Showing papers by "University of Düsseldorf published in 1978"

The selenium state of children. II. Selenium content of serum, whole blood, hair and the activity of erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase in dietetically treated patients with phenylketonuria and maple-syrup-urine disease.

Abstract: The selenium content of serum, whole blood and hair was measured by neutron activation analysis in dietetically treated patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) and maple-syrup-urine disease (MSUD). Follow-up studies showed a decrease of the serum selenium content and the glutathione peroxidase activity of erythrocytes--a selenoenzyme--from normal values at the beginning of the diet to 20% (selenium) and 50% (gluthione peroxidase) of normal within 10--12 weeks of dietary treatment. In 36 patients the serum selenium content was lower at 6.7--28 X 10(-9) g/ml, independent of the age of the patients (0.5 to 10 years). The selenium content of whole blood was reduced: median = 98 X 10(-9) g/g dry weight; range 75 to 165 X 10(-9) g/g dry weitht (healthy children: median = 381 X 10(-9) g/g dry weight; range 245 to 588 X 10(-9) g/g dry weight). The selenium content of hair was markedly lower in the patients (median = 62 X 10(-9) g/g; range 13--140 X 10(-9) g/g) than in healthy children (median = 429; range 213 to 720 X 10(-9) g/g). The mean glutathione peroxidase activity of erythrocytes was reduced to 4.6 +/- 0.64 U37/g Hb, comparison to normal values (mean = 8.8 +/- 0.88 U37/g Hb).

Two peculiar types of enchondromatosis

Abstract: On the basis of 3 personal observations and of 6 cases from the literature, two peculiar types of enchondromatosis are delineated: 1. Enchondromatosis with generalized, irregular vertebral lesions, and 2. Generalized enchondromatosis with mild platyspondyly.

Selenium content of human milk, cow's mild and cow's milk infant formulas.

Abstract: The selenium content of human milk, cow's milk and cow's milk infant formula were estimated by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The highest values were found in 3 samples of human colostrum (524--865 x 10(-9) g/g dry weight). There was a significant decrease with increasing time post partum. Mature human milk exhibited a selenium content of 230 +/- 79 x 10(-9) g/g dry weight. The selenium content of 45 samples of cow's milk from the north-western area of Germany was 200 +/- 39 x 10(-9) g/g dry weight. While there was no significant difference between the values of mature human milk and of cow's milk, cow's milk infant formula exhibited significantly (P less than 0.01) lower values than human milk. The average selenium content of 107 samples of 10 different commercially available fluid and powdered cow's milk infant formulas (range: 18--171 x 10(-9) g/g dry weight) amounted to about only one third of that in mature human milk.

Changes in Chloroplast Membrane Lipids during Adaptation of Barley to Extreme Salinity

Abstract: During adaptation of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seedlings to extremely high concentrations of sodium chloride in the root space, the content of galactolipids of chloroplast membranes decreased considerably. Alterations in membrane lipids were due to the high concentration of ions rather than to the increase in the water potential. Sodium chloride was accumulated in the leaf cells and affected lipid-synthesizing enzymes such as galactosyl transferase and acylase which are attached to the chloroplast envelope. The return of salt-adapted barley seedlings to a nutrient solution with low salt concentration resulted in a reversal of the observed changes. It is suggested that the decrease in content of galactolipids in biomembranes is one of the factors causing increased salt resistance in barley plants which are adapted to extreme salinity.

Renal magnesium wasting, incomplete tubular acidosis, hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis in siblings.

Abstract: Polyuria, hyposthenuria, hypomagnesemia, hypercalciuria, advanced nephrocalcinosis, low citrate excretion and low glomerular filtration rates were observed in two female siblings who were followed over 10 years. Acid loading revealed incomplete distal tubular acidosis. Hypomagnesemia was due to renal magnesium wasting. It is suggested that the defect in tubular transport of magnesium is an important factor in the pathogenesis of this syndrome.

The effects of chronic cervical lymphostasis on regions drained by lymphatics and by prelymphatics

Abstract: Chronic cervical lymphostasis was induced in cats. The effects in regions directly drained by lymphatics (facial skin and retrobulbar tissue), and in regions primarily drained by prelymphatics (cerebral cortex, retina, papilla, iris, choroid and Circle of Willis) were studied ophthalmoscopically and electron microscopically. It was found that in all regions there was considerable oedema, increases in protein concentration and excess collagen, together with increased numbers of macrophages. The lymphatics, where these existed, had many open junctions: both these vessels and the prelymphatics were very dilated, with considerable increases in protein concentration.

Beta cell nesidioblastosis.

