bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solubilized Receptor for Vitamin B12—Intrinsic Factor Complex from Human Intestine
Authors: Katz M. , Cooper B. A.
Published: March 2008

Summary. A specific receptor for intrinsic factor‐vitamin B12 complex has been prepared in soluble form from human intestinal mucosal cell membranes employing Triton X‐100. The extraction procedure has not detectably altered its characteristics relative to membrane‐bound receptor. It appears to be macromolecule containing critical peptide and disulphide bonds.
Studies of the Anaemia in an Acute Rat Leukaemia
Authors: Harriss Eileen B. , Hoelzer D.
Published: March 2008

Summary. Possible reasons for the anaemia which develops in the acute myelomono‐cytic leukaemia, L 5222, in rats were investigated. The reduction in erythropoietic precursors in the bone marrow leads to a decreased output of erythrocytes to the blood, as demonstrated by 59Fe‐labelling, but this reduced cell production is probably of only minor importance for the anaemia during the short course of the disease. Cross transfusion of 51Cr‐labelled erythrocytes between normal and leukaemic donors, and also of 59Fe‐labelled erythrocytes newly produced during the leukaemia, showed no evidence for an intrinsic red cell defect as a cause of anaemia, but indicated that the rapid loss of cells in the leukaemic animals was due to extrinsic factors. Since splenectomy did not alleviate the shortened red‐cell survival in leukaemic animals, it is assumed that the grossly enlarged spleen is not responsible for the rapid loss of cells. Comparison of the distribution pattern of 51Cr in various organs of leukaemic animals with the patterns found after treatment of healthy rats with phenylhydrazine, to produce anaemia by haemolysis, or whole body irradiation, to produce anaemia mainly by bleeding, suggested that both haemolysis and haemorrhage occur in the leukaemia. An unexpected finding was the high amount of 51Cr deposited in the liver, suggesting that this organ must be considered a major site of red‐cell destruction in this rat leukaemia.
Absence of B‐ and T‐Cell Markers on Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemic Cells and Persistence of the T‐Cell Marker on Mitogen‐Transformed T‐Lymphocytes
Authors: Collins R. D. , Smith L. , Clein G. P. , Barker C. R.
Published: March 2008

Summary. Lymphocytes from six patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) were studied in vitro for thymus (T‐cell) and bone marrow‐derived (B‐cell) markers. Leukaemic lymphoblasts did not form rosettes with sheep erythrocytes (T‐cell marker) or bear surface immunoglobulin determinants by indirect immuno‐fluorescent staining (B‐cell marker). The failure of lymphoblasts to form rosettes was apparently not due to the fact that lymphoblasts were in various stages of the cell cycle, as mitogen‐transformed T‐cells and T‐cells in mitosis retained their capacity to form rosettes with sheep erythrocytes. In contrast, leukaemic B‐cells, obtained from a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and recognized by intracellular immunoglobulin crystals, did not form rosettes nor did a small number of mitogen‐transformed leukaemic cells. These studies suggest that lymphoblasts from some patients with the haematological picture of ALL do not have surface markers for either T‐ or B‐cells.
Delayed Incorporation of [75Se]Selenomethionine into Fibrinogen: Its Effect upon Kinetic Studies of Fibrinogen with [75Se]Selenomethionine in Rabbits
Authors: Seligsohn U. , Rapaport S. I. , Rostami H. J.
Published: March 2008

Summary. When data‐points on the descending phase of autoendogenous plasma [75Se]selenomethionine‐fibrinogen (75SeM‐fibrinogen) radioactivity curves in rabbits were expressed as per cent of maximum radioactivity, they could be fitted to single exponential curves both in controls and in animals with enhanced fibrinogen synthesis from multiple causes. Intravascular half‐disappearance times (HDTs) determined from these slopes were inversely related to maximum per cent incorporation of 75SeM into fibrinogen (r= 0.662, P<0.001). The mean HDT for 17 controls was 112 hr, whereas the mean HDT for animals with marked stimulation of fibrinogen production was close to 56 hr, the value for the mean HDT for the second slope of fibrinogen radioactivity in 13 normal recipient rabbits injected with donor 75SeM‐fibrinogen. Two kinetic compartmental models were proposed to account for the marked difference between the autoendogenous 75SeM‐fibrinogen decay slope of control animals and the second slope of fibrinogen radioactivity in recipient animals. Both models account for a random, delayed input from the liver of 75SeM‐fibrinogen, which decreases when fibrinogen synthesis is stimulated. In one model, the delay occurs before synthesis of labelled fibrinogen, whereas in the other model the delay occurs after synthesis of labelled fibrinogen. Both models indicate that in control animals only about 50% of 75SeM‐fibrinogen enters the plasma from the liver without delay. In contrast, in rabbits with ACTH‐stimulated fibrinogen production, over 80% of 75SeM‐fibrinogen enters the plasma without delay. Although both models fit the kinetic data, a steady state calculation for the model in which delay occurs after synthesis of labelled fibrinogen molecules gives a size for the intracellular fibrinogen delay pool in the liver which exceeds the size for the plasma fibrinogen pool. Therefore, this model seems untenable. Our evidence of a marked effect of variation in delayed input of 75SeM‐fibrinogen upon the degradation phase of the autoendogenous fibrinogen radioactivity curve raises doubts about the validity of using isolated portions of such curves for separate estimations of fibrinogen synthesis and catabolism.
Studies on an Inhibitor of Plasminogen Activators in Human Platelets
Authors: Murray J. , Crawford G. P. M. , Ogston D. , Douglas A. S.
Published: March 2008

