[Update on prolactin]

Normal serum prolactin levels range from 5 to 20 ng/ml (circadian rhythm, effect of stress, relation with estrogen secretion). Neuroleptics increase serum prolactin levels. Normal concentrations are restored within 24 to 48 hours of discontinuation of the drug. When neuroleptics are given for a long period of time, serum prolactin concentrations fall gradually to low levels. There is no conclusive evidence that prolactin plays a role in breast tumors in women. Epidemiologic studies have shown that neuroleptics are not responsible for increased incidences of these tumors.

[Comparison of 2 semi-quantitative methods for evaluating blood glucose in newborn infants]

Blood glucose levels were assessed in 49 neonates, using 2 blood glucose test strips. Results were compared to blood glucose levels. Correlations between values from the test strips and values from the laboratory were better using the Haemo-Glukotest (r = 0.91) than using the Dextrostix (r = 0.82). As compared to values from the laboratory, however, both glucose test strips gave higher values and did not properly identify all cases of hypoglycemia.

[Interaction between an antifungal heptaene, amphotericin B and cholesterol in vitro, as detected by circular dichroism and absorption. Influence of temperature]

The polyene antibiotic "Amphotericin B" can interact with sterols, cholesterol or ergosterol in aqueous and hydroalcoholic media and a correlative striking spectral change appears between 300 and 420 nm in the CD and absorption spectra. Using these spectroscopic methods we have determined that the influence of temperature between 4 and 80 degrees C is very important. The higher the temperature the most rapid is the modification of the spectra. Thus, the "Amphotericin B"-sterol complex is more easily formed when heating. We have not found any reversibility at 80 degrees C.