bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Rate of Formation and Disappearance of Microaneurysms in Diabetic Retinopathy*
Authors: Kohner E. M. , Dollery C. T.
Published: March 2008

Abstract A method is described for the quantitative study of the life cycle of microaneurysms in diabetic retinopathy. This method was applied to a series of 21 patients, 9 with mild and 12 with severe retinopathy, 6 of whom had pituitary ablation. — The study showed a variable survival of microaneurysms; overall disappearance rates were 3.3%/month in mild and 3.2 %/month in severe retinopathy. The disappearance rate was almost always higher in the early months of the study (11.6% and 9.3 % per month) than later (0.8 % and 1 %/month) indicating more than one population of microaneurysms. — There was no significant difference in the formation and disappearance of microaneurysms between patients with mild and severe retinopathy. — Some microaneurysms showed intermittent perfusion. — Following pituitary ablation the disappearance rate of microaneurysms increased, while the formation rate of new ones decreased significantly.
Steroidogenic Effect of Stimulators of Aldosterone Biosynthesis upon Separate Zones of the Rat Adrenal Cortex*,** Influence of Sodium and Potassium Deficiency
Authors: Müller Jürg , Vogelsang Daniella , Berchtold Lotti , Läuffer Elsbeth
Published: March 2008

Abstract Capsular and decapsulated adrenal glands of rats kept on different diets were separately incubated with and without stimulators of aldosterone biosynthesis. The steroidogenic effect of serotonin, potassium ions and angiotensin II was limited to the capsular portion (zona glomerulosa), whereas ACTH and cyclic AMP acted on both the capsular and the decapsulated portion (zona fasciculata‐reticularis) of the adrenal cortex. In capsular adrenal glands of normal and sodium‐deficient rats all these agents stimulated aldosterone production severalfold and had a smaller effect on corticosterone output. Sodium deficiency led to a decreased response in corticosterone and deoxycorticosterone output. In capsular glands of potassium‐deficient rats the stimulators did not enhance aldosterone production but actsd mainly on deoxycorticosterone output. ACTH enhanced corticosteron e and deoxycorticosterone output to a similar extent in decapsulated glands of all groups of experimental animals. These results indicate a zone specificity of certain stimulators and confirm that they act at an early stage in the corticosteroid biosynthetic pathway preceding the formation of deoxycorticosterone. On the other hand, changes in sodium and potassium balance induce alterations in the activity of the enzymes involved in the conversion of deoxycorticosterone to aldosterone and thus influence the steroidogenic response of the zona glomerulosa to stimulating agents.
Antibody Activity in Human Duodenal Fluid*
Authors: Girard J. P. , de Kalbermatten A.
Published: March 2008

Abstract In duodenal secretions from healthy adults and infants (aged 4–14 weeks) the level of immunoglobulins was measured by radial immunodiffusion. In the material from adult individuals, the antibody activity against common pathogenic bacterial strains was measured by means of the opsonin test. The antibody activity of duodenal secretions from infants vaccinated orally with an extract of 9 pathogenic E. coli serotypes was studied by the haemagglutination technique.—IgA is the predominant globulin of adult duodenal secretions, closely followed by IgM. In this material a clear‐cut opsonizing activity was shown to be present with several pathogenic strains of bacteria. The definite role of antibodies was demonstrated by absorption experiments with anti‐human globulin serum.—Purified secretory IgA and IgM were used as opsonizing agents. It was shown that complement enhances the phagocytic activity of IgM only, whereas lysozyme stimulates phagocytosis with both IgA and IgM.—Infants vaccinated with an extract of pathgogenic E. coli showed no evidence of antibody activity in their serum whereas a strong antibody activity was found in the duodenal secretions. Following immunisation the immunoglobulin content of secretions increased significantly. In early collected specimens, the antibody response was made mainly of IgM whereas in late specimens almost all the antibody activity was made of IgA, suggesting a typical primary response.
The Effect of Tyramine, Noradrenaline, and Angiotensin on the Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients with Aldosteronism and Low Plasma Renin*
Authors: Distler A. , Barth Ch. , Liebau H. , Vecsei P. , P.Wolff H.
Published: March 2008

