Bone marrow involvement in adult soft tissue sarcomas

Bone marrow biopsy was performed as part of the initial assessment in 74 patients with soft tissue sarcoma. Infiltration of the marrow by tumour was present in four cases, all from the group of 56 patients who had other evidence of metastatic disease, giving an overall incidence of 7%. The histological subtypes were pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma, angiosarcoma, synovial sarcoma and myxoid liposarcoma, of which the first three were high-grade tumours. Although it was not possible to determine whether response to chemotherapy was influenced by marrow involvement, haematological toxicity seemed excessive.

Acrolein: a potent modulator of lung macrophage arachidonic acid metabolism

Resting rat pulmonary alveolar macrophages exposed to acrolein were stimulated to synthesize and release thromboxane B2 and prostaglandin E2 in a dose-dependent manner. Zymosan-activated pulmonary alveolar macrophages released approximately twice as much prostaglandin E2 as thromboxane B2, whereas acrolein-activated pulmonary alveolar macrophages released 4-5 times less prostaglandin E2 than thromboxane B2. In the zymosan-stimulated pulmonary alveolar macrophages, acrolein also induced a reversal in the relative amounts of prostaglandin E2 and thromboxane B2 synthesized and released into the culture medium. This reversal was achieved by a dose-dependent reduction in prostaglandin E2 synthesis. Although phagocytosis was also inhibited in a dose-dependent manner, the reduction in prostaglandin E2 appeared to be partially independent of particle ingestion since thromboxane B2 synthesis was not affected by low doses of acrolein. In fact, high doses induced a slight enhancement in thromboxane B2 synthesis. These results suggest that acrolein selectively inhibited the enzyme, prostaglandin endoperoxide E isomerase, necessary for the conversion of the endoperoxide to prostaglandin E2. Sulfhydryl reagents such as N-ethylmaleimide and 5,5'-dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid) mimicked acrolein's effects, and reduced glutathione afforded protection against the effects of acrolein. These results indicated the possible involvement of acrolein's sulfhydryl reactivity in the inhibition of the isomerase enzyme. Propionaldehyde had no effect on macrophage arachidonic acid metabolism whereas crotonaldehyde mimicked the effects of acrolein. Pulmonary macrophages were unable to reverse the acrolein effects on arachidonate metabolite synthesis after 6 h in an acrolein-free environment. These data indicated the necessity of the unsaturated carbon bond for the acrolein effects on arachidonic acid metabolism and the relative irreversibility of acrolein's reaction with the macrophage.

Investigation of the effects of phospholipase C on human platelets: evidence that aggregation induced by phospholipase C is independent of prostaglandin generation, released ADP and is modulated by cyclic AMP

Effects and the mechanism of action of phospholipase C (PLC), from Clostridium perfringens, on washed human platelets were examined to better understand the role of PLC in platelet function. PLC caused aggregation and secretion of [14C]-5HT, without concomitant loss of cytoplasmic, LDH, in a concentration dependent manner. P-nitrophenylphosphorylcholine, a substrate for PLC, blocked these responses in a concentration dependent manner. In other experiments hirudin, alpha-1-antitrypsin and soybean trypsin inhibitor did not inhibit PLC-induced activation of human platelets. PLC-induced aggregation and [14C]-5HT secretion was not inhibited by aspirin, a known inhibitor of prostaglandin biosynthesis. PLC-induced aggregation was selectively inhibited by analogs of 7,8-dihydroxybenzazepine and 7,8-methylenedioxybenzazepine in a concentration dependent manner. These two agents had no effect on arachidonic acid-induced aggregation. PLC-induced aggregation was not inhibited by apyrase, an enzyme which hydrolyzes ADP. In other experiments, PLC-treated platelets did not exhibit any platelet activating factor-like activity. Prostaglandin E1 and trifluoperazine showed concentration dependent inhibitor effects on PLC-mediated aggregation and secretion of [14C]-5HT. These findings indicate that: a) PLC is capable of inducing aggregation and specific secretion of [14C]-5HT without causing lysis of platelets; b) mechanism of PLC-induced activation of platelets is independent of prostaglandin generation or action, released ADP, and PAF; and c) cyclic AMP plays a modulatory role in PLC-mediated secretion and aggregation of human platelets.

