Acceleration and transport of relativistic electrons in the jets of the microquasar SS 433

SS 433 is a microquasar, a stellar binary system that launches collimated relativistic jets. We observed SS 433 in gamma rays using the High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.) and found an energy-dependent shift in the apparent position of the gamma-ray emission from the parsec-scale jets. These observations trace the energetic electron population and indicate that inverse Compton scattering is the emission mechanism of the gamma rays. Our modeling of the energy-dependent gamma-ray morphology constrains the location of particle acceleration and requires an abrupt deceleration of the jet flow. We infer the presence of shocks on either side of the binary system, at distances of 25 to 30 parsecs, and that self-collimation of the precessing jets forms the shocks, which then efficiently accelerate electrons.

Decrease of RNA editing in the failing heart leads to induction of circRNAs

Background and purpose

Adenosine-to-Inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing is a post-transcriptional modification process that affects the secondary structure of RNAs. Changes in RNA editing have been associated with human diseases. We therefore aimed to analyze editing in the healthy and failing human heart.

Methods and results

Transcriptome sequencing of human heart samples of heart failure (HF) patients (n=20) and controls (n=10) revealed A-to-I editing as the major type of editing (>80%). In HF patients, RNA editing was reduced, which was primarily attributable to Alu elements in introns of protein-coding genes. We identified 166 upregulated circRNAs in HF, with the majority showing reduced RNA editing in their parental host gene (88.3%). CircRNA expression did not correlate with their corresponding host gene (R=0.07, P<0.05), suggesting that an alternative splicing mechanism gives rise to the elevated circRNA levels in HF. The RNA editing enzyme ADAR2, which binds to RNA regions that are edited from adenosine to inosine, was decreased in failing human hearts (−68.2%). In vitro, reduction of ADAR2 increased circRNA levels suggesting a causal effect of reduced ADAR2 levels on increased circRNAs in the failing human heart. To gain mechanistic insight, we examined the formation of circRNAs on one exemplary candidate. AKAP13 was among the top edited mRNAs in the human heart and gave rise to a circular transcript, which was elevated in HF. ADAR2 reduced the formation of double-stranded structures in AKAP13 pre-mRNA, thereby reducing the stability of Alu elements and the circularization of the resulting circRNA. Overexpression of circAKAP13 impaired the sarcomere regularity of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (−31.0%).

Conclusion

Our study shows that ADAR2 mediates A-to-I RNA editing in the human heart. We describe an alternative splicing mechanism of circRNAs in the human heart. In the healthy human heart, A-to-I RNA editing represses the formation of dsRNA structures of Alu elements thereby favoring linear mRNA splicing. Our results contribute to a better mechanistic understanding into the human-specific regulation of circRNA formation and are relevant to diseases with reduced RNA editing and increased circRNA levels.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Search for Dark Matter Annihilation Signals in the H.E.S.S. Inner Galaxy Survey

The central region of the Milky Way is one of the foremost locations to look for dark matter (DM) signatures. We report the first results on a search for DM particle annihilation signals using new observations from an unprecedented γ-ray survey of the Galactic Center (GC) region, i.e., the Inner Galaxy Survey, at very high energies (≳100  GeV) performed with the H.E.S.S. array of five ground-based Cherenkov telescopes. No significant γ-ray excess is found in the search region of the 2014-2020 dataset and a profile likelihood ratio analysis is carried out to set exclusion limits on the annihilation cross section ⟨σv⟩. Assuming Einasto and Navarro-Frenk-White (NFW) DM density profiles at the GC, these constraints are the strongest obtained so far in the TeV DM mass range. For the Einasto profile, the constraints reach ⟨σv⟩ values of 3.7×10^{-26}  cm^{3} s^{-1} for 1.5 TeV DM mass in the W^{+}W^{-} annihilation channel, and 1.2×10^{-26}  cm^{3} s^{-1} for 0.7 TeV DM mass in the τ^{+}τ^{-} annihilation channel. With the H.E.S.S. Inner Galaxy Survey, ground-based γ-ray observations thus probe ⟨σv⟩ values expected from thermal-relic annihilating TeV DM particles.

