[Experiment on validity of skin resistance level as an index of arousal level]

It is important in establishing and improving work management and work planning to estimate the arousal level of workers during operation and monitoring tasks. This paper proposes a technique based on experimental results to estimate the arousal level during job execution. In this experiment, both a monotonous low workload task which degrades the arousal level and a high workload task which has an awakening action were alternately applied to five subjects for three hours. Skin resistance level (SRL) as an index of arousal level of the autonous nervous system was measured with subjective drowsiness and task performance, that is, signal omission probability for low workload task and both reaction time and error probability for high workload task, as indexes of arousal level of the central nervous system. The following results were obtained. (1) The results suggested that SRL as an index of arousal level of the autonous nervous system is significantly related and correlated with subjective drowsiness and signal omission probability as indexes of arousal level of the central nervous system. (2) The average reaction time and the error probability tended to increase by the application of high workload when the arousal level was degraded. The influence of degraded arousal continued for a short time and showed an unfavorable effect on task execution. The degree of this influence, however, differed between subjects. (3) SRL can be used as an index of arousal level of the autonous nervous system because the measurement is comparatively easy and is little influenced by artifacts due to body movements. (4) Using SRL at initial high workload period as the standard value, it is possible to quantify the SRL value at arbitrary time by estimating how many times the standard value goes into the SRL value. Based on this quantified value as an index of arousal level, comparison with task performance can be made. The proposed index of arousal level of the autonous nervous system showed a significant correlation with indexes of the central nervous system. This technique can be applied to various kinds of estimation on human characteristics accompanied with changes in arousal level.

[Voice rehabilitation with esophageal speech in the laryngectomized]

From January 1988 to December 1990, 186 patients with laryngeal cancer or hypopharyngeal cancer underwent total laryngectomy in our hospital. We studied voice restoration in 110 of these patients by means of a direct interview method at the end of 1991. Seventy-six cases were excluded because of death (70) or being lost to follow-up (6). About 80% of the patients (89/110) attended esophageal speech classes, with a success rate of 78% (69/89). Seventy-four percent (51/69) had no problems with daily oral communication using esophageal speech. Neither radiation therapy nor post operative pharyngocutaneous fistula formation influenced the success rate. Neither did the site of the primary tumor in the larynx or hypopharynx exert an influence, although patients with laryngeal cancer were superior to those with hypopharyngeal cancer in terms of the quality of esophageal speech. It was found that age was the most important factor. Patients below 60 years old had a 90% success rate, between 60 and 75 the rate was 60% and above 75 it was only 10%. Unfortunately, 15% (17/110) of the laryngectomized patients used a pen and pad alone. Most were too old to attend esophageal speech classes.

Morphological assessment of polycystic ovary using transvaginal ultrasound

A total of 104 patients with bilateral polycystic ovaries (PCO) diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasound were classified into four groups (A < 5 cysts, B 5-10 cysts, C > 10 cysts located under ovarian capsule, D numerous cysts distributed all over the ovary) according to the number of microcysts. Ovarian volume, clinical features (menstrual disturbance, obesity and hirsutism), endocrine levels [luteinizing hormone (LH), LH/follicle stimulating hormone ratio, testosterone, androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate] and response to clomiphene were compared for each group and 17 control subjects with normal ovulatory cycles. Ovarian volume in PCO subjects was significantly larger than that in control subjects. As the number of microcysts increased, the ovarian volume enlarged and the endocrine abnormality worsened. All endocrine parameters in PCO subjects with menstrual disturbances were significantly higher than those in PCO subjects without menstrual disturbances and controls. In PCO subjects without menstrual disturbances only androstenedione was significantly higher than in controls. Among PCO subjects, the frequency of menstrual disturbances, the percentage of response to clomiphene and the pregnancy rate in groups C and D were significantly higher than in groups A and B. Therefore, screening the ovaries in infertile patients by means of transvaginal ultrasound and subsequent assessment of morphology in PCO may suggest endocrine abnormality and help in selecting the proper treatment.

