Abnormal insulin receptor binding in cultured monocytes in myotonic muscular dystrophy

Even though one of the characteristic features of myotonic dystrophy (MyD) is the high level of circulating insulin, 125I-insulin-binding data in MyD have been controversial. In the present study we utilized cultured monocytes to avoid problems of reproducibility and variability in age, and examined the affinity and binding characteristics of 125I-insulin binding in MyD patients and controls. The Bmax and mean affinity constant, Ka, were significantly lower, while the number of receptors per cell had increased in the patient group as compared to the controls. The data confirm our earlier findings that there is no primary defect in insulin receptors in MyD, and the disturbed insulin response may be due to an abnormality in the membrane environment. Since the insulin receptor is an integral membrane protein, abnormal plasma membrane lipid composition may lead to impaired lipid-protein interactions, and hence affect the binding characteristics in MyD.

Watershed infarction on computed tomographic scan. An unreliable sign of hemodynamic stroke

We identified three patients with computed tomography-defined infarctions that were partly or exclusively located in watershed territories; clinical evaluation and cerebral angiography suggested that the infarcts were of embolic origin. In two patients, arteriography demonstrated minimal carotid plaque without evidence of significant stenosis. The third patient did have high-grade stenosis of the petrous portion of the ipsilateral internal carotid artery, but arteriography demonstrated a branch artery occlusion corresponding to the territory of the infarction. Although most authors suggest that watershed territory infarctions arise from hemodynamic events, cerebral embolization may be a common cause.

A pilot study on alterations of brain chromosomal protein phosphorylation by steroids during ageing

The modulatory effects of the steroid hormones estradiol-17 beta and hydrocortisone on phosphorylation of chromosomal proteins of the cerebral hemispheres (CH) of young and old rats was studied in vitro. The results indicate that the extent of phosphorylation decreases in both histone and non-histone-chromosomal (NHC) protein fractions as the age proceeds. Besides, both the hormones stimulate phosphorylation in young as well as old rats. However the pattern of stimulation shown by estradiol differs from that by hydrocortisone. In addition the extent of stimulation by these hormones is significantly reduced in old rats. Modulation of phosphorylation as provoked by these two hormones seems to play an important role in differential gene expression during ageing.

A 2-cM genetic linkage map of human chromosome 7p that includes 47 loci

A new high-resolution genetic linkage map for human chromosome 7p has been constructed. The map is composed of 47 loci (54 polymorphic systems), 19 of which are uniquely placed with odds of at least 1000:1. Four genes are represented, including glucokinase (GCK, ATP:D-hexose-6-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.2) which was mapped via a (CA)n dinucleotide repeat polymorphism. The sex-average map measures 94.4 cM and the male and female maps measure 73.2 and 116.1 cM, respectively. We believe that the genetic map extends nearly the full length of the short arm of chromosome 7 since a centromere marker has been incorporated, and the most distal marker, D7S21, has been cytogenetically localized by in situ hybridization to 7p22-pter. The average marker spacing is 2 cM, and the largest interval between uniquely placed markers is 13 cM (sex-average map). Overall, female recombination was observed to be about 1.5 times that of males, and a statistically significant sex-specific recombination frequency was found for a single interval. The map is based on genotypic data gathered from 40 CEPH reference pedigrees and was constructed using the CRI-MAP program package. The map presented here represents a combined and substantially expanded dataset compared to previously published chromosome 7 maps, and it will serve as a "baseline" genetic map that should prove useful for future efforts to develop a 1-cM map and for construction of a contiguous clone-based physical map for this chromosome.

A microfermentation test for the rapid identification of yeasts

The accuracy and speed of a microfermentation test (MFT), developed as a supplementary aid to other yeast identification systems, were compared with the conventional fermentation method in identifying 15 yeast species. The MFT significantly reduced the incubation period required to obtain a definitive identification. The method is easy to perform and the media and space requirements are minimal.

Increased cerebrospinal fluid protein and lipid peroxidation products in patients with cerebral malaria

Membrane lipid peroxidation by reactive oxygen species leading to increased capillary permeability is considered an important event in the pathogenesis of severe malaria. A significant decrease in plasma albumin and increases in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein and malondialdehyde (MDA) were observed in 73 patients with cerebral malaria, compared to values in 23 control patients. The greatest effect was noticed in the most severely ill patients. The ratio of CSF protein to plasma albumin was increased in the patients compared to the controls, and in fatal cases of cerebral malaria compared to non-fatal cases. Brain necropsies showed oedema, fibrin deposits and mononuclear cell infiltration. It is proposed that cerebral oedema due to enhanced permeability of vascular endothelium induced by increased lipid peroxidation plays a crucial role in the causation of cerebral malaria.

Homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia. Report of three cases

Homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia is a rare disorder encountered in one in a million in the general population. Case reports of three patients from two families are presented. A 25 year male presented with extensive myocardial infarction and had a fatal outcome. His younger brother (14 years), as also a 12 year girl from another family with multiple planar xanthomata and tuberose xanthomata, are presented.

The CEPH consortium linkage map of human chromosome 1

This paper describes the Centre d'Etude du Polymorphisme Humain (CEPH) consortium linkage map of human chromosome 1. The map contains 101 loci defined by genotypes generated from CEPH family DNAs with 146 different contributions from 11 laboratories. A total of 58 loci are uniquely placed on the map with likelihood support of at least 1000:1. The map extends from loci in the terminal bands of both chromosome arms (locus D1Z2 in 1p36.3 and D1S68 in 1q44) and is anchored at the centromere by the D1Z5 alpha-satellite polymorphism. With the exception of a single locus, the remaining loci are arrayed on the fixed map in short intervals and their possible locations are indicated. Multipoint linkage analyses provided estimates that the male, female, and sex-averaged maps extend for 308, 478, and 390 cM, respectively. The sex-averaged map contains only four intervals greater than 15 cM, and the mean genetic distance between the 58 uniquely placed loci is 6.7 cM.

Adenosine- and alpha,beta-methylene ATP-induced differential inhibition of cholinergic and non-cholinergic neurogenic responses in rat urinary bladder

1. The effects of adenosine and alpha,beta-methylene adenosine triphosphate (alpha,beta-Me ATP) on single pulse-induced neurogenic responses and contractions caused by exogenously applied acetylcholine (ACh) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were examined in rat urinary bladder. 2. Application of single pulse stimulation (1 ms; 80 V) evoked a biphasic contractile response (abolished by tetrodotoxin, 0.5 x 10(-7) M) consisting of a fast (time to peak: 1.02 +/- 0.07 s) and a slow component (time to peak: 4.92 +/- 1.6 s). The selective inhibition of the slow component by atropine (3 x 10(-6) M) suggests the participation of both cholinergic and non-cholinergic neurotransmitters. 3. alpha,beta-Me ATP (5 x 10(-6) M) abolished ATP (10(-4) M)-induced contractions without altering those to ACh (10(-6) M). Further, the selective inhibition of the fast component of the neurogenic response by alpha,beta-Me ATP is suggestive of the contribution of endogenous ATP to the non-cholinergic component. 4. Adenosine (10(-8) M to 10(-4) M) caused dose-related differential inhibition of the fast (IC50, 1.04 +/- 0.25 x 10(-5) M) and slow (IC50, 2.18 +/- 0.69 x 10(-6) M) components, thereby further supporting two modes of neurotransmission in bladder. 5. Theophylline (10(-4) M) antagonized the inhibitory effects of adenosine on the non-cholinergic component, thereby implicating the participation of P1-purinoceptors in neuromodulation. In contrast, theophylline at this concentration enhanced the adenosine-induced inhibition of the cholinergic component. component. 6. The magnitude of ATP (10-4M)- and ACh (10-8M)-induced contractions were almost identical to those of the fast and slow components of the neurogenic response, respectively. Comparable reduction of ATP (30.2 + 3.4%) and ACh (100%) contractions to those of fast (44.2 + 6.5%) and slow (88.2 + 5.5%) components suggests the involvement of a postjunctional mechanism in adenosine-induced differential inhibition of neurogenic responses. 7. The lack of effect of erythro-6-amino-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl) adenosine hydrochloride (10-6M) and dipyridamole (10-6M) suggests that endogenous adenosine plays little part in modulation of single pulseinduced neurogenic response. 8. The results of the present study suggest that fast and slow components of neurogenic response are mediated through ATP and ACh, respectively, possibly co-released from the same neurone in the rat bladder.

