[Current prevalence of trichinosis in Santiago, Chile (1992). A study on 500 corpses]

In August-December 1992, 500 diaphragm muscle samples taken at random from people who were autopsied at the Santiago Medico-Legal Service, were submitted to phototrichinoscopy to search for encysted larvae of Trichinella spiralis. For each sample seven small pieces were examined. Three hundred and eighty nine (77.8%) cadavers corresponded to males and one hundred and eleven (22.2%) to females. Ages ranged from 1 to 90 years. Ten (2.0%) of the individuals examined resulted positive, the higher frequencies corresponding to individuals over 20 years of age. The prevalence rate of T. spiralis infection found is rather similar to those detected in 1966-1967, 1972 and 1982, with percentages of 2.2, 3.4 and 2.8 respectively.

[A genetic and hormonal study of 5 patients with the nonclassical form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency]

BACKGROUND

To study the association between the 21-hydroxylase deficiency with the HLA histocompatibility complex in a mediterranean ethnic group.

METHODS

5 patients with late-onset 21-hydroxylase deficiency, diagnosed on the basis of a high plasma level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, along with 23 family members were typed. 17-hydroxyprogesterone response to iv ACTH stimulus was measured too in the family members.

RESULTS

We found a genetic linkage disequilibrium between the late-onset 21-hydroxylase deficiency and the HLA antigen B51. Moreover, similar biologic profiles were observed in the patients and those of their siblings who were HLA identical. The heterozygous carriers showed a intermediate 17-hydroxyprogesterone response to ACTH between propositus and homozygotes and their family members who had no HLA haplotype identical to those of the propositus.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations tend to confirm that a close linkage exits between the gene (or genes) for 21-hydroxylase deficiency in late-onset adrenal hyperplasia and the HLA genes. This association may change in the different ethnic groups.

Glucose tolerance tests during gestation in the unanesthetized rat

To establish the temporal stages at which changes in insulin/glucose interactions may appear during gestation in the rat, unanesthetized animals were subjected to oral glucose tolerance tests (2 g glucose/kg) at days 15 and 21 of gestation and were compared to virgin female controls. On day 15 glucose tolerance is enhanced in the pregnant rat whereas plasma insulin levels are like those in control animals. On day 21 glucose tolerance does not differ between the two groups although insulin is higher in the pregnant animals. Results show 2 differentiated stages of insulin/glucose relationships throughout gestation in the rat with enhanced insulin sensitivity on day 15 and enhanced insulin resistance during late gestation. It is suggested that these changes contribute to the anabolic tendencies of the mother during mid gestation and her catabolic condition during late gestation.

[Osteoarticular infections in children]

We presented a retrospective review of osteoarticular infections diagnosed at Sant Joan de Deu Hospital from Barcelona, in the last 10 years (1981-1990). A total of 127 arthritis and 113 osteomyelitis were recorded in children aged from a few days to 15 years. This represents a 3.5% of all infectious diseases patients during the study period. The most common microorganism was S. aureus (52.3%) followed by Brucella (8.2%) and Salmonella as well as Streptococcus agalactiae (7.3% each). The most common involved joint were hip and knee in arthritis cases, but long bones (tibia and humerus) in osteomyelitis cases.

[Usefulness of studies of susceptibility of ampicillin, carbenicillin, cefalotin and colistin as a presumptive identification system for the Aeromonas sp. group]

We have studied the restricted antibiotic susceptibility tests for 180 strains belonging to mesophilic Aeromonas sp. isolated from stools samples. Strains has been identified as follows: A. caviae (64.6%), A. hydrophila (17.7%) and A. sobria (17.7%). Antibiotics tested were ampicillin (10 micrograms), carbenicillin (100 micrograms), cephalotin (30 micrograms) and colistin (10 micrograms), by means of agar diffusion tests (disk-plate). We identified four different patterns of antibiotic susceptibility. The most frequent pattern (pattern #1) (77.8%) is characterized by susceptibility only to colistin, and was predominant among A. caviae strains (80%). Pattern #2 (susceptibility to cephalotin and colistin) was found in 18.9% of strains, being predominant in A. sobria (88.2%). We confirm the higher susceptibility of A. sobria sp. to cephalotin as well as the possibility that these different patterns might be used as screening method for species identification among mesophilic group of Aeromonas.

