Radiation dosimetry of iodine-123 HEAT, an alpha-1 receptor imaging agent

Biologic distribution data in the rat were obtained for the alpha-1 adrenoceptor imaging agent (+/-) 2-[beta-(iodo-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylaminomethyl]tetralone (HEAT) labeled with [125I]. The major excretory routes were through the liver (67%) and the kidney (33%). Internal radiation absorbed dose estimates to nine source organs, total body, the GI tract, gonads, and red bone marrow were calculated for the human using the physical decay data for [123I]. The critical organ was found to be the lower large intestine, receiving 1.1 rad per mCi of [123I]HEAT administered. The total-body dose was found to be 58 mrad per mCi.

Beta-adrenergic activities of octopamine and synephrine stereoisomers on guinea-pig atria and trachea

The activities of the (-)- and (+)-forms of m- and p-octopamine and m- and p-synephrine on beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors in guinea-pig atria and trachea have been compared with that of noradrenaline. The rank order of potency of the (-)-forms on beta 1-adrenoceptors was noradrenaline greater than m-synephrine greater than m-octopamine = p-octopamine greater than p-synephrine. m-Synephrine was 100-fold, m- and p-octopamine about 6000-fold, and p-synephrine about 40,000-fold less active than noradrenaline. The (+)-forms were 1-2 orders of magnitude less active than their (-)-counterparts. The four (-)-compounds were more than four orders of magnitude less active than noradrenaline on beta 2-adrenoceptors, and the (+)-forms had no detectable activity in concentrations as high as 10(-4) M. If m- and p-octopamine are co-released with noradrenaline in amounts proportional to their concentration, their activities at these structures are too low to be physiologically significant.

Clinical and microbiologic risk evaluation for post-cesarean section endometritis by multivariate discriminant analysis: role of intraoperative mycoplasma, aerobes, and anaerobes

The clinical and microbiologic risk factors for postpartum endometritis were studied prospectively in 77 patients undergoing cesarean section without antibiotic prophylaxis at Harbor-University of California at Los Angeles Medical Center. Intraoperative cultures were obtained from the amniotic fluid, lower uterine segment, and abdominal wound for isolation of genital mycoplasmas, aerobes, and anaerobes. Postsection endometritis developed in 21 (27%) patients and was significantly associated with presence of either high-virulence bacteria (predominantly, coliforms, streptococci, anaerobic cocci, and bacteroides) (35% to 60% versus 10% to 24%; p less than 0.05) or Ureaplasma urealyticum (15% to 42% versus 0% to 10%; p less than 0.05) at any site compared with afebrile women. Multivariate analysis identified primary cesarean section, younger maternal age, presence of ruptured membranes, and presence of Ureaplasma as significant risk factors independent of other confounding variables (p less than 0.01). It is suggested that genital mycoplasmas could play a primary role in some cases of postsection endometritis or that they are cofactors or markers for the presence of other high-virulence aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.

Plasma lipids and prolactin in patients with breast cancer

In a comparative study of pre- and postmenopausal women with benign and malignant breast disease, a number of differences were observed in circulating plasma prolactin and lipid concentrations. Plasma lipids, phospholipids, triglycerides, cholesterol and free fatty acids were all higher in blood obtained from breast cancer patients prior to surgery. HDL-Cholesterol levels were significantly lower in these patients. These differences remained when the patient groups were sub-divided according to menopausal status. Plasma prolactin concentrations were also found to be higher in cancer compared with non-cancer patients, this effect being more marked in premenopausal than in postmenopausal patients. Premenopausal patients with invasive or poorly differentiated disease had significantly higher prolactin levels than those with non-invasive disease. No correlations were found between plasma prolactin and any of the lipid fractions.

Excretion of octopamine metabolites in neuroblastoma

The urinary concentrations of o-hydroxymandelic acid, m-hydroxymandelic acid, p-hydroxymandelic acid, homovanillic acid and vanillylmandelic acid were determined in 57 healthy children and 9 patients with neuroblastoma. The concentrations of o-hydroxymandelic acid and p-hydroxymandelic were not significantly different for both groups whereas the concentrations of m-hydroxymandelic acid, homovanillic acid and vanillylmandelic acid were elevated 20- to 30-fold in the neuroblastoma patients.

