Vergleichende Enzymuntersuchungen im Serum,in Erythrocyten und in Leukocyten von schwachsinnigen Anstaltspatienten

Zusammenfassung Bei 39 Patienten mit Down-Syndrom (1), 53 Patienten mit idiopathischem (2) und 71 Patienten mit exogenem Schwachsinn (3) wurden die Aktivitäten von Aph, SPh, LDH, GOT und ALD im Serum, in Erythrocyten und Leukocyten spektrophotometrisch bestimmt und untereinander und mit einer Kontrollgruppe 60 gesunder Personen verglichen.Eine signifikante Aktivitätssteigerung zeigten im Serum der Gruppen 1–3 APh, SPh, GOT und LDH (nur Erwachsene), in Leukocyten APh (Kinder, Gruppe 1;2), SPh, LDH (Kinder, Gruppe 1–3) und GOT (Erwachsene, Gruppe 1; Kinder, Gruppe 1 und 2) und in Erythrocyten der Gruppe 1–3 die GOT.Die Patienten der Gruppe 1 ließen im Vergleich mit den Patienten der Gruppen 2 und 3 einen Trend zu Erhöhungen der APh, SPh, GOT und LDH im Serum, in Erythrocyten und Leukocyten erkennen.Die Untersuchung des Blutbildes bei den Patienten der Gruppen 1–3 und den Personen der Kontrollgruppe ergab unauffällige Befunde. Im Differentialblutbild ließ sich bei den Patienten der Gruppen 1–3 eine geringgardige Lymphocytose beobachten.Bei 12 Patienten aus den Gruppen 2 und 3 wurden Leberfunktionsproben durchgeführt; 5 dieser Patienten zeigten pathologische Werte und lieferten Hinweise für das Vorliegen einer diskreten Leberparenchymschädigung.Die Befunde wurden diskutiert.

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Comparative studies of enzymes in serum, erythrocytes and leucocytes in hospitalized patients with mental deficiency

Summary The activities of a number of enzymes (alkaline (APh) and acid phosphatase SPh), lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH), glutamic oxalacetate transaminase (GOT), aldolase (ALD), glucose-6-phosphat-dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) in serum, erythrocytes and leucocytes of 39 patients with Down's syndrome (1), 53 patients with hereditary mental deficiency (2), and 71 patients with exogene mental deficiency (3) were determined spectrophotometrically. On the one hand the results were compared mutually and on the other hand with samples of 60 healthy persons.Statistically significant differences between oligophrenic patients and healthy persons were observed in serum APh, SPh, GOT and LDH, in the groups 1–3 (only adults), in leucocytes APh (children, groups 1–2), leucocytes SPh and LDH (children, groups 1–3), leucocytes GOT (adults, group 1; children, group 1–2) and in erythrocytes GOT in all groups; all these enzymes showed a distinct increase.Compared with patients of the group 2 and 3, the APh, SPh, GOT, and LDH in serum, erythrocytes and leucocytes of patients of the group 1 (Down's syndrome) indicated a trend to increase.The peripheral blood counts and determinations of hemoglobin in patients of the groups 1–3 and in persons of the control group were normal. A low grade lymphocytosis in the differential blood state was observed.12 patients from the group 2 and 3 were examined in regard to their hepatic functions. 5 of these had pathological hepatic functions and showed symptomes of a slight alteration of the liver parenchyma.The results were discussed.

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(Direktor: Prof. Dr. med. H. Schade)     

Enzymbestimmungen in Erythrocyten bei Kindern mit Down-Syndrom

Zusammenfassung Bei 20 Kleinkindern mit gesicherter freier Trisomie 21 wurden die Aktivitäten von 21 Enzymen des Energie- und des Glutathionstoffwechsels in isolierten Erythrocyten gemessen. Die Aktivitäten der Fructose-6-phosphatkinase, der Lactatdehydrgenase, der Glucose-6-phosphatdehydrogenase, der Glutathionreduktase (NADP) und der Glutamat-Oxalacetat-Transaminase wurden gegenüber gleichaltrigen Kontrollen signifikant erhöht gefunden. Lediglich die etwa 50%ige Steigerung der Fructose-6-phosphatkinase-Aktivität kann im Sinne eines Gen-Dosis-Effektes gedeutet werden.

