Relation between the composition and the acid-sensitivity of some cytochemical reactions of chloragosomes in the earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris L

Parallel biochemical and cytochemical examinations of chloragosomes were made. Ethanol-HCl extract of delipidized chloragosome fraction contains phosphatides, metalloporphyrins, further on polyphenolic and aminophenolic compounds, probably related to flavonoids and pteridines, proved by UV-spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods. The last 2 compounds were separately extracted by 0.1 N HCl. Previous extraction of sections by 0.1 N HCl resulted in a significant decrease of sudanophilia and in a total abolishment of basophilia and argentophilia in chloragosomes while their eosinophilis and peroxidase reactions become mroe intensive compared with those of the control sections. The role of phenolic compounds in the sudanophilic, basophilic and argentophilic reactions and their masking effect for the eosinophilia and the peroxidase reaction were discussed in relation to the chemical organisation of chloragosomes. Relation of chloragosomes to the lysosomal matrix was suggested.

[Life expectancy and frequency of infarct after aorto-coronary bypass]

Survival rate and incidence of myocardial infarction after aortocoronary bypass operation in 274 patients are presented. Mortality was 5.1% within the first postoperative month and the 5-year-survival rate was 86%. There were 24 perioperative myocardial infarctions and another 21 infarctions over the next 5 years. Comparison of these data with the natural history of coronary heart disease suggests a possible prolongation of survival after bypass surgery. The incidence of myocardial infarction appears to be unchanged.

[Left ventricular function at rest and during dynamic load before and after aortocoronary bypass. Preliminary report]

17 patients with coronary artery disease were studied before and 10 +/- 3 months (mean +/- 1 SD) after aortocoronary bypass surgery. Left ventricular performance was analyzed at rest and in 12 cases during dynamic exercise (work load 59 +/- 22 watts) with tip manometer pressure measurements. The degree of coronary artery obstruction was estimated pre- and postoperatively by vascularization index (VaI). Patients were separated into 2 groups (group A: 8 patients with postoperatively improved VaI, and group B: 9 patients with unchanged or worsened VaI). Apart from a significant fall in LVEDP (p less than 0.025) in group A, there was no significant change in left ventricular dynamics in either group at rest, while a significant improvement in mean LVEDP (p less than 0.05), max dP/dt (p less than 0.05), Vpm (p less than 0.005) and Vmax (p less than 0.005) during dynamic exercise was observed in group A, but no significant change in these terms in group B, after surgery.

Effect of cyanide on the plasmalemma potential of mnium

By centrifuging Mnium cuspidatum leaf cells, the cytoplasm can be distinguished from the vacuole and a microelectrode tip can be located unambiguously in the cytoplasm. The site of the electrogenic pump is clearly demonstrated to reside in the plasmalemma as shown by depolarization of the cell electropotential induced by CN(-).

[The influence of different plasma substitutes on blood clotting in isovolaemic haemodilution (author's transl)]

In a clinical study, the influence of 6 per cent Dextran 60 and 6 per cent hydroxyethyl starch (HES) on blood clotting was measured in 2 comparable groups of surgical patients. Haematocrit, platelets, thromboplastin time according to Quick, partial thromboplastin time and fibrinogen level were determined before and after isovolaemic haemodilution, and subsequently during a period of 14 days. There was no significant difference between the diluents with regard to their effect on blood clotting. Changes within each group may be ascribed to the diluting effect of the plasma substitutes.

[Clinical observations and angiographic findings before and after aortocoronary benous bypass grafting (author's transl)]

37 patients (mean age 51 +/- 8 years) were investigated clinically, mechanocardiographically and angiocardiographically before and 336 +/- 166 days after implantation of an aortocoronary vein graft. The bypass patency rate was 78%. Postoperatively 57% of the patients were free of symptoms, 35% were improved and 8% unimproved or worse. The postoperative incidence of angina pectoris during exercise testing was significantly lower in the groups with an improved vascularization-index, open vein grafts and a lack of preoperative myocardial infarction. For separating the patients only the vascularization-index and the bypass patency seem to be of value.

[Proceedings: Clinical findings and coronary morphology before and after aorto-coronary venous bypass]

37 patients (mean age 51+/-8 years) were clinically and angiographically investigated before and 11+/-5 months after implantation of an aortocoronary vein graft. The rate of bypass patency was 78%. Postoperatively 57% of the patients were free of symptoms, 35% were improved and 8% unimproved or worse. The reduced incidence of angina pectoris during exercise testing appears to be correlated with graft patency, an improved vascularization index and probably the absence of preoperative myocardial infarction. The systolic time intervals and the lung-ear time at rest are of no value for differentiation of improved and unimproved patients.

Ultrastructural-morphometric analysis of the rat prostate (ventral lobe)

A morphometric model, which provides information on the structure of the normal gland (ventral lobe) has been developed for the rat prostate. The model consists of morphologically defined space and membrane compartments, which are used to describe the specific components of the protein and enzyme synthesizing and secreting glandular cells. The results presented are relative to a cubic centimeter of prostatic tissue, a cubic centimeter of acinar parenchyma and glandular cell cytoplasm. Special interest was given to the cell compartments which are involved in protein and enzyme synthesis.

[The enlarged saccular recess of the distal radio-ulnar joint shown of low Ke V film (author's transl)]

There is a widening of the saccular recess of the distal-radio-ulnar joint, the radiocarpal joint with altered articular disk, and most often in rheumatoid arthritis due to effusion or synovial proliferation. In the latter case typical localized pressure erosions and periosteal new bone formation of the radius and ulna may be observed.

Effect of gastric emptying rate on the intestinal absorption of chloroquine in rats

After oral administration, chloroquine caused a dose-related delay in gastric emptying and in its own absorption from the small intestine in rats. Acetyl-beta-methylcholine (0.75 mg/kg i.p.) did not influence the intraperitoneal LD50 value of chloroquine (102 mg/kg) significantly, but reduced oral LD50 from 1,080 to 280 mg/kg. Acetyl-beta-methylcholine increased both the gastric emptying rate and the propulsion motility of the small intestine. As a consequence, the intestinal mucosal surface that had come into contact with the drug was increased in size, resulting in more rapid absorption of chloroquine. Infusion of chloroquine at a rate of 1 mg/min/kg into a mesenteric vein was tolerated by anaesthetized rats for hours. Increasing the dose, however, led to shorter survival times and eventually to death. It is concluded that gastric emptying may play an important role in the rate of intestinal absorption and in the oral toxicity of drugs.

Therapy of depression by phenylalanine. Preliminary note

To 23 subjects with endogenous depression after a previous unsuccessful treatment with common antidepressive drugs (imipramine-like or MAO inhibitors) dl- or d-phenylalanine was given in dialy oral doses of 50 or 100 mg during 15 days. A complete euthymia was obtained in 17 subjects between one and 13 days of treatment. No important adverse reaction was observed.