Zur Änderung der Oberflächenladung von Zellmembranen durch chemische und physikalische Einwirkungen

1. Hühnererythrozyten und Asciteshepatom-Zellen von Ratten erfahren durch Neuraminidase-Einwirkung bei 37° und 23° eine Verminderung, normale Rattenleberzellen dagegen in der Mehrzahl der Fälle eine Zunahme ihrer elektrophoretischen Beweglichkeit. Im Gegensatz dazu sind bei allen 3 Zellarten in den zellfreien Überständen nach Neuraminidasebehandlung freie Neuraminsäuren nachzuweisen.

2. Die gleichen Zellarten zeigen nach Neuraminadase-Behandlung bei 2° keine Veränderung ihrer elektrophoretischen Beweglichkeit; entsprechend dazu sind auch keine freien Neuramininsäuren in den Überständen nachweisbar.

3. Die Kinetik der Änderung der elektrophoretischen Beweglichkeit bei Neuraminidase-Behandlung ist abhängig vom Aufschwemmungsmedium. In einer 0,95-proz. NaCl-Lösung strebt sie bei menschlichen Erythrozyten nach Fermentation mit 0,1, 1,0, 10 I.E. Neuraminidase/0,6 ml bei 37° einem Endwert zu, bei Inkubation in einem Phosphatpuffer nach Soerensen kommt es dagegen je nach Fermentkonzentration zur Ausbildung von verschiedenen Plateaus. Die in den zellfreien Überständen nachgewiesenen freien Neuraminsäuren entsprechen diesen Änderungen der elektrophoretischen Beweglichkeit.

4. Neuraminidase unterliegt auch bei der Einwirkung auf Zellmembranen einer Produktenhemmung: wird sie mit N-Acetylneuraminsäure bei 37° inkubiert und der Mischung nachträglich zugefügt, ist die fermentative Aktivität der Neuraminidase deutlich vermindert.

5. Unter unseren Versuchsbedingungen läßt sich eine Adsorption von Neuraminidase an verschiedenen Zelloberflächen nachweisen. Diese führt jedoch an sich zu keiner Veränderung der elektrophoretischen Beweglichkeit der Zellen; kommt es unter geeigneten Bedingungen zu einer fermentativen Wirkung der Neuraminidase, so tritt eine solche Änderung ein. Diese ist jedoch die Resultante aus der Abspaltung der negativ geladenen Neuraminsäuren und den bei der Abspaltung zusätzlich auftretenden charakteristischen Sekundärveränderungen in der Textur der Zellmembranen.

6. Nach vorhergehender Hitzebehandlung erfahren Rattenleber-Zellen durch Neuraminidase in den ersten 15 Min. einen Abfall ihrer elektrophoretischen Beweglichkeit, während normale Leberzellen bei Neuraminidase-Inkubation keinen solchen Abfall aufweisen.

7. Normale Rattenleber-Zellen, proliferierende Leberzellen von Ratten, Morris-Rattenhepatom-Zellen, Rattenhepatom-Asciteszellen und Spermienzellen vom Rind zeigen nach Einwirkung von Hitze, Röntgenstrahlen, Säure, Lauge, Formol, Aceton, Äthanol und Perjodat für jede Zellart typische Veränderungen ihrer elektrophoretischen Beweglichkeit. Es erscheint demnach möglich, Zellarten mittels ihres „elektrophoretischen Spektrums“ zu charakterisieren.

8. Neuraminidase wird stark an Quarzglasflächen adsorbiert: 0,3 g eisenfreie Quarzpartikel adsorbieren bis 20,0 I.E. Ferment, wie eine nachträgliche Austestung mittels der elektrophoretischen Beweglichkeit von Zellen ergab. Die chemische Bestimmung der freien Neuraminsäuren im Überstand der Zellen zeigte die entsprechende Kinetik.

Die negative Überschußladung der Membran von normalen, proliferierenden und malignen Leberzellen der Ratte

1. Eine Teilhepatektomie bei Ratten führt nach 2 Tagen zu einer Erhöhung der negativen Überschußladung der Leberzellmembranen um 20 — 30 Prozent. Im Laufe der nächsten 2 Wochen fällt dieser Wert wieder langsam ab.

2. Die Kurve der Ladungsdichte läuft etwa derjenigen des Mitoseindex in den Morgenstunden parallel, am Abend ist der Mitoseindex dagegen auch nach Teilhepatektomie sehr niedrig, während die Ladungsdichte keinen Tagesgang zeigt. Demnach ist diese ein Ausdruck der Proliferations-Aktivität der Zellen, bzw. der Länge der Generationsfolgen, nicht aber ein Ausdruck des individuellen Zellalters.

3. Leberasciteszellen von Ratten zeigen ebenfalls eine um etwa 30% erhöhte negative Ladungsdichte. Die Zellen des Leberorgans solcher Tumortiere sind dagegen ladungsnormal.

