Purification and characterization of acid phosphatase from Dunning R3327H prostatic adenocarcinoma

Acid phosphatase (phosphoric monoester hydrolase) was isolated from the Dunning R3327H prostatic adenocarcinoma, a slow-growing and hormone-sensitive rat prostate tumor histologically similar to well-differentiated human prostatic cancer. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity and characterized. In comparison with the acid phosphatase isolated from human malignant prostate, the acid phosphatase from the Dunning rat tumor was similar in molecular weight [100,000 +/- 10% (S.D.)]. However, it possessed a single isoelectric point of 7.6 (human prostatic acid phosphatase showed multiple isoenzymes at 4.4 to 5.3); an electrophoretic mobility of 0.5 in reference to human prostatic acid phosphatase on 7.5% polyacrylamide gel, pH 8.5; an optimal pH of 5.0 with alpha-naphthyl phosphate as the substrate in 0.1 M citrate buffer (human prostatic acid phosphatase, 5.5); and a Km (alpha-naphthyl phosphate) of 6.9 X 10(-4) M (human prostatic acid phosphatase, 4.4 X 10(-5) M). Furthermore, it did not cross-react with antiserum raised against human prostatic acid phosphatase. These results show that the acid phosphatase of the Dunning R3327H prostatic adenocarcinoma is biochemically and immunologically distinct from human prostatic acid phosphatase and may be unique for this animal model of prostatic cancer.

Constrictive effect of pancuronium on capacitance vessels

The effects of pancuronium 0.08 mg kg-1, metocurine 0.4 mg kg-1 and tubocurarine 0.4 mg kg-1 on vascular tone were studied in 26 patients undergoing open heart surgery during total cardiopulmonary bypass. With a fixed rate of perfusion, arterial pressure is related directly to total peripheral resistance, while the volume of blood remaining in the extracorporeal reservoir is related inversely to vascular capacity, which depends primarily on venous tone. Pancuronium increased the reservoir volume (average of 780 +/- SEM 250 ml (P less than 0.01). We conclude that under certain circumstances pancuronium constricts capacitance vessels in man.

Biochemical profiles of prostatic fluid from normal and diseased prostate glands

The attempt to identify changes in the biochemical composition of prostatic fluid that might accompany and characterize disease states in the prostate was stimulated by two assumptions based on observations. First, the composition of prostatic fluid was judged to be likely to reflect the metabolic status of at least the epithelial cells accurately. Secondly, the metabolic changes preceding or associated with the development of carcinoma in the prostate seemed likely to be diffuse rather than limited to the histologically abnormal prostatic cells. As a consequence of these assumptions, prostatic fluid obtained from the urethra by digital massage of the prostate was evaluated microscopically and subjected to numerous analytical procedures. Differences in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isoenzymes, complement C3, and transferrin concentrations in the prostatic fluid of men with histologically identified carcinoma (Ca) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) have been observed. The ratio of LDH-5/ LDH-1 was found to have a mean value of 5.94 +/- 0.25(S.E.) in 98 determinations on 83 patients with Ca, and 1.84 +/- 0.14 in 212 determinations on 142 patients with BPH with 10 or less white blood cells per high power field (WBC/hpf) on microscopic examination of the prostatic fluid. Fluid from 52 patients with BPH with greater than 10 WBC/hpf (84 determinations) had a mean ratio of 5.85 +/- 0.88 and from 286 patients with greater than 10 WBC/hpf without an established histologic diagnosis (460 determinations) of 3.12 +/- 0.21. Two hundred twenty-two men under 45 years of age (255 determinations) judged to have a normal prostate clinically had a mean ratio of 0.67 +/- 0.05. The mean transferrin concentration in 44 patients (51 determinations) with Ca was 47.03 +/- 3.76mg/100 ml, in 59 patients with BPH (90 determinations) was 12.97 +/- 1.20, in 23 patients with BPH with > 10 WBC/hpf in the prostatic fluid (38 determinations) was 14.93 +/- 2.19, in 87 patients with > 10 WBC/hpf (92 determinations) was 13.42 +/- 1.41, and in 33 patients less than 45 years of age with clinically normal prostates (33 determinations) was 7.45 +/- 1.08. The mean complement C3 concentration in 46 patients with Ca (57 determinations) was 17.48 +/- 1.60, in 58 patients with BPH (85 determinations) was 3.83 +/- 0.55, in 24 patients with BPH with > 10 WBC/hpf (39 determinations) was 5.87 +/- 0.68, in 93 patients with > 10 WBC/hpf (98 determinations) was 4.47 +/- 0.53, and in 34 patients less than 45 years of age (34 determinations) was 2.06 +/- 0.43. The mean ratio of LDH-5/LDH-1 was significantly greater for Ca than BPH with 10 or less WBC/hpf in the prostatic fluid. The mean concentrations of transferrin and complement C3 were significantly greater in Ca than in all other groups studied. No obvious relationship between stage of disease and these findings was observed. These observations support the suggestion that determination of prostatic fluid composition assists in identifying men with a high risk of cancer of the prostate.