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Enzyme activities in the erythrocytes of children with Down's syndrom

Summary The activities of 21 enzymes of the energy supplying and the glutathione metabolism were estimated in isolated erythrocytes from children with Down's syndrome aged from 1 to 5 1/2 years. All 20 patients were trisomic for chromosome 21. The following enzymes were estimated by means of optic assays: All glycolytic enzymes, two enzymes of the hexosephosphate shunt and two of the citric cycle, NADP- and NAD-dependent glutathione reductase, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, adenylate kinase, and Mg²⁺-activated ATPase.The activities of five enzymes, i.e. phosphofructokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glutathione reductase (NADP), and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, were significantly elevated as compared to age-matched controls. The 50% increase of phosphofructokinase-activity is assumed to provide suggestive evidence for a controlling gene-locus on chromosome 21. The remaining findings are not considered to be directly related to the chromosomal abnormality.

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Direcktor: Prof. Dr. H.-R. Wiedemann

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Nach einem Vortrag auf der 10. Tagung der Gesellschaft für Anthropologie und Human-genetik, Königstein (Ts.), 22.–25. 10. 1967.

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Die Untersuchungen wurden durch die dankenswerte Unterstützung der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft ermöglicht.     

Changes of blood enzymes in brook trout induced by infection with Aeromonas salmonicida

Furunculosis was induced in brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis , by experimental inoculation with Aeromonas salmonidda. The levels of blood enzymes were determined and the most significant modifications were observed for aldolase, creatine phosphokinase and ornithine carbamyl transferase. Alkaline phosphatase, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase and glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase showed minor modification. There was no significant change of activity for acid phosphatase, cholinesterase, lactic dehydrogenase, phosphohexose iso-merase, isocitric dehydrogenase and aminopeptidase.     

Antioxidant DL-alpha lipoic acid as an attenuator of adriamycin induced hepatotoxicity in rat model

Protective efficacy of DL-alpha lipoic acid on adriamycin induced hepatotoxicity was evaluated in rats. Adriamycin toxicity, induced by a single injection (ip; 15 mg/kg body wt), was expressed by an elevation in alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, bilirubin levels in serum and alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase activity in hepatic tissue. Adriamycin produced significant increase in malondialdehyde levels indicating tissue lipid peroxidation and potentially inhibiting the activity of antioxidant, reduced glutathione and antioxidant enzymes, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. The present results showed that pretreatment with lipoic acid [75 mg/kg body wt/day (ip), 24 h prior to administration of adriamycin] significantly restored various cellular activity suggesting the antioxidant potential of lipoic acid in ameliorating the hepatotoxicity induced by adriamycin.     

Newer drug treatment in dermatology

In a study of 58 patients with various diseases of muscle or of the neuromuscular system, the serum activity of various enzymes was measured. Abnormal elevation of serum activities of aldolase, lactic dehydrogenase and, to a lesser extent, glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase and phosphohexose isomerase, was an almost constant feature in patients with progressive muscular dystrophy. These elevations were very frequent in dermatomyositis, common in acute cerebral vascular accidents, and rarely seen in other neurological disorders. Abnormal serum activity of iso-citric dehydrogenase was not observed in the course of the present study. Supplementary protein feeding of patients with muscular dystrophy had no effect on serum enzyme activity, no consistent effect on urinary creatine excretion and no effect on the strength of the patient or the course of the disease. Dystrophic muscles from a dystrophic strain of mice showed a decrease in activity of lactic dehydrogenase and aldolase below that of control muscle and an increase of iso-citric dehydrogenase activity. These findings, taken with the differences in serum activities of lactic dehydrogenase, aldolase and isocitric dehydrogenase in the dystrophic animals, support the conclusion that dystrophic animals handle these soluble enzymes in quite different ways.     

