title
stringlengths
0
1.13k
abstract
stringlengths
1
15.7k
PMID
int64
22
36.5M
[Arthritis related to intestinal anastomoses].
Jejuno-colic and jejuno-ileal anastomoses may provoke arthritis. The recently recognized physiopathology is that of arthritis due to immune complexes related to pullulation of Escherichia coli and of Bacilus fragilis. These cases of arthritis, usually sensitive to therapy, have, in some stutborn cases, required the re-establishment of intestinal continuity, which in each case has made the joint phenomena disappear.
62,379
Subpopulations of human lymphoblastoid cell lines. Correlation with the expression of surface receptors and content of Epstein-Barr virus genome.
Forty lymphoblast cell lines derived from normal subjects, patients with infectious mononucleosis, leukemia, and Burkitt's lymphoma have been studied for surface receptors including surface Ig, complement receptors by the EAC rosette and fluorescent (Raji cell) techniques, and Fc (aggregate) receptor by direct and indirect immunofluorescence. Because of the B-cell tropism of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), an effort was made to correlate the expresion of various surface properties of lymphoblastoid cell lines with the content of EBV viral DNA as determined by complementary RNA-DNA (cNRA-DNA) hybridization on membrane filters or by DNA-DNA renaturation kinetic analysis. The only correlation established was with the Fc receptor determined by direct immunofluorescence. No correlation of EBV genome equivalents per cell with complement receptor or surface Ig was noted, suggesting that the expression of these receptors is not influenced by EBV viral DNA content. Subgroups of lymphoblastoid cell lines were on the basis of variable expression of surface receptors, designated B1, B2, B3, B4, and T. The distribution of lymphoblastoid cell lines into these subgroups were in the ratio of 14:4:1:4:1. The B1, B2, and B4 cell lines (except Molt 4F) were found to contain EBV. The B3 subgroup, for wich cell line 698 was the sole example, expressed surface immunoglobulins but no other B-cell characteristics, and H.S.B., a T-cell line, lacked detectable EBV.
62,390
The role of radionuclides in clinical oncology.
The major role of radionuclides in clinical oncology is, in the broadest sense, "tumor scanning". This includes evaluating specific organs for the presence of tumor (usually with different radiopharmaceuticals for each organ) or the entire body (generalized tumor searches with radiopharmaceuticals with 67Ga-citrate or 111Inlabeled bleomycin). The clinician uses these agents in the initial evaluation of the extent of tumor (staging) and in the subsequent management of the patient with cancer to assess response to treatment, to detect early relapse, and to assist in making decisions concerning treatment. The uses and limitations of the agents currently available for tumor scanning are summarized in this review (by major tumor type) from the perspective of the practicing oncologist. Other potential roles for radionuclides, including use as components of combined modality treatment programs, use as labels for antibodies or as drugs for both diagnosis and treatment, and use in the prediction of response to treatment, which are of great interest now and which will become realities for the oncologist in the future, are also considered.
62,399
Plasmin inactivation in plasma.
Inhibition and inactivation of plasmin is ascribed to alpha2-macroglobulin, alpha1-antitrypsin and c1-esterase inhibitor. In an "overall" inactivation test of plasmin in plasma, which comes perhaps closest to rapid inactivation of plasmin in the circulating blood, we only found a correlation between the immunological concentration of alpha2-macroglobulin and the plasmin-inactivating capacity of the plasma, but no correlation with the immunological concentration of the other inhibitors mentioned. Therefore, alpha2-macroglobulin seems to be the most important plasmin inhibitor in relation to thrombosis.
62,411
[Palliative surgery in bronchial carcinoma and surgery for metastases (author's transl)].
Report on 54 patients with bronchial carcinoma, where a primary palliative resection of the tumor has to be done. Indications were central abscess of the carcinoma, bleeding of the tumor by arrosion, pain because of infiltration of chestwall, patient's demand on operation. Beneath lobectomy and pneumonectomy parietal pleurectomy, exstirpation of subclavian lymphnodes of the carcinoma and endobronchial resections of the tumor were done. In addition from 1970 to 1975 on 61 patients 66 resections of pulmonary metastasis were done. Surgical therapy of coin lesions without long preoperative surveillance is mandatory.
62,412
Eight groups of human endothelial cell alloantigens.
Human endothelial cells were shown to express a new system of alloantigens. Using 63 selected sera eight specificities could be defined. Each group was characterized using two to seven sera which had high correlation coefficients among them. The distribution of the phenotypes among 30 cells gave the appearance of an allelic system. Only one cell with a triplet was observed. Approximately half of the possible genes were detected with sera defining these eight groups.
62,419
Acid-fastness of Mycobacteri,m tuberculosis H37Rv following infection by mycobacteriophage DS6A.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv demonstrates a loss of acid-fastness following exposure to specific mycobacteriophage DS6A. No effect was seen with another mycobacteriophage GS7 which does not lyse this organism.
62,438
[Liver function tests under the influence of sequential treatment using ethinyl estradiol-norethisterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol-chlormadinone acetate].
30 young healthy women were investigated during the first therapy cycle with ethinyl-estradiol-norethisterone acetate and ethinyl-estradiol-chlormadinone acetate as a sequential regime. The following laboratory data were achieved by each of the investigated group of young women: serum aminotransferase (GOT and GPT), serum alkaline phosphatase and alpha-amylase-activity in serum, serum proteins, serum cholesterol, serum bilirubin, serum ZST, serum TTT and the indocyaningreen-clearance of the liver. The serum protein pattern was determined by the paper electrophoretic method. A significant decrease of the aminotransferase GPT was viable during the sequential therapy with ethinyl-estradiol and norethisterone acetate. This viable decrease of the GPT was induced through the application of norethisterone acetate to estrogen. The alkaline phosphatase was significant lightly lower and the beta-globuline lightly elevated at the end of the therapy cycle. The sequential therapy with ethinyl-estradiol and chlormadinone acetate induced only a significant increase of the ZST in serum.
62,469
Species-common antigen of connective tissues.
Collagen-free extracts were prepared from bovine, porcine and canine hyaline, elastic and fibrous cartilages, articular capsule, tendon, aorta, cortical bone and regenerating articular surfaces. The extracts were investigated with antisera to bovine nasal septal cartilage, dog articular cartilage and non-collagenous protein fraction of bovine cortical bone. Immunodiffusion, immunoelectrophoresis, and immunohistochemical methods were used. In the different supporting tissues of the three animal species a common antigen, probably of proteoglycan origin, was demonstrated. The finer differences in antigenicity between the different tissues are probably due to the variations in proteoglycan composition of the given supporting tissues. Owing to the wide-spread occurrence of the antigen, the authors suggest the term "species-common connective tissue antigen" instead of the "species-common cartilage antigen" used so far.
62,479
In vitro uptake of 5-hydroxytryptamine and dopamine by rat mast cells after exocytosis induced by antigen or compound 48/80.
Mast cells from the peritoneal and pleural cavities of actively sensitized rats were isolated and incubated with biogenic amines (5-hydroxytryptamine and dopamine) with or without pretreatment with specific antigen. An anaphylactic reaction resulting in the release of 20-25% of the histamine in the cells led to a slightly reduced amine uptake. At concentrations which induced histamine release comparable to that during the anaphylactic reaction compound 48/80 had a similar effect on the uptake of the two amines. Histamine release induced by higher concentrations of compound 48/80 led to a more pronounced reduction in the uptake of the amines, the reduction being roughly proportional to the extent of the histamine release. It is concluded that the reduction in the in vitro amine uptake after anaphylactic and compound 48/80-induced histamine release is due to the fact that there are a fewer intact granules capable of storing histamine and not primarily due to a damage to the mechanisms by which mast cells take up biogenic amines in vitro. The observations further strengthen the view that anaphylactic and compound 48/80-induced histamine release are non-cytolytic processes.
62,489
Effect of polyamines on yeast cell-free protein synthesizing system. II. Increase stability of cell-free system in the presence of spermine.
The addition of spermine, at concentration which stimulates protein synthesis, to the yeast cell-free system significantly increases the thermal stability of the latter. Similar stabilizing effect of polyamine is observed for ribosome-poly U-ac-phe-tRNA complexes. These results suggest that the stimulatory effect of polyamines on the in vitro protein synthesis might be partly due to the increased stability of ribosomes and ribosome-peptydyl-tRNA complexes.
62,495
Determination of growth of aquatic bacteria by measurements of incorporation of tritiated thymidine.
Evaluation was made of a novel technique, combining semi-continuous culture on membrane filters and assessment of the incorporation of titrated thymidine. The optimal temperature of incubation is 20--25 degrees, the period of incubation--3 hours; the initial activity of tritiated thymidine--0.5 muC/ml. There is a linear relation between the initial number of bacteria on a filter and the level of 3H-thymidine incorporation. The incorporation is dependent on nutrient content in the examined water.
62,505
The depletion of the granules of argentaffin and argyrophile cells of monkey duodenum by reserpine.
The influence of reserpine (5 mg/kg) on the argentaffin and argyrophile cells has been studied in 4 monkeys, and in 4 controls. In the treated animals, there is a marked and obvious reduction in the number of argentaffin cells; the cells that remain also show signs of partial depletion. Reduction of the number of argyrophile cells is not obvious on casual examination, but cell counts reveal a statistically significant reduction. The persisting argyrophile cells show signs of partial depletion.
62,522
Antihistamines. Guidelines and implications.
Antihistamines may be used to maximum benefit for the allergic patient if the physician adheres to four guidelines. These guidelines are based upon 1) an appreciation of certain structural and pharmacologic differences among antihistamines, and 2) an understanding of their mechanism of action. Around the clock administration is advisable, the dosage should be titrated for the individual patient, substitutions to another antihistamine should be to a different class of antihistamine, and the efficacy of any single antihistamine usually will diminish with prolonged use, either on the basis of true tolerance or because of psychic factors. There is good theoretical evidence when alpha-adrenergic sympathomimetics, employed as decongestants in combination with antihistamines, should not be given to allergic patients. Two newer drugs, disodium cromoglycate and beclomethasone, may provide symptomatic relief for allergic rhinitis patients. They may benefit the patient who does not obtain full symptomatic relief from antihistamines.
62,547
Type C oncornavirus isolation studies in systemic lupus erythematosus. I. Attempted detection by isopycnic sedimentation of 3H-uridine-labelled virions.