Inhibition of contractions and 45Ca influx by adenosine in rabbit aorta

The effects of adenosine on contractility and 45Ca-uptake in rabbit aorta have been examined and compared with those of nifedipine. Both adenosine (10(-5) M) and nifedipine (10(-8) M) inhibited contractions caused by CaCl2 (0.1-10 mM) in K(+)-depolarized preparations. Nifedipine (10(-7) M) significantly inhibited the contractions of noradrenaline (NA) at all doses (10(-8)-10(-4) M), while adenosine inhibited the contractions induced only by lower doses of NA (10(-8) and 10(-7) M) without affecting those at higher doses (greater than 10(-7) M). Adenosine (10(-8) M) and nifedipine (10(-7) M) inhibited K(+)-stimulated 45Ca-uptake by aortic strips by 75 and 100%, respectively. Similarity, NA (10(-4) M)-stimulated 45Ca influx was inhibited by about 70% by both these agents. The results suggest that adenosine inhibits inward Ca2+ movement involving both voltage-operated and receptor-operated calcium channels in rabbit aortic smooth muscle.

Effects of K(+)-free solution of contractile responses of rat vas deferens

The effect of K(+)-free solution as well as its modulatory effect on neurogenic and agonist-induced contractile responses in rat vas deferens were investigated in the present study. Isolated rat vas deferens, normally a quiescent smooth muscle, developed spontaneous contractions on exposure to K(+)-free solution which was not affected by tetrodotoxin (3 x 10(-7) mol/l) or prazosin (10(-6) mol/l) but was abolished in Ca(2+)-free medium. Transmural field stimulus (3-30 Hz; 0.5 ms duration; supramaximal voltage; 10 s) induced biphasic responses, consisting of fast and slow components, were markedly inhibited in K(+)-free medium and were restored on readdition of K+ to the medium. Similarly, the twitch responses at 0.1 Hz were also inhibited in K(+)-free solution. In the absence of K+, the sensitivity of the tissues to noradrenaline (10(-6) to 10(-4) mol/l) and ATP (10(-4) mol/l) was not significantly altered. The observations made in the present study suggest that spontaneous contractions induced by K(+)-free solution are myogenic in origin and are dependent on extracellular Ca2+. Selective inhibition of neurogenic responses in K(+)-free medium without any significant effect on exogenous noradrenaline and ATP is suggestive of the involvement of prejunctional inhibition of neurotransmitter release.

Neuropsychological deficits in myotonic muscular dystrophy

Twenty patients with myotonic muscular dystrophy (MMD) were compared with twenty controls on a battery of standardised neuropsychiological tests measuring motor and cognitive functions. The MMD patients performed significantly poorer on both motor and cognitive tests, particularly those assessing spatial functions. Although both motor and cognitive scores were correlated with age, significant diagnostic group by age interactions were present only for the motor measures. Therefore, while motor deficits in MMD may progress with ageing, cognitive deficits are mainly developmental and relatively stable.

Reactivity of Cryptococcus neoformans & Candida species with concanavalin A & blood grouping sera

Forty strains of Cryptococcus neoformans, 30 of Candida albicans, 24 of C. parapsilosis and 10 strains each of C. tropicalis and C. (Torulopsis) glabrata were examined. A 0.2 per cent solution of concanavalin A (Con A) in phosphate buffered saline and commercial anti-A and anti-B blood grouping sera were used in the whole cell slide agglutination test. All the isolates of Candida species strongly reacted with Con A and over 90 per cent were agglutinated by anti-A and -B blood grouping sera. In contrast, except for one strain, Cryptococcus neoformans did not agglutinate with Con A or blood grouping sera. These findings suggest, on one hand, a fundamental difference in the sugar mosaic of the cell surface components of Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida species, and on the other, presence of similar antigenic determinant(s)/receptors on the cell surface of Candida species and human erythrocytes.

Sources of calcium for ATP-induced contractions in rat urinary bladder smooth muscle

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP 10(-4) M) induced monophasic contractions in preparations of rat urinary bladder strips. These responses were reversibly abolished in calcium (Ca2+)-free, ethyleneglycol-bis-(beta-amino-ethyl ether)-N,N'-tetra-acetic acid (EGTA 0.1 mM)-containing medium, and were partially inhibited by 10(-6) M verapamil (43%) and 10(-6) M diltiazem (32%). However, the inhibition of ATP-stimulated 45Ca uptake by verapamil and diltiazem was more pronounced (109 and 75%, respectively). The results suggest that, in addition to the primary role of extracellular Ca2+, intracellular Ca2+ is involved in ATP-induced contractions.