Partial inhibition of castration-induced involution in rat prostate by chloroquine. A preliminary observation

The effect of chloroquine phosphate, a membrane stabilizing agent, on castration-induced involution in the prostate was investigated in adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Chloroquine phosphate (75 mg per kg of body weight) was administered daily by gastric tube on 4 consecutive days beginning 1 day before castration. Control rats received water. All animals were sacrificed 7 days after castration and the ventral prostates were analyzed. The chloroquine group had a mean prostatic weight 17 per cent greater than that of the water-fed control group (P less than 0.01) despite a modest loss in body weight. The activity of cathepsin D, a lysosomal enzyme, in the prostate of treated rats was double that measured in control rats. Histologically, prostates from chloroquine treated rats contained more lysosomal particles that were larger than those from control rats. Serum testosterone reached castrate levels in both groups of animals within 24 hr of castration. These results indicate that it is possible to reduce the rate of prostatic regression by chloroquine, although at a small magnitude, probably through the action of membrane stabilization.

Necrotizing fasciitis of genitalia

A review of 12 patients with necrotizing fasciitis of the genitalia is presented. All patients had rapidly progressing cellulitis and necrosis of the fascia caused by a combination of various organisms, most frequently by Escherichia coli. Beta streptococcus, which is generally thought to be the causative organism in these cases, was present in only 4 patients. Management consisted of extensive surgical debridement, urinary and/or fecal diversion, antibiotics, and necessary reconstructive procedures.

Acute and subchronic neuromuscular blocking characteristics of streptomycin: a comparison with neomycin

The characteristics of the neuromuscular block produced by streptomycin in vivo were studied on the sciatic-tibialis anterior nerve-muscle preparation of eight anaesthetized cats. The lungs of the animals were ventilated mechanically and normocarbia was maintained. During acute exposure to streptomycin (within 2 h), ED50 for blockade of the twitch was 56 (SEM +/- 5) mg kg-1 of the base. The characteristics of block were similar to those of neomycin-induced block in some aspects. There was absence of train-of-four fade and tetanic fade, partial sparing of the responses elicited at 10 Hz and 20 Hz, and total sparing of the 50 Hz tetanus, as well as the post-tetanic twitch. In contrast to neomycin-induced neuromuscular block, however, post-tetanic exhaustion was not observed and prolonged exposure to streptomycin (22-28 h) did not change the characteristics of the block. We conclude that, despite their chemical similarities, streptomycin and neomycin block neuromuscular transmission differently.

