Formation of pi, tau-dimethylhistidine on alkylation of trypsin with active-site-directed sulfonic acid methyl esters

The possibility of synthesizing stable alkyl analogues of acyl trypsins by introducing the alkyl residue by means of active-site-directed sulfonic acid esters was studied. Nine amidino- or guanidino-substituted sulfonic acids of different geometries and their methyl esters were prepared. The time-dependent inhibition of bovine trypsin by these esters, indicating modification at the active site of the enzyme, was followed. With the exception of p-guanidinobenzenesulfonic acid methyl ester, all the esters acted as irreversible inhibitors. The site of methylation, Ser-195 or His-57 (chymotrypsinogen numbering), was determine by analyzing for O-methylserine and methylhistidines. With four of the esters indications of a possible formation of, at most, 0.1 residue of O-methylserine per inactivated trypsin molecule were obtained. tau-Methylhistidine (but no pi-methylhistidine) was, however, always observed as the main product of the modification reaction. A further product, hitherto not yet described in active site methylations of serine proteinases, was pi, tau-dimethylhistidine (1,3-dimethylhistidine). The failure of an attempted synthesis of the N-acetyl-ethanolamine ester of p-toluene-sulfonic acid reported in the literature is shown to be due to the high instability of this ester.

[The effect of oligosaccharides on piglets]

Into the starter of weaned piglets 1% lactitol and 0.2% fructo-, isomalto- or galacto-oligosaccharides were added. After an adaptation period of two weeks the piglets were slaughtered 3 hours postprandial. Compared with control animals in the trial groups urea concentrations in the serum and fermentations in the stomach were lowered, stomach emptying rates increased. Higher volumes and contents were measured in the colon, especially in the upper half, and more lactic acid.

[Brain scintigraphy (SPECT) with thallium-201 in primary brain tumors]

We evaluated the role of thallium-201 single-photon emission-computed tomography (SPECT) in diagnosis, differential diagnosis and follow-up of 33 patients with primary brain tumors. 27 of 33 lesions were detectable by Tl-201 SPECT because only two of eight low-grade (grade 1 and 2) astrocytomas showed Tl-201 accumulation up to a tumor to nontumor ratio of 2.6. High grade (grade 3 and 4) astrocytomas showed Tl-201 accumulation in the range of 2.2 up to 13.0 and were different from low-grade astrocytomas. Noninvasive grading of astrocytomas is therefore possible, whereas differential diagnosis of oligodendrogliomas and astrocytomas or meningiomas was not possible with Tl-201. In the follow-up of six patients, we could demonstrate, that tumor progression is correlated with increasing and tumor regression with decreasing Tl-201 accumulations. This functional changing proceed morphological findings in CT. But vanishing of Tl-201 accumulation during therapy does not mean vanishing of tumor as could be demonstrated by follow-up.

Relapsing bullous staphyloderma

Relapsing eruptions of bullae rapidly turning into pustules were seen in a 69-year-old woman of good general health. At different times during several months of observation, strains of S. aureus were grown from various lesions, including one (phage group III) producing enterotoxin C. Systemic involvement except for high BSR was absent and repeated blood cultures were negative. Histopathological findings resembled impetigo. Antibiotic treatment was effective. As this disease does not fit into any of the well-known pustular infectious dermatoses, we suggest calling it relapsing bullous staphyloderma.

Minimization of indomethacin-induced reduction in renal function by misoprostol

A prospective, randomized, open-label, triple crossover comparison of the effects of indomethacin, misoprostol, or the combination, on renal function was performed to assess the ability of an oral prostaglandin E analogue, misoprostol, to minimize indomethacin-induced decline in renal function in middle-aged women. Twelve healthy women (mean age: 60.5 +/- 1.6 yr) with normal renal function (serum creatinine: 81 +/- 9 umol/L) were studied; six women were normotensive, and six women were hypertensive with their blood pressure controlled with 50-mg hydrochlorothiazide daily. All patients were placed on a 2-g sodium daily diet for 2 weeks before initiation of the study. The subjects were prospectively randomized to receive each of three 4-day treatments of indomethacin (25 mg q 6hr), misoprostol (200 mcg q 6hr), or the combination of drugs with a 4-day washout between each treatment period. Measurements of GFR (urine accumulation of 99mTc-DTPA) and RPF (serum disappearance 131I-Hippuran), and urine collections for electrolytes were obtained before the first treatment period and on the fourth day of each treatment period. Three of the six hypertensive patients and three of the six normotensive patients had a decrease (greater than 10%) in GFR associated with indomethacin therapy. When misoprostol was given with the indomethacin, four of these six patients did not experience a decline in GFR (baseline GFR for six patients: 75.4 +/- 6.6 mL/min/1.73m2, GFR after indomethacin: 57.8 +/- 9.5 mL/min/1.73m2, GFR with combination of indomethacin and misoprostol: 69.7 +/- 3.5 mL/min/1.73m2. RPF was not consistently altered by subacute/chronic dosing of indomethacin, misoprostol, or the combination of the drugs. The authors conclude that misoprostol ameliorates indomethacin-induced renal dysfunction in salt-restricted and diuretic-treated middle-aged women with normal serum creatinine.

