The role of lipid peroxidation in the N-oxidation of 4-chloroaniline

Irradiation with u.v. light of aerobic aqueous media containing both rabbit liver microsomal fraction and 4-chloroaniline results in N-oxidation of the arylamine. The reaction is severely blocked by exhaustive extraction with organic solvents of the microsomal membranes to remove lipids. Further, scavengers of OH. and O2.-impair the photochemical process. These findings suggest that the observed phenomenon may be closely associated with light-induced lipid peroxidation. Indeed, N-oxidation of 4-chloroaniline is fully preserved when either phospholipid liposomes or dispersed linoleic acid substitute for intact microsomal fraction. Co-oxidation of the amine substrate occurs during iron/ascorbate-promoted lipid peroxidation also, but H2O2 or free OH. radicals do not appear to be involved. Cumene hydroperoxide-sustained rabbit liver microsomal turnover of the amine generates N-oxy product via O2-dependent and -independent pathways; propagation of lipid peroxidation is presumed to govern the former route. Lipid hydroperoxides, either exogenously added to rabbit liver microsomal suspensions or enzymically formed from arachidonic acid in ram seminal-vesicle microsomal preparations, support N-oxidation of 4-chloroaniline. The significance, in arylamine activation, of lipid peroxidation in certain extrahepatic tissues exhibiting but low mono-oxygenase activity is discussed.

The influence of genetic background on the susceptibility of inbred mice to streptozotocin-induced diabetes

Multiple low-dose injections of streptozotocin (STZ) induce a delayed but progressively increasing state of hyperglycemia in mice. Different inbred strains of mice show different susceptibility to this treatment. We examined whether genetic factors associated with the H-2 complex influence the susceptibility or resistance, using a selected group of 12 inbred and 5 congenic resistant strains of mice. We found that different congenic strains differed significantly in their susceptibility to STZ-induced diabetes, suggesting that H-2-associated genes do influence the susceptibility. However, at least some inbred strains sharing the same H-2 haplotype also differed in their susceptibility, indicating that genes outside the H-2 complex may also affect the susceptibility. Therefore, there appear to be at least two genes, one within and one or more outside the H-2 complex, that determine the susceptibility to multiple low doses of STZ.

Analysis of proteins, helper dependence, and seroepidemiology of a new human parvovirus

A new type of defective parvovirus, tentatively designated as adeno-associated virus type 5 (AAV-5), is characterized as far as its proteins, its helper dependence, and its seroepidemiology are concerned. The protein analysis of AAV-5 in polyacrylamide gels demonstrated the presence of three structural polypeptides, corresponding to VP 1, VP 2, and VP 3 of other AAV types. The preparation of monoclonal antibodies against AAV-5 permitted the analysis of viral structural antigen expression by using adenovirus type 12 (Ad 12) or several herpes group viruses as helper viruses, respectively. AAV-5-infected cell cultures coinfected with either Ad 12, Herpes simplex virus (HSV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), or Varicella Zoster virus (VZV) efficiently synthesize AAV-5 specific antigens. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Herpesvirus saimiri, in contrast, provide only a very weak helper activity for AAV 5 antigen expression. The development of a specific ELISA test permitted screening of human sera for antibodies to AAV-5. Forty-five percent of 926 sera from all age groups and approximately 60% of the adult population reveal antibodies to structural components of this virus. The seroepidemiology differs from that reported for other AAV serotypes. Highest average titers against AAV-5 are observed in the age group between 15 and 20 years. Sera from patients with cervical carcinoma revealed average titers of antibodies well below those of age-matched control groups. Attempts to find higher antibody levels against AAV-5 in specific human diseases failed thus far.

[The tendon test of the tibial nerve in Hansen's disease]

Seventeen patients, presenting Hansen's disease, were studied by the Tendon-test. Nine presented pathological answers and 4 did not answer at all, probably due to serious damage. So the amount of pathological answers reached to 76.5% (13 patients). On the other hand, the answer of two patients was considered within the limits and they were classified with the normal answering patients that reached to 23.5% (4 patients). In order to find out if the tibial nerves are also injured simultaneously wit the ulnar and the median ones, it is advisable to employ this method in a larger number of patients and in a different social-geographical environment.

