Effects of cytoskeletal inhibitors on water proton relaxation time changes in unfertilized and fertilized sea urchin eggs

Unfertilized and fertilized sea urchin eggs were used for pulsed proton NMR spin-lattice relaxation time (T1) measurements of cellular water. An 81% increase in T1 time at fertilization was largely explained by the accumulation of extracellular water in the perivitelline space. To assess the role of microtubule and actin filament assembly and disassembly, eggs were treated with drugs that are known to change these cytoskeletal elements (i.e., colchicine, taxol and cytochalasin B). Egg volume was also monitored in all studies to rule out the influence of water content changes on the observed T1 relaxation time changes. Neither assembly nor disassembly of microtubules changed the T1 relaxation time. The role of actin polymerization and depolymerization is discussed as a possible explanation for the observed cell cycle dependent water proton T1 relaxation time changes.

Cannabinoids reduce fertility of sea urchin sperm

Cannabinoids are potent pharmacological substances derived from marihuana. The effects of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabidiol (CBD) on fertilization in the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus were investigated. Insemination of THC-treated eggs (5-400 microM) with excess sperm did not result in polyspermic fertilization. At minimal sperm densities, THC (0.1-10 microM) inhibited fertilization in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment of eggs with THC did not reduce their receptivity to sperm. Pretreatment of sperm with THC reduced their fertilizing capacity. The concentration of THC required to reduce sperm fertility by 50% was 1.1 +/- 1.1 microM. The fertilizing capacity of THC-treated sperm depended on concentration of sperm and duration of pretreatment. The fertility of sperm at minimal densities was reduced by 50% at 129.3 +/- 43 s treatment with 10 microM THC. The adverse effect of THC on sperm fertility was reversible. CBN and CBD at comparable concentrations (0.1-10 microM) inhibited fertilization in a manner similar to THC. First division was not delayed in zygotes that were fertilized with sperm pretreated with 10 microM THC. These studies show that cannabinoids directly affect the process of fertilization in sea urchins by reducing the fertilizing capacity of sperm.

Carnitine status, plasma lipid profiles, and exercise capacity of dialysis patients: effects of a submaximal exercise program

Carnitine status, blood lipid profiles, and exercise capacity were evaluated in a combined group of hemodialysis (N = 4) and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (N = 6) patients before and after an 8-week submaximal exercise program. Maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) was only 18.5 +/- 5.9 (mean +/- SD) mL O2/kg/min, well below the expected 30 to 35 mL O2/kg/min for age-matched sedentary controls. Plasma short-chain acylated carnitine levels, which were two to three times normal values, were reduced after the exercise program, but the long-chain acylcarnitines were significantly reduced during acute exercise. Muscle biopsies of the vastus lateralis were performed at rest in five patients prior to and after the 8-week exercise program. Total carnitine in skeletal muscle was 3.09 (.076 SD) mumol/g ww, with only 11.3% acylated prior to the exercise program, which was much lower than the 4.25 +/- 1.27 mumol/g ww, with 28.5% acylated in a group of healthy athletic subjects (N = 28). Muscle free carnitine concentrations decreased significantly following the 8-week training period, with only a slight reduction in total carnitine. The percent of acylated carnitine was therefore significantly increased (P less than 0.05) from 11.3% to 25.2% after the experimental period. Pretraining carnitine palmitoyl transferase activity at rest was 0.57 +/- 0.28 nmol palmitoyl carnitine formed/5 min/mg mitochondrial protein, which was not changed by exercise training v 1.80 +/- 0.51 nmol/5 min/mg protein in 28 healthy normals (P less than 0.001). Free fatty acid concentrations were reduced significantly during acute exercise as a result of the exercise training program whereas other plasma lipids were not altered. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A prospective study of shoulder disability resulting from radical and modified neck dissections

A prospective longitudinal study of shoulder function after 103 neck dissections involving either preservation or sacrifice of the spinal accessory nerve is presented. The postoperative evolution and course of trapezius muscle denervation and resultant shoulder dysfunction were objectively determined for both radical and modified nerve sparing neck dissections. All patients were enrolled in a program of physical therapy aimed at maintaining range of motion at the shoulder joint. Shoulder function was examined preoperatively and for 12 months postoperatively with manual muscle strength testing, range of motion measurements, and electrodiagnostic testing. Results indicate that modified nerve sparing dissections are followed on the average by a significant, but temporary and reversible phase of shoulder dysfunction. By comparison, radical neck dissection is followed by profound and permanent trapezius muscle weakness and denervation.