A longitudinal study of adipose tissue glucose utilization during pregnancy and the puerperium in normal subjects

A longitudinal study of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in normal pregnant volunteers demonstrated distinct alterations in maternal fuel utilization as pregnancy progresses. Glucose uptake into maternal adipose tissue and plasma glucose levels were significantly reduced in late pregnancy compared to early pregnancy and post-partum values. Plasma fatty acids, glycerol and ketone levels were elevated in late pregnancy. This confirms the concept of the third trimester as a catabolic phase within the maternal system, and provides support for the view that the insulin resistance of pregnancy may be a compensatory response to overcome the inhibitive effects of metabolites such as fatty acids on peripheral uptake of glucose.

Importance of imaging plane for magnetic resonance imaging of the normal left ventricle

Visualization of the left ventricle by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is largely a function of imaging planes. The best depiction of the myocardium is possible when the imaging plane is perpendicular to the region of interest. The effect of imaging plane on the visualization of the left ventricle has not been fully described. To assess this effect, 10 normal adults underwent electrocardiogram-gated multiplanar cardiac MRI. The imaging planes being evaluated were standard planes, transverse, sagittal and coronal, and modified planes relating to the left ventricular (LV) long axis: coronal long axis parallel to the ventricular septum (VS), sagittal long axis perpendicular to the VS and transverse short axis perpendicular to the VS and long axis. The myocardium was separated into 9 segments. Using each plane, the LV segments were evaluated for quality of LV depiction. The planes based on the LV long axis were superior to standard planes in depicting the LV segments.

Renal morphology and function immediately after extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy

The acute effects of extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) on morphology and function of the kidney were evaluated by excretory urography, quantitative radionuclide renography (QRR), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 33 consecutive patients. Excretory urograms demonstrated an enlarged kidney in seven (18%) of 41 treatments and partial or complete obstruction of the ureter by stone fragments after 15 (37%) of 41 treatments. Total effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) was not changed after ESWL, but the percentage ERPF of the treated kidney was decreased by more than 5% in 10 (30%) of 33 cases. QRR images showed partial parenchymal obstruction in 10 (25%) of 41 treated kidneys and total parenchymal obstruction in 9 (22%). MRI disclosed one or more of the following abnormalities in 24 (63%) of 38 treated kidneys: (1) loss of corticomedullary differentiation, (2) perirenal fluid, (3) subcapsular hematoma, (4) hemorrhage into a renal cyst, and (5) unexplained abnormalities. Treated kidneys were normal by all three imaging methods in 26% and abnormal by one or more tests in 74% of cases. The morphologic and functional changes are attributed to renal contusion resulting in edema and extravasation of urine and blood into the interstitial, subcapsular, and perirenal spaces.

Effect of 6-hydroxydopamine on the metabolism of endogenous octopamines and catecholamines

The daily excretion in rat urine of o-(OHMA) (0.2), m-(MHMA) (0.9), p-(PHMA) hydroxymandelic acid (78), vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) (3.5) and homovanillic acid (30 micrograms day-1), terminal metabolites of the isomeric octopamines and catecholamines, has been determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Chemical sympathectomy with 6-hydroxydopamine (i.p.) caused the daily output of each acid (except OHMA) to drop by 50% and that of PHMA was restored to normal the most rapidly after cessation of treatment. These results indicate that m- and p- (but not o-) octopamine coexist with catecholamines in sympathetic nerve terminals, are subject to the same compensatory biosynthetic mechanism following chemical sympathectomy and that p-octopamine has the highest turnover rate of these biogenic amines in the rat.

m-Octopamine: normal occurrence with p-octopamine in mammalian sympathetic nerves

The development of a radiochemical enzyme assay for p-octopamine in 1969 led to its identification in a large number of invertebrate nerve systems and in mammalian sympathetic nerves. The original method by which p-octopamine was measured has now been found to be nonspecific; however, modifications of this procedure can determine both m- and p-octopamine. We recently developed a new specific method for the unequivocal identification and quantitative determination in tissue of the six octopamine and synephrine isomers. With this method--negative chemical ionization gas chromatography-mass spectrometry--the more physiologically active m-octopamine has been found in association with p-octopamine in 10 organs of the rat. m-Octopamine is present in concentrations equal to those of p-octopamine in heart, spleen, and liver and in concentrations from 30 to 60% of p-octopamine in adrenals, vas deferens, brain, kidney, large intestine, bladder, and lungs. In vivo inhibition of monoamine oxidase markedly increased the concentrations of both m- and p-octopamine in all organs examined. Both amines were virtually absent from all organs except the adrenals following chemical sympathectomy with 6-hydroxydopamine, thereby establishing that m- and p-octopamine are localized within sympathetic nerve endings.

