Assay of 7-hydroxychlorpromazine, and failure to detect more than small quantities, in plasma of responding schizophrenics. A method for the assay of 7-hydroxychlorpromazine in biological fluids is described. The stages of the method are extraction into ether, back extraction into acid, alkalinisation and further extraction into ether, evaporation of the extract to dryness, and gas-chromatography of the extracted material as a silylated derivative using conditions previously described for chlorpromazine. The method is applicable to certain other hydroxylated chlorpromazines, but it is not superior to existing methods for the assay of nonhydroxylated analogues. Only small quantities of 7-hydroxychlorpromazine were detected in the plasma of schizophrenics showing a satisfactory clinical response, even when the compound was present in urine, providing strong evidence that the presence of 7-hydroxychlorpromazine in blood is not a pre-requisite of successful therapy.


[The Shereshevskii--Turner syndrome in monozygotic twins]. The authors present data on the clinico-cytogenetic, roentgenological, hormonal and anthropometric examination of monozygotic twins with the Shereshevsky-Turner syndrome. Mosaicism (45,X/46,XX) was revealed in both sisters, but the correlation of normal and anomalous cellular clones proved to differ. There was a great similarity between the twins, the size of their body, signs of dermatogliphics and odontology; however somatic features of the Shereshevsky-Turner syndrome and sexual insufficiency with a more pronounced increase in gonadotropins and phenomena of the CNS irritation were revealed in the patient with the prevalence of anomalous 45,X clone.


[Morphometric studies on the cells of the supraoptic and the paraventricular nuclei of milked and unmilked cows]. By morphometric methods the quantitative changes of cell, cytoplasm, nucleus, nucleolus and also of the contents of secretes from the neurosecreting cells of the N.S.O. (Pars parvocellularis and Pars magnocellularis) and N.P.V. from unmilked and milked cows was investigated. This single parameters change in N.S.O. and N.P.V. approximately in the same rhythm. The nucleus-plasma-relation is only unessential influenced. The cytoplasm of the neurosecreting cells of the N.P.V. from unmilked and milked cows is greater ca 6 once, than the nucleus of this. The cytoplasm of the neurosecreting cells of the N.S.O. is greater ca 5 once. A maximal increase of the size of the single parameters and so the greatest activity were observed in the neurosecreting cells of the N.S.O. and N.P.V. of cows, which were prepared 15 min after milking. 60 min after milking of the cows they reach the initial value. The reaction to the milking stimulus is maximal 3 once greater in the neurosecreting cells of the N.P.V. than in the N.S.O. To the same time after the milking stimulus the contents of secretes is maximal diminished about 10 once in the N.P.V. and about 8 once in the N.S.O. The conception that in the N.P.V. the hormon oxytocin is synthetized, is anew supported.


[The inside surface of the rat esophagus during ontogenesis]. The surface architecture of rat esophagus during the ontogeny is studied. Single cilia on the cells of the apical surface can be observed with the scanning electron microscope till the day 17 of the fetal period. Ciliogenesis and function of the single cilia are discussed by literature. Based upon results of our investigations we give the following interpretation: The single cilia are responsible for differentiation of the transitional columnar epithelium. The stop of mitosis, which is connected to constitution of single cilia, allows the formation of cell organelles. About the day 21 after conception ciliary cells are found. Their function is still unknown. They are observed on the esophageal surface at the same time, when primary ciliary cells arise on the trachea of the rat. The columnar epithelial cells transform into a squamous epithelium within 48 hours. The keratinisation and exfoliation of the surface cells occur definitely post-partum.


[Reduction of residual nitrite in boiled sausages]. The authors put forward a new principle for colouration of cooked products, based on the use in the composition of the curing mixture of disodium hemin chloride (3 mg%), this enabling it to reduce the amount of the introduced nitrite down to 3 mg%. The advantage of the said curing mixtures consists also in that the sausages produced with this curing mixture did not demonstrate the presence of any residual nitrite and N-nitrose-amine compounds, whereas in control specimens (7.5 mg% of nitrite) they were present.


[Mushrooms as indicators of mercury emissions (author's transl)]. For various wildlife mushrooms from different geological districts of Austria the natural contents of mercury was determined. Compared to these results, mushrooms collected within the vicinity of a chlor-alkali plant contain about 10-times more mercury; occassionally up to 100 ppm calculated on dry matter. As fall leaves and fall needles in the vicinity of a  chlor-alkali plant contain high levels of mercury, it is clear, that species of mushrooms with a very extended mycel in the soil, respectively mushrooms which purely decompose vegetable mould, accumulate mercury to a high extent. As indicator organisms in the study of mercury pollution, the nearly everywhere frequently growing species: lycoperdon gemmatum; mycena pura and all collybiaceae are suitable.


Behavior of captive mouse deer, Tragulus napu. 1. The behavior of a breeding colony of larger Malayan mouse deer was observed for seven months. 2. Mouse deer produce a noise by stamping with one or both hind feet when slightly alarmed. Other individuals may or may not stamp in response. 3. Both males and females mark objects with the inter-mandibular gland. Males mark much more frequently than females. 4. Males often lick the urine of females; less frequently, females lick the urine of males. Mouse deer do not "flehmen" in response to urine. 5. Males court both receptive and unreceptive females. Courting males mark the female on the back or rump with the inter-mandibular gland and emit a series of squeaks. The behavior of both unreceptive and receptive females and copulation are described. 6. Females have a post-partum estrus and return to estrus at approximately 14 day intervals unless they become pregnant. 7. Mothers spend little time with infants. Mothers emit a vocalization which sounds like the squeak of courting males. Both mothers and infants emit a higher pitched vocalization. If her infant emitted this vocalization the mother answered and approached and stood by it. The mother nurses in a standing position and raises the hind leg on the side towards the infant. 8. Intense agonistic behavior was seen only when strange individuals were introduced into established groups. Males fight by facing each other and biting each other on the ears, neck, and shoulders with their large upper canines. Fighting males usually hold the tail in a vertical position, exposing the white ventral surface, and may emit loud growls. If one male flees, the other pursues and attempts to bite him on the neck and body. 9. Mouse deer are morphologically primitive and many of their motor patterns are also thought to be primitive. 10. The behavior of all four living tragulid species appears to be quite similar, both with respect to motor patterns and social behavior.


[New data on the structure and the budding of FV3 (frog virus 3) (author's transl)]. The freeze-etching technique when applied to FV3 suspensions revealed the perfectly icosahedral structure of the viral nucleocapsids. This allowed a fine substructure suggesting the existence of numerous subunits of small dimensions to be detected at their surface. Observations of the replicas of infected cells obtained by freeze-etching revealed modifications of the external face of the cytoplasmic membrane occurring at the level of the budding viral particles; in these zones parallel stripes appeared, whose elementary structure is constant (13,5 nm). Observations of the infected cells with the scanning microscope enabled the spreading of the budding process on all the cells of a same culture to be studied. By counting the number of budding particles per mum2, it was possible to demonstrate the heterogeneity of the budding process at the surface of the cells.


[Study of viral specific RNA synthesis in FHM and RTG-2 cells infected with infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN) virus (author's transl)]. In FHM and RTG-2 cells infected with IPN virus two types of viral directed RNAs where isolated in the presence of 0.5 mug/ml actinomycin D. One type, sedimenting at 14-15 S in sucrose gradients, was shown to be resistant to digestion by pancreatic RNase and did not precipitate in presence of lithium chloride 2 M. Furthermore the molecules sedimented in the same way as the double stranded RNA extracted from purified virions. The second type of RNA, sedimenting at 23-24 S, was sensitive to RNase and was precipitable by LiCl, indicating that it was single-stranded. Additionally it was shown by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis that this type of RNA resolved into four peaks. The single stranded 23-24 S RNA was detectable in cells from the third hour following infection; it represents the major portion of total viral directed RNA that was synthesized during a cycle of replication. The synthesis of both single stranded and double stranded RNA increased exponentionally until the 7th hour post-infection and began to decrease at about 10 hours.


[Studies on improving the fertility of aged sows. 2. Results of histological studies on the structure of the endometrium in aged sows during estrous cycle]. Histomorphological and histometric techniques were employed to study cyclic processes in the endometrium. Specimens of uterus were obtained on the 1st, 5th, 8th, 13th, 17th and 21st days of the cycle. The effect of oestrogens, which are produced in large amounts during pro-oestrus, oestrus and to some extent in metoestrus, was reflected in proliferative processes in the epithelium, with increases in the cell population, thickness of the epithelium, and height of the superficial and glandular epithelium. During oestrus the subepithelial layer was broad and was rich in lymphocytes and neutrophile grandulocytes, while the lamina propria showed considerable oedema and hyperaemia. The action of gestagens during dioestrus led to an increase in glandular structures due to the development of more convolutions and a more even distribution of glands throughout the entire propria. There was evidence of active glandular secretion, which during the course of dioestrus resulted in a relatively low and single-layered superficial and glandular epithelium.


[Anticomplementary activity of serums from subjects affected by neoplastic processes]. The Author studied the anticomplementary activity of 46 serums from patients affected by different tumours. The research has been positive on 49% of patients. Negative nearly constantly in mieloid and lymphatic leukemias. The highest percentage of activity was observed in the serums of patients affected by pulmonary cancers, histioleukemias and myelomas. Have been also studied the factors III-IV of the complement.


Lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity on human tumor cells in vitro. Tumor cells of 30 patients suffering from different kinds of malignant tumors were established in culture. Various numbers of autologous and allogeneic PHA-stimulated as well as not stimulated lymphocytes were added to the cultures. 48 hours later, as evaluated by morphological observation, the lymphocytes caused a more or less cytotoxic effect in 80% of the cases, which is believed to be specific. This effect was distinctly inhibited in presence of the patient's own plasma in 71% in the sense of immunological enhancement. Cross reactivity between two patients having the same type of tumor was observed. The cytotoxic effect shows a certain correlation to the PHA transformation ability and increases with increasing numbers of lymphoid cells applied. It is supposed that in this manner the strength of an existing cell-mediated immunity against the tumor in every individual patient possibly can be assessed and, besides, an inhibiting humoral factor can be found out. Perhaps this can be valuable as an indicator for chemotherapy and immunotherapy of cancer.