4. Es wird die mögliche Bedeutung dieser Befunde für das Problem der Regelung der Zellzahl der Leber diskutiert

Die elektrophoretische Beweglichkeit der Spermien des Rindes

1. Die negative Überschußladung der Bullenspermien besitzt bei unseren Versuchsbedingungen eine eingipfelige Verteilungskurve. Dies spricht dagegen, daß die weiblichen und männlichen Spermien unterschiedliche Oberflächenladungen haben.

2. Ein Teil der negativen Überschußladung der Spermienmembran kann auf Neuraminsäuren zurückgeführt werden. Je Spermienzelle werden durch Neuraminidase-Fermentierung 6.2·10-8γ ±2,3·10-8γ Neuraminsäuren freigesetzt. Papier- und dünnschichtchromatographisch konnte dabei N-Acetylneuraminsäure wahrscheinlich gemacht werden.

3. Auf Grund der gleichartigen Wirkung des Sekrets der ableitenden Samenwege und Anhangsdrüsen des Bullen und von Trypsin auf Spermienzellen und auf normale und maligne Leberzellen wird das Vorkommen eines eiweißspaltenden Ferments im Sekret angenommen.

4. Die unterschiedlichen Mittelwerte der elektrophoretischen Beweglichkeit der Spermien bei verschiedenen Bullen und der Spermien des gleichen Tieres bei wiederholten Messungen der ersten Ejakulate sowie die verhältnismäßig breiten Streuungen der Zellpopulationen wird mit diesem im Sekret vermuteten Ferment in Zusammenhang gebracht.

5. Es wurde die elektrophoretische Beweglichkeit der Spermien zweier kurz hintereinander gewonnener Ejakulate verglichen: die elektrophoretische Beweglichkeit der Spermien aus dem zweiten Ejakulat ist gegenüber der der Spermien aus dem ersten Ejakulat um 8.0 ± 3.2% größer. Die elektrophoretische Beweglichkeit der Spermien aus dem Nebenhoden ist gegenüber der der Spermien aus dem ersten Ejakulat um 20,9±4,9% erhöht.

6. Der isoelektrische Punkt von Spermien aus einem ersten Ejakulat liegt bei pH 4.7 bis 4.8. aus dem darauffolgenden zweiten Ejakulat bei pH 4.3 und von Spermien aus dem Nebenhoden bei pH 3.9.

7. Es wird über eine Parallele zwischen der Abnahme der Befruchtungshäufigkeit und Abnahme der elektrophoretischen Beweglichkeit von konservierten Bullenspermien berichtet.

Über den Nuclein- und Lipoidphosphorgehalt der Erythrocyten und Reticulocyten

1. 108 Kaninchenerythrocyten enthalten im Durchschnitt 2,35 ± 0,15* γ P2O5 als Nucleinphosphor und 2,76 ± 0,19* γ P2O5 als Lipoidphosphor.

2. Bei 108 Kaninchenerythrocyten mit einem durchschnittlichen Gehalt von 176 ‰ Reticulocyten sind die entsprechenden Zahlen 6,7 ± 0,43* γ bzw. 5,7 ± 0,40* γ.

3. Daraus läßt sich der zusätzliche Nucleinphosphorgehalt eines mittelreifen Reticulocyten eines chronisch entbluteten Kaninchens berechnen. Er beträgt 3,63 · 10-6 γ.

4. Da der Nucleinphosphor sicher zum größten Teil der Subst. reticulo-filamentosa angehört, macht diese etwa 3,6% eines mittelreifen Reticulocyten aus.

5. Der Phosphorgehalt einer Blutzellprobe ist ein zuverlässiges qualitatives Maß eines erhöhten Reticulocytengehalts, wenn nicht durch hohe Leukocytenzahlen der Gehalt an Phosphor vermehrt ist.

Der Mechanismus der Blutkörperchensenkung

1. Lipopolysaccharide aus mehreren Bakterienarten wurden bei Kaninchen auf ihre senkungserzeugenden Eigenschaften getestet; in allen Fällen ergab sich drei Tage nach der Injektion eine beschleunigte Blutkörperchensenkung.

2. Auch Ratten und Meerschweinchen reagieren auf die intraperitoneale Injektion von LPS aus E. coli nach drei Tagen mit einer beschleunigten Blutkörperchensenkung.

3. Die senkungserzeugenden und fibrinogenvermehrenden Eigenschaften des LPS aus E. coli sind an den Lipoidanteil der Molekeln gebunden, da bei Kaninchen sowohl mit freiem Lipoid A, wie mit an Casein gekoppeltem Lipoid eine beschleunigende Senkung und eine Fibrinogenvermehrung hervorgerufen werden kann.