Effects of temperature on the coupled activities of the vanadate-sensitive proton pump from maize root microsomes

The mechanism by which proton transport is coupled to ATP hydrolysis by vanadate-sensitive pumps is poorly understood. The effects of temperature on the activities of the vanadate-sensitive ATPase from maize (Zea mays) roots were assessed to provide insight into the coupling mechanism. The initial rate of proton transport had a bell-shaped dependence on temperature with an optimal range between 20 and 30 degrees C. However, the rate of vanadate-sensitive ATP hydrolysis increased as the temperature was raised from 4 to 43 degrees C. The differential sensitivity of proton transport to temperatures above 30 degrees C was also observed when the ATPase was reconstituted into dioleoylphosphatidylcholine vesicles. Inhibition of proton transport with temperatures above 30 degrees C was associated with higher rates of proton leakage from the membranes. In addition, proton transport was more inhibited than ATP hydrolysis at temperatures below 10 degrees C. Reduced rates of proton transport at lower temperatures were not associated with higher rate of proton conductivity across the membranes. Therefore, the preferential inhibition of proton transport at temperatures below 10 degrees C may reflect an effect of temperature on the coupling between proton transport and ATP hydrolysis within the vanadate-sensitive ATPase.

Cloning and sequencing the urocanase gene (hutU) from Pseudomonas putida

A clone harbouring the entire urocanase gene (hutU) was obtained from a genomic library of Pseudomonas putida using oligonucleotide probes synthesised on the basis of known flanking sequences. One subunit of urocanase consists of 556 amino acids and has a molecular mass of 60,771 Da.

[Small papular tumors of the perifollicular and perivascular connective tissue of the head and neck area]

The clinical picture of perifollicular benign tumors resemble that of juvenile warts, but the histopathology is completely different. Three different forms of perifollicular tumors, pure or mixed, have been observed. We report a fourth, previously unrecorded form, named perivascular fibroma from its histological appearance. The histological findings indicate a possible inflammatory etiology, as is also suggested by perifollicular fibroma, whereas postinflammatory signs are absent in trichodiscoma and fibrofolliculoma. The prognosis after removal of these tumors is favorable.

[Behavior of the other eye in measuring fixation disparity]

In the subjective measurement of FD, the proband fuses contours presented in the peripheral macular areas of both eyes ('fusion lock'). The position of both eyes relative to each other is monitored by means of two haploscopically seen vertical lines presented in the central visual field, one above and one below a binocularly seen horizontal line. The subject is instructed to shift one of the vertical lines horizontally until the two are aligned, while fixating their intersection with the horizontal line. It has recently been questioned whether the foveolae really are pointed at the perceived intersection. To investigate this matter, we registered the position of one eye while intermittently covering the fellow eye, while the subject maintained fixation of the intersection. We found slight differences in monocular eye position depending on the presence or absence of fusion in the macular periphery, confirming earlier findings in part. These differences were more pronounced in the nondominant eye.

Inflammatory properties of neutrophil-activating protein-1/interleukin 8 (NAP-1/IL-8) in human skin: a light- and electronmicroscopic study

Neutrophil-activating protein-1/interleukin 8 (NAP-1/IL-8), purified to homogeneity from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human peripheral blood monocytes, was injected intracutaneously into human skin. Sequential biopsy specimens were taken in order to investigate the sequence of ultrastructural changes induced by the cytokine. Whereas intracutaneous injection of 100 ng of NAP-1/IL-8 per site caused no macroscopic changes, by histology infiltration with polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and monocytes was present within 1 h and increased at 3 and 5 h. No lymphocyte infiltration was noted. The first ultrastructural changes (30 min) consisted of the presence of cytoplasmic 7-nm microfilament bundles, as well as numerous protrusions of the luminal plasma membrane of endothelial cells (EC). As a striking feature, multiple 100- to 160-nm electron lucent vesicles could be observed in the EC cytoplasm. These structures differed from plasmalemmal vesicles and suggest secretory activity. When PMN and monocytes appeared in the vascular lumen (1 h and later), the number of 100-160-nm electron-lucent vesicles had decreased significantly. In contrast to C5a-injected skin sites, mast cell degranulation was absent.

