Showing papers by "Veterans Health Administration published in 1973"

Percutaneous Transtracheal Aspiration in the Diagnosis of Anaerobic Pulmonary Infection

Abstract: The usefulness of anaerobic culture of percutaneous transtracheal aspirates has been evaluated in 91 untreated patients with various pulmonary conditions. Bacteriologic results were correl...

Preoperative irradiation of operable adenocarcinoma of the rectum and rectosigmoid colon.

Abstract: Preoperative irradiation in a moderate dose schedule (2,000–3,000 rads∕two weeks) followed promptly by surgery has had a favorable effect, when matched with controls, on the survival of male patients with operable and resectable adenocarcinoma of the rectum, particularly when the lesion is low-lying and requires an abdominoperineal resection. There is a significant reduction in the finding of positive lymph nodes in the treated group (27%) compared with the controls (40%). With 700 men already in the study, life table survivals at five years are documented at 40.4% for irradiated patients who undergo abdominoperineal resection vs. 27.5% for the control group. This favorable effect appears dose-related.

Papovavirus of JC type in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Rapid identification and subsequent isolation.

Abstract: A papovavirus of the JC type was identified in the brain of a patient dying of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) complicating chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Rapid antigenic typing of the virus was carried out by fluorescent antibody staining of the brain and by electron microscopic agglutination of virus particles extracted directly from the brain. Subsequently, the virus was isolated from brain tissue in primary cell cultures of human fetal brain. This second association of JC virus with PML confirms that at least two antigenically distinct viruses may cause PML and demonstrates that methods are now available for the rapid identification of the papovaviruses that may be related to the disease.

Isolation and properties of myocardial prostaglandin synthetase

Abstract: The microsomal fraction prepared from canine myocardium was found to contain an active prostaglandin synthetase (average, 10 mμ mol PGE2/mg protein/min) which was capable of forming PGE2 from arachidonic acid in the presence of reduced glutathione and cofactors such as l-adrenaline, hydroquinone, and p-aminophenol. Neither aspirin nor phospholipase A, which have been reported to affect prostaglandin synthesis in other tissues, influences the activity of myocardial prostaglandin synthetase.

Renal Involvement in Drug Abuse

Abstract: Renal changes in 14 drug addicts were studied. Five patients had nephrotic syndrome, five had bacterial endocarditis, and four had acute viral hepatitis. On light microscopy, increase in PAS-positive material in the mesangial area was observed in all patients. Immunofluorescent staining showed IgG, IgM, and β 1 C as discrete focal nodular deposits in the glomerular capillary loops. Electron microscopy disclosed focal basement-membrane thickening and deposition of homogeneous, finely granular electrondense material in all patients. Endothelial cytoplasmic inclusions of tubular structures similar to the "virus-like" particles of lupus erythematosus were present in 12 of the biopsy specimens. In drug addicts, the repeated parenteral introduction of antigenic material of microbial, viral, or pharmacologic origin appears to initiate an immunologic process that results in renal damage secondary to immune complex deposits.

Cerebellar Dysfunction in Hand-Schuller-Christian Disease

Abstract: Diabetes insipidus and growth retardation are common manifestations of hypothalamic involvement in patients with Hand-Schuller-Christian disease (HSCD). Involvement of other areas of the central nervous system (CNS) has been reported infrequently. We have studied 13 patients with HSCD. Four of these patients exhibited signs of extrahypothalamic CNS disease, manifested primarily by impairment of cerebellar function. One patient showed bilateral dentate nuclear calcification, a radiologic sign not previously reported in this disease. Although histologic examination was not possible, the nature of the clinical and radiologic signs suggest that intracerebellar involvement in patients with HSCD is more common than previously appreciated.

Dissociation of MSH and ACTH release in man.

Abstract: Plasma levels of MSH, ACTH, and cortisol were measured in three men pretreated with dexamethasone before undergoing surgical operations for fusion of cervical vertebrae. In each case increased plasma levels of MSH were found which were not associated with increased plasma levels of ACTH or cortisol. The results demonstrate that MSH and ACTH secretion do not always occur in parallel.

Human polymorphonuclear leukocyte function in urine.

