Biochemical analysis of lactoferrin receptors in the Neisseriaceae: identification of a second bacterial lactoferrin receptor protein

Bacterial transferrin receptors that have been described in the families Pasteurellaceae and Neisseriaceae are composed of two receptor proteins, transferrin binding proteins 1 and 2 (Tbp1 and Tbp2). In contrast, bacterial lactoferrin receptors have only been described for human pathogens in the family Neisseriaceae, and were believed to consist of a single protein, Lbp1, which is highly homologous to Tbp1. We describe a modified affinity isolation procedure that facilities isolation of a second lactoferrin receptor protein Lbp2 (a presumptive Tbp2 homologue) from Neisseria meningitidis, Moraxella catarrhalis and Moraxella bovis using immobilized lactoferrin. Antiserum specific for either the M. catarrhalis Tbp1+2 molecules, the M. catarrhalis Lbp1 molecule, or for a commercial preparation of human lactoferrin did not react on western blots with the same organisms' affinity purified Lbp2. In addition, the M. catarrhalis Lbp2 could be isolated in a functional form without contaminating Lbp1 or Tbp1+2. We also demonstrate that the bovine pathogen, M. bovis, produces functional transferrin and lactoferrin receptors specific for the bovine forms of these glycoproteins. A putative lbpB gene, recently speculated to reside immediately upstream of the N. meningitidis Lbp1 structural gene, lbpA, likely encodes the newly isolated Lbp2 protein from this bacterial species.

PCR detection of clonal tcr gamma-gene rearrangements in a group of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas including a case of localized pagetoid reticulosis expressing the gamma-delta tcr

In this report, we describe the analysis of clonality performed using a PCR-based approach in a group of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas including a case of localised pagetoid reticulosis expressing the gamma delta T-cell receptor. For our PCR analysis DNA was extracted from frozen tissue of 10 cases of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas and subjected to polymerase chain reaction amplification using primers recognizing conserved sequences of the variable and joining regions of the T-cell receptor gamma chain gene. PCR products were then analyzed by high resolution non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Clonal TCR gamma gene rearrangements were detected in all the cases investigated including the case of localised pagetoid reticulosis. The PCR-based approach used in this study may provide an alternative to conventional Southern blot analysis for the analysis of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas as it is easy to perform and requires only minimal amounts of DNA. The findings in localized pagetoid reticulosis are consistent with the proliferation of monoclonal T-cells in lesional skin of this condition and provide evidence for the lymphoproliferative nature of this clinically benign disorder.

Chronic neurosteroid treatment produces functional heterologous uncoupling at the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A/benzodiazepine receptor complex in mammalian cortical neurons

We have investigated the effects of chronic treatment with the neurosteroid 5 alpha-pregnan-3 alpha-ol-20-one (5 alpha 3 alpha) on the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor complex in cultured mammalian cortical neurons. Chronic 5 alpha 3 alpha treatment (up to 2 microM, 5 days) did not produce any changes in the morphological appearance or the cell protein content of cortical neurons. The basal binding of [3H]flunitrazepam, [3H]Ro15-1788, and [3H]Ro15-4513 was not altered after the chronic treatment. Chronic 5 alpha 3 alpha treatment did not alter the Kd or Bmax values of [3H]flunitrazepam binding to intact cortical neurons. However, chronic 5 alpha 3 alpha treatment produced uncoupling between GABA, barbiturate, and neurosteroid sites and the benzodiazepine site. The EC50 values of these ligands were not significantly altered; however, their Emax values were decreased after chronic 5 alpha 3 alpha treatment. The 5 alpha 3 alpha-induced uncoupling was time and concentration dependent. The binding of [3H]GABA and t-[35S]butylbicyclophosphorothionate was also decreased after chronic 5 alpha 3 alpha treatment. Chronic 5 alpha 3 alpha treatment decreased the Bmax of the low affinity GABAA receptor sites, without affecting the high affinity sites, and decreased the Bmax of t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate binding sites. The EC50 value for GABA-induced 36Cl- influx was not altered, whereas the Emax value was decreased after chronic 5 alpha 3 alpha treatment. Furthermore, the 5 alpha 3 alpha-induced uncoupling was reversed by concomitant exposure of the cortical neurons to 5 alpha-pregnan-3 beta-ol-20-one or R5135, suggesting an involvement of the neurosteroid and GABA recognition sites in the observed uncoupling. Taken together, these results suggest that chronic 5 alpha 3 alpha treatment produces heterologous uncoupling at the GABAA receptor complex.