Abstract: Two patients with severe hypoglycemia since birth are described. In both hyperinsulinism was demonstrated during spontaneous hypoglycemic attacks or could be provoked by various tolerance tests. In case I considerable obesity and psychomotor retardation was present at the age of one year whereas in case II weight gain was normal and development unaffected. Immunofluorescence microscopic and electron microscopic examination of the pancreas after subtotal pancreatectomy revealed diffuse islet cell hyperplasia with nesidioblastosis in case I and β-cell nesidioblastosis in case II. The hyperplastic and nesidioblastotic areas consisted mainly of β-cells. In addition, an accumulation of somatostatin producing cells was observed in case I, and some cells were found with ultrastructural signs of both endocrine and exocrine function. In both cases, pancreatic insulin release was inhibited by a prolonged somatostatin infusion. The results of tolerance tests did not allow a diagnosis of the underlying pancreatic lesion. In case II, leucine-sensitive hypoglycemia detected soon after birth, was present even after subtotal pancreatic resection. Therapeutic trials with diazoxide in case I and a leucine-restricted diet in case II were only of temporary benefit. After subtotal pancreatectomy there was clinical improvement in both cases, but case II still needs a leucine-restricted diet. The familial occurrence of persistent hypoglycemia in both cases suggests that β-cell nesidioblastosis may be a hereditary disorder.

Hemodynamic studies after De Vega's tricuspid annuloplasty.

Abstract: Postoperative hemodynamic studies were conducted at rest and during exercise in 24 patients who, in addition to mitral and/or aortic valve surgery, had De Vega's tricuspid annuloplasty. To determine the degree of tricuspid insufficiency (TI), right atrial pressure (PRA) tracings, biplane right ventricular cineangiograms, and ultrasonic Doppler flow patterns were obtained. The TI improved in 14 patients, but still remained mild to moderate in 20 patients. In addition, a mild-to-moderate tricuspid stenosis with pressure gradients from 2 to 7.8 mm Hg were found in 12 patients. There was no significant change in the mean PRA, with 8.0 +/- 4.5 mm Hg preoperatively and 7.5 +/- 3.5 mm Hg postoperatively at rest. During exercise, PRA rose to 17.0 +/- 6.5 mm Hg. The unsatisfactory results are also due to the persistent elevation of left atrial and pulmonary artery pressure after left heart surgery. De Vega's annuloplasty does not answer the tricuspid challenge, since the results are unpredictable.

The sensitizing capacity of Compositae plants I. Occupational contact dermatitis from Arnica longifolia Eaton

Abstract: Three patients with occupational contact dermatitis due to Arnica longifolia Eaton and Arnica montana L. are reported. During cultivation, harvesting of the flower heads, chemical investigation of the sesquiterpene lactone constituents and preparation of therapeutic tinctures, they had frequent contact with the plant materials. Patch tests with the two sesquiterpene lactones carabron and helenalin, isolated during investigation from A. lungifolia Eaton, were positive in all three patients, though the second patient had never shown visible allergic reactions of the skin. Sensitization experiments with carabron in five guinea pigs were successful. The investigation results revealed that carabron, helenalin and the acetyl derivative of helenalin must be considered as the sensitizers of A. longifolia, and helenalin acetate and properly arnifolin as sensitizeis of A. motana. Studies on cross reactivity in the sensitized animals with six related sesquiterpene lactones showed that only those compounds gave a positive test response which contain an α-methylene γ-lactone group. Cross reactions were obtained with a crude extract of Chrysanthemum indicum L. The case reports supported by the patch test and investigation results demonstrate that persons handling a new drug from the Compositae family run a risk of developing an allergy after intensive contact with the plant and its constituents.

Comparative study of two methods of estimating sinoatrial conduction time in man

Abstract: Programmed premature atrial stimulation has been widely used to estimate sinoatrial conduction time in man. A proposed new approach uses continuous atrial pacing just above the spontaneous cycle length. Sinoatrial conduction time is represented by the difference between the first cycle after pacing and the spontaneous cycle length, assuming that sinus nodal automaticity is undisturbed by continuous atrial pacing. Both techniques were compared in 23 consecutive patients. Mean (± standard deviation) sinoatrial conduction time was 113 ± 27 msec estimated with the premature stimulus technique and 96 ± 48 msec when estimated with the continuous pacing technique. In about 30 percent of cases the two values corresponded well with each other. In the remaining patients sinoatrial conduction time estimated with the premature stimulus technique was longer than the time estimated with continuous atrial pacing. Additionally, the latter was estimated at two different rates of pacing in which the cycle length was 30 and 60 msec, respectively, shorter than the previous cycle length. The estimate then increased to 119 ± 39 and 136 ± 40 msec, respectively. Sinoatrial conduction time estimated with continuous atrial pacing did not depend on spontaneous cycle length and did not correlate with sinus nodal recovery time. The cycles after the first pause were slightly longer than the spontaneous cycle length. The results suggest that data from the two techniques cannot be easily compared and that premature atrial stimulation may exert a more depressive effect on sinus nodal automaticity than continuous atrial pacing. The observed differences in results may also be due to a more pronounced delay of retrograde conduction during premature atrial stimulation than during continuous atrial pacing. It is also possible that continuous atrial pacing leads to some overdrive exciting effect on the sinus node, although the opposite effect is suggested by the response of the cycles after the first postpacing cycle. A final conclusion regarding the validity of each technique cannot be reached on the basis of these clinical data.

