A colchicine-sensitive uptake system in Morris hepatomas

The interference of microtubular disruptors with the uptake of amino acids and other low molecular weight substrates has been studied in Morris hepatomas, host liver, and regenerating liver. Colchicine inhibits amino acid transport (alpha-aminoisobutyric acid, L-methionine, and L-leucine) in hepatomas by 59-98% whereas transport in host and regenerating liver is not impeded but increased. In hepatomas, treatment urea, and carbonate. Vinblastine, but not lumicolchicine or cytochalasin B, is an effective inhibitor. The inhibition of uptake is not linked to a decrease of cellular ATP and UTP. The data suggest that the transport of low molecular weight substrates in hepatomas is related to microtubules or other colchicine-binding structures, e.g., of the plasma membrane. This colchicine-sensitive uptake system in hepatomas may be due to the malignant transformation of hepatocytes.

[Lymph node metastases--diagnosis by lymphography and CT (author's transl)]

The value of lymphography and CT in the diagnosis of abdominal lymph node metastases was compared in 82 patients with various types of malignant disease. In the presence of systemic disease or testicular tumours, CT increased the recognition of lymph node metastases and their extent, particularly of high para-aortic deposits which were frequently underestimated by lymphography. Lymph nodes in the pelvis are more easily identified. CT is the first choice for the investigation of systemic disease and testicular tumours. This will, in addition, also demonstrate abnormalities of the organs and assist in radiation planning. CT is a simple procedure which is also very valuable in following the effect of treatment. For metastases from other origins, lymphography is often more valuable since CT is unable to identify metastases in lymph nodes if these are not enlarged. The two methods complement each other and their combination provides improved diagnostic information.

[Epithelial tumors of the urinary bladder in the first twenty years of life (author's transl)]

Eighty two cases of epithelial tumors of the bladder in the first two decades of life have been reviewed from the literature. A case of a transitional cell carcinoma, grade I--II, in a 16-year-old boy is presented. Transurethral electroresection was done and there was no recurrence, two years postoperatively. In 70% of all cases a hematuria was found. The epithelial bladder tumors in children have a better prognosis, a lower tendency to recur and a lower grade malignancy than tumors in adults. Treatment of choice is transurethral or suprapubic tumor excision without drug chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

[Transurethral resection of bladder tumors--indication, technique and results (author's transl)]

In the period 1965 to 1975 treatment of bladder tumors was carried out in 730 patients. A transurethral tumor resection was performed in 86% of which 722 patients were reviewed. The results have been analyzed with respect to the grade and the stage of the tumor. There is a 55% survival with papilloma and transitional cell carcinoma grade 1 and 15% with grades 2, 3, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. The morbidity rate was low, 1.1%. Indication and technique for transurethral bladder tumor resection are reported in detail. From several points of view the transurethral resection is better than the total cystectomy.

[Studies concerning the usefulness of catgut, PGA and polyester for abdominal fascia closure (author's transl)]

The abdominal fascia incisions of 133 rabbits were closed either with plain gut, chromic gut, PGA or polyester threads. The breaking strength of the wounds were determined tensiometrically at different time intervals and the tissue was examined histologically. For a three-week period the strength of the abdominal wall depends significantly on the intactness of the threads. PGA produces minimal inflammatory reactions, but loses its strength after a fortnight. Since longitudinal incisions are endangered by severe muscle pull, this material cannot be recommended because of the possibility of wound disruption and the formation of hernias. The loss of strength of catgut plain and catgut chromic starts later. Catgut causes inflammatory reactions within the wound area leading to loss of strength of the sutured tissue. Thus incisions of the abdominal fascia should not be closed with catgut. The non-resorbable suture material polyester shows satisfactory strength and minimal tissue reaction. As long as there is no synthetic suture material with mild tissue reaction and late resorption the fascial closure should be sutured with polyester.