Ascorbic acid transport and distribution in human B lymphocytes

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) transport was investigated in human B lymphocytes. The vitamin was transported by two components. The first was a high-affinity activity with an apparent Km of 7-10 microM and Vmax of 0.14 mM/h (3.11 x 10(-4) mumol x h-1 x mg protein-1). The activity was concentration and temperature dependent, saturable, and inhibited by carbonylcyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone and ouabain and generated ascorbic acid accumulation against a concentration gradient. Kinetics for the second component were indeterminate because ascorbate was not accumulated against a concentration gradient. Subcellular fractionation revealed that intracellular ascorbic acid in human B lymphocytes was > 90% localized to the cytosol and not protein bound. Kinetic parameters of high-affinity ascorbic acid transport could operate effectively with plasma concentrations normally found in humans.

Visualization of the thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor and its ligand during endocytosis and recycling

Endocytosis and recycling of both thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and its G-protein-coupled receptor were visualized by conventional and confocal fluorescence microscopy in pituitary cells using a rhodamine-labeled TRH analog (Rhod-TRH) and indirect immunofluorescent staining of cells stably transfected with an epitope-tagged TRH receptor (TRHR). The epitope-tagged TRHR was confined to the cell surface prior to agonist treatment. Both Rhod-TRH and TRHR were also localized on the plasma membrane after agonist binding at 0 degrees C. Ligand binding at 37 degrees C resulted in rapid endocytosis, and both Rhod-TRH and the epitope-tagged TRHR appeared in cytoplasmic vesicles within 5 min. Fluorescently labeled TRH and transferrin colocalized in the same endocytotic vesicles, and internalization of Rhod-TRH and TRHR was inhibited by hypertonic medium, suggesting that endocytosis occurred by a clathrin-dependent mechanism. Internalized TRHRs returned to the membrane within 20 min after removal of TRH, and cycloheximide did not block receptor recycling. A mutant TRHR truncated at Cys335 signaled but did not internalize Rhod-TRH, confirming the importance of the carboxyl terminus of the TRHR in receptor-mediated endocytosis. Thus, the TRH-TRHR complex is endocytosed via clathrin-coated vesicles and the receptor is recycled to the plasma membrane.

Successful treatment of chromoblastomycosis with itraconazole

An unusual severe case of chromoblastomycosis due to Cladosporium carrionii unresponsive to 5-FC and some azoles is reported. With oral itraconazole at a dosage of 100 mg d(-1) for 15 months (total dose 45.5 g) the patient had a complete clinical and mycological recovery without any side-effects.

Evaluation of assays for the identification and quantitation of muconic acid, a benzene metabolite in human urine

Muconic acid (MA) is a urinary metabolite of benzene and has been used as a biomarker of exposure to benzene in humans exposed to levels as low as 1 ppm. We have modified a high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) based assay for urinary MA (Ducos et al., 1990) by the use of a diode array detector. This modification increases the specificity of the HPLC-based assay by identifying false positives. In addition, we have developed a gas chromatography (GC) based assay that uses a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Both assays identified and quantified MA in human urine at concentrations greater than 40-50 ng/ml. Assay precision was within 10% relative standard deviation for MA concentrations above 90 ng/ml using the HPLC assay and above 40 ng/ml using the GC-FID assay. Quantitative accuracy of the assays was evaluated by determining MA in human urine samples using both methods and also a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) procedure. Numerical correlation among the three assays was good at MA concentrations above 100 ng/ml.

