[Analysis of thyroid hormones in serum and urine by mass fragmentography using GC-MS]

The first successful analysis of iodine compounds in serum and urine by mass fragmentography using GC-MS combined system was performed. The equipment used was Shimadzu LKB 9000 GC-MS (MID-PM). The TMSi derivatives of the compounds were analyzed by GC-MS system equipped with a 3 ft X 3 mm column packed with 1% OV-1 and the temperature was programmed from 200 degrees to 320 degrees C at 10 degrees C/min. The mass specturm showed molecular ions at m/e 523, 649, 741, 867 and 993 which correspond to the TMSi derivatives of MIT, DIT, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. The base peak at m/e 218 was applied to establish the precise quantitative evaluation of T4 and related compounds by mass fragmentography. The following results were obtained: 1) The minimum detectable limits of the compounds injected into the column were ca. 10 pg for MIT, DIT, 20pg for T2, 50pg for T3, and 500 pg for T4 respectively. 2) The sensitivity was of the order of ng or pg which enables quantitation with 1 ml of human serum and urine sample. 3) West's method was very convenient for extracting the compounds from biological fluids, and procedure can be carried out easily in a short time. The recovery rates were ca. 16.0% for MIT, 26.6% for DIT, 61.5% for T2, 71.6% for T3, and 85.1% for T4 respectively. 4) The ability to simultaneously analyze various iodoaminoacids is sure to be effectively utilized in studies to elucidate the relative importance of these hormones and their metabolic changes in various physioloigcal and pathological states of human beings.

[Self-cured hydrocephalus following ventriculitis--clinical experience and experimental consideration (author's transl)]

Dynamics of CSF circulation is often altered in the presence of intracranial pathology especially in hydrocephalus. Most neurosurgeons acknowledge that the status of hydrocephalus often changes regardless of the type of treatment. In the follow-up of hydrocephalic children who under-went shunting operation, not a few hydrocephalic children have been doing well in spite of shunt malfunction for a long period. Interestingly enough, we have experienced the children who need no longer shunt after shunt infection complicated by ventriculitis. These cases differ from so-called spontaneously "arrested hydrocephalus", in that the latter develops in not severe hydrocephalus during the course of natural history or after shunt not complicated by serious infection. Consequently, we define these cases "self-cured hydrocephalus" following ventriculitis. Recently we experienced a similar case as mentioned above at the Kyoto University Hospital. We reported the case and made some inquiry into pathogenesis of "self-cured hydrocephalus". We hope that further inventigation of the similar cases along with experimental studies might give us a key to establish a radical treatment for hydrocephalus.

Assessment of the ischemia of the femoral head in idiopathic avascular necrosis. A preliminary report

Hemodynamic (CATELIX/DF32P system) assessment of circulatory disturbances in idiopathic avascular necrosis (12 femoral heads of 10 patients), demonstrate that vascularity in the necrotic portion was less than 15 per cent (mean, 9%) of normal levels. In 2 cases reassessed after surgery, the recovery of vascularity was to 98 per cent. The vascularity in the translucent portion was fairly well maintained at 50 to 139 per cent. From a histological point of view, vascularity of less than 15 per cent is indicative of ischemia and necrosis of the bone. Hemodynamic methods demonstrate the presence of focal necrosis, long before there are obvious roentgenological abnormalities. The CATELIX/DF32P system is better than the G-M probe/32P system in some respects and is now readily available.

Cytogenetic study on individuals occupationally exposed to DDT

Workers from three insecticide plants in direct contact with 2,2-bis (beta-chlorophenyl)-I,I,I,-trichloroethane (DDT) did not differ significantly in the frequencies of cells with chromosomal aberrations when compared with controls from the same plants but not in direct contact with the drug. The same was true when a group of workers from one plant was compared with a control group from the Instituto Butantan, with no history of occupational exposure to DDT. Yet, when the control group from one of the three plants, which showed high DDT plasmic levels, was added to the group in direct contact with the insecticide, the frequency of cells with chromatid aberrations was significantly higher, suggesting that DDT causes chromatid lesions. A positive correlation was found between DDT levels and times of exposure, but being in direct or indirect contact with DDT was not always correlated with the degree of contamination.

Mother cell of megakaryocyte

It was attempted to describe the morphology of the most immature cell of megakaryocytic series. The megakaryocytes were observed with the electron microscope in five cases, being traced back to their immature forms. In two cases the most immature cells of megakaryocytic series were considered to be the cells which were probably identified as lymphocytes under the light microscope, but they were not lymphocytes with the electron microscope. In other two cases it was presumed that neutrophilic and megakaryocytic series were derived from morphologically similar immature cells, since the most immature cells of neutrophilic and megakaryocytic series were not distinguished when they were traced back to their immature forms. These findings suggest that mother cells of megakaryocytes in the adult bone marrow may be identified as lymphoid cells with the light microscope.

Mechanism of platelet liberation

Megakaryocytes from 5 patients and 1 normal person were observed electronmicroscopically. In some pathologic states platelets seemed to be liberated without demarcation membrane system (DMS) and in a normal individual they seemed to be liberated independently of DMS. These findings suggest that DMS is not concerned with platelet liberation and that platelets are liberated through pseudopodia and bleb formation. In mature megakaryocytes vigorous amoeboid movement seems to exist and both pseudopodia and blebs may represent this movement. Structural similarity between surface connected system (SCS) of platelet and DMS of megakaryocyte suggests that the structure called DMS is transported as SCS into platelet.

Studies on antianaphylactic agents. 4. Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of 3-(4-oxo-4H-1-benzopyran-3)acrylic acids, a new series of antiallergic substances, and some related compounds

The syntheses of trans-3-(4-oxo-4H-1-benzypyran-3)acrylic acid and a number of analogs shown to be highly active in antiallergic bioassays are described. These compounds are of possible value in the treatment of asthma. The structural requirements for biological activity are discussed with reference to the type of the substituents on the chromone ring or positions of linkage of the acrylic acid on the pyrone ring.