Endothelin-1 causes sequential trapping of platelets and neutrophils in pulmonary microcirculation in rats

We previously showed that endothelin-1 (ET-1) causes accumulation of leukocytes in the pulmonary microvasculature and increases vascular permeability in isolated rat lungs provided the presence of leukocytes in the perfusate. In the present study, we examined the time sequence for morphological changes induced by ET-1 in rat alveolar tissue. For this purpose we used morphometric analysis based on lung transmission electron micrographs. Morphometry was performed by point counting, and data were expressed as relative volume density. ET-1 (0.06, 0.6, and 6 nmol/kg) was infused into the internal jugular vein, and the animals were killed at certain points of time. The lungs were fixed by endotracheal instillation of McDowell's fixative. Infusion of ET-1 (0.06 or 0.6 nmol/kg) caused no significant morphological changes in the rat alveolar tissue as assessed by morphometric examination. A sevenfold increase in volume density of platelets was seen 5 min after infusion of ET-1 6 nmol/kg. The platelets were loosely aggregated, adhered partly to the endothelium, and some of them had a spherical shape with vacuoles, indicating activation. The volume density of erythrocytes increased threefold, lasting 30 min. At 120 min, the volume density of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) increased 10-fold. The PMN adhered closely to the endothelium and partly occluded the capillary lumen. Simultaneously, the endothelial cell surface showed morphological signs of injury. No significant changes were observed in the volume density of alveolar macrophages or monocytes. No significant changes were seen in lung volumes or the volume of the alveolar tissue compartment. The results showed that ET-1 causes a time- and dose-dependent sequential entrapment of platelets and neutrophils in the pulmonary circulation.

Macrophage cytotoxicity against murine meth A sarcoma involves nitric oxide-mediated apoptosis

We have studied the cytotoxic effect of stimulated macrophages on Meth A tumor cells in vitro. When stimulated with interferon-gamma and soluble beta-1,3-D-glucan, macrophages exerted cytotoxicity towards syngeneic Meth A tumor cells. This cytotoxicity was associated with a high level of nitric oxide production. Both cell death and nitric oxide production were significantly inhibited by the addition of aminoguanidine, a specific inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), to the culture medium. The cytotoxic effect was accompanied by internucleosomal cleavage of DNA as shown by electrophoresis and DNA fragmentation assay.

High-dose 7-hydromethotrexate: acute toxicity and lethality in a rat model

To elucidate mechanisms for methotrexate (MTX)-induced renal and hepatic toxicity, we investigated the acute effects of bolus plus continuous infusion of up to 0.4 g/kg 7-hydroxymethotrexate (7-OH-MTX) in the rat. We demonstrate for the first time in any species the occurrence of acute lethal toxicity within a few hours after 7-OH-MTX administration. Serum concentrations of 7-OH-MTX measured at the time of death were 1.4 mM (mean), about one-half of those achieved in some patients after infusion of high-dose MTX (HD-MTX) in the clinic. The data suggest an approximate LD50 (the dose lethal to 50% of the study population) of 0.3 g/kg and a steep dose/lethality curve for 7-OH-MTX. Moreover, acute renal and hepatic toxicity occurred as evidenced by severe morphological findings and increased serum levels of creatinine and liver transaminases. In all rats subjected to continuous infusion of 7-OH-MTX, yellow microscopic precipitations were apparent in the kidney tubules. Crystallization was also seen in bile ducts of the liver in some of the rats. These results further support that the formation of 7-OH-MTX is disadvantageous and that reported attempts to prevent its formation during MTX treatment are warranted.

Retention of phagocytic functions in cryopreserved human monocytes

Phagocytosis and respiratory burst activity were measured by flow cytometry in fresh and cryopreserved human monocytes, after ingestion of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Mononuclear leukocytes, isolated from 15 healthy donors, were divided into two portions, of which one was examined immediately and the other was cryopreserved for 3 weeks. Morphological characteristics and expression of receptors involved in phagocytosis were similar in fresh and cryopreserved monocytes. Furthermore, both internalization of bacteria and respiratory burst activity remained unchanged after cryopreservation. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed actual internalization of bacteria and not merely bacterial attachment to monocytes. Monocytes were demonstrated to retain integral cellular functions during cryopreservation. This may imply that the method has potential for use in basal and clinical trials.