Effects of early experience and dexamethasone on adrenocortical reactivity. This investigation tested the hypothesis that changes in circulating adrenocortical hormones mediate the long term effects of shocking infant rats. Dexamethasone administered through the mothers' milk was used to block adrenocortical responses to peripheral shock stimulation by the young. Control experiments indicated that the dexamethasone was present in the pups as early as 2 days after the mothers began drinking water containing dexamethasone. Shock reduced adrenocortical reactivity under conditions where the mother and the young were capable of an adrenocortical response to the shock, where either the mother or the young could have a response, and where neither the mother nor the young could have an adrenocortical response to this early stimulation. These data do not support the hypothesis that a pituitary-adrenocortical response of either the mother or the young mediates the effects of stimulation in infancy on subsequent adrenocortical reactivity.


Early life undernutrition and aggression in two mouse strains. Early undernutrition was shown to be correlated with increased aggression in adult mice after isolation. This was significant in numbers of fights and shorter latency to fight in the DBA/2J strain. Lower 5HIAA in the brain after pretreatment with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor was found in the undernourished group.


Histamine fluorescence in group forming peritoneal cells of the rat embryo. In the peritoneal fluid of 18-21-day-old rat embryos the lymphocytes form groups and give an intensive yellow - histamine - fluorescence. The group contain myeloid elements, too. After birth the fluorescence disappears.


Diurnal variations of food consumption, plasma glucose and plasma insulin concentrations in lean and obese hyperglycaemic mice. Diurnal variations in food consumption and plasma concentrations of glucose and insulin were determined at 3-hourly intervals in obese hyperglycaemic mice (C57BL/6J ob/ob) and lean mice (C57BL/6J+/+). In lean mice, food consumption and plasma insulin concentrations increased during the light period and were reduced during the dark period, whereas plasma glucose concentrations were maximal at the beginning of the light period and declined to a minimum during the early dark period. In ob/ob mice, the plasma glucose concentration declined temporarily at the beginning of both the light and the dark period and became elevated towards the ends of these periods, but there were no significant diurnal variations of food consumption or plasma insulin concentrations. These observations indicate differences in the diurnal regulation of glucose homeostasis in lean and ob/ob mice.


Jack the Ripper and doctor-identification. It is possible that Jack the Ripper can be understood in terms of doctor-identification borne of one or more terrifying experiences he may have had with doctors during his childhood. The fantasies acted out by this primitive murderer are similar to the fantasies experienced by people who have been surgically traumatized as children. The evidence suggests that the activities of Jack the Ripper resemble the acting-out of a horror story in which he, as the main character, played to the population of London as an actor plays to his audience, through the need to discharge anxiety and regain some kind of emotional balance. When his depredation failed to achieve the desired results for him, the Ripper probably commited suicide.


Skim passage: a rapid method of adapting influenza viruses to new host tissues. Skim passage is a series of single-growth cycles whose earliest yield is separated and used, without dilution, for further passages. The method allows effective selection of fast-growing mutants, and the time of adaptation can be shortened to a few days instead of the several weeks or months taken by the conventional sequence of blind passages. The technical details are illustrated by three examples, which also serve to display the scope and limitations of the method.


Empirical designation of health service areas. A method for identifying viable health service areas for a state is described. A computer program was developed that evaluates combinations of contiguous counties using a set of 56 variables strategic to the construction of health planning areas and the spatial context of health care delivery, in keeping with the structural requirements of the National Health Planning and Resources Development Act of 1974. The objective of the evaluation is to minimize differences among planning regions and between planning regions and the state.


[Numerical variations in the platelets in blood taken from the jugular vein of cattle, in relation to the stage of the oestrous cycle]. The variations in the blood platelet counts were determined in cows during the oestrous cycle. The results confirmed the existence of variations and considerable fluctuations and also revealed an absolute minimal value constantly found at oestrus, and relative minima on the 7th and 14th day after oestrus. The changes in the blood platelet counts are discussed.


Classification of community hospitals.

Classification of community hospitals. This articles describes the methodology, results, and potential applications of a study conducted by the authors to classify the nation's community hospitals. The classification system is offered as a preferable alternative to the system presently used by the Social Security Administration to implement Section 223 of the Social Security Amendments of 1972 (P.L. 92-603).


[An acute toxicity study with three yeast protein sources in beagle dogs]. Two yeast proteins produced on oil substrate were found safe and nutritious in growing beagle dogs. Reducing nucleic acids with ammonium hydroxide resulted in renal damage; potassium hydroxide reduced nucleic acids with no ill effects. Changes in processing methods must be adequately monitored.


[Secretion into the plasma of testosterone and estradiol 17 beta by the human testicle. Value of the study in male sterility]. The levels of oestradiol and of testosterone were estimated in the spermatic and in the perpheral veins in two series of 13 subjects.  The one was a control group and the other stimulated with 10,000 International Units of chorionic gonadontrophir (II.C.G).  The follwing conclusions can be drawn. --the first is that the testis secretes simultaneously testosterone and oestradiol 17 beta --the second is that the level of oestradiol is significantly raised after the administration of II.C.G. whereas the level of testosterone hardly alters.  This leads on to the supposition that oestradiol does not arise from the same source in the testis as testosterone.


[True myelinic neuroma. Its associations (neurocrestopathies)]. A case of true mielinic neuroma is described. An exhaustive review of the literature on this subject, basically of the Bolande article is carried out by the authors. The mielinic neuromata are a partial aspect of the complexe neuro-crestopathic syndromes associating the cutaneous lesions to: 1) Medullary tyroid carcinoma, 2) pheocromocytoma and 3) neurofibromatous lesions. The observation related by the authors shows: 1) Ehlers-Danlos disease (not described previously), 2) skeletal abnormalities, 3) medullary tyroid carcinoma and 4) pheochromocytoma symptoms.


[Scleromyedema with special hyperkeratosis lesions and calcifications]. An observation of Scleromyxedema is repported by the authors. The remarkable peculiarities of this case are the following: 1. Absence of abnormal paraprotein. 2. Positive direct and indirect immunofluorescence. 3. Slight increase of plasma cells of bone marrow. 4. Presence of calcifications. 5. The hyperkeratotic lesions. Those of the fingertips with histology of porokeratosis. 6. Scarcity of the metachromatic depots of muchopolisacharids in the dermis evident only with the Alcian-PAS stain.


[Psoriasiform epidemic nevus or lineal psoriasis? Report of a case]. The authors describe a case of epidermic naevus with psoriasiform histology in a 27 year old female. Lesions had existed from birth. There is discussion of the differencial diagnosis with linear psoriasis.


[Folliculoma].

[Folliculoma]. The authors present a new case of a rare tumor, folliculoma, located in the face of a 57 year old woman. Concerning histogenesis, it appears most likely that Folliculoma represents a nevus developed from primary epithelial germ.


[Penetrating hyperkeratosis of an amputated limb]. On the stump of amputated limbs, a peculiar hyperkeratotic chronic lesion may be observed. The histological picture of this lesion shows a hyperkeratotic plug perforating the epidermis. In the dermis disorganised keratine lamelles are found. This lesion could be differenciated from Kyrle's disease by the fact that it consists of a single lesion of traumatic origin and by the presence of hypertrophic bundles underlying the hyperkeratosis.


[Photodrugtherapy of psoriasis with oral psoralen and black light therapy]. Oral 4, 5', 8 trimethoxypsoralen (TMP) or 8-M-methoxypsoralen (8 MP) plus black light therapy of psoriasis produced disappearing of lesions in 6 out of 8 pacients treated with TMP and in 6 out of 7 treated with 8 MP. In three patients treated with the first drug, a paired comparision demonstrated that the ingestion of it, when followed of black exposure, is more effective than the exposure to conventional ultraviolet light. Parrish et al. have shown this for oral methoxalen and long wave ultraviolet light. Combined TMP or 8-MP and black light therapy inhibits epidermal DNA synthesis and this is the scientific base of its application in the therapy of psoriasis, disease in which an accelerated celular cicle and DNA synthesis has been postulated.


[Clinical and experimental study on an anti-inflammatory preparation of topical use. The 10-undecentil-l-ll pseudothiourea (AHR-1911)]. Our previous studies led to the development of a drug, 10-undecen-1- pseudothiourea iodide (AHR-1911), with the characteristics of a broad spectrum of antibacterial-antimycotic action and anti-inflammatory properties in experimental lesions induced by burns, dextran, albumin, carrageenin and kaolin. Using different vehicles for topical use, these two types of therapeutic property were separated, yielding two pharmaceutical preparations with different indications. One is a 0,25% AHR-1911 preparation in a polyoxyethyleneglycol base, which in in vivo experiments has the antimicrobial efficacy of gentamycin ointment; the other, containing 10% AHR-1911 in a vanishing cream base with triethanolamine stearate, possesses the anti-inflammatory efficacy of the newer topical steroid preparations. The clinical data for this latter preparation agree with the experimental findings. Its activity in clinical conditions was found first by Di Prisco in dermatological cases and confirmed in contact dermatitis patients by Riobueno. Its usefulness in burns and contusions with excoriations, without a single instance of secondary infection was reported by Rojas Mratínez; its effectiveness in bursitis and tenosynovitis may extend its field of application beyond that of dermatology. Particularly impressive were the good results obtained in insect bites, due possibly to the antihistaminic effect of the drug acting synergistically with the anti-inflammatory one. In the experience of all the clinicians the preparation was very well tolerated.


[Intra and parabulbomedullary hemangioblastomas]. Intra- and para-bulbomedullary hemangioblastomas are a relatively frequent topographic variety and represent about one third of the spinal cord cases. The surgical approach is particularly difficult in this location, because of adhesion or infiltration of the brain stem by the hemangioblastoma. The authors correlate the angiographic signs and the anatomical findings obtained during surgery. Four topographic types are described: intra-bulbomedullary tumors, usually allowing partial resection only; tumors of the floor of the IVth ventricle extending between the cerebellar tonsils without any infiltration of the brain stem, allowing complete resection; tumors of the cerebellar tonsils with a lateral para-bulbar extension which should allow complete resection, but present with difficult diagnostic problems on angiography; tumors of the cerebellar tonsils with a midline extension present with a particular difficult angiographic diagnosis, but should also allow complete resection.