Aluminum-based temporary removable partial dentures

The fabrication of an aluminum-based temporary removable partial denture has been presented. The advantages of this type of prosthesis include compatibility with oral tissues, accuracy of fit, decreased bulk, and improved thermal conductivity.

Increased urinary excretion of m-octopamine in neuroblastoma

The urine of three patients with neuroblastoma was found to have a 3 to 5-fold elevation of m-octopamine concentration. The concentration of m-synephrine was normal in two cases and slightly elevated in the third. These findings were attributed to an increased formation of m-octopamine by this tumor.

Thermogenic and metabolic consequences of thyroid hormone treatment in brown and white adipose tissue

Male rats were treated with triiodothyronine in the drinking water for 12 days. In vitro rates of isoprenaline stimulated lipolysis were significantly greater in brown but not white adipose tissue. Rates of [14C]glucose incorporation into triacylglycerols were significantly reduced in BAT (brown adipose tissue) and WAT (white adipose tissue) under basal and isoprenaline stimulated conditions. In a second experiment, hyperthyroid animals showed impaired weight gain, despite increased food intake during 19 days' treatment. Energy expenditure on days 5 and 12, and BAT core temperature differences (TBAT - TCORE) on day 19, were significantly greater than in control animals. Epididymal white fat pad weight was reduced and interscapular brown fat pad weight increased by triiodothyronine treatment.

Zinc metabolism in pregnant and lactating rats and the effect of varying iron: Zn in the diet

Pregnant rats were given control (46 mg iron/kg, 61 mg zinc/kg), low-Zn (6.9 mg Zn/kg) or low-Zn plus Fe (168 mg Fe/kg) diets from day 1 of pregnancy. The animals were allowed to give birth and parturition times recorded. Exactly 24 h after the end of parturition the pups were killed and analysed for water, fat, protein, Fe and Zn contents and the mothers' haemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) were measured. There were no differences in weight gain or food intakes throughout pregnancy. Parturition times were similar (mean time 123 (SE 15) min) and there were no differences in the number of pups born. Protein, water and fat contents of the pups were similar but the low-Zn Fe-supplemented group had higher pup Fe than the low-Zn unsupplemented group, and the control group had higher pup Zn than both the low-Zn groups. The low-Zn groups had a greater incidence of haemorrhaged or deformed pups, or both, than the controls. Pregnant rats were given diets of adequate Zn level (40 mg/kg) but with varying Fe:Zn (0.8, 1.7, 2.9, 3.7). Zn retention from the diet was measured using 65Zn as an extrinsic label on days 3, 10 and 17 of pregnancy with a whole-body gamma-counter. A group of non-pregnant rats was also included as controls. The 65Zn content of mothers and pups was measured 24-48 h after birth and at 14, 21 and 24 d of age. In all groups Zn retention was highest from the first meal, fell in the second meal and then rose in the third meal of the pregnant but not the non-pregnant rats. There were no differences between the groups given diets of varying Fe:Zn level. Approximately 25% of the 65Zn was transferred from the mothers to the pups by the time they were 48 h old, and a further 17% during the first 14 d of lactation. The pup 65Zn content did not significantly increase after the first 20 d of lactation but the maternal 65Zn level continued to fall gradually.

Effect of intracerebroventricularly administered octopamines and synephrines on angiotensin II-induced water intake in rats

Recent studies from this laboratory showed that l-m-synephrine (phenylephrine), a metabolite of l-m-octapamine, inhibited the drinking response of rats to peripherally administered angiotensin II. The objective of this investigation was to determine whether the isomers of both octapamine and synephrine could inhibit angiotensin II-induced dipsogenesis in the rat. Of the isomers tested, only d,l-m-octopamine and l-m-synephrine blocked the dipsogenic response to administration of angiotensin II (200 micrograms/kg, SC). The antidipsogenic effect of both d,l-m-octopamine and l-m-synephrine could be blocked by concurrent administration of yohimbine (300 micrograms/kg, IP), an alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist. The results indicate that m-octopamine and m-synephrine exert their antidipsogenic effect via alpha 2-adrenoceptors. These studies add to a growing body of data suggesting that activation of alpha 2-adrenoceptors inhibits, while blockade of these receptors enhances, angiotensin II-induced drinking.