Possible involvement of protein kinase C with induction of haptoglobin in cows by treatment with dexamethasone and by starvation

Haptoglobin (Hp), an acute-phase protein, is detected in serum of cows with hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver). To assess the relevance of Hp in fatty liver, induction of Hp was examined, using conditions similar to those involving development of fatty liver in cows. Induction of Hp was achieved by a combination of dexamethasone administration (0.1 mg/kg of body weight) and 2 days' starvation. Haptoglobin appearance in serum was not associated with the increase of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (a marker for inflammation). This treatment increased serum nonesterified fatty acids concentration and decreased serum triglycerides concentration. Protein kinase C activity was decreased in the cytosolic fractions of liver and mononuclear cells. Reduction of protein kinase C-catalyzed endogenous protein phosphorylation also was observed, particularly in the cytosolic fractions of the tissue and cells. Detection of Hp in serum of cows with fatty liver appears to be explained by the fact that Hp is induced by dexamethasone administration and starvation, which are similar to the condition responsible for fatty liver development. The change of protein kinase C-catalyzed phosphorylation was suggested to be involved in the induction of Hp in cows.

Usefulness of fecal alpha-1-antitrypsin for detection of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with gastric cancer

Hemoglobin (Hb), albumin (Alb), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) were measured in 87 fecal samples from 29 normal volunteers and 68 fecal samples from 33 patients with gastric cancer before surgery to evaluate the usefulness of fecal AAT as an indicator of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with gastric cancer. Mean values and standard deviation of fecal Hb, Alb, IgG and AAT in normal volunteers were 0.13 +/- 1.19 micrograms/g, 6.96 +/- 20.48 micrograms/g, 17.52 +/- 10.16 micrograms/g, and 0.483 +/- 0.315 mg/g, respectively. These parameters in the patients with gastric cancer were significantly higher than those in the normal volunteers. No statistically significant correlations were observed between these fecal parameters, except between fecal Alb and IgG. Data obtained from peripheral blood also showed no significant correlation with these fecal parameters. When the cut-off levels of fecal Hb, Alb, IgG and AAT were set at M + 2SD of the values obtained from the normal volunteers, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 80.0%, 86.2% and 84.1% for fecal AAT, and 66.7%, 96.6% and 86.4% for fecal Hb in the patients with advanced gastric cancer in a cohort consisting of patients with advanced gastric carcinoma and normal volunteers. Since fecal AAT showed higher sensitivity in patients with advanced gastric cancer with a low number of false negative cases, we concluded that measurement of fecal AAT could be a promising method for assessment of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with advanced gastric carcinoma instead of immunological detection of fecal Hb.

Expression of cell adhesion molecules in the salivary and lacrimal glands of Sjogren's syndrome

We attempted to determine whether cell adhesion molecules, including vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and E-selectin (endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule-1; ELAM-1), are involved in the lymphoid cell infiltration of the salivary and lacrimal glands in Sjogren's syndrome (SS) patients. Both immunohistochemical analysis and the reverse-transcripts polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to analyze the expression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, ELAM-1, very late antigen 4 (VLA-4 [alpha 4,beta 1]), lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta). Immunohistochemical analysis of salivary gland biopsies from SS patients showed a marked expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in the venules surrounded by infiltrated CD4+ CD45RO+ T cells. E-selectin was expressed on vascular endothelium with weak intensity. Increased levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, IFN-gamma, and IL-1 beta mRNA were demonstrated by RT-PCR, whereas E-selectin mRNA were weakly expressed in SS lacrimal and salivary gland tissues. This is in contrast with strong expression of ELAM-1 in IL-1 beta-stimulated human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC) in vitro. Cytokine-mediated up-regulation of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 that facilitates the recruitment of VLA-4 and LFA-1 expressing T cells might contribute to lymphoid cell infiltration in the salivary and lacrimal glands in SS.

