not difficult. It is nowadays facilitated by echotomography and scannography, which permit one to localise precisely the collection of pus and to detect multiple abscesses. The incision should carefully avoid crossing the peritoneal or pleural cavities. The quality and the permanence of the drainage are the key to success. One should therefore leave in position numerous aspiration drains. One should generally abstain from any suture or digestive anastomosis. It is sufficient to direct the digestive fistula, when present, towards the skin surface. But the best policy is to avoid this operative complication the origin of which is almost always a mistake in the design or installation of the drain at the end of various operations on the abdomen.


[A cup adjusted to cylindrical pressure: treatment of choice of idiopathic necrosis of the femoral head without arthritis (author's transl)]. 68 cases of necrosis of the femoral head without arthritis were treated by Luck's prosthesis with cylindrical weight bearing which gives it great stability on the stump of the neck of the femur. This series included only 6 failures, (4 immediate failures and 2 late failures) which occurred within the first 2 years. The cup proved to be stable on the femur and did not affect the acetabulum. 4 of the failures were due to technical mistakes (neck too long, cup fitting badly) and could have been avoided. There were thus only two true failures. The length of the follow up which reached eight years for the oldest cases, permitted us to propose this treatment of necrosis of the femoral head in all cases where the head was deformed without waiting too long and discharging the patient, the onset of arthritis then modifies the problem.


[Perineal hernia of the rectum (author's transl)]. A case of perineal hernia of the rectum is presented; this  case has been successfully treated by a fixation of the rectum to the sacrum by analogy with the treatment of the prolapsus of the rectum.


[Traumatic perforation of the rectum below the peritoneum (author's transl)]. The authors report a case of traumatic subperitoneal perforation of the rectum, the diagnosis of which was made by finding a pneumoperitoneum on straight X-rays of the abdomen, and on rectal examination. In these cases the pneumoperitoneum is generally bilateral occupying the posterior pararenal space. The course was favourable under medical treatment.


[Gracilis muscle transplant for delayed healing of the perineal wound (author's transl)]. Delayed perineal wound healing frequently complicates a proctocolectomy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. In almost half of the patients the eviscerated dead space is not closed 6 months after surgery. A new technique is described. The gracilis muscle can be used as a transplant to fill the perineal cavity. It is an easy procedure that solves a difficult problem.


[Experimental study of a biodegradable micro-arterial prosthesis (author's transl)]. An experimental study of a micro-arterial prosthesis prepared from biological materials was carried out in the rat. The results obtained after two months were analysed in terms of permeability of the biochemical constituants of the vessel and of the neighbouring scar tissue, and endothelial healing. These studies showed the association with a process of proteolysis of the implanted vessel, of a process of reconstruction. They show moreover the quality of the endothelial scar on the internal surface of the vessel.


Direct gas chromatographic determination of carbamate pesticides using Carbowax 20M-modified supports and the electrolytic conductivity detector. The gas chromatographic behavior of 32 carbamate pesticides was investigated using the Hall electrolytic conductivity detector. Relative retention indices were successfully determined for 24 carbamates on six different columns. Columns investigated included Ultra-Bond, 3% OV-101 on Ultra-Bond, 1% OV-17 on Ultra-Bond, 1% OV-210 on Ultra Bond, 1% Carbowax 20M on Ultra-Bond and 0.5% OV-210 + 0.65% OV-17 on Ultra-Bond. Chemical-ionization gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to verify that the carbamates were chromatographed intact. Chemical-ionization mass spectra are reported. Analytical procedures are demonstrated for the determination of carbamate residue in soil.


Gas chromatographic separation of hydroxylated N-nitrosamines. Derivatives of six hydroxylated N-nitrosamines were prepared by acylation, trifluoroacylation, trimethylsilylation and methylation, and the volatilities and sensitivities of these derivatives on gas chromatographic detection were compared. All six nitrosamines were successfully derivatized by either acylation or trimethylsilylation. The acylated derivatives were easy to prepare; in addition, acylation was more specific than trimethylsilylation for the reaction with hydroxyl groups in the molecule.


Simple gas-liquid chromatographic method for the measurement of mexiletine and lignocaine in blood-plasma or serum. A simple method has been developed for the measurement of mexiletine and lignocaine in blood-plasma or serum at the concentrations attained during therapy. A relatively small (200 microliter) sample volume is made basic and extracted with 50 microliter of chloroform containing internal standards, and the extract is analysed directly by gas-liquid chromatography with flame-ionisation detection on two separate columns. The instrument calibrations are linear and pass through the origin of the graphs. Neither solvent transfer nor evaporation steps are used in the extraction procedure, which takes less than 3 min to complete, and no interference from either endogenous sample constituents or other drugs has been observed.


High-performance liquid chromatographic separation and detection of catecholamines and related compounds. Four sets of chromatographic conditions are described for the separation and identification of selected catecholamines and related chemicals by high-performance liquid chromatography. Three mobile phases, three different columns and three detection systems, including ultraviolet absorption, fluorescence and electrochemical detection are reported. The use of detection response ratios as an additional means of identification is discussed and demonstrated. Nineteen compounds were studied and the retention times and detector responses are reported.


High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of theophylline and its derivatives with electrochemical detection. Theophylline and its derivatives are determined by high-performance liquid chromatographic separation on a C8 reversed-phase column with electrochemical detection. The analyte is oxidized at 1.24 V (vs. the standard calomel electrode) on a wax-impregnated graphite electrode using classical d.c. and current sampled d.c. modes, and the results obtained compared with those of a 254 nm ultraviolet (UV) detector. Polarographic detection offers greater sensitivity for theophylline than UV detection; further, interferences which hamper UV detection may be selectively eliminated with polarographic detection.