[Cerebral venous thrombosis and hereditary protein C deficiency]

Protein C together with its plasmatic cofactor protein S and antithrombin III probably represent the most important plasmatic inhibitor in coagulation. Protein C deficiency constitutes a high risk factor for venous thrombosis. Cerebral venous thrombosis is a manifestation which is scarcely referred to in protein C deficiency. The case of a 32 year old patient with protein C deficiency is presented. The patient was admitted for an endocraneal hypertension syndrome. CT and MR demonstrated multiple hemorrhagic cerebral infarctions. Arteriography confirmed vertebral venous thrombosis. Only six cases sufficiently documenting cerebral venous thrombosis due to protein C deficiency were found in the literature. In most cases coadjuvant factors exist predisposing thromboembolic disease. The present clinical case demonstrates the importance of considering protein C deficiency in the diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis in young adults.

Immunogenicity of Salmonella typhi Ty21a vaccine for young children

An attenuated Salmonella typhi Ty21a vaccine was administered to 18 infants and toddlers (less than or equal to 24 months old) to determine its safety and immunogenicity. The vaccination (10(9) CFU per dose, three doses) was well tolerated. However, after the vaccination there was no evidence of a humoral or cellular immune response to S. typhi. The vaccine used was known to be immunogenic for older children and adults. The results support the view that the immunogenicity of Ty21a is age dependent.

[Relation of prolactin with nodular hyperplasia and carcinoma of the prostate]

The relationship between prolactin in NH and prostate carcinoma has several aspects: under normal conditions, prolactin enhances androgens output, increasing the Leydig cell susceptibility to LH. At the prostate level, it increases testosterone binding to the prostate epithelium and stimulates the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. On its own, it decreases prostatic protein degradation and increases the DNA synthesis index. With regard to Nodular Hyperplasia, once its hormone dependency is rated, it also appears to be stimulated by high levels of prolactin. The NH cell cultures with human prostate increase their growth, cell division, as well as the DNA synthesis. The aspects of the prolactin-prostate carcinoma interaction involve considering this hormone as a possible carcinogenic agent, emphasizing the existence of high plasma levels of this hormone in individuals with prostate carcinoma, where any androgen excess is considered a major factor at the genesis of this tumour, and prolactin increases indirectly its testicular synthesis. Also, prolactin itself stimulates the growth and development of carcinomatous human cell lines, increasing its effect in the presence of testosterone. For this reason, controlling this hormone levels becomes an element to have into consideration in the treatment and follow-up of these patients; also, the reevaluation of any drug therapy that, besides the initial goal pursued, does not maintain baseline prolactin levels. The association of anti-prolactin drugs has to be understood as a co-adjuvant therapy when there is androgenic deprivation, never as a single treatment.

Immunochemical localization of major hydatid fluid antigens in protoscoleces and cysts of Echinococcus granulosus from human origin

Monospecific rabbit antisera obtained through experimental immunization with previously purified proteins were used in the structural localization of two hydatid fluid antigens, antigen 5 and antigen B, in cyst membranes and protoscoleces of E. granulosus from human origin. The antigen-antibody reaction was revealed by an avidin-biotin-peroxidase technique. Antigen 5 was not evident in the laminated membrane of the cyst wall, but it was associated with the germinal membrane of the cyst wall and brood capsules. The parenchyma of invaginated and evaginated protoscoleces was heavily labelled. The tegument, the calcareous corpuscles, the suckers and the hooks did not contain antigen 5. Degenerated protoscoleces were also labelled. Antigen B localization was essentially identical to antigen 5, but degenerated protoscoleces were not recognized by anti-antigen B antiserum. Technical aspects and differences with previously published work are discussed.