Positron brain imaging--normal patterns and asymmetries

Regional brain physiology was investigated in 11 normal resting right-handed subjects using positron emission tomography. Cerebral blood flow was studied in all subjects. Cerebral oxygen metabolism was studied in six subjects, and cerebral glucose metabolism was also studied in one subject. In five subjects, physiological activity was higher in left frontotemporal regions than right. These findings may be related to structural cerebral asymmetries or to activation of brain language centers.

Whole blood viscosity parameters and cerebral blood flow

This report describes the statistical relationship of several whole blood viscosity parameters and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in 53 consecutive patients and normal controls. Significant correlations were present between CBF and serum fibrinogen (P = .05), hematocrit (P less than .05), and a relationship involving both fibrinogen and hematocrit (P less than .01). We conclude that heightened whole blood viscosity does correlate with decreased cerebral blood flow in the ranges measured in our patients, that both fibrinogen and hematocrit must be taken into consideration in viscosity determinations, and that changes in viscosity may have an important effect on CBF in regions of low flow.

Bronchoselective actions of a new series of trimetoquinol analogues

In selected beta 1- (guinea pig atrial) and beta 2- (guinea pig trachea and lung parenchyma) adrenoceptor systems, we have examined the interaction of isoproterenol (ISO), trimetoquinol (TMQ), erythro- and threo-diastereoisomers of 1-(3,4,5-trimethoxy-alpha-methylbenzyl)-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (alpha-methylTMQ), alpha-dimethylTMQ, N-methylTMQ and N-[2-methyl-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)propyl]dopamine (open chain dimethylTMQ analogue). The rank order of potency for agonists in trachea was threo-alpha-methylTMQ greater than (+/-)-TMQ greater than ISO greater than erythro-alpha-methylTMQ greater than N-methylTMQ greater than alpha-dimethylTMQ. Only N-methylTMQ gave an intrinsic activity similar to ISO, whereas the alpha-methylated TMQ analogues were partial agonists in this beta 2-system. In atria, the rank order of beta 1-potency was ISO greater than (+/-)-TMQ greater than threo-alpha-methylTMQ greater than N-methylTMQ = erythro-alpha-methylTMQ. Maximal chronotropic effects of all compounds, with the exception of threo-alpha-methylTMQ, were similar to ISO in this preparation. Both alpha-dimethylTMQ and open chain dimethylTMQ analogues were inactive as agonists in this beta 1-system. The ratio of beta 2 : beta 1 selectivity (trachea vs. atria), relative to ISO for threo-alpha-methylTMQ, erythro-alpha-methylTMQ, TMQ and N-methylTMQ was 106.5, 27, 7 and 5.8, respectively. Whereas the rank order of potency for selected compounds in lung parenchyma was ISO greater than threo-alpha-methylTMQ = TMQ greater than erythro-alpha-methylTMQ, the comparative beta 2-selectivity (lung parenchyma vs. atria) relative to ISO, for erythro-alpha-methylTMQ, threo-alpha-methylTMQ and TMQ was 2.5, 1.9 and 0.24, respectively. It is concluded that lipophilic substitutions on the alpha-carbon of the 1-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl)-substituent of TMQ can generate compounds which are potent bronchoselective adrenoceptor agonists. Threo-alpha-methylTMQ and erythro-alpha-methylTMQ were more beta 2-selective than (+/-)-TMQ.