Analytical studies of maridomycin. I. High-performance liquid chromatography of marido-mycins and some other macrolide antibiotics. Maridomycins and their acyl derivatives (9-propionyl, 2'-propionyl and 9,2'-dipropionyl maridomycins) were separated quantitatively into six components by high-performance liquid chromatography using a Corasil I column (200 cm X 2 mm I.D.) with a mixed sovent (upper layer of n-hexane, diisopropyl ether, ethanol and water) as the eluent. A linear relationship was found between the logarithm of the capacity factors (k') and the logarithm of the alkyl carbon numbers in the acyl group at position 4''. This relationship led to the discovery of a new component of maridomycin (3-propionyl-4''-n-butyryl analogue) in a crude sample. A similar relationship was found on chromatographic separation of some other macrolide antibiotics such as leucomycin, carbomycin A and B groups, under similar conditions.


Analytical studies of maridomycin. II. Separation of 9-propionylmaridomycins by thin-layer chromatography. Priopionyl derivatives of maridomycins, 9-propionylmaridomycins (PMDMs), are sixteen-membered ring macrolide antibiotics of six analogous components: I, II, III, IV, V and VI. The present paper deals with the separation and quantitative analysis of these components. The analysis was performed by thin-layer chromatographic separation, addition reaction of gaseous iodine with PMDMs on the plate, extraction of the PMDM-iodine complexes, and subsequent analysis of the amount of reacted iodine, using an automatic analysis system. To ascertain the reaction product of this system, PMDM III-iodine complex was synthesized separately under a liquid-phase reaction and the ratio of PMDM III and iodine atoms was determined to be 1:3 on physicochemical examination.


Separation of some cephalosporin derivatives by ion-pair reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Cephapirin, its major metabolite desacetylcephapirin, 7-aminocephalosporanic acid and some other cephalosporin derivatives are separated on a chemically bonded octadecylsilane reversed-phase column. The selectivity between cephapirin and desacetylcephapirin on the reversed-phase column is too high, resulting in a poor separation. The effect of several variations of the chromatographic conditions on the selectivity has been examined. The in situ ion-pair formation of the cephalosporins with several counter ions and the influence of the ion-pair formation on the capacity factor and on the selectivity have been investigated. Other factors, such as the temperature, combination of counter ions and nature of the organic modifier and their influence on the selectivity have also been studied.


Chromatographic analysis of hydroxylysine glycosides and acid hydrolyzates. A single-column chromatographic technique for the analysis of hydroxylysine glycosides and acid hydrolyzates is described. This technique employs a Durrum D-500 amino acid analyzer equipped with a standard 48 cm X 1.8 mm column packed with DC-4A resin. Resolution was achieved with four sodium citrate buffers and four column temperatures. Products of glycoprotein hydrolysis including cysteic acid, methionine sulfoxide, 4-hydroxyproline, alpha-aminobutyric acid, glucosamine, galactosamine, hydroxylysine, tryptophan and the internal standard, norleucine, are resolved. The completely automated procedure takes 185 min per run and can measure amino acid residues in the nanomole range.


Purification of L-kynurenine 3-hydroxylase by affinity chromatography. NADP immobilized on agarose is able to adsorb L-kynurenine 3-hydroxylase. The enzyme is released from the adsorbent by passage of a buffer containing 0.5 mM NADP through the column. L-Kynurenine 3-hydroxylase was purified 26-fold with a yield of 12% from mitochondrial outer membrane with a procedure involving DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B, Sephacryl S-200 chromatography and NADP-agarose affinity chromatography. This monooxygenase was a homogeneous protein, giving a monomeric molecular weight of 145,000, which had neither any significant NADPH diaphorase activity nor cytochrome b5-like haem protein. However, the enzyme did not show affinity for a column with L-kynurenine coupled to the gel with a suitable spacer group, and AMP did not serve as an effective ligand in an affinity resin.


Programmed-temperature gas chromatography on mixed phases. Separation of steroid derivatives on binary mixtures. The use of various programmed-temperature gas chromatography (PTGC) retention indices for drawing window plots is described. The separation of steroid derivatives by PTGC is improved by the use of a binary phase mixture which has been selected by means of a window plot. A novel, highly efficient method for packing columns is also described.


Molecular distribution within collagen gel columns. Purified collagen columns with collagen concentrations of 5 and 10% were constructed by modification of the procedure for the 1% gel as described by Shaw and Schy. The resulting columns were calibrated by elution of various tracers, and the observations compared with those of the 1% collagen gel column. The data were fitted to the Ogston gel model as formulated by Laurent and Killander, but the model was found to be not fully applicable. The thermodynamic treatment of Hjertén was applied to the data with more satisfactory agreement.


Evaluation of Amberlite XAD-2 as the extractant for carbamate insecticides from natural water. A rapid and sensitive analytical technique to quantify carbamate insecticides at nanogram levels is reported using resin column and sorption, and desorption followed by N-P gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) analysis. The carbamates were extracted from natural water by percolation through a column of Amberlite XAD-2, followed by elution with ethyl acetate. The carbamate residues were directly analyzed by GLC with a Tracor Model 702 N-P detector. The recoveries for several carbamates including aminocarb, mexacarbate, carbaryl, propoxur, carbofuran, pirimicarb and methiocarb were from 86 to 108% at 1.0 and 0.01 ppm levels. Only 41 to 58% was recovered for methomyl. The extraction efficiency of Amberlite XAD-2 was pH-dependent as indicated in the extraction of aminocarb. More than 90% of the added aminocarb was recovered from phosphate buffer by the described method at pH 5.0 to 7.5 at 5.0 and 0.5 ppm levels.