Effect of lipid emulsions on the plasma lecithin: cholesterol acyltransfer in guinea pigs. Addition of triglyceride/phospholipid emulsion to adult guinea pig plasma more than doubled the cholesteryl ester (CE) production. Plasma from newborn guinea pigs was stimulated to a lower degree. The increase in CE production was dependant on the type and amount of phospholipids in the lipid emulsions. Egg phospholipids stimulated the cholesterol esterification while partially hydrogenated soy phospholipids (with high content of saturated fatty acids) inhibited the reaction. The stimulation of CE formation was probably due to transfer of phosphatidyl choline (PC) from the emulsion to the high density lipoproteins since the stimulation was: (a) dependant on a preincubation time, (b) less pronounced in newborn animals with high plasma PC levels, and (c) detected in plasma fractions from which the lipid emulsion had been removed.


[Classification of types of oogenesis].

[Classification of types of oogenesis]. The classification of the types of oogeneses by Korschelt and Heider is discussed in the light of the modern data on ultrastructural, cytochemical and biochemical patterns of differentiating oocytes. A conclusion is drawn that this classification does not reflect the diversity of sources and mechanisms of the accumulation of substances in the oocyte. The author suggests to classify the types of oogenesis on the basis of behaviour of the nuclear structures in the oocyte and their participation in synthesis of RNAs passing in the ooplasm.


[Variability of the eggs of the local silkworm (Bombyx mori 1.) according to the capacity for thermal parthenogenesis and heat resistance. Report 3. Causes and characteristics of the variability of egg batches according to heat resistance]. The variability of eggs from different batches was studied by the resistance against the sublethal temperature (48 degrees) at the early stages of embryogenesis. The variability of heat resistance at three developmental stages markedly differing by the organization of the embryo was shown to be, to a great extent, conditioned hereditarily and depend as well on the environmental conditions. On the basis of positive correlation between the heat resistance of eggs from the same parents but at different developmental stages, a conclusion is drawn that the variability of heat resistance of the egg cellular proteins is one of the main causes of the variability of egg batches by heat resistance.


[Ultrastructure of the hypophysiotropic region of the hypothalamus in early ontogenesis in rats]. The results of electron microscopic studies have shown that the 16--18 days old rat embryos already have in the hypophysiotropic area some structures necessary for the realization of neuroendocrine regulations. In the arcuate nuclei, the neurosecretory cells differentiate which are capable to synthesize specific neurosecretory granules of 800--1,000 A in diameter. In the median eminence, the primary portal capillaries develop with which tanicytes and a few axon terminals make contact. One can see in the tanicytes the signs of active transport and accumulation of electron dense polymorphic material. All these phenomena are strengthen during the subsequent development. Hence, several days are before birth the neurosecretory and glial elements of the embryos show the signs of functional activity which strengthen during ontogenesis and are expressed most distinctly in the adult animals.


[Analysis of the effect of the loop-tail gene in mouse embryos]. Mitotic index and parameters of the cell cycle were determined in the brain and spinal cord of 10 days old Lp/Lp and +/+ mouse embryos. The mitotic index and duration of the cell cycle periods proved to be the same for embryos of both the genotypes. The generation time of the brain and spinal cord cells both in the mutant and normal embryos is 9 hrs, durations of S- and G2-periods 6 and 1, resp., and the total duration of G1- and M-periods 2. The gene Lp does not interact with the gene Sp in double heterozygotes. The gene Lp does not manifest itself in the cells of differentiating central nervous system and the failure of the neural tube closure is not due to the changes in the proliferative activity of its cells and is a secondary gene effect.


[Immunochemical study of the organ-specific gamma glycoprotein of the liver in the process of intrauterine development in man]. The semiquantitative immunochemical determination of the liver organospecific gamma-glycoprotein was carried out during the intrauterne development in the man. This antigen was shown to have already been present at the 6--8th week of pregnancy and its content in the liver to increase with the foetus growth. Some physico-chemical properties of the protein were studied.


[Heat production and respiration of the oocyte of Xenopus laevis L. in various stages of oogenesis]. The data are given on the respiration and heat production intensity in the X. laevis oocytes by which the value and patterns of change of psiu-function (function of bound dissipation) during oogenesis are calculated. All 3 values were shown to decrease rapidly from the stage of previtellogenesis till the stage of mature oocyte what agrees with the thermodynamic theory of development.


[Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of myasthenia gravis]. The author describes the possibilities of diagnosis and differential diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. The data is based on the literature and on case reports of personal observations of more than 270 patients with myasthenia. He inaugurates his own classification of myasthenia comprising of 8 types, among which there is one particular clinical type, described first by the author. The different problematic types of myasthenia are discussed together with the most important diagnostic tests and the principles of differential diagnosis. The clinical and pathological study is completed by illustrations.


[Influence of intercellular contacts in epithelial sheets on the capacity of the cell surface for adhesion and phagocytosis of particles]. The influence of intercellular contacts on the ability of the upper cell surface to adsorb and to phagocytose particles was studied in different types of cultured cells of mouse origin. In cultures of the MPTR strain, cells formed firm contacts which remained unbroken during the epithelial sheet migration into the wound. The contact inhibition of phagocytosis was found in these cultures. The phenomenon involved a low phagocytic activity of the sheet cells which made intercellular contacts in all directions, and of high phagocytic activity of marginal cells which had activity moving free edges. Other epithelial cultures, such as explants of normal kidney and hepatoma 60, behaved similarly. Cultured embryo fibroblasts and hepatoma 22a cells did not form firm intercellular contacts and migrated into the wound one by one. In these cultures most cells had high phagocytic activity. It is suggested that the formation of intercellular contacts alters the upper cell surface ability to adhesion and phagocytosis of particles.


Observations on fighting behaviour of male mice (Mus musculus L.). Fighting behaviour of male mice was compared in 8 wild, 2 unselected laboratory and 6 laboratory mice from a population bred from winners of fights. Behaviour was recorded when all 16 mice were allowed to fight in all possible pairs in a neutral test box, and when 5 selected mice fought in pairs in the home cages of one or the other. The occurrence of self-grooming, tail rattle and squealing are discussed. Different occurrences of behaviour in the different strains are explained as a result of genetic selection responses.


The aggressive response of male mice (Mus musculus L.) to a variety of stimulus animals. The responses to a variety of small animals of 10 male mice whose fighting ability was known were compared either in a neutral test box or in the subject's home cage. The subject's reaction depended on the situation, the nature of the subject and the nature of the stimulus. The nature of the subject was more important than the nature of the stimulus, with some mice attacking all object animals indiscriminately.


[Field observations on aggressive and sexual behavior of the European wild swine (Sus scrofa L.)]. This ethogram of the fighting and sexual behaviour of European wild hogs is supposed to serve as a basis for further research on the social behaviour of Sus scrofa L. The observations were recorded in writing respectively on cassette recorder as well as photographed and filmed. Behaviour patterns of the European wild hogs which were wrongly interpreted or not yet described could be documented. Being comparatively original, omnivorous social Artiodactyla, Suidae are well comparable with other Artiodactyla, with Perissodactyla, Carnivora and their domesticated types. There might also be references to the origin and development of behaviour patterns in various zoological categories or on reductions of social behaviour in domestication.


Agonistic behavior in the German cockroach, Blattella germanica. Agonistic behavior in Blattella germanica is delineated with an emphasis on fighting techniques and population factors affecting aggressiveness. Male-male, male-female, and male-male encounters are not significantly different in either level of aggressiveness or frequency. Female-female carrying oothecae are, however, more aggressive than other female-female. The mean intensity of aggression increases as population density is increased, but number of contacts per individual per unit time remains constant. Defense of specific, territories does not occur and aggressive interactions are most common during the dark portion of the photocycle, when many of the cockroaches are observed to be foraging.


[Relationships between territory and aggressive behavior in Periophthalmus sobrinus Eggert (Pisces, Periophthalmidae) in the laboratory and in natural surroundings]. This study was carried out in the laboratory on experimental groups of adult Mudskippers of both sexes; also natural populations were observed in mangrove swamps along the west coast of Madagascar. This paper deals mainly with the various aggressive postures and their role in the establishment and defense territories, the variations of aggression in an experimental group and, in the field, according to the tide movements. The hierarchial organization in the group of Mudskippers, the emergence of displacement activities and vacuum activities, the structure and dimensions of territories have also been studied.


[Origins and consequences of aggression in Etroplus maculatus (Cichlidae, Pisces). The problem of drive]. Increased aggressive activity between male and female in isolated pairs of Etroplus maculatus has hitherto been explained either by the drive hypothesis or by the external stimulus hypothesis. In an attempt to investigate these two hypotheses the partners of 48 pairs were separated and their aggressiveness towards their mirrored images and their non-aggressive activities were recorded the following day and again 4 days later after 180 brief presentations of an adjacent compartment. For both sexes aggressiveness was lowered if this compartement was empty (isolation) and heightened if it held the original mate. Females also reacted more aggressively on seeing conspecific strangers of both sexes. There was no significant alteration of non-aggressive activities in any of the series. The increase of aggressiveness caused by the presence of the mate was normally offset by various investigated mechanisms preventing its eruption against the partner. Attacks only occurred if the equilibrium between aggressiveness and inhibition was disturbed. All results and those of other authors are discussed; it is concluded that the behaviour of E. maculatus can be better explained in terms of external stimulation than in terms of an endogenous production of aggressive drive energy.