Human alveolar macrophages: a lesion in arachidonic acid metabolism in cigarette smokers

Human pulmonary macrophages (PAM) recovered from young cigarette smokers and from age- and sex-matched subjects who had never smoked were used to investigate arachidonic acid metabolism. The uptake of radiolabeled arachidonic acid by PAM obtained from smokers and nonsmokers was not significantly different. The phagocytic indexes of the smoker and nonsmoker macrophages were 17.4 X 3.9% and 18.5 +/- 5.0%, respectively. Both smoker and nonsmoker macrophages produced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha). A significant decrease in PGE2 and TXB2 synthesis but not in PGF2 alpha synthesis by the smoker PAM compared PAM compared with the nonsmoker PAM was observed using 2 different assays to measure prostaglandin production. Nonsmoker macrophages produced 644 +/- 128,239 +/- 53, and 29 +/- 12 ng/1.5 X 10(6) cells of PGE2, TXB2, and PGF2 alpha, respectively, whereas smoker macrophages synthesized 168 +/- 20, 41 +/- 3, and 17 +/- 1 ng/1.5 X 10(6) cells, as measured by radioimmunoassay. Similar differences were observed using isotopic assays. A cigarette-smoke-induced lesion in phospholipid hydrolysis or the mechanism regulating phospholipid hydrolysis seem most consistent with these findings.

Selective and potent beta 2-adrenoceptor agents within the tetrahydroisoquinoline class: effect of methyl substitution at the benzylic carbon of the 1-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl) group of trimetoquinol

A systematic series of methyl (2 and 3) and dimethyl (4) analogues of trimetoquinol (1) were synthesized and evaluated for their beta 1 (atria) and beta 2 (trachea) and adrenoceptor activities. Structural assignments for the erythro (2) and the threo (3) diastereoisomers of 1-(3,4,5-trimethoxy-alpha-methylbenzyl)-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline were based on NMR spectra of the 6,7-dibenzyl precursors 15 and 16, respectively, and on the synthetic derivatives of cis- and trans-13-methyl-2,3-bis(benzyloxy)-9,10,11-trimethoxytetrahydroprotoberberine (18 and 17). The rank order of beta 2-agonist activity for these compounds was 3 greater than 1 greater than 2 greater than 4. The rank order of activity as beta 1 agonists on the guinea pig atria is 1 greater than 3 greater than 2, and 4 was inactive. The methylated analogues show selectivity for beta 2 receptors in our preliminary pharmacological studies. The threo isomer 3 is the most potent and selective beta 2 stimulant reported to date in the tetrahydroisoquinoline class.

Pneumonia in goats caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides

Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides (large-colony type) was isolated from the lungs of a goat with pneumonia. Clinical signs included inappetence, weakness, listlessness, coughing, dyspnea, pyrexia, slight nasal discharge, and lameness. Tylosin (4 mg/kg of body weight) was administered each day for 4 days, resulting in slow recovery. Three weeks later, the clinical signs recurred and the kid was anemic. It was given a single blood transfusion and tylosin was administered daily. The kid's health status was steadily declined and it died after 6 days' treatment. At necropsy, the lungs were edematous and congested. Histopathologic findings were those of septicemia and pneumonia.

Double choledochus with ectopic drainage into the stomach-a rare congenital anomaly of the biliary ductal system

A patient with an accessory bile duct originating from the left common hepatic duct and emptying into the stomach along the lesser curvature presented with periodic symptomatic bile gastritis. Reimplantation of the accessory duct into the duodenum relieved his symptoms.

Fatal Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection in captive bushbabies

Fatal Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection was diagnosed in 3 bushbabies (Galago crassicaudatus) in a large prosimian colony. The clinical signs were diarrhea, dyspnea, hyperthermia, dehydration, and lethargy. Histologically, the disease was characterized by lesions of ulcerative enterocolitis, necrotizing hepatitis, splenitis, lymphadenitis, and nonsuppurative pneumonitis.