SERUM ENZYMES—Variations of Activity in Disease of Muscle

In a study of 58 patients with various diseases of muscle or of the neuromuscular system, the serum activity of various enzymes was measured. Abnormal elevation of serum activities of aldolase, lactic dehydrogenase and, to a lesser extent, glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase and phosphohexose isomerase, was an almost constant feature in patients with progressive muscular dystrophy. These elevations were very frequent in dermatomyositis, common in acute cerebral vascular accidents, and rarely seen in other neurological disorders. Abnormal serum activity of iso-citric dehydrogenase was not observed in the course of the present study.Supplementary protein feeding of patients with muscular dystrophy had no effect on serum enzyme activity, no consistent effect on urinary creatine excretion and no effect on the strength of the patient or the course of the disease.Dystrophic muscles from a dystrophic strain of mice showed a decrease in activity of lactic dehydrogenase and aldolase below that of control muscle and an increase of iso-citric dehydrogenase activity. These findings, taken with the differences in serum activities of lactic dehydrogenase, aldolase and isocitric dehydrogenase in the dystrophic animals, support the conclusion that dystrophic animals handle these soluble enzymes in quite different ways.     

Über die Entwicklung des Enzymmusters in den neurosekretorischen hypothalamischen Zentren der Ratte

Zusammenfassung Es wird die ontogenetische Entwicklung des Fermentmusters in den neurosekretorischen hypothalamischen Zentren der Ratte (N. paraventricularis und N. supraopticus) vom 1.–49. Tag post partum beschrieben und mit dem färberisch-lichtmikroskopischen Verhalten der Kerngebiete verglichen.Die noch sehr unreifen Ganglienzellen des neugeborenen Tieres enthalten bereits Neurosekret und zeigen eine kräftige Reaktion auf saure Phosphatase und Thiaminpyrophosphatase. Die übrigen Fermentreaktionen fallen noch schwach bis negativ aus. Morphologische Entwicklung und Ausbildung des Neurosekretbildes sind am Ende der 2. Lebenswoche abgeschlossen. NADH-und NADPH-Diaphorase, LDH, Esterasen und alkalische Phosphatase (Kapillardichte) erreichen ihre endgültige Aktivität am Ende der 3. Lebenswoche. Der charakteristische Ausfall der Reaktionen auf saure Phosphatase und Glucose-6-Phosphatdehydrogenase bildet sich im Laufe der 4. Lebenswoche heraus. Die Ursache der zeitlichen Differenzen zwischen den Terminplänen der Entwicklung von Neurosekretbild und Fermentmuster ist unklar.Das Fermentmuster der neurosekretorischen Zentren reifer Tiere zeichnet sich durch hohe Aktivitäten an saurer Phosphatase, Thiaminpyrophosphatase und Glucose-6-phosphat-dehydrogenase aus. Die Bedeutung dieser Enzyme für den spezifischen Stoffwechsel der neurosekretorischen Zellen wird diskutiert. Hinsichtlich der übrigen Fermentaktivitäten unterscheiden sie sich nicht von gewöhnlichen Nervenzellen.

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Summary The ontogenetic development of the enzyme pattern in rat neurosecretory hypothalamic centers (N. paraventricularis and N. supraopticus) from the 1st to the 49th day post partum is described. It is compared with the development as revealed by conventional staining and light microscopy.The still immature neurons of the newborn rat already contain neurosecretory substance and give strong reactions for acid phosphatase and thiamine pyrophosphatase. With other enzyme reactions, weak or negative results are obtained. The morphological development and accumulation of neurosecretory material is completed at the end of the 2nd week after birth. NADH and NADPH diaphorases, LDH, esterases and alkaline phosphatase, however, reach their definitive level of activity at the end of the 3rd week. The characteristic appearance of the acid phosphatase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase reactions emerges in the course of the 4th week. The cause for the time differences between the development of staining behaviour and enzyme pattern remains to be clarified.The enzyme pattern of the neurosecretory centers of adult animals is characterized by high activities of acid phosphatase, thiamine pyrophosphatase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. The possible role of these enzymes in the specific metabolism of neurosecretory cells is discussed. The cells do not seem to differ, though, from normal nerve cells as to the remaining enzyme activities investigated.

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Mit Unterstützung durch die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.     