A reconsideration of the relation of ventricular enlargement to duration of illness in schizophrenia

The size of the ventricles of 19 young hospitalized patients with chronic schizophrenia was compared with that of 29 same-age control subjects. The patients had a slightly but significantly larger bicaudate ratio. Analysis of these results in the context of previous studies of ventricular size and schizophrenia suggests that, contrary to current views, there is a direct relationship between size of ventricles and duration of schizophrenic illness. The authors argue that the conflicting results of different studies of ventricular size and schizophrenia can be reconciled by postulating that both clinical schizophrenia and ventricular enlargement are overt signs of an underlying neuronal degeneration that is hereditary and progressive.

The pharmacokinetics of temocillin in patients with normal and impaired renal function

The pharmacokinetics of temocillin was studied in 16 subjects with varying degrees of renal functional impairment. The subjects were divided into three groups, depending on their creatinine clearance: Group A greater than 70 ml/min/1.73 m2; Group B 20-70ml/min/1.73 m2 and Group C less than 20 ml/min/1.72 m2. Following intravenous administration the total serum clearance of temocillin was reduced in patients with renal insufficiency. The distribution of temocillin into the tissues was not affected by renal dysfunction, apparent distribution volumes being 15.11, 16.01 and 13.81 in Groups A, B and C respectively. The change in clearance was reflected in an increased area under the serum concentration versus time curve from 418 mg h/l in Group A to 1301 mg h/l and 1553 mg h/l in Groups B and C respectively. The beta elimination half-life was also prolonged from 3.5 h in Group A 12.7 h in Group B and 17.5 h in Group C. The urinary excretion of temocillin was both delayed and reduced according to the extent of kidney damage. The reduction in temocillin clearance was proportional to the extent of reduction from normal of the clearance of creatinine. This relationship has been used to suggest dosage schedules for temocillin in patients with renal insufficiency.

Rat serum albumin synthesis in variant rat hepatoma cells

Variant subclones of the rat hepatoma cell line FU5-5 have been isolated that are altered in their production of rat serum albumin. Three of these variants, isolated in a random screening, have been categorized as high, intermediate, and low producers. They secrete albumin into the culture medium at different rates: 16, 1.7, and 0.3 microgram/mg cell protein/48 h. A fourth variant, isolated on the basis of altered morphology, secretes no detectable albumin. Unlike the albumin-producing variants, this null variant is also deficient in the level and inducibility of tyrosine aminotransferase activity. Albumin biosynthesis as determined in pulse-labeling experiments is affected similarly in the four variants, yielding albumin synthetic rates of 0.24, 0.035, 0.006, and less than 0.002% of total protein synthesis. The translatable albumin messenger RNA content in these variants was measured using a rabbit reticulocyte lysate system. The null variant contains no detectable mRNA, and the three quantitative variants contain levels of translatable albumin messenger RNA corresponding to 0.07, 0.03, and 0.005% of total stimulated polypeptide synthesis. The highest producing variant contains less translatable albumin mRNA than expected on the basis of cellular biosynthetic measurements, suggesting a translation efficiency difference in this clone. Cell hybrids constructed by fusing the high-producing clone and the null variant produce little or no albumin. This extinction indicates that the null variant contains a diffusible regulatory factor capable of decreasing albumin gene expression. The relatively stable and discrete heritable phenotypic changes exhibited by these clones may serve as a model for similar changes that occur during hepatic differentiation.

Gardner's stigmas in patients with familial adenomatosis coli

Extracolonic lesions compatible with Gardner's syndrome were studied in 34 patients from 17 unrelated families with established familial adenomatosis coli. Thirteen patients (38 per cent) had the complete syndrome and 12 patients (35 per cent) a bisymptomatic syndrome. Bone lesions were found in 79 per cent of the patients examined, epidermoid cysts in 35 per cent, desmoid tumours in 18 per cent and dental changes in 18 per cent. One extracolonic manifestation of the triad in at least one affected family member was detected in 14 families (82 per cent). The findings provide additional evidence for the view that all cases of familial adenomatosis coli belong to a single genetic entity. The usually innocent extracolonic signs of Gardner's syndrome severe as valuable markers for early detection of asymptomatic family members at risk. Panoramic X-ray of the jaws seems to be especially suitable for this purpose.