RM values of naphthols and acetophenones in structure-activity studies. The RM values of naphthols obtained in a chromatographic system where the stationary phase consisted of a silica gel G layer impregnated with silicone oil are much more closely related to the log P values in an octanol-water system than the RM values determined on polyamide layers. Similarly, the RM values of a series of acetophenones in the silicone system are closely related to their log P values. The equations describing the structure-activity relationship indicate the importance of lipophilic character and halogen substitution in determining the hemolytic activity and the acute toxicity of compounds.


Glass capillary gas chromatography with electron-capture detection. Separation of prostaglandins. Glass capillary gas chromatography of the prostaglandins was performed on a system including an all-glass, solventless injector; thermostable methylphenyl-polysiloxane glass capillary columns; and a conventional electron-capture detector fitted with a make-up gas tee. The principal stable metabolites of prostaglandin endoperoxide were separated as perfluorinated derivatives in 35 min. Detection limits equal or exceed those obtained for packed column separations and electron capture detection. Prostaglandin endoperoxide metabolic profiles from mammalian cell cultures were obtained using this system. These profiling studies are not possible with other chromatographic methods because of inferior resolution and sensitivity.


Analysis of diethylstilbestrol and its impurities in tablets using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method is described which is capable of resolving cis- and trans-diethylstilbestrol (DES), DES mono- and dimethyl ethers and 4,4'-dihydroxystilbene. The mobile phase and internal standard used stabilise the cis-trans DES isomer ratio, and the method is capable of quantitating both isomers in dosage forms without derivatisation. Recovery of DES from tablets is quantitative. Results of tablet analyses using this method are compared with those obtained with the official spectrophotometric procedure.


Sensitive multi-residue method for detection of anabolics in urine and in tisssues of slaughtered animals. A routine procedure is described for the dependable detection of various anabolic residues in tissues or urine contaminated at levels as low as 0.5-10 ppb (10 parts per 10(9)). A suitable extraction and clean-up procedure was developed, permitting adequate recovery (60-80%) of various anabolics from tissue samples (50 g) or urine (50 ml). Following two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography, the presence of the anabolic residues are detected by sulphuric acid-induced fluorescence. The detection limit of most anabolics is of the order of 1-10 ng.


Determination of paraquat in sunflower seeds by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The herbicide paraquat was determined with extracts from 1-g samples of sunflower seeds. The liquid chromatography procedure utilized a microparticle (10 micron) C18 reversed-phase column and isocratic elution with 27% acetonitrile in water, 10 mM in the sodium salt of octanesulfonic acid. Eluted paraquat was detected at 254 and 280 nm and quantitated by paraquat internal standard peak height ratios. This procedure provided linear working curves over the concentration range of 0-20 microgram/g of paraquat. Recovery of paraquat varied from 89-101%, with an average recovery of 93%. Good agreement was obtained in the comparison of results of the described procedure with those from a well established UV procedure.


Application of a simple high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of melphalan in the presence of its hydrolysis products. A procedure for the separation and quantitation of melphalan (L-PAM) and its hydrolysis products by high-performance liquid chromatography is described. The hydrolysis of L-PAM at 25 +/- 0.1 degrees and 41 +/- 0.1 degrees was studied between pH 3.0 and 9.0. The pattern of hydrolysis suggested that L-PAM decomposes via two consecutive pseudo first-order reactions. Pseudo first-order rate constants (k1) were determined for the disappearance of L-PAM at various pH values in buffered solutions and in a formulated product. At both temperatures L-PAM solutions were found to be most stable at low pH. Chloride ion was found to reduce the rate of hydrolysis.


[Purification by affinity chromatography and properties of the acetylcholinesterase of formosan cobra (Naja naja atra) venom (author's transl)]. The acetylcholinesterase was purified by CM-Sephadex chromatography and affinity chromatography on Sepharose bound m-[6-(6-aminocaproylamino)caproylamino]phenyltrimethylammonium bromide. The purified enzyme was obtained with a specific activity of 5470 U/mg (1160-fold purification) and a 89% yield. The molecular weight of the native enzyme was estimated to be 144,000. The enzyme is split into two subunits of approximately equal molecular weight (Mr 69,000) by SDS treatment. It is a glycoprotein and can be resolved by disc gel electrophoresis into seven and by isoelectric focusing into more than ten multiple forms. The N-terminal amino acid is serine.


New assay of 5-fluorouracil in serum by isotachophoresis. Blood levels of 5-fluorouracil are quantitatively determined by isotachophoresis. Serum is deproteinized, purified on an ion-exchange column and concentrated to 20 microliter, and the drug is measured isotachophoretically. Down to 50 pmol (6.5 ng) of the drug can be determined in serum with a methodological error of +/- 6%. The method can be used for routine control of patients undergoing therapy with the drug.


Ligand-exchange separation of amino acids. II. Influence of the eluent composition and of the nature of the ion exchanger. The ligand-exchange separation of amino acids in protein hydrolysates has been studied in ammoniacal media. The various factors influencing the chromatographic behaviour have been investigated. The selectivity of the process and the column efficiency depend appreciably on the resin matrix and the nature of the functional groups. The best results have been obtained with the acrylic-type Bio Rex 70 resin, in the copper(II) form. The zinc(II) form of this support has also been tested; the elution order of glycine, alanine and leucine is the same as with the copper(II) form, but the affinities of these molecules for the zinc(II) resin are weaker. The influence of the concentrations of copper(II) and ammonia on the elution volumes obtained for all the amino acids with the copper(II) Bio Rex 70 resin has been studied. The general variation of retention and selectivity with eluent composition confirms the theoretical expressions established previously. Ligand-exchange chromatography has been compared to the conventional ion-exchange process using acidic or basic species. This study reveals analogies and differences between both techniques, and shows that ligand exchange can provide new opportunities for the separation of amino acids.