Zur Chemodifferenzierung des Rückenmarks und der Spinalganglien der Ratte

Zusammenfassung Alkalische Phosphatase, saure Phosphatase, Glukose-6-Phosphatdehydrogenase und NADH-Diaphorase können erstmalig am 13., unspezifische Esterase am 15. Embryonaltag (ET) im Cytoplasma der Neuroblasten des Vorderhorns und der Spinalganglien nachgewiesen werden. Ein Unterschied zwischen zervikalem und lumbalem Teil des Rückenmarks besteht nicht. Während der weiteren Entwicklung breiten sich die Enzymreaktionen in der grauen Substanz nach dorsal aus. Am Ende der Tragzeit entspricht die Verteilung der Fermente der erwachsener Tiere. — Die Azetylcholinesterase reagiert ab 14. ET bis zur Geburt in den Hintersträngen stark positiv und ab 15. ET gleichzeitig in den Vorderhornzellen und Spinalganglien. Nach der Geburt sind die Perikarya der Vorderhornzellen Azetylcholinesterase-frei, dafür reagiert die Zelloberfläche positiv. — Die lysosomale Lokalisation der sauren Phosphatase in den Vorderhornzellen kann sehr früh (15. ET) nachgewiesen werden. Glukose-6-Phosphatdehydrogenase und NADH reagieren in diesen Zellen während der Embryonalzeit diffus. Ab 18. ET reagiert in der grauen Substanz das Scitenhorn bei Nachweis der Glukose-6-Phosphatdehydrogenase und NADH am kräftigsten. — Das Ependym und die Commissura anterior besitzen vom 13. ET bis zur Geburt eine deutliche positive Reaktion für saure Phosphatase, Glukose-6-Phosphatdehydrogenase und NADH. Gliazellen haben während der Embryonalentwicklung keine nachweisbare Enzymaktivität. Diese tritt erstmalig für Glukose-6-Phospahtdehydrogenase und NADH am 1. Lebenstag auf und steigert sich abhängig vom Fortschreiten der Myelinisation. — Die Neurone im Spinalganglion zeigen unterschiedliche Fermentreaktionen, wahrscheinlich als Ausdruck verschiedener Zellaktivität. — Belastung durch Schwimmen zieht keine Veränderungen der Enzymaktivitäten im Rückenmark und Spinalganglion nach sich.

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Chemodifferentiation of the spinal cord and spinal ganglion of the rat

Summary In the cytoplasm of neuroblasts of ventral horn and spinal ganglia alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and NADH diaphorase can be first demonstrated on the 13th embryonic day and non-specific esterase activity on the 15th embryonic day. There are no differences between the cervical and the lumbal spinal cord. During the further development the enzyme activities in the gray matter extend in a dorsal direction. At the end of pregnancy the distribution of enzymes is like that in adult animals. — The acetylcholinesterase reaction is strongly positiv in the posterior column from the 14th embryonic day to birth, and from the 15th embryonic day onward also in the nerve cells of the ventral horn and spinal ganglia. After birth the pericarya of the ventral horn are devoid of acetylcholinesterase. There is, however, a positive reaction on the surface of the cells. — The lyososomal localization of acid phosphatase can be demonstrated on the 15th embryonic day in the nerve cells of ventral horn. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and NADH diaphorase exhibit a diffuse reaction in these cells during embryonic life. From the 18th embryonic day onward the lateral horn of the gray matter shows the highest activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and NADH-diaphorase. — In the ependyma and the anterior commissure acid phosphatase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and NADH diaphorase can be visualized from the 13th embryonic day to birth. — In glial cells no enzymes can be demonstrated during embryonic life. On the 1st day after birth glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and NADH diaphorase occur. These enzyme activities then increase depending on the degree of myelination. — In the neurons of spinal ganglia the enzyme reactions show marked differences probably indicating functional differences. — Continuous swimming does not lead to demonstrable enzyme changes in spinal cord and spinal ganglia.

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Stipendiat des Deutschen Akademischen Austauschdienstes.     