4. Auf wiederholte LPS-Injektionen in geeigneten Dosen und Zeitabständen reagieren die Kaninchen nicht mehr mit einer beschleunigten Senkung und Fibrinogenvermehrung; die Tiere sind tolerant geworden.

Einwirkung verschiedener Wasserstoff- und Kohlensäureionenkonzentrationen auf die Erythrocytenmembran

1. Erythrocytenstromata. die durch Hämolyse mittels saurer hypotonischer Pufferlösungen gewonnen werden, sind bei 2500 g zentrifugierbar, Stromata, die durch Hämolyse mittels neutraler oder alkalischer hypotonischer Pufferlösungen gewonnen werden, sind erst bei 13 000—15 000 g zentrifugierbar.

2. Die schwer zentrifugierbaren Schatten lassen sich durch mehrfaches „pH-Schaukeln“ allmählich irreversibel in den leicht zentrifugierbaren Zustand überführen. Es muß deshalb angenommen werden, daß der schwer zentrifugierbare Zustand der labilere ist, und daher dem nativen näher steht.

3. An einer Reihe von Hämolyseversuchen mit hypotonischen Lösungen verschiedener H-Ionenkonzentrationen und verschiedener Ionenarten wird gezeigt, daß die Anwesenheit von Carbonationen im Augenblick der Hämolyse zu Teilhämolysen eines Teils der Erythrocyten führen. Das hierbei zurückbleibende Resthämoglobin läßt sich durch osmotische Behandlungsmethoden nur zum geringen Teil aus den Schatten entfernen.

4. Hämolyse mit carbonationenarmen Lösungen dagegen führt zu Schatten, die nach mehrfachem osmotischem Schaukeln mit Fleisch scher Lösung und m/100-Phosphatpuffer (pH 8,2) extrem hämoglobinarm sind. Der Hämoglobingehalt der Trockensubstanz beträgt höchstens 0,05%.

5. Die Bedeutung dieser Ergebnisse für unsere Kenntnis der Erythrocytenmembran wird besprochen.

Neuraminsäurenbedingte Strukturunterschiede der Zellmembranen normaler und maligner Leberzellen

1. Aus den Membranen folgender Zellen konnten Neuraminsäuren mittels Neuraminidase abgespalten und mit der Thiobarbitursäure-Methode nachgewiesen werden: normale Rattenleberzellen, maligne Rattenleber-Asciteszellen, Ehrlich-Asciteszellen, Erythrozyten von Maus, Ratte, Kaninchen, Leukämiezellen von menschlichen Myelosen und Lymphadenosen, Zellen aus einem Rattenmyelom (GRAFFI), einem menschlichen Bronchialcarcinom, von HeLa-Zellen und dem Yoshida-Tumor.

2. Zwischen der Oberflächendichte von neuraminidase-empfindlichen Neuraminsäuren der Zellmembran normaler Rattenleberzellen und maligner Rattenleber-Asciteszellen ließ sich statistisch kein Unterschied nachweisen. Im Verein mit früher erhobenen zellelektrophoretischen Befunden ergibt sich, daß die beiden Zellarten verschiedene Neuraminsäure-Derivate in ihren Membranen besitzen dürften. Dieser Schluß wird durch papierchromatographische Untersuchungen gestützt.

3. Auch die Mikrosomenmembranen der beiden Zellarten enthalten Neuraminsäuren, die durch Neuraminidase abspaltbar sind. Bezogen auf das Trockengewicht ergeben sich keine quantitativen Unterschiede. Papierchromatographisch wurde in beiden Fällen N-Acetylneuraminsäure wahrscheinlich gemacht.

Cardiac heart disease in the era of sucrose polyester, Helicobacter pylori and Chlamydia pneumoniae

Recent evidence associates inflammatory mediators with coronary heart disease. Elevation of acute-phase reaction (APR) proteins such as serum amyloid A, fibrinogen, CRP and haptoglobin in response to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection was shown to initiate gastritis and ischemic heart disease. Positive Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) serology is associated with increased levels of inflammatory cytokines and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which stimulates endothelial cell activation, procoagulant activity and angiogenesis in patients with coronary heart disease. As a final example, interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been proposed to mediate cardiovascular disorders. Public awareness of risks of excessive body weight and high levels of serum cholesterol propelled the development of synthetic dietary components such as sucrose polyester (SPE) to substitute for natural lipids. SPE is a synthetic lipid whose physical properties are similar to a natural triacylglycerol with a similar assortment of fatty acids and is resistant to lipolysis by gastric and pancreatic enzymes. Intake of SPE in lieu of natural lipids is expected to decrease absorption of essential fatty acids (EFA) and fat-soluble vitamins among other essentials. Deficiency of EFA leads to the formation of faulty cellular membranes, which is manifested as skin lesions, growth failure, erythrocyte fragility, impairment of fertility and uncoupling of oxidation and phosphorylation. Possibilities of absorption of these synthetic lipids into the circulation may represent an unexpected health hazard. We have shown that subcutaneous (sc) administration to rabbits of a range of lipolysis-resistant lipid-like sorbitol, mannitol and arabitol esters of palmitic (P) and lauric (L) acids was found to evoke a mild APR, which in humans could contribute to CHD incidence. We suggest a reversal in the commonly accepted role of SPE as a sequestor of dietary lipid: SPE may be the lipophilic solute contained within the dietary lipid solvent micelle. An alternative conclusion regarding the biological effects of excessive dose of SPE in human and pig for a short time span should be considered.