Efficacy and tolerability of enalapril and sustained-release verapamil in older patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension

The study involved 113 patients over age 50 years with mild to moderate essential hypertension, randomly assigned to treatment with enalapril (n = 54) or sustained-release verapamil (n = 59). During an eight-week titration period, doses were adjusted to achieve supine diastolic blood pressures (DBP) below 90 mmHg; patients were then given maintenance doses for eight weeks. Mean blood pressures were reduced significantly from 147.7/93.9 mmHg at baseline to 137.7/84.5 mmHg at the end of the maintenance period in the enalapril group and from 155.1/95.1 to 142.4/86.2 mmHg in the verapamil group. In the patients who completed treatment, the mean daily doses required to maintain DBP below 90 mmHg were 9.6 mg of enalapril and 244.9 mg of verapamil. There were 11 treatment failures in the enalapril group and 22 in the verapamil group: eight of the enalapril and 17 of the verapamil patients did not attain goal blood pressures and three and five were withdrawn because of side effects. It is concluded that both enalapril and sustained-release verapamil were generally effective and well tolerated in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension in the middle-aged and older patients.

Evidence for and subcellular localization of a ca-stimulated phospholipase d from maize roots

Autolytic lipid changes in corn (Zea mays L.) root crude homogenates and isolated membranes were examined by the use of high performance thin-layer chromatography. In the absence of added CaCl(2), losses in phosphatidylcholine and other phospholipids corresponds to increase in fatty acids without the accumulation of either phosphatidic acid or lyso-phosphatidylcholine. However, in the presence of 1 millimolar CaCl(2), phosphatidylcholine concentrations declined more rapidly with an immediate increase in phoshatidic acid, and slower rate of fatty acid accumulation. Autolytic phospholipid degradation yielded primarily free fatty acids in the absence of Ca and phosphatidic acid in the presence of 1 millimolar CaCl(2), suggesting the presence of an acyl hydrolase and phospholipase D activities. Differential centrifugation studies indicate that 50 to 80% of the crude homogenate's phospholipase D activity is membrane-bound. Density centrifugation experiments suggest that the membrane-bound phospholipase D activity is localized primarily on mitochondrial membranes.

[Postoperative results and follow-up of thoracic aortic diseases using magnetic resonance tomography]

Operations of the thoracic aorta for aneurysms, dissections, or congenital malformations may lead to early or late complications. Therefore, postoperative control for documentation of the surgical results, for exclusion of early changes and for comparison with later controls is mandatory. To demonstrate that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which we already had used with good results for preoperative studies is also able to detect postoperative abnormalities, we examined 30 patients with thoracic aortic disease (20 male, 10 female, mean age 53 +/- 13.7 years) with this diagnostic tool. There were 19 arteriosclerotic aneurysms, 10 dissections, and one aortic tumor. With MRI it was possible in all patients to visualize the results of the surgical treatment postoperatively. Early postoperative complications could be excluded, or demonstrated in one case of a retrograde aortic dissection or a hematopericardium. These pathological findings could also be shown by arterial digital subtraction angiography or echocardiography. Using MRI for follow-up of aortic dissections, the development of an aneurysm of the aortic root in a Marfan-patient could be detected. In all these patients, it was possible to differentiate true and false lumen and to detect the origin of major side branches. The diagnostic advantages of MRI, which we compared with other imaging methods, as echocardiography, computed tomography or angiography are that postoperative complications of thoracic aortic aneurysm surgery can be reliably detected and visualized in 3 different planes. Non-invasiveness, the omission of ionizing radiation and no risk of contrast media application underline that magnetical resonance imaging is an ideal method for follow-up after operation of the thoracic aorta.

Pleomorphic T-cell lymphoma and large-cell anaplastic lymphoma of the skin. A morphological, immunophenotypical, and ultrastructural study of two typical cases

Pleomorphic T-cell lymphoma and large-cell anaplastic lymphoma are recently defined lymphoma types that both occur in the skin. This report outlines the characteristics of these lymphomas and describes the clinical, histological, immunological, and ultrastructural features as seen in two typical case histories. Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas other than mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome are heterogeneous; they deserve further scientific attention to obtain data about their natural history and their response to therapy.