The effect of iron supplements on pregnancy in rats given a low-zinc diet

Female Wistar rats were given an adequate-zinc (60 micrograms/g) or low-Zn (7 micrograms/g) diet for a minimum of 2 weeks and then mated. They were then either continued on the same diets (+Zn -Fe or -Zn -Fe) or given similar diets supplemented with four times the normal level of iron (+Zn +Fe or -Zn + Fe). The day before parturition they were killed and the fetuses removed and analysed. There were no differences in numbers of fetuses or the number of resorption sites. In the absence of Fe supplementation, the mean fetal wet weight was significantly less (P less than 0.05) in the low-Zn group but there was no effect of Zn in the two Fe-supplemented groups. The addition of Fe significantly decreased (P less than 0.05) the mean fetal wet weight in the adequate-Zn groups but had no effect in the low-Zn groups. There were no differences in fetal dry weight, fat, protein or DNA content. Both Fe-supplemented groups produced fetuses of higher Fe concentration (P less than 0.01), and mothers with higher bone Fe-concentration (P less than 0.01) compared with the non-supplemented groups. The low-Zn groups produced fetuses of lower Zn concentration (P less than 0.001) than the adequate-Zn groups but there was no effect on maternal bone Zn concentration. It was concluded that Fe-supplements did not adversely affect fetal growth from mothers given a low-Zn diet, but the addition of Zn to the unsupplemented diet increased fetal wet weight.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Architecture and physiology of insect cerebral neurosecretory cells

The architecture of neurosecretory cells (NSCs) from each of two bilaterally symmetrical clusters of somata in the brain of the moth, Manduca sexta, was determined by intracellular injection of Lucifer Yellow and horseradish peroxidase. Furthermore, the ionic basis of the action potential in these cells was examined. NSC somata were visualized in the desheathed pupal protocerebrum by their reflective opalescence under direct fiberoptic illumination. Intracellular staining revealed at least six morphological classes of monopolar neurons distinguishable by the size and position of their somata as well as the patterns of their dendritic fields, axonal pathways, and terminal projections. The number of morphological classes of NSCs is in accord with the estimated number of brain neurohormones--a finding that suggests a different neuroendocrine function for each class. The observed overlap of dendritic fields is consistent with synaptic interaction among NSCs or the sharing of common inputs. Finally, the demonstration of terminal ramifications and varicosities in the corpora cardiaca and corpora allata confirms that these are the neurohemal organs for cerebral NSCs. Intracellular recordings revealed that the NSC somata had resting membrane potentials of 35 to 45 mV and were electrically excitable; they showed broad (10 to 20 msec) overshooting action potentials, long hyperpolarizing afterpotentials, and postsynaptic potentials. Impulse amplitude was maintained in the absence of external sodium or in the presence of 10(-5)M tetrodotoxin, but impulses were completely and reversibly blocked by 10 mM cobalt. Postsynaptic potentials were blocked by all three conditions. These results indicate that impulses in the somata are generated primarily by calcium inward currents. Cations, tetrodotoxin, and horseradish peroxidase in the bathing medium did not readily exchange with the extracellular space of the desheathed brain. However, light protease treatment of the brain facilitated ion exchange. These findings provide evidence for the persistence of a blood-brain barrier even in desheathed ganglia.

Maternal adipose tissue response to nicotine administration in the pregnant rat: effects on fetal body fat and cellularity

Nicotine has been implicated as a causative factor in the intrauterine growth retardation associated with smoking in pregnancy. A study was set up to ascertain the effect of nicotine on fetal growth and whether this could be related to the actions of this drug on maternal adipose tissue metabolism. Sprague-Dawley rats were mated and assigned to control and nicotine groups, the latter receiving nicotine in the drinking-water throughout pregnancy. Animals were weighed at regular intervals and killed on day 20 of pregnancy. Rates of maternal adipose tissue lipolysis and lipogenesis were measured. Fetal and placental weights were recorded and analysis of fetal body water, fat, protein and DNA carried out. Weight gains of mothers in the nicotine group were less in the 1st and 2nd weeks of pregnancy, but similar to controls in the 3rd week. Fetal body-weights, DNA, protein and percentage water contents were similar in both groups. Mean fetal body fat (g/kg) was significantly higher in the nicotine group (96.2 (SE 5.1] compared with controls (72.0 (SE 2.9]. Rates of maternal lipolysis were also higher in the nicotine group. The cause of these differences and their effects on maternal and fetal well-being is discussed.