Echinococcus granulosus: antigen characterization by chemical treatment and enzymatic deglycosylation

Parasite antigenic fractions obtained by biochemical purification of sheep hydatid fluid were subjected to enzymatic digestion. The relative mobilities of the 5 and B antigens, before and after treatment, were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blot. Antigenic fractions transferred to nitrocellulose were also treated with sodium metaperiodate and concanavalin A. The results indicate that antigen 5 contains a substantial amount of carbohydrates covalently linked to a polypeptide backbone, which strongly bind to concanavalin A and is removed by N-glycosidase F (PNGase F). Antigen 5 possesses complex N-linked oligosaccharides (PNGase F sensitive), without terminal N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues (N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase nonsensitive) and has no high-mannose oligosaccharides (endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H nonsensitive). In contrast, the antigen B of low molecular weight is not susceptible to either enzymatic digestions (PNGase F, Endo H, and N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase) or sodium metaperiodate oxidation and it does not bind to concanavalin A. Polyclonal antibodies prepared against the two antigens reacted with the deglycosylated antigen 5 in Western blot. The dominant epitopes are, therefore, polypeptides, although the presence of carbohydrate epitopes in the native glycoproteins cannot be excluded.

[Molecular epidemiological markers of Legionella pneumophila in the Valencian Community (I). Plasma levels]

We have investigated the presence of plasmids in 96 Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 strains isolated from clinical and environmental samples from the Valencia area. Our results show a higher incidence of a 83 MD plasmid present in clinical as well as in environmental isolates, and a 120 MD plasmid with lower incidence and observed exclusively in strains isolated from one area. The variability in plasmid detection from L. pneumophila and the effect on it in a hospital after disinfection treatment is considered.

[Molecular epidemiological markers of Legionella pneumophila in the Valencian Community (II). Restriction enzyme profiles of chromosomal DNA]

Restriction enzyme profiles of chromosomal DNA obtained from 96 Legionella pneumophila strains isolated from environmental and clinical isolates and digested with Hind III have been analyzed. A method to obtain chromosomal DNA to be use in restriction studies and its electrophoretic analysis have been developed. Studying the fragments showing higher differences when comparing the profiles obtained, 5 subtypes are defined and correlated with the isolation areas. There are similar restriction profiles independent of the plasmid contents.

[Molecular epidemiological markers of Legionella pneumophila in the Valencian Community (III). Peptide profiles]

Electrophoretic profiles using soluble peptides obtained from Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 have been studied to be used as epidemiological markers. Using 8.5% polyacrylamide gels (SDS-PAGE) a unique profile common to environmental and clinical isolates has been detected showing 2 differential bands: a 150 kD and a 230 kD band present in only one clinical isolate. In order to achieve better resolution in the peptide profile 10 to 20% gradient SDS-PAGE has been used, confirming the existence of a common profile and 2 subtypes as well as another profile present in a smaller number of strains.

The monoclonal antibody GRC1 produced against human cornea recognizes a common determinant of collagen

The monoclonal antibody GRC1 was obtained by immunizing BALB/c mice with human cornea. Screening was performed by indirect immunofluorescence in cryostatic sections of several tissues: cornea, skin, placenta, hyaline cartilage, blood vessels, and nerves. GRC1 was seen to recognize fibrillar structures in all of these tissues. The pattern of reaction was interstitial and membranous. On cornea, GRC1 reacts definitely with Bowman's membrane and diffusely with the stroma, while on skin it shows strongly positive reactivity with the papillary dermis and with the basement membrane. It also reacts on hyaline cartilage at the periphery of the condrocytic lacunae. These immunohistologic results suggest that GRC1 recognized human collagen. In order to investigate further the subtype of collagen defined by GRC1, an ELISA was performed with purified collagens of several types: I, II, III, IV, and V. The monoclonal antibody GRC1 defines a common determinant in types III, IV, and V.