In vitro biosynthesis of plasma proteins under ischemic conditions of closed-circuit perfusion of healthy and intoxicated rabbit liver

We are elaborating on the kinetics and mechanisms of septic rabbit liver to de novo biosynthesize acute-phase response (APR) proteins under in vitro conditions of deepening ischemia in reference to their in vivo prevalence in serum and cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) collected at predetermined times. The significance of the data is interpreted as relevant to grafting cadaveric liver into end-stage liver diseased patients and APR-induced ischemic heart diseases (IHD). Hepatic APR was induced by CCl(4)-intubation, and the administration of cholera toxin (CT) or scorpion venom (SV), or both, to rabbits. Hepatic functional efficiency, in terms of biosynthesis of APR proteins in closed circuit perfusion of the isolated intoxicated liver with oxygenated saline or L-15 media paralleled the two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis (2D-IEP) spectrum of APR serum proteins at time of liver isolation. We are suggesting: (a) in vitro biosynthesis of plasma proteins by isolated perfused liver is the result of in vivo decoded and retained APR inflammatory signals; and (b) decoded inflammatory signals are expressed not withstanding the perfusate's organic composition. Furthermore, 90 min of ischemic perfusion in saline or L-15 medium precipitated mitochondrial aberrations which resulted in further deterioration of de novo biosynthesis of APR plasma proteins. Regardless of the nature of the inflammatory stimuli, mitochondrial aberrations rendered the perfused organ a biologically inert tissue mass that was incapable of resuming biological function upon perfusion with oxygenated L-15 medium. This is most likely due to ischemia-induced irreversible hepatic necrosis. Thus, in vitro aberrations of mitochondrial function(s) critically limit the capability of the isolated liver to resume its organic function to sustain biosynthesis of de novo plasma proteins. Extrapolation of these results to the surgical management of end-stage liver diseases points to the importance of the status and the handling protocol(s) of the cadaver donor liver prior to successful grafting. We conclude that although histology of a cadaver liver may reveal well-preserved hepatic cellular organelles with at least minimal intra- and intercellular communication required for viable hepatic function, we deem it essential to further define acceptable minimal capabilities to de novo biosynthesize plasma proteins by a cadaver liver as a measure of its functional viability and suitability for transplantation. Ultimately, this measure may improve the success of liver transplants with minimal surgical and drug interventions.

Kinetics and mechanisms of hepatic acute phase response to subtotal partial hepatectomy and cultural impact on environmental hepatic end-stage liver injury in the homeless

Intoxication and liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)), aflatoxin B1, diabetes, and subtotal partial hepatectomy (PH(90)) in rats in which approximately 90% of the total hepatic tissue mass is surgically removed produces an acute-phase response (APR) whose initial stage prior to regression closely mimics the APRs associated with the life-threatening hepatic failure seen in the homeless. Rats treated by PH(90)were either healthy, CCl(4)-intoxicated, diabetic, or alflatoxin B1 (AFB1) intoxicated to the point of 75% liver insufficiency. It is well documented that high rates of mortality following PH(90)in aseptic rats could be minimized by supplementing drinking water with 20% glucose, organic components of L-15 medium and housing animals in cages maintained at 33-35;C. Aseptic rats showed a mild 20-30% decrease in APR proteins during the first 4-5 days following PH(90), while a maximal APR was noted 9-12 days post PH(90)and lasted for ~30 days when it returned to values close to those of healthy controls. This delay in hepatic APR of the remnant caudate lobe favoured replacement of lost basophilic clumps and ribosomes. The newly synthesized ribosomes of the nascent hepatocytes quantitatively maintained the APR signals of the injured caudate hepatocytes, and biosynthesized and released a typical spectrum of APR proteins. We suggest that massively injured liver has decoded an already stored and irreversible DNA-biochemical sequence of events in which priority is given to recovery of lost tissues by delaying an APR response to injury. In PH(90)of diabetic and CCl(4)-intoxicated rats, the hepatic dual functions of regeneration and APR processes associated with intoxication-initiated catabolic signals, created a heavy metabolic burden on the remnant caudate lobe leading to higher rates of mortality. APR of healthy rats to AFB1 parallels that of alpha-amanitin-induced intoxication. Similarly, within shorter time scale proportional to the severity of surgery, livers undergoing 75% partially hepatectomy (PH(75)) delayed both the onset and regression of APR. We are therefore led to believe that approaches other than liver transplantation should be considered as viable alternatives in the treatment of various acute and chronic liver diseases to avoid rejection and retransplantation. Scarcity of cadaveric liver has forced the medical community to investigate xenotransplantation with its unknown risks. Concomitantly, it is suggested that in view of the incalculable risks of indifference, the homeless must receive much improved medical care as we have found that two-dimensional immunoelectrophoretic assay of their serum is indicative of acute and chronic liver injury. The scientific and moral interrelationships of related matters are illuminated.