Simultaneous pancreas kidney transplantation: initial experience of the Emory University transplant service

The successful replacement of islet tissue by pancreas transplantation appears to be beneficial in the early course of those uremic diabetic recipients who receive a simultaneous renal transplant. The long-term advantages of SKP transplantation remain to be determined, however, current improvement in patient and graft survival following SPK and the difficulties thus far reported in islet cell transplantation have renewed clinical interests in SPK, PAK and PA transplantation. In our experience, pancreas transplantation has been a challenging technical, immunological and physiological endeavor which was well received by our patients despite the initial problems and complications we and they encountered. Notwithstanding extensive preparation, our team experienced a "learning curve" and we present many of the lessons we learned. This knowledge has aided our transplant team in the successful management and avoidance of these complications and other inherent problems associated with SKP transplantation in subsequent patients.

Adenosine protects ultrastructure of isolated rat lungs against fat emulsion injury

In isolated rat lungs subjected to fat emulsion damage, a model simulating adult respiratory distress syndrome, we have previously reported that adenosine (ADO) reduces pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and the fluid filtration rate (FFR). In the present study the aim was to examine morphologically this effect of ADO. Two groups of isolated rat lungs were subjected to the injury. Marked and significant differences were found between the groups; in lungs not given ADO, FFR and airway pressure were higher and, as evaluated by electron microscopy, the endothelial lining was thin and partly disrupted. The epithelial cells of the alveolar walls were also partly disrupted and the alveolar septa were split enclosing interstitial edema. In lungs receiving ADO from the onset of exposure to fat emulsion, FFR was lower and ultrastructure did not differ from non-injured non-treated controls perfused for the same length of time.

Immunogenicity and safety of a recombinant vaccinia virus vaccine expressing the carcinoembryonic antigen gene in a nonhuman primate

We have previously reported the development of a recombinant vaccinia virus vaccine expressing the human carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) gene, designated rV(NYC)-CEA. This construct has been shown to elicit specific anti-CEA immune responses and an antitumor effect in a murine tumor model. In the studies reported here, the safety and immunogenicity of this recombinant vaccinia virus were evaluated in a rhesus monkey model. Human CEA is a M(r) 180,000 glycoprotein expressed in approximately 90% of gastrointestinal carcinomas and in some breast and non-small cell lung carcinomas. This family also includes normal cross-reacting antigen (NCA). Rhesus monkeys, like humans, have some NCA on the surface of their granulocytes. Eight monkeys were immunized 3 or 4 times by skin scarification with the recombinant CEA vaccine and four monkeys received wild-type vaccinia virus as control. After three vaccinations, all rV(NYC)-CEA-vaccinated animals exhibited a strong anti-CEA antibody response as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The functional ability of these antibodies to mediate lysis of a CEA-bearing tumor cell was demonstrated using human effector cells. This response could be enhanced by interleukin 2. Cellular immunity to CEA was measured by delayed-type hypersensitivity upon intradermal challenge with purified CEA. Only those animals receiving the recombinant vaccine displayed significant anti-CEA responses. Furthermore, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from immunized monkeys were found to proliferate in response to CEA stimulation. All vaccinated monkeys developed local skin irritation at the site of the vaccination, regional lymphadenopathy, and low-grade fevers after immunization. Following immunization with rV(NYC)-CEA, the response was consistent with the usual constitutional symptoms seen with human smallpox virus immunization. Blood counts, differentials, and hepatic and renal chemistries remained normal in all animals throughout the study and for up to 1 year following the primary vaccination. No evidence of immunological cross-reactivity to NCA was found by either a fall in the granulocyte count or analyses for anti-NCA antibodies. Thus, the rV(NYC)-CEA vaccine appears to be safe in rhesus monkeys. The administration of a CEA recombinant vaccine to rhesus monkeys induces both a humoral and a cell-mediated immune response directed against human CEA.