Abstract The reactivity to the pressor action of tyramine, noradrenaline, and angiotensin was determined in 9 patients with hypertension, aldosteronism and low plasma renin concentration (4 patients with solitary adrenal adenomas, 3 patients with nodular adrenal hyperplasia, 2 patients with unknown adrenal status). In 7 patients tests were repeated following unilateral or subtotal adrenalectomy respectively. For comparison, 5 patients with phaeochromocytoma, 10 patients with benign essential hypertension, and 12 normotensive control subjects were studied. — In the hypertensive patients with aldosteronism and low plasma renin, responsiveness to tyramine was significantly reduced. In contrast, pressor response to noradrenaline was in the normal range, and sensitivity to angiotensin was increased. Following adrenal surgery, sensitivity to tyramine increased in all cases but one, sensitivity to noradrenaline did not change significantly, and responsiveness to angiotensin decreased in all cases but one. — It is discussed that the reduced pressor effect of tyramine in the hypertensive patients with aldosteronism is due to a disturbance of adrenergic function which may be of importance for the diminished production of renin in these forms of hypertension.
The Effect of Adult Diabetes on Glucose Utilization and Esterification of Palmitate by Human Adipose Tissue
Authors: Galton D. J. , Wilson J. P. D. , Kissebah A. H.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. 1. The conversion of glucose and palmitate to neutral lipid by adipose tissue has been studied in a group of 30 adult diabetics and compared to a group of 30 non‐diabetic controls. — 2. Adipose tissue from both sources showed similar saturation characteristics for glucose; uptake of palmitate was linear up to 3 mM. — 3. Adipose tissue of diabetics incubated with glucose (14 mM) converted 270 ± 60 (90) mμmoles/mg protein/2 hours to neutral lipid compared to non‐diabetics who converted 380 ±70 (10) mμmoles/mg protein/2 hours. Similar results were obtained with a medium glucose concentration of 8 mM. No differences were found in glucose utilization between a group of 7 lean diabetics and 6 obese diabetics. — 4. Conversion of palmitate to neutral lipid by adipose tissue was inhibited by cyanide (1.5 mM), fluoride (50 mM) and was found to be temperature dependent. — 5. Adult diabetics converted 0.36 ± 0.06 (17) mμmoles palmitate/mg protein/2 hours into neutral lipid, compared to a group of non‐diabetics who converted 1.09 ± 0.35 (13) mμmoles/mg protein/2 hours.— 6. The significance of these observations is discussed in relation to the impaired glucose tolerance test of diabetes.
Nitroblue‐Tetrazolium Test for the Detection of Chronic Granulomatous Disease—Technical Modification
Authors: Preisig E. , Hitzig W. H.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. A new modification of the nitroblue‐tetrazolium (NBT) test for the detection of chronic granulomatous disease is described. Phagocytosis is initiated by particles of killed Candida albicans which are easily seen and counted. The three genetic groups are identified unequivocally and without any overlapping, as demonstrated in 140 tests of 125 normal controls, 10 tests of 7 hemizygous mothers and 17 tests of 11 affected patients. The accurate working procedures are fully described.
Red Cell Glycolysis in the Myo dystrophic Child
Authors: Bosia A. , Pescarmona G. P. , Abese P.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Assay of seven glycolytic enzymes, steady‐state levels of glycolytic metabolites, oxidized and reduced glutathione, inorganic phosphate, adenine nucleotides, sodium and potassium, and various incubation experiments were performed on red cells isolated from children with Duchenne‐Erb muscular dystrophy. The activity of hexokinase, aldolase, pyruvate kinase, and the levels of glucose‐6‐phosphate, ADP and intracellular inorganic phosphate were significantly increased. Long term incubation (15 h at 4° C) showed a phosphofructokinase activation; during shorter incubation (3 h at pH 7.6 and 38° C) similar behaviour of glycolytic metabolites, 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate and adenine nucleotides was observed in both normal and dystrophic red cells, while the lactate output was greater in the latter. The regulation of phosphoglycerate kinase and pyruvate kinase in vivo followed a normal pattern. Addition of ouabain to red cells incubated in a low‐potassium buffer was followed by increase of ATP in the normal and a decrease in the dystrophic red cell. Ouabain had no effect on glycolytic metabolites in the dystrophic cell, whereas sharp increases of fructose‐1,6‐diphosphate and dihydroxyacetone‐phosphate were observed in the normal cell.
Factor VIII and IX Variants. Relationship between Haemophilia BM and Haemophilia B+
Authors: Meyer Dominique , Larrieu Marie José
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Haemophilia A and B can be divided into at least two groups which are different from the moderate and severe forms already known. Most patients have a true deficiency, lacking both coagulant and antigenic activities, while 10% of them display a reduced coagulant activity with antigenic determinants in common with normal factor VIII or IX. These factor VIII or IX variants are genetically determined but speculation about the exact mode of inheritance would be premature.