[Natural killer cell activity in severely handicapped children: correlation with malnutrition and frequent infections]

We studied natural killer cell (NK) activity in 20 severely handicapped children and investigated the relationship between NK activity and malnutrition. We divided our patients into two groups with regard to frequency of infections: high frequency group (group 1) and low frequency group (group 2). NK activity in group 1 was low in comparison with group 2. Calorie intake and Rohrer's index were lower in group 1. Serum albumin (Alb) and iron (Fe) in group 1 were also lower than those in group 2, and serum zinc (Zn) and hemoglobin (Hb) were slightly lower in group 1. NK activity was positively correlated with calorie intake, Alb, Zn and Hb. Six patients with low NK activity were given supplementary diet; two patients were given protein-enriched diet; three patients were given protein-enriched diet and zinc sulfate; one patient was given increased diet. NK activity rose in 4 patients. These results indicated that the depression of NK activity was associated with frequent infections and correlated with nutritional conditions of the severely handicapped children.

Accumulation of (E)-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal and n-hexanal, degradation products of lipid peroxides, in mouse lung and liver

Effects of lipid peroxide breakdown products, (E)-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HN) and n-hexanal, on mouse lung lesion were examined. When 4-HN was injected i.v., the plasma level of 4-HN increased just after the injection and then decreased immediately. The amounts of 4-HN increased in the liver and lung were ca. 0.085 and 0.43% to the dose administered, respectively, 5 min after the injection. Reduced glutathione (GSH) content and both GSH peroxidase (GSH-Px) and GSH reductase (GSSGR) activities in the lung were decreased significantly by 4-HN treatment. On the other hand, in the case of i.v. injection of n-hexanal into mice, the amount of n-hexanal detected in the lung was 5.0% to that of 4-HN, and no effect on the activities of GSH-Px and GSSGR and the content of GSH was observed. These results suggest that 4-HN generated from lipid peroxides would be transferred into the lung and cause the lung lesion through the inhibition of GSH-dependent antioxidative defense systems.

[Effect of diaphragmatic fatigue on ventilatory response to carbon dioxide]

To clarify the effect of respiratory muscle fatigue on ventilatory response to carbon dioxide, we performed CO2 rebreathing study before and after diaphragmatic fatigue in nine healthy males. Diaphragmatic fatigue was induced by inspiratory resistor loading and confirmed by the increase in Tension Time Index and the decrease in Pdi max at FRC. The effects of diaphragmatic fatigue were as follows: 1) S and B value of VE-CO2 curve did not change. 2) P1-CO2 curve shifted to the left but the slope of the curve did not change. 3) delta Ppl response to CO2 decreased, but delta Pdi response to CO2 did not change. 4) The increase in respiratory accessory muscle EMG was more prominent, compared to diaphragmatic EMG. 5) Rib cage movement became more marked. In conclusion, diaphragmatic fatigue (with 60 percent decrease in Pdi max at FRC) does not affect on ventilatory response to carbon dioxide. To maintain the homeostasis of the chemical ventilatory feedback system, diaphragmatic dysfunction is compensated by the increased activity of respiratory accessory muscles with possible increase in neural drive.

Endogenous urinary 3-hydroxyproline has 96% specificity and 44% sensitivity for cancer screening

A method for determining the endogenous urinary excretion levels of both 3-hydroxyproline and 4-hydroxyproline that may be useful for cancer screening of the general population and at the workplace is evaluated in this report. The excretion levels of 3-hydroxyproline and 4-hydroxproline were estimated in 97 patients with cancer and in 99 patients with various nonmalignant diseases and were compared with those of 211 healthy persons. Measurable 3-hydroxyproline peaks (by amino acid autoanalyzer) were absent from 93 samples from 211 healthy persons (44%), 50 of 99 patients with nonmalignant disease (50%), and 10 of 96 patients with cancer (10%). The levels of both 3-hydroxyproline and 4-hydroxyproline in cancer patients were significantly higher than those in healthy persons (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively) and those in patients with nonmalignant diseases (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). Cancer patients were classified into three groups according to grade of cancer growth and invasion. The sensitivity of 3-hydroxyproline was 44% and higher than that of 4-hydroxyproline for the detection of stage II cancers (no distant metastasis); the sensitivities of both hydroxyprolines for the detection of stage I (very early cancer) were low. The specificity of these assays for healthy persons and patients with nonmalignant disease was 96% and 92% for 3-hydroxyproline, and 97% and 79% for 4-hydroxyproline, respectively. Urinary 3-hydroxyproline level should be further investigated as a cancer screening method for healthy persons in the community or the workplace, but appears unlikely to detect many cancers in the earliest stages.