Pseudo-leptospires in blood culture.

Pseudo-leptospires in blood culture. Spiral filaments seen in the blood cultures of two patients with fever and jaundice were initially thought to be leptospires; these were later proved to be artefacts. An investigation was carried out to exclude the possibility of laboratory contamination of the culture media and to find out how these objects were produced. The significance of the findings is discussed in relation to the possibility of a mistaken diagnosis in routine laboratories which have a limited experience of leptospires.


Serological grouping of streptococci by slide agglutination. Streptococcal grouping sera for groups A, B, C, and G prepared for conventional testing by precipitation were made specific by absorption and used to identify streptococci by slide agglutination with and without staphyloccocal coagglutination. Trypsinised suspensions of 1055 strains, identified by precipitation as belonging to group A, B, C, or G, were tested by slide agglutination. Of these, 998 were correctly identified using a streptococcal suspension and antisera alone and a further 65 were identified when a loopful of protein A-positive staphylococci was added. Suspensions of 88 strains not of groups A, B, C, or G gave no reaction in the agglutination test with or without the addition of staphylococci. Group polysaccharide extracted by conventional methods also caused agglutination of staphylococci on a slide when specific antiserum was added. Growth from primary or secondary cultures digested in streptomyces enzyme for only 15-30 minutes provided an excellent antigen for a quick and simple method of streptococcal grouping using non-sensitised staphylococcal suspension and specific antisera for coagglutination.


Grouping of streptococci by Streptex.

Grouping of streptococci by Streptex. Streptex was compared to routine laboratory identification methods available. The results from Streptex sometimes required several attempts before final identification could be achieved. In the main, group D streptococci other than Strep. faecalis failed to group with the Streptex antisera, and this method cannot therefore be used exclusively as a means of identifying this group of streptococci.


Pseudomembranous colitis in a leukaemia unit: a report of five fatal cases. Five cases of clindamycin-associated pseudomembranous colitis in leukaemic patients are reported. These cases were all fatal, and it is suggested that the use of clindamycin in leukaemic patients should be reserved for specific indications.


Nuclear diameter in parathyroid adenomas. Nuclear diameter was measured in 55 parathyroid chief-cell adenomas to determine its value in histological diagnosis and to assess its relationship to other features of primary hyperparathyroidism. Mean nuclear diameter for the whole group of adenomas was significantly greater than that for the accompanying normal glands. Mean nuclear diameter in individual adenomas was significantly greater than that in the accompanying normal gland in 27 out of 34 cases. Nuclear diameter was correlated with tumour weight and with plasma calcium but was not correlated with duration of history. It was significantly greater in the group of patients with overt bone disease than in those with kidney stones and in those with neither kidney stones nor overt bone disease. Assessment of nuclear diameter is of value in histological diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma. The rate of growth of the adenoma may be a factor determining nuclear diameter.


Liver damage due to perhexiline maleate. Two middle-aged men, who had received perhexiline in recommended dosage, showed clinical and histological evidence of severe hepatic damage, and one of them died. Histological study of the livers showed a striking resemblance to alcoholic hepatitis.


Clinical significance of an ultrafast alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme. We have studied five patients who have exhibited an unusual alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme (ALP EC 3.1.3.1) migrating in an ultrafast position electrophoretically on cellulose acetate. This ALP isoenzyme has been identified in patients with benign and malignant liver diseases. In addition, a number of these patients exhibited a regular ALP liver isoenzyme and a fast (preliver) ALP isoenzyme in conjunction with the ultrafast ALP liver isoenzyme.


Abnormal embryogenesis induced by thiopental. The effects of thiopental on chick embryos were analyzed in the present study. Thiopental was dissolved in saline and injected into embryonating chicken eggs at doses ranging from 0.2 to 4.0 mg per egg. The injections were made into the air sacs of eggs after two to four days of incubation. Control eggs were injected with an equivalent volume of saline (0.1 ml per egg). In all 1080 chicken eggs were used for this study. All embryos were examined on day 7. The LD50 for eggs injected on days 2, 3 and 4 was 2.1, 1.9, and 4.1 mg per egg, respectively. The principal malformations observed were exencephaly, anencephaly, twisted limbs, twisted neck, microphthalmia, everted viscera, and hemorrhage above the left eye and in both cerebral hemispheres. The results of the present study indicate that thiopental has a tendency to cause malformations in the chick embryos tested.


Serum aminoglutethimide levels: studies of serum half-life, clearance, and patient compliance. Serum aminoglutethimide was measured in 13 women with mastastatic breast carcinoma who were treated with 1.0 Gm aminoglutethimide and 40 mg hydrocortisone daily over a period of one year. Serum concentrations of aminoglutethimide were used to evaluate drug half-life, clearance, and patient compliance. Mean half-life and clearance rates were determined in six patients. The mean half-life of aminoglutethimide prior to therapy was 13.3 +/- 2.65 (S.D.) hours and fell significantly (P less than 0.01) to 7.3 +/- 2.14 hours after six to 32 weeks of therapy. The mean clearance rate prior to therapy was 2.58 +/- 0.33 (S.D.) 1./hour and increased significantly (P less than 0.01) to 5.29 +/- 1.4 1./hour after therapy. The mean serum concentration was 11.5 +/- 3.6 microgram/ml in seven patients. No significant variation of mean aminoglutethimide concentration from the overall mean was noted during the course of therapy. We conclude that serum aminoglutethimide concentrations are useful in evaluating patient compliance. Our data also suggest that aminoglutethimide increases its own metabolism, which may explain the absence of toxicity symptoms seen late in the treatment period.