Abstract: Pyuria is usually present in patients with urinary tract infections. Therefore, it is surprising that the host defense function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in urine is not well understood. Studies by Chernew and Braude demonstrated that urine suppressed PMN phagocytic function in an environment containing 7-8% serum (1). Similarly, studies by Norden, Green, and Kass suggested that PMNs did not contribute significantly to eradication of bacteria in the experimentally-infected rat bladder (2). Conversely, observations by Kaye and Cobb indicated that PMNs might play an active role in defense against bladder infection (3). In the present studies, leukocyte migration, adhesion to glass, aggregation by endotoxin, and phagocytosis of bacteria were tested in urine in order to evaluate the host defense function of PMNs in urine. In addition, experiments were performed to differentiate changes in leukocyte behavior attributable to cell injury in urine from changes caused by the absence of plasma proteins. In the latter experiments, leukocyte function was tested in plasma after incubation of leukocytes in urine. The time required for cell injury in urine was assessed. Factors in urine which were tested individually for their toxicity to leukocytes included hyperosmolality, increased hydrogen ion concentration, and increased urea concentration. In addition, studies were performed to determine the effect of opsonins on leukocyte phagocytic function in urine.

Ultrastructural and light microscopic observations of rat pituitary LH-containing gonadotrophs following injection of synthetic LH-RH.

Abstract: The effect of luteinizing hormonereleasing hormone (LH—RH) on pituitary cytology was investigated in intact, hemicastrated, and castrated male and female rats using electron and light microscopy. Two hundred ng of LH—RH were injected into the carotid artery, and the animals were sacrificed 1, 3, and 9 min after the injection. Study of LH—containing gonadotrophs by an immunocytochemical method using peroxidase- labeled antibody showed depletion of peroxidase reactivity of LH cells 1 min after injection of LH—RH in intact and hemicastrated proestrous rats, and after 9 min in the castrated females. Serum LH levels measured by radioimmunoassay were found to be significantly elevated 3 and 9 min after LH—RH injection in intact, hemicastrated and castrated male and female rats. Serum FSH levels had risen 1,3, and 9 min after injection of LH—RH in the intact males and hemicastrated proestrous females, had fallen 1 and 3 min after injection in the hemicastrated male and had not changed 1, 3, or 9 min after inject...

High oxygen affinity variant of haemoglobin Little Rock with unique properties.

Abstract: All the human haemoglobin variants that have been described with markedly increased oxygen affinity have reduced haem-haem interaction1–9. In the case of Hb Hiroshima and Hb J Capetown, the haem-haem interaction is only moderately decreased but for Hbs Chesapeake, Malmo, Rainier, Bethesda and Yakima it is sharply decreased. Hbs Hiroshima, Bethesda and Rainier have decreased alkaline Bohr effect (see Table 1). We have studied the properties of a new β chain haemoglobin variant, Hb Little Rock (LR) (β143 His←Gln; H21) which is associated with marked erythrocythaemia in the heterozygous propositus, shows a marked increase in O2, affinity, but has normal haem-haem interaction and Bohr effect.

Effect of cyclic 3',5'-AMP on the (Na+K)-ATPase of myocardial sarcolemma.

Abstract: A dose-related inhibition of the (Na+K)-ATPase of canine heart sarcolemma was found in the presence of cyclic 3', 5'-AMP (maximal inhibition at 10 -4 M cyclic AMP), while 5'-AMP did not affect the enzyme. A similar inhibition of the ATPase was seen after incubation of the sarcolemma preparation with NaF adrenaline and theophylline. None of these substances affected the activity of the Ca+ +-stimulated ATPase.

Regulation of myocardial prostaglandin dehydrogenase activity. The role of cyclic 3',5'-AMP and calcium ions.

Abstract: SummaryA prostaglandin dehydrogenase (sp act, 15 units/mg protein) was isolated from the canine myocardium. The enzyme oxidized the 15-hydroxy group of most prostaglandins tested except for PGBs and PGA2 which were poor substrates. It required NAD and intact sulfhydryl groups. Its activity was enhanced by cyclic 3′,5′-AMP at low concentrations (10-10 to 10-7 M) and inhibited by CaCl2. The significance of these findings for the control of myocardial prostaglandin levels is discussed.