The measurement of total respiratory resistance in small children

A new, simplified apparatus to determine total respiratory resistance (Rrs) was presented. This apparatus, which utilizes the principle of forced oscillation, is portable, relatively simple to operate and calibrate, and small children can be tested with no apparent difficulties. To investigate the usefulness of the apparatus, total respiratory resistance was measured in 101 healthy children, ages 3-5. Rrs was found to be the highest in the younger children and was decreased with increasing age. The greatest variability in Rrs was found among the youngest children. Linear regression equations for Rrs versus height, weight, and body surface area were established. The best correlation was found between Rrs and height (r = -.325; P less than 0.01) of the children. Utilizing the described apparatus, Rrs can be determined relatively easily without requiring special effort by the subject and is a useful tool to monitor the airways function of young patients.

Rationale and application of beta-2-microglobulin measurements to detect acute transplant rejection

Serum and urinary concentrations of beta 2-microglobulin were measured for the first 21 days after renal transplantation to aid in diagnosis of acute rejection. Criteria developed after study of 15 patients were applied to the entire group of 31 consecutive cases. 29 instances meeting our criteria were identified in 651 days at risk and were associated with a mean maximal increase of serum creatinine of 74.8%. beta 2-Microglobulin methods may make possible detection of what is now subclinical rejection. beta 2-Microglobulin methods, however, are an adjunct to, not a replacement for classical methods for detecting acute rejection.

Plasma and tumor ACTH in carcinoma of the lung

Plasma and tissue contents of immunoreactive ACTH were determined in 100 patients undergoing surgical resection for lung cancer. ACTH was detectable (greater than 1 ng ACTH equivalent/g wet weight) tissue in 47 of 49 specimens of epidermoid carcinoma, in 15 of 17 specimens of adenocarcinoma and in 7 of 8 specimens of large cell carcinoma; the median concentrations in these three tumor types were 8, 3 and 9 ng/g, respectively. Patients with oat cell carcinoma were not considered candidates for curative resection and are not included in this series. ACTH was not detectable in 36 specimens of apparently normal lung tissue from the same lobe but distant from the tumor and ranged up to 6 ng/g in 14 other specimens. One-half of patients with epidermoid carcinoma but only one-quarter of those with adenocarcinoma had preoperative plasma levels exceeding 250 ng/L plasma. About 75% of patients survived for at least one year whether preoperative plasma levels were greater than 400 ng/L or less than 200 ng/L. In only 4 of 21 patients with preoperative levels greater than 300 ng/L did the plasma fall by at least one-half in the immediate postoperative period. It is concluded that measurement of preoperative and postoperative plasma immunoreactive ACTH does not have a prognostic value for remission or long term survival in lung cancer, probably because it is unlikely that the tumor per se is the sole source accounting for the elevated levels generally observed in this condition.

Selective loss of noradrenergic phenotypic characters in neuroblasts of the rat embryo

To define the fate of embryonic neuroblasts in rat gut, which transiently express several noradrenergic traits, we investigated the high-affinity uptake of norepinephrine. At 12.5 days of gestation, these cells exhibited immunoreactivity to tyrosine hydroxylase [tyrosine 3-monoxygenase; L-tyrosine, tetrahydropteridine:oxygen oxidoreductase (3-hydroxylating), EC 1.14.16.2] and endogenous catecholamine fluorescence. However, by 13.5 days these noradrenergic neurotransmitter phenotypic characters essentially disappeared. In contrast, norepinephrine uptake, which was also apparent at 12.5 days, persisted at least through 17.5 days. These observations indicate that norepinephrine uptake develops as an additional noradrenergic characteristic in these cells and persists after the disappearance of other noradrenergic traits. Consequently, neurotransmitter phenotypic characters may be transiently displayed during normal development in vivo.

Partial trisomy for the long arm of chromosome 7 due to familial balanced translocation

A partial trisomy for the distal segment of the long arm of chromosome 7 (bands q32 replaced by qter) was observed in a severely retarded child with somatic and CNS anomalies. The phenotypically normal father and paternal grandmother had a balanced reciprocal translocation between the long arm of a chromosome 2 and the long arm of a chromosome 7: 46,XX-XY,t(2;7) (q37;q32). The clinical features of the child at birth and at the ages of 5 months and 2 years are compared with those previously reported in cases of partial trisomy 7q.

Allergy in otorhinolaryngology

The authors discuss briefly the definition of allergy. Then step by step all the stages of a thorough allergic examination of patients with mainly ENT complaints are described with special emphasis on: history, ENT examination, routine laboratory tests (total eosinophil count, nasal smear, skin tests, RIST, RAST) and nose challenge tests. The results of these investigations allow the authors to propose a useful scheme in allergic diagnosis. Finally the therapeutic possibilities in allergic rhinopathy are discussed.