Bioavailability of lithium carbonate: in vivo comparison of two products. The bioavailability of two lithium carbonate products was studied in ten healthy, normal volunteers. The results indicate that there is no significant difference in bioavailability of the two brands, but some individual differences may exist. Further study is therefore indicated in this area.


The effect of colestipol hydrochloride on the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of clofibrate. Since it has been reported by several authors that colestipol HCl and clofibrate have an additive effect in lowering serum cholesterol levels, it was felt advisable to evaluate the blood levels of clofibrate when given simultaneously with colestipol HCl to see whether there was any evidence for drug interaction between the two products that might dictate a need for separation of their administration time. After concomitant single-dose administration, the serum p-chlorophenoxyisobutyric acid levels, bioavailability parameters, and pharmacokinetic parameters investigated provided no evidence for an interaction and suggested that colestipol and clofibrate can be administered concomitantly or at separated in tervals according to whichever dosage regimen is deemed advisable by the physician.


Autotransplantation of the goat mammary gland. The modified technique for transplanting one mammary gland of a lactating goat to the neck, with the mammary (pudic) artery and vein anastomosed to the carotid artery and jugular vein respectively, is described. This technique was successful in 6 operations and there were no significant differences between the milk yield of the transplanted and control (in situ) glands at any stage after operation. These results are compared with those from an earlier series in which no special provision was made for lymphatic drainage and in which anticoagulant therapy and treatment of the gland prior to attachment were not standardized.


Lipoprotein lipase of goat mammary tissue: comparison of extraction methods. Mammary lipoprotein lipase of lactating goats was extracted by 3 methods: homogenization of tissue acetone-ether powders; aqueous homogenization of crude tissue using an Ultra-Turrax apparatus; aqueous homogenization of crude tissue using a Sorvall Omni-mixer microhomogenizer. Although there were differences between absolute values obtained by the 3 methods, each type of homogenate had a lipolytic activity with lipoprotein lipase characteristics (i.e. more than 90% inhibition by serum omission or NaCl addition). Furthermore, the 3 methods were highly correlated and presented similar variations with the stage of lactation, in parallel with long-chain fatty acid secretion into milk. Repeatability of the measure of homogenate lipolytic activities was about 8%, whereas day-to-day repeatability of enzyme extraction and assay was about 20% for each method.


The effects of an ergot alkaloid derivative (Hydergine) on aspects of psychomotor performance, arousal, and cognitive processing ability. Hydergine, 12 mg per day for two weeks, has some direct activity on a variety of tasks of mental and cognitive performance. These results add support to biochemical findings that implicate the ergot alkaloids (particularly co-dergo-crine, Hydergine) in cellular activity likely to increase cortical arousal and awareness. The high dose of Hydergine used in this volunteer study was exceptionally well tolerated and did produce significant results on individual measures of central nervous system activity which might suggest the use of similar doses in patient populations. The findings of a hangover of activity after drug withdrawal and the fact that some CNS activity (serial subtraction of 17s) is not obvious until two weeks of medication would suggest the need for pharmacokinetic measures to be taken in conjunction with psychologic assessments. It would seem that a two-week schedule of repeated doses is the minimum required to produce an effect on CNS activity, but even with such a dose regimen it appears that the drug continues to exert some effect after its withdrawal.


Interaction between sulindac and warfarin: different results in normal subjects and in an unusual patient with a potassium-losing renal tubular defect. While sulindac failed to affect significantly warfarin-induced hypoprothrombinemia in normal male volunteers, it markedly prolonged prothrombin time in a patient with a renal tubular defect who had been anticoagulated with warfarin. This difference in individual response with respect to a drug interaction illustrates the need to adjust information on drug interactions to the particular clinical circumstances and conditions under which drugs are coadministered.


Effect of vacuum fluctuation during milking on the development of intramammary infection from teat duct colonization by Staphylococcus aureus. Twelve of twenty-one udder quarters with colonized teat ducts became infected within 13 d when milked with a machine producing large cyclic and irregular vacuum fluctuations in the teatcup; of 23 quarters milked under the same conditions, but with metal shields fitted inside the liners to protect the teat apex (Thiel, 1974), only 2 quarters became infected in the same period. The introduction of a post-milking teat disinfectant teat dip resulted in the elimination of orifice colonization from 15 teats dipped in Na hypochlorite solution (40 g/l available chlorine) and from all but 2 of 15 teats dipped in an iodophor solution (5 g/l available iodine).


Relative importance of pre-partum and post-partum factors in the control of milk yield in the guinea-pig. Examination of data pertaining to milk yield and litter growth rate of guinea-pigs at peak lactation showed that milk yield increased with increasing number of pups carried by the dam during pregnancy and also with increasing maternal weight. There was a significant linear correlation (P less than 0.05) of mammary gland weight (expressed per unit of maternal body weight) with litter size. Increasing litter size, within 18 h of parturition, from 1 pup to 5 pups did not elicit a response in milk yield. Decreasing litter size from 5 pups to 1 pup reduced milk yield to the level expected of a monotocous dam. Data are presented showing the ability of the guinea-pig pup to survive from birth without access to milk and the inadequacy of milk supply to meet litter requirements when the litter size is more than 2 pups. The mechanisms controlling lactation in the guinea-pig are discussed in relation to data obtained in other species.


Digitalis delirium in elderly patients.

Digitalis delirium in elderly patients. Case histories of four elderly patients with central nervous system signs of digitalis toxicity were reviewed. Evidence of toxicity included lethargy, depression which was not present previously, confusion, restlessness, emotional instability, hyperventilation, and vertigo. Vomiting developed four days after the onset of the mental changes. No cardiac arrhythmias were observed. Digoxin serum levels ranged between 4.2 and 7.0 ng/ml. Serum potassium values were within normal limits. Three of the four patients recovered with a return of their mental status to the pretoxic state. The fourth case was fatal. At autopsy long-standing myocardial ischemia was the only significant finding.