Summary. Whole platelets obtained by gel filtration of platelet‐rich plasma inhibited urokinase activity. An inhibitor of urokinase and tissue activator was partially purified by chromatography of washed, lyophilized human platelets on DEAE‐cellulose. Inhibition was immediate, proportional to the quantity of platelet extract present and competitive. The inhibitor was labile on storage at 20°C, but stable for at least 3 weeks at −20°C; it was destroyed by heating to 56°C for 30 min. The approximate molecular weight was 45 000 as determined by gel filtration. The platelet extracts were free of molecules antigenically related to α2‐macroglobulin, α1‐antitrypsin, antithrombin III, C1 inactivator, or factor XIII.
Ethanol Inhibition of Haemoglobin Synthesis: In Vitro Evidence for a Haem Correctable Defect in Normal Subjects and in Alcoholics
Authors: Ali M. A. M. , Brain M. C.
Published: March 2008

Summary.

The effect of ethanol in different concentrations ranging from 0.10 to 0.66 m on globin chain synthesis in vitro was studied by measuring 3H‐leucine incorporation into human bone marrow suspensions and reticulocyte‐enriched blood. With increasing concentration of ethanol there was a decreasing 3H‐leucine incorporation. This inhibition was reversed by haem and pyridoxine hydrochloride (PHC) in i mM concentration. 5‐Aminolaevulinic acid (5‐ALA) at similar concentration had no significant effect. The addition of haem to reticulocyte‐enriched blood obtained from acute alcoholics increased globin‐chain synthesis by 20% whereas PHC and ALA were without effect and none of the additions increased globin synthesis by normal reticulocytes. These data provide direct evidence for the inhibitory action of ethanol on haemoglobin synthesis and suggest that the effect is mediated through inhibition of haem synthesis at a site influenced by pyridoxine.
Abnormal Cells in the Peripheral Blood of Patients with Hodgkin's Disease
Authors: Halie M. R. , Splett‐Romascano M. , Molenaar I. , Nieweg H. O.
Published: March 2008

Summary.

The investigation of cells larger than normal in the peripheral blood of patients with Hodgkin's disease by electron microscopy revealed, besides cells of the granulocytic series and parts of megakaryocytes, four other categories. The cells of the mononuclear phagocytic system could easily be recognized. The so‐called immunoblasts seen in light microscopy as dark basophilic lymphoid cells apparently consist of cells from B‐ as well as T‐cell origin, according to their ultrastructural characteristics. All these cells could also be found in nine healthy control persons, two patients with cytomegalovirus disease and two with reticulosarcoma.

The fourth category was formed by a rare cell, only encountered in patients with disseminated Hodgkin's disease. They probably represent the moderately basophilic blast cell seen in light microscopy, considered to indicate dissemination of Hodgkin's disease. Submicroscopic details of these cells are given. It is very improbable that they belong to the monocytes or to the immunoglobulin producing cells. A relation to the thymus derived immunoblasts could not be excluded, while on the other hand the morphological features closely resembled those of cells found in cases of type I and type III of reticulosarcoma (Mori & Lennert, 1969). Thus, in this investigation the number of possibilities for the origin of the typical cells indicating splenic involvement of Hodgkin's disease was limited, but a definite conclusion could not be reached on the basis of the presently available morphological data.
Blood Catecholamine Levels, Factor VIII and Fibrinolysis after Therapeutic Electroshock
Authors: Pina‐Cabral J. M. , Rodrigues Custoadio
Published: March 2008

Summary.

Two groups of patients were submitted to electric convulsive therapy, one without pre‐treatment (ECT) and the other after administration of thiopentone and succinylcholine (modified ECT). After ECT, there was a large increase in the blood level of catecholamines (noradrenaline+adrenaline), of factor VIII and of plasminogen activator. After modified ECT, the release of catecholamines and of factor VIII was significantly reduced, but hyperfibrinolysis took place as in ECT. These results suggest that while catecholamines are probably not responsible for plasminogen activator release during stress, adrenergic mediation of the concomitant increase in factor VIII is highly probable.
The Role of Complement in Endotoxin‐Induced Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation: Studies in Congenitally C6‐Deficient Rabbits
Authors: Müller‐Berghaus Gert , Lohmann Elke
Published: March 2008

Summary.

The effect of intravenous infusion of endotoxin on the activation of intravascular coagulation and on the generation of glomerular microclots was studied in rabbits congenitally deficient in the sixth component of complement (C6). Endotoxin infusion induced the formation of circulating soluble fibrin and caused a drop in leucocyte and platelet counts, a decrease in factor‐V and factor‐VII activities and a prolongation of the thromboplastin time as well as the partial thromboplastin time. These haematological changes are indicative of consumption coagulopathy and were similarly distinctive in C6‐deficient as in normal rabbits infused with endotoxin. Furthermore, renal glomerular microclots formed in 90% of the C6‐deficient and in 80% of the normal rabbits after endotoxin administration. The haematological as well as the histological results of these experiments demonstrate that the sixth component of complement and the later complement components C7–9 are not essential to the initiation of intravascular coagulation by endotoxin and the manifestation of the generalized Shwartzman reaction. The data make it likely that the release of platelet factor 3 does not represent the trigger mechanism of intravascular coagulation since disseminated intravascular coagulation could be induced in C6‐deficient rabbits although the platelets of these animals are incapable of releasing platelet factor 3 activity after platelet‐endotoxin interaction.
The Role of the Polyol Pathway in Methaemoglobin Reduction in Human Red Cells
Authors: Travis Susan F. , Morrison A. D. , Clements R. S. , Winegrad Jr. A. I. , Oski F. A.
Published: March 2008

