Showing papers in "Experimental Biology and Medicine in 1957"

Surface tension of lung extracts.

Abstract: SummarySaline-extractable surface-active material has been found in the lungs of rat. cat. and dog. This material, probably mucoprotein. imparts large hysteresis and characteristic elasticity to the fluid surface. Its effect on lung mechanics has been studied. Its possible influence on diffusion across the alveolar barrier remains to be elucidated.

A method for evaluating both non-narcotic and narcotic analgesics.

Abstract: SummaryA simple method has been designed for evaluating both non-narcotic and narcotic analgesics. The method is based upon the specific antagonism of analgesics to the typical “syndrome” produced by intra-peritoneal injection of 2-phenyl-1,4-benzo-quinone in mice. The antagonism occurs at doses far below those producing depression or other toxic effects. There is also a good correlation between clinical efficacy of a number of analgesics and their relative potency as established by this method. The endpoint is sharp, and the method is simple and quantitative.

Isolation of Intranuclear Inclusion Producing Agents from Infants with Illnesses resembling Cytomegalic Inclusion Disease.

Abstract: SummaryViruses that produce similar cytopathic changes in vitro characterized by presence of intranuclear inclusions have been isolated from 3 infants during life. The first derived from a liver biopsy from a 3-months-old child (Davis) with microcephaly, persistent jaundice, and hepatosplenomegaly; cytomegalic cells were demonstrated in the liver specimen. From a second child, virus was isolated from a liver biopsy, and on three occasions between the 14th and 91st day of life from the urine. This infant had jaundice and hepatosplenomegaly. More recently, an agent was recovered from the urine of a third infant, who evidenced hepatosplenomegaly, cerebral calcification and chorioretinitis. The Davis strain has been propagated in human fibroblasts for 20 passages during an elapsed period of 494 days. Neutralization tests with the Davis agent have indicated that neutralizing antibodies occur frequently in children with cytomegalic disease but also are not uncommon in normal adults. The agents are apparently re...

Complement Fixation with Cell Nuclei and DNA in Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract: Summary1. Sera from patients with active lupus erythematosus fixed complement with a wide variety of nuclei from different organs and species, with calf thymus nucleoprotein, and in two instances with histone. Isolated calf thymus, salmon sperm, human leukocyte and pneumococcal DNA also fixed complement with many of these sera. Similar reactions were not encountered in a limited control series including normal individuals and other pathological states. 2. Most active L.E. sera fixed complement with both nuclei and DNA in roughly parallel titer. However, exceptions were encountered and one serum reacted strongly with nuclei but failed to react with DNA. Cross-absorption experiments with nuclei and DNA suggested the presence of 2 distinct serum factors. 3. The L.E. factor appeared to be related to the factor responsible for complement fixation with nuclei but distinct from that responsible for DNA fixation. 4. The significance of these findings with respect to antibodies against nuclear constituents is disc...

Preparation of Coated Radioautographs by Dipping Sections in Fluid Emulsion.

Abstract: SummaryA simplified coating method for radioautography has been described in which the radioactive slides are dipped in melted photographic emulsion. After exposure, the developed emulsion is protected with a coat of vinylite and mounted under coverslip.

Studies on Erythropoiesis. III. Factors Controlling Erythropoietin Production

Abstract: Summary and Conclusion1. We studied the erythropoietic response to anemic plasma of a variety of experimental conditions in the rat. Rats subjected to hypophysectomy, an atmosphere of high O2, starvation, and transfusion-induced polycythemia have a decreased rate of erythropoiesis and an exaggerated response to the administration of anemic plasma. 2. Treatment with dinitrophenol increases the rate of erythropoiesis and decreases the response to anemic plasma. 3. These findings are in agreement with the hypothesis that the rate of erythropoiesis is determined by the amount of erythropoietin, the production of which is regulated by the relationship between O2 supply and demand, not by either factor alone.

A DNA-reacting factor in serum of a patient with lupus erythematosus diffusus.

Abstract: ConclusionsWhile further investigations are in progress, the following conclusions may be provisionally drawn: 1) in serum of a patient with acute Lupus Erythematosus diffusus a factor has been fou...