Type C oncornavirus isolation was attempted from cell cultures of tissues from 7 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Detection was based on the characteristic sedimentation of 3H-uridine-labelled virions at a density of 1-16 g/ml. Cultures positive by this method were negative by two other criteria for type C viruses: characteristic virions by electron microscopy and the viral enzyme RNA-directed DNA polymerase. The positive results were probably due to cellular damage by prolonged radiolabelling, with release of organelles containing labelled RNA sedimenting at the same density as type C viruses.
62,558
Herpetic corneal epithelial disease.
The clinical differentiation of corneal epithelial lesions due to herpes simplex or herpes zoster may be confusing. Practical clinical tests, including the use of topical ocular stains, are useful to differentiate corneal epithelial lesions caused by these two viruses. Two distinctive types of zoster corneal epithelial disease may be seen; an early dendritic form, and a delayed form characterized by corneal mucus plaques that may take a dendriform pattern. These plaques are composed of mucus that is adherent to swollen, degenerating epithelial cells. The clinical differentiation between these two viruses is essential since topically applied corticosteroids are contraindicated in epithelial herpes simplex and often are indicated in the management of epithelial herpes zoster.
62,568
Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase measurements in the differential diagnosis of adult leukaemias.
Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TDT) is an unusual DNA polymerase that does not use template information to synthesize new strands of DNA. It is normally found in high concentration in thymus (50 u/10(8) cells) and in low concentration in bone marrow (less than 5 u/10(8)). We report TDT measurements in the marrow and/or peripheral blood of 51 adult patients, 28 of whom had leukaemia. TDT is present in very high levels (greater than 50 u/10(8) cells) in leukaemic lymphoblasts and in low levels in leukaemic myeloblasts (less than 9 u/10(8) cells). Of two patients who developed lymphosarcoma-cell leukaemia following treatment of poorly differentiated lymphocytic lymphoma, one had high and one low levels of TDT in the leukaemic blast cells. Leukaemic cells from three of seven patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia in blast crisis had TDT levels within the range expected of acute lymphoblastic rather than acute myeloid leukaemia. High TDT in leukaemic cells probably marks them as derivatives of lymphoid progenitor, thymic or pluripotential stem cells. Quantitative assay of TDT may provide information useful in classifying haematological neoplasms.
62,584
Studies on J chain and binding site for secretory component in circulating human B cells. II. The cytoplasm.
About 0-3-1-1% of the lymphoid cells from peripheral blood of healthy adults contained cytoplasmic immunoglobulin (Ig). The class distribution of these B cells varied greatly among individuals, with a preponderance of the IgA (26-65%) or the IgG (15-66%) class. A remarkably high percentage of the Ig-containing cells were positive for cytoplasmic J chain regardless of the class (100% for IgM, 87-97% for IgA, 50-100% FOR IgD, and 43-88% for IgG cells). This feature probably reflects that the cells represent circulating blasts derived from the early expansion phase of B-cell clones. The antigenic determinants of the J chain were in most IgA-containing cells considerably masked, indicating that this subunit was "correctly" arranged in the IgA dimers at the cytoplasmic level in the manner demonstrated for intestinal IgA plasma cells.
62,631
Studies on the pathogenesis of enteric infections caused by invasive bacteria.
Salmonellae, shigellae and some Escherichia coli must invade the intestinal epithelial cell and multiply within the mucosa to cause disease. Although the bacterial cell most likely possesses several properties essential to this invasive ability, the nature of the cell envelope complex is at present the only characteristic which has been implicated in this process. While a number of pathophysiological events result from invasion, some of our recent efforts have concerned the site and mechanism of intestinal fluid loss in salmonellosis and shigellosis. In both these disorders, bacterial invasion of the colonic mucosa, associated with an acute inflammatory reaction and mucosal damage, is regularly seen and colonic salt and water transport is abnormal. These defects may account for mild diarrhoea in salmonellosis and the dysenteric stools of shigellosis. However, in salmonella-infected animals with severe watery diarrhoea and in shigella-infected animals with diarrhoea alone or in combination with dysentery, the jejunum is in a net secretory state. This secretion occurs in the absence of bacterial invasion or morphological abnormalities. Thus, the diarrhoea caused by invasive bacteria may result from the inability of the colon to reabsorb the increased volume of fluid entering it from the small intestine. Although colonic mucosal damage is a feature of invasive-type diarrhoeas, the permeability of both the colon and small intestine to small molecules, mannitol and erythritol, is not altered. Thus intestinal fluid loss cannot be ascribed to transudation. In addition, the results of our Ussing chamber experiments, employing salmonella-infected rabbit ileum, reveal that salt and water secretion is an active process. Since secretion occurs in the jejunum in the absence of bacterial invasion, this might suggest the participation of an enterotoxin. Shigella dysenteriae I is the best-studied invasive organism in which an enterotoxin has been found, yet mutant strains which do not invade but retain the ability to elaborate enterotoxin fail to cause disease in either monkeys or man. Thus, the physiological relevance of Shiga enterotoxin and the mechanism of jejunal secretion in these disorders remain unclear. Recent data suggest that invasive enteropathogens, like the enterotoxin-producing bacteria, activate the mucosal adenylate cyclase-cyclic AMP system and that this activation may play a role in intestinal fluid secretion.
62,646
Automated sleep EEG analysis applied to the evaluation of drugs: illustration by study of clorazepate dipotassium.
An automated sleep EEG analysis system was used to evaluate the effects of clorazepate dipotassium in normal subjects. Ten young-adult men slept 18 consecutive nights in the laboratory. On days 8-15 clorazepate (7.5 mg) was administered three times daily; on days 5-7 and 16-18 a placebo was administered in a similar fashion. The drug reduced amounts of alpha and delta activity and increased the amount of beta activity and the number of spindles. These effects generally persisted through the 3 day placebo recovery period. Our results suggest that sleep EEG waveform descriptors are sensitive indicators of drug activity and that beta activity in particular may be useful in the detailed description of various drug effects.
62,653
Correlation between confirmed sites of neurological lesions and abnormalities of far-field auditory brainstem responses.
Far-field auditory brainstem responses were recorded in ten patients in whom the distribution of pathology was defined at autopsy or at operation. The response normally consists of seven components in the initial 10 msec following click signals. Interruption of audiotory pathway at the junction of VII nerve with brainstem results in loss of response components after Wave I. Interruption of auditory pathway at the midbrain results in loss of response components after Wave III. We conclude that Wave I reflects activity of VIII nerve, Waves II and III reflect activity of cochlear nucleus, trapezoid body, and superior olive and Waves IV and V reflect activity of lateral lemniscus and inferior colliculus. The generators of Waves VI and VII were not defined.
62,654
Expression of new idiotypes following neonatal idiotypic suppression of a dominant clone.
The anti-PC antibodies of BALB/c origin bear predominantly the idiotype characteristic of the phosphorylcholine (PC)-binding T15 idiotype than sera from adult mice, and, unlike the latter, they also contain detectable amounts of anti-T15 antibodies. By 2 weeks of age the anti-T15 antibodies are no longer detectable while the T15 idiotype has reached adult levels. Injection of neonatal mice with anti-idiotypic antibodies renders them unresponsive to PC until the 15th week of life. Furthermore, this treatment induces a chronic suppression of the T15 idiotype, since on recovery from unresponsiveness, the neonatally suppressed mice produce anti-PC antibodies which are predominantly T15-negative. In contrast, treatment of adult mice with anti-idiotypic antibodies induces only a transient state of unresponsiveness to PC, and the antibodies produced upon recovery bear the T15 idiotype. These findings are discussed in the context of idiotype anti-idiotype interactions and their possible role in immuno-regulation.
62,670
Serum alpha-fetoprotein as a marker for the effect of post-operative radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy in eight cases of ovarian endodermal sinus tumour.
The clinical pathological findings of eight cases of ovarian endodermal sinus tumour (yolk sac tumour) are presented. Histological exmination in all eight cases showed a typical endodermal sinus tumour pattern, and in six of the patients other tumour elements such as dysgerminoma, choriocarcinoma, malignant teratoma, endometriosis, and a dermoid cyst were also found. Six patients had increased serum alpha-fetoprotein concentration in the post-operative period, and two patients had a normal concentration 27 and 35 days after operation, respectively. In all cases except one, a close correlation between serum alpha-fetoprotein and progression or regression of tumour was found. Serum alphafetoprotein was thus found to be a reliable parameter in post-operative radiation and/or chemotherapy (VAMBLE). In one patient who died 10 months after operation with widespread endodermal sinus tumour growth, only a small terminal increase in serum alpha-fetoprotein concentration was found. Four of the eight women are still alive with normal alpha-fetoprotein concentration, and without clinical evidence of tumour disease.
62,720
Fluorescent antibody localization of myosin in the cytoplasm, cleavage furrow, and mitotic spindle of human cells.
We have studied the distribution of myosin molecules in human cells using myosin-specific antibody coupled with fluorescent dyes. Rabbits were immunized with platelet myosin or myosin rod. They produced antisera which precipitated only myosin among all the components in crude platelet extracts. From these antisera we isolated immunoglobulin-G (IgG) and conjugated it with tetramethylrhodamine or fluorescein. We separated IgG with 2-5 fluorochromes per molecule from both under- and over-conjugated IgG by ion exchange chromatography and used it to stain acetone-treated cells. The following controls established the specificity of the staining patterns: (a) staining with labeled preimmune IgG; (b) staining with labeled immune IgG adsorbed with purified myosin; (c) staining with labeled immune IgG mixed with either unlabeled preimmune or immune serum; and (d) staining with labeled antibody purified by affinity chromatography. In blood smears, only the cytoplasm of platelets and leukocytes stained. In spread Enson and HeLa cells, stress fibers stained strongly in closely spaced 0.5 mum spots. The cytoplasm stained uniformly in those cells presumed to be motile before acetone treatment. In dividing HeLa cells there was a high concentration of myosin-specific staining in the vicinity of the contractole ring and in the mitotic spindle, especially the region between the chromosomes and the poles. We detected no staining of erythrocytes, or nuclei of leukocytes and cultured cells, or the surface of platelets and cultured cells.
62,755
Effect of megestrol acetate (Megace) on steroid metabolism and steroid-protein binding in the human prostate.
