A simplified micromethod for assay of reserve bilirubin binding capacity

The Sephadex gel elution method for assay of the reserve bilirubin binding capacity (RBBC) of the serum of jaundiced newborns has been modified to permit its application on a routine basis in the clinical chemistry laboratory. The volume of sample required has been reduced to 0.2 ml. of serum or less, the time required to perform the assay decreased to 30 to 45 minutes, and the reliability of the results enhanced by unidormly higher absorbance readings. The RBBC as determined by this modified micromethod agrees within 1 mg./dl. with that obtained from the original method. The results are not affected by flow rates through the columns, which vary by as much as a factor of 5, but are interfered with by sample hemolysis, lipemia, and a high proportion of direct-reacting bilirubin. The RBBC assay is a useful tool in the management of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, and the simplification of the method should permit its greater use on a routine basis.

Isoproterenol induced pancreatic secretion in rats. A comparison with secretin

The stimulatory effects of isoproterenol and secretin on external pancreatic secretion were compared in the rat. 1. In acute fistula, pylorus ligation, atropine, glucagon did not change either of the stimulated secretions. Propranolol inhibited isoproterenol-induced secretion and did not change secretin induced stimulation. Theophylline alone displayed a large hydrelatic stimulatory effect, without increasing protein excretion; the effect of theophylline was additive with the effects of isoproterenol or secretin but no evidence was found of potentiation or prolongation of action. Isoproterenol did not increase pancreatic blood flow and induced no variations in the plasma levels of immunoreactive secretin. Combining various doses of isoproterenol and secretin did not allow to reach secretory levels greater than the maximal response to secretin. 2. In conscious rats chronic fistulae, isoproterenol and secretin had a distinct effect.

Forward traction in the correction of retrodisplaced maxilla

An external fixation apparatus immobilized to the skull has been used with satisfactory results in 15 cases of significant retrusion of the middle third of the face in which intermaxillary wiring and facial suspension had proved inadequate. The retrusion was a consequence of trauma or secondary to congenital malformation.This apparatus, developed by Delbet and Tessier, would be useful in difficult cases, such as for edentulous patients, and is an alternative to bone grafting.