Overdosage with pentobarbital and secobarbital: assessment of factors related to outcome. Factors related to clinical outcome following acute overdosage with pentobarbital or secobarbital were assessed in a series of 162 patients hospitalized during the period 1962 to 1975. The mean ingested dose was 2 Gm (range 0.2 to 10.0 Gm), and plasma barbiturate concentrations ranged from 2.0 to 72.0 microgram/ml. Serious intoxication was common. Intubation and assisted ventilation were required in 59 per cent of patients, and 23 per cent developed clinically important hypotension. Four patients died, all relatively young females. Multiple regression and discriminant function analyses, performed on a subset of 88 patients for whom complete data were available, indicated that plasma barbiturate concentration and/or ingested dose were the most important correlates of serious intoxication among identifiable variables available on admission. Coingestion of other central nervous system depressants, such as ethanol, had no obvious effect on outcome. The present study suggests that measurement of plasma barbiturate concentrations is of value in identifying patients at risk of developing serious intoxication after overdosage with pentobarbital or secobarbital.


Oxdralazine, a new peripheral vasodilator, combined with propranolol and hydrochlorothiazide: a rational approach to antihypertensive treatment. Forty-three patients suffering from hypertension of different origin (chronic renal failure, gout, or idiopathic) were treated with propranolol (121 +/- 12 mg q.d.) plus hydrochlorothiazide (50 mg q.d.) for 75 +/- 9 days. Blood pressure did not return to normal limits in 15 patients, who were continued on the same protocol plus 10 to 50 mg oxdralazine q.d. After an average of 68 +/- 35 days blood pressure fell from 180/110 mm Hg to 145/90 mm Hg without orthostatism, significant side effects, or changes in GFR. This combination seems particularly successful since propranolol will prevent the undesired rise in cardiac output due to oxdralazine as well as the activation of the renin-angiotensin axis due to diuretics. Thus, the antihypertensive properties of each agent will be enhanced by a reduction in side effects by the associated drug, resulting in optimal blood pressure control.


Effect of dietary protein level during pregnancy and 2 weeks of lactation on mammary gland growth in rats. In a previous paper (Pyska & Styczyński, 1979) it was shown that protein level in the diet of a rat influences the development of its mammary gland during the animal's growth to sexual maturity. Rats fed a semi-synthetic diet containing 15% protein had better-developed mammary glands than rats on a diet containing 10% protein. The aim of the study now reported was to investigate the effect of the protein level in the diet on the development of the mammary gland during pregnancy and 14 d of lactation.


Colostral immunoglobulin transfer in calves I. Period of absorption. Termination or closure of intestinal permeability to colostral immunoglobulins in the calf occurs spontaneously with age at a progressively increased rate after 12 h postpartum. Following a normal distribution, mean closure occurred near 24 h postpartum when the calves were not fed. Feeding colostrum shortly after birth resulted in earlier cessation of absorption. The amount of colostrum fed had no influence on closure. A quadratic response surface analysis of starting time on closure showed a significant linear response in all immunoglobulin classes, indicating that as colostrum feeding is delayed, cessation also is delayed up to the time of spontaneous closure. Differences in closure time for the three immunoglobulin classes were not significant.


Nutritional and healthful aspects of cultured and culture-containing dairy foods. Nutritional and therapeutic qualities of fermented dairy products are reviewed. Partial hydrolysis of milk constituents (proteins, fats, and lactose) in yogurt, cheese, and other cultured dary foods appears to contribute to their increased digestibility. Lactase and other constituent enzymes of various culturing organisms should contribute to assimilation of lactose by lactose intolerant individuals. Several lactic cultures synthesize certain B-vitamins in fermented dairy products. In contrast, directly acidified dairy products do not exhibit such enhancement in B-vitamins. The hypocholestremic effect of milk is enhanced by fermentation or inclusion of lactic cultures. Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and other lactic organisms produce antimicrobial agents and natural antibiotics. However, production of natural antibacterial substances by different strains of the same species vary widely. These metabolites in cultured dairy products may be responsible for increased shelf life of the foods by inhibiting a wide spectrum of food spoilage organisms. Also, consumption of cultured products containing such natural antibacterial substances may provide the consumer with protection against disease organisms. Unfermented milk containing a specific culture or strain may be consumed to invest organisms for projected beneficial effects.


Mammary transfer of vitamin E in cows treated with vitamin A or linoleic acid. The effect of an intravenous injection of vitamin A alcohol and subcutaneous injections of linoleic acid on the mammary transfer of an intravenous injection of vitamin E acetate was studied with 15 Holstein cows. The cows received either an intravenous injection of 3 g vitamin E acetate (controls), intravenous injections of 3 g vitamin E acetate and 1 million IU vitamin A alcohol, or an intravenous injection of 3 g vitamin E acetate and subcutaneous injections totaling 40 g of linoleic acid. Milk samples were at 12-h intervals, two prior to and six following treatment. The main influence of vitamin A alcohol and linoleic acid on mammary transfer of vitamin E was to delay secretion of vitamin E in milk. However, total secretion of vitamin E was not reduced by injection of either vitamin A alcohol or linoleic acid. Vitamin E injection produced substantial increases in vitamin E in milk, but less than 1% of the dose could be accounted for in the milk.