Megestrol acetate (Megace), an antiandrogen, was administered in a dosage of 80 mg daily to 6 patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) for 4 to 25 days prior to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Surgical tissue from drug-treated patients was compared to untreated controls in regard to: 1) the enzymatic reduction of testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT); 2) DHT binding to a cytosol receptor protein; 3) tissue levels of endogenous dihydrotestosterone and androstanediols (diols). When minced prostate was incubated with 3H-T and 14C-androstenedione for 1 h at 37 C, prostate 5alpha-reductase activity, measured as reduced products formed from substrate, decreased to 31% and 39%, respectively, of the control values. Prostate 3-oxido-reductase enzyme activity, measured as diols formed from 3H-DHT, was decreased to neglible values in Megace-treated patients compared to an 8.7% conversion to diols in controls. No 3H-DHT binding to a cytosol receptor protein could be demonstrated in 4 out of 5 prostates from Megace-treated patients, whereas the presence of such a receptor was noted in 14 out of 17 untreated controls. Endogenous DHT levels in Megace-treated patients averaged 1.1 ng/g (SE = 0.26), significantly less than the average of 3.9 ng/g (SE = 0.49) found in controls (P less than 0.001). No significant difference was noted in endogenous diols. In addition to these effects on tissue, Megace significantly decreased plasma levels of T, LH, and FSH at the end of the 4- to 25-day period; plasma prolactin levels did not change. Continued studies of Megace for the possible treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy may be warranted since the drug appears to block several important biochemical steps which mediate the effects of androgen on the human prostate.
62,759
Assessment of group B streptococcal opsonins in human and rabbit serum by neutrophil chemiluminescence.
The factors important in host defense against group B streptococci are not well understood. The role of antibody and complement in the prevention of serious infection by these organisms is not known because, to date, a reliable measure of functional opsonic activity has not been developed. Recently, it has been shown that neutrophils produce a chemiluminescence after ingestion of particulate matter, and that this event can be detected and quantitated in a liquid scintillation system. We have adapted the chemiluminescence procedure to examine rabbit hyperimmune and human serum for the presence of group B streptococcal opsonins. Group B streptococci of types Ia, II, and III that were opsonized in homologous but not heterologous type serum produced a peak in chemiluminescence when added to normal human neutrophils. Such activity was correlated, in each instance, with ingestion of bacteria by neutrophils and deposition of immunoglobulin and C3 on the bacterial surface as detected by indirect immunofluorescence. With this assay, we have examined sera from colonized and diseased patients for the presence of opsonins to types Ia, II, and III group B streptococci. Maternal sera often contained type-specific opsonins which resided in the IgG fraction and which crossed the placenta to appear in paired cord specimens. 63% of patients colonized with group B streptococci had serum opsonins to their colonizing type of organism. In contrast, none of the 15 patients with sepsis or meningitis had opsonins directed against their infecting strain. These data suggest that the lack of type-specific opsonins to group B streptococci may be one of the important factors in determining host susceptibility to systemic infection with strains of this group.
62,761
Use of food colourants as plaque disclosing agents.
The effectiveness of plaque disclosure by several liquid food colourants and disclosing agents was compared in a group of eight subjects. The subjects refrained from all forms of oral hygiene for a 48-hour period prior to rinsing with 5 ml of each dye in turn at weekly intervals. Kodachrome film records were taken and projected for the assessment at weekly intervals. Kodachrome film records were taken and projected for the assessment of plaque staining efficacy by a panel of 38 assessors. Acceptability with respect to taste, extent and duration of mucosal staining and any side effects was also evaluated. The food colourants were as effective as the disclosing agents. Ability to stain plaque appears to be related not only to the constituents of each dye, but also to their concentrations and relative proportions. Other desirable properties of an ideal disclosing agent tended to be fulfilled to a level equivalent to, or better than, that reached by the proprietery disclosing agents. Difficulty in obtaining proprietary disclosing agents should not act as a handicap to achieving better levels of oral cleanliness as inexpensive food colourants of equal effectiveness to the best proprietary agent are readily available.
62,762
Antigen-specific and nonspecific mediators of T cell/B cell cooperation. IV. Development of a model system demonstrating responsiveness of two T cell functions to HGG in vitro.
Previous work in this laboratory has defined two functionally distinct T cell subpopulations (viz., antigen-specific helper) and characerized some of the parameters of these subpopulations derived from the keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH)-primed mouse spleen. Characerization of further parameters such as relative susceptibility to tolerance induction and relative degree of specificity was not possible with the use of KLH as the antigen. In order to overcome this impediment, an experimental protocol was developed, as herewith described, to permit the study of these two T cell subpopulations in response to the antigen human gamma-globulin (HCG). This protocol qualitatively duplicates the parameters defined for the KLH system and provides an extremely useful model for the study of the response to serum proteins in the Mishell-Dutton culture system.
62,797
Lipid storage myopathies. A review of metabolic defect and of treatment.
Various cases of lipid storage myopathies have been described. The biochemical defect could be determined in only some of these cases. The syndromes identified to date are as follows: carnitine deficiency (type I lipid storage myopathy), carnitine-palmityltransferase (CPT) deficiency and pyruvate-decarboxylase deficiency. In the last two diseases the vacuolization in muscle is not marked. The case of a 10 year old carnitine deficient patient with a history of insidious muscle weakness in the proximal limb and neck muscles is presented. The patient was treated with oral carnitine and a medium chain triglyceride diet for 18 months and her clinical status has remained improved. In other lipid storage patients prednisone treatment resulted in improvement. In cases of suspected lipid storage myopathy the following studies are indicated: 1) examination of ketone bodies in serum and urine during fasting, long chain and medium chain triglyceride diets; 2) serum triglyceride and serum carnitine; 3) study on fresh muscle and fibroblasts with labeled substrates, biochemical determination of carnitine and CPT in muscle.
62,824
[Demonstration of a factor in cerebrospinal fluid with inhibitory activity for electrophoretic cell mobility in multiple sclerosis (author's transl)].
Inhibition of electrophoretic cell migration using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) directly was investigated by the modified MEM (macrophage electrophoretic mobility) and TEEM (tanned sheep erythrocyte electrophoretic mobility) tests, respectively. An inhibitory activity of macrophage slowing factor (MSF)--one of in vivo lymphokines--in CSF was established in cases of multiple sclerosis (17.5 +/- 3.8%), and neurolues. The value of this MSF assay turned out to be significantly different from the remaining inflammatory ailments of the nervous system (10.1 +/- 6.8%). Results of other neurological diseases were found to be very much lower (5.1 +/- 4.2%). It seems important, for immunopathogenesis and the diagnosis of neuroimmunological diseases with enhanced cellular immunoreaction, to evaluate MSF activity in CSF. To characterize the active factor in CSF (and serum) these fluids were fractionated by gel filtration chromatography as well as supernatants from lymphocyte-antigen incubation in MS patients. The main activity for inhibition of electrophoretic cell mobility was eluated in the same fraction in these fluids. It could be shown that units have a molecular weight of about 15000 Daltons; this value for MSF lies below those for other inhibitory lymphokines.
62,827
Muscle enzymatic changes induced by blockage of axoplasmic transport.
The activity of malic dehydrogenase, pyruvic kinase, and phosphorylase b was measured in the geniohyoid muscle of the cat after injection of 10 10 mM colchicine into the hypoglossal nerve. Experiments performed 1-60 days after the injection showed that the activity of the three enzymes gradually decreased (day 4-5), reached a maximum fall (day 10-25), and subsequently returned to control values (day 30-60). Concomitantly to these enzymatic alterations, the muscles showed fibrillation and ACh hypersensitivity; however, in contrast to denervation, the drug had no effect on nerve conduction, effective neuromuscular transmission, and ultrastructure of motor end plates. Experiments with [3H]colchicine indicated that the observed changes were brought about by the drug acting directly on the motor axons rather than on the muscle cells. The transsynaptic effects induced by colchicine treatment to the nerve can be ascribed to a temporary interruption of axoplasmic transport. It is suggested that neurotrophic regulation of some muscle-soluble enzymes partly depend on the normal operation of the axoplasmic transport system.
62,830
Differential transmission in the superior cervical ganglion of the cat.
Mechanisms in the superior cervical ganglion resulting in contraction of the nictitating membrane (NM) and dilation of the parasympathectimized pupil were studies in anesthetized cats. Frequency-response curves were obtained following pregangionic stimulation with NM and pupillary responses recorded simultaneously in the same preparations.
62,832
Evidence for prevention of borderline leprosy reactions by dapsone.
68 patients were included in a prospective study of the treatment of borderline leprosy. 34 were treated with dapsone 5 mg daily, and 34 with 50 mg daily. Reversal reactions developed in 11 of those on 5 mg daily and in 3 of those on 50 mg daily. The statistically significant difference between the two treatment groups indicates that, contrary to previous teaching, dapsone given in higher dosage does not predispose patients to reversal reactions and indeed may prevent them.
62,998
Treatment of lamellar ichthyosis and other keratinising dermatoses with an oral synthetic retinoid.
Thirteen patients with keratinising dermatoses were treated for 2-17 weeks with oral 13-cis retinoic acid. There was near complete clearing of the skin lesions beginning within 2 weeks of starting treatment in all five patients with lamellar ichthyosis (including two cases of non-bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma), in two of the three patients with Darier's disease, and in one patient with pityriasis rubra pilaris. The patients with psoriasis and naevus comedonicus did not improve. The main form of toxicity was cheilitis. These results indicate that 13-cis retinoic acid may be more effective and is less toxic than naturally occurring retinoic acid (all-trans vitamin A acid), and that the synthetic retinoids may represent a potent new class of drugs in the treatment of cutaneous disease.
62,999
The primary enzyme defect in hereditary coproporphyria.
The activity of coproporphyrinogen oxidase (E.C. 1.3.3.3) in cultured skin fibroblasts from three patients with hereditary coproporphyria (H.C.) was approximately half that in fibroblasts from normal subjects and patients with other types of porphyria. It is suggested that this is the primary defect in H.C., which is inherited as an autosomal dominant, and that the same abnormality is present in the liver. Consideration of the probable relative activities of the enzymes of haem biosynthesis in the liver in H.C. suggests that the acute attacks of porphyria which are its major clinical manifestation occur when the activity of uroporphyrinogen-I-synthase (E.C. 4.3.1.8) becomes rate-limiting for haem synthesis.
63,041
Where do all the tablets go?