Efficient production of a small peptide by expression as a multimeric form fused with the dihydrofolate reductase affinity handle

A pentapeptide which potently inhibits primary IgE antibody formation, Asp-Ser-Asp-Gly-Lys (DSDGK), has been efficiently produced with the aid of the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) handle [M. Iwakura, et al. (1992) J. Biochem. 111, 37-45]. The genes coding fused proteins comprising DHFR and multimeric forms of DSDGK, namely, DHFR-(DSDGK)3, DHFR-(DSDGK)14, and DHFR-(DSDGK)28, were constructed and expressed in Escherichia coli. The C-terminal peptides attached to DHFR did not affect the expression or the function of the DHFR handle, even when the length of the C-terminal peptide was as long as 160 amino acid residues. The fused proteins were easily purified by methotrexate affinity chromatography, one of the major advantages of the DHFR handle. The fused proteins were digested with trypsin and the monomeric peptide, DSDGK, was purified by HPLC. The yields of the peptide were estimated to be 11, 43, and 99 mg per 1 gram of the total cell proteins from E. coli cells producing DHFR-(DSDGK)3, DHFR-(DSDGK)14, and DHFR-(DSDGK)28, respectively.

Endocrinological environment with regard to the number of microcysts in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Androgen, oestrogen and gonadotrophin levels in patients with the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were compared with those in normal ovulatory women (controls), and were correlated with the number of microcysts in the polycystic ovaries studied. The androgen levels (testosterone, delta 4-androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate), oestrogen levels (oestrone and oestrone/oestradiol-17 ratio) and gonadotrophin levels [luteinizing hormone (LH) and LH/follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio] of PCOS patients were significantly higher than those of controls. The number of microcysts in polycystic ovaries was significantly correlated with androstenedione, which in turn was also significantly correlated with LH and LH/FSH ratio. These correlations may play a part in the maintenance of chronic anovulation in PCOS.

Prevalence of polycystic ovaries by transvaginal ultrasound and serum androgens

The present study compares the ovarian area and the androgen levels (testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG, testosterone/SHBG ratio) in the two patterns (peripheral cystic pattern, general cystic pattern) of polycystic ovaries diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasound. The results were as follows. (1) The ovarian area of the peripheral cystic pattern group of polycystic ovaries was significantly greater than that of normal controls, but in the general cystic group it was not. (2) Serum levels of testosterone and free testosterone, and the testosterone/SHBG ratio in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome were significantly higher than those of healthy controls; but with ultrasonographic classification, there was no significant difference between the peripheral cystic and general cystic groups. (3) In the polycystic ovary syndrome, elevated levels of testosterone and free testosterone, and of the testosterone/SHBG ratio were observed in approximately half of the patients. Ovarian morphology was different, but androgen status was similar in the two patterns of polycystic ovaries.

The direct effect of Hochuekki-To on human sperm fertilizability using the hypoosmotic swelling test

The concentration and motility of human sperm increase is examined following the oral administration of a traditional herbal medicine, Hochuekki-To using the hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test. After 1 h incubation in Hochuekki-To, the motility of sperm and the results of the HOS test improved, particularly for severely abnormal sperm. For both the original and incubated sperm, the results of the HOS test improved when Hochuekki-To was used in the swim-up medium for the swim-up washing method rather than when Whittingham's T6 solution was used. Hochuekki-To had a favorable, direct effect on human sperm functions, suggesting an effect on the physiological integrity of sperm membrane.

Novel disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. I. Synthesis and antiarthritic activity of 2-(4-methylphenyl)benzothiazoles

A series of 2-(4-methylphenyl)benzothiazoles was synthesized and evaluated using an adjuvant-induced arthritic rat model. This class of desired compounds affecting the immune response was found using hemagglutination assay. 4-Acetoxy-2-(4-methylphenyl)benzothiazole (7m), KB-2683, was most potent in the adjuvant-induced arthritic rat model and selected for further evaluation. In contrast to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, compound 7m showed no antiinflammatory or analgesic activities. It did, however, show an immunomodulatory activity in enhanced delayed type hypersensitivity.