Natural atmospherics and occurrence of seizures in six adolescents with epilepsy: a cross correlation study

As already seen in a former study of 315 epileptic seizures in adults, subsequent investigation of 3333 epileptic seizures in six adolescents revealed a significant increase of the seizure frequency during days with a higher mean frequency of 28 kHz atmospherics, and a decrease during days with a (Baumer apparatus) distinctly higher amount of 10 kHz when compared with the daily mean frequency within the whole period. However, one patient showed an opposite behaviour regarding the correlations of 28 and 10 kHz atmospherics and the mean numbers of seizures.

Influence of the earth's magnetic field on resting and activated EEG mapping in normal subjects

We found in a former investigation that by measuring sleep parameters, the REM latency is shortened in the E-W position of sleepers compared with the N-S position. This paper reports on a further neurological observation in humans concerning the influence of the earth's magnetic field: there are statistically significant differences in the EEG of normal subjects, depending on whether the subjects sit facing the N-S or E-W direction. The difference is especially pronounced in the alpha-power.

Partially hepatectomized rats: a model for the study of the effect of toxins on the plasma protein profiles of nascent hepatocytes

A useful framework is proposed for unifying the synthesis of plasma proteins and their degradation by, or release from, liver cells of intact and partially hepatectomized rats, in which synthesis and release of acute-phase plasma proteins occur in synchrony with the internalization and catabolism of plasma and extracellular proteins. The catabolism of proteins and other hepato-intracellular glycoproteins during sepsis or trauma is essential to provide constituent amino acids and carbohydrates for the synthesis of acute-phase plasma proteins. Increases in the plasma levels of acute-phase response proteins in sham-operated rats reached a maximum between 1 and 2 d after mock surgery, and had returned virtually to control levels within 6 d. By contrast, acute-phase proteins in the plasma of partially hepatectomized rats were decreased by 10-20% of their initial values after 24 h. A maximum acute-phase response on d 7 after the operation was characterized by an increase of 181, 445, and 19% for alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, hepatoglobin, and hemopexin, whereas other acute-phase proteins remained below control levels, for example, by 11, 25, and 38% for albumin, transferrin, and prealbumin, respectively. This delayed response suggests that the nascent liver cells had inherited the capacity of the parent cells to respond to inflammatory signal and had synthesized acute-phase plasma proteins. Accordingly, a time frame for the application of toxin to nascent hepatocytes is suggested. An increased activity (300 +/- 50%) for both bound and free neuraminidase in remnant liver tissue 19 h post partial hepatectomy suggested that hepatic regenerating factor(s) were produced in liver tissue via the hepatic bound and/or free neuraminidase-mediated desialylation of humoral substrates. By contrast, circulating levels of lysosomal enzymes alpha-fucosidase and beta-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase were increased marginally after 24 h but had returned nearly to control levels after 7 d, suggesting that lysosomal acid hydrolases do not play a major role in regenerative DNA synthesis, mitosis, or in the synthesis of acute-phase plasma proteins.

Significant correlations between atmospheric spectra according to Baumer and the in vitro incorporation of [3H]thymidine into the nuclear DNA of C6-glioma cells

Significant correlations between certain spectra of atmospherics (spherics) according to Baumer (a.t.B), i.e. naturally occurring electro-magnetic impulses in the range of 4-50 kHz, and several diseases or biological parameters have been published earlier. Now we show that there exists a highly significant negative correlation (r = -0.61, P greater than 0.004) between the occurrence of 28 kHz impulses (a.t.B.) and the in vitro incorporation of thymidine into the nuclear DNA of C6-glioma cells. The positive correlation with the 10 kHz impulses (a.t.B) (r = 0.39), however, is statistically not significant (P greater than 0.055).

On the possibility of differential diagnosis at elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate by analysis of the concentrations of blood plasma proteins--a model study

An elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate is generally regarded as an unspecific and mostly pathological indicator of inflammation or tumour. However, we have determined the concentrations of plasma/serum proteins that influence the erythrocyte sedimentation rate in numerous samples from several groups of patients with different diseases, including 2 forms of cancer. Equations have been developed by which the 1 h value of erythrocyte sedimentation rate can be expressed as the sum of disease-specific coefficients for each protein multiplied by the measured concentrations of the respective proteins. These equations are shown to be disease-specific with 64-93% probability. Such equations may thus form the basis for differential diagnosis.