Localization of Benzo]a]pyrene-3H and Alterations in Nuclear Chromatin Caused by Benzo[a]pyrene-Ferric Oxide in the Hamster Respiratory Epithelium

Abstract: The intratracheal instillation of benzo[α]pyrene (BP)-Fe2O3 in the Syrian golden hamster caused a number of changes in nuclear structure. A selective increase in the cross-sectional area of nuclei of basal cells was observed in multiple focal areas in the tracheal epithelium. This increase represented an enlargement in the cross-sectional area of euchromatin and a dispersion of the heterochromatin. In short-term organ culture of tracheas, incubation with BP-3H caused labeling of nuclear and cytoplasmic sites in mucous, basal, and ciliated cells. Quantitative light microscopic autoradiography revealed that prior in vivo administration of unlabeled BP caused a subsequent increase in the in vitro binding of BP-3H to epithelial cells. The total binding of BP-3H to epithelial cells was inhibited either by the addition of 7, 8-benzoflavone to the incubation medium or by incubation at 0°. These results suggest that enzymatic activation of BP must occur before BP can be bound. The nuclear localization of BP-3H was primarily in the heterochromatin, as determined by electron microscopic autoradiography.

Myelographic characteristics of metastasis to the spinal cord and cauda equina

Abstract: Five cases of metastasis to the substance of the spinal cord or nerve roots from a nonneurogenic primary malignant tumor are added to the 47 previously reported in the literature.The myelographic findings include widening of the cord shadow and irregular nodular expansions of the roots of the cauda equina.Intradural block to the flow of contrast medium in the subarachnoid space is common, but if no block is found, large volumes of contrast medium may be required to demonstrate lesions on the posterior aspect of the spinal cord.

Neutralization of Human Thyrotropin by Antisera to Subunits of Glycoprotein Hormones

Abstract: The effects of antisera directed against various human glycoprotein hormone subunits on the biologic activity of human pituitary thyrotropin (hTSH), human chorionic thyrotropin (hCT), bovine pituitary thyrotropin (bTSH), and long-acting thyroid stimulator (LATS) were studied. Relative thyroid-stimulating potencies were determined using a McKenzie mouse assay. Antiserum to the human chorionic gonadotropin α-subunit (hCGα) completely neutralized hTSH but not hCT, bTSH, or LATS. Antisera to the hCG β-subunit (hCGβ) only partially neutralized hTSH and had no inhibiting effect on the biologic activity of hCT, bTSH, and LATS. In contrast, antisera to the human luteinizing hormone β-subunit had no significant effect on hTSH biologic activity. These results confirm previous reports indicating common antigenic determinants on hCGα subunit and hTSH and suggest similarity of the α subunits of hCG and hTSH. Placental thyroid-stimulating activity was not neutralized by either anti-hCGα or anti-hCGβ sera, indi...

Isolation and ultrastructure of human synaptic complexes.

Abstract: Intact synaptic complexes were isolated from five human cerebral cortices obtained 4–20 hr after death. Synaptic complexes had a common isopycnic banding density of 1.17–1.20 in CsCl. Their banding densities and ultrastructural features were similar to those of complexes isolated from a variety of other mammalian species. The ultrastructure of the synaptic complexes isolated from different aged subjects (2, 3, 28, 76, and 78 years old) were similar.

MSH-release inhibiting factors: recent studies.