The relationship between the factor IX variant and haemophilia BM (characterized by an abnormal reaction of plasma with ox‐brain thromboplastin in a few patients with haemophilia B) is emphasized.
Haemodynamic Changes Following Separate and Combined Administration of Beta‐Blocking Drugs and Quinidine*
Authors: Stern Shlomo
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Haemodynamic parameters were measured in dogs after the administration of quinidine, propranolol and practolol, alone or in combination. Following the single administration of these drugs, left ventricular dp/dt decreased by 38%, 48%, and 39%, respectively. Following the simultaneous administration of the same amount of quinidine and propranolol, the decrease was only 15%; following the combined administration of quinidine and practolol, the decrease was 16%. The administration of quinidine 20 minutes after pretreatment with propranolol, resulted in an 8% decrease in left ventricular dp/dt. Similarly, the negative effect of these drugs on right ventricular force became significantly reduced when the drugs were administered jointly. The significance and possible mechanism leading to the interaction between beta‐blocking agents and quinidine, are discussed.
Serum Calcium and Gastric Secretion in Chronic Gastric Fistula Rat: Influences of Parathyroid Hormone and Calcitonin
Authors: Hotz J. , Widmaier F. , Minne H. , Ziegler R.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The influence of the serum calcium level and of the hormones regulating it, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin (CT), on gastric secretion has been studied in the intact, parathyroidectomized (PTX) and thyro‐parathyroidectomized (TX‐PTX) chronic gastric fistula rat. The following test substances have been administered: CaCl2, bovine parathyroid hormone, Na2‐EDTA and porcine calcitonin. An increase of the serum calcium level caused a marked inhibition of gastric secretion, the parathyroid hormone did not show any effect without changes of the calcium level. Calcium decreases after EDTA as well as after calcitonin were also followed by a reduction of gastric secretion. There was no significant difference demonstrable between the intact, PTX‐and TX‐PTX‐animals. The calcitonin effect could be compensated by calcium substitution. A direct influence of PTH and CT on gastric secretion was not detectable; the hormones only exerted indirect effects via the changes of the serum calcium level they induced.
Early Interactions Between Blood Cells and Severely Damaged Rabbit Aorta
Authors: Haudenschild C. , Studer A.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Rabbit abdominal aortas were overdilated for 12 minutes by means of a balloon catheter. After time intervals of 3 minutes to 48 hours they were perfused with Krebs‐Ringer solution, followed by glutaraldehyde and embedded for light and electron microscopic examination.—The over‐dilation produced a disappearance of the endothelium and caused necrosis of the media. Blood platelets adhered loosely to the exposed subendothelial tissue within the first few minutes. Later they formed a carpet on the subendothelial tissue which was continuous only for a few hours. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) adhered in addition to the platelets 1 hour after overdilation. Some of them migrated into the necrotic media within 2–4 hours. At the same time an increasing number of monocytes adhered and began to spread out over PMN, platelets and residues of subendothelium. Subendothelium which was again exposed after the initial platelet carpet had disappeared was less attractive to further platelets. Platelets did not adhere either to the settled PMN or to the outspreading monocytes. It is therefore suggested that PMN and monocytes are involved in preventing further platelet aggregation.
Comparative Study of the Metabolism of U‐14C‐Fructose, U‐14C‐Sorbitol and U‐14C‐Xylitol in the Normal and in the Streptozotocin‐Diabetic Rat*
Authors: Froesch E. R. , Zapf J. , Keller U. , Oelz O.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Young male rats metabolize xylitol, sorbitol and fructose with a half‐life of 165 seconds. Within 10 min. after the intravenous injection of a load of these substrates more than 70% of the carbon‐14 in plasma is present as 14C‐glucose. The labelling of plasma glucose from these substrates appears to be insulin‐independent. A small percentage of labelled xylitol, sorbitol and fructose is retained by the liver as glycogen and total lipids. In the normal rat, this process appears to be insulin‐independent. In the chronic streptozotocin‐diabetic rat, insulin acutely enhances glycogen synthesis from all three substrates and reduces their incorporation into total lipids. Once these substrates have been converted to glucose the further storage as muscle glycogen and adipose tissue total lipids is entirely dependent on insulin, both in the normal and in the streptozotocin‐diabetic rat. Fructose makes an exception since it is metabolized by adipose tissue independently of insulin. In the light of these results in the rat a re‐evaluation of the use of various carbohydrates and polyols in parenteral nutrition of normal and diabetic subjects appears desirable.
The Response of the Toad Intestine to Prolonged Starvation: A Morphological, Functional and Metabolic Study*
Authors: Pearez‐González Margarita , Robinson J. W. L.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. 1. Toads were kept without solid nourishment for four months or more, and the morphological and functional characteristics of their intestines were compared with those of freshly captured animals. 2. The intestinal mucosa is one of the organs that is specifically and preferentially consumed during the process of autophagy. Histological sections reveal that a substantial loss of villous architecture is incurred. The epithelial cells covering the mucosal surface are interspersed with frequent vacuoles, the significance of which is as yet unclear. 3. The absorptive capacity of intestinal slices excised from autophagous toads, determined by their ability to accumulate radioactive phenylalanine, is lower than that of normal animals, but this difference can be ascribed to the distinct tissue composition of the intestinal slices. 4. Intestinal slices of autophagous toads have a lower respiration rate but higher glucose consumption than those of normal animals.
The Effects of Excessive Bacterial Proliferation on Protein Metabolism in Rats with Self‐Filling Jejunal Sacs
Authors: Miller B. , Mitchison R. , Tabaqchali S. , Neale G.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Rats with surgically created self‐filling sacs of jejunum (approximately 6 cm long at operation) grew more slowly than controls and reached a final weight of 300 ± 26 g compared with controls 370±12g. The blind loop animals excreted twice as much fat in the faeces as normal animals. In addition, increased amounts of protein metabolites were detected in the urine of blind loop animals. Indican was increased by 120%, indolyl‐3‐acetic acid by 30%, amines by 10%, hippuric acid by 66% and total phenols by 130%. It is suggested that these metabolic abnormalities contribute to the impairment of growth of animals with intestinal stagnant loops. Mean bacterial concentrations were 100‐fold greater throughout the small intestine of blind loop animals. This increase was due principally to an increased number of anaerobic organisms and was associated with deconjugation and dehydroxylation of bile acids. Lincomycin was more effective than neomycin in controlling steatorrhoea, and in preventing the deconjugation and dehydroxylation of bile acids. Both antibiotics were equally effective in reducing the excretion of bacterial metabolites in the urine of blind loop animals.
