High-performance liquid chromatographic investigations on the time-dependent reaction of cis-Pt(NH3)2Cl2, Pt(en)Cl2 and Pt(pn)Cl2 with RNA fragments

The reaction of three platinum compounds, Pt(NH3)2Cl2, Pt(en)Cl2 and Pt(pn)Cl2 with nucleic acid fragments (Ade, Gua; GpG, GpA and ApA), both reactants (1:1, 1 X 10(-2) M; 1 X 10(-3) M) being dissolved in water, has been studied. UV measurements have been used to characterize the products. Kinetics and adduct formation in the nucleoside-Pt compound system were studied by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography [gradient 0-30% methanol in 30 min, ammonium acetate buffer (0.1 M) at pH 4.25] at fixed intervals of time and the product formation was examined by measuring the peak heights. After 10 h, the reaction was complete for guanosine and showed a steady state for adenosine. The increasing lipophilicity in the sequence of the platinum compounds resulted in a shift to longer retention times.

Blood flow in the juvenile hip in relation to changes of the intraarticular pressure. An experimental investigation in dogs

The blood flow in the hip joint of puppies was studied by means of the microsphere technique. The flow was determined before, during and after intraarticular pressure increase. A venous tamponade of 50 mmHg resulted in a significantly reduced flow in the femoral head and after an arterial tamponade of 150 mmHg the flow almost ceased. The proximal femoral metaphysis, the acetabulum and the hip joint capsule, on the contrary, showed varying degrees of flow increase. It is suggested that the significantly increased blood flow in the hip joint capsule during the intraarticular pressure increase of 50 mmHg and 150 mmHg is caused by an autoregulatory mechanism tending to restore the blood flow in the suffering femoral head. The demonstrated disturbance of the circulation in the juvenile femoral head after venous tamponade supports the theory that synovitis may be the basic mechanism in the production of Calvé-Legg-Perthes' disease.

Intra-articular fractures of the distal tibia

In a study of 23 intra-articular fractures of the distal tibia of which 18 were re-examined after an average follow-up period of 5.4 years, two major fracture patterns were identified: type A, a rotational pattern, caused by low energy trauma and type B, a compressive fracture pattern caused by high energy trauma. Type B fractures could be divided into three subgroups: 1) An isolated fracture of the anterior or posterior margin of the distal tibia, 2) an extra-articular comminuted fracture with extension into the ankle joint and 3) a comminuted intra-articular fracture. When the initial displacement and comminution were severe or the reduction was not complete, the final results of the comminuted intra-articular fractures were not acceptable. The incidence of osteoarthritis was highest in the group of comminuted intra-articular fractures. The extra-articular comminuted fractures seemed to have a better prognosis as indicated by the final clinical results, including the occurrence of osteoarthritis. It is clear from this study that comminuted intra-articular fractures should not be treated by primary operation. All fractures treated non-operatively had acceptable final clinical results.

Sex steroid hormones levels and testicular activity during hepatocarcinogenesis by N-2-fluorenylacetamide

During hepatocarcinogenesis by N-2-fluorenylacetamide, the hormonal status of male Sprague-Dawley rats is modified. The testes present a reduced activity which is evidenced by a decreased spermatogenetic activity accompanied by a drastic decrease of the plasma testosterone level. In contrast, plasma progesterone and estradiol-17 beta levels were not modified despite the 80 fold augmentation of alpha-fetoprotein, an estrogen binding protein synthesized during liver carcinogenesis.

Influence of the hip joint position on the intraosseous pressures in the juxta-articular bones. An experimental investigation in dogs

In 6 mongrel dogs (eleven hips) the intraosseous pressure was measured in the femoral head as well as acetabulum in various hip joint positions. The control position for the measurements was 90 degrees flexion in which the pressures were found low and stable. The intraosseous pressure in both locations were subjected to consistent pronounced variations when the joint position was altered. In the femoral head, significant pressure increases (p less than or equal to 0.01) were found in maximal extension, maximal flexion, maximal adduction, 90 degrees external rotation, 45 degrees internal rotation, and maximal internal rotation. The pressure in acetabulum rose significantly in maximum flexion, 45 degrees internal rotation, and maximum internal rotation, whereas the pressure increase in maximal extension and maximum adduction was consistent but not significant. The pressure increase is most probably caused by inhibition of the venous drainage changing the bone hemodynamics in the juxta-articular bones. A complete obstruction of venous drainage was not observed since the intraosseous pressure in none of the measurements reached the level of the arterial pressure.

