[The differential diagnosis of spinal cord malformations in cattle]

Hereditary developmental disorders of the CNS, especially spinal cord, are of increasing importance in the bovine species. Therefore, congenital spinal malformations of non-hereditary origin have to be ruled out by carefully directed neuromorphological procedures. The two cases of malformation of the spinal cord reported were not accompanied by vertebral defects: The first one represents a complete diplomyelia of the caudal lumbo-sacral medulla in an 18 months old Brown Swiss heifer, the second one a circumscribed hydromyelia of the fifth lumbal segment, based on an incomplete dysraphic defect, in a 4 months old male German Simmental calf. Problems of diagnostic measures and of terminology, concerning differentiation between diplomyelia and diastematomyelia, were discussed in detail.

Phospholipases in biology and medicine

Phospholipases, a group of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids, are classified according to the bond cleaved in a phospholipid into PLA1 (EC 3.1.1.3), PLA2 (EC 3.1.1.4), PLB (EC 3.1.1.5), PLC (EC 3.1.4.3), and PLD (EC 3.1.4.4). This paper reviews source and structure of PLA2 and the involvement of PLA2 and PLC in several biological phenomena, such as, signal transduction, photoreception, biosynthesis of lung surfactant, sperm motility, and fertilization. New assays for PLA2 activity and concentration in biological fluids are discussed. Phospholipases are involved in many inflammatory reactions by making arachidonate available for eicosanoid biosynthesis. The determination of PLA2 activity and mass concentration in plasma is useful in the diagnosis and prognosis of pancreatitis and of septic shock. Naturally occurring phospholipase inhibitors, such as lipocortins act as second messengers in the anti-inflammatory response to steroids. Lipocortins may be valuable therapeutic agents, because they are more specific in their anti-inflammatory action than glucocorticoids; therefore, they are less likely to produce harmful side effects.

[Magnetic resonance tomography of the shoulder. Possibilities of over interpretation of normal findings]

In order to test the criteria for abnormalities of the shoulder as seen on MR, 30 normal shoulders were examined. The examination included T1, proton and T2-weighted SE sequences and T2*-weighted FE sequences, using transverse, oblique coronary and oblique sagittal planes. In 57% there was increased signal intensity in the tendon of the rotator cuff; this might have been interpreted as a rupture of the cuff or tendinitis. Anatomical examination suggests that the finding is due to a normal layer between the long head of the biceps and the tendon joint complex. The anterior glenoid labrum could not be clearly delineated in 57% and the posterior labrum in 5%. In two cases there was a superior, postero-lateral defect in the head of the humerus. The currently accepted criteria for the MRT diagnosis of shoulder abnormalities need to be critically re-evaluated.

Determination of plasma free fatty acids, free cholesterol, cholesteryl esters, and triacylglycerols directly from total lipid extract by capillary gas chromatography

An accurate capillary gas chromatographic method using different internal standards for determining free fatty acids, cholesterol, cholesteryl esters, and triacylglycerols in plasma and other biological sources is described. It is designed to give information about species composition and, consequently, more detailed information about changes in lipid metabolism of patients suffering from metabolic disorders. After plasma extraction the lipids, except phospholipids, are directly examined without any further derivatization. For free fatty acid determination the programmed temperature vaporizer (PTV) injector was heated from 40 degrees C (sample introduction) to 190 degrees C. In a second gas chromatographic run the PTV-injector system was heated from 60 degrees C (sample introduction) to 400 degrees C, enabling the determination of free cholesterol, cholesteryl esters, and triacylglycerol species, differing in the number of carbon atoms. Evaluation of the values obtained resulted in coefficients of variation (%) of 1.0-2.8, 2.0, 1.29-2.24, and 2.8, for free fatty acid standards, plasma free fatty acids, cholesterol and cholesteryl ester standards, and plasma total cholesterol, respectively. Free fatty acids, cholesterol, and cholesteryl esters were not influenced by storage of plasma at -24 degrees C up to 4 days prior to extraction. The results of the gas chromatographic method and the enzymatic methods correlated well. Determination by gas chromatography yielded higher total cholesterol and lower triacylglycerol values than those values obtained by enzymatic methods.