Time-resolved hadronic particle acceleration in the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi

Recurrent novae are repeating thermonuclear explosions in the outer layers of white dwarfs, due to the accretion of fresh material from a binary companion. The shock generated when ejected material slams into the companion star's wind can accelerate particles. We report very-high-energy (VHE, [Formula: see text]) gamma rays from the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi, up to a month after its 2021 outburst, observed using the High Energy Stereoscopic System. The VHE emission has a similar temporal profile to lower-energy GeV emission, indicating a common origin, with a two-day delay in peak flux. These observations constrain models of time-dependent particle energization, favoring a hadronic emission scenario over the leptonic alternative. Shocks in dense winds provide favorable environments for efficient acceleration of cosmic-rays to very high energies.

Reduced RNA editing in the failing human heart mediates alternative circular RNA splicing

Background and purpose

Post-transcriptional RNA editing is an important mechanism in the development of human diseases. RNA editing can affect RNA stability and alternative splicing. The aim of our study was to characterize RNA editing and its impact on alternative RNA splicing in the healthy and failing human heart.

Methods and results

Human heart samples of heart failure (HF) patients (n=20) and controls (n=10) were analyzed using RNA sequencing with subsequent analysis of RNA editing. We identified adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing as the major form of RNA editing in human hearts, being reduced in HF patients. Consistently, we found the editing enzyme ADAR2 reduced in HF patients. A-to-I RNA editing predominantly occurred in intronic regions of protein-coding genes, specifically in repetitive, primate-specific Alu elements which can affect RNA splicing. Indeed, we found 173 circular RNAs (circRNAs) regulated by alternative mRNA splicing in the failing heart.

Loss of ADAR2 led to reduced RNA editing concomitant with an increase of circRNA, while overexpression reduced circRNA expression and enhanced RNA editing.

Conclusion

A-to-I editing is the major type of RNA editing in the human heart, being reduced in HF. We demonstrate a primate-specific alternative RNA splicing mechanism mediated by RNA editing in human hearts. The findings may be relevant to diseases with reduced RNA editing such as cancer, neurological and cardiac diseases.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Revealing x-ray and gamma ray temporal and spectral similarities in the GRB 190829A afterglow

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), which are bright flashes of gamma rays from extragalactic sources followed by fading afterglow emission, are associated with stellar core collapse events. We report the detection of very-high-energy (VHE) gamma rays from the afterglow of GRB 190829A, between 4 and 56 hours after the trigger, using the High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.). The low luminosity and redshift of GRB 190829A reduce both internal and external absorption, allowing determination of its intrinsic energy spectrum. Between energies of 0.18 and 3.3 tera-electron volts, this spectrum is described by a power law with photon index of 2.07 ± 0.09, similar to the x-ray spectrum. The x-ray and VHE gamma-ray light curves also show similar decay profiles. These similar characteristics in the x-ray and gamma-ray bands challenge GRB afterglow emission scenarios.

Cardiac fibroblast activation protein density indicative of cardiovascular disease and remodeling

Background

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) plays an important role in cardiac wound healing and remodelling. Although initially developed as a theranostic ligand for metastasized cancer, FAPI tracers have recently been used to study cardiac remodelling following myocardial infarction in small animal models. Aim of our analysis was to evaluate the activity of fibroblast activation protein via (FAPI) PET-CT scans in human hearts.

Methods

FAPI-PET-CT scans of 229 patients of two consecutive cohorts (initial cohort: n=185; confirmatory cohort: n=44) suffering from metastasized cancer were analysed using a 17-segment model of the left ventricle. Patient characteristics included age, sex, cancer entity, body mass index, renal function, thyroid stimulating hormone, cardiovascular risk factors, previous radiation to the chest, chemotherapies received, and current cardiac medication. Multivariate regression models were created using data from the initial cohort by selecting variables according to Akaike's information criterion in a step-down approach. Linear regression models were used for signal prediction to find potential outliers with unexpectedly high signal intensities. The created models were subsequently evaluated in the confirmatory cohort for reproducibility.

