The effect of immunity upon some enzymes of the parasitic nematode, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis

Isoenzyme patterns of normal adultNippostrongylus brasiliensiswere compared with those of damaged worms permanently affected by immunity and adapted worms which show increased resistance to immunity.

Isoenzymes of acetylcholinesterase, found in glands of the head end of the worms, showed changes in damaged and adapted worms which can be related to the effects of immunity.

Aminopeptidases and non-specific esterases from the same glands were unchanged in worms affected by immunity.

Isoenzymes of acid phosphatase found in the gut of the worms were altered in damaged and adapted worms; these changes are probably secondary to the changes in acetylcholinesterases.

Of the enzymes studied, acetylcholinesterase is the enzyme most likely to be the antigen which stimulates host immunity, but final proof of this is required.

We are most grateful to Dr Valerie E. Jones for many helpful suggestions.

The circulating immunoglobulins involved in protective immunity to the intestinal stage of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis in the rat

Antisera taken from rats after one, two or three larval infections with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis or after one infection of adult worms were separated by chromatography and the fractions were tested for passive protective activity.

Irrespective of the number or type of infections given, protection against the parasite was most frequently obtained with fractions of antisera containing predominantly 7Sγ₁-globulin. γM- and γA-globulins sometimes appeared to contribute to protective activity, but γM-globulin was not the major source of protective antibodies in antisera taken after a primary infection either of adult worms or of larvae. 7Sγ₂-protective antibodies were found only in a pool of antiserum taken after three infections.

Rats were passively protected with antiserum or fractions of antiserum, which were free of reagins and of other identifiable anaphylactic antibodies. It appears that rats can be passively immunized with antisera which do not have anaphylactic activity.

Experience with coeliac axis compression syndrome

Seven patients with "coeliac axis compression syndrome" are reported. Five were treated surgically, but only two did well. A survey of 200 healthy adults showed epigastric bruits in 6.5%; only one of these had dyspepsia, though dyspepsia was present in 12.5% overall.Caution is urged in attributing a causal relationship between coeliac axis compression and pain and in proceeding to arteriography when compression is suspected on clinical grounds.

Reliability of selected tests of flexibility in cognitive processes

Reliability coefficients were computed on two measures of flexibility in thinking (Associations IV and Object Naming) for a total sample of 113 Ss. Estimated reliabilities for test-retest were .746 for Associations IV and .611 for Object Naming. Split-half reliabilities were .707 and .717 for two separate administrations of Associations IV while for Object Naming the estimated reliabilities were .382 and .441. Intra-scorer coefficients were in the .90s while inter-scorer rs ranged from .801 to .942.