Barium sulphate tablets, identical in size and shape to those of aspirin, were given to 98 consecutive patients during routine radiological studies of the upper gastrointestinal tract. In 57 patients the tablets remained in the oesophagus for longer than five minutes. Delay in passage of the tablets was particularly likely to occur in patients with hiatus hernia and reflux and if defects of peristalsis in the oesophagus were observed.
63,055
Differential localisation of substance P and motilin.
Motilin, and Substance P, have previously been shown to be present in enterochromaffin (EC) cells in the gut mucosa. By comparing a specific immunofluorescence stain for Substance P with an immunoperoxidase reaction for motilin, applied sequentially to the same tissue section, it is possible to demonstrate that the two peptides are present in different cells. It is concluded that a) at least two different types of EC cells must exist and b) these results provide further evidence for the neuroectodermal origin of the gastrointestinal APUD cells. Studies of the degranulation pattern of EC cells could help to elucidate the role of amines in the mechanism of storage and secretion of different peptides under normal and pathological conditions.
63,140
[Diagnostic laparotomy and palliative surgery in jaundice caused by tumors of the pancreato-duodenal zone].
The remote results of palliative operations for tumors of the pancreatoduodenal zone in 266 patients were analysed. Among palliative procedures cholecysto-jejunoanastomosis was most frequently employed in the clinic. 72 patients died. An acute hepatic insufficiency and cancerous intoxication was the main cause of the mortality. It is concluded that the survival of patients postoperatively depends on tumor localization and the degree of cancerous intoxication. The construction of cholecysto-jejunoanastomosis with the Brown enteroanastomosis seems to be mostly rational.
63,175
[Air pollution by motor vehicles along the freeways].
Total mass particulates and benzopyrenes have been determined to evaluate the specific pollution by vehicles on a section (6 km) of a highway. The traffic density generated an increase of 30% mass particulates in nighttime and 44% during daylight. Concentrations of benzopyrenes in air have doubled compared to the period before traffic.
63,193
Oat-cell bronchial carcinoma. Identification of cells in pleural fluid.
An analysis is made of the accuracy of diagnosing oat-cell (small cell) carcinoma of the lung from the cytology of pleural fluid. All the material over a 22-year period has been reviewed. Air-dried smears were used, stained with May-Grünwald-Giemsa. Of 91 cases in which oat-cells were specified in the written report, 90 were either proved histologically to have oat-cell or anaplastic bronchial carcinoma, or else had clinical findings consistent with that diagnosis and were registered as having bronchial carcinoma at death. There was one false positive, and no false suspicious reports. Cytologic diagnosis of this tumor type has, therefore, been no less reliable than would be expected from a histologist examining a surgical biopsy of infiltrated tissue. Of 49 consecutive cases histologically proved to have oat-cell carcinoma, and with pleural effusions examined in this laboratory, 21 showed no malignant cells (43 per cent false negative). Diagnostic features and causes of error are discussed, as well as the advantage of air-dried smears over the standard Papanicolaou method for the detection of this cell type.
63,205
Five new Escherichia coli K antigens, K95, K96, K97, K98 and K100.
Five Escherichia coli strains were established as antigenic test strains for five new polysaccharide K antigens: K95, K96, K97, K98 and K100. K95 to K98 served already as test strains of O antigens O75, O77, O81 and O107 respectively. F147, which is test strain of K100, had O antigen O75.
63,221
The impact of HLA-A, B or HLA-D identity on the MIF production in MLC.
The relative influence on MIF release in MLC of different parts of the HLA region was studied in 1) MLCs between cells from HLA-A and B identical (probably HLA-D unidentical) unrelated persons and 2) MLCs between cells from HLA-D identical, HLA-A and B unidentical unrelated persons. It was found that the HLA-D part of the region has the major effect on the MIF production. Studies of MIF activity in supernatants from mitomycin treated cultures lent some evidence to the hypothesis that there is an extreme linkage disequilibrium between the HLA-D alleles and hypothetical separate MIF alleles. Examination of families with crossover between the HLA-A, B and HLA-D part of the region is required for confirmation of these findings.
63,222
Antigenic properties of a DNA-preparation from calf thymus used for the demonstration of anti-DNA.
It was attempted to evaluate passive haemagglutination of antigen coated, tanned erythrocytes as a test by which to demonstrate anti-DNA in systemic lupus erythematosus. The antigens was prepared using a minimum of procedures in order to produce a native preparation. The resulting material had most of the criteria applying to native DNA, but the protein content was about 9%. It contained a thymocyte specific component, but no demonstrable trace of bovine species antigen. The reactions between the antigen and an anti-DNA serum from a patient with suspected SLE were inhibited by DNA and DNA-histone, but not appreciably by ENA, RNA or desoxyribonucleosides. Passive haemagglutination reactions against the antigen were positively correlated to a homogeneous immunofluorescence nuclear pattern and negatively correlated to a speckled pattern. Passive haemagglutination titres against ENA and DNA antigen were not correlated. Seventy-three per cent of randomly selected sera gave either purely DNase sensitive reactions (19%) or reactions of combined sensitivity to DNase and other enzymes. Twenty-eight out of 53 sera reacting in the passive haemagglutination test reacted also in the immunofluorescence test against Chrithidia luciliae kinetoplasts. The latter reactions were DNase sensitive. It applies to both tests that DNase sensitive, but RNase resistant, reactions were well correlated, irrespective of their sensitivity to trypsin while DNase resistant or DNase and RNase sensitive reactions were not correlated. The passive haemagglutination test using a native but relatively crude DNA-preparation coated on tanned sheep erythrocytes supplemented by specificity tests with DNase and RNase treated antigen gives about the same information as the indirect immunofluorescence test against Chrithidia luciliae kinetoplasts. Furthermore, the results show that patients' sera reacting with a homogeneous nuclear pattern in the indirect immunofluorescence test may contain not only anti-DNA and anti-nucleohistone antibodies, but also antibodies to a number of non-histone chromatin associated proteins some of which contain RNA.
63,225
Radioimmunoassays for prostaglandin metabolites.
Radioimmunoassays were developed for the main plasma and urinary metabolites of PGF2alpha in the human, viz., 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGF2alpha and 5alpha, 7alpha-dihydroxy-11-ketotetranorprosta-1,16-dioic acid. The methods allowed assay of unextracted samples and had a sensitivity of 5 pg and 2 pg, respectively. The assays were evaluated by comparison with mass spectrometric data. Normal levels of these metabolites were estimated in a number of subjects. Levels in plasma and urine of the metabolites were followed after injection or during infusion of PGF2alpha and during administration of various antiinflammatory drugs.
63,236
Studies on the characteristics of poliovirus type 3. II. Characteristics of "hot" clones.
Markers d, IST, EA1(OH)3, rct (at sub- and supraoptimal temperatures) and neurovirulence were determined for clones isolated from two lots (S2 and S3) of vaccines containing poliovirus strain Leon 12a1b. Changes of markers rct, d and neurovirulence were observed in several clones isolated from S2 vaccine. No changes were observed in IST and EA1(OH)3 markers.
63,237
A light microscopic, autoradiographic study of axoplasmic transport in the optic nerve head during ocular hypotony, increased intraocular pressure, and papilledema.
Cyclocryotherapy of the monkey eye reliably produces transient increased intraocular pressure followed by prolonged hypotony, during which papilledema occurs. Axoplasmic transport was studied while the intraocular pressure was both increased and decreased after cyclocryotherapy by autoradiography following the intravitreal injection of tritiated leucine and proline. Surgical fistulization of the anterior chamber was also used to produce hypotony and papilledema. Significant alterations of both the rapid and the slow components of axoplasmic transport were demonstrated in the nerve head during increased intraocular pressure, and in ocular hypotony with papilledema.
63,246
Removal of blood group determinants from bovine erythrocyte membranes. 3. Action of proteolytic enzymes on intact cells.
Bovine erythrocyte treatment with chymotrypsin, trypsin, pronase, papain, or ficin eliminated or weakened the reactivity of 18 of the 47 blood group factors which were examined. Thirteen of the affected factors were from the B system, and one each was from the C, FV, L, M, and R'S' systems. Variation attributable to pheno-group (allele) or genotype influences was observed in the effects upon six of the factors. Ficin-treated V/V, but not F/V or F/F, cells were rapidly lysed by normal rabbit serum (complement control). Absorptions with pronase-treated V positive cells indicated that essentially all V antigenicity was removed. However, immunizations with pronase-treated V positive cells elicited V antibody production in one of two recipient cows. The numbers of antigens removed by different enzymes did not appear to be closely related to the amount of protein removed.
63,256
Histological characteristics of chronic hepatides and primary biliary cirrhosis with special reference to orcein positive hepatocellular accumulations.
The histological criteria of chronic hepatides (chronic persistent and aggressive hepatitis) and primary biliary cirrhosis are well characterized and documented in the literature. Histology forms the diagnostic basis for chronic hepatides. Diagnostic changes are seen, however, only in some cases of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and only in the early stages of the disease. Difficulties are met especially in differentiating PBC from chronic aggressive hepatitis (CAH). There is a considerable histological overlap and mixed forms occur. Orcein-positive material, which is a copper-binding protein with high content of sulphydryl groups, accumulates in liver cells in long standing cholestatic liver diseases and can be demonstrated histochemically in routine biopsy specimens. It is seen in PBC in at least 70% of biopsy specimens which confirms the biliary nature of the disease. In CAH orcein positive material can be demonstrated in 20% of specimens but only from patients who also have features of PBC. This group of patients may therefore have both biliary disease are hepatocellular damage, and can be separated from CAH by the orcein method.
63,264
The prevention of viral hepatitis.
Studies with heat-inactivated MS-2 serum have indicated that active immunization against hepatitis B infection can be achieved even though the virus has not been cultivated in tissue culture. The development of new biophysical, biochemical and immunological techniques has increased knowledge of the hepatitis B virus and its associated antigens. In the wake of these recent developments the accumulating evidence indicates that active immunization could be achieved by the use of purified hepatitis B surface antigen or by one of its polypeptides or glycolipids.
63,266
Palliation of infants with truncus arteriosus through creation of a pulmonary artery ostial stenosis.
A surgical procedure for palliation of infants with truncus arteriosus and excessive pulmonary blood flow (types I, II, and III) is described. The technique involves the production of ostial stenosis of the pulmonary artery from within the truncus using cardiopulmonary bypass. This method has advantages over pulmonary artery banding, which in general has produced disappointing results.