The reproductive behavior of Aequidens paraguayensis (Pisces, Cichlidae). The reproductive behaviour of aquarium-held Aequidens paraguayensis is described, with emphasis on a quantitative comparison of female-male parental roles. It is a biparental species. Eggs, laid on leaf litter, are guarded and aerated for about 32 hours (25--27 degrees C) and newly-hatched young are orally brooded for several days. Both sexes performed all parental activities; female-female did more fanning and mouthing of eggs, male-male more oral churning of young initially. The combination of substrate and oral brooding of young by both parents is rare among New World cichlids and is of interest for the study of the evolution of parental behaviour in fishes.


[Behavior of the African chevrotain, Hyemoschus aquaticus Ogilby (Artiodactyla, Ruminantia). Its ecological and phylogenetic significance]. The behaviour of the African chevrotain (Hyemoschus aquaticus) was examined in 70 animals living in an enclosure. As far as possible every element of behaviour was seen in relationship to the animal's way of life in the field, and compared with the known behaviour of other Artiodactyla. It was attempted to ascertain the evolutionary stage of every behavioural element. Activity corresponds exactly to the dark period from 18.00 to 6.00. The males are by far more active than the females. An activity period during the night seems to be typical for the more primitive species. The sleeping position is reminiscent of the Suidae, the comfort behaviour of the smaller Artiodactyla. There is no mutual grooming. Hyemoschus aquaticus searches for food with its snout as do the Suidae, and can not rise on its hind legs as can most Artiodactyla. The alarm behavior is the same as in other forest-dwelling ruminants, behaviours of mainly visual importance are missing. Feces and urine are deposited anywhere. Both sexes announce their presence with these excrements, which are mixed with an excrete of the anal (male and female) and preputial glands (male). The interramal gland is occasionally used for marking twigs. Hyemoschus aquaticus does not have a single gland of the ruminant type. Fighting between females is seldom, between males more frequent, but of short duration. No demonstrations of rank order or territorial behaviour were observed. The male finds the female olfactorially. Precopulatory behaviour and copulation are similar to that of the Suidae. Early development and mother-infant behavior can be devided into 5 stages, which are described. Play behaviour of the young is very simple, there is no contact with peers. In its whole behaviour Hyemoschus aquaticus is the prototype of the solitary forest-dweller, more pig than ruminant. The Asian genus Tragulus of the same family is already more a ruminant than Hyemoschus aquaticus; the primitive Cervidae, with the genus Muntiacus, indicate the next level.


The effect of thyroid extract on luteal phase deficiency. 24 patients with infertility caused by lateal phase deficiency were treated with thyroid hormones or placebos. The incidence of pregnancy in the group taking thyroid hormone was much higher, which suggests that a course of thyroid hormone should be administered before a more aggressive therapy with chorionic gonadotropins or clomid is given. The success rate of this therapy is as favorable as any other.


[Ultrastructure of nephridial systems in cyclophyllidean cestoda: Catenotaenia pusilla (Goeze, 1782), Hymenolepis diminuta (Rudolphi, 1819) and Inermicapsifer madagascariensis (Davaine, 1870) Baer, 1956]. Electron microscopic study of nephridial systems in three cyclophyllidean cestodes indicates a resemblance in their ultrastructure. The walls of longitudinal, transverse and collecting ducts show a very similar pattern of organization. The surface of the anucleate epithelium lining the ducts is developed into microvilli. A relatively thick layer of fibrillar tissue underlies the basal membrane of the microvillar epithelium. The nucleated portions or "pericaryons", situated between the parenchymal cells, are directly connected with epithelium by cytoplasmic prolongations. The canalicular lumen extends through a single series of cells curved into a ring. The epithelial surface of the canalicular wall is developed into short, densly staining microvilli and the immediately underlying fibrillar tissue appears very compact. The cilia were never observed in any of the above ducts. The ultrastructure of protonephridia proper is comparable with those already described in other cestodes. There is a close association between the flame-cell and the cancalicular ending, enlarged into a nephridial funnel. A single row of nephridial rods of the flame-cell is surrounded by a row of digitiform prolongations of the nephridial funnel border. The prolongations alternate with the rods and their interlocking pattern appears clearly in cross-sections. A series of minute pores or "nephrostomes" providing a direct contact between the nephridial chamber and intercellular space of the paranchyma was shown. The problem of classification and definition between the "closed" protonephridia and open metanephridia is discussed. The structural unity of protonephridia in different groupes of Platyhelminthes is reviewed. The different number of flagella within the "flames" of different cestodes is compared and analyzed. The ultrastructural characteristics of duct-wall epithelium provides some confirmation of its high metabolic activity.


[Studies on the activities of steroidogenic enzymes in corpora lutea of early pregnant rats treated with abortifacient drugs (author's transl)]. The major role of the corpus luteum is biosynthesis of progesterone. Luteal function has been investigated by following plasma progesterone concentrations and by studying ultrastructural and histochemical changes in corpora lutea. Recently, changes in enzyme activities concerned with formation and degradation of progesterone are taken into investigation in order to understand the regulation of luteal function. In rat ovaries, progestational potency of ovarian secretions has been regulated by the activity of 20 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrgoenase (20 alpha-HSD), Which catabolizes progesterone to 20 alpha-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one, progestatinally inert steroid. In regressing corpora lutea, extensive conversion of progesterone to 20 alpha-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one occurred with a marked increase in 20 alpha-HSD activity as well as a decrease in plasma progesterone concentrations. On the other hand, histochemical studies of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G 6 PDH) and delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) have been investigated without any remarkable changes in corporalutea at their early stages of luteolysis. In the present study the activities of steroidogenic enzymes in corpora lutea of pregnant rats are measured after treatment with a variety of abortifacient drugs, and compared with those in corpora lutea of 1 day post partum rats which showed changes characteristic of spontaneous luteolysis. On days 7 to 9 of pregnancy, Wistar-strain pregnant rats were injected with either prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha), aminoglutethimide or clomiphene citrate (clomid). Animals were sacrificed 15 to 63 hrs. after the last injection, and implantation sites were inspected. Ovaries were removed, and corpora lutea dissected free, weighed and homogenized. The homogenate was centrifuged at 105,000g for 60 min. The supernatant solution was assayed for the activities of G 6 PDH, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6 PGDH), malic enzyme, ATP citrate lysase, 20 alpha-HSD and pyruvate kinase. The pellet fraction was re-homogenized, and centrifugated 2,000 g for 5 min. The supernatant solution was used for the assay of 3 beta-HSD. Complete fetal resorption was observed in all rats treated with PGF2alpha, while 7 out of 15 rats (47%) treated with both PGF2alpha and LH-RH maintained pregnancy. In intact rats after treatment with both drugs, lutein cells showed ultrastructures characteristic for luteolysis, although the degree of luteolysis was greatly diminished compared with PGF2alpha-treated ones. In agreement with these ultrastructural findings, 20alpha-HSD activity in corpora lutea was maintained at a rather low level in intact rats, while it was increased moderately in aborted ones after treatment with both drugs. In PGF2alpha-treated rats, G 6 PDH activity increased to 140% and malic enzyme activity decreased to 27% of the activity in control rats. In aminoglutethimide-treated rats, the activites of G 6 PDH and malic enzyme were decreased, while 2-alpha-HSD activity was maintained at a low level...


[The clinical and immunological association of insulin antibodies and thyroid antibodies in diabetics (author's transl)]. We have already reported a high rate of occurrence of antimicrosomal antibodies in diabetes mellitus. Thirteen of 507 diabetics (2.5%) were positive with antithyroglobulin antibodies and thirty-one (6.1%) were positive with antimicrosomal antibodies compared to 2.3% and 2.5% respectively in normal controls. Two of 34 insulin dependent diabetics (5.9%) were positive with antithyroglobulin antibodies and ten (29.4%) were positive with antimicrosomal antibodies compared to 2.3% and 4.4% respectively in 473 insulin independent diabetics. To clarify the association of insulin antibodies and thyroid antibodies in diabetics, antithyroid antibodies in 507 diabetics were tested by tanned red cell hemagglutination test and insulin antibodies were demonstrated by using a method descrived by Wright in a modified form. Twelve of 482 diabetics negative-insulin antibody (2.5%) were positive with antithyroglobulin antibodies and thirty(6.2%)were positive with antimicrosomal antibodies. Only one of 25 positive-insulin antibody (4%) was positive with antithyroid antibodies respectively. No evident correlation was observed between antithyroid antibodies and insulin antibodies.


[Pathophysiology of gonadotropin secretion in patients with idiopathic precocious puberty and follow up studies during and after therapy with medroxyprogesterone acetate (author's transl)]. In order to assess the pathophysiology of gonadotropin secretion in patients with idiopathic precocious puberty, responses of LH and FSH to LH-releasing hormone (LH-RH), clomiphene citrate (Clomid) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (Deop-provera) in 6 female patients were tested. The basal levels of serum LH and FSH were elevated in 4 of 6 patients and enhanced LH response to 100 mug of intravenous LH-RH was observed in 5 patients, while FSH response was comparable to that of prepubertal subjects. Administration of Clomid (50 mg) for 7 days provoked LH increase in 3 out of 6 patients in contrast to no LH change found in normal prepubertal girls. while FSH levels decreased in 3 out of 6 patients. Intramuscular injection of Depo-Provera (100 mg) reduced LH and FSH levels in 4 patients. The Depo-Provera therapy in a dose of 75 approximately 225 mg every two weeks, caused suppression of breast development and menstrual bleeding but the prevention of growth spurt and bone age maturation were insufficient. Basal body temperature charts in 2 patients showed an ovulatary pattern immediately following cessation of Provera therapy of more than 8 years' duration. In conclusion, it is suggested that 1) function of hypothalamo-pituitary-ovarian system in patients with idiopathic precocious puberty  is similar to that of normal pubertal subjects, 2) therapeutic doses of Depo-Provera, enough to suppress the patients' secondary sex characterics, was not sufficient to control bone age maturation 3) it is necessary to follow up patients more closely by measuring serum levels of gonadotropin and estrogen during the course of therapy.