Suppression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by sulfasalazine

It has recently been suggested that the sulfidopeptide leukotriene C4 (LTC4), a 5-lipoxygenase product of the arachidonic acid metabolism and one of the most potent mediators of vascular permeability, might be involved in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Subsequently, 20 guinea pigs with EAE were treated with sulfasalazine, a substance with a proved leukotriene inhibiting effect, which has previously been described as exerting beneficial effects in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis. The sulfasalazine-treated guinea pigs showed a significantly better clinical outcome, as well as a significantly lower histological inflammation score compared with 19 controls.

The stability of the circadian rhythm of green finches (Carduelis chloris) under the influence of a weak electrical field

Free-running activity rhythms of nine green finches (Carduelis chloris) were studied under the influence of a 10-Hz square-wave electrical field. With a field strength of magnitude of E = 2.5 V/m in the empty cage, the population had a mean period of 23.64 +/- 0.77 hr. In the same experiment, but without the electrical field, the period was 23.66 +/- 0.80 hr. These results are in contradiction to Wever's description of a field-induced shortening of the period. A series of experiments with 10-Hz pulses of the same square-wave form, yet with various field strengths (8.7 and 65.2 V/m), also gave no effects.

Suppression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by dual cyclo-oxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase inhibition

The release of leukotriene C4 (LTC4), an important 5-lipoxygenase product of the arachidonic acid metabolism from polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNLs) of guinea pigs with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model of MS, has been found to be significantly increased compared with healthy animals. Subsequently, the dual cyclo-oxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor BW755C was applied to 15 guinea pigs with EAE. Two control groups (15 each) were treated with the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor indomethacin or physiological saline, respectively. In the BW755C treated group, no animal developed symptoms of the disease in contrast to, respectively, 5 and 3 animals in the 2 other groups. Histological examination of the CNS revealed a highly significantly lower inflammation score in the BW755C treated animals, and the release of LTC4 from PMNLs was highly significantly decreased in this group compared with each of the others. The findings suggest that the vascular permeability enhancing LTC4 plays a pathogenetic role in EAE and indicate that inhibition of this sulfidopeptide leukotriene suppresses the disease. Therefore, the application of leukotriene inhibitors could contribute to the future treatment of MS.

Dependence of a sleeping parameter from the N-S or E-W sleeping direction

In an earlier study it was shown that an isotonic salt solution within a measuring chamber of a cytopherometer is rotating caused by Lorentz forces, if the magnetic earth field crosses the electric field in the chamber. This may be a model of the ability of certain higher organisms to recognize the direction of the magnetic earth field. The topic of this study was the possible effect of the magnetic earth field in humans. It is shown that the duration of REM latency is influenced by the position of sleepers in N-S or E-W direction: it is shortened in E-W direction (p = 0.02).

Demonstration of statistically significant correlations between 8 and 12 kHz atmospherics and sudden deafness

In the last few years we have shown that atmospherics of different frequencies correlate with the onset of epileptic fits, heart infarcts and with the intensity of an inflammation reaction in rats. Now we show that sudden deafnesses are related (multiple R2 - 0.08) with the onset of 12 kHz in the first part of the day before the sudden deafness and the absence of 8 kHz in the first part of the day of this event.

Highly significant negative correlations between erythrocyte aggregation value and serum concentration of high density lipoprotein cholesterol in a sample from a normal population and in patients with coronary heart disease

In a previous clinical study it was found that patients with coronary heart disease and diabetics with peripheral artery disease often have an elevated erythrocyte aggregation value (AW) and that there is a positive correlation between AW and the number of risk factors found in a subject. In the present investigation we studied the relationship between AW and the serum concentration of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), which is known to be inversely associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) incidence. We found highly significant negative correlations between AW and HDL-C both in a subsample of the study population of a cross-sectional epidemiologic study on CHD risk factors (First Survey of the MONICA Project Augsburg) and in male patients with angiographically confirmed CHD. Correlation coefficients were -0.233 for normal men (P less than 0.01, n = 136), -0.261 for normal women (P less than 0.01, n = 117), and -0.745 for CHD patients (P less than 0.01, n = 14). The results support the concept that the erythrocyte aggregation value as an indicator of cardiovascular risk is consistent with established risk factor associations.

[Idiopathic hearing loss--dependent on the weather?]

In recent years it has been shown that atmospherics of different frequencies correlate with the onset of epileptic fits and myocardial infarctions. In the present retrospective study (1984) on more than 500 patients with acute hearing loss residing in the Munich area, a statistically significant correlation to atmospherics was also established.