Transferrin receptors on ruminant pathogens vary in their interaction with the C-lobe and N-lobe of ruminant transferrins

The interaction between ruminant transferrins and receptor proteins on the surface of the ruminant pathogens Pasteurella haemolytica, Haemophilus somnus, Pasteurella multocida, Haemophilus agnii, and Moraxella bovis was evaluated by a combination of binding assays and affinity isolation procedures. Membranes isolated from P. haemolytica, P. multocida, and H. agnii were capable of binding sheep, goat, and cattle transferrins whereas binding by membranes from H. somnus and M. bovis was specific for bovine transferrin. Proteolytically derived bovine transferrin C-lobe was capable of inhibiting the interaction between bovine transferrin and both Tbp1 and Tbp2 from P. haemolytica and M. bovis but only Tbp1 from H. somnus and P. multocida. Proteolytically derived N-lobe inhibited the binding of P. multocida and H. somnus Tbp2 to bovine transferrin and the binding of bovine transferrin to the single receptor protein identified in H. agnii. The implications of these results regarding the nature of the ligand-receptor interaction and similarities of this interaction with ligand-receptor interactions in different species are discussed.

[Experimental and clinical observation on wrinkle correction by medical cosmetic collagen injection]

Medical cosmetic collagen is a new biomaterial for soft tissue augmentation, such as wrinkle correction, It consists of highly purified human collagen. The ratio of type I and type III collagen is 44/56. The persistence of collagen in rats is more than one year. Rat cells and capillaries grew into the injections. Fibroblasts synthesized rat collagen. Capillaries established blood supply. The clinical observation on 123 cases proved the safety of this product. No adverse reactions developing from the use of the collagen were found. It was effective in correcting contour deformities of the skin. More than 90% correction results were excellent or good.

Immunocytochemical localization of androgen receptors in human skin using monoclonal antibodies against the androgen receptor

Androgen receptors were localized in cryostat sections of human skin using monoclonal antibodies to the human androgen receptor. Bound antibodies were detected using biotinylated rabbit anti-rat IgG, peroxidase-conjugated streptavidin, and diaminobenzidine as chromogen. In the neonatal foreskin, antibody to androgen receptor bound to keratinocytes in the epidermis and to fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells in the dermis. Immunohistochemical staining was stronger in nuclei than in cytoplasm. This staining was specific, because there was no significant staining when antibody to the androgen receptor was replaced with IgG from nonimmunized rats or with buffer, or when antibody to androgen receptor was incubated, prior to immunostaining, with a trp E-human androgen-receptor fusion protein used as immunogen. Incubation of androgen receptor antibody with trp E alone did not affect staining. Androgen-receptor antibody also bound to keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells in skin from adult men and women. Skin from the scalp, nose, lip, back, and chest gave positive staining for androgen receptor. Antibody to androgen receptor also bound to the coil and ductal cells of eccrine glands, external root sheath of hair follicles, epithelium in the hair bulb, dermal papilla cells, and sebocytes. There was no significant binding to adipocytes, collagen, or stratum corneum. These results show that androgen receptor is present in cells that are known to be targets for androgens and also in cells in which the biologic effects of androgens are yet to be characterized.

Gamma delta T lymphocytes in oriental cutaneous leishmaniasis: occurrence and variable delta gene expression

It has been suggested that T lymphocytes expressing gamma delta T-cell receptors could play an important role in defence against some intracellular infectious pathogens. The present study was undertaken to characterize the occurrence and variable delta gene expression of T lymphocytes expressing the gamma delta T-cell receptor in oriental cutaneous leishmaniasis. Eleven cases of oriental cutaneous leishmaniasis were investigated by immunohistological analysis using an alkaline phosphatase-anti-alkaline phosphatase (APAAP) technique. In three cases, we observed an increased percentage of gamma delta T cells (about 20% of CD3+ cells). In these cases gamma delta T cells generally expressed the V delta 2 segment, and only rarely the V delta 1 gene product. V delta 2+ cells were predominantly localized in the dermis, and were virtually absent in the epidermal compartment. The rare gamma delta T cells observed in the epidermis were almost exclusively V delta 1+. This study demonstrates that an increase of gamma delta T cells may be found in oriental cutaneous leishmaniasis, although it is not a constant feature of the disease. The finding of a preferential expansion of the V delta 2 subset suggests that this subpopulation of gamma delta T cells might be selectively involved in the recognition of Leishmania antigens. The distinct compartmentalization of gamma delta T-cell subpopulations indicates that these subsets may recognize distinct sets of antigens.