Summary. The relationship of methaemoglobin reduction to the polyol or sorbitol pathway, which accounts for 2–3% of glucose metabolism at physiological glucose concentrations in human red cells, was investigated. In partially methaemoglobinized cells (3–7% methaemoglobin), the metabolic alterations previously observed at high glucose concentrations did not occur. Partial inhibition of the polyol pathway with 3.3‐tetramethyleneglutaric acid (TMG) resulted in an increase in the pyruvate concentration when compared to non‐treated cells with the same percentage of methaemoglobin. When methaemoglobin production was totally inhibited with carbon monoxide, the metabolic alterations previously observed at a glucose concentration of 50 mm occurred at physiological glucose concentrations. These data suggest that the NADH produced by the polyol pathway may provide reduced pyridine nucleotide required for physiological rates of methaemoglobin reduction.
Receptor Sites for Aggregated Gammaglobulin (AGG) on Lymphocytes in Lymphoproliferative Diseases
Authors: Huber Ch. , Dworzak E. , Fink U. , Michlmayr G. , Braunsteiner H. , Huber H.
Published: March 2008

Summary. Receptor sites for AGG were evaluated autoradiographically after incubation of blood or lymph node lymphocytes with 125I‐labelled proteins. 18 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, 17 with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma and 27 healthy controls were investigated. In the normal controls an average of 15% of blood lymphocytes were labelled. In patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia 16 of 18 patients showed a marked increase of lymphocytes with this receptor. In non‐Hodgkin lymphomas high numbers of lymphocytes reacting with AGG were found in biopsies of pathological lymph nodes, but rarely observed in the peripheral blood. Further support for the B‐cell nature of these lymphocytes was obtained in experiments with anti‐Ig‐antisera and differential centrifugation after rosette formation with unsensitized sheep red blood cells.
Reactivity to Factor‐VIII Concentrates of Lymphocytes from Patients with Haemophilia and von Willebrand's Disease
Authors: Rossman R. E. , Brody J. I.
Published: March 2008

Summary. To tcst the antigenicity of two materials used in the management of factor‐VIII deficiency, lymphocytes from normal volunteers and from patients with haemophilia and with von Willebrand's disease (vWd) were exposed in vitro to cryoprecipitate and to glycine‐precipitated factor VIII (Hemofil). As measured by incorporation of 14C‐thymidine, the factor‐VIII concentrates stimulated lymphocytes from some haemophiliacs and nontransfused normal donors, whereas lymphocytes from patients with vWd were unreactive. The data provide further immunological support for the concept that haemophilia and vWd are two separate and distinct disorders.
The Effect of Folate Antagonists on Dihydrofolate Reductase Activity Demonstrated Cytochemically
Authors: Tzortzatou Fottini , Hayhoe F. G. J.
Published: March 2008

Summary. The intracellular activity of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), as demonstrated cytochemically, could not be inhibited by pre‐incubation of leuccytes or fibroblasts with folate antagonists, even at very high concentrations. Inhibition was obtained only when the antagonists were included during incubation with the cytochemical reaction mixture in very high concentration (20 mM). Injection of antagonists in vivo into AKR mice, even at highly toxic and eventually lethal concentrations, failed to produce any detectable inhibition of DHFR activity in cells of bone marrow, spleen, or other tissues. The results suggest that binding of folate antagonists to DHFR is weak and reversible, that the antagonists are readily replaced by the physiological substrate, dihydrofolate, and that some mechanism other than inhibition of DHFR may have a part to play in the therapeutic action of folate antagonists.
Megakaryocyte Polyploidization in Acute Leukaemia and Preleukaemia
Authors: Queisser W. , Queisser U. , Ansmann M. , Brunner G. , Hoelzer D. , Heimpel H.
Published: March 2008

Summary. Megakaryocyte polyploidy was studied in six cases of preleukaemic acute leukaemia (PL), and in acute leukaemia (AL), five cases in the overt phase and three during complete remission. The megakaryocyte polyploidization was determined cytophotometrically and in some cases also by in vitro labelling with tritiated thymidine (3H‐TdR). The results obtained in PL and untreated AL. demonstrate an impairment of the 3H‐TdR labelling index and altered megakaryocyte polyploidy such as decrease of the maximum polyploidization capacity (five cases), evidence of diploid megakaryocytes (two cases) and of hyperploid megakaryocytes (six cases). These disturbances reflected the cytological abnormalities (microkaryo‐cytes, polykaryocytes) observed in most of the cases studied.

In contrast, in cases studied during complete remission of AL. a normal labelling index and polyploidy composition was observed, suggesting that the polyploidization disturbances are reversible. A strict correlation of the polyploidization defect and the platelet production could not be established from the patients investigated.
Studies of the Absorption, Distribution and Utilization of a Potential New Haematinic (I‐I′‐Diethyl α‐α′‐Thiabiscyclopentadienyl‐Iron) in Normal Mice and Mice with Sex‐linked Anaemia
Authors: Edwards John A. , Ursillo Richard C. , Hoke James E.
Published: March 2008