Anti-T antibody in malignant melanoma patients. Influence of response and survival following chemotherapy--changes in serum levels following C parvum, BCG immunization

The level of anti-T antibodies directed towards the precursor T antigen of the MN blood group system was measured in the sera of 55 patients with disseminated melanoma, before and during chemoimmunotherapy. The anti-T titer was subnormal in patients before therapy; patients who responded to therapy had significantly higher titers than did nonresponders in sera taken before therapy, at regression/progression of disease, and during the last pulse of treatment. Higher pretreatment titers were associated with a significntly longer survival time. A single infusion of Corynebacterium parvum was given to 14 other melanoma patients and significant elevation of preimmunization titers was observed on days 14, 21, and 28 after infusion; Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, vaccination of 9 patients did not significantly alter the anti-T titer. The expression of the normally cryptic T antigen on melanoma cells would absorb naturally circulating anti-T antibodies. Less dense expression of T antigen on melanoma cells that were responsive to therapy, i.e., less "malignant," would explain the better prognosis for patients with higher titers. The increase in anti-T antibodies following administration of C parvum but not of BCG is of possible clinical relevance when C parvum is used as an immunotherapeutic agent.

Neutral protease activation of peritoneal macrophage prostaglandin synthesis

We observed that the treatment of murine macrophages with proteolytic enzymes can activate the synthesis and release of arachidonic acid (ARA) metabolites. Murine peritoneal macrophage monolayers prelabeled with [14C]ARA were incubated with neutral proteases. Specific bacterial and mammalian proteases from various sources provoke the synthesis and release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and other radiolabeled metabolites. However, cells treated with the neutral proteases thrombin and trypsin did not release significant amounts of PGE2. Neutral protease treatment did not decrease cell viability (> 90%) and boiled protease preparations did not activate prostaglandin synthesis. Protease-activated PGE2 synthesis was inhibited by a variety of protease inhibitors and synthetic substrates for neutral proteases. An inflammatory agent that induces macrophage neutral protease activity, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) stimulated synthesis and release of PGE2 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. TPA-activated PGE2 synthesis was also blocked by a variety of protease inhibitors. These results suggest that neutral proteases have the capacity to activate ARA metabolism and imply that neutral proteases found in inflammatory reactions may infuence prostaglandin production.

HBV markers in Chinese in Hong Kong

A study was carried out on 779 hospital patients in the Orthopaedic and Paediatric Unit of Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. Patients who had no clinical evidence of liver disease, previous history of transfusion with blood or blood products and no major surgery in the past were entered into the study. Markers of previous exposure to Hepatitis B virus (HBV) were HBsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HBs (radioimmunoassay) were done. The results showed that (a) Chinese living in Hong Kong are exposed to HBV infection throughout life (b) horizontal transmission is the dominant mode of transmission and (c) cpronic HBsAg carriers probably do not carry HBV for life but may clear HBs antigenaemia with age.

Five-frame, x-ray camera for charged particle, inertial confinement fusion studies

A prototype framing x-ray camera has been developed for photographic studies of inertial confinement fusion (ICF) targets irradiated by charged particle beams. Electron images from five, independently gated, microchannel plates are transported out of the radiation field by means of a toroidal magnetic field and are permanently recorded on film. The calculated, effective exposure time is <or=5 ns (FWHM), and the resolution at the object is presently limited by the x-ray pinhole optics to approximately 0.5 mm. Time-resolved photographic studies have been made of luminous targets irradiated by pulsed electron and ion beams. The camera has also been adapted for single frame, x-radiographic studies of nonluminous imploding targets.

Isolation from murine myeloma and leukemia cells of a selective inhibitor of DNA polymerases

An inhibitor of two ribopolymer-transcribing DNA polymerases can be isolated from MOPC-21 myeloma tumors, from the sera of mice bearing these tumors, or from MCDV-12 ascitic leukemia. The peritoneal fluid of mice bearing the latter neoplasm is also a source of the inhibitor. The inhibitor is a small DNA molecule which displays inhibitory activity in both double- and single-stranded form.