T lymphocytes bearing the gamma delta T-cell receptor: a study in normal human skin and pathological skin conditions

The aims of this study were to investigate the presence of gamma delta T cells in normal human skin, and the possible role of these cells in cutaneous reactions. Twenty-eight samples of normal skin from various sites, and 52 biopsies from inflammatory and neoplastic skin conditions were investigated by immunohistochemical techniques. In normal human skin gamma delta T cells were infrequently seen in the epidermis and dermis. In the inflammatory and neoplastic dermatoses, gamma delta T cells were occasionally present, accounting for 0-5% of CD3+ cells in most of the biopsies examined. In one case of pityriasis lichenoides chronica and one case of lichen planus gamma delta T cells were found to be increased, accounting for 15% of the CD3+ cells in each case. Dermal gamma delta T cells were markedly increased in three of six cases of Langerhans cell histiocytosis, with up to 30% of dermal CD3+ cells showing positive staining to an anti-T-cell receptor gamma delta monoclonal antibody. In two of these cases gamma delta T cells were seen in both the dermis and the epidermis. In two further cases dermal gamma delta T cells were not a prominent feature, but small clusters of epidermal gamma delta T cells were observed. T cells bearing the gamma delta T-cell receptor are thus not a major feature of normal human epidermis, unlike the murine system, where the great majority of epidermal lymphocytes express the gamma delta T-cell receptor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

CD68 antigen expression by human retinal pigment epithelial cells

Although a primary role of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is the phagocytosis of aged outer segment membranes, the RPE may also phagocytize particulates via several specific receptors that are characteristically present on mononuclear phagocytes of bone marrow origin. In recent immunophenotypic studies, CD68 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) have been shown to react selectively with a specific 110 kDa cytoplasmic glycoprotein present in mononuclear phagocytes from various sources. Designated as anti-macrophage antibodies that react with this macrophage-associated antigen, CD68 antibodies are now widely used for immunohistochemical identification of mononuclear phagocytes. Using a panel of CD68 mAb (KP1, EMB11, Ki-M6, Y1/82A, and Y2/131) we performed immunohistochemistry on three cytospin preparations of freshly isolated human RPE cells, three primary human RPE cultures, and 12 human RPE cell lines maintained in culture for up to 40 passages. Cytospin preparations of freshly isolated RPE cells demonstrated heavy reactivity in 5% of cells. Five- to 7-day-old primary RPE cultures exhibited uniform, heavy staining of all cells. Strong immunohistochemical reactivity persisted in all 12 cell lines at various passages up to and including passage 40. Stimulation of cultured RPE cells with interferon-gamma (100 U ml-1) for 24 and 48 hr did not produce observable differences in CD68 staining. RPE cells failed to stain when control mAb or mouse serum were substituted for the primary antibody. The constitutive expression of CD68 by neuroectodermally-derived RPE cells extends their immunophenotypic similarities with mesenchymally-derived mononuclear phagocytes and provides an additional antigenic marker to identify RPE cells in vitro.

The effect of warm heart surgery on postoperative bleeding

The effects of normothermic systemic perfusion (35 degrees to 37 degrees C; n = 73) were compared with those of moderately hypothermic systemic perfusion (25 degrees to 29 degrees C; n = 73) with respect to blood loss, transfusion requirements, and platelet levels in 146 patients undergoing isolated, primary coronary artery bypass grafting. In addition, most patients were given an antifibrinolytic medication during operation as follows: tranexamic acid (10 gm intravenously; n = 63), epsilon-aminocaproic acid (15 gm intravenously; n = 63), or no drug as a control. (n = 20). Normothermic patients tended to bleed less at 24 hours (warm, 864 +/- 42 ml and cold, 918 +/- 68 ml), but these differences were not statistically significant. Patients receiving either tranexamic acid or epsilon-aminocaproic acid, regardless of perfusion temperature, bled less after 6, 12, and 24 hours than did cold control patients (p less than 0.05). Warm control patients also bled less than did cold control patients after 6 or 12 hours (p less than 0.05), and neither drug further reduced blood loss in these patients. Circulating platelet levels were better preserved in patients receiving either tranexamic acid or epsilon-aminocaproic acid and in patients with warm perfusion and no drug than in cold control patients. Normothermic systemic perfusion, tranexamic acid, and epsilon-aminocaproic acid each reduced postoperative blood loss and preserved platelets.