Results

Signal intensity were significantly higher in patients with overweight, diabetes and following radiation to the chest. Our prediction model performed well in both cohorts. A focal enrichment pattern was more frequently observed in patients with known cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusions

FAPI-PET-CT scans represent a new imaging modality to potentially investigate active cardiac remodelling. High signal intensities are associated with cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic disease. Furthermore, high cardiac FAPI signal intensities are suggestive of an underlying cardiac disease.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

[Physical chemical, pharmacological and toxicologic properties of fomocaine metabolites]

Fomocaine (4-[3-(4-phenoxymethylphenyl)-propyl]-morpholine, CAS 17692-39-6) is a highly effective local anaesthetic of low toxicity. The drug, which causes no allergic response, was introduced in the German Extrapharmacopoeia (DAC). Fourteen metabolites are formed after oral administration to rat and beagle dog. Less than 5% fomocaine are excreted unchanged. The metabolites were synthesized and their physico-chemical properties were investigated. No metabolite caused a surface or conduction anaesthesia with the exception of 2-hydroxyfomocaine (O/Se 4). After topical and parenteral administration irritation could not be observed. All metabolites except O/Se 10 and O/Se 11 showed a lower toxicity than fomocaine. In both species O/Se 10 and O/Se 11 are formed only in a small amount and are detoxified by conjugation.

[The potential nephrotoxic effects of essential juniper oil]

The nephrotoxicity of juniper oil (CAS 73049-62-4), a phytomedicine with diuretic resp. aquaretic activity, was evaluated in male Sprague-Dawley rats after oral administration. Two chemically slightly different oil batches were tested for 28 days with 100, 333 or 1000 mg (series 1, batch 1) resp. 100, 300 or 900 mg (series 2, batch 2) juniper oil/kg. Additionally terpinene-4-ol, a compound with postulated aquaretic activity, which can be found in essential juniper oil up to an amount of 10 mg% was tested in a dosage of 400 mg/kg. Neither of the tested substances induced changes in function or morphology of the kidneys at the tested doses, and they were revealed to be nontoxic.

[The adverse effects of dark sulfonated shale oil following local and systemic administration]

Ichthyol (Ammoniumbituminosulfonat DAB, dark sulfonated shale oil, CAS 8029-68-3) is used for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases and rheumatic diseases and blunt traumata. The studies conducted were carried out to obtain information on the risk following dermal and oral application of dark sulfonated shale oil. Corresponding to the administration route envisaged for man the drug was applied by topical and systemic administration. Studies were conducted on the acute, subacute and chronic toxicity, local tolerance, and the teratogenic, mutagenic and carcinogenic potential. Dark sulfonated shale oil was found to be well tolerated whether administered for a short period or over a long time. There were no indications for a teratogenic, mutagenic or carcinogenic effect. The therapeutic index (ratio of the toxic dose in animals and the therapeutic human dose) for topical administration of dark sulfonated shale oil is > 7 depending on animal species, frequency of administration, dose-level employed and the toxicological question posed. The results of the toxicological studies coincide with more than 110 years of experience that the drug is well-tolerated by man.

[The tolerability of pale sulfonated shale oil following local and systemic administration]

Ichthyol, pale, a pale sulfonated shale oil, is used for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. The studies conducted were carried out to obtain information on the risk following dermal application of sulfonated shale oil, pale. Corresponding to the administration route planned for man the drug was applied by topical and systemic administration. Studies were conducted on the acute, subacute and chronic toxicity, and the teratogenic, mutagenic and carcinogenic potential. Sulfonated shale oil, pale was found to be very well tolerated whether administered for a short period or over a long time. There were no indications for teratogenic, mutagenic or carcinogenic effects. The therapeutic range (ratio of the toxic dose in animals and the therapeutic human dose) for topical administration is > 30 depending on animal species, frequency of administration, dose-level employed and the toxicological question posed. The results of the toxicological studies coincide with the almost 70 years of experience that the drug is well-tolerated by man.

[Pharmacokinetic aspects of a combination of metoclopramide and paracetamol. Results of a human kinetic study and consequences for migraine patients]

An open trial was carried out in eight healthy male and female volunteers to examine the bioavailability as well as the main kinetic parameters of Migränerton (metoclopramide and paracetamol; CAS 364-64-5 and CAS 103-90-2, resp). in comparison with reliable literature data. The results reported here clearly show that the absorption of both active ingredients from the fixed combination is complete and that therapeutically relevant plasma concentrations are achieved within 30 min. Bioavailability as well as tmax, t1/2, and time-lag are comparable with data resulting from reliable and internationally acknowledged kinetic studies. The fixed combination was shown to be kinetically compatible with regard to all parameters determined for metoclopramide and paracetamol.