Transendothelial cell diapedesis of neutrophils in inflamed human skin

The mode of extravasation of neutrophils (PMNs) in cutaneous inflammation was studied in sequential biopsy specimens taken from human skin. Inflammatory skin reactions were produced by intracutaneous injection of endogeneous mediators of inflammation--C5ades arg, LTB4, neutrophil-activating peptide (NAP) and interleukin-1 (IL-1). Within 30 min after injection neutrophils were observed in close contact with endothelial cells of postcapillary venules and, following cytoplasmic engulfment, the cells were found to be transported transcellulary through the endothelial layer. In a total of 20 biopsy specimens taken at various times, cell migration via interendothelial gaps was absent. Instead, the transcellular pathway appeared to be the first and foremost mode of diapedesis. During this migratory process PMNs lacked signs of degranulation and numerous electron-lucent vesicles and secondary lysosomes were found. In addition, coated pits present on leukocyte as well as endothelial-cell membranes were indicative of receptor-mediated endocytotic processes.

Regression of left ventricular hypertrophy under ramipril treatment investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance imaging

Thirty-two hypertensive subjects with diastolic blood pressure greater than 95 mm Hg were treated with ramipril over a period of 3 months. To determine the effective decrease of blood pressure and for reliable and reproducible demonstration of regression of myocardial hypertrophy during ramipril treatment, we performed parallel measurements with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and echocardiography. Measurements were carried out before treatment, 4 h after the first dose, and after 14 days and 3 months of treatment. MRI slices showed a significant decrease of interventricular septal thickness from 19.57 to 15.20 mm, whereas echocardiography demonstrated an equivalent decrease from 18.78 to 14.57 mm. At each measuring point, quantification of wall thickness was performed three times and the means were calculated. The septum and the posterior wall of the left ventricle were also measured at three different points. The values were obtained with negligible scatter and the changes with ramipril treatment were highly significant (p less than 0.001). A concomitant decrease of blood pressure was also observed. The therapeutic aim to reduce diastolic blood pressures below 90 mm Hg was achieved in all patients. In addition to the significant reduction in blood pressure, the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor ramipril caused a significant regression of pathologic left ventricular hypertrophy demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging and echocardiography.

[Comparative clinical studies of myocardial blood flow in coronary heart disease with two nifedipine preparations]

Clinical, ergometric and scintigraphic examinations were performed before and after oral administration of a commercially available nifedipine preparation used as a standard (reference preparation; dosage: 3 x 10 mg/d) in 21 patients with angiographically verified coronary artery disease. In an open comparison study the same parameters were investigated after a 4 week course of a different nifedipine preparation as a test preparation (Corotrend; dosage: 3 x 10 mg/d). The study was performed in order to determine whether there were quantitative differences in myocardial microperfusion when different galenical preparations of nifedipine were used. There were no statistically significant differences between the two nifedipine preparations in the test parameters recorded. Both substances were associated with highly significant increases in microperfusion as compared to findings in the washout phase. Clinical effects on incidence of chest pain and on reductions in blood pressure were comparable. Patients demonstrated slightly better exercise tolerance with the reference agent, and computerised impulse-rate analysis of the tomoscintigrams demonstrated somewhat better microperfusion with this drug, though the differences between the two agents did not attain statistical significance. As the result of this analysis the two drugs would appear to be equivalent in clinical potency.

[Morphologic changes in the epithelium of myocutaneous pectoralis major islands flaps. A light and electron optic study]

On a long-term basis, the epithelium of pectoralis major flaps incorporated in the mouth and the oropharynx is macroscopically and microscopically very similar to the sourrounding mucosa. Light microscope and electro microscopic investigations show that the type of keratinization of the epithelium of this flap has changed from orthokeratosis to parakeratosis which is typical for the mucosa of the mouth. The possible reasons for these changes, which, to our knowledge, have not been described before, are discussed.

Effect of systemic pH on pHi and lactic acid generation in exhaustive forearm exercise

To investigate whether changes in systemic pH affect intracellular pH (pHi), energy-rich phosphates, and lactic acid generation in muscle, eight normal volunteers performed exhaustive forearm exercise with arterial blood flow occluded for 2 min on three occasions. Subjects ingested 4 mmol/kg NH4Cl (acidosis; A) or NaHCO3 (alkalosis; B) or nothing (control; C) 3 h before the exercise. Muscle pHi and phosphocreatine (PCr) content were measured with 31P-nuclear magnetic resonance (31P-NMR) spectroscopy during exercise and recovery. Lactate output during 0.5-7 min of recovery was calculated as deep venous-arterial concentration differences times forearm blood flow. Before exercise, blood pH and bicarbonate were lower in acidosis (7.303 +/- 0.009, 18.6 +/- 0.5 meq/l) than alkalosis (7.457 +/- 0.010, 32.2 +/- 0.7 meq/l) and intermediate in control (7.389 +/- 0.007, 25.3 +/- 0.6 meq/l). Lactic acid output during recovery was less with A (245 +/- 39 mumol/100 ml) than B (340 +/- 55 mumol/100 ml) (P less than 0.05) and intermediate in C (293 +/- 31 mumol/100 ml). PCr utilization and resynthesis were not affected by extracellular pH changes. pHi did not differ before exercise (A, 7.04 +/- 0.01; B, 7.09 +/- 0.01; C, 7.06 +/- 0.01) or at its end (A, 6.28 +/- 0.07; B, 6.28 +/- 0.11; C, 6.31 +/- 0.09). Hence systemic acidosis inhibited and alkalosis stimulated lactic acid output. These findings suggest that systemic pH regulates cellular acid production, protecting muscle pH, at the expense of energy availability.