On the synthesis of alpha-fetoprotein during liver carcinogenesis by N-2-fluorenylacetamide and its relationships with the intracellular localization of the carcinogen

Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats fed with 0.06% N-2-fluorenylacetamide presented an augmentation of plasma alpha-fetoprotein 2 days after the beginning of the experiment. This very early synthesis of alpha-fetoprotein was concomitant with the penetration of N-2-fluorenylacetamide detected by fluorescence microscopy, in the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes.

Study of an enzyme immunoassay kit for carcinoembryonic antigen

We evaluated a commercial enzyme immunoassay kit for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) based on a non-competitive "sandwich principle" method (Abbott Laboratories). The serum sample is treated with an acid buffer and the supernate is incubated with an anti-CEA coated polystyrene bead. After washing, the bead is incubated with an anti-CEA/peroxidase conjugate. After a second washing, the activity of the enzyme bound to the solid phase is assayed after addition of a chromogenic substrate. This activity is proportional to the concentration of CEA in the serum sample. The characteristics of the assay are: (a) good sensitivity (around 0.25 microgram/L) and (b) satisfactory reproducibility (CV < 11% within assay). There is little cross reactivity between CEA and molecules such as nonspecific cross-reacting antigens that are known for their high potential of cross reactivity. No nonspecific interference was encountered with anti-globulin factors. We compared results with this enzyme immunoassay kit with those by a radioimmunoassay provided by the Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique. The correlation (r) was 0.95 (p < 0.001). The distribution of CEA values obtained for 1020 normal subjects is given. We conclude that the kit provides a simple and reliable procedure.

Study of an enzyme immunoassay kit for carcinoembryonic antigen

We evaluated a commercial enzyme immunoassay kit for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) based on a non-competitive "sandwich principle" method (Abbott Laboratories). The serum sample is treated with an acid buffer and the supernate is incubated with an anti-CEA coated polystyrene bead. After washing, the bead is incubated with an anti-CEA/peroxidase conjugate. After a second washing, the activity of the enzyme bound to the solid phase is assayed after addition of a chromogenic substrate. This activity is proportional to the concentration of CEA in the serum sample. The characteristics of the assay are: (a) good sensitivity (around 0.25 microgram/L) and (b) satisfactory reproducibility (CV < 11% within assay). There is little cross reactivity between CEA and molecules such as nonspecific cross-reacting antigens that are known for their high potential of cross reactivity. No nonspecific interference was encountered with anti-globulin factors. We compared results with this enzyme immunoassay kit with those by a radioimmunoassay provided by the Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique. The correlation (r) was 0.95 (p < 0.001). The distribution of CEA values obtained for 1020 normal subjects is given. We conclude that the kit provides a simple and reliable procedure.

[Hypoglycemia in a patient with chronic lymphoid leukemia (author's transl)]

A case of severe hypoglycemia is reported in a 71-year-old woman suffering from chronic lymphoid leukemia for three years. Hormone analysis shows that hypoglycemia was related to a Langerhans adenocarcinoma.

Modifications in adrenal activity during hepatocarcinogenesis by N-2-fluorenylacetamide

During chemical hepatocarcinogenesis by N-2-fluorenylacetamide, the hormonal status of female Sprague Dawley rats is largely modified. Adrenals present a modified activity which is evidenced by an enlargement of glomerulosa and reticularis zones and a decrease of the fasciculata, while medulla remain unchanged. The level of aldosterone remain quite normal in N-2-fluorenylacetamide treated rats despite changes observed in the glomerulosa. The cortisol level was lowered in agreement with the decreased size of the fasciculata. The estradiol level was normal despite the reduced activity of the ovaries. The possibility of a participation of the reticularis zone in the regulation of the estradiol level is suggested. The possible protective action of the adrenals during hepatocarcinogenesis is discussed.

Changes in ovarian activity during hepatocarcinogenesis by N-2-fluorenylacetamide: role of alpha-fetoprotein

During chemical hepatocarcinogenesis by N-2-fluorenylacetamide, the hormonal status of female Sprague Dawley rats is largely modified. Ovaries present a reduced activity which is evidenced by a decreased number of follicles and corpora lutea. The level of progesterone in N-2-fluorenylacetamide treated rats is low and agrees with the lack of corpora lutea. Conversely, estradiol level remains normal. This fact may be explained by the presence of alpha-fetoprotein, a carcino-embryonic protein which binds specifically estrogenic hormones.