Effect of methoxyethanol, cyclophosphamide and cadmium on metallothionein levels during prenatal development in the mouse

Three known teratogenic agents--methoxyethanol (ME), cyclophosphamide (CP) and cadmium (Cd)--are possible inducers of metallothionein (MT) in the embryo and/or in the fetus. Their effect on the MT levels of forelimbs, brain and liver during prenatal development and in dam's liver was studied in the mouse to elucidate whether MT could be used as an early biochemical indicator of teratogenicity. Pregnant mice were injected with 2 doses of each teratogen at different days of the middle gestational phase and their embryos and fetuses were obtained thereafter. Quantitative estimation of MT in the S9 from homogenates of the embryo/fetal tissues and organs and maternal liver showed major alterations in the dam's hepatic MT content but only small changes in prenatal MT levels. These results do not support MT as an early indicator of teratogenicity. However, a causal relationship between the maternal MT changes induced by the tested agents and their teratogenic effect could be possible.

[Intestinal protozoan parasitism in children from the bay of Cádiz]

The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis from protozoa in a pediatric population group attending different education centres in the Bay of Cádiz is investigated by means of directly examining the feces using microscopic techniques. The percentage of children affected by parasites is 6.3%, there being no differences with regard to sex or social level. Giardia lamblia is the most frequently found protozoa (2.7%). The level of infection from Cryptosporidium sp. (2.3%) is significant. The symptomatology of those affected was nonspecific and not intense, and therefore did not lead to any suspicion of pathology.

[Characterization of immunogenic proteins from Echinococcus granulosus with the immunoblot technique]

The serological response to Echinococcus granulosus was evaluated by immunoblotting in 20 patients with hydatid disease. In non-reducing conditions, the highest reactivity corresponded to 80, 66 and 56 kd proteins, while in reducing conditions only one 36 kd protein was detected. A low molecular weight component which moved with the migration front of gels was also detected. In reducing conditions the activity was less marked. Immunoblotting permits the identification of specific immunogenic proteins and the improvement of the serologic diagnosis of hydatid disease, as it eliminates the problem of low titer nonspecific reactions with serological tests using complex antigens.

Characterization and development of metallothionein in fetal forelimbs, brain and liver from the mouse

The presence of the low molecular weight protein metallothionein (MT) has been investigated in fetal forelimbs, brain and liver from the mouse with the aim of using the protein as a biochemical marker for the early recognition of potential teratogenic agents in the future. Forelimbs, brain and liver were taken from mouse fetuses at ages ranging from 12 to 18 d. Each type of organ was homogenized and centrifuged at 9000 x g. The analysis of MT in the supernatants (S9) with the Cd-heme saturation method detected in all three cases the presence of a low molecular weight, Cd-binding protein whose concentration increased with the age of the fetus. Analysis of the S9 fractions using gel- and anion exchange-chromatography and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrated the existence of a protein analogue to the hepatic MT in forelimbs and brain.

Functional capacity of colostral leukocytes from women delivering prematurely

The phagocytic, bactericidal, and metabolic activity of colostral leukocytes from mothers delivering preterm infants was compared with that of colostral leukocytes from mothers of term infants. In addition, the proliferative capacity of colostral lymphocytes was compared. Preterm adherent colostral leukocytes had a significantly higher phagocytic index than term colostral adherent leukocytes. Mean +/- SEM values were 5.4 +/- 0.5 versus 2.7 +/- 0.2, respectively (p less than 0.001). Bactericidal capacity against Escherichia coli and nitroblue tetrazolium reduction of preterm and term colostral leukocytes were comparable. Lymphocyte proliferative response was equivalent in preterm and term milk. We conclude that colostral leukocytes from preterm mothers are at least as functional in their antimicrobial activity and possibly phagocytose even better than the colostral cells of mothers of term infants.