Summary. The absorption, distribution and utilization of I‐I'diethyl α‐α′‐thiabis‐cyclopentadienyl‐iron (EX10–478), in which iron is present in a non‐ionized form, was studied in normal mice and mice with sex‐linked anaemia, an X‐linked recessive trait characterized by a defect in the intestinal absorption of ionic iron. Treatment of anaemic mice with intragastric EX10–478 and intraperitoneal iron dextran resulted in a complete cure, whereas intragastric treatment with an equivalent amount of ionic iron had no beneficial effect. Investigations using 59Fe labelled EX 10–478 demonstrated relatively high intestinal iron absorption in both anaemic and normal animals, greater utilization of EX10–478 iron for erythropoiesis in anaemic animals compatible with their known iron deficiency and higher deposition of EX10–478 iron in the livers of normal animals. These results indicate that (a) EX10–478 is well absorbed from the intestine, (b) there is no defect in the absorption of non‐ionized iron in sex‐linked anaemia, (c) EX10–478 iron is readily available for haemoglobin synthesis, (d) the liver is probably the principle iron storage site in the mouse, and (e) EX10–478 is a promising new haematinic and a potentially useful experimental tool for the study of iron metabolism.
Serum Colony Stimulating and Inhibiting Factors in Irradiated Germfree and Conventional Mice
Authors: Quesenberry P. J. , Bealmear P. , Ryan M. , Stohlman F.
Published: March 2008

Summary. Colony‐stimulating factor (CSF) elevations were seen at varying times after lethal irradiation of conventional CF, and CFW mice but no elevations were noted in germfree CFW mice. Changes in serum inhibitor activity after irradiation were variable and did not explain the CSF increases. Both conventional and germfree mice responded to endotoxin with similar increases in serum CSF before and after irradiation. Serum CSF levels in mice with irradiation‐induced myeloid aplasia may be normal and yet these myeloid depleted mice retain the capacity to generate increased serum CSF levels after endotoxin injection.

These data suggest that in the irradiated mouse serum CSF levels are not determined by the peripheral blood or marrow neutrophil numbers, but are more likely related to a functional demand on the neutrophil such as bacterial killing.
Morphological Criteria for Prognostication of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia
Authors: Pantazopoulos Nicholas , Sinks Lucius F.
Published: March 2008

Summary. Thirty‐nine children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia were divided into three groups according to proportion of macrolymphoblasts (MLb) (> 12 μm) in the pretreatment bone marrow: Group 1: 10 patients with MLb less than 10%; Group 11: 17 patients with 11–25% MLb; Group 111: 12 patients with MLb over 26%. The miorphologic findings were correlated with the clinical data, and it was noted that none of Group I patients had relapses for a median period of observation of 57 mth. In Group 11, 14 of 16 patients (one patient was lost to follow‐up for first remission duration) had relapses, with a median first remission duration of 15 mth. In Group 111, 11 of 12 patients had relapses with a median first remission duration of 12 mth. Our data indicate that the microlymphoblastic variety of ALL has a better prognosis (P < 0.01) when the proportion of MLb in the pretreatment bone marrow is 10% or less.
Platelet Survival and Platelet Production in Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
Authors: Branehög Ingemar , Kutti Jack , Weinfeld Aleksander
Published: March 2008

Summary. Platelet mean life span (MLS) and platelet production were measured in 3–5 patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and in 21 healthy subjects.

The mean platelet production in ITP was 2.3 times normal: the highest values were 3–5 times normal. There was a highly significant negative correlation between platelet production and peripheral platelet count. With platelet counts above 50000μl, platelet turnover was within the upper part of the normal range, but with lower platelet counts, turnover progressively increased. It is concluded that the bone marrow in ITP increases platelet production in response to a low platelet count and that this response does not differ from that hitherto known to occur in man and animals rendered thrombocytopenic by thrombopheresis.

The disappearance curve of 51Cr labelled platelets in ITP consists of two components, a rapid initial one covering the first 15 min after infusion and then a slower one. The pattern was the same whether autologous or homologous platelets were used for labelling. It is suggested that the initial part of the curve does not represent in vivo survival but is due to slight damage to the platelets during the labelling procedure. These slightly damaged cells can resume normal viability when infused into a normal recipient but are rendered less viable when further damaged by platelet antibodies in patients with ITP. This explains the low recovery of infused labelled platelets in ITP recipients, despite the fact that the size of their splenic platelet pool is normal.
Metabolic Studies on the Erythrocyte from Patients with Chronic Renal Disease on Haemodialysis
Authors: Wallas Charles H.
Published: March 2008

Summary. It is confirmed that ATP levels are significantly increased in uraemic (1.90±0.06 mmole/l RBC) as compared to control RBCs (1.30 ± 0.03 mmole/l RBC) (P 0.001). Studies were performed which suggest that this increase in ATP may be secondary to an increased ATP synthetic capacity in uraemic erythrocytes which is independent of extracorpuscular factors including phosphate: (I) When suspended in an artificial low phosphate (PO4) medium (I mM), washed RBCs from uraemic subjects produced and utilized ATP more rapidly than did washed control RBCs. (2) During a 12 hr incubation period, the ATP concentration of washed uraemic RBCs suspended in a 10 mM PO2 medium remained significantly greater than the ATP level of washed control RBCs suspended in a 10 mM PO4 medium. (3) During a 6 hr period of haemodialysis when the serum PO4 level fell sharply, the RBC‐ATP failed to change. Pyruvic kinase activities were significantly increased in uraemic (7.02 ± 0.84 EU/g Hb) as compared to control RBCs (3.20 ± 0.17 EU/g Hb) (P0.001), suggesting the presence of young RBCs in uraemia. It is proposed that the increased ATP levels and intrinsic ATP synthetic capacity may be due to the presence of an erythrocyte population with a younger mean age in the uraemic population studied.
Hereditary Spherocytosis: The Metabolism of Erythrocytes in the Peripheral Blood and in the Splenic Pulp
Authors: Mayman David , Zipursky Alvin
Published: March 2008

Summary. Na+ transport was studied in intact red cells and membrane preparations (‘ghosts’) of patients with hereditary spherocytosis (h. s.). Ouabain‐insensitive efflux was greater than normal in ghost preparations as well as in intact cells, findings which arc consistent with a membrane defect in h.s. red cells. Ouabain‐sensitive (‘pump’) sodium efflux was normal in h.s. membrane preparations, but was increased in intact cells and the latter probably reflects changes secondary to the increased Na+ influx in these cells.