The metabolism and biosynthesis of (+/-)-o-octopamine and (+/-)-o-synephrine in the rat

The metabolism of (+/-)-o-octopamine and (+/-)-o-synephrine by rats was studied quantitatively by a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-selected ion monitoring (g.c.-m.s.-s.i.m.) method using deuterated internal standards. When o-octopamine was injected intraperitoneally into rats four metabolites were excreted in the urine: (i) unconjugated o-hydroxymandelic acid (OHMA) (16%), (ii) unconjugated o-hydroxyphenylglycol (OHPG) (4.5%), (iii) an acid-hydrolysable conjugate of OHPG (28%) and (iv) unconjugated o-octopamine (10%). When o-synephrine benzoate was similarly administered six metabolites were excreted in urine: (i) unconjugated OHMA (13.5%), (ii) unconjugated OHPG (3.3%), (iii) an acid-hydrolysable conjugate of OHPG (15.6%), (iv) unconjugated o-synephrine (10%), (v) an acid-hydrolysable conjugate of o-synephrine (8.5%) and (vi) unconjugated o-octopamine (0.3%). Adult rats normally excreted OHMA (1.0 micrograms day-1) but OHPG, o-octopamine and o-synephrine could not be detected in urine. After the administration of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, unconjugated o-octopamine (0.3 micrograms day-1) was excreted in urine but OHPG and o-synephrine could not be detected. o-Tyramine given to rats afforded urinary o-octopamine (75 ng day-1) and this was increased 10-fold upon co-administration of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and o-tyramine.

The mammalian metabolism of R-(-)-m-synephrine

The metabolism of R-(-)-m-synephrine (administered orally and by inhalation in man and intraperitoneally in rats) was studied quantitatively by a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-selected ion monitoring (g.c.-m.s.-s.i.m.) method using deuterated internal standards. When m-synephrine hydrochloride was administered orally to humans in normal dosage regimens four main metabolites were excreted in urine: (i) unconjugated m-hydroxymandelic acid (MHMA, 30%), (ii) m-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) sulphate (6%), (iii) m-synephrine sulphate (47%) and (iv) m-synephrine glucuronide (12%). The comparable figures after inhalation of the drug were 24, 6, 56 and 5%. Intraperitoneal injection of m-synephrine into rats gave: unconjugated MHMA (5%), MHPG sulphate (35%), unconjugated m-synephrine (7%) and conjugates of m-synephrine (9%:4% as the glucuronide and 5% as the sulphate).

Identification and quantitative determination of m-hydroxyphenylglycol in mammalian urine

m-Hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) has been identified in mammalian urine by gas chromatography mass spectrometry selected ion monitoring. (2H0) MHPG and (2H5) MHPG were synthesized for use as authentic sample and internal standard, respectively. After acid hydrolysis or treatment with sulfatase, the glycol was extracted from urine with ethyl acetate, converted to its tris-pentafluoropropionyl (PFP) derivative and identified by comparison of the retention times and relative intensities of the characteristic ions, m/z 592, m/z 428 and m/z 415, with those from the authentic sample. Using the internal standard the following quantitative results were obtained: 10 normal human adults excreted 7 ng MHPG mg-1 creatinine (range 2-18) as a sulfate conjugate. Ten rats excreted 0.8 micrograms day-1 (range 0.5-1.1) of MHPG also in the conjugated form. Urinary m-hydroxymandelic acid (MHMA) was also measured quantitatively. The ratio MHMA:MHPG was 1:1 in the rat and 6:1 in the human. This indicates that the overall reductive pathway of m-octopamine and m-synephrine metabolism is more important in the rat than in the human. o-Hydroxyphenylglycol (OHPG) and the three isomeric monomethoxy phenylglycols could not be detected in human or rat urine by these techniques.