Estimation of Angiotensin II Concentration in Human Plasma by Radioimmunoassay. Some Applications to Physiological and Clinical States
Authors: Düsterdieck G. , McElwee G.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. A radioimmunoassay method for the measurement of angiotensin II in human plasma is described. The hormone is extracted quickly by Dowex (H+) particles. Angiotensinase and converting enzyme are inhibited by a mixture of EDTA and o‐phenanthroline. Blood samples can be processed at room temperature. Recoveries from blood were 83%± 11 (SD), n=44. Replicates within one assay varied about their mean with a standard deviation of ± 10%, n=16. The smallest concentration detectable, using 10 ml plasma samples, was 2 pg/ml plasma. Peripheral venous plasma concentrations in 33 normal adults ranged from 5 to 35 pg/ml. Plasma angiotensin II concentrations in some physiological and clinical conditions are reported.
ADH Levels during Salt Depletion in Dogs*
Authors: Brennan Leonard A. , Bonjour Jean‐Philippe , Malvin Richard L.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Two groups of trained dogs were subjected to sodium chloride depletion and plasma ADH concentration, renin activity, plasma sodium, plasma osmolality, blood volume, hematocrit and body weight were measured. In one group of animals, sodium depletion was created by restricting intake to 5 mEq/24 h. Despite a statistically significant decrease in body weight and blood volume and a corresponding increase in plasma renin activity, plasma ADH concentration was not seen to change significantly from control values. Similar findings were seen in a second group of dogs which were given a diuretic in addition to dietary sodium restriction. In these animals the decrease in blood volume and rise in plasma renin activity were proportionately greater. Plasma ADH concentration was not observed to change significantly in this group of animals either. Both groups of animals developed significant hyponatremia during the experiment. It is concluded that in these dogs, the secretion of ADH was not suppressed and consequently hyponatremia developed. It is suggested that endogenous angiotensin was responsible for the continued secretion of ADH at control levels.
A Comparison of the β‐Glycosidase Excretion during Kidney Damage Induced by 4‐Nitrophenylarsonic Acid and by Rabbit Anti‐Rat Kidney Antibodies
Authors: Price R. G. , Dance N. , Robinson D.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. In a study of the value of urinary enzyme activities as an indication of glomerular or tubular damage, the effects of two nephrotoxic agents (4‐nitrophenylarsonic acid and rabbit anti‐rat kidney serum) on the urinary excretion of four β‐glycosidases were compared using fluorimetric assays with 4‐methylumbelliferyl substrates. The electrophoretic mobilities on starch gel of urinary β‐galactosidase, β‐glucosidase, β‐glucosaminidase and β‐glucuronidase, at various times up to 26 days after the injection of the nephrotoxins into the rat, were compared with those of the corresponding enzymes present in normal rat urine, kidney and serum. 4‐Nitrophenylarsonic acid causes tubular damage characterised by an immediate rise in the rates of excretion of the four β‐glycosidases, followed by a return to normal values. In Masugi glomerulonephritis the immediate rise in enzyme excretion is much less marked but greater increases occur after 10 to 12 days. The increases in excretion rate correlate roughly with the stages of the disease. Both glomerular and tubular damage produce characteristic changes in the excretion of all of the enzymes studied, but β‐glucosidase appears to be the most useful indicator of kidney tubular damage, as it is the least widely distributed of these enzymes and is not normally found in urine or serum at significant levels of activity.
The Adrenergic Modulation of the Serum Insulin Response to Intravenous Arginine in Man
Authors: London D. R. , Bacchus R. A. , Bold A. M. , Meade L. , Sacre M. , Taberner M. , Walker G.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The effect of adrenergic stimulation and blockade on metabolic responses to arginine have been studied. Phentolamine enhanced, and adrenalin diminished, the rise in serum immunoreactive insulin that followed intravenous arginine; these effects were not secondary to changes in blood levels of arginine, glucose or free fatty acids following the amino acid infusion. Phentolamine did not affect the clearance of infused insulin from the blood stream. It was concluded that adrenergic receptor sites are involved in the modulation of the secretion of insulin in response to an infusion of arginine.
Sensitivity of Na K Adenosine Triphosphatase Activity in Various Structures of the Rat Nephron: Studies with Adrenalectomy*
Authors: Schmidt U. , Dubach U. C.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Proximal and distal tubular segments of the subcapsular nephron and segments of the ascending limb of Henle's loop were dissected out freehand from lyophilized kidney section of male rats after bilateral adrenalectomy. The microdissected nephron structures were weighed with a quartz fibre balance. Na K ATPase was determined by analyzing the total ATPase and the Mg ATPase in dissected material. As soon as 6 h after adrenal enucleation a 65% reduction of Na K ATPase activity in the ascending limb of Henle's loop and a 81 % diminution in the distal convoluted portion were detected; 24 h after adrenalectomy an additional reduction of the transport enzyme in the proximal convoluted portion was simulated by an enzyme activity increase in the sham‐operated controls. In contrast to previous authors working with homogenate or membrane fraction of the whole kidney, the present quantitative histochemical results indicate a close adaptation of Na K ATPase to the altered sodium transport in rat kidney after adrenalectomy.
Comparative Absorption of Ferri‐Haemoglobin‐59Fe/Ferro‐Haemoglobin‐59Fe and 59Fe3+/59Fe2+ in Humans with Normal and Depleted Iron Stores*
Authors: Heinrich H. C. , Gabbe E. E. , Kugler G.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The intestinal 59Fe absorption from ferri‐ and ferro‐haemogIobin‐59Fe and 59Fe3+ and 59Fe+ was calculated from whole body‐59Fe‐retention measurements in subjects with normal and depleted iron stores. A ferri‐haemoglobin‐59Fe/ferro‐haemoglobin‐59Fe absorption ratio of 1.03 ±0.11 was observed for the absorption of ferri‐haemoglobin‐59Fe (8.6± 0.77%) and ferro‐haemogIobin‐59Fe (8.7±0.94%) in persons with normal iron stores. Depletion of iron stores caused a slight but significant higher rise of ferri‐haemoglobin‐59Fe absorption (22 ± 1.7%) than the increase of ferro‐haemoglobin‐59Fe absorption (18 ±0.9%) so that the absorption ratio was 1.24±0.073.—This remarkable iron valence independence of haemoglobin iron absorption is in considerable contrast to the well‐established valence dependence of inorganic iron absorption which favours ferrous iron absorption especially with rising iron doses. The 59Fe3+/59Fe2+ absorption ratio for a diagnostic 0.56 mg Fe dose increased from 0.43 in subjects with normal iron stores to 0.74 in persons with depleted iron stores, whereas this absorption ratio was augmented only from 0.21 to 0.28 for the therapeutic 50 mg Fe‐dose.—The different influence of iron valence on iron absorption from inorganic and haemoglobin iron supports other evidence for the existence of two separate mechanisms for ferrous iron and haem iron absorption in humans.
Bithermic Complement Activation in Cryoglobulinaemic Serum