In h.s., red cells are trapped and destroyed in the spleen and we studied splenic pulp red cells in a group of h.s. patients at splenectomy. These cells showed greater osmotic fragility, higher Na+ and lower K+ concentrations than did peripheral red cells. Membrane permeability to Na+ was not greater than in peripheral red cells but the ouabain‐sensitive (‘pump’) Na+ efflux was reduced. Despite this, ATP concentration and ATPase activity were found to be normal. Low levels of 2,3‐diphosphoglyceric acid were noted in splenic red cells but ATP turnover was normal. Since failure of the Na+ pump occurs in h.s. splenic red cells despite adequate substrate (ATP) and an intact ATPase system, it is suggested that the abnormality results from a change in the red cell membrane 4 which reduces the function of the pump. These characteristics of splenic red cells are similar to those found in normal red cells following in vitro incubation at 37°C. This supports the concept that cell death in h.s. results from a deterioration in membrane function secondary to substrate deprivation in the stagnant circulation of the splenic pulp.
Philadelphia‐Chromosome Positive Bone‐Marrow Cells Showing Loss of the Y in Males with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia
Authors: Lawler Sylvia D. , Lobb D. S. , Wiltshaw Eve
Published: March 2008

Summary.During the last 9 yr at the Royal Marsden Hospital cytogenetic studies have been made on 74 Philadelphia‐chromosome positive male patients with chronic mycloid leukaemia (CML). Eight of these have shown loss of the Y chroniosome in some or all of the bone‐marrow cells. One patient had in addition a translocation between a number 8 and number 22 chromosome in the chronic phase. It is suggested that the loss of Y cliromosomes in CML may be associated with premature ageing of the bone marrow. The evidence does not support the view that a — Y marrow is necessarily associated with a good prognosis.
An Association between Aplastic Anaemia and Sideroblastic Anaemia
Authors: Geary C. G. , Dawson D. W. , Sitlani P. K. , Allison H. A. , Leyland M. J.
Published: March 2008

Summary. Four cases of marrow aplasia are described in which sideroblastic anaemia eventually developed. In two cases, the diagnosis of sideroblastic anaemia was established during a phase of partial recovery from the original aplastic episode. In the other two, periods of respectively 6 and 20 yr separated the two diagnoses though, in the latter, persistent thrombocytopenia had suggested that marrow recovery was incomplete.

It is suggested that an abnormal erythroid clone, characterized by the presence of ring sideroblasts, may arise during recovery from an aplastic episode, a situation somewhat analogous to the development of PNH in a patient with aplastic anaemia. Apparent clinical remission might mask this underlying haematological abnormality, in some cases, for years.
Controlled Trial of Ancrod and Streptokinase in the Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis of Lower Limb
Authors: Tibbutt D. A. , Williams E. W. , Walker M. W. , Chesterman C. N. , Holt J. M. , Sharp A. A.
Published: March 2008

Summary. Treatment with ancrod (‘Arvin’) or streptokinase (‘Kabikinase’) was allocated randomly to 34 patients with deep vein thrombosis of the leg. In all the diagnosis was confirmed by venography. Treatment was given for 4 days and venography was repeated in 32 patients.‘Blind’assessment of venograms performed before and after treatment showed that there was significantly more lysis of thrombi in the streptolunase treated group (P< 0.0005). The majority of patients in each group showed some clinical improvement but there was little or no appreciable difference in symptoms and signs between the two groups 3 mth after treatment. Sidc effects were more common with streptokinase treatment than with ancrod.
Association of Type II Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anaemia and von Willebrand's Disease
Authors: Hernandez P. , Almagro D. , Corral J. F. , Opolski A. , Sanchez J. A. , Rodríguez N.
Published: March 2008

Summary. In a patient with a history of anaemia, jaundice and splenomegaly, the bone marrow showed erythropoietic hyperplasia with 20% of multinucleated erythroblasts. His red cells gave high agglutination scores with anti‐i, and haemolysis tests with acidified iso‐group sera were positive.

A type II congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia was diagnosed in this patient and this was shown to be associated with von Willebrand's disease. A brother of the propositus also had a positive acidified serum test and showed agglutination by anti‐i, but polynucleated erythroblasts were not found.
IgG Anti‐Lea
Authors: Holburn A. M.
Published: March 2008

Summary. Five examples of human anti‐Lea were subjected to DEAE‐cellulose chromatography. In each case antibody activity was demonstrable in the IgG fractions by the binding of 125I‐Lea glycoprotein. The Lea specificity of these reactions was established by absorption experiments with red cells and with serum from donors of known Lewis phenotypes. Antibody activity was also detected in IgG concentrates of two anti‐Lea antisera by gel diffusion against Lea glycoprotein.