Lateralized functional relationship between the preoptic area and lateral hypothalamic reinforcement

Electrical self-stimulation in the lateral hypothalamus of both hemispheres was recorded in 14 rats before and after administration of a unilateral ibotenic acid lesion of the cell bodies in the region of the lateral preoptic area. A significant decrease in the rate of self-stimulation at each of two stimulation intensities was found when the electrode was placed in the hemisphere in which the ibotenic acid lesion was made. This decrease remained constant over 21 days of testing. No changes were detected in rate of self-stimulation in the intact contralateral hemisphere. These results provide evidence for a role in lateral hypothalamic self-stimulation of intrinsic neurons located in the region of the lateral preoptic area.

[Vitamin E deficiency in cystic fibrosis]

Plasma vitamin E levels were measured by high performance liquid chromatography in 42 children with cystic fibrosis and were correlated with the following parameters: sex, age, time of follow-up, clinical evolution (Schwachman score), vitamin E/cholesterol and faecal fat excretion. All children in this study received oral alfa-tocoferol (50-100 mg daily) from the diagnosis. According to the vitamin E level patients were distributed in two groups. Group I: 27 patients (64.3%) with normal concentrations. Group II: 15 patients (35.7%) with decreases plasma levels but without clinical manifestations. Steatorrhea was present in all children except 4 patients from group I and one patient from group II. On the other hand, vitamin E/cholesterol was normal in 80% of patients with vitamin E deficiency (group II). We did not find any correlation between plasma vitamin E levels and the different clinical and biological parameters studied. Further studies should be carried out to throw more light on the mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of vitamin E deficiency in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Neuropathological changes in the rat brain cortex in vitro: effects of kainic acid and of ion substitutions

The ionic mechanisms that may contribute to the neurotoxicity of kainic acid, were studied in a system of rat thin neocortical slices superfused in vitro. Slices superfused for 3 h under control conditions showed an essentially normal aspect when studied by light microscopy. Presence of 30 microM kainate in the superfusion fluid induced neuronal swelling, nuclear condensation and signs of necrosis in some cells, while other neurons, especially in deeper layers, appeared dark and condensed, with microvacuolation. The neuropil presented numerous profiles of swollen dendrites. When the slices were superfused with chloride-free medium, a large number of pyknotic neurons was seen. This was further enhanced by 30 microM kainate, which produced no swelling in this medium. These effects of Cl-free medium were almost entirely prevented in Cl-free medium without calcium and with 0.1 mM of EGTA. Sodium-free medium induced a marked neuronal swelling that was not much changed by kainate. When calcium in an otherwise normal superfusion fluid was reduced to 0.1 mM, a large number of pyknotic neurons, some with incrustations, were seen. Kainate (30 microM) in this low calcium medium led to a very large swelling and destruction of neurons, and to a spongy neuropil. These effects of kainate were greatly intensified in calcium-free-EGTA (0.1 mM) medium. Ca-free-EGTA medium by itself induced considerable neuronal and neuropil swelling. It is concluded that kainate induces neuronal swelling by a sodium- and chloride-dependent mechanism, and the enhancement of swelling in low calcium is due to an increased sodium uptake.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Anapsos, an antipsoriatic drug, in atopic dermatitis

An open, controlled study was carried out in young patients with atopic dermatitis, who during one month received oral anti-psoriatic drug, anapsos (n = 46), or antihistamines (n = 30), simultaneously with topic applications. The activity and extension of the cutaneous lesions improved under both treatments, but more markedly with anapsos in spite of the fact that topical applications did not contain steroids in the group treated with anapsos, and the effect was still appreciable several months after interruption of medication. Anapsos, which was well tolerated, considerably relieved the respiratory symptoms of all patients with asthma. Studies performed on patients with atopic dermatitis have shown high IgE levels, eosinophils and T4 counts, and a marked decrease in T8 suppressor cells in peripheral blood. Our data also show a slight decrease in T8 cells (%), a significant increase in T4 sub-sets (%) and a high T4/T8 ratio as a previously reported by several authors. Such an imbalance between helper and suppresor cells may cause alterations in the response to extrinsic and intrinsic antigens, as shown in particular by the abnormally high IgE levels observed in atopic dermatitis. Anapsos was associated with a correction in T lymphocytes imbalances, specifically through the increase of the initially low T8 cells levels and subsequent normalization of the mean T4/T8 index. The tolerance and promising therapeutic activity of this antipsoriatic drug deserve further research in other conditions characterized by a deficit of suppressor cells.