Therapy for women hospitalized with acute pyelonephritis: a randomized trial of ampicillin versus trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for 14 days

The efficacy of the traditionally recommended ampicillin (Amp) plus gentamicin (GM) regimen was compared with that of a trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMZ)-plus-GM regimen and the adequacy of 14 days total therapy for acute uncomplicated pyelonephritis (AUPN). Eighty-five women hospitalized for AUPN were randomly assigned to receive either Amp, 1 g intravenously (iv) every 6 h for 3 days, then 500 mg orally four times daily, or TMP/SMZ, 160/800 mg iv every 12 h for 3 days, then 160/800 mg orally twice daily. Initially, all patients also received GM every 8 h iv (mean, 606 doses). Antimicrobial resistance necessitated modifying therapy of 14 (32%) of the Amp recipients but of none of the TMP/SMZ recipients (P less than .001). Both regimens produced a satisfactory bacteriologic and clinical response in all cases. Reinfection occurred in 11% of Amp and in 8% of TMP/SMZ recipients. No patient experienced relapsing infection. The TMP/SMZ regimen was less costly and less likely to require modification due to antimicrobial resistance.

Amiodarone-mediated increase in intracellular free Ca2+ associated with cellular injury to human pulmonary artery endothelial cells

The cardiac antidysrrhythmic drug amiodarone can give rise to potentially fatal pulmonary toxicity in large numbers of patients. The effect of amiodarone on Ca2+ homeostasis and cell injury has been studied using human pulmonary artery endothelial (HPAE) cells in vitro. Amiodarone produced a concentration-dependent increase in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ( [Ca2+]i) to micromolar levels that are similar to those seen with physiological stimuli that increase [Ca2+]i. Unlike physiological stimuli, the rise in [Ca2+]i produced by amiodarone developed slowly and was maintained over at least 30 min. Omitting Ca2+ from the external medium reversibly prevented the amiodarone-induced rise in [Ca2+]i. Amiodarone treatment increased the apparent first order rate constants for 45Ca2+ influx and efflux in intact HPAE cells. 45Ca2+ accumulation into the endoplasmic reticulum of saponin-permeabilized HPAE cells was decreased by amiodarone treatment. The release of 45Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum stores by the putative intracellular second messengers inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate, arachidonic acid, and Ca2+ was blocked by amiodarone treatment. The changes in Ca2+ homeostasis coincide with an increase in [3H]deoxyglucose release as a measure of early cell injury by amiodarone. It is concluded that amiodarone can produce an increase in [Ca2+]i by an action on the plasma membrane that allows the influx of external Ca2+. This increase in [Ca2+]i, together with other changes in Ca2+ homeostasis, may be responsible for the early cell injury associated with amiodarone toxicity.

Effect of reduced training volume on cardiac function, VO2 max, and running performance

This study examined the physiological effects of reducing training mileage in a veteran long distance runner while increasing exercise intensity. Variables measured included stroke volume, cardiac output, maximum oxygen uptake, ventilation threshold and performance time in a 10,000 m run. For 8 weeks, training mileage was reduced from 75.8 miles per week to 42.5 miles per week including interval training twice weekly. Following the specialized training, performance time was 10 seconds faster although VO2max and heart contractility had decreased. It was concluded that distance running performance can be maintained while considerably reducing training mileage and increasing exercise intensity twice a week.