Small tritium filling and monitoring apparatus for particle beam inertial confinement fusion targets

A small gas filling apparatus has been developed to fill a particle beam ICF target with D-T gas mixture seconds before the target is irradiated. Included in the filling apparatus is a novel miniature pressure monitor which determines quantitatively the fill pressure by counting the rate of Beta particles emitted by the decaying tritium atoms.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with the Grüntzig balloon catheter. A review of 70 cases

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty has been used to treat lesions of the iliac, superficial femoral, and renal arterial systems in 70 patients. Overall initial success was achieved in 27/30 lesions, with 4/5 lesions documented to be patent for longer than two years. Although long-term follow-up is at present limited, the reduced cost and morbidity of this procedure are distinct advantages in appropriately selected patients. The close involvement of the vascular surgeon and a "team" approach are necessary. These preliminary results are part of a long-term study to evaluate the efficacy of transluminal angioplasty as well as to define factors that may be of predictive value in patient selection.

Percutaneous transhepatic portal venography in the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal varices

Percutaneous transhepatic portal venography is a relatively safe method of obtaining both physiologic and morphologic information in patients with portal hypertension. Precise "road mapping" is performed, as well as measurement of free portal pressure. Additionally, transcatheter obliteration of gastroesophageal varices may produce effective cessation of hemorrhage in patients bleeding from this site, as was done on an emergency basis after failure of intra-arterial vasopressin infusion.

Spontaneous cholangiocarcinoma in a ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta)

A cholangiocarcinoma in the liver with metastasis to the regional lymph nodes was found in a male ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta). The liver was partially replaced by a gray-white, coarsely lobulated mass. Microscopically, the tumor consisted of well circumscribed lobules of anaplastic, low cuboidal cells occasionally arranged in duct-like structures. The tumor did not involve the gallbladder.

Advances in the management of bile duct obstruction: percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Jaundice can be diagnosed anatomically and frequently histopathologically without laparotomy by radiologic and endoscopic techniques, combined with biopsy or cytology. Benign and malignant causes of bile duct obstruction can be managed by endoscopic and radiologic methods with reduced morbidity and mortality, displacing abdominal operation for many entities. Even unresectable or inoperable lesions can be effectively palliated by these new techniques.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for treatment of renovascular hypertension

Four patients with typical renovascular hypertension due to atherosclerotic stenosis (3 patients) and near occlusion (one patient) were treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). Two patients had malignant hypertension by clinical standards. All had significant reduction in blood pressure following angioplasty, resulting in either a normotensive state, or management with significantly less antihypertensive medication. Patency and normal renin levels were achieved within two months in 2 patients. Clinical follow-up documented continued reduction in blood pressure. Advantages of the procedure include local anesthesia, relatively little discomfort, repeatability, and the fact that surgery is not precluded if angioplasty is unsuccessful.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with the Grüntzig balloon catheter

The results of an ongoing five-year study of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for the treatment of peripheral vascular disease are presented. A balloon catheter was used for iliac and superficial femoral and popliteal artery dilatation. Forty out of 43 procedures performed were considered to have initial success, with iliac angioplasty showing a greater success rate (96%) than superficial femoral angioplasty (90%). Complications requiring surgical intervention occurred in only 3 patients. Advantages of this technique include local anesthesia, early ambulation, reduced hospital stay, and reproducibility.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with the Grüntzig balloon catheter: technical problems encountered in the first forty patients

Forty patients have undergone percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of the iliac or femoral-popliteal system with the Grüntzig balloon catheter. Technical problems ahve included experience with difficult antegrade puncture, production of intimal flaps, and loss of collateral vessels, as well as the need to develop an approach for recanalization of obstructions and for use of the balloon. Since problems in these areas may jeopardize the success of the procedure, they have been elucidated with some discussion of prevention. Preliminary results on the success of the procedure are included.