Autonomic block, cardiovascular depression and histamine release produced by polymyxin B in the cat

The present study quantifies the autonomic block, the cardiovascular depression and the histamine releasing effects of polymyxin B in nine anaesthetized cats. The dose requirements for 50 per cent depression of the mean arterial blood pressure, the bradycardiac response to vagal stimulation, and the contraction of the nictitating membrane elicited by pre-ganglionic and post-ganglionic stimulation of the cervical sympathetic trunk have a narrow range of scatter, being of the order of 6--12 mg.kg-1 of the polymycin B base. The neuromuscular blocking dose (ED50), previously determined and hereby confired, also falls in the same range. Bradycardia and possibly histamine release are also observable. The relatively unremarkable effect of polymyxin B on the heart rate can be attributed to the balance between the vagal, sympathetic and ganglionic blocks, as well as the possible histamine release. All effects are long-lasting. Thus lack of tissue specificity makes it implausible to explain the neuromuscular and the cardiovascular effects of polymyxin B solely by the cholinergic mechanism of action. Ganglionic block and histamine release do not completely explain hypotension induced by polymyxin B. We propose that all biological effects of polymyxin B derive from a common mechanism of action, which may be its antimembrane antibacterial action. We would like to alert anaesthetists to the possiblity that polymyxin B may cause severe multiple organ system depression, in addition to neuromuscular block.

Interaction of neuromuscular blocking effects of neomycin and polymyxin B

Neomycin and polymyxin B produce neuromuscular blocks with distinct features by different mechanisms of action. In eight anesthetized cats the authors studied their interaction by examining the neuromuscular block produced by an equipotent mixture. Values of onset, potency, dose-response relations, duration and reversibility of block, the train-of-four and tetanic responses during block, the frequency-block relationships, and the posttetanic twitch behavior were well approximated by averaging the corresponding values previously reported for each antibiotic. Edrophonium, 0.2 mg/kg, reversed the block by 8 to 35 per cent. 4-Aminopyridine, 0.6 mg/kg, completely reversed the block and caused a long-lasting overshoot of the twitch response. The authors conclude that neomycin and polymyxin B are additive in neuromuscular effects, not only in terms of potency and duration, but also in terms of the characteristics of the blocks produced.

Analysis of specific proteins in prostatic fluid for detecting prostatic malignancy

In an attempt to identify an indicator(s) specifically associated with prostatic cancer prostatic fluid was collected by rectal massage from patients with prostatic cancer, prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia and from those without recognized prostatic lesions in order to measure various immunoproteins. The proteins examined were IgG, IgA, IgM, complements C3 and C4, and transferrin. Prostatic fluid samples were subjected first to immunoelectrophoresis. Distinct differences in C3, C4 and transferrin concentrations were noted between patients with prostatic cancer and other patients. These proteins were stained heavily in the electrophoresis gels of fluid from cancer patients but were either missing or lightly stained in all other groups. These qualitative determinations were replaced subsequently by a quantitative measurement using the radial immunodiffusion technique. Results of the latter study confirmed the aforementioned observations and indicated that the levels of C3, C4 and transferrin in the prostatic fluid of cancer patients were elevated significantly when compared to all other patient groups. These observations indicate that the measurement of complements C3 and C4, and transferrin in the prostatic fluid may assist in the identification of patients with a high risk of prostatic cancer.

Furosemide in hyaline membrane disease

In a randomized clinical trial designed to evaluate the effect of diuresis on infants with hyaline membrane disease, seven infants were treated with furosemide (2 mg/kg intravenously) and five received 5% dextrose water in 0.225% sodium chloride (control group). Arterial blood gas analyses performed before and during the six hours after treatment showed no significant difference between control and treated infants. Urine output and urine sodium and calcium loss were significantly increased (P less than .05) in the infants receiving furosemide. The diuresis seemed to have no effect on left atrial size determined echocardiographically, whereas measurements of dynamic skinfold thickness suggested mobilization of subcutaneous water. One infant became seriously dehydrated and hypotensive secondary to a massive diuresis. We concluded that furosemide had a potent diuretic effect in infants with hyaline membrane disease but does not improve cardiorespiratory function acutely. This may be because of failure to mobilize pulmonary interstitial fluid in the time period tested. It may also be possible that the presence of pulmonary interstitial fluid does not play an important role in the impairment of gas exchange in the acute stage of hyaline membrane disease.