Inhibition curves obtained in a radioimmunoassay system suggest that IgC anti‐Lea has a significantly lower binding constant than IgM anti‐Lea. Failure to detect anti‐Lea by serological techniques with red cells may be related to the low binding constant.
The Use of Chicken Serum for Measurement of Serum Vitamin B12 Concentration by Radioisotope Dilution: Description of Method and Comparison with Microbiological Assay Results
Authors: Green Ralph , Newmark Peter A. , Mussos Arturo M. , Mollin David L.
Published: March 2008

Summary. A new method for the measurement of serum vitamin B12 concentration by radioisotope dilution is described in which chicken serum is used as the source of vitamin B12‐binding protein. The conditions for the assay were carefully selected on the basis of a thorough investigation of the factors affecting the critical steps in the radioisotope dilution assay for vitamin B12. The assay obeys the principle of radioisotope dilution, and gives reproducible results. The normal range for the method (400–1020 pg/ml) is higher than any previously reported normal range for a radioisotope method. Excellent discrimination was obtained between normal subjects and those with pernicious anaemia.

The serum vitamin B12 levels measured by the chicken serum radioisotope dilution assay in 596 subjects were compared with the results of either Euglena gracilis or Lactobacillus leichmannii microbiological assay. The chicken serum method consistently gave higher results than either microbiological assay, but the difference was especially great in many post gastrectomy, pregnancy, polycythaemia Vera and cord sera. A definite cause for these differences was not established.
Restoration of Normal Red Cell Size after Treatment in Megaloblastic Anaemia
Authors: Patel A. , Chanarin I.
Published: March 2008

Summary. The return of the MCV to normal after treatment in megaloblastic anaemia follows a biphasic pattern. The initial more rapid decline in MCV is due to disappearance of pretreatment macrocytes from the circulation and the rate of fall is determined by their mean cell life. The second slower component is probably due to a mixture of pretreatment macrocytes and new macrocytes, the result of a young red cell population. The MCV often returned to normal most rapidly in the most severely megaloblastic patients due to a very short mean red cell life span. However, there was no significant correlation between either initial MCV or red cell count and the time after treatment for a return of a normal MCV.
A Solid‐Phase Radioassay for the Quantitative Determination of Antiplasmin Activity in Human Plasma
Authors: Schmer G. , Branson H. E.
Published: March 2008

Summary. The caseinolytic activity of one CTA (Committee on Thrombolytic Agents) unit of human plasmin is inhibited by a series of plasma dilutions containing antiplasmin. The neutralization of the standard plasmin by increasing amounts of antiplasmin shows a steeper linear decrease of plasmin activity between 1.0 and 0.5 CTA units and a much smaller further inactivation below 0.5 CTA units. It is thought that the standard plasmin is partially damaged at the antiplasmin combining site during the purification procedure and might be responsible for the differences in plasmin‐antiplasmin neutralization in the standard curve. Using the steeper slope of the plasmin neutralization curve, an average of 8.6±1.0 CTA units plasmin neutralizing activity per ml human plasma was found in 36 healthy donors. The difficulty of obtaining ‘native’ standard plasmin with full antiplasmin combining capacity represents the main problem of a reproducible reliable antiplasmin assay.
The Oxygen Affinity of Haemoglobin E
Authors: May A. , Huehns E. R.
Published: March 2008

Summary. Oxygen dissociation studies were carried out on haemoglobin E (Hb E) at both high and low haemoglobin concentrations. Oxygen affinities of fresh red cells from three people homozygous for Hb E and from one with Hb E‐β thalassaemia (Hb‐E trait/β‐thai trait) were low in three out of four patients studied, while the oxygen affinity of red cells from an individual with Hb‐E trait was normal. 2, 3‐DPG concentration in the fresh cells from the people with homozygous Hb E or Hb‐E trait/β‐thal trait which showed low oxygen affinities were elevated sufficiently to account for the shifts observed. When the cells from two of these people with homozygous Hb E were depleted of 2, 3‐DPG, their oxygen affinities became the same as that of similarly treated normal cells. Pure ‘stripped’ Hb E in dilute solution behaved identically to Hb A in respect of P50, Bohr shift, haem‐haem interaction, and interaction with inorganic phosphate or 2, 3‐DPG. Hb E, therefore, has the same oxygen dissociation properties as Hb A both in dilute solution and in the red cell. The low oxygen affinities found in the fresh cells and in whole blood are caused by high 2, 3‐DPG concentrations within the cell.
Beta‐Thalassaemia of Clinical Significance in Adult Jamaican Negroes
Authors: Ahern E. , Herbert R. , Mciver C. , Ahern V. , Wardle J. , Seakins M.
Published: March 2008

Summary. Over a 9‐year period, three adult Negro patients with β‐thalassaemia of clinical significance were recognized out of approximately 185 000 new adult patients attending the University Hospital. These patients, aged 15–58 years, have clinical and haematological characteristics within the spectrum of β‐thalassaemia intermedia; which in this paper refers to phenotypes resulting from defects in β‐chain synthesis clinically intermediate between classical Cooley's anaemia and β‐thalassaemia trait, genetic classification being dependent on family study.

Family studies established the presence of two β‐thalassaemia genes conclusively in one case (proposita, family A); presumptively in another (propositus, family C); while in the remaining subject (proposita, family B), who has two similarly affected siblings, homozygosity is suspected, but not proven by family study.