Authors: Rother Ursula , Rother Klaus , Flad Hans D. , Miescher Peter A.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Cryoglobulin precipitates of the mixed type, containing 19 S IgM and 7 S IgG gamma globulin, were isolated from a patient serum and the interaction with serum C was studied. Loss of C activity in human serum incubated with cryoprecipitate was accompanied by the generation of C3 activity in the cryoglobulin aggregates. Complete dissociation of cryoprecipitation and the interaction of the precipitates with C was achieved at temperatures below 22°C and above 32°C respectively. The normal C titre in fresh serum of a cryoglobulinaemic patient was significantly reduced in vitro by first cooling and then rewarming the serum. The possible pathogenic role of the bithermic C activation in cryoglobulinaemic vascular lesions is discussed.
Plasma Lipids and Steroid Hormones in Patients with Hypercholesterolaemia or Hyperlipaemia during Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate Administration*
Authors: Adlebcreutz H. , Kerstell J. , Schaumann K.‐O. , Svanborg A. , Vihko R.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. DHEA sulphate was administered orally in doses of 20 to 80 mg to 13 subjects with hypercholesterolaemia or hyperlipaemia. Plasma lipid and neutral steroid sulphate levels as well as the excretion of individual ll‐deoxy‐17‐ketosteroids and estrogens in urine were investigated before and during the treatment. No effect was observed on plasma free or esterified cholesterol, on total or individual phospholipid values, or on routine blood haematological or chemical analyses. However, the plasma C19 steroid sulphate levels increased considerably as well as the urinary excretion of the 11‐deoxy‐17‐keto‐steroids, indicating good absorption of the compound administered. No significant changes in estrogen excretion following DHEA sulphate treatment could be noted. —When 13 male subjects with hypercholesterolaemia and hyperlipaemia were compared with 42 normal controls of the same mean age, a significantly lower urinary excretion of dehydroepiandrosterone and estrone as well as of estrone + estradiol was observed in the pathological series.
Erythrokinetics: Evaluation of Red Cell Production by Ferrokinetics and Reticulocyte Counts
Authors: Rhyner Kaspar , Ganzoni Andreas
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Effective erythroid marrow activity was quantitated by reticulocyte counts and iron kinetics in normal individuals and in 50 patients suffering from various haematological disorders. To allow direct comparison between both measurements normal base line values were established and defined as production index 1. The erythrocyte iron turnovers as calculated from plasma iron turnover and radioiron red cell incorporation were divided by the figure found in normal subjects, 0.49 mg per 100 ml whole blood per day. Reticulocyte percentages were first corrected for changing haematocrit levels considering as normal 1 and 45% respectively. In this form reticulocyte counts overestimated effective red cell production in the majority of anaemic patients. Further correction was needed to account for the well known inverse temporal relationship between the erythropoietin‐induced marrow transit acceleration and the prolonged maturation period of circulating reticulocytes. For this purpose the haematocrit‐corrected reticulocyte counts were divided by the fraction marrow transit time normal (3.5 days)/marrow transit time patient. This parameter is defined as the time period necessary for 50% appearance of maximum cellular activity. Now production indices derived from the 2 methods agreed almost perfectly. Marrow transit times were related to characteristics of the peripheral blood film, i.e. polychromasia and mean morphological reticulocyte maturation stage. On this basis guidelines were worked out for a meaningful interpretation of reticulocyte counts.
Physiological Correlates of Perceived Exertion in Continuous and Intermittent Exercise with the Same Average Power Output
Authors: Edwards R. H. T. , Melcher A. , Hesser C. M. , Wigertz O. , Ekelund L.‐G.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Perceived exertion was measured using a linear grading scale, in three healthy males performing paired patterns of continuous and intermittent exercise with the same average power output. Intermittent exercise with work periods of 10 sec. alternating with recovery periods of loadless pedalling for 30 sec. was associated with lower perceived exertion grades than when work periods were 30 or 120 sec. Perceived exertion, oxygen intake, ventilation, heart rate, and blood lactate concentration were all significantly higher for intermittent exercise than for continuous exercise with the same average power output. The relationships between perceived exertion and the physiological variables was the same for the two forms of exercise despite widely different mechanical stresses on the legs. Mechanical factors were therefore thought to make a relatively unimportant contribution to perceived exertion over the range of exercise intensities studied.—The high degree of correlation between perceived exertion and the measured physiological variables suggests a wider use of exertion grading in field studies.
Systemic and Renal Haemodynamics, Body Fluids and Renin in Benign Essential Hypertension with Special Reference to Natural History
Authors: Birkenhäger W. H. , Schalekamp M. A. D. H. , Krauss X. H. , Kolsters G. , Schalekamp‐Kuyken M. P. A. , Kroon B. J. M. , Teulings F. A. G.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Forty patients with uncomplicated essential hypertension were investigated with respect to diurnal variability of arterial pressure (indirect recordings), intra‐arterial pressure, cardiac output, plasma volume, renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate. Extracellular volume was estimated in 17, plasma renin concentration in 33 and vector‐cardiograms were recorded in 27 patients. Treatment was discontinued at least a fortnight before and sodium intake was standardized.—Blood pressure varied across a wide range. Variability (lability) of blood pressure was quantified by expressing the difference between highest and lowest automatic blood pressure readings as a percentage of the highest reading. Cardiac output correlated with variability of blood pressure, blood volume and renal blood flow.—Plasma renin concentration was correlated with renal vascular resistance and filtration fraction.—QRS magnitude appeared to be related with the level of arterial pressure.—Haemodynamic variables exhibited a definite relationship with age, deviating in part from distribution according to age in normal populations.
The Metabolic Fate of (26,27) 3H‐25‐Hydroxyvitamin D3 in Normal, Uremic and Rachitic Rats
Authors: Schaefer K. , von Herrath D. , Opitz A. , Koch H.‐U. , Stratz R.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Investigations on the metabolism of 3H‐25‐HCC have been performed in normal rats as well as in uremic, rachitic and rachitic‐uremic animals. The metabolic pattern of the uremic rats differs from that obtained in the control group in so far as uremic rats retain more of the injected radioactivity as peak IV (25‐HCC), whereas the normals have converted more into the peak V fraction. The results obtained in the rachitic group are completely different, as these animals have formed a rather high amount of peak I, a metabolic fraction which is considered to be an ester or other conjugate of 25‐HCC. Rachitic‐uremic rats show a metabolic pattern similar to the normal and uremic rats. These results suggest that a condition of uremia “normalizes” is some way the enzymatic disturbances provoked by a state of severe rickets.
Growth Promoting Effect of Serum from Portal Blood on Liver CellsIn Vitro
Authors: Lie Sverre O.
Published: March 2008