Differential susceptibility of cholinergic and noncholinergic neurogenic responses to calcium channel blockers and low Ca2+ medium in rat urinary bladder

1. The influence of calcium channel blockers and low Ca2+ medium on the neurogenic responses to single pulse electric field stimulation in rat urinary bladder has been examined. 2. Single pulse stimulation evoked a biphasic contractile response consisting of a fast component with a time to peak of 0.72 +/- 0.05 s and a slow component that reached a maximal tension at 2.8 +/- 0.21 s, possibly mediated by two different neurotransmitters. 3. Atropine (3 x 10(-6) M) selectively inhibited the slow component without altering the fast component, suggesting the involvement of cholinergic and non-cholinergic neurotransmitters, respectively. 4. Reducing Ca2+ in the medium to 1/4 of the normal, abolished the slow component of the neurogenic response while the fast contractile response was not altered which may indicate a relatively greater dependence of the cholinergic component on extracellular Ca2+ than the noncholinergic one. 5. The IC50 values for the fast component with respect to verapamil and diltiazem were 1.08 microM and 1.76 microM, respectively. The greater susceptibility of the slow component to calcium channel blockers (IC50 values of verapamil: 0.07 microM and of diltiazem: 0.25 microM) indicates the differential activation of slow calcium channels by the endogenously released substances. 6. Calcium channel blockers inhibited the ATP-induced contraction which was comparable to that of the non-cholinergic component of the neurogenic response suggesting the involvement of ATP as a possible neurotransmitter. 7. Ach-induced contractions were relatively less susceptible to calcium channel blockers and low Ca2+ medium than was the atropine-sensitive cholinergic component of the neurogenic response.

Sodium-depletion-induced contractures in isolated rat vas deferens: possible role of endogenous catecholamines

The mechanism involved in the development of contracture in an isolated smooth muscle in Na+-depleted saline solution is not clearly understood. Whereas most of the reported studies attribute it to direct myogenic action of Na+ depletion, a few suggested the contracture to be an indirect mechanism through the release of the neurotransmitter from presynaptic nerve endings. The present study employed rat vas deferens and it showed that the slowly developing contracture in Na+-depleted saline solution was blocked by prior treatment with in vitro prazosin and in vivo reserpine. Prior exposure of the tissue to verapamil caused the development of rhythmic contractions in Na+-free medium and these rhythmic contractions were blocked by prazosin. Exposure of the tissue to a Ca2+-free solution abolished the contractures induced by Na+-free solution. Na+-depletion increased the sensitivity of the vas deferens to exogenous noradrenaline. It is concluded that the contractures induced by Na+ depletion result from the stimulation of postjunctional alpha-adrenoceptors by endogenously released catecholamines from the adrenergic nerve terminals innervating the vas deferens smooth muscle. Further, these contractures result from an influx of extracellular Ca2+ through both voltage-dependent and receptor-operated calcium channels.

Barium-induced contraction of rat vas deferens in calcium-free solution

Barium-induced contraction of smooth muscle through membrane depolarization is well known. Participation of calcium in Ba2+-induced contraction of smooth muscle has been emphasized. The source of the activator Ca2+ translocated by Ba2+ is, however, equivocal. The present study employing whole rat vas deferens, compared the Ba2+ response of the tissue bathed in Ca2+-deprived salt solution with those in normal salt solution. The results indicate that "phasic" component of Ba2+-induced contraction was due to both mobilization of intracellular calcium and influx of extracellular calcium, which is bound to the membrane while the "tonic" component was entirely due to the influx of the extracellular calcium of the medium. The results also suggest that Ba2+ might induce a contraction independent of Ca2+. This Ca2+-independent Ba2+ contraction is blocked by verapamil. The data has been interpreted to suggest that the calcium channels in rat vas deferens might be of two types--"fast" and "slow" voltage dependent channels--and that fast channels might be more responsible to transmit Ca2+ for phasic component and slow channels for tonic component.

Excitatory P1-purinoceptors on pre- and post-ganglionic cholinergic nerve terminals in the chick oesophagus

The mechanism of action of ATP and the purinoceptors involved have been investigated on the chick oesophagus. The susceptibility of the excitatory responses to ATP/adenosine to tetrodotoxin indicates that their action is neurally mediated. Blockade of ATP/adenosine responses by atropine suggests the involvement of endogenous acetylcholine. ATP action depends on breakdown to AMP/adenosine, since theophylline blocks ATP/adenosine responses. The inhibition of ATP responses by pentolinium implies the involvement of preganglionic fibres.