In simultaneous 59Fe and 51Cr studies, estimates of effective erythropoiesis are in reasonable agreement with measurements of red cell destruction.
Canine Cyclic Haematopoiesis: Marrow Transplantation between Littermates
Authors: Jones J. B. , Yang T. J. , Dale J. B. , Lange R. D.
Published: March 2008

Summary. Dogs affected with cyclic haematopoiesis (CH) and experiencing recurrent 12‐day cycles of neutropenia were supralethally irradiated and transplanted with marrow from their normal littermates. Following transplantation of the normal marrow, dogs with CH experienced no further cycles of neutropenia. Platelet and reticulocyte numbers also ceased to fluctuate cyclically in these dogs. The marrows of dogs with CH were transplanted into unaffected supralethally irradiated littermates. Prompt engraftment occurred in the recipient dogs with subsequent cyclic rises and falls of the numbers of platelets, reticulocytes and neutrophils. In the post‐transplant period, immunosuppressant drugs were not used in three of the recipients and the fourth received only a single 5 mg dose of methotrexate.
The Effect of o‐Salicylate upon Pentose Phosphate Pathway Activity in Normal and G6PD‐Deficient Red Cells
Authors: Worathumrong N. , Grimes A. J.
Published: March 2008

Summary. The effect of the major metabolite of aspirin, namely salicylic acid, upon the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) of normal and G6PD‐deficient red cells has been studied. Salicylic acid was shown to inhibit this pathway in proportion to the amount present. At any concentration of this substance there was greater inhibition of the PPP in G6PD‐deficient than in normal red cells.
Advanced Non‐Hodgkin's Lymphomas: Response to Treatment with Combination Chemotherapy and Factors Influencing Prognosis
Authors: Roeser H. P. , Hocker G. A. , Kynaston B. , Roberts S. J. , Whitaker S. V.
Published: March 2008

Summary. Response to combination chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisone (COP) and specific factors influencing prognosis were evaluated in 70 patients with stage III or IV non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas. Complete remissions (CR) were observed in 40% of patients, with a total response rate of 88%. The median duration of CR was 8 months, but 50% of patients were in continuing CR. High rates of CR were associated with: (a) well‐differentiated lymphocytic cytology, (b) tumour nodularity, (c) normal blood lymphocyte counts at diagnosis, and (d) disease stage IIIA. These same factors also showed a positive correlation with 5‐year‐survival rates from diagnosis.

It is suggested that patients with advanced non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas do not form a homogeneous treatment group, but warrant a differential therapeutic approach based on the prognostic determinants stated above. The study provides further support for the prognostic usefulness of Rappaport's classification of these tumours.
Partial Myeloperoxidase Deficiency in a Case of Preleukaemia
Authors: Breton‐Gorius J. , Houssay D. , Vilde J. L. , Dreyfus B.
Published: March 2008

Summary. A patient with a refractory anaemia preceding acute myeloblastic leukaemia had an increased susceptibility to infection due to Staphylococcus aureus. 36% of neutrophils lacked myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and, in vitro, these polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) had a defect of bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus.

Cytochemical studies of phagocytosis with the electron miscroscope have shown that the degranulation of primary granules (MPO+ or MPO —) was normal after phagocytosis of Escherichia coli which were normally lysed.

A defective destruction of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans was observed in some PMN with or without MPO activity, suggesting that MPO deficiency itself was not the only cause of this defect. In PMN which appeared normal, most MPO(+) granules were unable to fuse with the phagocytic vacuole containing intact germs even after 90 min of contact. There was, therefore, in addition to a partial MPO deficiency, a defect in cellular degranulation. This defect, the mechanism of which is unknown, may be in part responsible for the defective bacterial degradation.
Determination of the Packed Cell Volume using 131I‐Human Serum Albumin*
Authors: England J. M. , Down M. C.
Published: March 2008

Summary. When trace quantities of labelled albumin have been added to blood, the packed cell volume (PCV) may be determined by isotope counting using the relationship: (plasma counts — blood counts)/(plasma counts). This method for measuring the PCV is not affected by plasma trapping between the red cells and the results do not depend upon the centrifugation conditions.

The PCV determination with labelled albumin has a high precision (coefficient of variation = 0.9%) and there is very good agreement with the centrifugation PCV using Wintrobe tubes after this measurement has been corrected for plasma trapped between the red cells.

No significant compression of the red cells occurred when the blood samples were centrifuged in Wintrobe PCV tubes.
A Method for Detecting Factor‐VIII Clotting Activity Associated with Factor VIII‐related Antigen in Agarose Gels
Authors: Bird Prudence , Rizza C. R.
Published: March 2008

Summary.

A method for detecting factor‐VIII clotting activity in agarose is described. It is based on factor VIII promoting coagulation in a mixture of haemophilic plasma in agarose which is detected by a change in opacity. When this test was used to detect factor‐VIII clotting activity in a one‐dimensional Laurell electro‐immunoassay for factor VIII‐related antigen all the factor‐VIII activity was found in the same position as the factor VIII‐related antigen immunoprecipitate. Factor‐VIII clotting activity did not appear to be simply trapped in this immunoprecipitate and therefore it has been concluded that the molecule containing factor‐VIII clotting activity carries factor VIII‐related antigen determinants.
A Computer Program for the Analysis of Parallel‐Line Bioassays of Clotting Factors
Authors: Williams K. N. , Davidson J. M. F. , Ingram G. I. C.
Published: March 2008

Summary.

