Identification of a heparin activated amidolytic enzyme in carp (Cyprinus carpio) plasma

A heparin activated amidolytic enzyme capable of cleaving synthetic thrombin sensitive chromogenic substrates was identified from the plasma of the carp (Cyprinus carpio). Activation was inhibited by KCl, protamine sulphate and human plasma. Heparin was not required for the continued action of the enzyme. Active enzyme was irreversibly inhibited by DFP. The pH and temperature optima was studied and the enzyme semi purified by Sephadex G100 superfine and Sephadex A50 chromatography. An approximate MW of 62,000 was found. Activity generated by as little as 0.002 units of heparin per ml carp plasma was detected. The trivial name carpamidase is proposed for the enzyme.

A rapid chromogenic method for the determination of prothrombin precursor in plasma

A method was described for the quantitation of precursor prothrombin using a chromogenic substrate S2238 and Dispholidus typus venom. Prothrombin precursor was detected in the adsorbed plasma of all 65 patients on coumadin therapy tested, but was absent in 20 controls. The technic offered a rapid and sensitive method for determining if a prolonged prothrombin time is due to vitamin K antagonism or deficiency.

Clinical features of twig snake (Thelotornis capensis) envenomation

A case of disseminated intravascular coagulation in a 13-year-old-boy caused by a bite from a twig snake (Thelatornis kirtlandii capensis) is described. The coagulant enzyme was found to be a single-chain mole-activate prothrombin and factor X as well as weakly accelerating fibrinolysis. Its action on synthetic chromogenic substrates is described. Boomslang antivenom was unable to block twig snake venom, and the implications of this as regards treatment are discussed.

A follow-up study of surgically treated cryptorchid patients

A group of 112 adult patients were traced who had had childhood orchiopexies at an average age of 9 yr at two childrens' hospitals. Sixty-seven per cent of all married patients had sired children although only 44% of the married bilateral cryptorchid patients had done so. The percentage paternity of the unilaterally cryptorchid patients was normal when compared with the general population. There appeared to be no difference in the eventual results of the two types of orchiopexy performed on this series of patients.

Plasma gonadotropins and androgens in surgically treated cryptorchid patients

Plasma LH, FSH, and total 17betaOH androgen levels were measured in a group of 40 adult patients who underwent orchiopexy for either unilateral or bilateral cryptorchism during childhood. Gonadotropin abnormalities were found in 15 of 40 patients and thereby appeared to be a much more sensitive indicator of testicular malfunction than the androgens which were abnormal in only four patients. In the postpubertal phase, the estimation of gonadotropins and androgens appeared valuable, first, as an additional help in the prognosis of fertility, where combined raised levels of LH and FSH were found to indicate a poor prognosis; second, to detect in infertile patients gonadotropin deficiency which, if previously missed, can still be expected to respond to gonadotropin therapy; third, for the detection of the subclinically hypogonad group who may require follow-up, and finally for the detection of the low-androgen group who may require some form of hormonal therapy. As several patients in this study were found to have low gonadotropins, it is postulated that low levels of gonadotropin may play a role in the production of cryptorchism. The finding of high gonadotropin levels in another group may indicate a feedback mechanism sensitive to a damaged testis, but alternatively it is possible that there might be a primary resistance to the action of gonadotropins and it is postulated that such a resistance may be an additional factor of the causation of cryptorchism in some cases.

The effects of early experimental cryptorchidism and subsequent orchidopexy on the maturation of the guinea-pig testicle

A histological study of experimental cryptorchidism in the immature guinea-pig and the results of subsequent orchidopexy are described.

Arrest of development of a testis was produced by delaying its descent into the scrotum. Subsequent orchidopexy at ages up to and beyond puberty allowed development to continue to active spermatogenesis.

The poor results following orchidopexy for natural cryptorchidism in man are discussed in relation to this experimental work and the existence of a primary testicular abnormality is suggested. The superficial inguinal pouch ectopic testicle and the retractile testicle are also discussed.

The effect of unilateral experimental cryptorchidism and subsequent orchidopexy upon maturation of the contralateral scrotal testicle of the guinea-pig

A study of the contralateral scrotal testicle of the guinea-pig before and after the surgical treatment of unilateral experimental cryptorchidism is described.

The contralateral scrotal testicle of the guinea-pig has been found to mature quite normally without any evidence of incomplete development. In man, however, the contralateral scrotal testicle of unilaterally cryptorchid patients often shows incomplete development. The difference in results suggests that in man the unilateral cryptorchid state may be associated with a bilateral testicular abnormality. This bilateral abnormality might be the cause of poor fertility and, if severe, might also be the cause of failure of descent of the cryptorchid testicle.