Detection of antibodies to bovid herpesvirus 4 by ELISA

An enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for antibodies to bovid herpesvirus 4 was developed using antigen prepared by detergent lysis of infected cell cultures. The assay was used to study the immune responses of experimentally-immunised calves. The results correlated well with the indirect fluorescent antibody method. A viral neutralizing antibody response could not be demonstrated in the calves.

A survey of prescribing of psychotropic drugs in a Birmingham psychiatric hospital

Of 603 patients receiving in-patient or day-patient psychiatric care, one-sixth were taking no psychotropic drugs, but nearly 50% of those receiving medication had a combination of two or more such drugs. Hypnotics and minor tranquillisers were frequently prescribed together with neuroleptics and antidepressants. One-third of all patients receiving neuroleptics received a combination of oral and depot preparations, while half of all patients on neuroleptics were prescribed anti-parkinsonian drugs. One-fifth of patients treated with neuroleptics had a diagnosis other than schizophrenia, and one-third of patients treated with antidepressants had a diagnosis other than affective disorder. A comparison of our findings with those from Oxford show some significant differences, particularly in the use of depot, oral, of combined neuroleptic drugs. An analysis of prescribing could be a useful part of self-audit for hospitals.

Thermal entrainment and human ovulation

The changes in the peripheral vascular response to temperature have been studied for ten menstrual cycles by calculating thermal entertainment levels. The entrainment levels exhibited peaks at around the time of ovulation, a result which we believe is due to the fluctuating levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone in the blood. An attempt has been made to explain the influence of these hormones on the vasomotor control system and where interactions may occur.

Single-step immunosorbent preparation of F-protein from mouse liver with conservation of the allo-antigenic site, and determination of concentration in liver and serum

A single-step immunopurification procedure is described for murine protein F, in which the T-cell-defined allo-antigenic site on the protein is fully conserved. The procedure is based on the use of a newly developed monoclonal antibody. The protein is isolated as a 42,500 mol. wt (F.1) and a 43,000 mol. wt (F.2) monomer. The content in liver, as estimated by radioimmune inhibition assay, is 0.083% and the yield is approximately one third. An assay of immunogenic activity in adoptive transfer, which detects the T-cell-defined site, provides a similar estimate of content in liver. The adoptive transfer assay yields concns of F-protein in serum of young mice of 0.5-1.2 X 10(-9)M, the lowest concn of protein known to induce complete immunological tolerance.

Neuropharmacology of delta-aminolaevulinic acid. II. Effect of chronic administration in mice

delta-Aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) is suspected of being responsible for the neuropsychiatric symptoms of acute porphyria. The object of this study was to examine the effects of continuous administration of ALA in vivo on behaviour known to be affected in acute porphyria. ALA was administered to mice via minipumps implanted subcutaneously. Mean urinary excretion of ALA over the ensuing 7 days was approximately 80 mumol/kg b. wt./day. No significant effects on locomotor activity, motor co-ordination and grip and noci-perception were noted. These results do not support the hypothesis that chronic exposure of animals to ALA may produce a porphyria-like syndrome.

Chromium 51 EDTA/technetium 99m MDP plasma ratio to measure total skeletal function

A method is described for the quantitation of total skeletal activity during bone scans. The method requires a single plasma sample only, taken at the time of imaging. The ratio of % injected dose of 51Cr EDTA to that of 99Tcm MDP is calculated from this sample following combined injection of the two radiopharmaceuticals. The 51Cr EDTA level corrects for the glomerular filtration of 99Tcm MDP. Using this method, which only requires a gamma counter, significant differences from normal controls have been shown in patients with osteomalacia, renal osteodystrophy, Paget's disease and hypercalcaemia. The method provides routine quantitative data to add to the imaging information in the bone scan.

Changes in rib cage geometry during childhood

Age related changes in rib cage geometry were found from measurements made on chest radiographs from 38 individuals aged from 1 month to 31 years and on computed tomography (CT) scans in another 28 individuals, aged from 3 months to 18 years. Chest radiographs were taken for minor respiratory symptoms or fever and only films showing no abnormality were used. CT scans were obtained in children undergoing staging for solid tumours in whom no intrathoracic deposits were found. In infants and very young children the ribs were found to be more horizontal and the sternal clavicular heads and diaphragmatic domes higher than in older children and young adults. Most of these changes were observed in the first two years of life, with something close to the adult pattern by the age of 2 years. Similarly cross sectional chest shape changed from the rounded infantile form to the more ovoid adult form by the same age. The configuration of the ribs observed in infancy and early childhood reduces the potential for thoracic expansion and may contribute to the frequency of respiratory problems found in the very young.