Effect of Selenium in Preventing Exudative Diathesis in Chicks

Abstract: Summary(1) Chicks fed a diet containing torula yeast developed exudative diathesis which could be prevented by either vit. E or a non-fat soluble substance in casein and in a number of pork tissues. (2) This factor could be made water soluble by acid hydrolysis. It was adsorbed on both anion and cation exchange resins and thus behaved as an ampholyte. (3) An alkaline ash but not an acid ash of pork kidney was effective in preventing exudative diathesis. (4) Selenium as selenite prevented exudative diathesis at 0.3 ppm. Tellurium as tellurite was ineffective at 3 ppm. Anionic arsenic at 10 ppm was inactive.

Continuous cultivation of epithelial cell strain (FL) from human amniotic membrane.

Abstract: SummaryA strain of human cells derived from a normal amniotic membrane has been cultivated in serial passage for 8 months in 30 transfers. This cell line was developed by trypsinization of the primary source and cultivated in a medium without embryo extract. The appearance of the cell has been epithelial-like at all stages of cultivation. Growth characteristics in media containing human serum or animal sera are reported. The cell strain has been grown in large scale.

Localization of lactic acid dehydrogenase activity in serum fractions.

Abstract: Summary1. Using the method of Wroblewski and LaDue the LDH activity in serum has been localized to 3 electrophoretic regions. In 6 control subjects approximately 48% of the LDH activity in serum was present in the α2-globulin, 33% between the α1-globulin and albumin and 19% in the β-globulin. 2. Three peaks corresponding approximately to those found in serum were observed in the hemolysate from human red cells. In the 2 cases of myocardial infarction in which the total LDH activity was increased the α1 activity peak was differentially raised while in 3 cases of leukemia, although the total activity was increased in only one instance, the percentage of the total LDH activity in the α2 peak was uniformly increased. 3. The results obtained suggest that an examination of the LDH activity in the different serum fractions may provide a more sensitive index of alterations of LDH activity than examination of the total serum concentration of the enzyme. 4. The distinguishing chemical and physical properties of the...

Prevention of exudative diathesis in chicks by factor 3 and selenium.

Abstract: SummaryIt is shown that exudative diathesis in the chick, produced by vit. E-free Torula yeast diets, is prevented by crude sources and purified fractions of Factor 3. Selenium, recently identified as the integral part of Factor 3, was highly active. Protection was obtained with 10 μg of selenium per 100 g of diet in form of seleno-cystathionine or sodium selenite; 200 μg of elemental selenium also were effective. All 3 forms of the element stimulated growth.

Biliary excretion of bile acids and cholesterol in bile fistula rats; bile acids and steroids.

Abstract: Summary1. A detailed analysis of excretion of taurocholic taurochenodesoxycholic acid and cholesterol in bile duct cannulated rats has been undertaken. 2. A constant excretion pattern consisting of 2 parts was observed: A) Excretion of preformed bile acids present in the enterohepatic circulation during 12 hours following cannulation; B) An increased formation of bile acids resulting in a 10-20 fold increased synthesis of bile acids (40-70 mg/day), as compared to synthesis of bile acids in the intact animal (3-4 mg/day), is present from the second or third day.

Pharmacological studies of a new oral hypoglycemic drug.

Abstract: SummaryN'-beta-phenethylformamidiny-liminourea (DBI), a synthetic substance, administered parenterally or orally, causes hypoglycemia in guinea-pigs, rats, rabbits, cats and Rhesus monkeys. It can ...

Effect of sodium lactate infusion on urate clearance in man.

Abstract: SummaryRenal clearance studies are described which corroborate and extend earlier observations indicating that administration of sodium lactate in sufficient dosage results in a profound fall in urinary excretion of uric acid. Curate declined from a mean control level of 10.4 ml/min. to a mean minimum of 1.4 ml/min. The uricosuria produced by salicylate and probenecid was temporarily abolished by lactate. The significance of these findings is discussed.

Development and serial cellfree passage of a highly potent strain of mouse leukemia virus.