Haemodialysis-related porphyria cutanea tarda and treatment by recombinant human erythropoietin

Haemodialysis-related porphyria cutanea tarda is a rare, but serious and mutilating skin condition, resulting from extremely high plasma porphyrin levels because of their inadequate clearance by haemodialysis. The treatment is very difficult as chloroquine is ineffective and venesection, the conventional treatment of this disease, is not always an option because of anaemia of end-stage renal disease. We report a case of haemodialysis-related porphyria cutanea tarda and her successful management by recombinant human erythropoietin treatment.

Comparative mutagenicity testing of bropirimine, 3. Bropirimine does not induce cytogenetic damage in vivo in the rat but does produce micronuclei in the mouse

Bropirimine is a biological response modifier (BRM) with potential antineoplastic and antiviral indications. Recent results have documented the negative findings in the Ames Salmonella assay, the in vitro UDS assay and the mouse lymphoma TK+/- assay as well as positive findings in the in vitro cytogenetic assay in CHO cells. Extensive mechanistic studies failed to establish the reason for positive findings in the in vitro cytogenetic assays. The data reported here cast doubt on the relevance of the in vitro cytogenetic results and suggest limited in vivo genotoxic potential. At doses as high as 150 mg/kg (i.p.) and 6.73 g/kg (p.o.), no evidence of chromosome aberration induction was observed in rat bone marrow cytogenetic assays. Consistent with these data, plasma and bone marrow tissue levels in similarly treated animals were well below those required for activity in the in vitro chromosome aberration assays. Positive results were obtained in the mouse micronucleus assay. However, the significance of these findings may be explained by markedly different pathways of metabolism in that species as compared to the rat. Hence, the findings in the mouse are of questionable relevance to human risk assessment. Exposure of humans to bropirimine, under therapeutically acceptable regimens is unlikely to constitute a genotoxic health hazard.

[Toxic principles of Oxytropis glabra DC]

Eight alkaloids were isolated from Oxytropis glabra and identified as anagirine, thermopsine, N-methylcytisine, sparteine, baptifoline, adenine, dictamnine and ethyl allophanate respectively by spectral analysis and physicochemical methods. All these alkaloids were isolated from this genus for the first time and ethyl allophanate was found in nature for the first time.

Seizures following myelography with iopamidol

Iopamidol, a water-soluble contrast medium, has been rarely associated with seizures. We describe 3 patients (from a series of 785) who had generalized tonic-clonic seizures after iopamidol myelography. Two of the patients underwent lumbar and one cervical myelography. There was a history of seizures in 2 patients, and the dose of iopamidol used in the patients who convulsed was high, ranging from 3,000 to 4,500 mg iodine. Despite the reported low incidence of complications with iopamidol, seizures may occur, especially in patients with previous seizures and also in those receiving higher doses of iopamidol.

Stability of ceramic pigments for maxillofacial applications

In this study samples made from pigmented porcelain and Silastic 44210 were evaluated for colour stability after accelerated ageing in order to determine the potential of coloured ceramic powders as maxillofacial pigments. These pigments demonstrated good clear colour stability compared with the same pigments which were not incorporated into a porcelain matrix.

Thalidomide-induced peripheral neuropathy. Effect of serum factor on nerve cultures

Sensory neuropathies developed in three of four patients with prurigo nodularis who had been treated with thalidomide. The serum samples of the patients who had neuropathy produced morphologic changes in cultured dorsal root ganglion cells. These observed changes support the postulate that thalidomide induces primary neuronal degeneration.

Role of computed tomography in symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas

Vertebral hemangioma, although a benign lesion, can result in neurologic deficit. Computed tomography is useful in demonstrating the extension of the hemangioma into the posterior neural arch and epidural space. Computed tomography after intravenous contrast administration is useful in evaluating the vascular nature of the lesion and is a useful technique before surgery or spinal angiography.