"Bypass arthritis" after gastroileostomy

We describe a patient who underwent inadvertent gastroileostomy, and subsequently developed malabsorption, granulomatous hepatitis, arthritis, and reactivation of tuberculosis accompanied by circulating immune complexes and lowered C1q. Surgical correction resulted in marked improvement, with disappearance of arthritis, return to normal of complement levels, and absence of demonstrable circulating immune complexes. Arthritis has not been documented in the spectrum of abnormalities described after gastroileostomy.

Hypoglycaemia in severe falciparum malaria

The incidence of hypoglycaemia and the role of quinine in its causation was assessed in 46 patients with severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Plasma glucose and immunoreactive insulin were estimated before, during and after quinine therapy. In 5 patients the plasma glucose was in the hypoglycaemic range, the lowest value being 0.67 mmol/litre (12 mg/dl) in a pregnant patient. Most of the remaining patients showed a significant fall in plasma glucose (P less than 0.05), but not to the hypoglycaemic range, and an increase in plasma insulin after quinine (P less than 0.01). A good correlation was found between these changes (r = 0.79, P less than 0.01). Patients with severe P. falciparum malaria, particularly those on quinine therapy, should be watched carefully for developing hypoglycaemia.

Lack of cold sensitivity in hyperkalemic periodic paralysis

The nosologic distinction between paramyotonia congenita and hyperkalemic periodic paralysis is somewhat blurred. Muscle membrane inexcitability induced by cooling seems to be characteristic of paramyotonia congenita. The effect of cooling on the maximal compound muscle action potential (CMAP) in patients with paramyotonia congenita was compared to that in patients with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis. Diminution in CMAP amplitude and area, which was observed in paramyotonia congenita, did not occur in hyperkalemic periodic paralysis. We suggest that this effect of cooling on the CMAP can be utilized in the differentiation of these two syndromes.

Motor neuropathy associated with a facilitating myasthenic syndrome

We report a patient with progressive muscle weakness, areflexia, and no sensory loss. Electromyography revealed normal sensory nerve conductions, mild slowing of motor nerve conduction velocities, low amplitude compound muscle action potentials, a neuromuscular transmission defect characterized by prominent facilitation, and diffuse fibrillation potentials. Muscle biopsies showed acute denervation atrophy, and at autopsy, there was anterior horn cell loss and gliosis in the spinal cord. The findings suggest the coexistence of a motor neuropathy and a facilitating myasthenic syndrome.

Effect of verapamil on the non-adrenergic response of the field stimulated rat vas deferens

A comparison has been made, in the present study, between the effects of verapamil (reported to have smooth muscle depolarizing action) and K+ depolarization on the responses of noradrenaline, ATP and those of field stimulation on the vas deferens obtained from reserpinized rats. Field stimulation of the vas using single pulse (1 ms pulse width; supramaximal voltage) resulted in a fast twitch response reaching a maximum at 300 +/- 20 ms. Verapamil (6 X 10(-6) M) significantly potentiated this response. Verapamil potentiated the twitch component of the biphasic response resulting from field stimulation of the intrinsic nerves with repetitive pulses, while the tonic component was markedly inhibited. Verapamil enhanced the ATP (7 X 10(-5) M) response, while the phasic and tonic components of KCl (5.36 X 10(-2) M)-induced biphasic responses were nearly abolished. While the phasic component of the noradrenaline (7 X 10(-6) M) response remained unaltered in the presence of verapamil, the tonic component was markedly inhibited and rhythmicity following phasic component was markedly enhanced. Partial depolarization, achieved by increasing K+ concentration in the normal Krebs by two-fold i.e., to 11.8 mM, enhanced the responses of ATP, noradrenaline and the twitch resulted from the single pulse stimulation. The finding that verapamil potentiates the contractile response to exogenously applied ATP, which is believed to be the "noradrenergic" neurotransmitter in the vas deferens, suggests that this is the mechanism through which verapamil potentiates the twitch responses to field stimulation of the nerve supply.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characterization of mitochondrial monoamine oxidase of Ascaridia galli

Oxidative deamination of various biogenic monoamines by Ascaridia galli monoamine oxidase (MAO) was blocked by different mammalian MAO inhibitors, namely, iproniazid, trans-PcP, nialamide and pargyline and the blockade was observed to be time as well as concentration dependent. The binding of inhibitors with chick ascarid MAO was of the irreversible type and the nature of the inhibition was competitive. Pargyline showed lowest I50 (8 microM) and Ki (12 microM) values. Chlorgyline and deprenyl at 100 microM concentration inhibited MAO by about 60 and 40% respectively, indicating the presence of both type A and type B MAO in A. galli.