Ocular anterior segment disease in northern fur seals

Eyes of 1,716 wild northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus; 1,501 subadults and 215 adults) were examined for the prevalence of ocular anterior segment disease; 4.6% of the seals had clinically recognizable eye lesions. Six seals had bilateral eye lesions. Corneal scars were the most frequently observed lesion, followed by prominent lens sutures, cataracts, and iris depigmentations. Corneal edema, active corneal ulceration, or inflammation was not observed. Examination of normal corneas indicated an epithelial structure similar to that of the California sea lion, with 11 to 14 layers of nucleated superficial stratified squamous cells that lacked keratohyaline granules. The seal corneal endothelium had less hexagonality than do human corneal endothelial cells, with mean endothelial cell areas of 331 to 396 micron2, similar to that found in primates.

Water ordering during the cell cycle: nuclear magnetic resonance studies of the sea-urchin egg

Nuclear magnetic resonance was used to measure spin-lattice water proton relaxation times (T1) during the first cell cycle in sea-urchin zygotes of packed Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. Following insemination there was a 90% increase in the T1 value. The increase in T1 at fertilization could be accounted for by the accumulation of extracellular fluid between the egg surface and the fertilization envelope. The T1 value then remained without change during the first cell cycle, except at metaphase when there was a significant 13% decrease. The lowered T1 values measured at metaphase were not related to a change in the water content of the packed cells, which remained fairly constant throughout the cell cycle. High hydrostatic pressure, low temperature and colchicine (agents that depolymerize mitotic apparatus microtubules) did not affect the T1 values in fertilized eggs. Treatment in vitro of a microtubule protein preparation with low temperature and colchicine resulted in an increased T1, which accompanied the depolymerization of microtubule protein. Since depolymerization of the microtubules associated with the mitotic apparatus by high pressure, colchicine or low temperature does not alter the T1 of water protons in the cell, it is proposed that the increased state of ordered water molecules at metaphase is maintained by nonmicrotubular factor(s) of the metaphase egg.

Actin and tubulin in Tetrahymena

Tubulin and actin are cytoskeletal proteins known to play a major role in dividing cells. Tetrahymena pyriformis, a ciliated protozoan, was used as a model system for investigating tubulin synthesis during cilia regeneration and during the cell cycle. Until recently the identification of actin in Tetrahymena has been controversial. In this report evidence for the presence of actin in Tetrahymena is reviewed and control of actin gene expression during the cell cycle is discussed.

An unusual Donath-Landsteiner antibody detectable at 37 degrees C by the antiglobulin test

A 14-year-old boy with no history of transfusion experienced a hemolytic crisis attributed to paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria. The Donath-Landsteiner test was positive. The IgG autoantibody had anti-P specificity but was unique in that it also reacted strongly by indirect antiglobulin test at 37 degrees C.

Clustering of human H1 and core histone genes

An H1 histone gene was isolated from a 15-kilobase human DNA genomic sequence. The presence of H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 genes in this same 15-kilobase fragment indicates that mammalian core and H1 histone genes are clustered.

Cell cycle regulation of human histone H1 mRNA

A cloned genomic DNA fragment containing a human histone H1 gene has been used to analyze histone H1 gene expression in two human cell lines (HeLa S3 and WI-38). The cellular abundance of histone H1 mRNA was compared with that of core (H2A, H2B, H3, and H4) histone mRNAs as a function of the cell cycle: core and H1 histone mRNA levels are related both to each other and to the apparent rate of DNA synthesis and are rapidly destabilized after DNA synthesis inhibition. The use of three synchronization protocols, and of transformed and normal diploid cells in culture, suggests that the detected core and H1 histone mRNA levels are regulated by similar mechanisms in continuously dividing human cell lines and nondividing cells stimulated to proliferate.