Effect of carnitine on foetal rat lung dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine content and lung morphology. Carnitine and lung surfactant, I

Lungs of foetal rats between the 16th and 20th gestational day (total gestation lasting 22 days) were examined. There was a striking increase of both total phosphatidylcholine and dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine from day 19 to 20 of gestation. The carnitine content increased continuously from day 17 both in the foetal lungs and livers. In both organs, the increase in short-chain acylcarnitine was more pronounced than the increase in free carnitine. Compared with an untreated control group, treatment of the mother with L-carnitine (from day 16 to 18 of gestation, with 60, 80, and 100 mg/kg.d L-carnitine, respectively) resulted in significant increases in both total phospholipid (p less than 0.05 in all treated groups) and dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (p less than 0.05, p less than 0.01, p less than 0.001, corresponding to maternal treatment with 60, 80, 100 mg/kg.d, respectively) on the 19th gestational day. The results are in accordance with morphological evaluations: with increasing carnitine-dosage, increasing numbers of lamellar bodies in type II cell progenitors were found. The enhanced dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine content is a consequence of enhanced phospholipid synthesis in remarkably undifferentiated type II cells largely lacking membrane structures and cell organelles capable of phospholipid synthesis. Thus, in general, carnitine treatment seems to stimulate foetal lung phospholipid synthesis, thereby enhancing the dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine content.

[Nerve compression syndromes of the elbow and hand]

The importance of nerve compression syndrome in the upper extremity for making a diagnosis or differential diagnosis in orthopedics, surgery, especially hand surgery, and neurology is evident. We review the characteristics of this entity, demonstrate the pathophysiological findings, and stress their importance on the diagnosis, therapy, indications for operation, and operative techniques in our patients. With special regard to the topographic anatomy each of these nerve compression syndromes of the elbow and the wrist region is demonstrated systematically and consequences are discussed for surgical therapy.

Feline epilepsy

In approximately two-thirds of the epileptic cats in this article, an idiopathic epilepsy had to be assumed. It began between six and 36 months of age with a single seizure, which usually occurred during rest or sleep. Symptomatic epilepsy was frequently observed during the first two years of life and in old age, beginning frequently with multiple seizures or status epilepticus and less often during sleep or rest. In both types, grand mal seizures are predominant. Seizure clusters or status epilepticus caused extensive neuron necroses and scleroses in Ammon's horn. Diazepana and phenobarbital are antiepileptics of first choice for the cat; primidone and phenytoin are less suitable.

Influence of cell cycle on glutathione-S-transferase, selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels in human myeloid leukaemia cell lines

An important biological function of glutathione (GSH) resides in the detoxication reactions mediated by enzymes such as glutathione-S-transferase (GSTs) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). An increasing body of evidence implies that GSH and these enzymes play important roles in determining the sensitivity of tumours against cytotoxic drugs like quinone antibiotics, in particular adriamycin (Adr). In the present study, we have analysed the effects of cell-cycle on GSH and GSH-dependent enzymes in an attempt to explain cell-cycle specificity of these antileukaemic drugs which were shown to be involved in free-radical-type reactions. Determination of GSH, GST, GPX and superoxide dismutase in cell-cycle-enriched fractions of five different human myeloid leukaemia cell lines (KG1, K562, U937, ML-1 and ML-2) yielded results identical to those obtained in random cultures, which implies that neither GSH nor GSH-related enzymes are cell-cycle regulated. These findings argue against the presumption that cell-cycle specificity of cytotoxic drugs like Adr could be due to the glutathione-dependent metabolism in myeloid leukaemia cell lines.

Clinical biochemistry of neuron specific enolase

The soluble brain protein 14-3-2 first described by Moore and McGregor in 1965 is now known to be a cell specific isoenzyme of the glycolytic enzyme enolase (EC 4.2.1.11), designated neuron specific enolase (NSE). It is not only a marker for all types of neurons, but also for all neuroendocrine or paraneuronal cells. The appearance of NSE is a late event in neural differentiation, thus making NSE a useful index of neural maturation. The demonstration that tumors of the nervous system and of neuroendocrine origin contain NSE has promoted the study of NSE as a possible tumor marker. Immunocytochemistry has been used to identify NSE in cytologic preparations from several types of tumors, offering useful indications for differential diagnosis. NSE levels in serum from tumor patients are not useful in the diagnosis of early stage disease. However, serum NSE levels have been shown to be helpful in the identification of advanced small cell lung cancer, neuroblastoma and several other neoplasms. The main use of serum NSE is the monitoring of chemotherapy and the detection of a relapse in these cases.

[Clinical chemistry in Austria]

A historical review is presented of the development of clinical chemistry in Austria. The present status of clinical chemistry in Austria and certain topical problems are discussed.

S-adenosylmethionine metabolism in HL-60 cells: effect of cell cycle and differentiation

The effect of the cell cycle and differentiation on S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) metabolism in HL-60 cells has been investigated. Synthesis and pool sizes of SAM and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) were cell-cycle-independent (SAM, 315 microM; SAH, 4.6 microM). The SAM-synthase (ATP: L-methionine S-adenosyltransferase) of HL-60 cells has a Km for methionine of 12.8 +/- 2.0 microM and thus appears to be of the intermediate Km type found in other malignant tissues. The enzyme does not show cell-cycle regulation. Treatment of cells with DMSO resulted in a rapid and marked decrease of SAM and SAH levels without affecting pool turnover or the SAM/SAH ratio. A decrease in SAM concentration could also be observed in a variant cell line resistant to differentiation with DMSO. DMSO inhibited SAM-synthase in cell-free extracts. This inhibition was noncompetitive with respect to L-methionine. Inhibition of SAM-synthase by cycloleucine lowered SAM levels in intact cells, but resulted in differentiation of only a minor percentage of cells. These data indicate that changes in SAM and SAH levels in HL-60 cells seem to be a consequence rather than a cause of differentiation.

