The effect of experimental hypothyrosis on the fine structure of the epiphyseal cartilage of young rats

Authors studied the effect of hypothyrosis induced by thyro-parathyroidectomy and mercaptoimidazole treatment on the fine structure of the proximal epiphyseal cartilage of tibia in growing male rats. It has been established that the cell density of the epiphyseal cartilage decreases in the experimental hypothyrosis, about 30 to 50% of the chondrocytes display degenerative signs, whereas the Golgisystem seems to be well developed. The most characteristic alteration appear in the zones of proliferation and maturation of the epiphyseal cartilage. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria show a considerable regression also in the chondrocytes displaying minimal or even no signs of degeneration. Elements indicating calcification were encountered more frequently in the cartilaginous matrix of the zones of maturation and calcification under the effect of mercaptoimidazole treatment as compared to the controls, whereas the matrix of the animals operated was poorer in minerals than the corresponding zones of the controls. This difference is attributed by the authors to the different levels of thyrocalcitonin in the two kinds of experiments.

[Leukocyte function in colostrum (author's transl)]

Breast milk, especially colostrum was analysed quantitatively and qualitatively as well as the function of various cell types in it. The phagocyte activity of the mass of leukocytes consisting predominantly of macro- and microphages approaches the phagocyte index of leukocytes of the newborn infant, however, neither of them reaches the level of adults.--The lymphocytes traceable in a minor proportion produce secretory IgA as well as IgG.--On the basis of literary data the authors discuss the literature and their own results regarding the immunobiological significance of breast milk.

Comparison of the Elevated Temperature Plate Count (ETPC) and MPN Procedure to Estimate the Densities of Fecal Coliforms and Escherichia coli in Soft-Shell Clams

The Elevated Temperature Plate Count procedure of Hefferman and Cabelli was assessed to measure the sanitary quality of soft shell clams. The method, compared to the standard MPN procedure, underestimated the densities of fecal coliforms by about 10%. The estimated cell densities of Escherichia coli and Enterobacter aerogenes in saline suspension were about 20% lower than the estimate obtained on nutrient agar plates. Thus, the fecal coliform standard used in the assessment of sanitary quality of clams would need to be modified when the analysis is conducted by the Elevated Temperature Plate Count procedure.

Incidence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Fish, Shellfish, Mud, Water, and Fish Products in the Canadian Maritime Region

A total of 853 samples taken in the Canadian Maritime Region during 1973 were examined for Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The incidence of organisms was only 1.41% in the samples examined. The organism was isolated during the summer and fall. Isolations were confined to samples taken in areas at the proximity of the shores.

Effect of spironolactone and ethylestrenol on benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase (EC 1.14.1.1) and other chemical constituents of hepatic microsomes

In rats, spironolactone and ethylestrenol, like phenobarbital, enhance the NADPH-dependent hydroxylation of benzo(a)pyrene in the hepatic microsomal plus supernatant fraction and increase liver weight and microsomal phospholipid content as well as NADPH cytochrome c reductase and diaphorase activities, but only ethylestrenol and phenobarbital influence the microsomal protein content and cytochrome P-450 level.Neither spironolactone, ethylestrenol, nor phenobarbital affects NADH cytochrome c reductase and diaphorase activities, and only phenobarbital alters the cytochrome b5 level.These findings indicate that, while both the steroids and phenobarbital stimulate microsomal mixed-function oxidation, there are qualitative and quantitative differences between their action.

Influence of cyclohexylamine on the adrenergic cardiopathy

In rats pretreated with 9α-fluorocortisol, the effects of epinephrine on blood glucose, potassium, and free fatty acids were markedly enhanced by the conjoint administration of cyclohexylamine. The myocardial potassium depletion caused by 9α-fluorocortisol was less pronounced on the fifth day, when sympathomimetic amine was given additionally; however, cardiac necroses developed after epinephrine injections and were most severe and general when epinephrine was given in combination with cyclohexylamine.