Rotating laminar emission camera with GE-detector: experimental results

Experimental results of a prototype rotating laminar emission camera (ROLEC) for nuclear medicine imaging are reported. A 11.5 mm thick, 45 x 45 mm high-purity germanium detector is segmented into 30 1.47 mm wide parallel channels and collimated with 39 mm high parallel plates. Projection data acquired at multiple angular orientations as the detector-collimator assembly is rotated about its center are mathematically reconstructed to image the activity distribution. The spatial resolution of the ROLEC is at least twice as good, at all distances, as that of gamma cameras with high resolution collimators. The better energy resolution of the germanium enhances the detection and resolution of the ROLEC in comparison to gamma cameras with NaI(T1) crystals, the relative superiority increasing with greater volumes and with greater depths. Adequate sensitivity is maintained while achieving these improvements in spatial resolution and in practice; ROLEC images are acquired in less time than pinhole collimator images with gamma cameras.

Normal excretion of m-hydroxymandelic acid in hypertensive patients

o-Hydroxymandelic acid (OHMA), m-hydroxymandelic acid (MHMA) and p-hydroxymandelic acid (PHMA) were measured in the urine of 42 normotensive and 54 hypertensive patients. Patients having high urinary MHMA levels were all found to be ingesting medications containing m-synephrine (phenylephrine). These patients also had high levels of urinary m-synephrine which was excreted as the glucuronide. When patients ingesting m-synephrine were excluded from the analysis, no significant differences were observed between the two groups for the urinary excretion of OHMA, MHMA and PHMA.

Increased excretion of o-hydroxymandelic acid in phenylketonuria

o-Hydroxymandelic acid has been found in large amounts in the urine of patients with phenylketonuria by gas chromatography mass spectrometry selected ion monitoring. Using deuterated o-hydroxymandelic acid as an internal standard, five patients were found to excrete 150-340 ng mg-1 creatinine. This may be compared with the excretion of 4-16 ng mg-1 creatine by normal subjects. Neither o-octopamine nor o-synephrine were found in urine under conditions by which 1 ng mg-1 creatinine would have been detected.

Preparation of an ecdysone immunogen for radioimmunoassay work

A highly improved procedure for the preparation of ecdysone-protein conjugates for immunological work is reported. Bovine thyroglobulin is succinylated and the succinylated protein is coupled to beta-ecdysone with 1-ethyl-3-(-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide in the presence of the acylation catalyst 4-dimethylaminopyridine, The antiserum obtained using this immunogen provides a radioimmunoassay sensitive to 25 pmol of beta-ecdysone. The anti-ecdysone antibody cross-reacts with alpha-ecdysone but not with cholesterol or progesterone. This procedure reverses the standard strategy for synthesizing ester linkages in hapten-protein conjugates and should have widespread applicability for the preparation of other such conjugates for immunological work.

Comparative echocardiographic features of conditions presenting with symptomatic pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy in early infancy

Echocardiographic dimensions in infants (less than 2 months) with pulmonary hypertension, associated with coarctation of the aorta in 21, total anomalous venous return in 10, and left-to-right shunts in 14 were compared with 10 infants with respiratory distress syndrome, seven with transient tachypnoea of the newborn, 20 normal children, and with each other. Distinguishing features of total anomalous pulmonary venous return were very significantly lower left atrial and left ventricular dimensions. Right ventricular enlargement was maximal in patients with coarctation of the aorta and total anomalous pulmonary venous return. Left ventricular end-diastolic dimension in coarctation of the aorta was not significantly different from normal but the left ventricular end-systolic dimension was significantly lower, suggesting a hypercontractile left ventricle. Similar findings were observed in patients with left-to-right shunts. M-mode echocardiograms are hence valuable in differentiating conditions which may present with intractable congestive cardiac failure in the newborn and also distinguishing them from common respiratory disease of the neonate.

Genetic resistance of chickens to aflatoxin assessed with organ-culture techniques

A chick tracheal-organ-culture model system was used to evaluate the sensitivity of various strains of chickens to aflatoxin B1. Tissues from different genetic stocks showed highly significant differences in in vitro sensitivity to aflatoxin. Tracheal tissues from brown-egg layers were most sensitive, meat-type birds intermediate, and white-egg layers most resistant. Within-category strains and sex differed significantly in sensitivity to damage by aflatoxin, with male chicks more resistant than female chicks.