Abstract: Summary1. A strain of a filterable mouse leukemia agent has been developed from a spontaneous Ak leukemia through several successive cell-free inoculations of newborn C3H mice. 2. This agent induced acute, generalized leukemia within 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 months in 40 to 100% of the inoculated newborn C3H mice (Bittner substrain). 3. Newborn mice had to be inoculated; adult C3H mice were with few exceptions resistant to inoculation of the cell-free agent. 4. The leukemic agent could be preserved at −70°C from 46 days to 5 1/2 months, with no apparent loss of infectivity.

Isocitric and 6-phosphogluconic dehydrogenases in human blood serum.

Abstract: SummaryMethods for determination of isocitric and 6-phosphogluconic dehydrogenases in human blood serum are described. The properties of these enzymes, and factors affecting their activity in the blood sera of normal human adults are discussed.

Delayed Nidation in the Rat Induced by Progesterone.

Abstract: SummaryNidation of embryos was delayed from 1 to 45 days in rats ovariectomized on the 3rd day after mating, by subcutaneous injection of 4 mg of progesterone per day. Implantation was delayed until such time as 1 μg of estrone per day was given in addition to the progesterone. Recovery of blastocysts from one horn of the uterus during progesterone treatment and subsequent implantation of the embryos in the other horn induced by the progesterone-estrogen indicates that the embryos are maintained in the uterus in a viable, but resting condition during progesterone treatment. If rats were ovariectomized on the 3rd day and untreated for 8 days, nidation of embryos was not observed when progesterone and estrogen was initiated on the 9th day and given for the next 5 to 12 days. Rats ovariectomized on the 4th day after mating were variable in their response to 4 mg of progesterone, some exhibited delay others implanted at the normal time. Delayed nidation up to at least 3 days was obtained in hypophysectomized ...

Increased Susceptibility to Herpes Simplex in Mice Subjected to Avoidance-Learning Stress or Restraint.∗

Abstract: SummaryStress induced in mice by avoidance-learning or by restraint resulted in an increased susceptibility to infection with the virus of herpes simplex.

Inactivation of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus by pH and Temperature Changes and by Formaldehyde

Abstract: Summary1) Rates of inactivation of tissue-culture-derived, foot-and-mouth disease virus, type A, strain 119 (FMDV–A119), at various pH levels and temperatures and by formaldehyde were determined. R...

Changes in plasma concentration of epinephrine and norepinephrine with muscular work.

Abstract: Summary1. Concentration of epinephrine and norepinephrine has been measured in human plasma after acute and chronic work. 2. Norepinephrine increases markedly with acute muscular work (about 3-fold) and returns to normal within 15-30 minutes after work. 3. Epinephrine response to acute muscular work shows wide variation between individuals, varying from marked rise to no detectable change. Epinephrine values, when elevated, also return to control levels within 15-30 minutes.

Turnover and nature of fecal bile acids in germfree and infected rats fed cholic acid-24-14C; bile acids and steroids 41.

Abstract: Summary1. Taurocholic acid-24-14C was the only metabolite found in feces of germfree rats fed cholic acid-24-14C. 2. The half-life of cholic acid in germfree rats is 11.4 days as compared with 2 days in control animals. Daily excretion of cholic acid in germfree rats is 0.9 mg/100 g body weight. 3. Monoinfection of a germfree rat with Aspergillus niger did not change the half-life nor the composition of the bile salts in feces. Infection of the same rat with Clostridium per-fringens resulted in free cholic acid in feces but no change in turnover time. When the rat was taken out of the germfree rearing apparatus turnover time and bile acid picture changed to that of “normal” rats.

Transplantable mastocytoma in the mouse containing histamine, heparin, 5-hydroxytryptamine.

Abstract: Summary1. A transplantable mastocytoma of the mouseis described. The tumor is benign and composed of cells indistinguishable from normal mast cells. 2. It contains greater quantities of histamine and heparin than have previously been found in normal or tumorous mast cells. It also contains large amounts of 5-hydroxytryptamine.

A fluorescent test for treponemal antibodies.