Antagonism of polymyxin B-induced neuromuscular and cardiovascular depression by 4-aminopyridine in the anesthetized cat

In an attempt to find a better antidote to polymyxin B-induced neuromuscular blockade, the authors tested 4-aminopyridine, 0.4--1 mg/kg, in ten anesthetized cats. The sciatic--tibialis anterior nerve--muscle preparation was used. The neuromuscular blockade was successfully reversed in all cats. Rapidity of reversal depended on the dose of 4-aminopyridine administered. At 0.6--1 mg/kg, reversal of the twitch response from 20 per cent of control to 80 per cent of control required 2.4 (SE, 0.5) min; to 100 per cent, 14.4 (SE, 3.7) min. An overshoot of the recovery of neuromuscular blockade of 6--10 hours' duration followed the reversal. The mechanical twitch response reached a peak of approximately 140 per cent of control at 2 hours. At a lower dosage, 0.4 mg/kg, two of three cats took more than an hour for complete recovery of the twitch response, and the overshoot was approximately 10 per cent of control. The hypotensive effect of polymyxin B was partially reversed, but the bradycardia was not. It is concluded that 4-aminopyridine is an effective antidote to polymyxin B-induced neuromuscular blockade in the cat.

Neuromuscular refractoriness during blockage of transmission. A quantitative study

The effects of suxamethonium and tubocurarine on the refractoriness of neuromuscular transmission were studied in 21 anaesthetized adult subjects under various levels of neuromuscular block. The ulnar nerve was stimulated every 12 s with twin supramaximal stimuli 4 ms apart. At any level of block, the refractory fraction (the fractional decrement of the compound electromyographic response of the adductor pollicis to the second twin stimulus, relative to the response to the first) was used to quantify neuromuscular refractoriness. The magnitude of block was determined by the response to the first stimulus. Correlation between refractoriness and the degree of block was sought. Without block, neuromuscular transmission averaged 23% (SEM 4) refractory with this twin interval. The refractory fraction was increased markedly by suxamethonium, reaching 0.69 (SEM 0.1) at 50% block. Complete refractoriness occurred during 25--75% block in eight of 11 instances. Tubocurarine did not significantly alter refractoriness, paired responses to the twin stimuli decreasing proportionately during block.

Elevated rate of 3H-uridine incorporation in regressing rat ventral prostate

Ventral prostates from adult Sprague-Dawley rats were removed at intervals during the first 2 weeks postcastration. Incubation of tissue with 3H-uridine and 3H-leucine was performed to determine the incorporation rate of radioactivity into the RNA and protein fractions respectively. Prostatic wet weight and 3H-leucine incorporation rate into prostate protein diminished postcastration, whereas 3H-uridine incorporation rate remained relatively high. The data suggest that RNA synthesis is relatively active in comparison with other parameters during regression.

Neuromuscular and cardiovascular depression produced by prolonged exposure to Polymyxin B

It has been reported previously that in cats pre-treatment for 24 to 48 hours with neomycin sulphate resulted in a change in the pattern of neuromuscular block subsequently produced with this antibiotic. The unique characteristics of neomycin-induced neuromuscular block observed during acute exposure gave way to a pattern of block usually observed with tubocurarine. In a similar experiment on six cats we have demonstrated that with polymyxin B prolonged exposure did not result in a comparable time-dependent change in the nature of the neuromuscular block it produced, in terms of train-of-four, tetanic, and post-tetanic behaviour of the neurally-elicited muscle response. The differing characteristics of neuromuscular block seen with various antibiotics, e.g. the aminoglycoside neomycin as opposed to the polypeptide polymyxin B, during acute and sub-chronic exposure is stressed. Previously observed ability of 4 aminopyridine 0.6 mg/kg to reverse the neuromuscular and cardiovascular depression during acute exposure to polymyxin B persisted in prolonged exposure.

