A histochemical test for citrulline daptation of the carbamido diacety reaction to histologic sections with positive results in pilomatrixomas (calcifying epitheliomas)

Slight quantitative differences exist in the chemical composition of various components and sheaths of the hair follicle. The one qualitative difference which has been found is the unique presence of the amino acid, citrulline, in the inner root sheath. Citrulline accounts for 6.1% of the dry weight of the sheath. In the past, Ehrlich's p-dimethyl aminobenzaldehyde reagent has been used to detect citrulline in the inner root sheath both chromatographically and histochemically. The histochemical color is a faint yellow and tryptophan interferes also, giving a positive reaction. A more specific test is given by Fearon's diacetyl monoxime reagent which reacts in hot acid solution with carbamido compounds. In the present investigation the carbamido diacetyl reaction was adapted for histochemical study by use of a silicone rubber adhesive for tissue sections that would withstand boiling hydrochloric acid. The reaction colors the inner root sheath a bright orange and when applied to pilomatrixomas is positive in some of the keratinous areas.

Neutron activation analysis ofr copper in biological material applied to Wilson's disease

A method for the neutron activation analysis of copper in biological material is described and applied to the diagnosis and management of four cases of Wilson's disease. Results obtained for serum and urine are in agreement with values obtained by established colorimetric techniques. The method described can estimate 10(-9) g. copper to within 10% and this sensitivity has allowed the determination of copper from biopsy material such as liver, spleen, hair, and nail.

Zinc metabolism; the possible roles played by zinc deficiency in malnutrition of children

Studies in the present decade are mak ing it clear that some manifestations of malnutrition in the Middle Eastern coun tries closely resemble the changes seen in naturally-occurring or experimentally- induced deficiency of this trace metal in animals. This review points out the pos sible role of zinc in the nutrition of chil dren, based on metabolic studies still in progress in Iran.

Activation analysis of soluble and fixed sodium in mammalian hair

Antelope hair was soaked in sodium-22 to simulate external contamination and then systematically washed to remove all traces of the sodium; progress of the wash was followed by gamma-ray spectrometry. Hair was then activated by neutron bombardment which showed sodium still present as sodium-24. It is concluded that a fraction of sodium in hair can be readily washed away with water and that a second fraction is held in the hair in such a manner that extended washing does not remove it. This suggests that sodium in two states may be associated with hair, one as an external contaminant and the other as a more nearly integral part of the hair.