Combined chemotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the lung

One hundred sixty-seven patients with extensive well-differentiated and 120 patients with extensive poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the lung received chemotherapy as part of a randomized study by the Veterans Administration Lung Group. Chemotherapy was administration at random using one of the following four regimens: (1) cyclophosphamide alone; (2) cyclophosphamide plus 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU); (3) doxorubicin (adriamycin) plus cyclophosphamide; and (4) doxorubicin plus CCNU. With data on survival as the criteria for evaluation, it has been shown that combined chemotherapy using doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide achieves greater median survival for patients with squamous cell cancer of the lung than single-drug chemotherapy using cyclophosphamide, under the conditions of this study; however, prolongation of life is still minimal, and better treatment is required. About 20 percent of the patients receiving any of the four regimens developed serious toxic effects from therapy with the drugs.

Cytochalasin-stimulated steroidogenesis from high density lipoproteins

The cytochalasins stimulate steroid secretion of Y-1 adrenal tumor cells two-to threefold. The order of potencies is cytochalasin E is greater than D is greater than B, but the maximum response is the the same and always less than with ACTH. Like that with ACTH, the stimulation has a rapid onset, is easily reversible, is inhibited by cucloheximide and aminoglutethimide, and occurs at a stage before pregnenolone. Although the cytochalasin, like ACTH, produce cell rounding, it is shown that this morphological change is not necessarily coupled to steridogenesis. Unlike ACTH, cytochalasin B does not measurably increase cellular levels of cAMP at concentrations that lead to maximal steroidogenesis. The cytochalasin B-induced stimulation of steroidogenesis, unlike the short-term ACTH effect, fails to occur in the absence of serum. This lack of response can be corrected by even low concentrations of human high density lipoproteins (HDL) but not by low density lipoproteins (LDL). We, therefore, propose that cytochalasin B enhances the availability of cholesterol bound to HDL for steroidogenesis by Y-1 adrenal cells.

Use of plasma protein fraction in preservation of cadaveric kidneys

We have compared 23 cadaver kidneys preserved with cryoprecipitated plasma (CPP) with 23 consecutive cadaver kidneys preserved with plasma protein fractions (PPF). In both groups the MOX-100 Waters machine was used. The PPF solution does not contain any fibrinogen or gamma globulin. The harvesting characteristics of both groups were comparable. Pulsatile perfusion time in the PPF group was up to 46 hours and in the CPP group was up to 44 hours. In the PPF group, 20 kidneys achieved immediate function upon transplant (85 percent). Two underwent periods of acute tubular necrosis (ATN) and one kidney never worked. In the CPP group, 18 kidneys achieved immediate function (78 percent). Two underwent periods of ATN and three never achieved satisfactory function. From this clinical experience, PPF is as effective as CPP for the preservation of kidneys up to 44 hours prior to transplant. The advantages of the PPF are easy availability, long shelf life, simple preparation, low cost, freedom from risk of hepatitis, and theoretical absence of antibody against the kidney. Graft and patient survival at 6 months showed no statistical difference.

Comparative studies on the effect of oxygen high pressure (OHP) on different species; with special reference to the organ preservation

Different species of animals (warm-blooded, poikilotherms and cold-blooded) were exposed to oxygen high pressure (OHP) (1-4 ata) for 2-8 h. OHP revealed (a) a different vulnerability in various species; (b) an inverse correlation between basal oxygen consumption and their vulnerability; (c) the critical point of the toxic effect of OHP in normothermia was an exposition time of 2 h with 2 ata OHP; (d) morphological changes of lung, CNS and vessels -- intense folding of alveolar septa with cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy; (e) electron-microscopical demonstration of damaged endothelial cells with total or partial occlusion of the capillaries.

A stereosialographic study of developmental mandibular bone defects (Stafne's idiopathic bone cavities)

The purpose of the study was to investigate with the aid of stereosialography and orthopantomography, the connection between developmental mandibular bone defects and the submandibular salivary gland. In sialographies on seven patients, there were two cases in which the contrast medium was found, with certainty, to fill the lobe of the submandibular salivary gland in the area of the bone defect. In four cases the contrast medium ended in the immediate vicinity of the defect. In one case no conclusive result was obtained. The results of the study suggest that the developmental mandibular bone defect and the lobe of the submandibular salivary gland being in close contact with the lingual surface of the mandible have a probable etiologic causal connection, at least in a number of cases.