Partial inhibition of castration induced ventral prostate regression with actinomycin D and cycloheximide

Sprague Dawley male rats were injected subcutaneously with either actinomycin D or cycloheximide in saline immediately after castration. Control animals received saline only. Treatment was repeated daily for 4 subsequent days, and 24 hr after the last injection rats were sacrificed by decapitation. Ventral prostates were dissected and weighed. Actinomycin D and cycloheximide administration significantly reduced the rate of prostatic weight loss in castrated rats; serum testosterone levels in the control and drug treated animals were comparable. Histologic studies of the prostates indicated that drug treated animals had more active epithelial cells than saline injected controls. These results indicate that the rate of prostatic regression induced by castration can be modified by drugs such as actinomycin D and cycloheximide.

Interactions of neuromuscular effects of edrophonium, alpha-bungarotoxin and beta-bungarotoxin

Interactions of neuromuscular effects of edrophonium, alpha-bungarotoxin, and beta-bungarotoxin were studied in 12 chickens using the sciatic-gastrocnemius nerve-muscle preparation to elucidate the mechanism of action of each drug. Modification by the toxins of neuromuscular effects of edrophonium depended on the level of block pre-established by the toxins. Edrophonium-induced augmentation of muscle twitch ("facilitation") was decreased by both toxins. As the block reached 50 per cent, the facilitation was nearly abolished. Edrophonium-induced contracture of the muscle was blocked by alpha-bungarotoxin only. At 25 per cent block, it was no longer observable in five of six preparations. Beta-bungarotoxin enhanced the contracture. At complete block, the contracture reached 156 (SE 11, n = 6) per cent of control. The authors conclude that edrophonium facilitates neuromuscular transmission by a prejunctional mechanism and causes contracture of the chicken muscle by a post-junctional activation. The beta-bungarotoxin-blocked nerve-muscle preparation of the chicken is a model of acute denervation potentially useful for the study of drug effects on the postjunctional membrane.

Multipeaking of the compound electromyographic response to single nerve stimulus: its occurrence and prevention in an experimental model

The compound electromyographic response to a single nerve stimulus was examined in the cat tibialis anterior muscle preparation, to determine the cause of and to find a method of preventing multipeaking of the waveform. Bundles of the sciatic nerve were separated and stimulated while the response was detected by unipolar electrodes and analysed with an instrument specifically designed for this purpose. It was found that the most cephalad bundle of the sciatic nerve at the sciatic notch innervated the tibialis anterior muscle and that restriction of stimulation to this bundle most readily rendered the response single-peaked. It is concluded that nerve-branching is a common cause, and therefore a straightforward alternative to "repetitive response of the muscle" as the explanation, of multipeaking of the neurally-elicited compound electromyogram. A method of eliciting and recording the compound electromyogram in the cat tibialis anterior model is described.

Interference of granulocyte function by the vehicle of miconazole

The vehicle of miconazole inhibited adherence and leukotaxis, but did not affect nitroblue tetrazolium reduction and trypan blue exclusion by granulocytes at 0.33% concentration and above.