Determination of triacylglycerols in serum by capillary gas chromatography with trinonadecanoylglycerol as internal standard

An accurate capillary gas-chromatographic method with trinonadecanoylglycerol as internal standard for determining triacylglycerols in human serum and other biological sources is described. After serum extraction, total triacylglycerol and triacylglycerol species (differing in the number of carbon atoms in the acyl radicals) are directly determined without any further sample manipulation. In addition, from the same gas-chromatographic run the data obtained by the integrator record are compared with those of a computer data acquisition system. Evaluation of the triacylglycerol values resulted in a coefficient of variation (CV) of 2.08% (computer evaluation). Simultaneous evaluation of data obtained from tripalmitoylglycerol and tristearoylglycerol standards resulted in CV of 2.04 and 1.99%, respectively (computer evaluation), and 6.63 and 4.84%, respectively (integrator evaluation). Gas chromatography at lower elution temperature resulted in better separations but enhanced CV values up to about 4%. Triacylglycerol values were not influenced by storage of plasma at -20 degrees C up to 4 days prior to extraction.

Acatalasia discovered by accident during a disk operation

During a disk operation, the wound was flushed with hydrogen peroxide, resulting in a blackish brown discoloration of the musculature without the formation of foam. Clinical observation caused the experienced biochemist to make the diagnosis of suspected acatalasia, a rare congenital metabolic defect which is inherited autosomally recessively. Investigation of the catalase activity in the hemolysate of the patient and his brother confirmed this suspicion and resulted in the first diagnosis of this condition in Austria.

Clinical biochemistry of peroxisomal disorders

Peroxisomes have been shown to participate in a variety of pathological processes. Peroxisomal anomalities are central features of Zellweger's cerebro-hepato-renal syndrome, neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy, infantile Refsum's disease and several other genetic metabolic disorders (pseudo-Zellweger syndrome, Leber congenital amaurosis, cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis, rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata). In disorders with general loss of peroxisomal functions (Zellweger syndrome, neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy, infantile Refsum's disease) an accumulation of very long-chain fatty acids and pathological bile acids are found. Patients have a defective synthesis of plasmalogens and show increased excretion of dicarboxylic acids of medium chain length and of pipecolic acid in the urine. These anomalities which are due to the lack of peroxisomal enzymes, supply the basis for clinical laboratory tests. The study of these peroxisomal disorders has presented valuable information on the normal function of peroxisomes.

[Heterotopic cartilage tissue in the uterus. Report of 2 cases and review of the literature]

The occurrence of heterotopic cartilage islands (HKI) in the uterus wall is a rare event. So far, less than 50 cases have been reported. The present paper describes two additional cases and renders a review of the pertinent literature. The following topics are discussed: epidemiology, localization, morphology, clinical findings, etiology and pathogenesis. The vast majority of the HKI will result from displacement and retention of fetal tissues in the uterine wall. In exceptional cases, a development of HKI due to metaplasia may be discussed.

Regulation of the coagulation system by vascular endothelial cells

The endothelium plays an active role in the regulation of the coagulation mechanism. Multiple anticoagulant properties are operative on the cell surface in homeostasis. In the protein C/protein S pathway, for example, endothelium provides cofactors promoting activation of protein C, assembly of the activated protein C/protein S complex, and synthesizes protein S. In contrast, following exposure to cytokines and other pathologic stimuli, endothelial cell activation occurs. This activated state includes upregulation of procoagulant properties, such as tissue factor, with concomitant downregulation of anticoagulant cofactors, such as thrombomodulin. Modulation of endothelial cell coagulant properties by cytokines provides a mechanism linking activation of the clotting mechanism to the cellular response to environmental stimuli.

Liver structure and function during long-term treatment with cyproterone acetate

Animal experiments and clinical observations have raised the question of liver function in patients on long-term, high-dose administration of sex steroids. The effective treatment of androgenisation demands the prolonged administration of the antiandrogen cyproterone acetate (CPA), which is also a highly effective progestogen. Biochemical tests of liver function and ultrasonographic examinations were performed in 77 women who had been treated with CPA given in the reverse sequential scheme - 100 mg CPA/day from the 1st-10th day combined with 2 mg CPA + 0.05 mg ethinylestradiol/day from the 1st-21st day of each treatment cycle - for 3 to 11 years. No disturbances of the liver structure or function were found.