Motor responses of cyproterone acetate-treated rat vas deferens to electrical field stimulation, noradrenaline and barium chloride

The effect of cyproterone acetate (CA) was studied on the autonomic transmission and smooth muscle function of the rat vas deferens. In the CA-treated vas deferens, the endogenously released noradrenaline (NA) in response to electrical field stimulation or exogenously administered NA produced rhythmic contractions (lacking a tonic component) which were abolished by prazosin - a preferential postjunctional alpha-adrenoceptor blocker. The biphasic nature of the nonadrenergic response elicited on electrical field stimulation in CA-treated rats remained unaltered. Like in controls, yohimbine potentiated this response thereby demonstrating the presence of functional presynaptic alpha-adrenoceptors (inhibitory in nature). The postjunctional alteration on the membrane function appears to be specific to adrenergic stimulation alone, since both tonic and phasic components were demonstrated in the responses resulting from nonadrenergic stimulation or those produced by barium chloride.

Ascaris lumbricoides and Ascaridia galli: biogenic amines in adults and developmental stages

Ascaris lumbricoides var. hominis and Ascaridia galli contain 5-hydroxytryptamine, histamine, dopamine, and norepinephrine. The chick parasite showed lower levels of monoamines compared to human ascaris. Amine concentrations in females were higher than in males. In all specimens, 5-hydroxytryptamine was the highest while norepinephrine was found to be uniformly low. The female reproductive organ contained the maximum amount of dopamine while intestine was rich in histamine. A progressive increase in the concentrations of biogenic amines was noticed during development.

Antigenic profile of some typical and septate phialide-strains of Aspergillus fumigatus

Antigens from typical and septate phialide-strains of Aspergillus fumigatus, A. fumigatus var. ellipticus, A. fischeri, A. flavus and A. niger were analysed by fused rocket and two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis. Depsite strain-to-strain variations, isolates of the two morphological forms of A. fumigatus showed a close similarity in their antigenic profile; the percentage of qualitative sharing ranged between 80% and 100%. The number of antigens shared by the isolates of A. fumigatus var. ellipticus and A. fischeri as compared with a typical A. fumigatus isolate was relatively high. By contrast isolates of A. flavus and A. niger, which are taxonomically not so closely related to A. fumigatus, revealed a qualitative sharing of only 16% and 8%, respectively. The number of common antigenically active components identified in culture filtrate antigens from the typical and septate phialide-strains of A. fumigatus was around 29. Two-dimensional electrophoresis with tandem and intermediate gel proved further that the two types of A. fumigatus isolates are antigenically homologous. Present findings also support the view that the antigenically active components of this pathogen are predominantly protein-glycoprotein in nature.

Monoamine oxidase in adult Ascaridia galli

Monoamine oxidase (MAO), catalysing oxidative deamination of biogenic monoamines, has been detected in adult Ascaridia galli. MAO was present in mitochondria and deaminated noradrenaline at the maximal rate, although serotonin, adrenaline, tyramine and dopamine were also degraded but more slowly. Of the organs studied, the body wall, female reproductive organ and intestine, the body wall (containing neuronal structures) showed highest MAO activity. Km value for chick ascarid mitochondrial MAO using tyramine as substrate was 1.66 X 10(-3) M and it was most active at 2.5 mM tyramine concentration, pH 7.5 and 40 degrees C. MAO of A. galli appeared to be thermolabile as nearly 80% of its activity was lost when the incubation temperature was increased 5 degrees above optimum.

Mechanism of 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced biphasic responses of fowl rectum

The present study investigated the mechanism of the biphasic action of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on isolated fowl rectum. 5-HT (2.6 X 10(-6) M) very often produced a biphasic response i.e., an initial relaxation followed by contraction. Tetrodotoxin completely abolished the relaxatory component and partially inhibited the contraction. On the Remak's nerve denervated preparation (in which the non-adrenergic inhibitory and non-cholinergic excitatory neural elements are eliminated), 5-HT produced only contraction. Lysergic acid diethylamide or methysergide completely blocked the contractile component and significantly inhibited the relaxation. Caffeine, given alone, reduced the relaxation without affecting the contraction caused by 5-HT. Atropine, mepyramine, propranolol, pentolinium or indomethacin did not alter the biphasic responses to 5-HT. Thus, it is concluded that the 5-HT-induced relaxation is mediated by non-adrenergic inhibitory neurons, while the contractions of the fowl rectum are partly due to a direct myogenic action and partly mediated by an indirect stimulation of non-cholinergic excitatory neurons.