Contribution of external and internal Ca2+ to changes in intracellular free Ca2+ produced by mitogens in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts: the role of dihydropyridine sensitive Ca2+ channels

Changes in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration [( Ca2+]i) produced by growth factors and mitogens have been studied using aequorin-loaded Swiss 3T3 cells. Decreasing free Ca2+ in the external medium by using EGTA had no significant effect on the increase in [Ca2+]i produced by vasopressin, bradykinin, bombesin or prostaglandin E2, but reduced the increase in [Ca2+]i produced by platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) by 58%, by prostaglandin E1 44% and by prostaglandin F2 alpha 47%. The dihydropyridine Ca2+-channel antagonist nifedipine at 10 microM inhibited the [Ca2+]i response to PDGF by 41% in both the presence of and in the absence of external Ca2+. Methyl-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl) pyridine-5-carboxylate (BAY K8644), a Ca2+-channel agonist, at 10 microM produced an increase in [Ca2+]i and decreased the [Ca2+]i response to PDGF by 39%. Nifedipine did not block 45Ca2+ uptake or release by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate in saponin-permeabilized Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts but BAY K8644 inhibited 45Ca2+ release by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. The results suggest that the increase in [Ca2+]i caused by PDGF in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts is due to the influx of external Ca2+ through dihydropyridine sensitive Ca2+ channels, as well as release of internal Ca2+.

Effect of scavengers of active oxygen species and pretreatment with acetyl-salicylic acid on the injury to cultured endothelial cells by thrombin-stimulated platelets

Thrombin-stimulated human platelets adhere to and injure cultured human endothelial cells. We hypothesize that generation of active oxygen species by the stimulated platelets are involved in the injury. To confirm this, catalase [final concentration (8.25 micrograms/ml)], superoxide dismutase (SOD) (10 micrograms/ml), of D-mannitol (9 mg/ml) were added to the cell culture medium before the experiments. Platelet suspension (200,000/microliters) and thrombin (4 U/ml) were added and the culture dishes shaken for 15 min at room temperature. In separate experiments the endothelial cells were pretreated with acetylsalicylic acid (0.05, 0.1, or 0.5 mM) to test whether the arachidonic acid metabolism of the endothelial cells is involved in the injury process. In preliminary experiments we were able to confirm that platelets, when stimulated by thrombin, produce chemiluminescence which was suppressed by mannitol but not by catalase or SOD. The degree of injury to cultured endothelial cells by thrombin-stimulated platelets, as measured by release of 51Cr from prelabeled endothelial cells, was reduced significantly with the presence of mannitol, but only moderately when catalase or SOD had been added. Morphometric quantification based on scanning electron micrographs of the endothelial cells after exposure to thrombin-stimulated platelets in the presence of catalase or mannitol showed a reduced number of injured cells. Pretreatment of the endothelial cells with acetylsalicylic acid did not cause any significant change in the degree of endothelial cell injury as measured by the 51Cr release. It is concluded that active oxygen species, in particular hydroxyl radicals, may be generated during thrombin stimulation of platelets and cause injury to the endothelial cells.

An increase in intracellular free Ca2+ associated with serum-free growth stimulation of Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts by epidermal growth factor in the presence of bradykinin

Bradykinin gave a biphasic increase in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in serum-deprived Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts loaded with the photoprotein aequorin. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) alone did not increase [Ca2+]i, but when added after bradykinin there was an increase in [Ca2+]i. The EGF-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i was maximal at 3 min and disappeared with a half-life of 6 min after bradykinin. Removing Ca2+ from the external medium did not abolish either the bradykinin or the EGF-induced [Ca2+]i responses. Although prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha also gave [Ca2+]i responses and permitted an EGF-dependent [Ca2+]i response, the effect of bradykinin did not appear to be mediated by prostaglandins since it was not blocked by indomethacin. Vasopressin and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate both gave a [Ca2+]i response but did not facilitate a [Ca2+]i response by EGF. Bradykinin or EGF alone did not increase DNA synthesis in growth-arrested Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts, but EGF added together with, or after, bradykinin increased DNA synthesis. The effect disappeared with a half-life of 180 min after the addition of bradykinin. It is concluded that stimulation of receptor protein tyrosine kinase is unlikely, by itself, to explain the increase in DNA synthesis produced by EGF. The observed increase in [Ca2+]i caused by EGF after bradykinin probably reflects the interaction of intracellular second messenger pathways leading to facilitation of DNA synthesis.