Evaluation of the mutagenicity of chloral hydrate in vitro and in vivo

Chloral hydrate (CAS 302-17-0) of greater than 99.4% purity was investigated on its mutagenic potential in a series of test systems according to the current EC guidelines. There were no indications for a mutagenic potential of chloral hydrate.

Toxicokinetic aspects of chronic cyanide exposure in the rat

Rats received 40, 80 and 160 mg KCN/kg body wt./24 h in the drinking water for 13 weeks. Fairly constant dose-related cyanide and thiocyanate levels were measured in blood, plasma and urine during the exposure. Blood cyanide concentrations were in the range of 16.0-25.5 nmol CN-/ml blood, thiocyanate concentrations in the range of 341-877 nmol SCN-/ml plasma following continuous administration of the maximum tolerated dose-level of 160 mg/kg body wt/24 h. The results suggest that continuous 13-week maximum tolerated cyanide exposure does not lead to saturation of cyanide detoxification pathways.

Toxicity of 8-methoxypsoralen in cynomolgous monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)

Male and female cynomolgous monkeys were administered 0, 2, 6 or 18 mg/kg 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) 3 times a week orally for 26 consecutive weeks. Dose-dependent emesis was the most sensitive indicator of 8-MOP toxicity. The lowest dose to elicit emesis was 3 x 6 mg/kg/week of 8-MOP. Among the histological findings proliferation of Kupffer cells was the only recurring observation. However, these finding as well as some hematological and serum electrolyte changes lacked a dose-response relationship. In the highest dosage group one female monkey was found in moribund condition on the 39th day of the study and was killed. Histopathological evidence indicated beginning shock as the cause of the rapidly deteriorating health of the monkey. Similar to effects in man and rats, 8-MOP displayed nonlinear pharmacokinetics in the cynomolgous monkey, saturation occurring between 3 x 2 and 3 x 6 mg/kg/week. Increased clearance of 8-MOP in the lowest dosage group after 26 test weeks was attributed to a combination of enzyme induction and saturable first pass effect. Since the plasma profile of 8-MOP at the lowest dose (3 x 2 mg/kg/week) in cynomolgous monkeys closely resembles that in humans after therapeutic doses (0.4-0.6 mg/kg) and because of other similarities (vomiting as earliest sign of toxicity, saturable first pass effect), it is reasonable to assume that chronic toxicity of 8-MOP as defined in this study is quite predictive for man.

Test guideline. Behavioral toxicity testing in animal experiments according to section 9, para. 1, No. 2 of the Chemicals Act (Chemikaliengesetz) of the Federal Republic of Germany

The German Chemicals Act requires that chemicals are tested for behavioral toxicity at stage 2 of the testing procedure, i.e. if more than 1000 annual tons are produced. For this purpose a guideline was developed according to which data on behavioral toxicity are to be collected, which are based on cageside observations during longterm exposure. The protocol covers outer appearance, as well as motor, sensory, autonomic and central nervous system functions. Data are to be reported in tabular form and should be evaluated by taking all aspects of the toxicological profile into account.

Embryotoxicity of sex steroidal hormones in nonhuman primates: II. Hydroxyprogesterone caproate, estradiol valerate

Two sex steroid compounds which have been used clinically for parenteral supportive therapy of pregnancy were examined for embryotoxic effects in rhesus and cynomolgus macaques. Hydroxyprogesterone caproate (HPC) alone or in combination with estradiol valerate (EV) were administered intramuscularly (i.m.) to pregnant monkeys at 7-day intervals between 20 and 146 days of gestation and fetuses were examined following cesarean section at 150 +/- 2 days. HPC alone was tested in both species at doses ranging from 0.01 X to 10 X the human dose equivalent (HDE); only rhesus monkeys were exposed to the HPC + EV combination at 0.1 X to 10 X HDE. Total embryolethality resulted following the administration of HPC alone and combined with EV at 1 X and 10 X HDE in rhesus monkeys; the level of abortions in cynomolgus monkeys exposed to HPC (0.1 X to 1 X HDE) was comparable to controls. A small number of nonspecific malformations and developmental variations observed in cynomolgus fetuses after HPC exposure were considered to be incidental findings. No anomalies were found in surviving rhesus monkey fetuses treated with HPC + EV. The results indicate that long-term in utero exposure to the progestin, HPC, alone or in combination with EV in rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys, is embryolethal but not teratogenic at doses up to ten times the human therapeutic dose.