Control of tubulin and actin gene expression in Tetrahymena pyriformis during the cell cycle

Poly(A)-containing mRNA was isolated from division synchronized populations of the ciliated protozoan, Tetrahymena pyriformis. The level of tubulin and actin mRNA at specific cell cycle stages was analyzed by hybridization to tubulin and actin cDNA probes and by gel analysis of their in vitro translation products. The pattern of fluctuation of tubulin mRNA levels was similar to that observed for the in vivo tubulin synthesis previously reported [1]. This suggests that as the cells progress through the cell cycle, tubulin synthesis is controlled at the mRNA level. There was little fluctuation of actin synthesis or actin mRNA levels during the cell cycle, which may be indicative of a different regulatory mechanism for actin than for tubulin.

Clinical pharmacology of intraarterial cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II)

After intraarterial (30 patients) or i.v. (seven patients) administration of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry was used to measure platinum concentrations in plasma and urine. Arteries infused included hepatic (seven patients), carotid (six patients), iliac (ten patients), brachial (three patients), and femoral (four patients). All patients received i.v. mannitol. Pharmacokinetic parameters after intraarterial administration were similar to those after i.v. administration, although differences existed for different intraarterial routes of administration. Mean for all patients combined were: Co, 2.67 +/- 0.97 (S.D.) microgram/ml; t1/2 beta, 71.1 +/- 26.6 hr; clearance, 0.72 +/- 0.25 liters/hr/sq m; total volume of distribution, 45.2 +/- 17.0 liters/sq m; C x t, 167 +/- 72 mg/hr/liter; and 24-hr urinary excretion, 20 +/- 10% of the administered dose. Intrahepatic infusion of the drug was associated with a significantly lower Co (1.88 +/- 0.50 g/ml) and C x t (140 +/- 25 mg hr/liter) and significantly higher clearance (0.91 +/- 0.24 liters/hr/sq m) and volume of distribution (67.6 +/- 4.6 liters/sq m) than administration by other routes, suggesting first pass extraction of drug by liver. In addition, an apparent minor late rise in serum platinum concentration may suggest enterohepatic recirculation of drug. High fluid intake was associated with a low Co and a high volume of distribution, consistent with expansion of the central compartment by fluids. Low serum albumin (less than 3.5 g/dl) was associated with significant shortening of the t1/2 beta (50.5 +/- 21.6 hr), suggesting that the amount of unbound filterable drug may possibly be higher in patients with low serum albumin concentrations. Plasma from veins draining an infused area has a higher Co and C x t during infusion than concurrent plasma from peripheral veins. Thus, intraarterial administration of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum results in increased drug exposure of tumor in the infused area without substantially decreasing exposure of systemic tumor.

Effect of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol on cyclic nucleotides in synchronously dividing Tetrahymena

Cyclic nucleotide levels were determined in division-synchronized Tetrahymena and the effect of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on the cyclic nucleotide levels was studied. In non-drug-treated division-synchronized cells, there was no statistically significant variation in the level of cAMP and cGMP during the G2 period, preceding the first division. During the free running cell cycle (the interval of time between the first and second synchronous division) the twofold increase in the level of cAMP was statistically significant; however the variation in the level of cGMP was not statistically significant. THC caused a lowering of cAMP and cGMP levels throughout the 4-experimental treatment. The suppression of cAMP and cGMP levels altered the cyclic nucleotide pattern of the cell cycle. The cAMP pattern was changed particularly in the G2 period preceding the first synchronous division, and immediately after division during the free running cell cycle. THC treatment caused division delays of approximately 8-15 min in the onset of the first and second synchronous division. However, the duration of the free running cell cycle (110-120 min) was unchanged. The suppression of cyclic nucleotide levels resulting from THC treatment is discussed in relation to delays in the division schedule.

Computerized tomographic assessment of retroperitoneal hemorrhage after percutaneous renal biopsy

Computerized tomography demonstrated evidence of retroperitoneal hemorrhage in more than one half (12) of 21 patients who had had renal biopsies. This frequency is much greater than that generally reported and reflects a lack of sensitivity of the routinely followed clinical practices in detecting retroperitoneal hemorrhage. Computerized tomography offers a sensitive, noninvasive method of detecting and evaluating size and site of retroperitoneal hemorrhage.