A unique in vivo assessment of 4-[10B]borono-L-phenylalanine in tumour tissues for boron neutron capture therapy of malignant melanomas using positron emission tomography and 4-borono-2-[18F]fluoro-L-phenylalanine

A unique in vivo approach to assessing the concentrations of 4-[10B]borono-L-phenylalanine (L-BPA), a melanoma targeting compound for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), was investigated using L-BPA labelled with positron-emitting 18F (half-life = 110 min), i.e., 4-[10B]borono-2-[18F]fluoro-L-phenylalanine (L-[18F]FBPA). High melanoma uptake of L-[18F]FBPA was reduced slightly by competition with L-BPA in the two animal models of the murine B16 melanoma and the melanotic Greene's melanoma No. 179 in hamsters. In mice given L-[18F]FBPA and L-BPA, the concentrations of 10B in B16 estimated from 18F radioactivity were lower than those measured by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy. Lower estimated values were dependent on the time after injection and on the loading dose of L-BPA. The estimated 10B concentrations for Green's melanomas were comparable to the measured values. Positron emission tomography (PET) using L-[18F]FBPA allowed Greene's melanomas to be clearly visualized. In conclusion, when L-[18F]FBPA is used as a probe for L-BPA in BNCT of malignant melanomas, the melanoma can be localized and the 10B concentrations in tissues can be assessed in vivo using 18F radioactivity by PET.

Sperm-activating peptide type-V (SAP-V), a fifth member of the sperm-activating peptide family, purified from the egg-conditioned media of the heart urchin Brissus agassizii

1. A novel type of sperm-activating peptide named sperm-activating peptide type-V (SAP-V) was isolated from the egg-conditioned media (egg jelly) of the heart urchin Brissus agassizii and the primary structure of the peptide was determined by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry as follows: Gly-Cys-Glu-Gly-Leu-Phe-His-Gly-Met-Gly-Asn-Cys. 2. SAP-V and [Met(O)9]SAP-V stimulated the respiration of B. agassizii spermatozoa with half-maximal concentrations of 0.5 and 0.3 nM, respectively. However, half-maximal stimulation of the sperm respiration required 40 nM of S-carboxymethylated SAP-V. 3. SAP-V induced significant increases in the cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP levels in B. agassizii spermatozoa in a concentration-dependent manner. 4. The addition of SAP-V to B. agassizii spermatozoa resulted in a mobility shift of a major sperm protein (mol. wt from 133,000 to 129,000) on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels.

On the relationship between endocrine and ovulatory abnormalities, and polycystic ovaries as diagnosed by ultrasonography

The present study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between serum testosterone levels, the menstrual cycle, and polycystic ovaries as shown by ultrasonographic methods. The patients were divided into four groups: (1) cases with normal-appearing ovaries and with regular menstruation (control); (2) cases with normal ovaries on ultrasound, but with abnormalities of the menstrual cycle (MA); (3) cases with polycystic ovaries, but normal menstrual cycle (PCO); (4) cases with both polycystic ovaries and menstrual abnormalities (PCOMA). The results were as follows. (1) The ovarian area was significantly larger in the PCOMA group than in the control group. (2) The number of cases with elevated LH (greater than 30 mIU/mL) was significantly higher in the PCOMA group than in the other groups. (3) In comparison with controls, the percentage of cases with LH/FSH ratios greater than 3.0 was significantly higher in all three groups. (4) The estrone/17 beta-estradiol ratio for the PCOMA group was significantly greater than those of the other groups. (5) The testosterone levels of the PCO and PCOMA group were significantly greater than the control value. (6) The percentage of endocrine criteria (LH greater than 30 mIU/mL or LH/FSH ratio greater than 3.0, estrone/17 beta estradiol ratio greater than 1.0 testosterone greater than 75, greater than 100, and greater than 125 ng/dL) for PCOMA was significantly higher than that of the MA group and the control group, but not significantly greater than the PCO group. It is suggested that morphological changes in the ovaries show a closer correlation with abnormalities of endocrine function than does the presence or absence of abnormalities of the menstrual cycle.