[Composite microassays of plasma progesterone, 17alpha-OH-progestrerone, estrone, 17beta-estradiol and estriol in normal adult women. I. Assay methods and steroid patterns in normal menstrual cycle (author's transl)]. Composite microassays for plasma progesterone (P), 17alpha-OH-progesterone (17P), estrone (E1), 17beta-estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3) were developed. Steroids were extracted from plasma samples with diethyl ether, and were separated from each other through two steps of sephadex LH-20 microcolumn chromatography (benzene:methanol 85:15, and n-hexane: benzene: methanol 80:10:10), prior to assays by radioimmunoassay (P, E1, E1, and E3) and competitive protein binding assay (17P). Steroids were recovered satisfactorily through these procedures (mean recovery; P:107.6%, 17P:102.3%, E1:88.2%, E2:84.1%. E3:78.5%). The detectable range for P, 17P, E1, E2, and E3 were 0.01-2 ng/tube, 0.1-10 ng/tube, 10-2000pg/tube, 10-2000 pg/tube, and 0.5-100 ng/tube. The interassay coefficient of variations were less than 10.7%, 15.2%, 17.8%, 11.4%, and 28.1%, respectively. These steroids were measured daily in 4 menstrual cycles from 4 normally menstruating women. Plasma FSH and LH were quantitated previously. The following results were obtained; 1) Plasma P elevated from around LH surge (Day O), and reached a peak on day +5 approximately +7 with the values of 12.74 +/- 2.34 ng/ml (Mean +/- S.D.). 2) Slight decrease in P levels was noted on day +8 approximately +9. 3) A peak in 17P was observed in the preovulatory phase (day -3 approximately -1) with the values of 0.6 approximately 1.3 ng/ml in three of four cases. 4) Changes of 17P during the luteal phase were paralleled to those of P with a peak of 1.16 +/- 0.31 ng/ml on day +5 approximately +7. 5) No remarkable patterns were found in E1 levels throughout the menstrual cycle. 6) A sharp peak in E2 was detected in the preovulatory phase (day -1 approximately 0) with the values of 709.2 +/- 95.9 pg/ml. 7) The second peak of E2 with 378.6 +/- 140.7 pg/ml was observed in the late luteal phase (day +8 approximately +12). 8)E3 was not detected in all samples. The interrelationship between steroids and the correlation with the morphological changes of the ovaries in the normal menstrual cycle are discussed. In the follicular phase, the theca interna cells around the maturing follicle may be growing under the influence of pitiutary gonadotropins to secrete large amounts of 17P and E2, which may possibly affect the pituitary for LH surge, followed by ovulation. In the luteal phase, both the granulosa cells and theca intera cells are luteinized, which may produce and secrete large amount of P, 17P, and E2.


[Composite microassays of plasma progesterone, 17alpha-OH-progesterone, estrone, 17beta-estradiol and estriol in normal adult women. II.Steroid patterns in normal pregnancy, labor and the puerperium (author's transl)]. Plasma progesterone, 17alpha-OH-progesterone, estrone, 17beta-estradiol and estriol in human normal pregnancy, labor and the puerperium were measured simultaneously with radioimmunoassay or competitive protein binding assay. The steroids were extracted from the sample plasma with diethyl either, and were separated through two steps of sephadex LH-20 microcolumn chromatography prior to the assays. From the beginning to the 25th week of pregnancy, a gradual rise in the levels of plasma progesterone was noted, followed by a steep increase toward term with a level of 150-250 ng/ml at the end of gestation. The levels of 17alpha-OH-progesterone during the 7th or 8th week of pregnancy were 2-3 ng/ml, which was above the normal range in the luteal phase, followed by a gradual decrease during 15-25 weeks of gestation. Thereafter, an increase toward term was seen with a mean level of 6-10 ng/ml in the 40th week. From the beginning to the end of pregnancy, plasma levels of estrone, 17beta-estradiol, and estriol increased from less than 0.5 ng/ml to 2-4 ng/ml, from 1-2.5 ng/ml to 6-10 ng/ml, and from less than 1 ng/ml to 6-10 ng/ml, respectively. The disappearance of steroids from maternal peripheral blood in the puerperium was rapid. The half time of progesterone, 17alpha-OH-progesterone, estrone, 17beta-estradiol, and estriol were 72 min, 68 min, 27 min, 27 min, and 48 min, respectively. Analysis of the interrelation between several kinds of steroids of pregnancy, labor, and the puerperium with simultaneous microassays will contribute to the clarification of some important physiological and pathological aspects of feto-placental-maternal functions and steroidogenic functions of the corpus luteum in pregnancy.


[Electron microscopic observations of the rat endometrium during the implantation period, with special reference to its sex steroid hormone regulation (author's transl)]. Ultrastructural changes in the rat endometrium under several conditions including experiments of the inhibition of implantation were studied to clarify the sequential changes of the endometrium and their endocrinologic background during ovoimplantation. The following pertinent findings were noted. 1) Normal pregnancy. In the luminal surfaces, the microvilli were short and arranged rather irregularly and lost their so-called glycocalyx on L3. The large fungus-like protrusions appeared on L4. On L5, the luminal surfaces were completely covered with small serrated cytoplasmic protrusions. They formed the interdigitation btween the apposed surfaces and the uterine lumen was disappeared when the uterus was fixed in situ by the arterial perfusion method. High ATP-ase activity was demonstrated at the site of interdigitation. In the apical cytoplasm, many apical vesicles, well developed Golgi apparatuses, and dilated cisternae of the granular endoplasmic reticulum were observed on L3. On L5, however, these apical vesicles decreased in number and the Golgi apparatuses were small. On the contrary, the semilunar and coated vesicles were numerous, and the lysosomes increased both in number and size. Acid phosphatase activity was detected in these lysosomes. In the glandular epithelium, progressive increase in the number of small granules and the amount of amorphous substance were observed in the glandular lumen from L2, to L4. But on L4, some autophagosomes had already appeared in the cytoplasm. Swollen and degenerated mitochondria as well as many vacuoles were recognized on L5. In the stromal cells, the cytoplasm was enlarged, and contained many polyribosomes, granular endoplasmic reticulum with markedly dilated cisternae, lysosomes and lipid droplets on L5. The cytoplasmic protrusions on L5 were elongated and showed various features; one of them was situated very closely to the basement lamina of the luminal epithelium, and the other surrounded the lumen. Some of these protrusions were connected with the desmosomes. High ATP-ase activity was localized in these cytoplasmic protrusions, on the surfaces of the stromal cells, and in the stroma itself. 2) Delayed implantation and estrogenic transformation. In delayed implantation, the luminal surfaces were covered with regular microvilli and several fungus-like cytoplasmic protrusions. The cytoplasm contained many apical vesicles and large Golgi apparatuses that were observed both on L3 and L4 in normal pregnancy. At 48 hrs after the injection of estrogen, the interdigitation between the apposed luminal surfaces was also established. In the glandular epithelium, a slight enlargement of the glandular lumen and the appearance of small granules similar to those observed in normal pregnancy were noted at the 4th hr of estrogen treatment. In the stromal cells, two cells apposed each other very closely at the 4th hr and formed large cell masses at the 48th hr of estrogen treatment...


[The experimental studies on the estrogenic activities of 17alpha-ethynyl-17beta-hydroxy-19-norandrost-4-en-3-one (ENT) (author's transl)]. Today, ENT is a popular synthetic progesteron for clinical use, and is well known to have some estrogenic activity. Estradiol-17beta (E2) or 17alpha-ethynyl estradiol (EE2) binding to the specific protein in the nuclear fraction of hypothalamus were examined by 3H-E2 exchange assay reported by Anderson. The possible mode of the estrogenic actions of ENT are as follows: 1) Conversion of ENT to EE2. 2) Estrogenic of ENT per se without changing the chemical structure. 3) Conversion of ENT to other estrogenic compounds except for EE2. In this experiment, 3H-ENT or 3H-testosterone (3H-T) was incubated with human placental microsomes and NADPH generating system for 1 hr at 37 degrees C, 3H-delta4AD, 3H-T and 3H-ENT were incubated also with homogenates of rat hypothalamus under the same conditions. Isolation and purification of the metabolites were performed by using phenolic separation and paper chromatography. Identification of EE2, a metabolite of ENT, was established by measuring the radiochemical homogenity with the authentic standard on paper chromatography. In another experiment where alkali was not used during the extraction procedure to avoid making artificial products, the conversion rate of ENT to EE2 was measured. This experimental data indicated that ENT was converted to 1beta-OH-ENT and to EE2 by human placental microsomes. The former compound was easily converted to EE2 in the presence of NaOH or by incubation with bile. In the incubation with hypothalamic preparation neither aromatization nor 1beta-hydroxylation of delta4AD, T and ENT were detected. In the exchange assays of E2 receptor, the animals were killed 1 hr after the administration of 25 mug of various steroids. The hypothalamic nuclear fraction was incubated with various 3H-steroids for 30 min at 37 degrees C. After washing this nuclear pellet, the radioactivity was counted. Administration of E2 in vivo resulted in the increase of the amount of 3H-EE2 bound to the nuclear fraction in vitro. But only a small increase of binding was observed in the similar experiment with 3H-ENT. 3H-EE2 was exchanged more abundantly after ENT administration than after EE2 injection. From the above results, it was concluded that the estrogenic effect of ENT is attributed to the EE2 converted in vivo. In addition, a possibility was proposed that ENT or its metabolites other than EE2 could regulate some step in the mechanism of estrogen action.