Embryotoxicity of sex steroidal hormone combinations in nonhuman primates: I. Norethisterone acetate + ethinylestradiol and progesterone + estradiol benzoate (Macaca mulatta, Macaca fascicularis, and Papio cynocephalus)

Two sex steroid hormone combinations which have been used clinically as tests for detection of early pregnancy were examined for embryotoxic effects in macaques and baboons. Norethisterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol (NEA + EE) were orally administered to rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys and baboons at dosages ranging from one to 1,000 times the human dose equivalent (HDE) during days 20-50 of pregnancy. Progesterone and estradiol benzoate (P + EB) were delivered by two to six intramuscular injections to rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys between gestational days 20 and 35 at 0.1-25 X HDE. Fetuses were examined following cesarean section at 100 +/- 2 days (NEA + EE) or at term (P + EB). The results showed increased embryolethality over controls at 100-1,000 X HDE (NEA + EE) and at 10 and 25 X HDE (P + EB). Besides growth retardation, isolated cases of minor nongenital malformations were observed only in cynomolgus monkeys following treatment with both hormone combinations mainly at embryolethal dose levels and were considered spontaneous in nature. Virilization of female cynomolgus fetuses following NEA + EE treatment was manifested as two cases of clitoral enlargement in the 300 X HDE group and two cases of increased anogenital distance with reduced vaginal opening in the 1,000 X HDE group. The highest dose of NEA + EE was also maternally toxic, as two maternal deaths occurred at the end of the treatment period. One dead female cynomolgus fetus exposed to P + EB (10 X HDE) also exhibited masculinized external genitalia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Report on subacute toxicological studies with dichloromethane in rats and dogs by inhalation

The 90-day inhalation studies, conducted in 1975, showed that for dichloromethane the highest concentration without side effects can be expected just below 5,000 ppm by volume of air (0.5% by vol.) when administered to Beagle dogs. With rats the lowest toxic concentration was just below 10,000 ppm by volume (local tolerance) or above 10,000 ppm by volume (systemic tolerance). Administration took place on 90 consecutive days for 6 h per day.

[Bioavailability of metoclopramide in a sustained-release preparation]

The aim of this study was to examine the pharmacokinetical behaviour of metoclopramide of Gastronetron retard capsules after a single administration to 8 healthy male volunteers. Determinations of the concentration of metoclopramide in the serum were made up to 24 h p.a. The calculation of the serum concentration curves was based on an open 2-compartment model. It has been proved that already 30 min after oral administration effective serum concentrations could be reached, which are maintained over about 24 h. An approximate value of 71% was obtained for the bioavailability of metoclopramide of Gastronerton retard capsules. The action achieved by the administration of 1 capsule Gastronerton retard per day can be considered equal to that of 3 single administrations of the conventional oral pharmaceutical form.

[Bioavailability of metoclopramide with special reference to relevant literature data]

An intraindividual comparative study of the pharmacokinetic properties of metoclopramide, the active principle of Gastronerton, and metoclopramide of a reference drug after one single administration was carried out on 6 male healthy volunteers. Gastronerton was available as ampoules, tablets, solution and capsules; the reference drug as ampoules, tablets and solution (all of them as commercial products). The concentrations of metoclopramide in the serum were determined until 24 h after administration. As one of the persons dropped out another volunteer was included. There were 6 cases for the intraindividual comparison of the parenteral/enteral form except for the comparison of the tablets/ampoules of the reference drug. An open 2-compartment model was taken as a basis for the calculation of the serum concentration curves and the pharmacokinetic parameters. With regard to the maximum serum concentrations, the preparations differed only insignificantly. The bioavailability results were as follows: metoclopramide of Gastronerton tablets 80.3%, metoclopramide of the tablets of the reference drug 57.6%, Gastronerton solution 76.7%, solution of the reference drug 49.7%. The bioavailability of metoclopramide of Gastronerton capsules was 54.8%. The half-life values were between 2.8 and 8.3 h with a mean value of 5 h.