Effects of endotoxin on the pancreatic ultrastructure

Intravenous administration of Escherichia coli endotoxin caused a state of shock with increased serum cationic trypsin-like immunoreactivity (CTLI) in a porcine model. The pancreatic acinar cells revealed focal changes, including intracellular oedema, appearance of membrane-bound vacuoles and breaks in the plasma membrane. In the micro circulatory vessels, there was swelling of endothelial cells. Similar changes have been observed in hemorrhagic and cardiogenic shock. This study demonstrates severe ultrastructural changes in the pancreas during E. coli endotoxin shock.

Ultrastructural changes induced in the isolated rat heart by enzymatically generated oxygen radicals

This study describes the effect of oxygen radicals on the ultrastructure of the isolated Langendorff-perfused rat heart. Oxygen radicals were enzymatically generated by xanthine oxidase (0.025 U/ml) and hypoxanthine (0.96 mM). Hearts were perfusion-fixed for electron microscopy and stereological technique was performed to obtain estimates of volume fractions (Vv) of different tissue components. Perfusion with oxygen radicals resulted in areas with severely damaged myocardial cells. These changes included swelling and cristolysis of mitochondria, disruption of filaments, development of intracellular edema and focal disruption of the sarcolemma. Stereological examination revealed few alterations after 5 min perfusion with oxygen radicals. After 10 min perfusion with oxygen radicals, however, the Vv (myocyte/myocardium) increased from 0.542 +/- 0.042 (mean +/- S.D.) to 0.663 +/- 0.144, and this paralleled the development of Vv (cellular edema/myocyte) being 0.047 +/- 0.028. Vv (capillary wall/capillary) increased from 0.215 +/- 0.046 to 0.411 +/- 0.123 indicating endothelial swelling. Although the mitochondria appeared swollen, Vv (mitochondria/myocyte) remained constant. The effect of a 35 min recovery period on the ultrastructure was minor. The application of SOD and catalase together with xanthine oxidase and hypoxanthine reduced the observed changes significantly, thus proving the participation of oxygen radicals. This study confirms that oxygen radicals can induce major alterations in myocardial ultrastructure.

Multiple-angle, variable-interval, nonorthogonal MRI

Multiple-angle, variable-interval, nonorthogonal (MAVIN) MRI is a new, time-saving technique that allows for the independent choice of slice angle and position for each slice in a multiangle pulse sequence. By appropriate adjustment of the slice-select radiofrequency pulse and the slice-select and readout magnetic-field gradients, the interval and angle of each slice may be individually chosen. MAVIN can reduce examination time in studies of the lumbar spine, orbits, knees, and heart, where nonparallel oblique scanning may be necessary and would otherwise require the use of additional pulse sequences. Loss of signal in the region of intersection of multiple planes due to local changes in effective repetition time is a practical limitation. For this reason, scan planes are chosen so that the intersection does not overlie the region of interest.

Characteristics of psychiatric patients who engage in assaultive or other fear-inducing behaviors

The hospital records of 1687 psychiatric patients were rated for the presence of assaultive or other fear-inducing behaviors associated with the reasons for their hospital admissions. Data analyses indicated that significant associations existed between these behaviors and sex, race/ethnicity, diagnosis, previous admissions, referral source for hospitalization, legal status at admission, and legal status at discharge. No associations were found for age, education, marital status, employment status, number of days hospitalized during the index hospitalization, and referral at discharge. A comparison of these results with the results of studies by other investigators led to the conclusion that clinical variables appear to have a more consistent relation to violent behavior than demographic variables. Future research examining for the correlates of violent behavior in psychiatric patients may be more productive by focusing on the type and degree of patients' psychopathologies rather than on patients' demographic characteristics.