Transcatheter gelfoam embolization of posttraumatic bleeding pseudoaneurysms

Diagnostic angiography combined with transcatheter therapeutic embolization is a simple and effective means of treating complex clinical situations associated with posttraumatic hemorrhage. Bleeding pseudoaneurysms, even when large, can be readily managed by this combined modality with resultant decrease in morbidity and hospital stay. Five patients with posttraumatic pseudoaneurysms are presented. All five were treated by transcatheter therapeutic embolization with Gelfoam. Of these five cases, three involved extremities, one involved the retroperitoneal space, and the last was of renal origin. Two of the five cases still required surgical intervention after initial successful therapeutic embolization, one for recurrent bleeding from collaterals and the other for evacuation of a massive pseudoaneurysm which was causing distraction of fracture fragments. The early use of angiography in suspected cases of posttraumatic hemorrhage, together with careful evaluation of potential collateral supply, is stressed. The use of transcatheter therapeutic embolization in the extremities as presented here is yet another example of the ever-broadening applicability of this technique.

Transcatheter arterial embolization of a traumatic lumbar artery false aneurysm

The case of a false aneurysm of a lumbar artery secondary to penetrating trauma is presented. Problems of diagnosis are outlined, emphasizing the value of ultrasound, computerized tomography, and angiography. The early use of angiography is strongly advocated in cases of suspected post-traumatic bleeding. The use and value of therapeutic transcatheter embolization is discussed.

The analytic basis for the use of platelet estimates from peripheral blood smears. Laboratory and clinical applications

Estimation of the platelet count from examination of peripheral blood smears is a widely practiced procedure, but statistical validity to judge the accuracy of the technic has been lacking. More than 400 patients' platelet estimates and counts were analyzed to develop a simple working formula to permit a reasonably accurate platelet estimate. Smear-to-smear and technician-to-technician variabilities were defined, and the influences of different microscopes on the platelet estimates were demonstrated. Platelet estimates can be used as a rapid, convenient measurement suitable for providing useful information for clinical judgement of a patient's platelet status providing that the method's limitations are recognized.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis presenting with hypercalcemia

A case of hypercalcemia associated with documented squamous cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis without bony metastasis is reported. Pseudohyperparathyroidism was suspected strongly because of the radioimmunoassay values of parathormone. This was confirmed by the prompt decrease of serum calcium after removal of the neoplasm. The radiologic findings were non-specific.

Screening for breast cancer

Mammography is of real assistance to the surgeon in evaluating breast problems not associated with a breast mass. Use of mammography in the detection of early breast cancer in breast demonstration projects has brought forth the time honored value judgement of benefit vs risk. This report introduces an additional aspect in the consideration of benefit vs risk, the interval cancer. From the demonstration project at KUMC, 326 biopsies were performed and 65 proved to be cancer. However, 24 additional women developed cancer before their next recommended screening date. This reduces the accuracy of mammography and physical examination by trained nurses in screening for breast cancer to 73%.

Aortic stenosis: echocardiographic cusp separation and surgical description of aortic valve in 22 patients

Diminished echocardiographic aortic cusp separation is used as one indicator of the severity of aortic stenosis. To test the validity of this index, 22 patients--12 (55 percent) with isolated aortic valve disease and 10 (45 percent) with aortic stenosis associated with mitral or coronary artery disease--underwent M mode echocardiographic examination before aortic valve replacement. Tracings of diagnostic quality were obtained without difficulty from all 22 patients. Cardiac catheterization was performed in 21 patients. Echocardiographic cusp separation was measured from the apparent mid-systolic orifice and from the outer periphery of the anterior cusp to the outer periphery of the posterior cusp (maximal peripheral cusp separation). Mid-systolic cusp separation varied in nearly every patient, depending on the angle of leaflet presentation to the ultrasonic beam. Maximal peripheral cusp separation measured 16 mm in 18 of 22 patients (82 percent); it indicated neither the severity of the aortic stenosis as documented with cardiac catheterization nor the mobility of the cusps seen at operation. The surgical and echocardiographic descriptions of leaflet and aortic root calcification were similar. In situ examination of aortic cusp separation indicated that diseased aortic valves are not comparable with normal valves or valves with uncomplicated congenital obstruction. The aortic leaflets were curled, fused, calcified and deformed from their natural state of coaptation. Abnormal thickening and limited or eccentric mobility of the aortic leaflets were useful indicators of the cause of valve disease, but cusp deformity secondary to aortic stenosis invalidated mid-systolic cusp separation and maximal peripheral cusp separation as indicators of the severity of aortic stenosis.