Abstract: Summary1. A technic for the use of fluorescein labeled antiglobulin as an indicator of treponemal antibody is described. 2. The effect of rotation as an intensifier of fluorescent antibody reactions is determined. 3. Results obtained with fluorescent antibody tests on syphilitic rabbits are compared with results of other treponemal and nontreponemal tests. 4. Serological discrepancies obtained with fluorescent antibody and several other tests on human serums are presented.

Action of Sodium Desoxycholate on Arthropod-Borne Viruses

Abstract: SummaryAll arthropod-borne viruses at present under study in the Rockefeller Foundation Virus Laboratories, New York, have been shown to be readily inactivated by a 1:1000 dilution of sodium desoxycholate. The only viruses discovered to date which are resistant to the action of this bile salt are strains of human poliomyelitis, mouse encephalomyelitis, Coxsackie and encephalomyocarditis viruses.

Relation of adrenal weight to social rank of mice.

Abstract: SummaryMature male “wild-strain mice,” isolated from weaning, were placed in groups of 6 for 4 hours a day for 10 days. The social or dominance rank of each mouse was determined. Adrenal and body weights were obtained for each mouse. A significant relationship was found between adrenal weight and social rank. It is concluded that high-ranking mice have smaller adrenals than do low-ranking mice.

Abnormal serum protein and bone destruction in transmissible mouse plasma cell neoplasm (multiple myeloma).

Abstract: SummaryA plasma cell neoplasm X5563 of the C3H mouse has been described, which resembles human multiple myeloma, by similar histologic appearance of the neoplastic plasma cell; by similar development of osteolytic bone lesions after considerable residence in the host mouse, and by similar production of an abnormal serum globulin.

Constitutional nonhemolytic hyperbilirubinemia in the rat: defect of bilirubin conjugation.

Abstract: Summary1. Broken-cell preparations of liver and of kidney from rats with constitutional nonhemolytic hyperbilirubinemia failed to synthesize bilirubin or o-aminophenol glucuronides. 2. Inhibition of β-glucuronidase with potassium saccharate failed to influence conjugation of bilirubin in these animals. 3. The evidence presented suggests that in constitutional nonhemolytic hyperbilirubinemia in rats, glucuronyl transferase activity is absent or inhibited.

Studies on erythropoiesis. IV. Reticulocyte response of hypophysectomized and polycythemic rodents to erythropoietin.

Abstract: Summary and Conclusions1. Following hypophysectomy of rats, reticulocytes in the peripheral blood fall to a minimal level within a period of 3 to 4 weeks. This reduction represents a 5- to 10-fold decrease from the prehypophysectomy control. This reticulocyte decline is more rapid in 8-week-old rats than in younger animals. 2. Administration of anemic plasma to hypophysectomized rats produces a reticulocyte rise that is many fold greater than that produced by normal plasma or saline. 3. Erythropoiesis, as measured by the number of reticulocytes in peripheral blood, falls to zero in 6 days in mice made polycythemic by repeated intraperitoneal injections of homologous red cells. Anemic plasma obtained from rats or rabbits, when injected intravenously or intra-peritoneally into polycythemic mice, produces a reticulocytosis many times greater than that observed from normal plasma. Normal saline produces no increase in reticulocytes. 4. In polycythemic mice and hypophysectomized rats, reticulocyte determinatio...

Presence of plasma erythropoietin in hypoxic rats with or without kidney (s) and/or spleen.

Abstract: Summary(1) Normal rats placed in a low oxygen atmosphere for time periods from 4 to 120 hours reveal definite elevation of plasma erythropoietin until 24 hours and after 48 hours erythropoietin drops back to normal levels as judged by Fe59 uptake assay using hypophysectomized rats. (2) On the basis of this time-concentration relationship of plasma erythropoietin in hypoxic hypoxic rats, no significant alteration of erythropoietin titers is evident in hypoxic rats with or without kidneys and/or spleen. (3) Hence, neither the kidney nor spleen is the production site of erythropoietin under hypoxic hypoxia.

Isolation of anticoagulant fractions from crude fucoidin.

Abstract: SummaryA method of preparation, some physical and chemical properties and anticoagulant activities of fucoidin fractions from Fucus vesiculosus have been described. Certain fractions prepared from ...