Trichinella spiralis: Alterations of blood chemistry in the mouse

Alterations in host blood chemistry during mouse trichinosis were studied. Mice infected with Trichinella spiralis showed depressions in serum glucose, serum pyruvate, serum total cholesterol, serum bilirubin, serum alkaline phosphatase, serum total proteins, serum total globulin, uric acid, albumin, and A/G ratio below levels found in uninfected animals. The concentrations of serum lactic dehydrogenase, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, and serum creatine phosphokinase in infected mice were above that of uninfected mice. Hemoglobin, packed-cell volume (Hematocrit), creatinine, and calcium were at similar levels in infected and uninfected mice. These changes are discussed in terms of primary pathophysiologic lesions occurring in the gut and muscles of the trichinous host.     

Activity of several erythrocyte enzymes in chick embryos and chicks after gamma-irradiation

After irradiation of chick embryos and chicks (1,000 rad), the activity of some erythrocyte enzymes undergoes significant changes. During the 1st day after irradiation of chick embryos, the activity of lactate dehydrogenase leucine aminopeptidase and glutamate pyruvate transaminase decreases. At the 3rd day, the decrease in the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and acid phosphatase is also observed. In irradiated chicks, the activity of lactate dehydrogenase, leucine aminopeptidase and aldolase decreases within the 1st and the 3rd days, the decrease being most significant for the former two enzymes. At later period (10 and 15 days after irradiation), most significant decrease was found in the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. The activity of the same enzymes in the blood plasma of irradiated embryos and chicks increases, the increase being most evident for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.     

Eine NADP(H)-spezifische Oxidoreduktase beiCalliphora

Zusammenfassung BeiCalliphora erythrocephala Meig. wird eine NADP(H)-abhängige Oxidoreduktase nachgewiesen, die Glukose-6-phosphat und Sorbit-6-phosphat umsetzt. Das Enzym wird durch Sorbit-6-phosphat ebenso wie durch Sorbit inaktiviert. Die mit Glukose-6-phosphat erzielte maximale Aktivität ist wenig geringer als die für die Sorbitdehydrogenase ermittelte Größe. Die Einschleusung der Fruktose in den Kohlenhydratstoffwechsel könnte, zumindest zu einem Teil, über Sorbit-6-phosphat zu Glukose-6-phosphat und weiter zu Glykogen oder Trehalose erfolgen.

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A NADP(H)-specific oxidoreductase inCalliphora

Summary InCalliphora erythrocephala Meig. a NADP(H)-dependent oxidoreductase transforms glucose-6-phosphate and sorbit-6-phosphate. The enzyme is inactivated by sorbit-6-phosphate as well as sorbit. The maximum activity achieved using glucose-6-phosphate as a substrate is slightly less than that reported for sorbitdehydrogenase withCalliphora (Wenzl, 1966). The introduction of fructose into carbohydrate metabolism could, at least in part, follow the sorbit-6-phosphate in glucose-6-phosphate and further to glycogen or trehalose.

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Teil einer Diplomarbeit, die unter Leitung von Herrn Prof. Dr. Langer durchgeführt wurde.     

Serum Lactic Dehydrogenase,Leucine Aminopeptidase and 5-Nucleotidase Activity: Observations in Patients with Carcinoma of the Pancreas and Hepatobiliary Disease

Serum lactic dehydrogenase, leucine aminopeptidase, 5-nucleotidase and alkaline phosphatase activities were investigated in a number of diseases involving the hepatobiliary system.Leucine aminopeptidase was found to be a sensitive indicator of biliary obstruction, serum 5-nucleotidase slightly less sensitive, and alkaline phosphatase appreciably less sensitive. Leucine aminopeptidase and 5-nucleotidase activities were often increased by malignant infiltration of the liver and primary hepatic disease even in the absence of jaundice.Serum lactic dehydrogenase was frequently increased in primary hepatic disease and malignant disorders but was not apparently affected by bile duct obstruction per se. Thirty-five of 45 patients with proved malignancy had increased lactic dehydrogenase levels.The highest leucine aminopeptidase levels were encountered in carcinoma of the head of the pancreas. The frequent increase in both serum lactic dehydrogenase and leucine aminopeptidase activities in patients with carcinoma of the head of the pancreas suggests that these combined estimations are useful laboratory procedures in the diagnosis of malignant extrahepatic obstruction.     