Co-existent chronic lymphatic leukaemia with polycythaemia vera

A patient presenting with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and iron deficiency anaemia who, following oral iron therapy, developed the clinical and pathological features of polycythaemia vera is reported. The relationship between these two diseases when co-existing is discussed.

Inhibition by glucocorticoids of prostaglandin release from adipose tissue in vitro

1 When rabbit chopped adipose tissue was incubated with a lipolytic agent (adrenocorticotrophic hormone, ACTH1-24, 0.1 microng/ml) in Krebs solution, prostaglandin E2 was formed in the tissue and about the same amount was found in the medium. 2 In the presence of indomethacin (1 microng/ml) the appearance of prostaglandin E2 was almost abolished both in the tissue and in the medium. 3 When the incubation was carried out in the presence of hydrocortisone or betamethasone (1-10 microng)ml) the concentration of prostaglandin E2 leaking or carried into the medium was significantly reduced, whereas that remaining in the tissue was significantly increased. This action of the steroids was not reversed by increasing substrate (arachidonic acid) concentration in the medium. 4 The steroids did not affect lipolysis, nor did they influence prostaglandin metabolism since such activity was not detectable in the adipose tissue. 5 Anti-inflammatory steroids therefore did not reduce prostaglandin formation but increased the tissue/medium ratio, which supports the view that they inhibit the release of prostaglandins after these have been synthesized.

Efficacy of albendazole against Haemonchus, Nematodirus, Dictyocaulus, and Monieza of sheep

Albendazole was highly efficacious in the removal of monospecific and mixed infection of Haemonchus contortus, Nematodirus spathiger, and Dictyocaulus filaria from sheep. A dose level of 5 mg/kg removed nearly all gastrointestinal nematodes, and 10 mg/kg removed all lungworms. Tapeworms of the genus Moniezia were completely removed by a dose level of 10 hg/kg.

Pulmonary nocardiosis in an orangutan

Pulmonary nocardiosis was diagnosed in an adult male orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) being maintained in an outdoor facility. Periodically, the orangutan had had clinical signs of an upper respiratory tract infection, as evidenced by slight nasal discharge and cough. At the terminal stage, the orangutan had acute respiratory embarrassment, with epistaxis, and died before diagnosis could be made and treatment initiated. Gross necropsy findings included fibrosis of the pulmonary parenchyma as well as evidence of air sac infection, extensive pneumonia, and extensive chronic pleuritis. Microscopically, some of the lung sections had alveoli filled with polymorphonuclear cells, with other sections being diffusely fibrotic; the areas of fibrosis contained interspersed foci of polymorphonuclear cell infiltration. Many of the latter areas contained organism colonized in the form of granules that resembled those seen in actinomycosis. These organisms were gram-positive and branched, and measured close to 1 mum in diameter. Nocardia asteroides was isolated from the pulmonary tissue.

Chromobacterium violaceum infection in a nonhuman primate (Macaca assamensis)

Chromobacteriosis caused by Chromobacterium violaceum was diagnosed as an Assam macaque, Macaca assamensis, that died 4 days after receipt of the Yerkes Primate Center, It was received from a primate facility in Florida where it has been housed with a group of rhesus monkeys for 5 years. The animal died suddenly without showing any signs of clinical illness. Necropsy findings included extensive hepatic necrosis with the formation of multiple large cavitary lesions. Foci of necrosis were also found in the lungs and lymph nodes. Numerous gram-negative bacilli were demonstrable in the lesions and Chromobacterium violaceum was isolated from the blood, liver, lungs, spleen and kidneys.