Magnitude, dose-requirement and mode of development of tachyphylaxis to suxamethonium in man

Tachyphylaxis to suxamethonium infused at a constant rate was studied in 15 surgical patients under enflurane-nitrous oxide-oxygen anaesthesia. The compound electromyographic response of the adductor pollicis muscle to stimulation of the ulnar nerve was monitored. A short-lasting and a long-lasting nearly steady state were observed in Phase I and in Phase II, respectively, during both of which a constant infusion resulted in a constant block. Tachyphylaxis occurred during the transition of phases, beginning after infusion of 1.4 +/- 0.6 (SD) mg kg-1 of suxamethonium, and 36 +/- 14 (SD) minutes of exposure. Tachyphylaxis peaked after 2.6 +/- 1.3 (SD) mg kg-1, and 72 +/- 38 (SD) minutes of exposure. The maximum gain in neuromuscular transmission from the initial maintenance level of block as the result of tachyphylaxis was 53 +/- 24 (SD) % of the control. The results are thought to reconcile previously reported conflicting clinical observations on tachyphylaxis.

Multiple autotransplantation of rat mammary induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene: brief communication

Mammary tumors induced in outbred Sprague-Dawley rats by 7,12-dimethylbenz]a]anthracene were excised, cut into 1- to 2-mm3 pieces, and then autotransplanted sc along the mammary line at six sites. Following an average period of 20--30 days, these autografts grew to approximately 2 cm in diameter in 32 of 48 rats (67%). Autografts in the other 33% of the rats remained dormant. Mammary tumors transplanted into allogeneic hosts failed to grow. Tumors derived from autotransplantation were indistinguishable from their primary tumors with respect to their histologic features, the nature of hormone dependency, the content of estrogen receptors, and their ability to incorporate [3H]leucine. Furthermore, autotransplanted tumors derived from a single primary tumor varied little with regard to the preceding parameters; thus they provided an opportunity for serial sampling of individual tumors for repeated morphologic and biochemical evaluations.

Bilateral nephrectomy for hypertension in patients with chronic renal failure on a dialysis program

During the last 6 years 33 bilateral nephrectomies have been performed for severe hypertension in patients with chronic renal failure on a dialysis program. Nephrectomy resulted in a prompt and sustained reduction in blood pressure, an improved sense of well-being and a gain of weight. Despite the fact that the mean hematocrit decreased from 25 to 18 per cent all patients thrived. The nephrectomy group showed an 85 per cent 5-year cumulative survival rate compared to 55 per cent in the non-nephrectomy group. There was 1 mortality and low morbidity. Simultaneous nephrectomy by 2 teams, using a posterior approach, proved more satisfactory than an anterior or bilateral flank apprach. The indications for and arguments against bilateral nephrectomy are discussed.

Lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes in human prostatic fluid: an aid in recognition of malignancy?

A total of 1,435 specimens of prostatic fluid were collected from 1,076 patients by rectal massage. Lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes in the fluid were separated by acrylamide disk electrophoresis and the ratio of lactic dehydrogenase-5/lactic dehydrogenase-1 was used as the parameter for the test. There were significant differences in the ratio among patients with a normal prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatic carcinoma. The mean values of lactic dehydrogenase-5/lactic dehydrogenase-1 ratios were 0.48 +/- 0.09, 1.36 +/- 0.17 and 5.21 +/- 0.79, respectively. Of 30 patients with histological evidence of prostatic carcinoma 25 (85 per cent) had a ratio greater than 2 in the prostatic fluid. On the other hand the ratio was less than 2 in 50 of 57 men (88 per cent) with a histological diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia devoid of inflammation. When prostatic fluid contained white blood cells a positive correlation was observed between the ratio and the number of white blood cells per microscopic field (r equals 0.289, p less than 0.001). The results indicate that a lactic dehydrogenase-5/lactic dehydrogenase-1 ratio exceeding 2 in the prostatic fluid in the absence of inflammation should be regarded as an indication of high risk of the presence of carcinoma of the prostate.

Neuromuscular block by circulating D-tubocurarine residue following uptake and distribution

Serum concentration of d-tubocurarine decreases rapidly after intravenous injection because of uptake and distribution. The circulating residue of an ED 50 dose of d-tubocurarine five minutes after injection will produce no block in a previously unexposed neuromuscular junction. To produce a 50 per cent block with the circulating d-tubocurarine residue in a previously unexposed neuromuscular junction requires an initial injection of 2.5 x ED 50 dose. Five minutes after a dose 5 to 6 times the ED 50, the plasma d-tubocurarine residue is sufficient to produce a total block.