Cloning DNA sequences from influenza viral RNA segments

DNA sequences corresponding to gene segments that code for the nonstructural protein, the matrix protein, and the hemagglutinin of influenza A virus [strain A/Udorn/72 (H3N2)] were cloned in Escherichia coli pBR 322. Initially, positive and negative cDNA strands were prepared separately by reverse transcription. The positive strands of cDNA were transcribed from genomic RNA segments by using a specific dodecamer DNA sequence as a primer; the negative strands of cDNA were transcribed from cytoplasmic viral mRNA segments by using an oligo(dT) primer. DNA duplexes corresponding in size to the virus RNA segments were then purified, inserted into the plasmid DNA, and used for transformation of E. coli. The influenza virus-specific DNA sequences isolated from recombinant plasmid molecules were characterized by mapping restriction enzyme cleavage sites. In addition, the orientation of cloned DNA was determined with reference to the 3' terminus of viral RNA.

Palate morphogenesis. IV. Effects of serotonin and its antagonists on rotation in embryo culture

Previous studies have localized non-muscle contractile systems in the posterior (region 2) and the anterior (region 3) ends of mouse palates at the time of shelf movement. In order to determine whether these contractile systems function in shelf rotation, effects of pharmacologic agents have been analyzed in embryo culture. First, it was shown that the posterior end of the palate rotates before the anterior end, and its rotation in culture was proportionally greater as development of the embryo progressed. Generally, the posterior end of the palate was more easily inhibited in embryo culture than the anterior end. Serotonin at 10(-8) M to 10(-5) M was shown to significantly stimulate rotation at the anterior end of the palate after 2 h in embryo culture. The effect on the posterior palate was less pronounced. To investigate further the role of this neurotransmitter on palate shelf rotation, serotonin antagonists were employed. Methysergide (10(-4) M) inhibited anterior shelf rotation to 12% of control values (P less than 0.005), while not significantly affecting the posterior end. Ergotamine (10(-6) M) significantly inhibited the stimulation induced by 10(-5) M serotonin (P less than 0.025). Cyproheptadine (10(-9) M) partially inhibited anterior and posterior shelf rotation in embryo culture. When injected into the pregnant dam, cyproheptadine partially inhibited shelf rotation and fusion. The palate was examined histologically after embryo culture. In the presence of 10(-4) M methysergide, the elongated contractile cells in region 3 at the anterior and midpalatal mesenchyme were prevented from rounding. Thus, serotonin may be regulating rotation of the anterior end of the palate by an effect on cell-mediated process.

Organization development at work in a medical center

Organization development can work: Valley Medical Center in San Jose, California, has successfully restructured multiple lines of authority in the process of installing modern management and fiscal control processes.

Administrative costs of the influenza control program of 1976--1977 in Illinois

In 1976, many resources of state and local agencies were devoted to planning, organizing, implementing and evaluating the influenza immunization program. The costs included salaries and other expenses of specifically employed personnel; diversion of the time of others from their usual responsibilities; and donated resources. They were assessed retrospectively and reported by responsible local agency personnel on a questionnaire. Costs of donated services and other resources were estimated based on assigned unit value. The total cost of the program in Illinois was $3.334 per dose of which $1.733 was accounted for by local agencies, $0.075 by the state agency, and $1.526 by the federal government, including the cost of vaccine doses remaining unused. If the program could have been carried through to include the intended larger numbers of persons, both the administrative costs and the vaccine costs per dose administered would have been much less. The financial cost of the campaign exceeded the federal grant. It must be weighed against the administrative benefits including improved ability to conduct large scale preventive programs and awareness of the importance of both risks of benefits of immunization.

Effects of cannabinoids on sperm morphology

Sperm morphology was studied in hybrid mice of genotype (C57BL X C3H)F1 following treatment with specific cannabinoids. Mice were treated for 5 consecutive days with the specific cannabinoid; 35 days after the last treatment, epididymal sperm were scored in the light microscope and assessed in the scanning electron microscope. The animals treated with delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta9-THC) and cannabinol (CBN) had a statistically higher incidence of abnormal sperm than the controls. The incidence of abnormal sperm in the animals treated with cannabidiol (CBD) was not statistically different from the control value. The relative toxicity of the cannabinoids in these studies was delta9-THC greater than CBN greater than CBD. Normal sperm have a smooth kidney-shaped head with a prominent hook; abnormal sperm have shapes which include heads without hooks, banana-shaped heads, amorphous heads and folded heads.

The Lincoln dental caries study: a three-year evaluation of dental caries in persons with various mental disorders

An evaluation of three-year incremental caries scores in institutionalized persons with various mental disorders indicated that in a DMFS evaluation of caries increment, the group with Down syndrome had significantly fewer caries than many of the other groups compared. No such significant difference was found in an evaluation of DMFT. The caries increments did not differ significantly from one another in all other mentally subnormal groups. The carious lesions in the group with Down syndrome appeared to be limited to the occlusal surface.