Testing of cigarette smoke inhalation for teratogenicity in rats

The effect of cigarette smoke inhalation on the developing rat embryo was studied. Female rats were exposed to smoke prior to and after mating at miximal tolerated doses. Male rats were ezposed to smoke to prior to mating to investigate the influence upon sperm. On the 21st day of gestation pregnant females of all groups were killed and implantations, litter sizes, foetal resorptions and abortion, foetal weight and length recorded: no significant differences were observed for these parameters between smoke-exposed and control animals. Total maternal wight gain during gestation was lower for smoke-exposed animals than for non-smoke-exposed animals. Examination of foetuses stained according to the method of Frohberg and Oettle resulted in normal variation in the skeletal development in smoke-exposed and control groups as well as in placebo groups. No skeletal malformations could be found.

[Pharmacological and toxicological properties of the saluretic xipamide (4-chloro-5-sulfamoyl-2',6'-salicyloxylidide)]

Xipamide (4-chloro-5-sulfamoyl-2',6'-salicyloxylidide, Aquaphor), a new compound is a derivate of salicylic acid with marked sodium and water excreting potency. Its effect is dosage dependent. Dosages as low as 0.001 mg/kg p.o. in rats and 0.04 mg/kg p.o. in dogs lead to a statistically significant increase of sodium and water excretion. Potassium excretion was less affected and showed to be rather constant in a dosage range between 0.01 and 10.0 mg/kg. In rats a maximum of sodium and water excretion could be reached by a dose of 200 mg/kg duration of action in rats was approximately 10 h. In dogs a statistically significant sodium and chloride excretion could be detected after oral application of 0.04 mg/kg. Xipamide increased diuresis started with an oral dose of 0.1 mg/kg. Intravenous application of xipamide in a dose of 0.2 mg/kg in dogs accompanied by permanent infusion of 5 per cent mannit solution clearly showed the diuretic profile of the substance: increased diuresis started within 40 min. A peak was reached within 40-60 min post injectionem. Then excretion decreased slowly. Even 120 min post injectionem a diuretic action could be detected. Diuresis and sodium excretion could be demonstrated in rats with experimentally predamaged kidneys and with steroid dependent sodium retention. As could be demonstrated in hypertensive rats xipamide had a hypotensive effect, normotensive rats were not affected. In animal studies xipamide was excellently tolerated. The therapeutic range of the substance was high in single doses as well as when the drug administered over 6 weeks.

[Structure-activity relationships in the diuretic xipamide (4-chloro-5-sulfamoyl-2', 6' -salicyloxylidide)]

The synthesis of various derivatives of 4-chlorosalicylic acid substituted in position 5 is described. The evaluation of their diuretic potency on the rat showed 4-chloro-5-sulfamoyl-2,6-salicyloxylidide (BE 1293, xipamide, Aquaphor) as the most effective one. The normal urinary volume is increased tenfold by a oral dose of 100 mg/kg body weight. All changes in the molecular structure of xipamide, even acetylation, the introduction of a second sulfamoyl group or the exchange of the sulfonic group for the carbonyl group, lead to a decrease in activity.

[The saluretic effect of xipamide (4-chloro-5-sulfamoyl-2',6'-salicyloxylilide) in normal subjects]

The diuretic and saluretic effectiveness of xipamide (4-chloro-5-sulfamoyl-2',6'-salicyloxylidide, Aquaphor) is determined and compared to those of chlortalidone and furosemid in normal subjects. The substance is revealed as a potent diuretic agent. In the range of 0.035--0.750 mg/kg body weight the dose-response curve of orally administered xipamide for the increase of excretion of urine, sodium and potassium ion and chloride during 24 h is described. Observing the renal activity over a period of 3 days after a single administration the duration of action is found to be up to 24 h with its maximum within the first 12 h. In the following 2 days the degree of the physiological rebound effect depends on the preceding saluretic effect and thus on the given dose. The pattern of ion-excretion (Na

Biochemical and haematological investigations in Syrian golden hamsters after cigarette smoke inhalation

After long-term exposure to cigarette smoke, erythrocyte and haemoglobin levels were higher due to the high carbon monoxide concentration in the smoking chamber. Other values were not affected by the exposure.