[Automated analysis of changes in parameters of lung mechanics with alterations in breathing frequency, lung volume, and physical effort (author's transl)]

Changes in parameters of respiratory mechanics with alteration in breathing frequency, lung volume and physical effort were determined in 23 subjects using automated data collection and data processing. Resistance R, Compliance C and work of breathing W show great dependence on breathing frequency and lung volume. An objective measuring of their changes during exercise requires a constant lung volume and a standardized breathing frequency. Parameters R and C and the maximal pressure amplitude DPM divided by the tidal volume VT show no significant alterations in several degrees of exercise. Work of breathing and work of breathing per tidal volume are enhanced significantly with increasing exercise. These parameters may estimate the mechanics of breathing better than R and C in patients with dyspnea during exercise.

[Functional diagnosis of CNSLD in epidemiological surveys-results of the population study in Halle 1974 (author's transl)]

The problems of lung function testing methods in epidemiological studies were assessed in a study population of 853 men aged 40-70. The Helium-rebreathing-method, the X-ray densitometry, the oxygen-method were evaluated for the estimation of the residual volume in epidemiological conditions. The Pneumotest was proved for measurement of unequal ventilation. The necessity of reference values for these methods is discussed.

[Functional analysis in experimental respiratory distress syndrome (author's transl)]

After injection of an anti-lung -serum a respiratory distress syndrome could be produced in spontaneously-breathing guinea pigs. Reduced compliance, increased resistance and work of breathing was found. Morphological investigations showed intraalveolar and interstitial bleedings and a lung edema. Biochemically a decreased total phospholipid content could be found. Surface tension characteristics, examined with the Langmuir balance, were deteriorated. A complete restitution of surface tension parameters and total phospholipid content was obtained by administration of bromhexin metabolit Na 872.

Models of respiratory insufficiency in view of lung function diagnostics and pathogenetic analysis (author's transl)

Organizing principles of lung function diagnostics and of research in the field of pathophysiology of respiratory insufficiency are developed starting from fundamental requirements, which are practical effectivity, scientific basement, technical development and teamwork of specialists in a complementary system. Technique of screening level, primary oriented of effectivity, is based on the simple monoalveolar model of ventilation. Basal lung function diagnostics, primary oriented on objectivity, representing the total of pulmonary impairment is based on the model of arterial hypoxemia. Condition and limitations of these models are discussed preparing its substitution by models of complex lung function analysis in the higher level diagnostic system.

[Experimental model of bronchial asthma (author's transl)]

Allergic asthma-like attacks were induced in guinea pigs by intraperitoneal injections of Ovalbumin and following inhalation of Ovalbumin aerosol. The animals were narcotized, tracheotomized and a small catheter was placed in mid-oesophagus. The quantities: oesophageal pressure, respiratory flow and tidal volume were measured and recorded on magnetic tape during spontaneous breathing. A technique was applied for automated computation of the parameters of respiratory mechanics using a digital computer. The parameters compliance, resistance, work of breathing and power of breathing showed typical pathological variances and characteristic response-curves in the experimental phases during and after the asthma attacks. These parameters became normal after the injection of Alupent.

[Rapid test for quantitative proof of emphysema]

For the purpose of an aimed diagnostics near to practice of unspecific chronic pulmonary diseases a measuring place was developed, by means of which with simple performance of the experiments and short examination-time the determination of vital capacity, forced expiratory volume, maximal breathing capacity, the measurement of the O2-tension of the arterialised ear blood and the determination of the residual volume are possible. The determination of the residual volume is performed according to the classical O2-N2-gasmixture method using the spirotest device in connection with a bag-box system and the PO2-micro-measuring chamber. On 63 patients the residual volume was determined in this measuring place and compared with the rapid He-re-breathing method. The correlation analysis between the RVbody%TK- and the RVO2% TK-values with a correlation coefficient r = 0,887 ascertains the reliability of the demonstrated method. The results of a epidemiological study on 422 test persons on account of the close correlation between RVHe % TK and RVO2% TK with r = 0.62 prove the usability for examinations of the population.

Comparison of the helium rebreathing method and the x-ray film densitometry in epidemiological screening tests of CNSLD (author's transl)

Two methods for the examination of the residual volume were compared under the special conditions of epidemiological studies. The X-ray Photo Densitometry RV/TLC is measured as a quotient of the brightness of the lung radiographs during inspiration and expiration maximums. The Helium Rebreathing method is a gas mixture technique. The correlation between both methods proved to be significant (r = 0,60). The advantages and disadvantages of these methods for epidemiological studies were discussed.

Oxidative phosphorylation in hypoxic airway smooth muscle

The impairment of mechanical function that we have previously reported in tracheal smooth muscle under conditions of hypoxia and substrate depletion may be due to a defect in the utilization of the energy produced, to a decrease in energy production in the muscle after the hypoxic inhibition of mitochondria, or to a combination of these. To test the second hypothesis mitochondria were isolated from the trachealis smooth muscle of dogs whose [Formula: see text] had been maintained at 30 mm Hg ± 7 (S.E.), for 1 h before death. Studies of oxidative phosphorylation revealed no significant differences in ADP/O ratios in these mitochondria as compared with normal nor was there any significant difference in rate of O2 uptake as long as ADP was available (state 3 respiration). However, there was a significant difference in respiratory control ratios (R.C.R.), generally regarded as the most sensitive biochemical index of the function integrity of mitochondria, as well as a significant difference between control and experimental conditions in the rate of O2 uptake when ADP was not available (state 4 respiration). These findings suggested loose coupling between electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation.

The location of a recessive gene for chlorophyll deficiency in diploid Solanum tuberosum by means of trisomic analysis

A light green monogenic recessive mutant was found in diploid Solanum tuberosum. The mutant gene (v) was located by aneuploid analysis on the extra chromosome of a trisomic (2n = 25) derived parthenogenetically from cv. Intenso (2n = 48). The extra chromosome was identified at pachytene stage as chromosome XII according to the numbering system of Yeh and Peloquin (1965). The mutant gene appeared to be genetically independent of the linkage group B-I-F-Ow for anthocyanin distribution and of the gene P for anthocyanin production.