Abstract: The evidence which has finally resulted in the general acceptance of the concept that there are substances present in hypothalamic tissue which inhibit the release of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) from the pituitary glands of mammals as well as amphibians has been summarized in several recent reviews (1-3). Although the chemical structures of several compounds with such activity are known, it is still uncertain which one of these, if not a different one, is the actual hormone. Both a tripeptide, Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2, and a pentapeptide, Pro-His-Phe-Arg-GlyNH2, have been isolated from bovine hypothalamic tissue and structurally identified (4, 5). Since purification of the bovine extract involved heating to boiling in dilute acetic acid followed by rapid cooling (6), the recent suggestion by Hadley, Bower, and Hruby (7) that hypothalamic extracts heated to boiling under undefined conditions lose their ability to inhibit MSH release probably can be dismissed as a technical problem. The assay used for following the isolation of the two peptides is based on the lightening of the skin of a frog which has been previously darkened by destruction of the hypothalamus (8, 9). Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2 can be formed by incubating oxytocin with an enzyme found in hypothalamic tissue and has been reported previously to inhibit MSH release in the rat also (10). However, Bower et al. (11) did not find any MSH-release inhibiting factor (MIF) activity of ProLeu-Gly-NH2 (MIF-I) in the frog or rat. Why they failed to find activity in the frog, Rana pipiens, is easy to understand: they injected MIF-I into the dorsal lymph sac, a procedure already shown to be ineffective, and they also incubated MIF-I with pituitaries for 4 hr, a time which results in essentially complete inactivation of the material (9). It is also possible that an inactive (12) batch of MIF-I was tested. The reason for the inability of Bower et al. to find the activity of MIF-I which had been reported by Celis et al. (10) for rats is not known. Alternatively, Bower et al. proposed that tocinoic acid, Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-CysOH, the cyclic pentapeptide ring of oxytocin, or its amide, tocinamide, is more likely to be MIF (11). Interestingly, Celis et al. (13) have suggested that if the

Bone marrow scanning in Paget's disease.

Abstract: Four patients with Paget's disease of the bone were studied with bone marrow reticuloendothe. hal space scanning using ssmTcsulfur colloid. All of the patients demonstrated focal areas of decreased concentration of the radiocolloid material that corresponded anatomically to ra diographic evidence of Paget's disease. Three patients were found to have focal areas of de. creased.to-absent concentration of the radio colloid material that corresponded anatomically to areas of increased ssmT@polyphospl.@te or 18F uptake on bone scans. Possible mechanisms to explain these focal areas of apparently decreased reticuloendothelial activity are dis cussed and may include focal marrow replace ment or focal arteriovenous shunting. These results would suggest that Paget's disease should be considered as a diagnostic possibility when focal areas of diminished reticuloendothelial activity are observed in bone marrow scanning with radiocolloid material.

Cellular and humoral factors governing canine mixed lymphocyte cultures after renal transplantation: IV second-set transplants and cytophilic antibody

Abstract: SUMMARY Continuing studies of cellular and humoral factors influencing the unidirectional canine mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) have shown that, in contrast to the marked inhibition of cellular reactivity of recipient circulating responding lymphocytes against donor stimulating lymphocytes seen with unmodified first-set renal allograft rejection, this inhibition was not seen after second-set transplants. Reactivity of lymph node lymphocytes was augmented after first- or second-set transplants. In addition, serial donor skin allograft and concurrent lymphocyte immunizations resulted in decreasing amounts of inhibition, of recipient circulating MLC-reactive cells as serum antibody levels increased and as the white graft phenomenon occurred in hyperimmunized animals. After second-set renal allograft rejection, and in a highly immunized group undergoing hyperacute renal allograft rejection, there occurred a cytophilic MLC inhibitory factor shown to be IgG. Its association with circulating granulocytes and monocytes and specific inhibition of MLC reactivity against donor lymphocytes was demonstrated. This cytophilic factor should be looked for in future experiments using immunized recipients before concluding whether or not there is inhibition of cellular reactivity in culture.

Serum From Schizophrenic Patients: Effect on Cellular Lactate Stimulation and Tryptophan Uptake

Abstract: The activity on human serum-chicken red blood cell (RBC) bioassays, which have been reported to measure an abnormal lipoprotein in the serum of some schizophrenics, is not associated with low-density serum lipoproteins upon serum fractionation, but is complement-dependent and can be eliminated from at least some samples by passage through antihuman IgM affinity chromatography columns. Sera with high bioassay activity can be produced by immunizing rabbits with chicken RBCs and there is a strong correlation between hemolysis and bioassay activity (lactate stimulation and tryptophan uptake). It is concluded that hemolysins present in human sera produce high scores on the bioassays. High bioassay activity was not correlated with the diagnosis of schizophrenia among psychiatric patients at the Minneapolis Veterans Administration Hospital.