Effect of isomers of octopamine on in vitro reactivity of vascular smooth muscle of rats

The vascular reactivity to DL-ortho-, meta-, and para-octopamine was tested in vitro in aortic smooth muscle of the rat. When reactivities were compared on a molar basis with L-phenylephrine, an alpha-adrenergic agonist, the potencies of the three isomers were: 0.7500, 0.0075 and 0.0038 times that of phenylephrine for the m-, p- and o-isomer, respectively, Thus, of the three isomers, DL-m-octopamine had the greatest alpha-adrenergic activity in vitro as it did in vivo in earlier studies. Additional studies showed L-phenylephrine to induce about one-third the vascular response induced by L-norepinephrine.

Echocardiographic recognition of atrioventricular valve stenosis associated with endocardial cushion defect: pathologic and surgical correlates

The association of either mitral or tricuspid stenosis with endocardial cushion defects has been well recognized pathologically but is infrequenctly diagnosed clinically. M mode echocardiographic features such as markedly disproportionate ventricular size, abnormal mitral or tricuspid diastolic echoes or failure to define adequately an atrioventricular (A-V) valve are strongly suggestive of associated stenosis of that valve. In this study mitral stenosis in association with endocardial cushion defect was correctly diagnosed in four of five patients. In the fifth patient (the first seen) the condition was easily diagnosed retrospectively. Tricuspid stenosis was similarly diagnosed prospectively in three of four patients. Significant stenosis was not overlooked or misdiagnosed in any patient with an endocardial cushion defect. Significant stenosis of an A-V valve in association with endocardial cushion defect carries a high mortality. It is important to recognize the combined lesion clinically because infants with it are not suitable for total surgical correction. Palliative surgical procedures with aggressive medical therapy probably offer the infant the best chance of surviving until ventricular growth may render corrective surgery feasible.

Identification and quantitative determination of o- and m-hydroxymandelic acid in human urine

o-Hydroxymandelic acid and m-hydroxymandelic acid have been identified in human urine by gas chromatography mass spectrometry selected ion monitoring. After solvent extraction the urinary acids were converted to their O-trifluoroacetoxy methyl ester derivatives which were identified by comparison of the retention times and relative intensities of the characteristic m/z 374 and m/z 315 ions with those from authentic samples. 4,6-[2H3]-o-hydroxymandelic acid and 2,4,6-[2H3]-m-hydroxymandelic acid were synthesized for use as internal standards in the quantitative estimation of the isomeric hydroxymandelic acids excreted in urine. In ten normal adults the following results were obtained: o-hydroxymandelic acid 4--16 ng mg-1 creatinine and m-hydroxymandelic acid 11--71 ng mg-1 creatinine. Acid hydrolysis of the urine or ingestion of a diet of known composition did not affect these results, indicating that these compounds are excreted as the free acids and probably arise by metabolism of the corresponding phenylethanolamine(s).

A computerized rotating laminar radionuclide camera

We have constructed a radionuclide camera that embodies a unique detector-collimator concept and provides a radically new approach to imaging. The heart of the instrument is a linear array of semiconductor detectors separated by thin tungsten plates that confine the field of view of each detector to one dimension. This collimator design has a higher collection efficiency than the standard parallel-hole collimator but cannot directly produce a two-dimensional image. When multiple measurements are taken as the array rotates through 180 degrees, a computerized image restoration algorithm can then produce two-dimensional images with resolution determined by the width of the detectors. A small prototype camera has produced images with resolution superior to conventional Anger cameras.

Adrenergic activity of ortho-, meta-, and para-octopamine

DL-o-, and p-octopamine were tested for beta- and alpha-adrenergic activity in rats. When compared to DL-isoproterenol, a beta-adrenergic agonist, all three isomers failed to show significant beta-adrenergic activity as assessed by intiation of thirst and by increase in tail skin temperature. All three isomers increased mean blood pressure in pentolinium-blocked rats. Of the three isomers, m-octopamine possessed the greatest alpha-adrenergic activity. When the responses were compared with those induced by L-norepinephrine, the order of activities was: 1:0.01 :0.0005 :0.0007 for norepinephrine, m-, p- and o-octopamine, respectively. Thus, DL-m-octopamine has about 1/100th the alpha-adrenergic activity of L-norepinephrine.