Comparative studies on the methods for the investigation of steroid metabolism in the liver (author's transl). It is reasonable to presume that the metabolism of the steroid hormones in the liver may play an important role in elucidating their physiologic significance. Although there are many methods by which the intrahepatic metabolism of the steroid hormones can be evaluated, little has been reported on a method to elucidate simultaneously such dynamic factors as metabolic rate, quantities passing through the liver, structural change, conjugation and the like. In this paper, comparative studies on the methods for the investigation of steroid hormone metabolism in the liver were carried out. These include batch incubation, dialysis, continuous flow perfusion, portal vein injection and the "tissue column method" which was newly designed in order to search for the dynamic factors described above in a simple system, simultaneously. In the "tissue column method" studied here, cell suspension of the rabbit liver mixed with Sephadex G 75 gel (4:1 in volume) was packed at the height of 4 cm in a glass column (internal diameter; 1.5 cm). After an isotopically labelled steroid was placed on the tissue column, this column was perfused with oxygenated extracellular fluid (pH 7.4), keeping the perfusion system at 37 degrees C. The perfusion was continued for 60 min. and the perfusate was collected in 5 fractions. Flow rate was kept at 2 ml/min. When the perfusion was stopped, the cells were rapidly homogenized. The concentrations of the radioactivity in each perfusate, and in the final cells were measured. The amount of entry into the liver cells were calculated. The compounds in the perfusate and in the cells were separated by alumina column chromatography for analyzing the metabolites. Based on these experiments, the following conclusions were drawn; 1) Usual methods with liver slices and homogenates can clarify only the metabolic pathway. 2) To examine the amount of entry of steroids into the liver, portal vein injection as well as the "tissue column method" are preferable to the methods of dialysis and batch incubation. It seemed probable that the entry of steroids into the liver might not be explained simply on the basis of passive transfusion. 3) Incubation of slices and homogenate are of great advantage in studying the metabolic transformation in a specific organ. However, portal vein injection as well as the "tissue column method" are much more preferable to investigate the conjugation of steroids in the liver. 4) Continuous flow perfusion reported by Elrio Gurpide is suitable to examine the metabolism and the entry of steroids in a specific organ, but it is disadvantageous for investigating the conjugation of steroids because of its low production rate of conjugated steroids. 5) The portal injection method is intricate, troublesome and expensive, but this method provides a situation similar to in vivo circumstances...


[Specific and non-specific reaction of hemagglutination for the detection of anti-thyroglobulin antibody (author's transl)]. Tanned red cell hemagglutination has been widely accepted for use in the detection of anti-thyroglobulin antibodies. The interpretation, however, especially when the hemagglutination was observed at a low titer of serum dilution, has remained equivocal. In order to separate specific and non-specific hemagglutination, we tried to concentrate serum IgG to compare the hemagglutination titer at various concentrations of IgG. If the hemagglutination is specific for the presence of antithyroglobulin antibodies, the hemagglutination titer would increase as the IgG concentration rises. On the contrary, when the hemagglutination is non-specific and irrelevant to the presence of anti-thyroglobulin antibodies, the hemagglutination titer is expected not to increase while the IgG concentration rises. Based on this hypothesis, sera which showed various hemagglutination titer for anti-thyroglobulin antibodies were studied to examine the parallelism between hemagglutination titer and IgG concentration. IgG was concentrated with the method of ammonium sulfate precipitation. The grade of concentrate was examined by the IgG determination with the method of immunodiffusion technique employing the kit distributed by Behringwerke. The hemagglutination test was performed with the Boyden's method using the kit distributed by the Wellcome Company. The results showed that 4 out of 15 sera whose original hemagglutination titer was 1:3 failed to show increase in hemagglutination titer even at the 2 to 4 fold concentration of IgG. On the contrary, only 2 out of 26 sera whose hemagglutination titer was more than 1:6, failed to increase the titer at the IgG concentrate to the same degree. Thus, it is possible to conclude that the hemagglutination observed at 1:3 dilution of the serum is highly non-specific, while that observed at a serum dilution of more than 1:6 is thought to be specific.


[Spontaneous and radiation-induced chromosome breaks]. It is shown by the study of the location of acentric fragments of chromosomes at metaphase and anaphase in the root cells of pea (cultivar "Capital"), in the cornea of rats (strain Wistar), in the bone marrow of mice (strain BALB), in the cultures of embryonic fibroblasts of mice (strain C57B1) and of embryonic human fibroblasts that some fragments are situated outside the equatorial plates, while others are situated within the plane of the equatorial plate. The fragments of the first type initiate mainly spontaneously, while the fragments of the second type are mainly induced by irradiation. These principles are observed in all the types of animal and plant cells studied. The location of the fragments observed in non-radiated cells could be explained if it be assumed, that all the chromosome breaks are realized before the prometaphase and by the beginning of the prometaphase the fragments are randomly distributed within the volume of the nucleus. At the prometaphase most fragments move from the equator to the pole of the cell and thus at the metaphase and anaphase are found to be located outside the equatorial plate. For the explanation of the observed ratio of the two types of fragments in an irradiated cell it is assumed that chromosome fragments resulting from breaks induced by irradiation are completely detached from chromosomes only after the beginning of the prometaphase. Possibly, the process of development of breaks is also not yet completed by this time, it continues and is completed at the metaphase, partially, at the anaphase of the mitosis.


[Fecundity and embryonal mortality of four inbred mouse lines, BALB/c, B10.CW, A/Sn, CC57W and their hybrids]. The object of this investigation was the potential fecundity of four inbred strains of mice, viz. BALB/c, B10.SW, CC57W, A/Sn and of their different hybrid combinations. The inbred strains studied had different normal ovulation numbers varying from 9,2 to 11,9 and different death-rate of embryos before (10,99-39,49%) and after A/Sn, B10.CW and CC57W were practically equal to one another, but significantly larger than in the strain BALB/c. Interlinear crosses resulted in a considerable decrease of the total embryonic death rate, while the normal ovulation number did not undergo any changes. The number of live embryos in simple hybrids did not differ significantly from that in the maternal inbred strains. Therefore the heterozygosity of embryos did not affect significantly the potential fecundity of females. The number of surviving embryos per female increased in the cross between the simple hybrids (BALB/cXB10.CW)X(CC57WXA/Sn) to 8.9 +/- 0,37. This heterosis was the result of the total death-rate of embryos down to 14,89%. As it is shown by the comparison of the potential fecundity of pregnant females carrying homo- and heterozygous embryos to that of pregnant hybrid females, the rate of survival of embryos depends more on the genotype of the mother, than on that of the embryos.


A comparative study by the behavioral observation for sterotypy in the exceptional children. 1. Stereotyped behavior as a type of repetitive behavior was studied by observing four major groups of exceptional children by a natural observation method. The total 400 subjects are made up as follows: 46 with visual disturbance, 85 with auditory disturbance, 29 with infantile autism and 240 with mental retardation. 2. From analyses of our observational data, it was inductively proved that each group has its own characteristic sterotypy. There were marked differences in stereotypy between the auditory disturbance group and the visual disturbance group. Autistic children showed a perfect form of stereotypy and outstandingly bizarre characteristics. It was also found that blindism and autism have much in common. Stereotyped behavior shown by mentally retarded children differed with different intelligence levels. 3. There was no significant difference in the stereotypy appearance rate among the blind as well as the deaf-mute. Comparison between the blind with mental retardation and the blind with normal intelligence showed that there was significant difference of 0.5% or less. When taking the intelligence factor into account, significant differences aroused. As against the autism group, each group showed a significant difference of over 0.5%. In conclusion, it can be said that mental retardation factor has close bearing on the stereotypy appearance rate. 4. With respect to the cause of stereotyped behavior, the author based its argument on its own theory that blindism accrues from congenital visual disturbance. Weighing the fact that stereotypy differs between the blind and the deaf-mute, the author discussed with reference to the theory developed by Kaufman and Berkson that the inability of the child to monitor normal stimulation due to sensory disturbance produces frustration in him and this frustrated bodily need manifests itself in stereotyped movements. As for stereotypy of the mentally retarded children, the author pointed out that the arousal level theory is applicable only to the cases of severe-grade mental regardation, and that it fails to explain the parallelism between the differences of intelligence level and stereotypy. As regards stereotyped movements of the autistic children, due consideration was given to subtleties in action and bizarre nature of their behavior. Based on Orniz's theory that autistic children lack the constancy of central perceptual reception, the author maintained that the occurrence of stereotypy in autistic children suggests the underlying mechansims of perception are functioning pathologically as well as neurophysiologically. 5. As our observation as been conducted for a short period of time, the results might have been rather cross sectional. But the author thinks this shortcoming would have been made up for by Rutter's five-year follow-up study and the records available at the institutions which proved autism-stereotypy has continued to appear for a long period.


[Changes of peripheral leukocyte-counts by electrically induced convulsion in rabbits (author's transl)]. Effects of electrically induced convulsion (EIC) in rabbits on peripheral leukocyte-count levels were studied. (1) Leukocyte-counts increased immediately after the EIC (phase-1) and 4 hours later (phase-2). In the examination of blood smear, phase-2 involved the shift to the left in neutrophils. This biphasic curve also showed by administration of convulsants. (2) Both phase-1 and the rise of transitory blood pressure disappeared by muscle relaxation. (3) Immediately after EIC, the circulating blood volume was significantly higher (about 7%, P less than .001) and the hematocrit was also higher. (4) Phase-1 was not affected by selective destruction of adrenergic nerve terminal with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Although, phase-2 was diminished by treatment with both 6-OHDA and reserpine. (5) An increase in leukocyte-counts occurred on the administration of serum obtained from rabbit during phase-2. These results seem to indicate that phase-1 occurs when circulating blood volume is higher due to convulsive muscle construction and thereby marginated granulocytes appear into the circulating blood. Aslo, it might be expected that phase-2 occurs chiefly by mobilizing of leukocytes from the storage pool in the bone marrow into the circulating blood by the humoral factor.


[Pattern stimulation and action potential of frog skin (author's transl)]. Experiments were carried out to investigate the relationship between the pattern of stimulus of efferent or afferent nerve and the size of action potential of frog's skin. Two kinds of preparations were used: the excised nerve skin preparation and the spinal preparation. In the range of moderate intervals of stimuli, the size of skin action potential of the nerve-skin preparation became larger with the increase of number of stimuli, (i) during a definite period of stimulation with various frequencies, or (ii) during various long periods of stimulation with constant frequency. The size of potential depended not only on number of stimuli but also on their interval. The latter property may be called pattern-sensitive. In some state of preparation the size of potential evoked by a constant number of stimuli was nearly constant, being independent from stimulus frequencies, that is, pattern insensitive. Both kinds of results were obtained in cases of the spinal preparation. Michaelis-Menten's equation could be applied to describe the relation between the size of potential and the number of stimuli. However, there was no reason to interprete this relation with a simple concentration-effect relationship. Another hypothesis was then testoned on the supposition that the response is composed of sequentially superposed unitary processes each of which was promptly evoked by each stimulus and decayed exponentially. The calculated response curve reasonably fit with the observed data. Slower processes commonly called accomodation were excluded from the present discussion and only the effect of relatively short period of stimulation was examined.