Induction of minor alloantigen-specific T cell subsets in vivo: recognition of processed antigen by helper but not by cytotoxic T cell precursors

Primary cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) and helper T (Th) cell responses were generated from regional lymph nodes of heterozygous mice sensitized in the footpad with spleen cells of parental H-2 genotype but differing for multiple minor alloantigens of the B10 background. Cytotoxic and helper responses were read after a short in vitro culture period, which did not influence the restriction specificities of in vivo sensitized T cells. We show that under these conditions, Th cell responses appear unrestricted, whereas CTL responses are restricted to the immunizing parental H-2 genotype. Furthermore, we present evidence that these two functions are mediated by distinct T cell subsets and that the in vivo induction of Lyt-2- Th cells has the appearance of being unrestricted whereas that of Lyt-2+ CTL is restricted by H-2. These findings suggest that in a primary immune response, in vivo precursors of Th cells recognize processed antigen on F1 antigen-presenting cells (clones restricted to each parental H-2 genotype are cross-sensitized) under conditions in which those of CTL only respond directly to foreign minor alloantigens on the injected stimulator cells (clones restricted to parental H-2 genotypes are not cross-immunized). This dichotomy is taken to suggest the possibility that processing of cell membrane-bound antigens is controlled at their association step with products of the major histocompatibility complex.

Induction of minor alloantigen-specific T cell subsets in vivo: recognition of processed antigen by helper but not by cytotoxic T cell precursors

Primary cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) and helper T (Th) cell responses were generated from regional lymph nodes of heterozygous mice sensitized in the footpad with spleen cells of parental H-2 genotype but differing for multiple minor alloantigens of the B10 background. Cytotoxic and helper responses were read after a short in vitro culture period, which did not influence the restriction specificities of in vivo sensitized T cells. We show that under these conditions, Th cell responses appear unrestricted, whereas CTL responses are restricted to the immunizing parental H-2 genotype. Furthermore, we present evidence that these two functions are mediated by distinct T cell subsets and that the in vivo induction of Lyt-2- Th cells has the appearance of being unrestricted whereas that of Lyt-2+ CTL is restricted by H-2. These findings suggest that in a primary immune response, in vivo precursors of Th cells recognize processed antigen on F1 antigen-presenting cells (clones restricted to each parental H-2 genotype are cross-sensitized) under conditions in which those of CTL only respond directly to foreign minor alloantigens on the injected stimulator cells (clones restricted to parental H-2 genotypes are not cross-immunized). This dichotomy is taken to suggest the possibility that processing of cell membrane-bound antigens is controlled at their association step with products of the major histocompatibility complex.

Attempted reactivation of latent bovine herpesvirus 1 infection in calves by infection with ruminant pestiviruses

Three calves, latently infected with bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV 1), were each inoculated intranasally with 9 strains of ruminant pestivirus (BVDV). All three calves developed a biphasic pyrexia and a lymphopenia followed by a neutrophilia. They did not shed BHV 1 in their nasal secretions in the 14 days following BVDV inoculation, and their BHV 1 antibody levels remained static, as did those of 2 control calves not given BVDV. All five calves were subsequently shown to be latently infected with BHV 1 by the production of recrudescent infections following the administration of dexamethasone. BHV 1 was recovered from nasal secretions and there was a marked rise in BHV 1 antibody titres in the second week after dexamethasone administration.

Response of suckling beef cows to multiple, low-dose injections of Gn-RH with or without progesterone pretreatment

Treatment of 97 suckling beef cows at about 30 days post partum with doses of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 3.0, or 5.0 micrograms Gn-RH/pulse for period of 2-4 days at 1-h or 2-h intervals in three different experiments did not increase the number of cows ovulating when compared to untreated controls. Treatment with 0.25 or 0.5 micrograms Gn-RH/pulse resulted in little or no LH release, whereas higher doses gave discernible LH releases after each Gn-RH pulse. Pretreatment with progesterone did not affect the ovulatory or LH responses. These data indicate that pulsatile injections of Gn-RH, at the dose levels and frequencies used, cannot reactivate ovarian cyclicity in a majority of cows. We suggest that the degree of follicular development at the time of treatment is a major factor determining the ovulatory response to such pulsatile Gn-RH regimens.

Endocrine changes in sows weaned at two stages of lactation

Plasma concentrations of LH, FSH, prolactin, oestradiol-17 beta and progesterone were determined in 18 multiparous sows at 4-h intervals for 15-18 days around weaning at 3 or 5 weeks post partum. Sampling at 10-min intervals for 6 h occurred every 2 days throughout the same period. Shortening lactation significantly reduced the preovulatory LH surge and altered the pattern of FSH release. However, there was no significant effect on ovulation rate or interval from weaning to oestrus between groups. Weaning was consistently associated with a significant rise in basal LH concentrations whilst FSH secretion remained unaffected. Lactation length did not appear to affect the characteristics of episodic LH secretion before weaning, nor were any consistent changes in LH secretion apparent until the preovulatory rise in LH. Plasma prolactin values declined rapidly at weaning and remained low thereafter. These results indicate that the 'trigger' controlling the return to cyclic ovarian activity after weaning in the pig is complex, but it is suggested that lactational anoestrus and anovulation result primarily from a lack of LH stimulation to the ovary.