63,271
Density of mucous glands in the normal adult nasal septum.
The entire mucosa from 13 normal nasal septa was stained by the PAS-alcian blue whole-mount method, and the mean density of glandular orifices in 13 localities was determined quantitatively by counts in 4 mm2 fields. The median density within the entire material was 8.4 glands/mm2, with an interindividual variation of +/- 1 gland/mm2. The median number was 15,900 glands, range 10,800-21,800. The distribution of the glands is regular, with little variation between the localities. Density is somewhat, but significantly lower in the posterior quarter of the septum, and there was a significant increase in density into the infero-superior direction.
63,279
Antibody-like activity to polyacrylic acid in normal rabbit sera.
Most unimmunized rabbit sera agglutinate acrylic particles coated with polyacrylic acid. The factor responsible for the agglutinating activity turned out to be a 2-mercaptoethanol-resistent immunoglobulin, present in low concentration. It was tentatively classified as "natural antibody". This is assumed to have arisen upon previous contact with naturally occurring cross-reacting polyanions.
63,297
Common tumor rejection antigens in methylcholanthrene-induced squamous cell carcinomas of mice detected by tumor protection and a radioisotopic footpad assay.
Seven transplantable lines of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin initiated in BALB/c mice by skin painting with methycholanthrene were systematically tested for cross-reactivity of their tumor rejection antigens in a 7 X 7 matrix. As determined by decreased tumor frequency after tumor cell challenge, each line was immunogenic against and/or immunosensitive to at least one and usually more than one of the other lines. A radioisotopic footpad assay for delayed hypersensitivity against viable tumor cells confirmed the cross-reactivity shown by tumor rejection. More than two antigens appeared to be present in the lines. Tests for C-type viruses were positive in all tumors; those for polyoma virus were negative. Whether the uniform presence of C-type viruses can account for the number and variety of antigens found, or whether the tumor rejection antigens are independent of virus expression, remains an open question. The finding of cross-reacting tumor rejection antigens in methylcholanthrene-induced squamous cell carcinomas encourages prospects for the development of more broadly applicable immunodiagnostic and immunotherapeutic reagents.
63,329
Separation of primary and secondary cardiovascular events in systemic anaphylaxis.
The purpose of this investigation was to differentiate primary cardiac participation in systemic anaphylaxis from a cardiac reaction secondary to respiratory distress. Hemocyaninsensitized guinea pigs were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital and artifically ventilated. The chest was opened and the left ventricle cannulated. The electrocardiogram, bronchial resistance, arterial blood pressure, and left ventricular pressure and its first derivative were recorded. Following intravenous administration of antigen, the sinus rate increased by about 50-60 beats/min, left ventricular dP/dt increased by a factor of 3, and mean arterial pressure doubled. Conduction disturbances occurred in all of the experiments and ventricular fibrillation in four of six. These changes were concomitant with a 4-fold rise in bronchial resistance. To separate the cardiac and respiratory components, antigen was administered directly into the left ventricle to expose the heart to antigen before the lungs. The intracardiac challenge resulted in increases in sinus rate and left ventricular and arterial pressure quantitatively similar to changes recorded from guinea pigs after the intravenous challenge. However, all these changes preceded the rise in bronchial resistance by 60 seconds. Arrhythmias occurred as frequently as with the intravenous challenge. Our findings show that by use of an appropriate route for administration of antigen, cardiovascular and respiratory components of systemic anaphylaxis can be separated. Our data also indicate that anaphylactic cardiovascular changes can be dissociated temporally into two sets of events: an initial primary cardiac reaction caused by intracardiac release of histamine and a subsequent cardiovascular reaction secondary to systemic release of mediator.
63,338
alpha1-Antichymotrypsin interaction with cationic proteins from granulocytes.
Human granulocytes contain cationic proteins with chymotrypsin-like activity. These proteases showed a higher relative affinity for alpha1-antichymotrypsin than for alpha1-antitrypsin but the highest affinity for alpha2-macroglobulin. The complexes between cationic protein and alpha1-antichymotrypsin migrate as beta-globulin on agarose gel electrophoresis.
63,339
Preliminary amino acid sequences of transplantation antigens: genetic and evolutionary implications.
Preliminary amino acid sequence data on the transplantation antigens of mouse and man have led to provocative hypotheses about the genetic organization and evolution of genes coded by the major histocompatibility complex of mammals. New microsequencing techniques should permit a detailed analysis of these gene products and an eventual choice among the alternative hypotheses now posed. These data have made it apparent that the H-2 complex is a fascinating and complicated chromosomal region which will continue for some time to intrigue immunologists, geneticists, biochemists, and cell biologists.
63,354
Characterization of Drosophila heterochromatin. II. C- and N-banding.
The C- and N-banding patterns of D. melanogaster, D. simulans, D. virilis, D. texana, D. ezoana and D. hydei were studied in comparison with quinacrine and Hoechst banding patterns. In all these Drosophila species the C bands correspond to the heterochromatin as revealed by the positive heteropycnosis in the prometaphase chromosomes. The N bands have the following characteristics: 1) they are always localized on the heterochromatin and generally do not correspond to the C bands; 2) they do not correspond to the nucleolar organizing regions; 3) they are inversely correlated with fluorescence, i.e., they correspond to regions which are scarcely, if at all, fluorescent after Hoechst 33258 or quinacrine staining; 4) they are localized both on regions containing AT rich satellite DNA and on those containing GC rich satellite DNA.
63,359
Nature of cross-reaction between hCG and anti-oLH serum and development of a radioimmunoassay to measure hLH specifically in the presence of hCG.
Immunological cross-reaction between hCG and anti-oLH sera has been demonstrated using radioimmunoassay techniques. The results indicate that this cross-reaction is incomplete and that the anti-oLH sera used have the ability to distinguish between LH and hCG. Following absorption with purified hCG, anti-oLH serum was used to develop a heterologous radioimmunoassay "[125I]iodo-hLH + anti-oLH serum" (H-O, RIA) which specifically and selectively measures hLH in serum samples containing both hLH and hCG. In this radioimmunoassay hCG and subunits of hCG do not cross-react with hLH, in the range in which these hormones are present in human serum under physiological conditions. Other hormones such as hPL, hPRL, hGH, hFSH, hTSH, and GnRH do not interfere with the measurement of LH by radioimmunoassay. The sensitivity of the assay was 1.5 mIU (25 ng) per ml (LER 907 standard), and the inter- and intra-assay coefficients of variations for samples were 10.83% and 8.4%, respectively. The recoveries of hLH added to pregnancy serum containing an hCG concentration of 8.55 IU/ml were in the range 95-108%. Determination of LH content of human pituitary extracts by H-O RIA gave values which were in close agreement with those derived by bioassay (indices of discrimination 0.72-1.12). Serum LH patterns in women during normal menstrual cycles as well as in amenorrheic patients who received GnRH treatment are comparable to those reported by other investigators using other radioimmunoassay systems. Serum samples obtained during the first trimester of pregnancy, when analyzed by H-O RIA, showed basal LH levels.
63,368
Morphological types of hepatocellular hyalin in Indian childhood cirrhosis: an ultrastructural study.
Morphological variants of intrahepatocytic hyalin in Indian childhood cirrhosis have been analysed by electron microscopy. This structure, morphologically identical with Mallory's alcoholic hyalin, is encountered in three different forms. The most common one is composed of randomly oriented fibrils. The next common type is composed of smudgy homogeneous or finely granular material, while the least common type consists of parallel fibrils with gentle curves giving a 'finger-print' appearance. Fragmented endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes were frequently associated with hyalin suggesting that these organelles contribute to their formation.
63,414
An improved technique for selective silver staining of nucleolar organizer regions in human chromosomes.
A reliable technique for staining human chromosomal nucleolar organizers (NOR's) with silver solutions is described. The NOR's can be selectively stained dark brown by silver solutions leaving the chromosome arms unstained and available for counterstaining with orcein or Giemsa dyes. Unequivocal identification of chromosome pairs bearing NOR's can be achieved using fluorescent banding techniques followed by silver staining. The silver staining procedure for NOR's was simplified and standardized through control of the chemical and physical conditions during silver impregnation and developing.
63,440
Segmentation of human chromosomes induced by 5-ACR (5-azacytidine).
The 5-ACR (5-azacytidine) introduced in human lymphocyte cultures induces a lack or a delay of condensation of some chromosome segments corresponding to the G-bands. The resulting R-banding is very similar to that obtained with a 7-h treatment by BrdU, although the segmentation may be much stronger (pulverization) with high doses. However, the 5-ACR does not induce chromatid asymmetry, as BrdU does. This constitutes a new argument for considering that the segmentation and the asymmetry of chromatids depend, at least partly, on two different mechanisms, where proteins are probably involved. Another effect of 5-ACR is to increase chromosome associations by satellites, secondary constrictions, and telomeric regions.
63,442
Influence of Q- and G-banding on the Feulgen-stainability of human metaphase chromosomes.
In this paper, model experiments on chicken red blood cell nuclei are described concerning the influence of methanol-acetic acid fixation and irradiation at different wavelengths, with and without prior Atebrin staining on subsequent Feulgen-stainability. In addition, data are reported on the influence on Feulgen-stainability of Giemsa-banding procedures, illumination of unstained chromosomes at 220 and 515 nm and exposure of unstained and Atebrin-stained chromosomes to illumination at 440 nm. The ASG and especially the trypsin-Giemsa technique appeared to reduce markedly Feulgen-stainability. The same holds true for Atebrin fluorescence of chromosomes. The data are discussed in relation to their implications for the assumed cause of the Q- and G-banding phenomena. Techniques are described that allow reliable Feulgen DNA measurements of individual chromosomes after application of either G- or Q-banding.
63,454
Light-induced exchange of nucleotides into coupling factor 1 in spinach chloroplast thylakoids.