Family strategy and immigration.

Family strategy and immigration. In a sample of married women, Swiss, Spanish and Italian, between 18 and 45 years of age and resident in Geneva (Switzerland), the authors examine the consequences of migration on the aspirations concerning fertility as well as the strategy chosen for family-planning according to the duration of residence. A conceptual framework is set up and the attitudes towards acceptance of birth-control, abortion and reliance on the "natural" inter-genetic interval are analyzed. Significant differences are found in the attitudes of skilled and unskilled workers, but in both cases a period of destructuration and anomie resulting from the confrontation of two cultures is present during the first years of residence in the new context.


A study of the influence of various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures applied to a murine squamous carcinoma on its metastatic behaviour. An experimental tumour system for the study of metastasis has been developed using a syngeneically transplanted murine squamous carcinoma of spontaneous origin. Implants of the tumour, which does not elicit a significant immune response, grew and metastasized regularly to regional lymph nodes and lungs, in a manner comparable with that of the more malignant types of human epithelioma. The system has been used to test the influece of pre-operative irradiation, regional lymph node excision, tumour biopsy and manipulation, on metastasis. Of these, only pre-operative irradiation with 2000 rad 24 h before tumour excision produced a significant differential effect--a lower incidence of metastasis. By contrast, local radiation therapy sufficient to cause complete tumour regression but insufficient to achieve long-term local cure was shown to result in accelerated metastasis. A highly significant inhibition of metastasis was observed with the drug ICRF 159, but histological features suggested that its anti-metastatic effect in this system did not depend on morphological changes which might prevent dissemination of tumour cells.


[Common categories in the speech of Bert Brechts and the speech of a schizophrenic]. The author demonstrates structural similarities and phenomenal resemblances between the language of Bertolt Brecht and the idiosyncrasies of expression of schizophrenic subjects. He compares some typical modes of expression on the basis of which he draws some general conclusions. What they have in common appears to be a 'disorganization' of the world as we know it which consists of 'things' and 'symbols'. It is only the notion of the more or less conscious use of these means of expression which allows one to distinguish between the 'linguistic world' of Brecht and that of schizophrenic subjects. These findings agree with those of other studies which have revealed affinities between the artistic expression of the mentally deranged and certain trends in art. The author has elaborated a number of heuristic categories which may be employed to understand the various modes of expression and has presented them in table form.


Illustration of a control problem in alcohol research designs. Issues of control problems in alcohol research, resulting from studies of a possible alcohol placebo effect, are discussed. These concern how the control response is related to the pre-drug response as well as the stability of both.


Reflex electrical stimulation for urinary incontinence. Experiments with several patients suffering from stress incontinence have shown that indirect stimulation of the levator ani with a vaginal stimulator and especially of the anal sphincter with an anal stimulator affects the urethral sphincter in the same way as direct stimulation. These findings are significant since they enable us to avoid the use of implantable stimulators by substituting external ones. External stimulation is worth trying in all cases of stress incontinence, where other conservative measures have failed. In our cases the results have been very satisfactory.


Preliminary report of an immunological study in urological cancer. In this study, 32 cases of cancer of the genito-urinary tract are discussed from the viewpoint of immunology. In eight cases treated surgically, there has been no evidence of recurrence over a period of 1-4 years. Those with a good immunological response have a satisfactory course. Patients with a good response have been treated by radical surgery depending on the stage of the tumour, whilst those with a poor response have been treated less radically by reduction of the tumour mass in the hope that a better response may develop. The authors of this report feel that the 'inhibition of the lymphocyte migration test' is a very important factor to evaluate in the study and immunological evolution of the patient. Also, and concerning cases with good immunological response, the poor results after surgery makes us consider the importance and value of blocking factors of the serum closely related to the B type lymphocytes.


Rupture of the female urethra in childhood. Rupture of the female urethra is a rare disorder, but perhaps more liable to occur in childhood than in adult life. As in the male, it can follow a fractured pelvis, but the level of the rupture is not simply in the membranous region, and is frequently much higher with destruction of the urethra over a considerable length. The vagina is always involved, so that almost inevitably there is a urethra-vaginal fistula. In the low lesions the bladder and urethral function may be adequate, but stenosis of the vaginal introitus can result in a considerable hydrocolpos, leading to a spurious form of incontinence. In the higher lesions true incontinence can occur, and there may be stricturing of the urethra above or below the urethro-vaginal fistula. Methods of surgical repair are discussed.


Mesonephric carcinoma of the female urethra. Mesonephric carcinoma of the female urethra is rare arising from vestiges of the Wolffian duct and is particularly of gynaecological or urological interest. It has been treated once successfully by radical anterior pelvic exenteration. By more conservative methods of treatment such as transurethral resections, radiation or topical application of thio-tepa it is poorly controlled. The diagnosis is established by a histological pattern reminiscent of the mesonephros.


The dosage of co-trimoxazole in childhood. Co-trimoxazole, a mixture of one part trimethoprim (TMP) and five parts of sulphamethoxazole (SMX) in fixed ratio was given to 48 children aged between one and 48 months twice daily for up to seven days. Twenty were relatively healthy and 28 were very ill. Dosage was based on age. Plasma concentrations of both drugs were measured just before a dose was due and some three hours later. They were in the efective but not toxic range and serve to justify the simple regimen which generated them.


[Prolactin releasing action of the hypothalamic extract in last stage of pregnant rats (author's transl)]. Regulation of prolactin secretion in pituitary is considered to be mostly carried with the action of prolactin inhibiting factor in hypothalamus. We have investigated on the subject of prolactin releasing factor in the hypothalamus of rats in last stage of pregnancy using puerperal and ovariectomized rats as recipients. After prepared the cell-free system of pregnant rat hypothalamus with sonic oscillator, supernatant was produced by ultracentrifuge (25,000 X g, 30 min.) and utilized for the experiments. When the extract was injected intramuscularly to puerperal rats (48-60 hours after delivery), serum prolactin values increased gradually to 3 times of control values, but pituitary prolactin values showed the variation with decrease and recovery. The control values were obtained by determination after injection of cerebral cortical extract to puerperal rats. After administration of a extract of non-pregnant rat hypothalamus to puerperal rats, serum prolactin values decreased and pituitary prolactin values increased antagonistically. In the ovariectomized rats pretreated with estradiol and progesterone, serum prolactin values increased in 1 hour after administration of the extract of pregnant rat hypothalamus, but pituitary prolactin values did not show any variation. The present experiment suggests that the prolactin secretion promoting factor exists in the hypothalamus of pregnant rats and predominates over as compared with PIF in last stage of pregnancy.


[Adrenal venography; improvement of the shape of catheter and its clinical application (author's transl)]. The preoperative identification of adrenal tumor is essential to correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Adrenal venography is one of the most useful adjuncts for this purpose, but catheters of various types introduced in the past are not necessarily well configured to catheterize adrenal veins. The catheter newly designed by us made catheterization of the left adrenal vein much easier even for unskilled hands. Our new catheter has been used in 20 of 55 venographical studies which have been carried out in our service. Determination of cortisol concentrations in adrenal venous blood which was performed in 6 cases failed to give any clue to determine the laterality of the existing adrenal tumor.


Induced parental care in male convict cichlid fish. Three parameters of parental care were recorded for pairs of cichlid fish (Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum) caring for their own young to determine the normal parental role of the male. Nonreproductive adult males were induced to exhibit parental behavior (e.g. herding, fin-digging, and defense of young) by daily presentation of free-swimming conspecific young. This process of sensitization to young appears to be species-specific in that males did not exhibit parental care toward alien (Hemichromis bimaculatus) young. Parental behavior in reproductive and nonreproductive males, as well as the implications and function of sensitization in these fish, is discussed.


Effect of mother on the development of aggressive behavior in rats. Young rats 23 days of age (Wistar strain) that are offspring of aggressive parents will attack mice. They kill them, however, only if the mother has already killed mice in their presence. Rats 30 days of age will kill mice spontaneously without any previous exposure to killing. The occurrence of muricide activity in young rats of this age is the same as in the adult population. If offspring of aggressive parents are reared by nonaggressive foster mothers from birth, they will not exhibit the muricide reaction at 30 days. In adulthood, however, the reaction appears to the same extent as in the offspring of aggressive parents reared by aggressive mothers. If the descendants of nonaggressive parents are reared by aggressive foster mothers from birth, 64.7% of them will kill mice at the age of 30 days. This aggression is retained in equal intensity during adulthood and cannot be attributed to specific learning in that the mothers have never encountered a mouse in the presence of their foster young.


Effects of cohabitation with females on aggressive behavior between male mice. Individual male mice of several groups were observed during daily encounters with a male intruder. The groups differed with regard to social and sexual experience of the resident animal and of the intruder. Aggressive behavior was most intense in residents actually living with a female and least intense in sexually naïve residents living alone. Residents that had only once cohabited with a female for a short time obtained intermediate scores. Experienced intruders were attacked less than naïve ones.


Changes in lateral differentiation of head posture in the human neonate. Developmental changes in the relationship between lateral differences in responsiveness and the assumption of asymmetrical head postures were examined. The head turning of 70 infants ranging in age from 0-72 hr was observed following a procedure (maintenance of the head in a midline position) known to reduce or eliminate lateral differences in the infant's response to stimulation. Even following this procedure infants older than 12 hr made significantly more right than left head turns whereas younger infants exhibited no such difference. When lateral differences in sensitivity were not interfered with in 0 to 12 hr old infants (n=20) they, kile the older infants, made significantly more right than left turns. These results are discussed in terms of possible developmental consequences of a reciprocity between asymmetric head position and lateral differences in sensitivity.