Abstract.The present work has demonstrated that portal blood of pig will stimulate growth of granular hepatocyte‐like cells from human embryonic liver explantsin vitro.Under otherwise identical cultural conditions, this cell type do not grow when using peripheral sera from human, pig, chicken, or fetal calf.

The hepatocyte‐like cells were maintained in culture for up to 110 days before signs of degeneration appeared.

The results support the theory that a portal blood factor may be necessary for liver regenerationin vivo, and emphasises the importance of the local environment of specialized cells.
Study by Direct Calorimetry of Thermal Balance on the First Day of Life
Authors: Ryser G. , Jéquier E.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Using a gradient layer direct calorimeter, total heat losses were measured in 69 full term new‐borns at 5 different ambient temperatures (TA): 28, 30, 32, 34 and 36° C. The relative humidity of the air was kept constant at 50%. Oesophageal temperature (Teg) and mean skin temperature (T̄s) were continuously recorded. All experiments lasted at least one hour.

The mean total heat loss was at 28° C: 3.55 W/kg; at 30° C: 2.97 W/kg; at 32° C: 2.35 W/kg; at 34° C: 1.92 W/kg and at 36° C: 2.05 W/kg. Dry heat loss was proportional to the external temperature gradient. Evaporative heat loss was constant when new‐borns were not subjected to heat or cold stress, with a mean of 0.39 W/kg. This value is a measurement of insensible perspiration.

Sweating was elicited at a TA of 36° C when the internal temperature gradient reached a mean value of 0.68° C. Heat storage (S). was calculated and was found to be negative at a TA of 28 and 30° C, and positive at 34 and 36° C. A regression analysis between heat storage and total heat loss showed a mean heat loss of 2.61 W/kg when the new‐borns were in thermal equilibrium (S= 0). This occured in most babies at a TA slightly below 32° C.

A minimal metabolic rate of about 6.0 ml kg‐1 min‐1, determined by direct calorimetry and calculation of S, was found at a TA of 34 and 36° C.

The cutaneous thermal conductance, which is an index of cutaneous blood flow was minimal at a TA of 30° C. It increased sharply when T̄s reached 36.3° C.

These data indicate that the range of thermal comfort on the first day of life in normal full‐term new‐borns is very narrow and that there is a perfect thermal balance at a TA slightly below 32° C. However, at this TA, the metabolic rate is not at a minimal level.
Measurement of Plasma 25‐Hydroxycholecalciferol in Man
Authors: Bayard Francis , Bee Philippe , Louvet J. Pierre
Published: March 2008

Abstract. A radio‐ligand assay for the measurement of 25‐hydroxycholecalciferol (25‐OH D3) in human plasma has been devised. Three ml of plasma, with 25‐hydroxychole‐calciferol‐26, 27‐H3 (3H‐25‐OH D3) added for recovery, was extracted and purified by thin‐layer chromatography. The plasma from an osteomalacic man, diluted 1 to 800, was used as a source of binding proteins. After overnight incubation at 4° C bound and free fractions were separated using Florisil. The method has no blank and high sensitivity (2 ng).