[Progressive lymphangiokeratoma and angiosarcoma (Stewart-Treves syndrome) in congenital lymphedema]

Three unusual clinical and histopathological changes were found in a 59-year-old male patient with congenital lymphedema of the lower left leg. Firstly, a keratotic lymphangioma had developed in the course of only a few years and in the end involved the entire left leg up to the buttocks--far beyond the edematous area. Secondly, concealed beneath the lymphangiokeratoma, a solitary tumor almost the size of a table-tennis ball was found on the outer side of the lower left leg. Histopathologically, the tumor proved to be a malignant angiosarcoma, which had grown over a period of some months. It was characterized histopathologically by solid and angiomatous differentiation. Thirdly, the superficial and deep lymph vessels revealed remarkable atypia and papillary proliferations of endothelial cells. After amputation of the left leg at the thigh, with complete removal of the angiosarcoma, but leaving the pathologically altered vessels in the upper part of the left leg and the buttocks, no clinical signs of metastases of progression have been noted during the first year after operation.

Does intravenous ritodrine therapy cause capillary endothelial damage?

The effects of intravenous (IV) ritodrine therapy on capillary endothelial damage and colloid osmotic pressure were examined in 15 patients in premature labor. Plasma fibronectin, a marker for capillary endothelial damage, did not change significantly after IV ritodrine therapy. Plasma colloid osmotic pressure was lowered following ritodrine therapy (P less than 0.05). Pretreatment plasma fibronectin levels in the study and control groups were similar. Interestingly, pretreatment colloid osmotic pressure in the study group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P less than 0.05). Our data suggest that there is no evidence of capillary endothelial damage following ritodrine therapy. Lower levels of plasma colloid osmotic pressure in patients with preterm labor, which are further reduced with IV ritodrine therapy, may predispose these patients to pulmonary edema.

Interaction of adrenal and pancreatic hormones in the control of hepatic enzymes during development

In the liver of suckling rats, the synthesis of hepatic tyrosine aminotransferase, serine dehydratase, and phosphofructokinase 2 as well as of renal beta-glucosidase is controlled by the circulating concentrations of adrenal and pancreatic hormones. Glucagon is capable of stimulating enzyme synthesis only in the presence of a steroid hormone. Dexamethasone and estradiol have been found to exert a permissive function on the inducibility of the studied enzymes by glucagon. Between the hormones of the adrenal medulla and glucagon antagonistic effects in enzyme induction were observed. Obviously, this antagonism is mediated by the alpha 1-adrenergic signal transferring system. A characteristic age dependence of enzyme induction by dexamethasone has been established. This might be correlated to alterations in the degree of methylation of the respective promoters. The methylation inhibitor 5-azacytidine influences significantly the enzyme induction by glucocorticoid hormones.

[Extramammary Paget's disease: clinical and histologic documentation of 2 forms]

There are two forms of extramammary Paget's disease in respect of clinic, therapy and prognosis. In most cases (about 95%) extramammary Paget's disease is an intraepidermal manifestation of a cutaneous adenocarcinoma. After horizontal spreading within the epidermis, malignant growth continues along the adjacent adnexal structures with dermal spreading and subsequent metastases. In rare cases (approx. 5%), extramammary Paget's disease is an epidermal manifestation of an adenocarcinoma primarily located in the intestinal or urogenital tract. Further diagnostic and therapeutical procedures depend upon the type of extramammary Paget's disease.

Hormonal control of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate concentration and of phosphofructokinase 2 in the rat liver during development

In fetal rat liver the concentration of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate is decreased by administration of glucagon. The glucagon effect, i.e., the phosphorylation state of phosphofructokinase 2, dominates over the substrate supply. Insulin was found to increase fructose 2,6-bisphosphate only when exogenous glucose is supplied simultaneously. The total activity of phosphofructokinase 2 exhibits remarkable developmental changes. It is high at term, moderate in the fetal as well as in the mature organ, and low during suckling. The level of the enzyme during development is controlled by pancreatic and adrenal hormones.