The method of centrifugation of chloroplast thylakoids through silicone fluid, previously used to estimate the uptake of solutes by thylakoids, is shown to be an excellent method for measuring binding of nucleotides to thylakoids. This binding, which is probably an exchange (Harris, D. A. and Slater, E. C. (1975) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 387, 335-348), is enhanced by light and is sensitive to uncoupling. Half-maximal binding of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) or adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) at 10 mjM was reached within less than 0.1 s. With illumination times sufficient to elicit maximal binding, saturation of the site(s) is approached at 20 muM nucleotide and dissociation constants of 5 muM and 7 muM were calculated for ADP and ATP, respectively. At saturation, the binding corresponds to 1 mol/mol of coupling factor 1 or less. Although the light-dependent binding of ADP does not require Mg2+, that of ATP is markedly enhanced by Mg2+. A 10-fold molar excess of guanosine di- or triphosphate or adenyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate had little effect on the binding. Adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate, a competitive inhibitor of phosphorylation with respect to ADP, decreases the binding. Thylakoids, previously illuminated in the absence of added nucleotides, retain the capacity to bind ADP or ATP in the dark long after the H+ electrochemical gradient has decayed. The conformation of coupling factor 1 in darkened thylakoids following illumination in the absence of added nucleotides may thus differ from that in thylakoids either illuminated in the presence of nucleotides or kept in the dark. Approximately 20% of the ADP bound to coupling factor 1 in thylakoids is converted to ATP by a 2-s illumination. Bound inorganic phosphate, derived either from ATP or from inorganic phosphate itself, serves as the phosphoryl donor. Bound ADP may, therefore, be of catalytic significance in the mechanism of phosphorylation.
63,460
Delta5-androstenediol: kinetics of metabolism and binding to plasma proteins in normal men and women.
Using the constant fusion and single injection technique the metabolic clearance rates (mean +/- SEM) for delta5-androstene-3beta, 17beta-diol (delta5-idol) were measured for 19 normal men (1311 +/- 67 1/24 h) and 10 normal women (858 +/- 63 1/24 h). The constant infusion technique yielded values for the conversation ratios for the transformation of delta5-diol to several products: dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)/delta5-diol of 0.06+/-0.01 for men and 0.05 +/- 0.01 for women, of delta5-diol sulfate/delta5-diol of 0.45 +/- 0.04 for men and 0.52 +/- 0.03 for women and of DHEA sulfate/delta5-diol of 5.53 +/- 0.26 for men and 5.02 +/- 0.42 for women. The single injection technique yielded rate constants (units) and volumes of distribution (liters) for delta5-diol; Ki = 34.3 +/- 4.3 for men and 35.0 +/- 3.9 for women, K2 = 63.7 +/- 4.1 for men and 75.1 +/- 4.2 for women, V1 = 23.1 +/- 3.2 for men and 11.9 +/- 2.3 for women, V2 = 14.8 +/- 3.7 for men and 9.2 +/- 3.2 for women. The mean delta5-diol plasma concentration was 1.08 +/- 0.10 ng/ml for 12 men and 1.17 +/- 0.16 ng/ml for 9 women. (he calculated blood production rates for delta5-diol were 1357 +/- 117 mug/24 h for 12 men and 969 +/- 131 mug/24 h for 9 women. The per cent binding (equilibrium dialysis) was higher for women (94.9 +/- 0.3) than for men (93.0 +/- 0.2). Paper electrophoresis showed that significant fractions of 3H-delta5-diol migrated with both the beta-globulin and albumin fractions. Estrogen administration to two normal men increased the per cent binding of delta5-diol to plasma proteins and decreased the metabolic clearance rate towards the values found for normal women.
63,469
The specificity of cellular immune responses II. The structure of antigenic determinants leading to T-lymphocyte stimulation.
T cells from guinea pigs immunized with the hapten 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP)-coupled directly to mycobacteria are of interest since they recognize and respond to DNP conjugated to many but not all carriers. The experiments reported here further analyze the structure of the complex, chemically defined antigenic determinants recognized by such T cells. These antigenic determinants can have DNP coupled either to the xi-amino group of lysyl residues or to the hydroxyl group of tyrosyl residues. Furthermore, essential contributions to the determinant recognized by such T cells are made by amino acid residues to which the hapten is not attached. Such residues are thought to be close to the hapten group itself, since introducing a small spacer between hapten and carrier prevents recognition. The hapten itself is also recognized and discriminated from other haptens with great precision by these T lymphocytes. The strain of guinea pig immunized affects the precise specificity characteristics of the responding T cells, in a way that may reflect the activity of histocompatibility-linked immune response genes. Finally, the characteristics of the immunogen have been studied. It is thought that the lipid content of the mycobacteria may be critical in inducing the hapten-reactive T cells, and this is supported by finding similar responses in T cells from guinea pigs immunized with DNP protein to which lipid has been covalently attached. Thus, the T-cell population being studied, while recognizing haptens with great precision, appears to require a larger determinant for activation than do hapten-specific B lymphocytes.
63,530
Qualitative patterns of protein synthesis in the mouse oocyte.
Mouse oocytes were found to synthesize proteins actively at the germinal vesicle, metaphase I, metaphase II, and pronuclear (6 hours post-fertilization) stages. The qualitative pattern components being synthesized in vitro, as demonstrated using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, changed throughout maturation and fertilization. Oocytes were arrested at metaphase I by greater than 0.1 mug/ml cycloheximide or actinomycin D. The protein pattern in oocytes cultured in the presence of actinomycin D progresses to a metaphase II pattern in spite of the nuclear maturation arrest, indicating a dissociation between meiotic maturation and the changes in the pattern of proteins synthesized at different stages of maturation.
63,535
Xenotropic properties of an isolate from murine Rauscher leukemia virus in primates.
Murine Rauscher leukemia virus (MuRLV) from BALB/c plasma consisting of a mixture of an ecotropic and a xenotropic virus could be separated out by a selection process when propagated in human and simian cell cultures. This hypothesis is supported by obtaining consistently lower infectivity titers of human cell propagated RLV in human and simian cells as compared to MuRLV propagated in mouse cell cultures. Furthermore, RLV passaged in a simian cell culture failed to replicate in mouse cells, had a wide host range, was able to rescue Moloney sarcoma genome, possessed murine type C group-specific antigen, and was neutralized by anti-HRLV. Its reverse transcriptase was strongly inhibited by antiserum to MuRLV enzyme; however, antiserum to woolly monkey enzyme also inhibited (30%) its reverse transcriptase, suggesting some difference in antigenic properties. Inoculation of this virus in rhesus monkeys was inconclusive.
63,554
Interaction analysis of selective and nonselective cell-mediated cytotoxicity.
The coexistence of selective and nonselective cytotoxic cells in effector suspensions required a method of separating the two effects before specificities in cell-mediated cytotoxicity could be investigated. A method of analysis was derived which used the average cytotoxicity for each effector and target to estimate selective and nonselective cytotoxic effects. The analysis clearly detected specificity in tests of cell-mediated lympholysis, and application to tests of cell-mediated cytotoxicity on cultured human tumor cells showed that selective reactions were found.
63,558
Combined cystometric, sphincter electromyographic and uroflowmetric studies before and after transurethral resection of the prostate.
Detrusor and urethral function was studied in 10 patients before and 3 months after transurethral resection of the prostate by means of flowmetry, and simultaneous gas cystometry and integrated sphincter electromyography. THE PATIENTas cystometry and integrated sphincter electromyography. The patient had no clinical signs of neurological disease. Six had neurogenic exaggeration of the detrusor reflex in the preoperative studies. In 3 patients changes in the detrusor reflex were found postoperatively. Postural changes in detrusor reflex excitability were encountered preoperatively and postoperatively. The preoperative finding of detrusor hyperreflexia in the majority of the patients is ascribed to lesions in the detrusor reflex organization at 2 anatomical sites: 1) a subclinical lesion of the cerebral circuits of the detrusor reflex control owing to arteriosclerosis and 2) an increase of sensory detrusor-reflex triggering stimuli from the morphologically changed prostatic urethra. The study calls for diagnostic techniques for delineation of minimal cerebrospinal impairment and objective assessment of the sensory innervation of the urethra.
63,571
Oral cimetidine in severe duodenal ulceration. A double-blind controlled trial.
40 adult outpatients with active endoscopically proven duodenal ulceration, who would otherwise have merited elective ulcer surgery, entered a double-blind trial of either cimetidine (1g/day) or placebo. After twenty-eight days, 17 of 20 (85%) patients receiving cimetidine showed ulcer healing, compared with 5 of 20 patients receiving placebo (p less than 0.0005). Patients receiving cimetidine had significantly more pain-free days and pain-free nights than those receiving placebo. There was good correlation between ulcer healing and symptomatic relief (p less than 0.0005).
63,673
Plasma-exchange and immunosuppression in the treatment of fulminating immune-complex crescentic nephritis.
Nine patients with fulminating immune-complex crescentic nephritis were treated by a regimen of intensive plasma-exchange, steroids, and cytotoxic drugs. In five patients with severe renal failure there was early and rapid improvement in renal function; in one patient an early but extensive focal necrotising glomerulitis was arrested; in two patients improvement was delayed for 3 and 7 weeks and could not confidently be attributed to therapy; one patient, anuric at presentation, did not recover renal function. Follow-up renal biopsy specimens, obtained in three patients, showed no evidence of active disease. With the Clq-deviation test, circulating immune complexes were detected in five patients before treatment and had disappeared when renal function had improved and stabilised: these patients showed the best response to therapy. In three patients temporary withdrawal of plasma-exchange was followed by the reappearance of immune complexes in the circulation and was accompanied in two patients by deterioration in renal function; reintroduction of plasma-exchange was followed by elimination of immune complexes and further improvement in renal function.
63,710
Evidence that endogenous calcitonin protects against renal bone disease.
Plasma concentrations of calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase (A.P.), immunoreactive calcitonin (iC.T.), and immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (iP.T.H.) were measured in fifty-two patients with chronic renal failure on maintenance haemodialysis. On the basis of a bimodal distribution of values for plasma-A.P. the patients were dividied into 2 groups. In those patients with normal A.P. concentratons as well as in twenty-eight normal subjects there was a positive correlation between iP.T.H. and iC.T. which was independent of plasma calcium or phosphate. Patients with increased plasma-A.P. had higher concentrations of iP.T.H., lower concentrations of iC.T., and showed a negative relation between the concentrations of the two hormones. It is suggested that a possible factor in the pathogenesis of renal bone disease is a failure to secrete C.T. in adequate amounts.
63,802
Amniography for the early detection of neural tube defects.