Echocardiography in adriamycin cardiotoxicity

Twenty-six patients receiving adriamycin for osteogenic sarcoma had serial echocardiographic assessments of their left ventricular function. A statistically significant deterioration of function was noted throughout the course. Ventricular function tended to normalize in the period following cessation of adriamycin. The velocity of circumferential fibre shortening (Vcf) and ejection fraction (EF) were the best parameters. Sudden declines in these values resulted in us withholding therapy until the parameters again improved. Fatal congestive heart failure was seen in only one patient. Echocardiography thus provides the clinician with a valuable tool enabling one to improve the therapeutic usefulness of adriamycin by removing much of the uncertainty over the development of cardiotoxicity.

Aortic stenosis in children. Experience with echocardiographic prediction of severity

Fifty-six children with aortic stenosis were investigated both by echocardiography and cardiac catheterization. The ratio of end-systolic wall thickness (Ws) to internal diameter (LVES) across the minor axis of the LV as determined by echocardiography and multiplied by a factor of 245 predicts left ventricular pressure (r = 0.83). Subtracting the arm systolic blood pressure from the predicted intraventricular systolic pressure (PISP) gives a predicted systolic pressure gradient (r = 0.91). The technique is found to be useful for both initial and sequential noninvasive assessment of aortic stenosis with normal LV function irrespective of the level of obstruction. It is shown to apply equally well to wide range of LV pressures, is independent of volume load, and is useful in predicting small gradients. Some common problems encountered with the measurements are examined in detail.

The reliability and practicality of single crystal echocardiography in the evaluation of single ventricle. Angiographic and pathological correlates

A prospective clinical and echocardiographic diagnosis of single ventricle was made in 42 patients. Each was evaluated for the number of atrioventricular (A/V) valves, presence of an outflow chamber (OC), A/V valve-semilunar continuity, and orientation of the great arteries. Angiographic correlations were subsequently obtained in 40 and autopsies in 12. The overall diagnosis of single ventricle was substantiated in 39. Two other patients diagnosed as single ventricle by angiography were thought to have large ventricular septal defects on echocardiography. Tricuspid valve was interpreted as septum in one. The angiographic diagnosis of single ventricle was incorrect in another, correctly diagnosed by echocardiography and confirmed at pathology. The differential diagnosis also included A-V canal, L-transposition of the great arteries, double outlet right ventricle, and tricuspid atresia. This last condition has to be differentiated on clinical evidence. The echocardiograms were of particular value in determining the number of A/V valves. Two great arteries were demonstrated in 74% of patients and their relationship was correctly determined in 79% of these. Both imaging techniques agreed closely as to A/V valve-semilunar continuity and presence of an OC, but both showed some inaccuracies compared to pathological specimens. The echocardiogram helps both in planning catheterization and in evaluating the overall diagnosis.

Evidence for the lack of a carrier effect in the solvent extraction and determination of octopamine by gas chromatography mass spectrometry

It has been shown that there is no significant carrier effect when low levels of [3H]octopamine (100 pg) are extracted by ethyl acetate from aqueous solutions containing a 10(3) or 10(6) times excess of unlabelled octopamine. It is also shown that there is no carrier effect when low levels of octopamine as the tetrakis-TMS derivative are injected with 100 times the amount of the [2H3] analogue on an SE 30 column.

Chemical and radiochemical stability of the adrenal-scanning agents, 6beta-iodomethyl-19-norcholest-5(10-en-3beta-ol and 19-iodocholest-5-en-3beta-ol

The chemical stabilities of the adrenal-scanning agents, 6beta-iodo-methyl-19-norcholest-5(10)-en-3beta-ol (6-iodomethylnorcholesterol) and 19-iodocholest-5-en-3beta-ol (19-iodocholesterol), and several of their derivatives were examined by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance. Neat 6-iodomethylnorcholesterol, sealed in glass under nitrogen and stored at 0 degrees C, remains 98 mole% chemically pure for 3 months. Neat 19-iodocholesterol, stored in the dark at 25 degrees C, remains 98 mole% chemically pure for 3 months. Either 6-iodomethylnorcholesterol-125I or-131I, informulation and stored at 5 degrees C, will remain greater than 97% radiochemically pure for at least 15 days. Labelled 19-iodocholesterol, formulated and stored under the same conditions, shows 20% decomposition after 3 weeks and 40% after 6 weeks.