New experimental criteria for optimization of solid-phase antigen concentration and stability in ELISA

A peroxidase saturation technique for the determination of coating antigen concentration necessary to saturate polystyrene plates with a wide range of different antigens is described. The same technique has also been used to compare the stability of antigen-polystyrene bonds for native and denaturated antigens. Furthermore, the inappropriate selection of solid-phase antigen concentration and its influence on ELISA results is analyzed and an experimental criterion to select the optimum antigen concentration is proposed. Two different antigens, BSA-Ar and hydatid antigen, were used for ELISA determination of specific antibodies as a model system. Optimum solid-phase antigen concentration was determined by two different methods: peroxidase saturation, in which binding of peroxidase to non-antigen-occupied polystyrene surface sites was used to evaluate the degree of coating by antigen; chequer-board titration, using several immune sera of different affinity. Optimum antigen concentration selected by chequer-board titration using low affinity sera was similar to that selected with peroxidase saturation. On the other hand, lower antigen concentration would be selected by chequer-board titration using high affinity sera. For this reason, the concentrations of low affinity antibodies would be underestimated using the chequer-board titration. These results indicate that peroxidase saturation should be used to avoid avidity-dependent artifacts in ELISA.

Glutamate in rat brain cortex synaptic vesicles: influence of the vesicle isolation procedure

Rat brain cortex synaptic vesicles have been isolated by 3 different procedures. The one of Hata et al. (J. Neurochem., 27 (1976) 139) gave synaptic vesicles with a high glutamate content, but also, as judged by [3H]ouabain binding and electron microscopy, with considerable contamination by plasma membrane vesicles. This did not allow a precise estimation of the glutamate content of each synaptic vesicle. The second procedure used (Life Sci., 21 (1977) 1075), in which the tissue is homogenized with an all glass homogenizer, yielded vesicles of higher purity, but with no glutamate. A slightly modified Kadota and Kadota procedure (J. Cell Biol., 58 (1973) 135) gave synaptic vesicles of a very high purity that were filtered on a Sepharose 4B column, and there, the synaptic vesicle fraction of highest purity was estimated to contain 3640 glutamate molecules in each glutamatergic vesicle. This is equivalent to an intravesicular concentration of 0.21 M, that is, at least 10 times higher than the glutamate concentration in the rat brain cortex.

Evidence for a role of the preoptic area in lateral hypothalamic self-stimulation

We examined the effects of unilateral radiofrequency lesions in the preoptic area on lateral hypothalamic self-stimulation in 15 rats. The animals were tested for self-stimulation in the lateral hypothalamus at 3 different current intensities from electrodes placed in both hemispheres, and then received a unilateral lesion in the preoptic area. Four hours later they were again tested for self-stimulation at the 3 current intensities and then daily over the following 14 days, or until they recovered their presurgical rates of self-stimulation. Rate of self-stimulation decreased in the damaged hemisphere, and recovered to prelesion levels within 2 weeks in 6 of 9 rats. In the intact hemisphere rate of self-stimulation increased above the prelesion level during a period from 1 to 2 weeks after the lesion. These results suggest that the preoptic area is involved in lateral hypothalamic self-stimulation. The effects of D-amphetamine (1 mg/kg) and apomorphine (2 mg/kg) injections on turning behavior were also studied in an open field and in a rotometer. Apomorphine induced contraversive turning to the lesion side in the open field and D-amphetamine induced ipsiversive turning in the rotometer.