An atypical Aspergillus flavus from a case of bronchopulmonary aspergilloma. A contribution to the cultural and serological diagnosis of A. flavus infections

A slow-growing, non-pigmented hyphomycete was isolated from sputum and a fungus ball removed at autopsy from the lung. The patient, an alcoholic, also suffered from cirrhosis and primary carcinoma of the liver. The atypical and otherwise non-recognizable isolate showed a growth typical of Aspergillus flavus when cultured on sterilized peanuts. This observation indicates the diagnostic significance of such strains which have become atypical, as etiologic agents and sources of antigen. Serologically, the antigen of the atypical strain proved to be stronger than that of a typical A. flavus strain. In view of the simultaneous presence of the liver carcinoma and the absence of aflatoxin production by the atypical strain, the possible role of chronic colonization of the lung by A. flavus is discussed.

Distinguishing paramyotonia congenita and myotonia congenita by electromyography

Compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes, response to 2 Hz nerve stimulation, response to exercise and electromyographic needle electrode examination findings from the thenar muscles of two patients with paramyotonia congenita were compared with those from two patients with dominantly inherited myotonia congenita in warm (34 degrees C) and cold (20 degrees C) states. Cold induced a significant fall in CMAP amplitude, induced/worsened a significant decremental response to 2 Hz stimulation, and virtually abolished myotonia and voluntary recruitment of motor unit potentials in patients with paramyotonia congenita; none of these occurred in myotonia congenita. Though exercise induced a mild fall in CMAP amplitude in both groups, postexercise fibrillations occurred only in patients with paramyotonia congenita. These findings serve to distinguish these two entities in the clinical electromyography laboratory.

Effect of cimetidine on phenytoin serum levels

Cimetidine, 300 mg p.o. four times a day, was administered for 5 days to nine epileptics who were stabilized while receiving phenytoin. Five patients had statistically significant increases in phenytoin serum levels, including two who became clinically toxic. One patient had a statistically significant decrease in phenytoin serum concentration. A relationship was not found between cimetidine levels and change in phenytoin serum levels. Cimetidine can cause significant changes in phenytoin serum levels which may be manifested clinically.

Efficacy of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in serodiagnosis of aspergillosis

Sera from 43 cases of aspergillosis, 73 cases of other bronchopulmonary diseases, and 50 healthy persons were examined for the presence of antibodies to Aspergillus fumigatus. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay proved to be more efficacious than the immunodiffusion test and counterimmunoelectrophoresis in the cases of allergic bronchopulmonary and invasive aspergillosis.

Extracellularly proteolysing Aspergillus fumigatus and its interaction with specific immune serum in the serum-albumin agar. A preliminary report

Serum-Albumin Agar with the initial pH values of 5.0 or 7.0 allows diffusion and precipitation of A. fumigatus antigens (culture filtrate) and antibodies. In the zone of extracellular proteolysis by a living culture of an atypical A. fumigatus strain, precipitin bands only against a specific immune serum were found in this medium with an initial pH of 7.0. How far under such complex substrate conditions including active extracellular proteolysis, an immune reaction can take place is open to discussion.

[Mycological findings in denture stomatitis and their evaluation]

Twenty-eight out of 30 patients suffering from denture-wearer's stomatitis, yielded yeast-like fungi from the areas of inflammation. The fungi included Candida albicans (20), Torulopsis glabrata (7), C. tropicalis (3), C. pseudotropicalis (1), and C. krusei (1). In 15 cases, a heavy fungal growth was found. Of the 20 C. albicans strains, 18 exhibited an extra-cellular proteolytic activity on Serum-Albumin agar with the initial pH value of 5.0. In the sera from 20 patients, precipitating antibodies against C. albicans antigens were detected with the help of the immunodiffusion test. The haemagglutination test revealed titers greater than or equal to 1:160 in 18 cases. The questionable pathogenic significance of the yeast-like fungi in the denture wearer's stomatitis is discussed.