Time-dependent changes in image contrast in brain tumors after gadolinium-DTPA

Time-dependent changes in the contrast enhancement of tumor tissue, tumor necrosis, perifocal edema, and normal brain tissue after IV injection of 0.1 mmol gadolinium-DTPA/kg body weight were studied with spin-echo technique (SE 800/35) in 15 patients with intracranial tumors. Using a region of interest technique, we determined the signal-intensity values of these tissues before and at fixed times up to 68.5 min after administration of the contrast agent. In tumor tissue, the 8.5 min postinjection (p.i.) scan showed a significant increase in signal intensity. The signal intensity of the tumor tissue remained significantly higher than precontrast levels throughout the entire period of observation, decreasing only slightly toward the end of the examination (48.5 and 68.5 min p.i.). Central tumor necrosis exhibited a delayed uptake of the contrast agent, with a maximum signal intensity between 48.5 and 68.5 min p.i. In perifocal edema and normal brain tissue, slight increases in signal intensity after injection of gadolinium-DTPA were measured (statistically significant in the case of edema). This effect, however, was not visually detectable. The present study shows that after one injection, scans with excellent tumor visualization can be obtained between 8.5 and 38.5 min p.i. and with diagnostically valid enhancement at least up to 68.5 min p.i.

White sponge nevus of the vulva

The white sponge nevus is a hereditary leukokerotosis localized preferably in the oral mucosa, but may simultaneously manifest itself in other regions, e.g. perianally. We report the case of a 18-year-old patient with a primarily and exclusively extraorally located white sponge nevus of the vulva. The differential diagnosis and clinical as well as therapeutical problems of this extremely rare disease are discussed.

[Extraoral manifestation of a white sponge nevus of the mucosa]

The nevus spongiosus albus mucosae (resp. white sponge nevus in the angloamerican literature) is a hereditary leukokeratosis localised preferably in the oral mucosa, but may simultaneously manifest itself in other regions, e.g. perianally. We report the case of a 18-year old patient with a primarily and exclusively extraorally located nevus spongiosus albus mucosae of the vulva. The differential diagnosis and clinical as well as therapeutical problems of this extremely rare disease are discussed.

Mast cells and macrophages in early relapsing psoriasis

Five patients with widespread plaque-type psoriasis were treated continuously with clobetasol under occlusion. Clinical healing was seen after 6-10 days of treatment. All plaques treated in this way clinically relapsed approximately 12 days later. During the period of remission, sequential biopsies were taken and prepared for light and electron microscopy. Histologically, the earliest indications of relapse were endothelial alterations (swelling, intercellular widening) followed by the appearance of mast cells around the postcapillary venules; these mast cells showed signs of degranulation. Hours later, activated macrophages showing pericellular edema were present, and these migrated into the epidermis soon after. Associated with the presence of macrophages, there was a complete loss of desmosome-tonofilament complexes. Later, lymphocytes and neutrophils were seen. Under these experimental conditions, the psoriatic-tissue alterations appear to have been initiated by degranulating mast cells as well as by macrophages which later invaded the epidermis.

[Effect of bran diet on organic acids in the gastrointestinal tract and apparent digestibility in weanling piglets]

Over a period of four weeks 88 piglets of an average weaning weight of 9.5 kg received rations with 2.1, 3.1 and 5.5% crude fibre in the original substance in the form of wheat bran. Between the 42nd and 49th day of life a digestibility investigation was carried out by means of Cr2O3, and on the 42nd and the 63rd day of life the organic acids in the complete gastro-intestinal tract could be ascertained, the causes of which are to be found in the lack of easily soluble carbohydrates (increased passage rate, bran quota). Due to crude fibre, the apparent digestibility of all nutrients decreased, which resulted in a lower live weight on the 63rd day of life. The effect of a bran diet in the alimentary prophylaxis of coli enterotoxaemia is thus furthermore substantiated.

Perinatal changes of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate in the rat liver

In order to investigate a possible regulatory role of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate in early developmental stages, where profound changes in the carbohydrate metabolism are known to occur, this effector was estimated in fetal and postnatal rat liver. Polyphasic changes of the hepatic fructose 2,6-bisphosphate levels were found, which could be correlated to alterations in the glucose metabolism. A minimum in the hepatic fructose 2,6-bisphosphate level at the -3rd day coincides with the initiation of glycogen synthesis and its increase two hours after birth concurs with glycogen mobilization.