Role of DL α-lipoic acid in gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity

The effect of DL -lipoic acid on the nephrotoxic potential of gentamicin was examined. Intraperitoneal injection of gentamicin (100 mg/kg/day) to rats resulted in decreased activity of the glycolytic enzymes-hexokinase, phosphoglucoisomerase, aldolase and lactate dehydrogenase. The two gluconeogenic enzymes—glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1, 6-diphosphatase, the transmembrane enzymes namely the Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase, Ca²⁺-ATPase, Mg²⁺-ATPase and the brushborder enzyme alkaline phosphatase, also showed decreased activities. This decrease in the activities of ATPases and alkaline phosphatase suggests basolateral and brush border membrane damage. Decreased activity of the TCA cycle enzymes isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH), suggests a loss in mitochondrial integrity. These biochemical disturbances were effectively counteracted by lipoic acid administration. Lipoic acid administration by gastric intubation at two different concentrations (10 mg and 25 mg/kg/day) brought about an increase in the activity of the glycolytic enzymes, ATPases and the TCA cycle enzymes. The gluconeogenic enzymes however showed a further decrease in their activities at both the concentrations of lipoic acid administered. These observations shed light on the nephroprotective action of lipoic acid against experimental aminoglycoside toxicity and the protection afforded at 25 mg/kg/day of lipoic acid was noted to be higher than that at 10 mg level.     

Die blutgruppenassoziierten Elektrophoresetypen der alkalischen Serumphosphatase bei Gesunden und bei Patienten mit gastrointestinalen Erkrankungen

Zusammenfassung Mit Hilfe der Stärkegelelektrophorese wurden die phänotypischen Variationen der alkalischen Serumphosphatase bei 746 Gesunden, 62 Patienten mit Ulcus duodeni, 95 Patienten mit Ulcus ventriculi und 65 Patienten mit Magencarcinom untersucht. Die Beziehungen der quantitativen Variationen der langsamer wandernden B-Komponente zum ABO-Blutgruppensystem, zum Lewis-Blutgruppensystem, zum ABH-Ausscheidersystem und ihre Abhängigkeit von der Nahrungszufuhr werden bestätigt.Bei der Untersuchung von 637 nicht nüchternen Gesunden wurde eine positive Korrelation der B-Bande zu den Blutgruppen O, B und Le(a-/b+) und den Ausscheidern von ABH-Substanzen gefunden. Eine negative Korrelation der B-Bande fand sich zu den Blutgruppen A₁, Le(a+/b-) und den Nichtausscheidern von ABH-Substanzen.Bei einem Vergleichskollektiv von 109 nüchternen Gesunden wurde im Prinzip wieder die gleiche Korrelation gefunden. Die Häufigkeit und auch die Intensität der B-Bande war jedoch insgesamt geringer als bei den nicht nüchternen Gesunden.Nach Nahrungsaufnahme kommt es zu einem Anstieg der Intensität der B-Komponente der alkalischen Phosphatase im Serum, wie in einem Diätversuch bei drei Personen gezeigt werden konnte.Bei Patienten mit Ulcus duodeni, Ulcus ventriculi und Carcinoma ventriculi war sowohl die Häufigkeit als auch die Intensität der B-Bande geringer als bei Gesunden. Diese Abweichung wird auf eine Änderung der Ernährungsweise oder eine Störung im Bereich des Gastrointestinaltraktes zurückgeführt. Für einen Zusammenhang zwischen der B-Komponente der alkalischen Serumphosphatase und der bekannten ABO-Blutgruppenassoziation der drei untersuchten gastrointestinalen Erkrankungen ergab sich kein eindeutiger Hinweis.