Dopamine receptor antagonists increase markedly the quantity of retrograde transport of HRP in the rat masseteric motoneuron

Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was injected, bilaterally, into the rat masseter muscle, subsequent to an intramuscular or intraperitoneal injection of one of five dopamine antagonists (chlorpromazine and haloperidol as the D1 and D2 receptor antagonist, SCH 23390 as the specific D1 receptor antagonist, sulpiride and domperidone as the specific D2 receptor antagonist). Control rats received an injection of a corresponding vehicle solution. After a survival period of 16 h, the brainstem was cut into 60 microns cryosections and processed with the TMB technique. The amount of retrogradely transported HRP was quantitatively measured in terms of the amount of HRP reaction product present in the motoneuron by the method which we have developed using an image processing system combined with a light microscope and a TV camera. Chlorpromazine, haloperidol, SCH 23390 and sulpiride significantly raised the quantity of retrograde transport of HRP. On the contrary, domperidone which can not penetrate the blood-brain barrier showed no significant change in the amount of the retrograde transport. In addition, an intravenous injection of chlorpromazine (8 mg/kg) was found to increase the amplitude of monosynaptic masseteric reflex EMG activity evoked by stimulations of the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus. These results suggest that a possible regulatory system involving the dopamine receptor in the uptake and retrograde transport of HRP from axon terminals to cell bodies of the masseteric motoneuron exists in higher order neurons which make synaptic contact with the motoneuron.

Two classes of receptor specific for sperm-activating peptide III in sand-dollar spermatozoa

We characterized receptors specific for sperm-activating peptide III (SAP-III: DSDSAQNLIQ) in spermatozoa of the sand dollar, Clypeaster japonicus, using both binding and cross-linking techniques. Analyses of the data obtained from the equilibrium binding of a radiolabeled SAP-III analogueto C. japonicus spermatozoa, using Klotz, Scatchard and Hill plots, showed the presence of two classes of receptors specific for SAP-III in the spermatozoa. One of the receptors (high-affinity) had a Kd of 3.4 nM and 3.4 x 10(4) binding sites/spermatozoon. The other receptor (low-affinity) had a Kd of 48 nM, with 6.1 x 10(4) binding sites/spermatozoon. The Kd of the high-affinity receptor was comparable to the median effective concentration of the intracellular-pH-increasing activity of SAP-III and that of the low-affinity receptor was comparable to the median effective concentration of the cellular-cGMP-elevating activity of the peptide. In addition, Scatchard and Hill plots of the data suggested the existence of positive cooperativity between the high-affinity members. Similar results were also obtained from a binding experiment using a sperm-membrane fraction prepared from C. japonicus spermatozoa. The incubation of intact spermatozoa or sperm plasma membranes with the radioiodinated SAP-III analogue and a chemical cross-linking reagent, disuccinimidyl suberate, resulted in the radiolabeling of three proteins with molecular masses of 126, 87 and 64 kDa, estimated by SDS/PAGE under reducing conditions.

Purification of a protein from serum of cattle with hepatic lipidosis, and identification of the protein as haptoglobin

A protein that has 2 subunits with molecular weight of 35,000 and 23,000 was detected in serum of cattle with hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver). The protein was purified from serum obtained from a cow with fatty liver, and was identified as haptoglobin, which is known to have hemoglobin-binding capacity and to be an acute-phase protein. To assess the relevance of haptoglobin in fatty liver, cattle were classified in 3 groups (healthy control, haptoglobin-positive, and haptoglobin-negative); liver triglyceride content and several serum biochemical variables were evaluated for the 3 groups. Compared with the control and haptoglobin-negative cattle, haptoglobin-positive cattle had significantly (P less than 0.01) higher liver triglyceride content, serum bilirubin concentration, and aspartate transaminase activity. Serum haptoglobin concentration was high in slaughter cattle (27 of 40 cattle tested), particularly in cows (20/28).