Among the methods available for the midtrimester diagnosis of neural tube defects, it has been suggested that amniography be used to determine the presence of meningomyelocele. Twelve studies are reported in which the procedure was utilized. In 3 cases, a neural tube defect was present but was not detected by this method. The experience reported here challenges the value of this procedure and suggests that it should be evaluated further by utilizing it in cases where a positive diagnosis has been made by other methods and pregnancy termination is to be performed.
63,927
Silver deposition in mouse glomeruli.
Administration of 6 mM silver nitrate in the drinking water of mice resulted in deposition within the glomerular basement membrane of silver granules which were detected on electron microscopy after 12 days. Larger aggregates were detected in the basement membrane and mesangium when silver ingestion was extended to 14 weeks. The silver deposits did not alter significantly over a period of 21 weeks after silver nitrate ingestion was stopped.
63,934
Binding of triton X-100 to diphtheria toxin, crossreacting material 45, and their fragments.
Binding of the nonionic detergent [3H]Triton X-100 by diphtheria toxin, by the nontoxic serologically related protein crossreacting material (CRM) 45, and by their respective A and B fragments has been studied. If first denatured in 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate, all of the proteins with the exception of fragment A bind increasing amounts of Triton X-100, reaching a maximum of more than 40 mol bound per mol of protein when the detergent concentration exceeds its critical micelle concentration. No measurable amount of Triton X-100 is bound by native toxin or its A fragment of any concentration of the detergent. Undenatured CRM45 or its B45 fragment, on the other hand, readily became inserted into Triton X-100 micelles when the detergent reaches its critical micelle concentration. The results show that the toxin molecule contains a hydrophobic domain located on the portion of the B fragment that is linked to A. This region is masked in native toxin. Based on these findings, a model is proposed to describe how fragment B facilitates the transport of the enzymically active hydrophilic fragment A across the plasma membrane to reach the cytoplasm.
63,947
Immunological crossreaction between alpha-fetoprotein and albumin.
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a fetal protein associated with certain tumors, and serum albumin did not corssreact immunologically in native form. Unfolding of their polypeptide chains by reduction of the disulfide bonds followed by carboxamidomethylation produced derivatives with immunochemical properties different from those of the native proteins. Precipitating reactions and radioimmunoassays preformed with antibodies to such unfolded derivatives showed strong crossreactions between albumin and AFP. These assays were found to lack species specificity: AFPs and albumins from different species were equally active. Several other proteins unrelated to AFP or albumin did not react or reacted much less in these assays. These results support the conclusions derived from recent sequence data that AFP and albumin are structurally related and have a common ancestral gene.
63,951
[Diagnostic methods in drug allergies].
Immunological exploration of a patient following an allergic complication is based on tests in vitro, which are free of danger. At the present time it remains very difficult, on the one hand on the basis of the antigenic radicle responsible, secondly because of the characteristics of the immune response which it induces. The aim of exploration is the objective demonstration, using several techniques, of an immune response directed specifically against the medication. The pathological significance of this response must be analysed in each case.
63,984
Sterilized hepatitis B (surface) antigen for production of specific antisera.
The combined treatment with beta-propiolactone and ultraviolet rays described for the sterilization of HBsAg-positive sera does not interfere with the purification procedures for the production of HBs antigen. The immunogenicity of the HBs antigen is retained.
64,018
[Cellular immunity responses in studies of the specificity of leukocyte hepatitis virus].
Hypersensitivity of a delayed type to leukocyte hepatitis virus (LHV) was established in patients with virus hepatitis. The results of the skin tests with the LHV antigen were positive in 15 out of 20 patients with active chronic hepatitis, in 17 out of 20 convalescents and in 3 out of 20 patients in the acute stage of virus hepatitis, and negative in 4 normal subjects and in 12 out of 14 patients with chronic hepatitis in the stage of stabilization. The results of the skin tests with the antigen of donor leukocytes were negative in 130 patients with hepatitis and normal subjects. In the leukocyte migration inhibition test, 1/4 of the patients with chronic hepatitis were found to be sensitized to the LHV antigen, in the absence of sensitization by this test to the HB antigen and the antigen in the plasma of hepatitis patient.
64,028
[Epidemiological and laboratory criteria in the assessment of meningococcus carrier state].
A study was made of the duration of meningococcus carrier state, immunological indices and group-specific properties of meningococci isolated from them. The periods of meningococcus discharge were studied in 738 persons. Three categories of the carrier state were revealed: a single discharge (67% of the carriers), of average duration (up to 4 weeks), and prolonged. Greater indices of group-specific antibodies (in the passive hemagglutination test) were revealed in the carriers with prolonged presence of meningococci in the nasopharynx. Dynamics of immunological indices and periods of the carrier state formation in the foci of infection permitted to characterize the prolonged carrier state as a latent form of meningococcus infection. A study of the group-specific properties in 1845 strains and comparison of the group-specific pattern of the circulating strains with the epidemic situation indicated that meningococci of group A were not only epidemic, but also more virulent.
64,094
[The effect of homologous gamma-globulin on nonspecific factors of antiviral immunity in prophylactic and therapeutic application].
Administration of homologous gamma-globulin for prophylactic purpose promoted an increase in the interferon-synthesizing activity of leukocytes. The therapeutic use of this preparation in tick-borne encephalitis produced no stimulating effect on this index.
64,096
Comparative studies of the incorporation inhibition of radioactive nucleotides and amino acids in vitro under the influence of adriamycin, bleomycin, and sodium arsenate.
The incorporation of 14C-marked nucleotides and amino acids into the nucleic acids and into the cellular protein of PHA-stimulated human lymphocytes was inhibited variably by increasing doses of Adriamycin, Bleomycin and Na2HAsO4. The findings, which were obtained with the aid of the liquid scintillation counter and partly by means of 14C-thymidine-marked autoradiographies shows clearly that Adriamycin causes the strongest incorporation inhibition. In contrast to this, the inhibition caused by Bleomycin and arsenate is considerably less destructive. It was shown by means of cytophoto metrical examinations that Adriamycin is capable of fixing cells in the G2 phase and in the S phase. Cells react similarly to Bleomycin and arsenate. The differential inhibition of nucleic acid and protein metabolism induced by Adriamycin, Bleomycin and arsenate is correlated with a varying responsiveness of lymphocytes to the cytostatically effective substances.
64,130
The role of IgE in the immune response to neoplasia: a review.
The role of IgE in the immune response to neoplasia has received little attention despite suggestive evidence for an IgE response to tumor specific antigens. A complex interrelationship is known to exist between basophils, eosinophils, histamine, complement, and T cells. The latter cells are known to play a central role in the immune response to neoplasia and, in addition, are now considered important in the production and regulation of IgE, the molecule that may supply an important link between pharmacological and cellular dynamics of a successful anti-tumor response. The evidence for an IgE role in the immune response to tumors, the relationship between atopy and cancer, and the possible mechanisms whereby IgE could enhance tumor rejection are discussed in this review.
64,292
Treatment of cancer of the ovary.
This chapter has stressed the importance of early diagnosis in the treatment of cancer of the ovary with suggestions as to achieving this goal by a more aggressive approach to the accurate diagnosis of pelvic tumours. The combined use of surgery with radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy has also been discussed with the definition of the functions of the surgeon, radiotherapist and chemotherapist. The place of surgery in the staging and initial treatment of this disease is outlined and the indications for surgery for advanced and recurrent disease are demonstrated. The use of the various modalities of ionising radiation has been outlined and the place of chemotherapy and selection of appropriate drugs are also discussed.
64,330
Treatment of cystic ovarian disease in dairy cattle. Comparative observation of the effects of an intramuscular injection of corticosteroids and an intravenous injection of a combination of human chorionic gonadotropin and progesterone.
Of 67 cows with cystic ovarian disease (COD), 34 were injected intramuscularly with 20 mg of betamethasone of 10 mg of dexamethasone (CC) and 33 intravenously with a combination of 3,000 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin and 125 mg of progesterone (HCG -P). Pregnancy rates and intervals between treatment and conception were 32.4% and 32.1 +/- 30.5 days, respectively, in the CC-treated cows and 30.3% and 51.6 +/- 29.5 days in the HCG -P-treated ones. Cows which had not responded to gonadotropin treatment showed a considerably higher pregnancy rate when treated with CC and a lower pregnancy rate when administered with HCG -P than those which had received no treatment before. There was a trend that the earlier a cow was treated, the more readily she recovered. CC injection gave a satisfactory result even when performed long after calving. The estrous behaviour seemed to be related with prognosis in cows with COD. In both CC-treated and HCG -P-treated cows, the pregnancy rate was the highest in cows showing anestrus and the lowest in those exhibiting irregular estrus.
64,331
The definition of waking stages on the basis of continuous polygraphic recordings in normal subjects.
Polygraphic examinations were made during the day on 6 normal subjects. Simultaneous evaluation of EEG, EOG and EMG was carried out over 30 sec epochs. The data thus obtained were correlated with the various types of behaviour and activities during the day and then interpreted. Six conditions could be defined corresponding to different waking stages. The analysis of the material obtained shows that the existence of these waking stages is of interindividual validity.
64,349
Cellular subclasses in human leukemic hemopoiesis.
Cellular organization and communication in leukemic hemopoiesis may be compared with its counterpart in normal hemopoiesis. Results obtained using cell culture methods have provided some support for the view that leukemic hemopoiesis, like normla hemopoiesis, may involve 3 levels of differentiation: leukemic stem cells, committed leukemic progenitors, and more mature cells. Evidence is also beginning to emerge that leukemic populations may be regulated by messages from the environment in a manner analogous to normal hemopoiesis. The apparent similarities between leukemic and normal hemopoiesis raise, the possibility that the target cell for leukemic transformation is the normal pluripotent stem cell. The development of culture methods for the production of leukovirus-like particles from human leukemic cells provides a possible first step toward the direct identification of leukemic target cells.
64,380
[Results of palliative operations in infants with pseudotruncus arteriosus (author's transl)].
A palliative procedure in patients with pulmonary atresia with VSD should improve arterial oxygen saturation, allow growth and development, and promotes a uniform dilatation of the pulmonary arteries. Thirty-three severely symptomatic patients, ranging from 5 days to 24 mths of age and from 2,4 to 11 kg of weight underwent a variety of palliative operations, including the ascending aorta-right pulmonary artery shunt (intrapericardial: 15 cases; extrapericardial: 14 cases), the Blalock shunt (4 cases). In two cases, both with absence of the left pulmonary artery, a Waterston shunt was performed using cardiopulmonary by-pass. The operative mortality was 20%. In two patients an additional shunt procedure was deemed necessary due to persistent cyanosis. All the survivors improved in terms of arterial oxygen saturation, growth and development. There were no late deaths (mean follow-up: 23 months).