Potassium toxicity and acid-base balance from large oral doses of potassium to young calves. Potassium chloride and sodium chloride were infused into the reticulorumen of male Holstein calves, approximately 6 mo of age and 260 kg, at .29, .58, 1.15, 1.73, 2.31, or 2.88 g potassium per kilogram body weight or 1.35, 2.12, or 2.16 g sodium per kilogram in equal volumes of water. Paired controls were infused with water. Calves were monitored for physiological changes for 6 h at 15, 30, or 60-min intervals. Potassium and total solids of plasma and packed cell volume were increased at potassium doses greater than .29 g of potassium per kilogram body weight within 1 h after dosing. At the higher doses of potassium, sodium content of plasma increased about 1 h after the increase in plasma potassium. Respiration rates within a potassium treatment varied with respect to time after dosing, but generally they increased, and associated variables of carbon dioxide pressure, pH, and bicarbonate in blood were decreased accordingly. Clinical toxicity signs, including excess salivation, muscular tremors of legs, and excitability were observed with potassium doses greater than .58 g of potassium per kilogram body weight. Three of five calves given 1.73 g of potassium per kilogram, three of four calves given 2.31 g of potassium per kilogram, and one calf given 2.88 g of potassium per kilogram body weight died. With a small number of calves, oral sodium infusions increased plasma sodium in proportion to the dose, but plasma potassium remained relatively constant. Sodium infusions of 2.12 and 2.16 g of sodium per kilogram body weight were fatal.


Colostral immunoglobulin transfer in calves II. The rate of absorption. The rate and pattern of colostral immunoglobulin absorption, based upon increase in concentration of immunoglobulin in serum in calves, has been determined from the interaction of three factors: starting age of colostral feeding, amount of colostrum fed, and time after feeding. All immunoglobulin classes show common characteristics of absorption following a rapid transfer during the first 4 h after feeding. An analysis of three-dimensional response surface for each of the three immunoglobulin classes indicated positive linear trend in the amount fed up to 2 liters. Rates of absorption in succeeding time periods following the initial feeding had decreasing linear trends. That is, age at first feeding had an inverse effect on rate of absorption. A linear-by-linear interaction between amount fed and starting age as shown for all three classes. Only immunoglobulin IgM had a significant quadratic response for amount fed. Concentration of immunoglobulin in the pooled colostrums fed had no influence on rate of absorption. Evidence is that 2 liters of colostrum fed to Holstein calves may be optimum in the range studied for maximum pinocytotic activation of absorptive cells and maximum rate of absorption.


Endogenous production of immunoglobulin IgG1 in newborn calves. There is a decrease in the specific activity of labeled IgG1 of serum over 3 wk following the feeding of iodine-125 labeled immunoglobulin IgG1 in colostrum to calves at birth. This decrease indicated the appearance of new IgG1 from some source. To determine if this new IgG1 came from endogenous production in the calf or from continued small amount of intestinal absorption from milk, labeled IgG1 was added to normal milk and fed to calves of various ages up to 3 wk after an initial feeding of colostrum at birth. Labeled IgG1 was also added to colostrum fed to calves at birth, and the calves were maintained on a normal milk diet or fed a synthetic milk diet. Determination of iodine-125 in the serum protein fractions of these calves indicated that there was no apparent intestinal absorption of labeled IgG1 from the milk in the period from 2 days to 3 wk. Furthermore, comparable decreases occurred in the specific activity of labeled IgG1 in serum in the calves fed the labeled IgG1 in colostrum at birth and subsequently maintained either on a diet including milk or on the synthetic milk diet devoid of IgG1. The results support the conclusion that the origin of new IgG1 in the calf after about 36 h and up to about 3 wk of age arises from endogenous production at a rate of about 1 g of IgG1 per day.


[Antigen HLA-B5 in Adamantiadès-Behçet syndrome (author's transl)]. Among 16 cases clinicaly diagnosed as Adamantiadès-Behçet syndrome coming from various areas of Northern Greece, antigen HLA-B5 was found on 12, i.e. 75% instead of 18,5% in the normal population of the same areas (200 subjects were examined by Dr. Z. Polymenidis in this thesis). On 3 other cases the antigen found was HLA-BW35 (belonging to group C4), while on the last one the antigen was HLA-B27. 4 cases, suspicious for atypical Adamantiadès-Behçet syndrome, are reported in which the discovery of antigen HLA-B5 inhanced the clinical diagnosis of the syndrome and made possible the early application of suitable treatment (steroids, immunosupressors).


[Clinical value of electroretinographic tests in Parkinson's disease (author's transl)]. The authors studied the behaviour of the b wave in the ERG in patients with Parkinson's disease treated with L-Depa (Sinemet). The results demonstrated that a significant reduction of the voltage of the b wave coincides with a therapeutic overdose and side-effects of the neuropsychiatric type. The authors recommend, therefore, that a periodic ERG examination should be conducted in patients with Parkinson's disease during the course of treatment in order to prevent reactions from pharmacological overdosage.


[The drop of visual acuity with distance and visual fatigue (author's transl)]. Using a new apparatus which enables us to measure in a continual manner the visual acuity for any distance; we have found considerable changes in the acuity between 24 metres and 10 centimetres. A drop in the visual acuity was found at the near vision. From dioptric and non-dioptric factors, we have infered our interpretation, which touches the question of visual fatigue and near vision.


[Is the term "blockage" just? (author's transl)]. The word "blockage" appeared the last ten years. It designs altogether a syndrom, a symptom and a pathogenic theory of squint. This term is analysed and discussed. The definitions, more or less precise, vary with the authors. The clinical signs attributed to the blockage are, in fact, due to the importance of the deviation. The electro-oculographic semeiology derives also partially of the magnitude of the angle of strabismus. The notion of a hypothetical nystagmus does not help for the understanding of the pathogenis of squint. The "faden operation", difficult and therefore dangerous in some hands, is perhaps an acquisition for the treatment of peculiar cases of nystagmus or paralysis. It would have been possible to expose the facts clearly by using only the terms of spasm and contracture. The confusion brought by the term of "blockage" is perhaps counterbalanced by the development of researches on the surgery of the arc of contact and on electro-oculography.