Focal contracture following injection of succinylcholine in patients with peripheral nerve injury

Focal muscle contracture in the limb following sytemic administration of depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents have been demonstrated experimentally with transection or crush injury of the nerve, but has rarely been observed clinically in patients with partial peripheral nerve injury. Three cases of spastic response in the hand and wrist are described in patients with subclinical chronic, subacute, and acute nerve injury, to document the occurrence of this phenomenon under various circumstances.

Neuromuscular facilitation during train-of-four and tetanic stimulation in healthy volunteers: observations with half-refractory paired responses

The compound electromyographic response of the thenar musculature was elicited by supramaximal stimulation of the ulnar nerve in 12 awake healthy volunteers. The half-refractory period of the neuromuscular transmission was determined. Twin stimuli separated by the half-refractory interval were repeated as a unit at 2 Hz and at 50 Hz. Thus two trains of responses, one beginning with a maximal response, the other with a half-maximal response, were obtained with each frequently of stimulation. Marked facilitation of the electromyographic response began with the train of stimulation, especially with tetanic stimulation. A secondary fade occurred occasionally. These changes were more remarkable in the train of half-refractory responses. We conclude that nerve stimulation facilitates neuromuscular transmission and deduce that the characteristic fade observed with a curariform block, rather than being an uncovered physiological phenomenon, is caused by tubocurarine and related drugs.

Absence of "recurarization" in patients with demonstrated prolonged neuromuscular block

The possibility of "recurarization" after antagonism of the competitive neuromuscular block with anticholinesterases was studied. Observations were made on the time-course of the block in five patients at risk from recurarization because of multiple organ failure and who demonstrated unusually prolonged blockade. In none of these patients did the block recur. We conclude that, provided spontaneous recovery of neuromuscular transmission has made progress before the antagonism, and that the patient does not deteriorate or become exhausted afterwards, recurarization is unlikely.

Neuromuscular block by antibiotics: polymyxin B

Characteristics of neuromuscular block produced by polymyxin B (PXB) were examined in 12 anesthetized cats, using sciatic nervetibialis anticus muscle preparations. The ED50 was 6.7 (+/- 1.4, SD) PXB base/kg body weight. The ED95 was 10.8 (+/- 2.4) mg/kg. Spontaneous recovery from 25 percent of control to 75 percent of control required 72 (+/- 16) minutes. During a 50 percent block, train-of-four twitches elicited at 2 Hz faded with a train-of-four ratio of 0.42 (+/- 0.13), but the tetanus did not fade. Edrophonium Cl, neostigmine methylsulfate, and pyridostigmine Br at sub-clinical dosages weakly antagonized the block but enhanced the block at anti-curare dosages. All 3 cholinesterase inhibitors were short acting, lasting 10 to 15 minutes, and noncumulative on repeated injection. The potency ratio was approximately 20:10:1 in the order of edrophonium, neostigmine, and pyridostigmine on a weight-for-weight basis. Calcium partially antagonized the block. The authors conclude that neuromuscular blocks produced by various antibiotics differ from each other and from that produced by other groups of neuromuscular blocking agents, including curare.

Fade of neurally evoked compound electromyogram during neuromuscular block by d-tubocurarine

Trains of neurally evoked compound electromyographic responses of the thenar muscles were studied in 20 patients anesthetized with enflurane and N2O and paralyzed with d-tubocurarine. Fade was correlated with stimulus frequency (0.1 to 50 Hz) and degree of neuromuscular block. The lowest response in a train occurred on the 4th and the 6th-to-8th responses when the train was elicited at 2 Hz and 50 Hz, respectively. Fade was more observable with deeper block and could best be demonstrated by 5 Hz stimuli. With 50 Hz stimuli, a concomitant facilitation, observable from the beginning of the train, partially compensated for the fade.