Leukotrienes B4 and C4 in MS

Release of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and leukotriene C4 (LTC4) from neutrophils and platelet-neutrophil suspensions in response to ionophore A23187 was measured in 12 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and 8 healthy volunteers. LTC4 release from neutrophils, as well as from platelet-neutrophil suspensions, was significantly decreased in MS patients compared with the controls. There was no significant difference in the release of LTB4 between MS patients and controls. The findings suggest that permanent stimulation of platelets and neutrophils e.g., by encephalitogenic peptide leads to continuous LTC4 release with subsequent depletion of intracellular substrates serving as precursors for the formation of 5-lipoxygenase products. Since the target of microvascular actions of LTC4 are postcapillary venules, the release of this sulfidopeptide leukotriene might play a pathogenetic role in the formation of MS lesions.

Biological efficacy of partial hepatectomy and hepatopoietin in long-term selenium-deficient mice

After partial hepatectomy the normal low proliferation rate of hepatocytes increases dramatically. This is based on a feed-back system whose central link is a liver cell proliferation hormone, the so-called hepatopoietin. This glycoprotein is organ-specific but not species-specific, i.e. an extract from rats is also active in mice. In order to examine the influence of selenium on liver cell proliferation, male albino NMRI mice were fed a selenium-deficient diet containing less than 10 ppb Se for at least 2 months (Se-). In the plasma protein profile and in the basic DNA synthesis rate of Se(-)-animals, no significant changes were observed compared to controls. However, liver cell proliferation induced by hepatopoietin or by partial hepatectomy was increased about 3-fold in Se-deficient mice. We assume a compensated metabolic Se-deficiency state in mice under these nutritional conditions, which leads to expression of enhanced metabolic capacity when induced by stress.

Inhibition by the mushroom toxins alpha-amanitin and phalloidin of hepatopoietin-induced 3H-thymidine incorporation into rat liver DNA and of plasma protein production in hepatocyte cultures

In primary cultures of rat hepatocytes the induction of 3H-thymidine uptake into DNA of liver cells by the liver cell proliferation factor hepatopoietin demonstrates that this factor is active not only in vivo but also in vitro. Addition of the mushroom toxins alpha-amanitin or phalloidin to liver cell culture decreased the uptake of 3H-thymidine into hepatocytes (in the absence or presence of hepatopoietin) as well as the attachment of the hepatocyte cultures. Mushroom toxins also inhibited the production of plasma proteins in hepatocyte cultures. The inhibition, observed at toxin concentrations from 10(-5) to 10(-7) M, was dose-dependent. At low concentrations of phalloidin the inhibition appears to be selective for certain proteins.

The erythrocyte aggregation value as a measure of the risk of myocardial infarction and arteriosclerosis of peripheral arteries

The erythrocyte aggregation value (AW) has been determined in groups of patients with and without coronary heart disease (CHD) and in a group of apparently normal subjects, using the Metricell apparatus as described by Kachel et al. The following results were obtained: There was a close correlation between the AW and the existence of CHD or arteriosclerosis of peripheral arteries. The precision of the retrospective prediction of CHD by this noninvasive test in male subjects aged over 45 years (total CHD prevalence = 0.494) was: sensitivity = 0.571, specificity = 0.767. The predictive value of positive tests (PVpos) was 0.706, of negative test (PVneg) 0.647. The discriminatory ability of the AW test was superior to that of serum cholesterol determinations or measurement of other CHD risk factors made in the same population. The AW rises exponentially with the total score for risk factors for CHD hazard for the subject. It appears, however, from the insignificant correlations observed that there is no direct connection between the AW and any single risk factor.

Myocardial infarction and the weather: a significant positive correlation between the onset of heart infarct and 28 KHz atmospherics--a pilot study

The date of occurrence of a heart infarct was tabulated for 162 patients admitted to four Munich clinics with cardiology departments from January 1 to July 31, 1981. This occurrence calendar was correlated with the daily average density of 28 KHz and 10 KHz atmospheric (atm) impulses and several classic weather parameters. The occurrence of heart infarcts has a certain positive correlation with the increased appearance of "pure" 28 KHz impulses, the correlation with 10 KHz impulses is very slight. Among the classic weather parameters, the average daily humidity has the highest negative correlation coefficient.

Stomatocytosis of latex particles (0.26 micron) by rat erythrocytes by the electrical breakdown technique

The uptake of macromolecules by erythrocytes can be achieved with the electrical breakdown technique [2, 4]. In this technique the erythrocyte membranes are subjected to a high external electrical field pulse for a short period. Local, reversible breakdowns of the cell membrane occur above a critical field strength which lead to a time-dependent increase in the permeability of the membrane. By this means, human erythrocyte membranes can be made permeable to DNA, pharmaceutical compounds, and latex particles following an electrical field pulse [1, 3, 5]. Larger particles should also be taken up by erythrocytes using this method. Vienken et al. [5] demonstrated the entrapment of latex particles with a diameter of 0.091 micron in human erythrocyte ghosts, although this was shown with only a single electron micrograph which does not prove that the ghost membrane was intact. In our experiments in order to entrap latex particles with a diameter of 0.26 micron rat erythrocytes were subjected to an electrical field pulse of 12 kV/cm with a decay time of 60 microseconds. Experiments using the electron microscope show that after such an electrical field pulse the uptake of latex particles by rat erythrocytes follows the stomatocytotic pathway. We show further that using electron microscopic techniques, a single section cannot demonstrate the completed uptake of a latex particle by the erythrocyte.