An interactive computer program for the analysis of clotting factor assays is described. The program provides potency estimates against a standard, and will compare the observed and expected responses of a treated patient. Tests for validity of curve fitting are provided, with a number of optional transforms. If asked, the program will provide the user with a list of valid commands at any given step, and will identify certain errors in input.
In Vitro Labelling of Platelets: an Experimental Study on Healthy Asplenic Subjects using Two Different Incubation Media
Authors: Kutti Jack , Safai‐Kutti Soodabeh
Published: March 2008

Summary.

Duplicate platelet survival studies, using autologous platelets labelled in vitro with radioactive sodium chromate, were performed on six young healthy asplenic men. In the first experiment plasma, and in the second a Ringer‐citratedextrose (RCD) solution (Abrahamsen, 1968), was employed as incubation medium.

The uptake of chromate by the platelets was about 2.5 times higher in the RCD compared to the plasma experiments. An identical pattern for the immediate behaviour of infused labelled platelets was observed in the duplicate studies, and the recovery of platelet‐bound radioactivity remained stable at the 90% level during 2 h post‐infusion. In these experiments the means for platelet mean life span (MLS) were identical, 7.2 ± 0.5 and 7.2±0.4 days, respectively. These values slightly, but not significantly, exceeded the mean platelet MLS for a control group consisting of 10 young healthy males (6.9±0.4 days). The means for platelet production rate (P) at the duplicate studies made on the asplenic subjects were 19±2 × 1010 and 21±2 × 1010 platelets per day, respectively, and did not differ from the mean for P obtained in the control‐group (22±2 × 1010).
Ferrokinetics and Erythropoiesis in Man: The Measurement of Effective Erythropoiesis, Ineffective Erythropoiesis and Red Cell Lifespan using 59Fe
Authors: Ricketts C. , Jacobs A. , Cavill I.
Published: March 2008

Summary.

Existing ferrokinetic methods do not provide a direct and quantitative measurement of effective and ineffective red cell production. A new method is described for calculating the daily uptake of iron by maturing red cells and the mean red cell lifespan. Ineffective erythropoiesis and non‐erythroid iron turnover are also measured. The method involves standard laboratory techniques but the analysis requires access to a computer. The preliminary results suggest that it will be a clinically useful tool for the investigation of erythroid disorders.
Elevated Microviscosity in Membranes of Erythrocytes Affected by Hereditary Spherocytosis
Authors: Aloni B. , Shinitzky M. , Moses S. , Livne A.
Published: March 2008

Summary.

Erythrocytes affected by hereditary spherocytosis (HS), obtained from several splenectomized patients, showed a varying degree of elevated osmotic fragility. In order to evaluate a possible role of the crythrocyte membrane lipids in HS, microviscosity of the membrane lipid core was measured by a fluorescence‐polarization technique. Intact HS‐affected red cells, as well as their ghost membranes and liposomes prepared from their lipid extract, all showed a distinctly higher microviscosity than the respective normal control. The increased microviscosity correlated with the severity of HS. The data support the proposition that the defect in HS‐affected red cells is associated, at least in part, with alterations in the membrane lipids.
Glucose‐6‐Phosphate Dehydrogenase Variants from Italian Subjects Associated with Severe Neonatal Jaundice
Authors: Sansone G. , Perroni L. , Yoshida A.
Published: March 2008

Summary.

Screening for the G6PD deficiency was carried out at the Maternity Division of the Galliera Hospital in Genoa, Italy. Two groups of subjects with hyperbilirubinaemia of non‐immunological origin were examined: (a) 302 newborn babies of Sardinian extraction (on cord blood) and (b) 201 newborn babies of south Italian ancestry (on peripheral blood). Among 503 subjects, 43 showed an enzyme deficiency; in 39 the defect was of the Mediterranean type. In one case, previously described, the enzyme was of the A type. In the remaining cases three different variants were identified.

In the present work these three cases, each with severe neonatal jaundice, are reported. Their parents originated from Calabria, from Sardinia and from Sicily. The abnormal enzymes are respectively designated as GdDebrousse‐like, GdGallura and GdAgrigento.
A Simple Two‐step Isolation Procedure for Human and Bovine Antithrombin II/III (Heparin Cofactor): a Comparison of Two Methods
Authors: Thaler E. , Schmer G.
Published: March 2008

Summary.

Human and bovine antithrombin II/III have been isolated by a simple procedure essentially using only affinity chromatography on heparin‐agarose and polyethylene glycol precipitation. An additional ammonium sulphate step removes polyethylene glycol and trace contaminants. The final preparation is homogeneous by SDS‐, disc‐ and agar slide electrophoresis. End group analysis of human antithrombin II/III shows histidine as the N‐terminal amino acid. The pure preparation showed both progressive antithrombin activity and heparin cofactor activity.
Heterogeneity of Rabbit Platelets
Authors: Freedman Michael L. , Karpatkin Simon
Published: March 2008

Summary.

Rabbits were either splenectomized or subjected to splenic blockade with phenylhydrazine in order to determine the splenic platelet and megathrombocyte (large‐platelet) pools. The average splenic platelet pool calculated from both methods was 35% of total platelets. The average splenic megathrombocyte pool was 54% of total megathrombocytes. Adrenaline injection into rabbits or dogs revealed a rapid increase in both platelet count and megathrombocyte number which peaked at 2–6 min and returned toward normal in 5–10 min. The platelet volume distribution curve was shifted to the right, indicating the release of large platelets (megathrombocytes) into the circulation. The peak rise in megathrombocyte number was significantly greater than the peak rise in platelet count. Rabbits subjected to splenic massage shifted their platelet volume distribution curve to the right in the absence of a rise in platelet count. It is concluded that the spleen preferentially sequesters megathrombocytes.