alpha1-Antitrypsin and alpha2-macroglobulin in newborn infants. I. The influence of perinatal complications.

Abstract: The following tests were performed within the first week of life in 129 newborn infants: determination of alpha1-antitrypsin, alpha2-macroglobulin, antithrombin III, fibrinogen, prothrombin, accelerin, convertin and plasminogen. The newborns were divided into three groups: group (a), healthy newborns with a normal obstetric history (n=62); group (b), newborns without clinical signs of illness, but a complicated obstetric history (n=49); group (c), newborns suffering from various diseases (n=18). For statistical analysis correlation coefficients and t-tests were used. The mean values of the coagulation factors showed no significant differences between the three groups, but the standard deviation, was found to be markedly greater in group (c). This can be explained by higher production and an increased turnover of coagulation factors in these newborns.

Analysis of chromosome aberrations in bone marrow cells of rats after treatment with isoniazid.

Abstract: 100 mg INH/kg body weight was administered to male Wistar rats five times, at 24 h intervals, either intraperitoneally or intravenously In both experimental series the yield of chromosome aberrations in bone marrow cells was not increased as compared to controls

Fine structural studies of the islets of Langerhans in the Djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus)

Abstract: A study of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans in the Djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus) was initiated by the observation that 98 percent of the animals of a recently established colony showed ketoacidosis soon after birth, about ten percent of which later developed persistent hyperglycemia. The islets are made up of a centrally located mass of insulin-producing B-cells surrounded by a peripheral rim of A- and D-cells. Most islets are richly supplied by unmyelinated nerve fibers which terminate on all three cell types with cholinergic synaptic endings. Early changes in islet fine structure due to ketosis comprise degranulation of A-cells combined with signs of crinophagia of alpha-granules. After the manifestation of hyperglycemia, degranulation of B-cells is followed by deposition of glycogen which in the late phase of the diabetic syndrome forms large masses obscuring the regular cellular organelles. In six- to nine-month hyperglycemic animals degenerative changes are also observed in D-cells in the form of autophagic vacuoles.

The value of antibiotic levels in tissue and in urine in the treatment of urinary tract infections

Abstract: PETER NAUMANN Direktor des Instituts fur medizinische Mikrobiologie und Virologie der Universitat Dusseldorf From the time of PAUL EHRLICH antibacterial chemotherapy has been defined as a monocausal treatment employing substances whose direct and selective point of attack is the pathogenic cell. The antibacterial activity of the antibiotic (expressed as MIC) and the "antibiotic level in vivo" (as a resultant of the pharmacokinetic properties) are the decisive parameters of its effectiveness. Thanks to them, chemotherapy becomes a "concentrationevent at the site of action". It makes it necessary to realize that antibiotic concentration at the site where the infection resides, which ensures an antibacterial effect against the causative organisms. This demand for an "effective level at the site of action" applies in principle also to the chemotherapy of infections of the urinary tract. Depending on the location of the infection, two fundamentally diferent possibilities possibilities of treatment emerge : In acute infections of the lower urinary tract in which the lumen alone is involved, those substances will be sufficient in many cases which are present in an antibacterial effective concentration only in the urine without adequate blood and tissue levels (e. g., nitrofurantoine, nalidixic or oxolinic acid). Their indication continues to be prophylaxis of ascending infections after retrograde instrumentation, since they prevent bacterial contamination of the urine or will at least render such contamination difficult. Infections of the upper urinary tract with location in the renal parenchyma and in deeper tissue layers, on the other hand, are a definite indication for the use of antibiotics with antibacterial effective concentrations primarily in the blood and hence also in the infected tissue. The chemotherapeutic demand for antibacterial effective levels at the site of the required action is only fulfilled when these antibiotics are used. As a matter of fact, these two different forms of treatment are not diametrically opposed to each other, since almost all antibiotics which are effective also in the tissue and intercellular space via high blood levels, are at the same time eliminated via the kidneys in an active antibacterial form. Therefore parenchymal action and lumen effectiveness in the urine are combined for most of the antibiotics. This leaves only nitrofurantoine, nalidixic and oxolinic acid, as well as the orally applicable ester forms of carbenicillin, as pure lumen drugs, the effect of which is limited to decontamination of the urine.