Violent or fear-inducing behavior associated with hospital admission

Recent studies indicate that the incidence of violent or fear-inducing behavior among the mentally ill may be higher than once thought. In this study, medical record admission notes for 1,687 psychiatric patients over a four-year period were examined for indications that the patients had engaged in violent or fear-inducing behavior just prior to hospital admission. This and other studies suggest that the frequency of violent or fear-inducing behavior associated with psychiatric admissions may have stabilized in recent years. The authors also found a significantly higher level of hospital readmissions for violent patients than for other patients. As a result, they caution against assuming that the rate of violent behavior among hospital admissions accurately reflects the prevalence of violent behavior among the general population of the mentally ill.

Changes in rat dopamine- and serotonin function in vivo after prolonged administration of the specific 5-HT uptake inhibitor, citalopram

The effect of prolonged administration of the potent and specific 5-HT uptake inhibitor citalopram on behavioural measures of dopaminergic and serotonergic activity has been studied in rats. Administration of citalopram in the diet at a daily dose of 99 mumol/kg led to supersensitivity to d-amphetamine-induced hypermotility and stereotypy and to subsensitivity to apomorphine-induced hypomotility 2 h after withdrawal. Forepaw clonus induced by 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine was decreased 2 h and 24 h after withdrawal and the number of head shakes induced by 1-5-HTP and citalopram were decreased 24 h after withdrawal. The d-amphetamine potentiation was still seen after 24 h, whereas the response had returned to normal 3 and 7 days after withdrawal. The content of amphetamine in three different brain regions was about 50% higher compared with controls 24 h after withdrawal of prolonged citalopram administration. At this time citalopram had been eliminated, and citalopram itself could not affect amphetamine metabolism. Other experiments indicated a linear relation between d-amphetamine brain concentration and motility level. Thus, a 50% increase in citalopram-treated rats cannot alone account for 3-fold increase in d-amphetamine-induced motility. Potentiation of d-amphetamine-induced hypermotility was also found after citalopram in a daily dietary dose of 25 mumol/kg for 13 days and after oral bolus injection (49 mumol/kg twice daily for 14 days). Acute citalopram injection had no effect in any of these models. The results suggest increased responsiveness of dopaminergic mechanisms mediating hypermotility, and decreased sensitivity of dopamine receptors mediating sedation (proposed autoreceptors). Sensitivity of 5-HT receptors was also decreased. The mechanisms by which citalopram induces d-amphetamine supersensitivity as well as subsensitivity to apomorphine and 5-HT agonists are presently unknown, since no changes in dopaminergic and serotonergic receptor binding have been found after an identical dose regimen.

The mechanism of retrovirus suppression of human T cell proliferation in vitro

Immunosuppression is commonly associated with retrovirus-induced animal tumors. Studies in the murine and feline retrovirus systems suggest that the 15,000-dalton envelope protein (p15E) of the virion may contribute to immunosuppression by interfering with normal lymphocyte function. We examined the effect of inactivated feline leukemia virus (UV-FeLV) and p15E derived from this virus on concanavalin A (Con A) driven human T cell proliferation. Virus and p15E markedly suppressed mononuclear cell proliferative response to Con A. Suppression was not due to inhibition of monocyte accessory cell function, or interleukin 1 (IL 1) secretion. In fact, the presence of monocytes partially protected T cells from UV-FeLV suppression. UV-FeLV, however, suppressed T cell secretion of and response to interleukin 2 (IL 2). We conclude that UV-FeLV and derived p15E inhibit T cell proliferation by direct inhibition of T cell function. These findings, extended to the in vivo situations, suggest that retrovirus-associated suppression of the immune response involves the induction of T cell but not monocyte dysfunction.