[pH value in the anterior tract of weanling piglets]

Caused by weaning, an increase of the pH-value in the stomach from under 3.5 to over 4.5 was ascertained; subsequently the values approached 4. In the fore of the jejunum higher pH-values occur, which, after the adaptation to the starter feed, significantly decrease to values around 6. The alimentary coli prophylaxis directed towards the decrease of the stomach-pH is emphasised because different stomach values have their effects in the jejunum as well.

[Four new Salmonella species and three serological variants of subgenus III (Arizona) (author's transl)]

Four new strains of Salmonella and three serological variants described in this paper were isolated from free living snakes (Vipera berus L. and Natrix natrix L.) of Northern Germany. All strains belong to the subgenus III of the genus Salmonella. For the first time a representative of subgenus III in the Salmonella group M with the serological formula S. arizonae 28:Z10:Z57 was isolated. 1) S. (6),14:1,v:z (Ar. 7 a,7c:23-31) 2) S. 17:Z10:e,n,X,Z15:Z56 (Ar. 12:27-28-38) 3) S. 21:1,v:Z57 (Ar. 22:23-40a,40c) 4) S. 28:Z10:Z57 (Ar. 35:27-40a,40c) 5) S. 38:(k):Z35:Z56 (Ar. 16:22-21-38) 6) S. 43:1,v:Z56 (Ar. 21:23-38) 7) S. 50:Z10:Z:Z56 (Ar. 9a,9c:27-31-38)

[Salmonella in free living snakes of Northern Germany (author's transl)]

Fourty-nine adders (Vipera berus L.) and thirty-one grass-snakes (Nitrix natrix L.) from northern Germany were investigated by cloacal swabs. The samples were usually taken in the field and preenriched in peptone water and further-on processed in three steps of tetrathionate. After each step of enrichment the material was transfered to salmonella shigella agar and fuchsine lactose agar (acc. to Endo). Salmonella screening was done by inoculation of lactose positive and lactose negative colonies into lysine iron agar (acc. to Edwards and Fife). Salmonella excretion was found in 59% of the adders and in 68% of the grass-snakes. Some specimens excreted several Salmonella species. 22 different species resp. variants were detected, of which 19 species belonged to subgenus III (Arizona). Subgenus I occured infrequently and was represented by S. duesseldorf, S. heidelberg and S. sunnycove. Three new triphasic variants S. III 17:Z10: e, n, x, z15: z56, S. III 38: (k): z35:z56 and S. III 50:z10:z:z56 of species already known and four so far unknown species S. III (6), 14: 1,v:z (Ar. 7a, 7c:23-31), S. III 21:1,v:z57 (Ar. 22:23-40a,40c), S. III 43:1,v:z56 (Ar. 21:23-38) and S. III 28:z10:z57 (Ar. 35:27-40a,40c) were discovered. The present results suggest that adders and grass-snakes in northern Germany represent autonomous reservoirs of salmonellae. There exist only few relations between the Salmonella species in these kinds of snakes and other European snakes.

Histological, immuno- and enzyme-histochemical investigations on the adenohypophysis of the urodeles, Mertensiella caucasica and Triturus cristatus and the caecilian, Chthonerpeton indistinctum

The pituitary glands of two urodelan species (Mertensiella caucasica, Triturus cristatus) and one one caecilian species (Chthonerpeton indistinctum) were examined with histological (Alcian blue, Brookes' trichrome stain), enzyme histochemical (acid phosphatase, alpha-naphthylacetate-esterase, acetylcholinesterase) and immunofluorescence techniques (anti-carp GTH, anti-ovine prolactin, anti-synthetic alpha-MSH). In the pituitary gland of Mertensiella and Triturus six chromophilic cell types could be distinguished. A strong fluorescence was observed in the MSH-, GTH- and TSH-cells. In the pituitary gland of Chthonerpeton only five chromophilic cell types could be distinguished: in the rostral part of the pituitary gland the B3-cell; in the basal region of the central area the B2-cell; dorsocaudally the B1-cell. The acidophilic cells were found in the central and caudal part of the pars distalis. The basophils of the pars intermedia could be observed in the dorsocaudal part of the pituitary gland surrounding the neurohypophysis. All acidophilic cells showed a strong immunofluorescence with anti-ovine prolactin (LTH).