Vascular studies in the preoperative evaluation of pituitary adenomas before transsphenoidal surgery

The transsphenoidal approach is being increasingly utilized in the surgical treatment of pituitary microadenoma. Even with high-resolution and dynamic computed tomography (CT) scanning, subtle vascular anatomic variants and other vascular anomalies involving the parasellar carotid arteries cannot always be clearly defined. Five cases are described in which evaluation by digital intravenous subtraction angiography or standard carotid arteriography provided useful preoperative information before transsphenoidal surgery. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Effect of processing temperature on the properties of a polyvinyl chloride maxillofacial elastomer

Mechanical properties and color of a plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) maxillofacial elastomer were evaluated at processing temperatures from 140 to 190 degrees C. The properties were dependent on processing temperature. Specimens prepared at 170 degrees C had optimum mechanical properties with minimal discoloration.

Cigarette staining and cleaning of a maxillofacial silicone

In this study, a maxillofacial silicone elastomer was stained with cigarette smoke. The stain was then removed by solvent extraction using 1,1,1-trichloroethane. The cigarette smoke produced large color changes in the elastomer as measured from spectrophotometric reflectance curves. The solvent was totally effective in removing the cigarette stain without changing the color of the silicone base.

Response of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to testosterone therapy: endocrine evaluation

Four men with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) were treated with 200 mg of intramuscular testosterone weekly. Endocrine evaluation, using a gonadotropin-releasing hormone infusion test, indicated the expected degree of suppression of pituitary luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone production. These data suggest that testosterone's (androgen) interaction with its receptors in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis is normal in patients with ALS.

Stain removal from a pigmented silicone maxillofacial elastomer

The removal of environmental stains from a pigmented maxillofacial elastomer was carried out by solvent extraction under network swelling. Silastic 44210 was pigmented with 11 maxillofacial pigments prior to staining. Samples were stained with lipstick, methylene blue, and disclosing solution. These stains were then removed by solvent extraction with 1,1,1-trichloroethane. Color parameter measurements both before and after staining and after solvent extraction demonstrated the effectiveness of removing these stains by solvent extraction while causing little or no change in the color of the pigmented samples.

Staining of composite resins by cigarette smoke

Two conventional composites and one microfilled composite were exposed to cigarette smoke in vitro in a smoking chamber. Colour parameters were measured using reflectance spectrophotometry. The conventional composites showed more extensive staining than the microfilled composite. The stains were effectively removed by extensive cleaning.

Stain removal from a silicone maxillofacial elastomer

In this study, environmental stains were removed from maxillofacial elastomers by solvent extraction. Silastic 44210, an RTV silicone with proven color and physical property stability, was stained with lipstick, disclosing solution, and methylene blue. These stains were then removed by solvent extraction with each of four chemically dissimilar solvents, namely: toluene, benzene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and n-hexane. An additional series of samples was prepared with 11 maxillofacial pigments, not for staining, but for evaluation of pigment stability. Results obtained from spectrophotometric measurements before and after solvent extraction demonstrated the effectiveness of solvent extraction in removing stains, while there was little or no change in the color of the pigments or the base elastomer.

Translucency of human dental enamel

Translucency of human dental enamel was determined by total transmittance of wavelengths from 400 to 700 nm. The transmission coefficient at 525 nm was 0.481 mm-1. Total transmission of light through human dental enamel increased with increasing wavelength. Human tooth enamel is more translucent at higher wavelengths. The translucency of wet human enamel and enamel after dehydration was also measured by total transmittance. The transmission coefficient at 525 nm decreased from 0.482 to 0.313 mm-1 after dehydration and was reversed on rehydration. The decrease in translucency occurred as a result of the replacement of water around the enamel prisms by air during dehydration.

Reflection spectrophotometry of facial skin

The color of human skin of 241 whites, blacks, and orientals was measured by reflection spectrophotometry. Among these groups, major differences in luminous reflectance and excitation purity, but not in dominant wavelength, were observed. The twin absorption bands of oxyhemoglobin at 540 and 580 nm were more prominent in whites (particularly females) than in orientals or blacks. Parameters determined for Source A were higher than those for Source C.