An interdisciplinary approach to the dental care of the mentally disabled

In institutions for mentally disabled persons, dental care of the patient is often difficult because of uncooperative behavior. Premedication is sometimes necessary. The mentally disabled patient frequently receives other medication for behavioral control, cerebral palsy, seizures, or the like, that may interact with the dental premedication. Because of the problems that may develop, a program between an institution's dental department and a university's clinical pharmacy department was developed that provided an approach to the selection of premedication for the dental patient who is mentally disabled.

delta1-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and cannabinol effects on the immune response of mice

delta1-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) elicited a dose-dependent (1, 5, 10 mg/kg) depression of the immune response, of immature mice, stimulated with sheep red blood cells. The impairment of humoral immunity was specific for THC but not for cannabidiol at 25 mg/kg or cannabinol at 25 mg/kg. The mice were given four daily doses (i.p.) of either drug or vehicle (Tween 80-propylene glycol in 1% saline) or a single injection (i.p.) of sheep red blood cells in addition to four daily doses (i.p.) of drug or vehicle. Suppression of the antigenic response by THC was reflected as a reduction of splenic weight, reduction in the number of splenic antibody-forming cells, lowered hemagglutination titer and reduction in the percentage of splenic white pulp of total spleen volume.

[Leading symptom: the M-gradient in electrophoresis]

A survey is given on development, proof and clinical importance of an M-gradient which is to be demarcated in the electrophoresis. A M-gradient refers to an excessive increase of the number of monoclonic immunoglobulins (= paraproteins). As investigation method the electrophoresis on agar or agarose, respectively, is best suited. The immunoelectrophoresis is necessary for the further differentiation into several classes and types as well as for the demarcation of pseudo-M-gradients. The proof of a M-gradient alone does not allow a diagnosis. M-gradients obligatorily appear in the plasmocytoma, in Waldenstroem's macroglobulinaemia and associated neoplasias of the lympho-plasma-cellular tissue. However, M-gradients can also be observed in carcinomas, chronic liver diseases and chronic inflammatory processes as well as in clinically healthy persons in individual cases. The differentiation according to the cause of the M-gradient is possible only then, when the total clinical picture is taken into consideration, in individual cases, however, according to the course of the disease.

The function and reliability of the orogranulocytic migratory rate as a measure of oral health

The phenomenon of leukopedesis in gingival and periodontal tissues was measured by counting the number of orogranulocytes migrating into the mouth during repeated intervals of 30 seconds. Measurements were carried out with a computerized electronic cell grading system and classified as a non-subjective laboratory routine for indexing oral inflammation. For orogranulocytic migratory rate (OMR) readings above 1.2 X 106/30 sec, a minimum of three determinations is required for reliability. Single readings suffice for OMR's below 0.5 X 106/30 sec, which indicates that the system is suitable for mass screening purposes.

Action of colcemid in sea urchin eggs

The effects of Colcemid, the deacetyl-N-methyl derivative of colchicine, on the eggs of Arbacia punctulata were investigated. Colcemid in concentrations of 2.7 x 10(-5)M or greater blocks syngamy (the fusion of the pronuclei) in these eggs. Although a tenfold decrease in concentration of Colcemid usually permits the pronuclei to fuse, the subsequent division is blocked. In the sea urchin egg, the duration of presyngamy is about 15 min during which time there is no DNA synthesis. However, DNA synthesis is recorded in Colcemid-blocked cells prior to syngamy. Radioautographs of Colcemid-blocked cells which were immersed into thymidine-(3)H exhibited silver grains above each of the pronuclei. The action of Colcemid on Arbacia eggs is reversible. Nevertheless, exposures to 2.7 x 10(-5)M Colcemid for only 3 min, initiated 5 min after insemination, caused delays of 70 min in subsequent division. In general, cells are more sensitive to Colcemid prior to the time when the mitotic spindle is being assembled than at presyngamy stages. The results are discussed in terms of Colcemid action on pronuclear fusion and cell division.

Tumor behavior in isolated perfused organs: in vitro growth and metastases of biopsy material in rabbit thyroid and canine intestinal segment

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