The mechanism of retrovirus suppression of human T cell proliferation in vitro

Immunosuppression is commonly associated with retrovirus-induced animal tumors. Studies in the murine and feline retrovirus systems suggest that the 15,000-dalton envelope protein (p15E) of the virion may contribute to immunosuppression by interfering with normal lymphocyte function. We examined the effect of inactivated feline leukemia virus (UV-FeLV) and p15E derived from this virus on concanavalin A (Con A) driven human T cell proliferation. Virus and p15E markedly suppressed mononuclear cell proliferative response to Con A. Suppression was not due to inhibition of monocyte accessory cell function, or interleukin 1 (IL 1) secretion. In fact, the presence of monocytes partially protected T cells from UV-FeLV suppression. UV-FeLV, however, suppressed T cell secretion of and response to interleukin 2 (IL 2). We conclude that UV-FeLV and derived p15E inhibit T cell proliferation by direct inhibition of T cell function. These findings, extended to the in vivo situations, suggest that retrovirus-associated suppression of the immune response involves the induction of T cell but not monocyte dysfunction.

Evaluation of the Olsen technique for estimating the fertility response to child mortality

In a previous issue of this journal, Olsen proposed a technique for quantifying the fertility response to child mortality. To estimate the extent of child replacement, one needs data only on the number of children ever born and the number of child deaths for each woman. The technique involves first running a regression of the number of births on the number of deaths and then correcting the regression coefficient in order to obtain a consistent estimate of replacement. Here we evaluate the performance of the technique by seeing how well it works on a simulated set of reproductive histories for which we known the true extent of replacement. In passing, we derive an extension of the technique to handle the situation in which replacement strategies are heterogeneous. We conclude that the technique performs very well, especially in those cases where the stochastic structure of the data can be diagnosed.

Decreased alanine aminotransferase activity in serum of man during gamma-acetylenic-GABA treatment

Decreasing concentrations of alanine aminotransferase were observed in nine patients receiving gamma-acetylenic-GABA, an inhibitor of GABA aminotransferase. In vitro studies showed that preincubation at 37 degrees C of serum with gamma-acetylenic-GABA and with urine from a patient receiving the drug led to inhibition of alanine aminotransferase. This inhibition of alanine aminotransferase by gamma-acetylenic-GABA was neutralized by 1-analine, the natural substrate for the enzyme. The mechanism of inhibition may be a competition between the drug and 1-alanine for the substrate binding site of the enzyme.

Photoaffinity labeling of three renal cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate-binding proteins

Evidence is presented for the presence of multiple cyclic AMP binding components in the plasma membrane and cytosol fractions of porcine renal cortex and medulla. N6-(Ethyl-2-diazomalonyl)-3',5'-adenosine monophosphate, a photoaffinity label for cyclic AMP binding sites, exhibits non-covalent binding characteristics similar to cyclic AMP in membrane and soluble fractions. Binding data for either compound to the plasma membrane fraction yields biphasic Scatchard plots while triphasic plots are obtained with the dialyzed cytosol. When covalently labeled fractions are separated on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the cyclic AMP photoaffinity label is found on 49 000 and 130 000 dalton components in each kidney fraction. DEAE-cellulose and gel filtration chromatography of the labeled cortical cytosol fraction establishes that the three components suggested by the binding data correspond to two 49 000 dalton species and a 130 000 component. The 49 000 species have higher affinities for cyclic AMP than the 130 000 component (Ka(1) = 2.0 . 10(9), Ka(2) = 1.7 . 10(8), Ka(3) = 1.0 . 10(7)). The 49 000 components are associated with protein kinase activity while the 130 000 component does not exhibit protein kinase, adenosine deaminase, or cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity. Immunologic results and effects of phosphorylation and cyclic GMP on cyclic AMP binding further suggest that the 49 000 components are regulatory subunits of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinases. Cyclic AMP binding to the 130 000 component is markedly inhibited by adenosine and adenine nucleotides, but not cyclic GMP. Thus, this component may reflect an aspect of adenosine control or metabolism which may or may not be a cyclic AMP-related cellular function.