Regulation of hepatocyte proliferation. The feed-back system of hepatopoietin

After partial hepatectomy the low proliferation rate of hepatocytes increases dramatically. This is based on a feed-back system whose central link is a liver cell proliferation hormon, the so-called hepatopoietin. The hormon originates from the Peyer's patches: after their resection, the liver cell proliferation after partial hepatectomy decreases by about 80%. Hepatopoietin effects organ specific but species nonspecific.

Plasma protein determination as a clinical probe for liver injury in rats induced by thioacetamide, alloxan or ixoten

As a result of traumata, cancer or chemical poisoning the level of acute-phase proteins released by the liver undergoes a significant change which can be measured by two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis. To investigate whether inflammatory reactions following chemical poisoning, tissue necrosis or other treatments result in an uniform change of the plasma protein profile, we examined quantitatively the change in plasma protein profile in the following model situations: 1) alloxan-induced diabetes in rats, 2) thioacetamide-induced liver cirrhosis and 3) ixoten-induced blocking of DNA synthesis in rat liver. Even though the three agents used in the present study or their metabolites directly interacted with liver cells, they did not evoke a uniform change of the plasma protein profile.

Changes in plasma protein profiles in serum and in liver DNA synthesis of rats following administration of alpha-amanitin, phalloidin and/or carbon tetrachloride

The aim of the present study is to investigate the capacity of damaged rat liver cells to respond to a second inflammation by a change in plasma protein profile, while the first inflammatory process is in progress. Quantitation of these effects would be useful, especially in situations where patients are suffering from complications due to emergence of a new pathological factor. We therefore studied the effect of phalloidin on rat livers already made necrotic by oral intubation of CCl4. Our data showed that a decrease in acute-phase response does not necessarily always imply healing, but may also be indicative of a second pathological complication.

Sensitive three-parameter flow-cytometric detection of abnormal cells in human cervical cancers: a pilot study

The cell volume, the DNA, and the carcino-embryonic (CEA) or epithelial-membrane (EMA) antigen of formaldehyde-fixed human cervical cells from 21 malignant cervix tumors and 11 normal patients were measured simultaneously with a Fluvo-Metricell flow cytometer. The simultaneous cell volume and DNA measurement provided the distinction of morphologically intact cells from cell debris, the determination of the cell cycle phase combined with the detection of aneuploid cells, and the distinct of inflammatory cells from parenchymal and tumor cells. Malignant samples were recognized because they contained more than 0.5% CEA positive cells which were of intermediate size. CEA and EMA expression in the malignant samples was not linked. The false positive rate in a total of 32 samples was 6.3% when the sum of CEA and EMA positive cells of each cell sample was calculated. No false negative malignant sample was observed.

Demonstration of antiinflammatory activity of fibrinogen and fibrinopeptides in rats

Carrageenin-induced inflammatory rat paw swelling was significantly inhibited by intraperitoneal injection of rat fibrinogen. Whole-body radioscanning of the rat after intraperitoneal administration of 131I-labeled fibrinogen revealed the accumulation of radiolabeled material in the inflammed rat paw. Resorption studies showed that not more than 4% of the intraperitoneally administered [125I] fibrinogen could be demonstrated in the peripheral blood. Furthermore only 1/3 of this circulating radiolabeled protein was able to take part in clot formation, suggesting that inhibition of edema formation is mediated by fibrinogen-derived split products. This is further supported by the finding that rat fibrinopeptides, released by the action of thrombin, also diminish edema formation both after intracardial and intraperitoneal injection into carrageenin-stimulated rats.

Flow-cytometric measurements of the transmembrane potential, the surface charge density and the phagocytic activity of Guinea pig macrophages after incubation with lymphokines

The effects of lymphokines on guinea pig peritoneal macrophages were measured via flow cytometry utilizing the three-parameter FLUVO-METRICELL flow cytometer. On the basis of cell volume three distinct macrophage populations could be distinguished. Three to 5 min after starting the incubation with lymphokines a hyperpolarization of all three macrophage populations took place which was followed by depolarization. After 60 min the transmembrane potential reached again its control values. The negative charge density of the cell membrane decreased shortly after beginning of the incubation to 70-80% of the initial value and then remained unchanged for the following 120 min. The phagocytic activity of the macrophages was diminished during the depolarisation phase but increased over control values after restoration of the transmembrane potential.