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The alkaline serum phosphatase has been studied by starch gel electrophoresis in 746 healthy individuals, 62 patients with duodenal ulcer, 95 patients with stomach ulcer, and 65 patients with stomach cancer (Fig. 1, Table 1). The previously reported quantitative variations of the B-component of alkaline phosphatase, which is presumably identical with the intestinal component, has been confirmed. The variations of the B-component are associated with the ABO blood group system, the Lewis blood group system, and the ABH secretor status; they are also influenced by diet.In a sample of 637 healthy, nonfasting persons the B-component was positively correlated to the O, B and Le(a-/b+) blood groups and to ABH secretion. The B-component was negatively associated with the A₁ and Le(a+/b-) blood groups and the ABH non-secretor status (Table 2 and 3).In a sample of 109 fasting healthy individuals the B-component was less frequent and also less intense if present. Nevertheless, the same correlations to the ABO and Lewis blood groups and the ABH secretor status are found as in the non-fasting control (Table 5 and 6).In three persons the increase of the B-component of alkaline phosphatase in serum was followed after intake of a fatty meal (Table 7, Fig. 2 and 3).In patients with duodenal ulcer, stomach ulcer and stomach cancer the B-component is less frequent and less intense than in the control group of fasting healthy individuals. This deviation is related to differences in the diet or to disturbances of the gastrointestinal functions in these patients. There was no clear indication of a connection between the B-component of alkaline phosphatase and the ABO blood groups association with these gastrointestinal diseases (Table 8, 9, and 10).

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Mit Unterstützung durch die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Bad Godesberg.     

Baseline blood chemistry determinations in the squirrel monkey (SAimiri sciureus).

Sera from 129 squirrel monkeys, Saimiri sciureus, were analyzed for 15 chemical constituents. The values obtained were then analyzed for statistical significance causing the following sets of variables: (1) colony-bred versus noncolony-bred, (2) karyotype (3) vendor, (4) sex and (5) dietary iodine supplementation versus nonsupplementation. Calcium, inorganic phosphorous, albumin, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, alkaline phosphatase and potassium were high in colony-bred animals. Cholesterol, total protein and chloride were lower in colony-bred animals than in noncolony-bred animals. No differences were seen in total bilirubin, lactic dehydrogenase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and sodium. When the noncolony-bred animals were separated by karyotype, total protein was higher and chloride was lower between animals from Peru versus from Guyana. Colombian animals had total protein values lower than Peruvian and lactic dehydrogenase values higher than Peruvian. Colony-bred Peruvian monkeys had serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase values higher than colony-bred Colombian monkeys. No differences were observed between monkeys from different vendors. Chemical constituents higher between noncolony-bred males and females were calcium and alkaline phosphatase. There were no differences observed for colony-bred males and females. Dietary iodine supplementation appeared to increase both total bilirubin and calcium.     

Reversible hepatotoxicity related to amphotericin B.

Hepatotoxicity is regarded as a rare side effect of amphotericin B therapy. A patient with acute myelogenous leukemia who had normal liver function was treated with amphotericin B for fungal pneumonia. While he was receiving the drug at high dosages asymptomatic elevation of the levels of alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, lactic dehydrogenase and bilirubin was noted. The levels returned to normal when the drug was discontinued. Rechallenge with a lower dosage prompted a rapid rise in the levels, with subsequent return to normal when the medication was withdrawn.     

Weitere enzymhistochemische und fluoreszenzmikroskopische Studien an den Plexus chorioidei und an der Paraphyse von Rana temporaria L.

Zusammenfassung Die Epithelzellen der Plexus chorioidei ventriculi III und IV und der Paraphyse von Rana temporaria L. zeigen histochemisch eine deutliche Aktivität der Phosphorylase, Glucose-6-Phosphat-Dehydrogenase und Aldolase. Die Aktivität der Uridindiphosphoglucose-Glycogen-Transferase ist im Plexusepithel der Frösche gering. Glucose-6-Phosphatase läßt sich in den Plexus chorioidei und in der Paraphyse von Rana temporaria nicht darstellen. Phosphorylase, Glucose-6-Phosphat-Dehydrogenase und Aldolase zeichnen sich durch ein charakteristisches, verschiedenartiges Verteilungsmuster aus. Der Einfluß von Adrenalininjektionen auf die Aktivität der obengenannten Enzyme des Plexus-und Paraphysenepithels und funktionelle Zusammenhänge mit der gleichzeitig eintretenden Entspeicherung ihres Glykogenvorrats werden erörtert. In fluoreszenzmikroskopischen Untersuchungen mit der Falck-Hillarp Methode läßt sich weiterhin beobachten, daß nach Adrenalingaben im Plexusepithel der Frösche ein Fluorophor auftritt, das bei Kontrolltieren vollständig fehlt. Im Plexusstroma finden sich nur vereinzelt adrenerge Nervenfasern.