Histological and histochemical observations on the neurosecretory cells in the diencephalon of Chthonerpeton indistinctum and Ichthyophis paucisulcus (Gymnophiona, Amphibia)

In the diencephalon of two species of Gymnophiona (Amphibia) two neurosecretory nuclei were examined with histological (Alcian Blue, Aldehyde Fuchsin, Brookes Trichrome stain) and enzyme histochemical techniques (acid phosphatase, alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE)). In the preoptic nucleus two categories of secretory neurons were distinguished: large and medium sized neurons. The perikarya of both cell types contain very little neurosecretory material. The Alcian Blue method stained the medium sized neurons faintly but selectively. The tractus praeopticohypophyseus is marked by the presence of Herring bodies, which, however, are relatively scarce. The neurohypophysis, in contrast, contains large amounts of neurosecretory material. Both cell types of the preoptic nucleus are characterized by their very strong AChE and alpha-naphthylacetate esterase activity. The AChE also marks the tractus praeoptico-hypophyseus. In the large neurons acid phosphatase is present around the nucleus; in the medium sized neurons this enzyme is concentrated close to the origin of the axon. In the dorso-caudal hypothalamus a small group of neurons is stained with Alcian-Blue. These neurons, which also contain AChE, are located immediately under the ependyma which seems to be specialized in this region.

The influence of temperature on the thyroid gland of Chthonerpeton indistinctum (Gymnophiona, Amphibia)

The thyroid gland of the tropical amphibian Chthonerpeton is markedly stimulated when the animal is exposed for two days to relatively high temperatures (36 degrees C). Control animals were kept at 20 degrees C. The stimulated gland exhibits collapsed follicles and a very tall follicular epithelium. At the ultrastructural level the activated epithelial cells were characterized by an increased number of apical microvilli, increased amounts of rough endoplasmic reticulum, an extended Golgi apparatus and a high number of various granular and vesicular inclusions. These differences in histology and fine structure were not paralleled by quantitative results, which were approximately the same in both groups of animals. The values of these determinations were relatively high.

Temperature dependent changes in the thyroid gland of Mertensiella caucasica (Urodela, Amphibia)

The influence of temperature on the thyroid gland of the Caucasian salamander, Mertensiella caucasica has been studied (1) with the light- and electron microscopes, (2) with enzyme histochemical and quantitative methods. Animals which had been kept for years at 16 degrees C were exposed for 48 hrs to 4 degrees C or 27 degrees C. At 4 degrees C the follicular epithelium consisted of cuboidal cells with well-developed rough ER, occasional distended cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) filling most of the cytoplasm, a relatively small Golgi apparatus and numerous round or oval shaped lysosomes. In animals kept at 27 degrees C the follicular wall was composed of markedly taller epithelial cells, the apices of which bulged into the follicular lumen. Compared to the animals at 4 degrees C, there appeared to be a decrease in the rough ER. The Golgi apparatus did not exhibit clear differences. The lysosomes increased in number and showed various shapes among which elongated ones with pointed ends were particularly striking. In the apical cytoplasm colloid droplets appeared indicating hormone release. The apical microvilli increased in number. The measurements of total T4 have shown that the hormone level in animals kept at 27 degrees C was about twice as high as in animals kept at 4 degrees C.

Observations on the fine structure, enzyme histochemistry, and innervation of parathyroid gland and ultimobranchial body of Chthonerpeton indistinctum (Gymnophiona, Amphibia)

Fine structural and enzyme histochemical observations on ultimobranchial body and parathyroid gland of the caecilian Chthonerpeton are presented. The cell clusters and follicles of the ultimobranchial body consist mainly of granulated cells which are termed C-cells and obviously belong to the APUD cell series. In the larger follicles additional possibly exhausted degranulated cells and replacement cells occur. A rich supply of nerve fibres has been found in this gland. Frequently nerve terminals were observed to come into synaptic contact with the C-cells. Two categories of nerve fibres occur: a) fibres containing large polymorphic electron dense granules (probably purinergic fibres), b) fibres containing small electron transparent vesicles and a few electron dense granules (probably cholinergic fibres). The parathyroid gland consists of elongated cells (one cell type) poor in organelles and often containing fields of glycogen and lipid droplets. The cells are further characterized by fair amounts of lysosomal enzymes; they are interconnected by maculae adhaerentes and occludentes. No nerves and blood vessels have been found in the parathyroid gland of Chthonerpeton.

Pre-Hispanic workshop of serpentinite artifacts, venezuelan andes, and possible raw material source

Excavations of a workshop and cemetery in the high Venezuelan Andes yielded winged artifacts made of serpentinite at various stages of finish. Serpentinites are unknown in the Venezuelan Andes, and the raw material was obtained from natural sources located in northern South American or possibly the Antilles, or by trade.

Boconó Fault, Venezuelan Andes: Evidence of Postglacial Movement

Postglacial, right-lateral, strike-slip movement along the Boconó fault, measured on detailed topographic maps, averages 66 meters. The rate of movement was approximately 0.66 centimeter per year, as indicated by carbon-14 dating of associated soil. This evidence suggests that postglacial movement between the Caribbean and Americas plates occurred mainly along the Boconó fault and the north coast of Venezuela.