Daylength and sexual maturation in female house mice. A series of 4 experiments investigated the relationship between day length and sexual maturation in female house mice. Mice reared in constant light matured significantly later than mice maintained under photoperiods involving 0, 6, 12, or 18 hr of light/day. Results of an experiment involving cross-classified combinations of pre- and postweaning photoperiods revealed that only the postweaning photoperiod treatment was a significant factor influencing the attainment of puberty. Studies of body growth, food consumption, and wheel-running activity in young females housed under different photoperiods indicated that mice kept in constant light grew more slowly during the first 10 days after weaning, generally consumed more food than mice at other photoperiod conditions, and failed to exhibit regular daily activity patterns like those of mice maintained under photoperiods of 0 or 12 hr of light/day. Constant illumination apparently disrupts the normal physiological and behavioral activity rhythms and delays the attainment of sexual maturity.


Effects of disulfiram on the amphetamine-induced behavioral syndrome in the cat as a model of psychosis. We have previously reported that, from a phenomenological standpoint, the behavioral manifestations of cats chronically intoxicated with amphetamine parallel the evolution of the paranoid psychosis induced by the drug in humans. However, certain manifestations in the cat, such as frozen postures, disjunctive behaviors and postures, cataleptic-like phenomena, obstinate progression, loss of righting reflex and pupillary changes, did not appear to be consistent with the phenomenology of the paranoid psychosis. Since treatment of schizophrenic patients with disulfiram, an inhibitor of norepinephrine synthesis that acts at the level of the enzyme dopamine beta-hydroxylase, thereby leading to increased dopamine concentrations, had been found to profoundly exaggerate psychotic symptomatology, amphetamine behavioral syndrome in the cat as it is modified by pretreatment with disulfiram. Following such pretreatment, a faster development of certain end-stage components of the amphetamine syndrome was obtained. Thus, on the first day, development of a Reactive attitude and of more prominent behavioral disjunction occurred with the combined drug administration as compared with amphetamine alone. In contrast with the facilitation of these behaviors was the absence of dyskinesias and hyperreflexia on that day. Stereotyped behavior, loss of motor initiative and hyperkinetic activity were markedly enhanced and appeared with a shorter latency period on subsequent days of the intoxication cycle. Loss of righting reflex was an early manifestation in these animals. During the later days, the particularly high level of compulsive activity was evident from the occurrence of an obstinate progression syndrome and the performance of stereotyped movements of the head in the presence of a crucifixion posture. In general, modification of the amphetamine effects on behavior was in a direction consistent with comparable features in experimental catatonia and the catatonic form of schizophrenia. The need to integrate such phenomena in any amphetamine model of psychosis is stressed and analogies are drawn with similar features reported in animals treated with bulbocapnine or other psychotogenic compounds and with symptoms of human amphetamine psychosis and schizophrenia.


Supersensitivity to dopaminergic agonists induced by haloperidol. Haloperidol caused a significant reduction in the spontaneous locomotor activity of mice when added to their diet for 11 days. Upon removal of the drug from their diet these mice exhibited withdrawal hyperactivity for several days that was characterized by an increase in activity over control or pre-halopericol values. Similar results were obtained when mice were fed a diet containing pimozide. Withdrawal hyperactivity was not detected after 1 or 3 days of haloperidol containing diet, but was maximal after 6 days of this diet. Dose-response curves of apomorphine-stimulated motor activity and rearing behavior were shifted to the left when determined in mice during the period of withdrawal hyperactivity. Dopaminergic agonists (apomorphine, piribedil, L-DOPA and d-amphetamine) induced gnawing at lower doses in mice removed from a chronic haloperidol-containing diet for 2 days than in mice maintained on a control diet. These results support the hypothesis that prolonged blockade of central dopaminergic receptors by neuroleptics causes subsequent behavioral effects that may be due to the development of enhanced receptor sensitivity.


Pharmacogenetic studies of the serotonergic system in association with convulsive seizures in mice. Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) activity was determined in whole brain from male C57BL/10/Bg and DBA/1Bg mice at 14 different ages between postnatal days 4 and 33. Brain TPH activity was higher at every age in C57BL/10/Bg than in DBA/1/Bg mice, the difference being 30-50% after day 20. The apparent Km of the enzyme for substrate was identical (1.4 X 10(-5) M) in both strains. The reciprocal F1's between DBA/1/Bg and C57BL/10/Bg strains were similar in TPH activity, being slighlty lower than the predicted midparental value. At 30 days of age, C57BL/6/Bg males also had high TPH activity, indistinguishable from the C57BL/10/Bg strain. Audiogenic seizure susceptibility in these strains and their hybrid F1's was inversely correlated with their brain TPH activities. These results indicate that seizure susceptibility and aggression in mice may be related to the serotonergic activity in the brain. In the case of seizures, ethanol-induced susceptibility to audiogenic seizures in mice was enhanced by reserpine, and the effect of reserpine could be reversed by 5-HTP but not by DOPA. Furthermore, p-chlorophenylalanine also enhanced such susceptibility, whereas alpha-methyltyrosine had no effect. In the withdrawal audiogenic seizures in mice during chronic ethanol treatment, adrenalectomy blocked the ethanol-induced increase of brain TPH activity and also prevented the withdrawal seizures. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that the serotonergic system is among the components regulating excitability in the brain.


A model for the neurobiological mechanisms of action involved in lithium prophylaxis of bipolar affective disorder. The effects of chronic administration of lithium chloride on the serotonin synthesizing apparatus in rat brain suggest a theoretical model that could explain how chronic treatment with lithium is prophylactic against both poles of affect in manic-depressive disorder. After three to five days of lithium chloride administration the Vmax of high affinity uptake of (14C) tryptophan into striate synaptosomes increased to 140% of control values, and tryptophan-to-serotonin conversion activity increased to about the same degree. These events were followed by an apparently compensatory decrease in the Vmax of midbrain activity cell body and striate nerve ending tryptophan hydroxylase activity. After 21 days of drug administration (14C)-tryptophan uptake remained above control levels, and soluble midbrain and solubilized striate synaptosomal enzyme activity remained below control levels, but synaptosomal conversion activity had returned to control levels. In vitro, drug concentrations from 10 to 53 mM did not affect the enzyme activity, but did enhance the uptake and conversion measures. Also, increasing tryptophan levels either by pre-incubation with L-tryptophan in vitro or by the administration of L-tryptophan (20 to 60 mg/kg) in vivo enhanced the uptake and conversion measures. The data suggest the possibility that lithium pushed two complementary adaptive mechanisms to their capacities, and the net result is restricted but balanced function of serotonergic transmission in the brain.


Suprapubic micturition cystourethrography in infancy and childhood. Suprapubic bladder puncture has recently found additional employment in paediatric radiology as a technique for micturition cystourethrography. Experience of 247 micturition cystourethrographies (MCU) by means of suprapubic bladder puncture (SBP) in 210 children aged from 6 days to 15 years is reported. The technique is simple: complications were observed in 6%, but were harmless in nature. The advantages consist in the absolutely sterile procedure, less strain on the children, and the possibility of simultaneously obtaining bladder urine, directly, for bacteriological and cytological examination.


Reflux into vagina, uterus, Fallopian tubes and peritoneal cavity during voiding cystourethrography: case report. A case of reflux of contrast medium into the peritoneal cavity via the vagina, uterus and Fallopian tubes during voiding cystourethrography is presented. This patient had abdominal symptoms which may have been related to intraperitoneal reflux of urine during voiding.


Clozapine and the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia, a critical appraisal. This paper discusses some of the pharmacological and neurochemical properties of clozapine, and the special attributes that differentiate clozapine from the classical neuroleptics. The question as to whether or not clozapine blocks DA-receptors--a crucial point in regard to the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia--has received particular attention. Neurochemical, neuropharmacological, and endocrinological evidence is presented which speaks against a DA-receptor blockade by clozapine in pharmacologically relevant doses. These findings are difficult to reconcile with the dopamine hypothesis which proposes a direct relationship between antipsychotic effect and DA-receptor blockade.


[Ultrastructure of cerebellar hemangioblastoma]. Authors describe the fine structure of the border zone of a cerebellar hemangioblastoma. This electron microscopie study corroborates all the previous optic microscopic results concerning absence of a well delimited bound between hemangioblastoma and bordering cerebellar tissue. Different stages of peculiar cellular degeneration are found, and an attempt for interpretation is given. However these morphologic changes are insufficient to allow further explanation about the histogenesis of hemangioblastomas, which remains unknown.


[The cologne riding course for the blind. Original information on a didactic-methodical approach (author's transl)]. Since November 1973 a riding course has been carried out with six blind adults. Due to the instructional methods the participants were able to ride independently, without an attendant, after only 30 hours. The effects of riding on the blind encompass coordination training and development of muscle strength. Furthermore, riding has a pronounced influence on the circulatory system. This attractive reaction activity provides the person who, as a result of his specific handicapping condition is limited in both the spatial and social fields, with an expansion of his living space and sphere of experience.


[Parasitological survey, with special reference to schistosomiasis mansoni, conducted in the region of Jacupiranga (Ribeira valley, State of São Paulo). Survey of the location and distribution of planorbidian snails in the State of São Paulo. VII]. The results of a parasitological survey, emphasizing particularly schistosomiasis mansoni, are presented. The area under study was the district of Cajati, situated in the "município" of Jacupiranga (State of São Paulo, Brazil) near schistosomiasis-endemic areas in Vale do Ribeira. Though the presence of parasitized people by Schistosoma mansoni has been reported and focuses of Biomphalaria tenagophila, the species responsible for the spreading of the parasites through great areas of the state, has been localized, it has not been reported any autochthonous case nor the presence of schistosoma-infected planorbidian snails. As a contribution to the planorbidical chart of the State, it is reported as original the discovery of the species Drepanotrema cimex and D. depressissimum in that area. The detection of antitoxoplasmic antibodies in a sample of the studied population showed a significant prevalence rate corresponding to 76,4%.