Effect of systemic pH, PCO2 and bicarbonate concentration on biliary bicarbonate secretion in the rat

The effect of acute metabolic or respiratory acid-base disturbances on biliary bicarbonate secretion was examined in bile fistula rats. Animals were infused with ursodeoxycholate at a rate that stimulates bicarbonate secretion (1 mumole . min-1 X 100 gm-1), in control conditions and during acute acid-base disturbances. Metabolic acidosis or alkalosis were induced by HCl or NaHCO3 infusions, and respiratory acidosis or alkalosis were created respectively by adding CO2 to the inspired gas or by hyperventilation in artificially ventilated animals. Biliary bicarbonate concentration was always higher than plasma bicarbonate concentration. During metabolic disturbances, changing the plasma bicarbonate concentration from 9.2 to 30.2 mM stimulated biliary bicarbonate secretion by 113%. During respiratory disturbances, changing the plasma PCO2 from 25.5 to 59.8 mm Hg also increased biliary bicarbonate secretion by 89%. Biliary bicarbonate output was thus independent of plasma pH. When all animals were considered, bile flow was positively correlated with biliary bicarbonate concentration (r = 0.71, p less than 0.001). Acetazolamide significantly decreased ursodeoxycholate-induced bile flow and bicarbonate secretion by 20 and 22%, respectively. These results support the hypothesis that there is a relationship between ursodeoxycholate-induced bicarbonate secretion and bile flow. They are also consistent with the view that ursodeoxycholate-stimulated biliary bicarbonate secretion in the rat is strongly affected by plasma bicarbonate and PCO2, but not by plasma pH, and involves carbonic anhydrase.

Lateral hypothalamic self-stimulation persists in rats after destruction of lateral hypothalamic neurons by kainic acid or ibotenic acid

Bilateral injections of 1 microgram/microliter of kainic or ibotenic acid into the lateral hypothalamus (LH) of rats destroyed most of the cells in the LH. This treatment did not prevent electrical self-stimulation from electrodes placed in the LH, indicating that intrinsic neurons of the LH alone are not crucial elements of the neural system that mediates reinforcing hypothalamic stimulation.

Multiple hepatic adenomas after long-term therapy with testosterone enanthate. Review of the literature

We report a case of multiple hepatic adenomas developed in a 32-year-old man with renal allograft after long-term therapy with testosterone enanthate. Histological assessment showed a benign hepatocellular adenoma, which has not regressed over a 6-month follow-up since androgen withdrawal. A review of primary hepatic tumors associated with androgenic-anabolic steroid therapy published in the English literature has been carried out, concentrating on the more relevant recent publications. No previous case of hepatic adenoma with possible relationship to the use of non-17-alpha alkylated compounds has been reported.

Hemodynamic effects of dobutamine in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis

The effects of dobutamine infusion on cardiac output, hepatic blood flow, and the gradient between wedged and free hepatic venous pressures were studied in 14 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. Cardiac output rose from 5.8 +/- 1.2 l/min (mean +/- SD) to 7.1 +/- 1.5 l/min. Hepatic blood flow and the gradient between wedged and free hepatic venous pressures did not change significantly during the dobutamine infusion (1.360 +/- 0.510 l/min to 1.446 +/- 0.502 l/min and 17.7 +/- 4.9 mm Hg to 17.9 +/- 3.7 mm Hg). We conclude that in alcoholic cirrhotic patients, dobutamine increased cardiac output as a result of increased heart rate and that there were no significant changes in percentage of cardiac output distributed to the liver.