Diagnosis of experimental encephalitozoonosis in rabbits by complement fixation

A complement-fixation (CF) test has been developed for detection of experimental encephalitozoonosis in rabbits. The antigen consisted of disrupted homogenates of Encephalitozoon cuniculi spores grown in and released from rabbit choroid plexus tissue culture cells. The test was sensitive and capable of detecting experimental encephalitozoonosis in rabbits as early as 15 days after intracerebral infection. The test was specific for infected animals, and no cross-reactivity was demonstrated between E. cuniculi antigen and Nosema apis, Trypanosoma congolese, Trypanosoma cruzi, rabbit liver powder, rabbit brain powder, and rabbit choroid plexus cell culture. Sera from rabbits infected with Toxoplasma gondii, Eimeria stiedai, and Eimeria perforans did not exhibit antibodies to E. cuniculi. No CF-inhibition activity was detected.

The effect of cell synchronization upon the detection of T and B lymphoid cell receptors on two continuous lymphoid cell lines

In the present study, the effect of the cell synchronization on the detection of T and B cell surface markers of two continuous lines of lymphoid cells (FL-74 and CT45-S) was examined. Suspension cultures were synchronized by deprivation of isoleucine and surface markers were quantitated by T rosette formation with guinea pig erythrocytes (E) and B rosette formation with an erythrocyte-antibody-complement (EAC) complex. After 24 hr, cells were resuspended in complete culture medium. Virtually 100% of FL-74 cells expressed the T cell marker at time 0, with a progressive decline to 80% at saturation density. A bell-shaped curve for expression of the EAC marker on CT45-S cells was seen with maximum expression in the logarithmic phase of the growth cycle. Spent culture medium was examined for the presence of free soluble receptor. Preincubation of E and EAC in appropriate old medium resulted in 42% inhibition of E rosettes and 42% inhibition of EAC rosettes with FL-74 and CT45-S cells, respectively. Thus quantitation of lymphocyte subpopulations as B, T or null cells with these cellular markers may be influenced by the age of the cell examined, phase of the cell cycle and the amount of free receptor present in the surrounding medium.

Serologic response to canine distemper viral antigens in gnotobiotic dogs infected with canine distemper virus

The humoral immune response to canine distemper viral antigens in gnotobiotic dogs experimentally infected with canine distemper virus was studied by the complement fixation and serum neutralization tests. Antibody titers measured by both serologic methods varied inversely with the severity of disease produced. Recovered dogs demonstrated the highest titers of antibody, whereas fatally infected dogs had little or no antibody activity in their sera. A third group of dogs, characterized by chronic persistent infection, had intermediate levels of anitbody to canine distemper virus. Preliminary characterization of the viral antigens involved in the complement fixation test indicated that at least two antigenic components were involved. One antigen was soluble in ether and was heat-labile, whereas the other was relatively heat-stable and was unaffected by treatment with ether. No evidence for serologic cross-reaction between viral and central nervous system components was found. A vigorous antibody response to envelope antigen determinants in addition to core determinants distinguished immune dogs from persistently infected dogs. The results of this study suggest that the inability to produce antibodies to envelope antigens may be a crucial factor in the establishment of a persistent infection with canine distemper virus in these dogs.

Myelin-specific autoantibodies associated with central nervous system demyelination in canine distemper virus infection

Sera from dogs with spontaneously occurring and experimentally produced canine distemper virus-associated demyelinating encephalitis were examined for antibodies to central nervous system myelin by the complement fixation and indirect immunofluorescent methods. Complement-fixing immunoglobulin M antibodies and non-complement-fixing immunoglobulin G antibodies were found in 97% of the spontaneous cases. In comparison, only 28% of control sera contained these antibodies; furthermore, mean antibody titers in the control groups were significantly lower (P < 0.005) when compared to the distemper group. Complement-fixing antimyelin antibodies were also demonstrated in gnotobiotic dogs with experimentally induced distemper virus-associated demyelination. The antibody response could be correlated with clinicopathological features of the disease produced. Results of this study indicate that demyelination in canine distemper may proceed by immune mechanisms.