Response of sows to oestradiol benzoate treatment after weaning at two stages of lactation

The timing and dosage of oestradiol benzoate injected after weaning was critical with respect to the pattern of behavioural oestrus and the ovarian stimulation achieved; treatment on the day of weaning (Day 0) and Day 1 with 60 micrograms oestradiol benzoate/kg body wt produced poor ovulatory responses and abnormal oestrous behaviour. Treatment on Day 2 with 30 micrograms oestradiol benzoate/kg resulted in consistent oestrus and ovulatory responses although the ovulation rates (10 . 6 +/- 1 . 1 in 3-week and 12 . 2 +/- 1 . 7 in 5-week weaned sows) were below those expected in fertile untreated sows weaned at these times. The timing of the preovulatory LH surge (53 . 6 +/- 2 h after oestradiol benzoate) was closely synchronized in all sows and a similar synchronous rise in plasma progesterone concentrations 100 +/- 4 h after oestradiol benzoate suggests a similar synchrony of ovulation. The magnitude of the LH and FSH responses to oestradiol benzoate were similar to those that occur in untreated sows and similar differences also existed in gonadotrophin secretion related to the length of lactation.

Experimental infectious bovine rhinotracheitis: comparison of four antigen detection methods

The duration of detectable viral antigen in nasal secretions was studied by four methods in calves experimentally infected with infectious bovine rhinotracheitis. Virus isolation in cell culture was the most sensitive and was successful for up to 11 days after inoculation. Three direct rapid antigen detection systems (immunofluorescence, immunoperoxidase and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]) were all successful during the pyrexic phase, but less useful in the later stages of the disease. Virus isolation and ELISA remained positive in strongly positive samples stored for a week at room temperature.

Mastitis survey in Bolivia

Quarter milk samples were taken from 1,090 cows on 24 dairy farms in southeastern Bolivia. Nineteen per cent were positive in the milk quality test for subclinical mastitis, 12% for presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria and 4% for both. The prevalence of infection was related to management factors.

The effect of inhibitors on the oxygen kinetics of terminal oxidases of Acanthamoeba castellanii

1. Respiration of growing cultures of Acanthamoeba castellanii is inhibited less than 60% by azide (35 mM); the respiration of early-exponential-phase cultures differs from that of late-exponential-phase cultures in being stimulated by up to 120% by low concentrations (less than 1 mM) of this inhibitor. Azide (0.5 mM) plus 1 mM-salicylhydroxamic acid gives 80% inhibition of respiration in early- or late-exponential-phase cultures. 2. Lineweaver-Burk plots of 1/v against 1/[O2] for growing and stationary-phase cultures give values of less than 1 muM for the apparent Km for oxygen. 3. These values are not significantly altered when determined in the presence of 1 mM-salicylhydroxamic acid. 4. Higher values (greater than 7 muM) for apparent Km values for oxygen were obtained in the presence of azide, which gives non-linear Lineweaver-Burk plots. 5. Competitive inhibition of respiration by CO occurs with Ki 2.4 muM. 6. The results are discussed in terms of the presence of three terminal oxidases in this organism, namely two oxidases with high affinities for oxygen (cytochrome c oxidase of the main phosphorylating electron-transport chain and the salicylhydroxamic acid-sensitive oxidase) and a third oxidase with a low affinity for oxygen, sensitive to inhibition by cyanide but not by azide or salicylhydroxamic acid. The relative contributions to oxygen utilization by these oxidases change during the growth of a batch culture.

Relation of urinary total hydroxyproline: Creatinine ratio to height velocity in children with retarded growth

The urinary total hydroxyproline:creatinine ratio was measured on samples collected from 18 boys and 11 girls referred to a children's hospital because of small stature. Any serious degree of growth hormone deficiency was excluded and each child's growth and development was recorded over the following year. The hypothesis that the average hydroxyproline:creatinine ratio on random urine samples may be used to predict height velocity was examined. Such a prediction would have been incorrect on 35% of occasions, and it is concluded that this investigation cannot be used reliability to predict growth in height; it is probably only useful with sequential studies of an individual child over short periods while monitoring therapy.

Changes in construing and outcome of group therapy for alcoholism

Consistent changes in the way they construed their drinking problem were found in alcoholics who completed an inpatient group therapy program. Patients who showed most change in construal were the ones most likely to relapse.

I sex factors and chromosomal recombination in Salmonella typhimurium

Colicin factors Ib-P9 and Ela-16 both convert their hosts to chromosomal donors. However, negative fluctuation tests suggest that chromosomal transfer does not result from the formation of stable Hfr variants.

Surgical intervention in chronic postinfarction cardiac failure

Seven patients with severe, chronic postmyocardial infarction cardiac failure underwent open intracardiac operation following catheterization and quantitative biplane angiocardiographic studies. Four patients with mitral incompetence had valve replacements; three had dilated mitral rings and did not survive the immediate postoperative period. In contrast, the single surviving patient had papillary muscle dysfunction evident at surgery and had less severe myocardial impairment as indicated preoperatively by a lower end-diastole volume and higher ejection fraction. Three patients demonstrated significant clinical and hemodynamic improvement after resection of a sccared akinetic area of left ventricular myocardium. Although two of the three patients died within the first year of operation, neither died in congestive failure. The results of this study indicate that certain patients with chronic postinfarction heart failure may benefit from surgery.