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Enzyme histochemical (carbohydrate metabolism) and fluorescence microscopic (biogenic amines) investigations of the choroid plexuses and the paraphysis in Rana temporaria L.

Summary Epithelial cells of the choroid plexuses and paraphysis in Rana temporaria L. show histochemically distinct phosphorylase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and aldolase activities. The uridine diphosphate glucose-glycogen transferase-reaction of the choroid epithelium is very weak, and the glucose-6-phosphatase-reaction of the choroid plexuses and the paraphysis is negative. Choroid plexuses and paraphysis differ in their distribution patterns of phosphorylase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and aldolase activities. Injections of epinephrine into the dorsal lymph sac increase the histochemically detectable activity of phosphorylase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and aldolase, and deplete the glycogen stores of the choroid epithelium. After administration of epinephrine into the dorsal lymph sac, intensely fluorescent material is observed in the choroid epithelium with the Falck-Hillarp method. The adrenergic innervation of the choroid plexus of Rana temporaria is sparse.

Mit Unterstützung durch die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.     

Enzyme activity during the growth and aging of human cells in vitro

Acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactic dehydrogenase activities have been compared in normal human diploid cell strains and in SV₄₀-transformed heteroploid cell lines derived from them. A higher level of acid phosphatase activity was observed in diploid cultures derived from adult lung than in cultures derived from fetal lung of similar passage levels. The alkaline phosphatase activity of normal diploid fibroblasts was significantly higher than that of SV₄₀-transformed cell lines derived from them. Generally, the lactic dehydrogenase activities of all these cell cultures were similar. Human diploid cells in culture “age,” in the sense that their ability to proliferate decreases with time during serial subcultivation. Evaluation of the activities of these three enzymes during the “aging” process showed that, although alkaline phosphatase and lactic dehydrogenase activities were similar in “young” and “senescent” cells, acid phosphatase showed a small but significant increase in the senescent cells.     

Effect of hypoxia on phosphoesterases,oxidative and glycolytic enzymes in the rabbit common carotid artery

Summary An enzyme-histochemical study was performed on the rabbit common carotid artery at periods ranging from one to seventeen days following double-ligation and injections of human , human pre- serum lipoproteins and a physiologic saline into the lumen. The alterations in enzyme activities compared to the contralateral carotid (control) were studied for DPN diaphorase, succinic acid dehydrogenase (SDH), lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-pH DH), ATPase, AMPase, acid and alkaline phosphatase. At earlier time intervals there was a general reduction in oxidative enzyme and ATPase activities concomitant with a general increase in LDH and acid phosphatase activities. At later times oxidative enzyme and ATPase activities returned to their control levels and actually increased in the thickened intima. LDH and acid phosphatase activities remained above the control levels, especially in the thickened intima. Focal areas, presumably necrotic, demonstrated complete loss of activity for all enzymes studied. AMPase activity did not differ from the controls throughout this study, while G-6-pH DH and alkaline phosphatase activities were found only sparsely in the adventitia. The same general pattern of alteration in enzyme activity was found regardless of the substance injected into the ligated artery. Arguments for the use of this experimental model for studies on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis are given.     

Serum and Urinary Enzyme Activity After Renal Infarction

Recently it has been observed that the activity of certain enzymes in serum and urine may be increased after renal infarction. Although aortography or selective renal angiography should be the diagnostic corner-stone on which one would proceed to embolectomy, it is possible that enzyme assays may serve as laboratory aids to suggest or confirm the diagnosis. This paper reviews the few existing clinical and experimental studies and reports on two patients who had a total of three episodes of renal infarction. Serial determinations after one episode showed increased activity of serum oxaloacetic glutamic transaminase (SGOT) and of lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase in the serum and urine; some elevated serum LDH and SGOT values were recorded after the other two infarctions. The time of onset and duration of these increases are discussed, and the possible difficulty in differentiating renal from myocardial infarction is illustrated.