Plasma concentration of 25‐OH D3 in normal subjects was 1.50±0.42 (mean ±SD, μg/100ml); in vitamin D deficient patients the values ranged from 0.2 to 0.7 (μg/100 ml.
The Formation of Bile Acids in Patients with Three Types of Hyperlipoproteinemia
Authors: Einarsson Kurt , Hellström Kjell
Published: March 2008

Abstract. 14C‐cholic and 3H‐chenodeoxycholic acid were administered orally to patients who were given a standardized diet of the regular type. The total formation of bile acids and the combined cholic and chenodeoxycholic pool in 8 patients with hyper‐β‐lipoproteinaemia (hyperlipoproteinaemia type II) were significantly lower than those recorded for 10 patients with hyperpre‐β‐lipoproteinaemia (hyperlipoproteinaemia type IV) and for 3 patients with combined hyperpre‐β‐lipoproteineamia and hyperchylemicronaemia (hyperlipoproteinaemia type V). These differences were exclusively related to variations of the pool size and turnover of cholic acid. — When compared to a younger group of healthy subjects with a somewhat higher caloric intake, the formation of cholic acid was subnormal in type II and markedly elevated in type TV and V.
Serum Vitamin B12 Binding Proteins in Viral Hepatitis
Authors: Rachmilewitzy M. , Moshkowitz B. , Rachmilewitz B. , Grossowicz N. , Gross J.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Sera from patients with viral hepatitis were examined for serum vitamin B12 concentration, unsaturated B12 binding capacity, total B12 binding capacity of whole serum and of separate transcobalamin‐I and transcobalamin‐II fractions. It was found that the high serum B12 concentrations observed were associated with an increase in the B12 binding of the transcobalamins. The B12 bound to transcobalamin‐I was found to be two to three times higher than that in normal subjects. The most striking difference was the finding of excessive amounts of B12 bound to transcobalamin‐II, as much as 30 to 40 times the normal. The unsaturated B12 binding capacity of hepatitis sera is usually very low. In addition to the B12 bound to transcobalamins, a considerable part of the elevated serum B12 in hepatitis was in a dialyzable form and was not bound to either transcobalamin‐I or transcobalamin‐II. This dialyzable B12 is apparently bound to a small peptide (M.W less than 10000) which permits its passage through dialysis membrane but makes the B12 molecule unavailable to the microorganism in the bioassay, unless it is released from the peptide complex by boiling.
Human Gastric Antigens I. The Purification and Preliminary Characterization of the Antigenic, Acid‐Stable Carboxyl Esterase VI A*
Authors: Rapp Wolfgang , Lehmann Hugo Erich
Published: March 2008

Abstract. A gastric antigen with enzymatic activity (VI A) was purified by gel filtration and anion exchange chromatography from gastric juice. Rabbits were immunized with the pure antigen and produced highly specific precipitating antibodies. The specific antisera were subsequently used as immunoadsorbents for a one‐step purification procedure. The immunoadsorption technique yielded a pure antigen fraction. When gastric mucosa or gastric juice neutralized in vivo were used as starting materials instead of acid gastric juice, two serum proteins, IgG and albumin, were eluted with the antigen. During gel filtration two different molecular forms of the antigen were observed. The antigen obtained for gastric juice had a molecular weight of 140000, whereas the antigen from gastric mucosa had a molecular weight of approximately 70000. The antigen obtained by different purification procedures showed immunological identity. Preliminary characterization studies showed that the antigen is a heat‐ and acid‐stable antigen with the enzymatic activity of a non‐specific carboxyl esterase with a pH optimum between pH 6.4 and 6.8.
The Turnover of Blast Cells in Peripheral Blood After in vitro3H‐Cytidine Labelling and Retransfusion in Human Acute Leukaemia*
Authors: Hoelzer D. , Harriss E. B. , Fliedner T. M. , Heimpel H.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The present study was undertaken to investigate the survival and turnover rate of blast cells in the peripheral blood of patients with acute leukaemia. Results from four cases of acute leukaemia and one blast crisis in chronic myelocytic leukaemia are reported. The method used was to label a random sample of leukaemic blast cells (LBC) representative of the total blood LBC population and to observe their behaviour after retransfusion into the patient. 500 ml blood was incubated with 3H‐cytidine in vitro (resulting in 87.3 to 99.7% labelling of LBC), retransfused and serial blood samples taken for 10–20 days. The change in labelling index of LBC was evaluated from autoradiographs and the number of labelled LBC was calculated. Mean grain counts were also determined.

From the initial dilution after retransfusion, it appears that the cells are rapidly distributed in a pool some 2 to 5 times greater than that calculated from the blood volume and blast count. In analogy with similar studies on granulocytes, and lymphocytes, it is assumed that the circulating LBC exchange with a marginal LBC pool.