[Effect of melatonin on L-leucine aminopeptidase in the hypothalamus and cerebral cortex of the normal and ovariectomized rat]

The effect of melatonin (500 micrograms/kg weight s.c. for 15 consecutive days) on the L-leucine amino peptidase (LAP) activity of the hypothalamus and brain cortex is studied on castrated and nan castrated rats. There was a significant increase in the LAP activity of hypothalamus (p less than 0.001 v.s. saline group) in the non castrated group, however, no changes were observed in the brain cortex. In the ovariectomized group injected from the 15th to 30th after castration, a very big decrease was recorded in the LAP activity in both the hypothalamus and brain cortex which was not modified by melatonin. This data is studied in relationship to the antigonadotrophic effect of melatonin on the non castrated animals since the changes of this activity in the hypothalamus are inversely related to the gonadotrophin secretion, specially luteinizing hormone.

SEM and X-ray microanalysis of human prostatic calculi

Calculi removed from human prostates affected with nodular hyperplasia were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy and EDAX system. The general spectrum was made up of Na, Al, Mg, S, P, Ca and Zn. Two types of stone were identified morphostructurally and microanalytically: calculi type I of nodular surface with high peaks of S, and calculi type II polyfaceted with high peaks of P and Ca. Their formation from corpora amylacea and/or exogenous constituents is discussed. The superficial deposit of Zn suggests its incorporation from the prostatic liquid and does not seem to play an important role in the genesis.

Spatial discrimination, reversal and active or passive avoidance learning in rats with KA-induced neuronal depletions in dorsal hippocampus

The neurotoxin kainic acid (KA) was iontophoretically administered to the dorsal hippocampus of female rats. Depending upon the diameter of the micropipette used to administered KA, this treatment completely depleted the dorsal hippocampus of nerve cell bodies (group LHC, N = 8) or selectively depleted CA4 (group SHC, N = 7) while sparing significant numbers of cells in CA1-CA3, and the fascia dentata. In both experimental groups, there was no apparent damage to the fimbria/fornix system, the ventral hippocampus and subiculum or neocortex adjacent to the injection site. The extensive neuron depletion (group LHC) sharply impaired the acquisition of a CAR in a shuttle box, produced a passive avoidance deficit in a step-through situation (but not in a punished-licking test), facilitated acquisition of a brightness discrimination in a T-maze, but had no significant effect on reversal learning in this situation. The more limited neuron depletions produced in group SHC produced no effect on CAR acquisition in the shuttle box but resulted in similar, though typically smaller effects in all other situations. The pronounced differences between this pattern of behavior change and that consistently reported after traditional lesions of the dorsal hippocampus indicate that damage to fibers of passage may contribute significantly to the classic hippocampal lesion syndrome.

Antagonistic effects of propranolol upon ethanol-induced narcosis in mice

The interaction of dl-propranolol with narcosis induced by ethanol was studied in mice. dl-propranolol reduced significantly the duration of ethanol-induced narcosis. This antagonism was also present in animals pre-treated with pyrazole. The d-isomer of propranolol, devoid of beta-blocking action, did not decrease the duration of ethanol-induced narcosis. The blood levels of ethanol at the end of narcosis were similar in animals with or without dl-propranolol pre-treatment. These results support the hypothesis that this action of dl-propranolol could be mediated by central adrenergic beta receptors.

The outflow pathway in congenital glaucoma

We obtained specimens from the angle of the eye during a trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy operation of a 5-month-old boy with congenital glaucoma. Light and electron miscroscopy of the anterior chamber angle showed the presence of mesodermal tissue covering the entire trabecular area. The trabecular meshwork showed thickening of trabecular beams, and an increased amount of collagen fibrils in the trabecular matrix. Internal trabecular spaces contained red blood cells; outer trabecular spaces were not apparent. The juxtacanalicular trabecular meshwork was thicker than in normal cases, because of an increased amount of collagen fibrils. The endothelium of Schlemm's canal was underlined by a thick and constant layer of amorphous material. These observations suggested that the site of increased resistance to aqueous humor outflow in congenital glaucoma could be found in abnormalities of the trabecular meshwork and the internal wall of Schlemm's canal.