64,373
Filtrability of erythrocytes in "hypersplenic" rats.
The values of haemoglobin, reticulocytes and half-times of the filtrability of non-washed and washed erythrocytes were examined in male albino rats, Wistar strain, after i.p. injections of methylcellulose (MC) and compared with controls. In individual experiments the rats received 2 to 32 injections of MC. In injected animals, the filtrability of non-washed erythrocytes was altered. The filtrability half-times of the washed erythrocytes did not differ from the controls. Thus, the filtrability is altered for extracorpuscular reasons. "Hypersplenism" being completely developed, (after 32 MC injections), the filtrability of non-washed erythrocytes repaired when the application of MC had been discontinued, the reticulocyte values remained however increased. Problems of the mechanism of anaemia in experimental "hypersplenism" after MC injections in rats and relations between the altered filtrability of the erythrocytes and the haemolysis are discussed.
64,395
[Fibrinolytic properties of a heparin-ocrase complex].
The obtained heparin-ocrase complex includes properties of inhibiting coagulation and a high fibrinolytic activity in vitro and in vivo. The fibrinolytic activity of the heparin-ocrase complex is higher than the equivalent amount of ocrase. The fibrinolytic activity of the complex is not only evident on non-stabilized fibrin plates, but likewise on stabilized ones and at the presence of inhibitors of enzymatic fibrinolysis, such as Trasylol and epsilon-aminocaproic acid. The complex formation between heparin and protease was confirmed by means of cross-paper electrophoresis and spectrophotometry.
64,397
[Studies on cryoprecipitates. 6. Osmolality and electrolyte conductivity].
By measuring the osmolality of plasma and the cryoprecipitate gained by it as well as by measurements of conductivity the previously reported observations about the enrichment of electrolytes in cryoprecipitates could be confirmed. The findings show that these preparations represent hyperosmolic solutions. This fact should by kept in mind when applying them.
64,399
[The transplantability of bone marrow and spleen cells after filtration through silon tissue].
Investigations were carried out on the separation of haematopoietic stem cells from suspensions of the bone-marrow and spleen by means of filtration with silon tissue. The presence of stem cells in the filtrates was determined by the spleen colony test according to the method of Till and McCulloch in irradiated mice. The investigations revealed that a selective separation of haematopoietic stem cells could not be achieved when proceeding in this way. From the results of further test series, in which suspensions were also used which had been gained from haematopoietic tissues of hypersplenic mice, the conclusion could be drawn that the haematopoietic stem cells obtained by filtrating the bone-marrow will have another affinity to the spleen tissue of irradiated mice than the haematopoietic stem cells gained by filtrating the spleen tissue.
64,407
[Blood morphology of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla). II. Studies on granulopoiesis].
It was found that the granulocytes for Anguilla anguilla mainly form in the kidney. The stem cell of granulocytes is the large hemocytoblast. Sequences of development were established for the heterophil, cosinophil and basophil granulocytes. Myeloblasts, promyelocytes, metamyelocytes, mature red-shaped and segmented forms were described as stages of development of the heterophil granulocytes. In the case of the eosinophil and basophil granulocytes the myeloblastic and myelocytic stages could be demonstrated as well as the mature granulocyte. By the aid of special granular staining, phase contrast observations, supravital and cytochemical investigations the granulocytes could be described. The cytochemical proof for the granulocytes delivered a distribution pattern of the lipids, carbohydrates, RNA (RNS) and enzymes: unspecific esterase, alkaline and acid phosphatases, oxydase and peroxydase. By means of heart puncture a larger loss of blood was caused and the hematopoiesis stimulated. The following blood letting gave indications of how rapidly the granulopoiesis develops and how much time maturing takes. After a larger loss of blood the new-growth of the granulocytes will be completed nine days later.
64,409
[The spontaneous lymphocyte transformation rate in newborn infants at risk].
The lymphocyte transformation test was performed in 32 risk newborns and 32 comparative persons (17 adults, 15 children). In the void controls without antigen addition the newborns had a significantly higher spontaneous blastic reaction than the control group. The phenomenon may be explained by lymphatic stem cells in the blood or an ontogenetically higher content of "embryonic tissue" respectively being present as unspecific stimulant or an immunological defence reaction against maternal immunoglobulins transmitted diaplacentally (formation of antigammaglobulin factors) or against maternal lymphocytes to prevent a "runt disease".
64,428
Hb Lepore and (haemo-) blastomata.
The still increasing amount of carriers and anemics by thalassemia (Th) and other Hb-pathies (approximately 4,000 among approximately 48,000 investigated people) have shown that Campania is the most affected world area by all Hb Lepre conditions. Among 161 people with heterozygous Hb Lepore we have noticed 10 cases associated with (hemo-) blastomata as follows: 2 Chr. Lymphatic Leukemia, 2 Ac. Lymphoblastic Leukemia, 1 Lymphosarcom, 1 Colon Cancer, 1 Uterin Cancer, 1 Plasmocytom, 1 Hodkgin Disease, 1 Ac. Promyelocyte Leukemia (or fatal ac. agranulocytemia?). In the literature we recently found 2 other similar cases. The incidence of such malignancies in our Hb Lepore people reaches 6%. On the contrary in the heterozygous Th. group, among 3,150 carriers, we diagnosed only 20 people with (hemo-) blastomata as follows: 12 Ac. Leukemia (9Lymphoblastic) and 8 Chr. Myeloid Leukemia, with an incidence rate of 0.6% namely a little higher than in normal people. This highly significant discrepancy rate shows an elective predisposition to (haemo-) blastomata from Leporian people.
64,434
Survival and fertility of antibiotic-treated bovine spermatozoa.
Motility of spermatozoa stored at 5 C with up to 1000 units or mug of chloramphenicol, polymyxin, kanamycin, tylosin, ampicillin, lincomycin, spectinomycin, erythromycin, novabiocin, or terramycin per ml of extender was compared to that with penicillin plus dihydrostreptomycin. Novabiocin and terramycin were toxic, but other antibiotic treatments had no effect. However, erythromycin and tylosin, as well as colymycin, depressed motility of frozen thawed spermatozoa. Spermatozoal motility was equivalent, following freezing in ampules or straws. All of the antibiotics which were non-toxic when added singly to frozen semen were also not harmful to frozen spermatozoa when as much as 2000 units or mug were added per ml of extender containing penicillin and dihydrostreptomycin. The addition of 1000 units or mug of ampicillin, chloramphenicol, kanamycin, lincomycin, polymyxin, or spectinomycin per ml of extender containing 750 units penicillin and 750 mug dihydrostreptomycin per ml did not influence the fertility of frozen spermatozoa in a field test involving 19,663 first inseminations.
64,480
Harvester ant sensitivity: in vitro and in vivo studies using whole body extracts and venom.
Harvester ant stings by Pogonomyrmex maricopa (Pm) or Pogonomyrmex rugosus (Pr) resulted in serious reactions in 8 patients, 4 with generalized reactions and 1 with large local reactions. Exposure to one species in the genus Pogonomyrmex (P) appeared to cross-sensitize ant-sensitive patients to other species in the same genus as evidenced by skin testing and leukocyte histamine release, but these patients were less sensitive to extracts from other stinging Hymenoptera, including bee, wasp, yellow jacket, hornet, and Formica ant. Pr ant venom was obtained by electrical stimulation of live ants for leukocyte histamine release studies. The venom preparation was considerably more effective in inducing histamine release than a body extract derived from gasters, the posterior abdominal segments. Rabbits immunized with an extract from one species produced precipitating antibodies against the injected extract withich cross-reacted with extracts from other species of harvester ant, but not with other stinging Hymenoptera. Humans and rabbits appear to react to certain genus-specific antigens present in Pogonomyrmex whole body extracts. Proper identification of the offending ant is crucial for proper testing and treatment of ant-sensitive patients.
64,481
A general method for the rapid separation and specific detection of antigenic meterial by immunoelectrofiltration using multispecific antisera.
A general technique is described for the separation and detection of specific antigens from complex antigen mixtures, by their electrophoresis through antibody-containing gels. The method does not require purified reagent antigen or fuctionally monospecific antisera and should have a wide applicability in the detection, quantification and characterization of various antigens.
64,569
The ethanol fractionation of mouse serum.
A method for the ethanol fractionation of normal mouse serum has been developed which is rapid and simple to perform. The method was shown to be effective in purification of IgG1, IgG2 and gammaM-gammaA globulins. Gel filtration and zone electrophoresis proved to be effective in separating the gammaM-gammaA globulin combination into their respective components. Immunoelectrophoresis was chosen to assess the homogeneity of the fractions and the results agree with those obtained by other workers.
64,570
Cross-antigenicity and immunogenicity between capsular polysaccharides of group C Neisseria meningitidis and of Escherichia coli K92.
Antibodies to capsular polysaccharides of group C Neisseria meningitidis are often found in sera of young adults despite infrequent nasopharyngeal carriage and low rate of attack of N. meningitidis in the United States. Thus, experiments were designed for detection of bacteria cross-reactive with N. meningitidis. Among 3,264 cultures of stool, urine, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid, only 14 strains were found to be cross-reactive; all were Escherichia coli possessing the K92 capsular polysaccharide. The somatic O-antigens were 16, 13, 23, and 73; the flagellar antigens were H4 and 34. All K92 strains of E. coli showed the expected fermentations, were sensitive to common antibiotics, and lacked enteropathogenicity. Antigens of both E. coli K92 and group C N. meningitidis are capsular, acidic polysaccharides composed of sialic acid. The K92 polysaccharide is N- but not O-acetylated, sensitive to neuraminidase, and linked by alpha-2,8- alternating with alpha-2,9-ketosidic bonds. The K92 polysaccharides from all E. coli studied had similar biophysical and immunological properties. Intravenous injection of formalin-treated K92 organisms induced precipitating and bactericidal antibodies to polysaccharides of N. meningitidis. E. coli K92 strains may provide an alternative immunogen for prophylaxis against disease due to group C N. meningitidis in infants and young children.
64,575