Inhibition of leukocyte migration by tumor-associated antigen in soluble extracts of human hepatoma

The leukocyte migration inhibition assay was used to detect cell-mediated immune reaction of hepatoma patients. Extraction of 3 pairs of human hepatoma tissue and normal liver tissue was made by 3 M KCI solution, and soluble hepatoma antigens were used to test against leukocytes of 18 hepatoma patients by the leukocyte migration inhibition assay. In all, 25 tests were performed; most of them were allogenic, and only 3 tests were autologous. Migration inhibition was observed in 13 of 25 tests, and there were only a few cases of migration inhibition in the control groups. It was concluded that tumor-associated antigen of human hepatoma was contained in the 3 M KCI extract of hepatoma tissue and that tumor-associated antigen of human hepatoma was shared by some hepatoma patients.

A new instrument for continuous recording of the evoked compound electromyogram in the clinical setting

To study neuromuscular transmission, observation of the evoked compound electromyogram (EMG) has important advantages over observation of the evoked mechanical muscle contraction. Technically, however, recording of the evoked compound EMG, especially in continuous study of several hours duration, has been difficult. Investigators have employed various complicated systems, including tape recording, photorecording, and photographing for such purposes. The authors have applied modern computer technology to construction of an EMG analyzer which enables handling the evoked EMG even more easily than the evoked mechanical contraction. The principle involves digital dissection, storage with memory, readout with time expansion, and analog reconstruction of the compound EMG. The signal can be recorded with ease by use of any suitable hot-stylus or ink-writing oscillographic recorder. Both the waveform and the amplitutde of the EMG can be on-line recorded. The cost compares favorably with comparable devices for similar studies.

Characteristics of nondepolarizing neuromuscular block: (I) post-junctional block by alpha-bungarotoxin

The characteristics of neuromuscular block produced by alpha-bungarotoxin, a post-junctionally active polypeptide toxin purified from snake venoms, have been studied in vivo in 12 anaesthetized cats, using the sciatic nerve-tibialis anterior muscle preparation. The onset of the neuromuscular block was slow and without fasciculation. The block was persitently progressive. The time course of the block depended on the dosage. In general, 0.1 mg/kg of alpha-BuTX appeared to approximate the threshold dosage while 0.2 mg/kg completely eliminated the twitch response in 2-5 hours. No recovery was observed in 8-30 hours. Larger doses accelerated the progression of the block. During the block, tetanic contractions and train-of-four twitches did not fade. The post-tetanic twitches were markedly facilitated. The block was antagonized by edrophonium, neostigmine, pyridostigmine, and succinylcholine, but the antagonism was less effective and shorter-lasting than that observed on curare-block, and the block always resumed the projected progression. Attempts were made to explain the observed difference between alpha-BuTX- and dTc-induced neuromuscular blocks by the practically permanent nature of block and the purely post-junctional site of action of alpha-BuTX. It was concluded that a pure post-junctional block is not characterized by fade, which rather might be a pre-junctional effect of some nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents like d-tubocurarine.

Neuroleptanalgesia for awake pronation of surgical patients

Pronation of anesthetized patients may result in complications. Neuromuscular block increases the risk. To minimize the risk, the authors devised a technic of "awake pronation," evaluating its feasibility, in 11 consecutive patients in a 1-year period for 12 operations; all attempts were successful and without complicatons. Neuroleptanalgesia is achieved with droperidol and fentanyl, topical anesthesia of the upper airway is induced with lidocaine, awake intubation is performed orotracheally under direct vision, and pronation is accomplished with patient cooperation.

Transient hyperphosphatasemia of infancy--an insufficiently recognized syndrome

Spectacular transient increases in serum alkaline phosphatase were observed in five infants in the absence of demonstrable pathology.