The Affinity of Carazolol for Myocardial and Tracheal β-Adrenoceptors Activated by (−)-Isoprenaline

Abstract: High affinity, tracheoselective β-adrenoceptor antagonists may be useful as tools to characterize smooth muscle β-adrenoceptors. We show that (±)-carazolol is a high affinity, tracheoselective ligand.

The role of autonomic nervous system in the action of verapamil on the sinus node in man.

Abstract: To elucidate the role of the autonomic nervous system in modulating the effect of verapamil on sinus node (SN) function, five volunteers were repeatedly studied both with and without prior autonomic blockade. Verapamil alone (0.1 mg/kg i.v.) caused a significant decrease in spontaneous cycle length (SCL) from 1104±111.6 msec to 891±67 msec (mean ±S.D., P<0.01). After pretreatment with propranolol (0.1 mg/kg i.v.) and atropine (0.02 mg/kg i.v.), verapamil had an opposite effect on SCL with an increase from 686±66 msec (pre) to a plateau alternating between 690 msec and 712 msec (post) (P<0.01). Pretreatment with propranolol alone did not prevent the decrease in SCL after injection of verapamil; SCL changed from 1295±85 msec to 1020±87 msec (P<0.01). The extent of this decrease in SCL was similar to the effect of verapamil without any pretreatment. After atropine pretreatment, there was a small but insignificant decrease in SCL during the first five minutes; whereas later SCL increased. Verapamil led to a fall in blood pressure. After pretreatment with propranolol there was no significant change in blood pressure after injection of verapamil; whereas after pretreatment with either atropine alone or with propranolol and atropine there was a significant decrease in blood pressure. The results suggest that the autonomic nervous system plays an important part in modulating the effect of verapamil on SN function in man. The cardio-accelerating effect of verapamil is either provoked by a fall in blood pressure and a consecutive restraint of vagal innervation on the sinus node or a direct vagolytic action of the drug. An increase in sympathetic tone seems to be less important.

Why does the cardiac force-velocity relationship not follow a Hill hyperbola? Possible implications of feedback loops involved in cardiac excitation-contraction coupling.

Abstract: 1. If cardiac force-velocity (PV) relationships are determined in a rhythmically beating isolated preparation by progressively changing afterloads, the PV curves obtained exhibit a characteristic nonhyperbolic shape with an upward convexity in the force domain close to Po. It was suggested by others that this might be due to contractile element (CE) shortening against series elastic component (SEC) and/or the early decay of the active state at isometric peak tension. 2. The present investigation performed in isolated cat papillary muscles demonstrates that neither CE shortening against SEC nor the variation of the intensity of the active state canfully account for the nonhyperbolic shape of cardiac PV curves. 3. On the other hand large parts of the remaining deviation could be eliminated if the “progressive loading sequence” (PLS) was replaced for an “interpolated loading sequence” (ILS). Here, the muscle contracts under steady state conditions either isometrically or isotonically (zero load). Single afterloaded test contractions are interpolated after every 10th beat. 4. It is concluded that the nonhyperbolic shape of cardiac PV curves, determined by progressively changing afterloads, is the expression of at least four factors: (i) the existence of displacement dependent variation of excitationcontraction coupling (including the contraction-excitation-contraction recoupling loop), (ii) CE shortening against non CE bound SEC, (iii) a variable active state and (iiii) a fourth unknown mechanism.

Effects of nigro-striatal 6-OHDA lesions on turning elicited by cortical spreading depression.

Abstract: Rats received either unilateral 6-OHDA injections into the substantia nigra, causing ipsilateral depletions of striatal dopamine (94%) and norepinephrine (51%), or bilateral injections of same. In bilaterally 6-OHDA lesioned rats amphetamine led to circling in a preferred direction, and CSD applied to the cortex ipsilateral to that direction induced more turning than when applied to the contralateral cortex. The striatum of the hemisphere ipsilateral to the side of amphetamine-induced circling also showed a higher decrease in both dopamine and norepinephrine levels. Denervation supersensitivity in the striatum could account for the intensified circling induced from the cortex ipsilateral to the more severely depleted striatum. Measurement of DC slow potential changes in the neocortex and caudate nucleus revealed that after bilateral intranigral 6-OHDA lesions (a) an unusually large number of waves of cortical SD transmitted to the striatum. and (b) contralateral turning was elicited also by waves of neocortical SD that did not enter the striatum.