The disappearance of labelled LBC can be approximated by a double exponential function with T1/2 values of 1/2 to 2 h and 2.5 to 6 days. Probable reasons for the rapid component are exchange of cells between intravascular and extravascular pools, removal of cells damaged in the labelling process, and sequestration e.g. in the lungs. The slow component is governed largely by the disappearance of LBC from the blood (random loss in addition to senescence) and their replacement by newly produced unlabelled cells. The blood transit times for LBC of 3.7 to 8.5 days, calculated from the slow component, are long compared with those of normal granulocytes and the corresponding turnover rates of LBC are slower than that of normal granulocytes. The blood transit times calculated from the slow component are minimal values since, as a result of cell metabolism, label i8 lost from the LBC so that some cells fall below the threshold of autoradiographic detectability and the curve does not represent only the disappearance of cells. A comparison of the labelling index and number of labelled LBC curves and their changes during the course of the leukaemia and its treatment gives information on the flux changes of LBC since the slope of labelling index depends upon the inflow and outflow of LBC, while the slope of the number of labelled LBC is dependent only on the outflow of cells from the peripheral blood.
Metabolic Activity in Human Skeletal Muscle Effect of Peripheral Arterial Insufficiency
Authors: Holm J. , Björntorp P. , Scherstén T.
Published: March 2008

Abstract Succinic oxidase activity and the incorporation rates of glucose‐carbon into glycogen, lipids, lactate and carbon‐dioxide were studied in vitro in samples of skeletal muscle taken from patients with peripheral arterial insufficiency.

In the patients with intermittent claudication significantly increased succinic oxidase activity and incorporation rates of glucose‐carbon were found in muscle tissue taken from the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. In patients with evidence of ischaemia at rest the metabolic activity in the muscle tissue was similar to the controls but significantly lower than in the patients with claudication on all points.
Dietary Factors Affecting Biliary Lipid Secretion in the Rhesus Monkey A Mechanism for the Hypocholesterolaemic Action of Polyunsaturated Fat?*
Authors: Campbell C. Bryan , Cowley David J. , Dowling R. Hermon
Published: March 2008

Abstract Using an experimental model which permits representative bile sampling whilst maintaining an almost “intact” enterohepatic circulation, it was found that different diets markedly influenced biliary lipid secretion in the rhesus monkey. In different studies, we have previously shown that bile volume, bile salt, phospholipid and cholesterol secretion rates were significantly less in animals given a low fat commercial diet then in monkeys given a second commerical diet with higher fat content.

The present paired studies confirmed that in the same animals, the higher fat diet stimulated bile volume and biliary lipid secretion. On the higher fat diet there was no change in bile salt concentration or in pool size, the greater secretion rate being due to a greater bile volume and to more frequent circulations of the bile salt pool.

Since the major differences between the two commercial diets were in fat and calories, the effect of supplementing the low fat diet with individual additives of olive, corn and medium chain triglyceride oil and with 40% dextrose was examined in further paired studies.

In six monkeys, supplements of mono‐unsaturated olive oil had no effect on biliary lipid secretion, but in seven animals given comparable doses of polyunsaturated corn oil, there was a significant increase in biliary bile salt, phospholipid and cholesterol output.

The addition of medium chain triglyceride oil or of 250 ml of 40% dextrose did not change biliary lipid secretion rates. None of the dietary manipulations significantly altered cholesterol solubility in bile.

In monkeys where hepatic bile salt synthesis had been maximally induced by partial biliary diversion (33.3% interruption of the EHC), corn oil no longer increased bile salt secretion suggesting that the stimulatory effect of corn oil was due to stimulation of bile salt synthesis.

It is postulated that the increased turnover of bile salts seen after feeding corn oil, with a resultant acceleration in cholesterol catabolism, may explain, at least in part, the hypocholesterolaemic action of polyunsaturated fat.
Myocardial Lipid and Carbohydrate Metabolism in Healthy, Fasting Men at Rest: Studies During Continuous Infusion of 3H‐Palmitate
Authors: Lassers B.W. , Kaijser L. , Carlson L.A.
Published: March 2008

Abstract Myocardial metabolism of lipid and carbohydrate substrates was studied in 17 healthy men at rest by measuring the arterial‐coronary sinus [(a—cs)] concentration differences. A continuous intravenous infusion of albumin‐bound 3H‐palmitate was given to provide a tracer for the plasma free fatty acids (FFA) and to produce endogenous labelling of plasma triglycerides (TG).

A statistically significant positive (a—cs) difference in triglyceride (TG) concentration was detected in 10 of the 17 subjects and averaged 18±4 (SEM) μmol/1 plasma for the 17 subjects. This was 1.0% of the average arterial TG concentration. A significant positive (a—cs) difference in TG radioactivity was found in 12 of the 17 subjects but it was not possible to quantitate myocardial TG extraction from these radioisotope data.

Myocardial extraction of FFA based on the radiopalmitate data was on average 39% greater than the extraction of FFA measured chemically. This was interpreted as indicating an efflux of unlabelled fatty acids into the coronary sinus, most probably from a glyceride pool within the myocardium. The finding that this efflux of fatty acids was not accompanied by free glycerol suggested either that the fatty acids were derived from partial hydrolysis of glycerides, or that glycerol was metabolised within the myocardium. Seven of the subjects had significant, positive (a—cs) differences in free glycerol concentration suggesting that the human heart is capable of metabolising glycerol.

There were significant, negative linear correlations between arterial FFA concentration and myocardial extraction of glucose, lactate and pyruvate with significant efflux of pyruvate from the heart at higher FFA concentrations. These findings suggested that FFA can decrease glucose extraction by the human heart and that one possible mechanism for this may be the inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase.

The average (±SEM) oxygen extraction ratios (OERs) for the substrates were: TG 16±4%; FFA 48±3%; glucose 20±3%; lactate 8±2%; pyruvate 1±0.3%. The total OER for these substrates averaged 97% suggesting that in the resting, fasting, state there is little change in the total energy content of endogenous myocardial substrate pools.