[Congenital cataract in 1979 (author's transl)]. The authors try to point out the question dealing with the surgery of congenital cataract in 1979. They remember the visual prognosis of congenital cataract according to its aetiology, as well as the best time to operate the child. The basic principles of the aspiration of this particular cataract are documented. Advantages and draw backs of each surgical procedure are presented.


Certain efferent cortical fiber pathways of the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus). Three areas of responsive cortex were demonstrated by electrical stimulation in the gerbil. Low voltage stimulation of frontal areas yielded a sequential pattern of discrete contralateral movements. Proceeding from a rostroventral to a caudodorsal position facial movements were obtained followed by upper extremity, trunk and lower extremity movements. This area includes primary motor cortex (area 4) in the gerbil. A comparable rostrocaudal motor pattern was obtained by stimulation above the rhinal fissure (insular cortex) and also from certain parietal areas. Although the sequential motor pattern was obvious in these additional areas of excitable cortex, the movements were more generalized and slightly higher voltages were required to obtain satisfactory results. A series of destructive lesions were made in each of these cortial areas. Subsequent degeneration studies, using reduced silver techniques, revealed that frontal and parietal cortex gave rise to corticospinal fibers. In addition all three areas gave rise to fibers which coursed to certain extrapyramidal nuclei of the basal ganglia, ventral thalamus, midbrain tegmentum, and medullary reticular formation.


Klinefelter's syndrome in nontwin brothers and maternal XX/XXX mosaicism. A case of two nontwin brothers, 19 and 17 years old, who had both Klinefelter's syndrome with a chromosomal mosaicism 46 XY/47 XXY, is reported here. The analysis of their mother's karyotype revealed a 46 XX/47 XXX mosaicism. It is hypothesized that the presence of an extra X chromosome in all three subjects could depend on the transmission of two X chromosomes from the mother to the sons or, less likely, on an increased liability to nondisjunction of the X chromosomes during one of the early mitotic divisions in the zygotes.


The regions of the fornix longus: a morphologic analysis. The areas surrounding the fornix longus were examined using the rapid Golgi method, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) histochemistry, and horseradish peroxidase histochemistry. Parasagittal Golgi impregnated sections revealed the neuronal configurations of the nuclei of the fornix longus. An interstitial nucleus within the fiber bundle and a bed nucleus were observed. They coursed from midline dorsal hippocampus and became continuous with caudal septal regions (notably septotriangularis). Neurons in the interstitial nucleus were spine-poor whereas bed nucleus neurons were spiny. Numerous axon collaterals were observed in the area. These gave rise to many apparent synaptic boutons. This intrinsic connectivity within the fornix longus was verified physiologically. Acetylcholinesterase histochemistry revealed the presence of AChE positive fibers traveling in both the bed nucleus and fornix longus. These fibers appeared to emanate from the regions of the diagonal band and formed a marked density in the bed nucleus. Also apparent was a striking midline density of AChE that forms a distinct midline fornix. All of these AChE positive fibers appeared to be related to the medial portions of the dorsal hippocampus from its septal pole to the dorsal psalterium. Injections of horseradish peroxidase into medial septal regions resulted in pick-up of the peroxidase in a specialized portion of hippocampus. Specifically, neurons were identified in the alvear portions of the midline dorsal hippocampus as well as in the alveus and stratum oriens (occasionally) of CA 3. It was concluded that the area of the fornix longus is situated in the mainstream of many incoming and outgoing hippocampal fiber systems. Because of this unique situation and the bi-directionality of the projections fibers of the area, the bed nucleus and interstitial nucleus of the fornix longus were postulated to play a crucial role in normal hippocampal processing.


Experimental study on the nervous connections of some diencephalic and mesencephalic nuclei in Coturnix coturnix japonica. This work is carried out by analysing the retrograde and transneuronal retrograde degenerations appeared following a total or partial unilateral removal of the optical lobe, in Coturnix coturnix japonica newborn and adult specimens. By means of this technique we are able to contribute new information on the so far unknown nervous relationships between several mesencephalic (IO, SP+IPS, TP, PT and SpL) and diencephalic (SPC, DSOD, Rt, GLv, DLAmc and LA) nuclei and the optical tectum; we also give information, when it is possible, about the preferential target field on the optical tectum, and about the significance of the different degenerational behaviours of the thalamic GLv and DLAmc nuclei in newborn and adult subjects.


Circadian rhythms of anterior pituitary hormone secretion: effects of dexamethasone. Circadian rhythms of hormone secretion are by now well recognized but there are limited data available to compare such rhythms of multiple hormones in individual subjects. Therefore concentrations of serum thyrotropin (TSH), cortisol, growth hormone (GH), triiodothyronine (T3) and prolactin (PRL) were determined in blood samples from six healthy males over periods of 24 hours. A circadian periodicity was identified for cortisol, GH, PRL and TSH; maximum concentrations for TSH and PRL occurred at dissimilar times, namely respectively before and after the GH peak. Maximum TSH coincided with nadir values forplasma cortisol. Dexamethasone administration (3 mg over 36 hours) lowered serum T3 concentration and abolished TSH periodicity without affecting the PRL rhythm. These data suggest that a) nocturnal TSH and PRL maximum levels do not have common mediation; b) there may be an inverse relationship between cortisol and TSH, and c) glucocorticoids at low doses preferentially affect secretion of thyrotropin.