Computer analysis of ventricular pressure recordings: evaluation of myocardial contractility on the dog heart in situ]

The contractile indices Vmax (maximum shortening velocity of the contractile element) and ARPD (power averaged rate of power density generation) which have been shown to be unaffected by alterations in preload and afterload were computed from isovolumic left ventricular pressure data of dogs. The two indices were tested for their ability to detect changes in contractility induced by a positive inotropic drug (Isoprenalin). Whereas a good correlation was found between ARPD and Vmax (coefficient of correlation 0,895) the index ARPD was more sensitive to augmentation of myocardial contractility; also because it is simpler to obtain computationally and more appropriate for the intact heart from a theoretical point of view. ARPD should be useful especially for quantification of acute changes in myocardial contractility.     

Penetration and proliferation of BHK and HeLa cells into a three-dimensional collagen matrix of bone stroma type. Preliminary results

Some preliminary data regarding the test of penetration and proliferation of BHK and HeLa cells biocompatibility to a three dimensional stroma saturated with phosphorous and calcium salts (a biomaterial replacing bone) are presented. These data suggest that the analysed biomaterial might be used in surgical practices of prosthesis appliance on interfaces of fractured bone.     

Preservation of Coombs' serum in liquid nitrogen

Experiments with Coombs-sera as raw and usable sera having different levels of titre were carried out in order to examine their stability in fluid nitrogen. Therewith, significant differences concerning the storing stability did not appear. Generally seen two third of the sera retained their initial titres at the end of one year in store.     

Immunohistochemical and electron microscopic identification of serotonin, melatonin and beta-endorphin in the granules of natural killers

The ability of serotonin, melatonin and beta-endorphin synthesis by secreting granules of natural killer cells (NK cells) was established by immunohistochemical method. It was shown that cytotoxic effect of NK cells can be to a certain extent related to the presence of secreting granules. A possible direct contribution of NK cell-synthesized hormones to the natural killer antitumour effect is discussed.     

Results of the study of preventive effectiveness and side effects of anti-influenza lactoglobulin in controlled epidemiologic trial]

Prophylactic activity and side action of antiinfluenza lactoglobulin were studied under conditions of controlled epidemiological trial in 6361 persons during the epidemiological rise of influenza incidence. The data obtained pointed to the absence of any protective effect of antiinfluenza lactoglobulin. Marked allergenic properties of lactoglobulin and development of sensitization in the persons under observation were found during the study of the side-effect of the preparation. Thus, the absence of prophylactic efficacy and the sensitizing action of antiinfluenza lactoglobulin pointed to the inexpediency of its use for prophylactic and therapeutic purpose.     

Crystallins in the differentiation and regeneration processes of the crystalline lens in amphibia

The published and authors' data have been summarized on (1) the spectrum and properties of crystallins in different amphibian species, (2) localization and synthesis of crystallins in different cellular compartments of the adult amphibian lens, (3) dynamics of crystallin formation during embryogenesis and (4) lens regeneration from tissues of the larval and adult amphibian eyes. The necessity of more detailed studies of crystallin synthesis during embryogenesis and lens regeneration using molecular biological and biochemical methods is stressed. The significance of this approach is illustrated by the pioneering data of Soviet scientists on crystallin polypeptides and corresponding mRNAs in development of Rana temporaria obtained with the use of DNA-RNA hybridization and immunoelectroblotting.     

The ACTH-immunoreactive system in the brain of the white-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii (Passeriformes, Emberizidae)

The ACTH-immunoreactive (ir) system of the avian brain is particularly conspicuous in the male white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii). The irperikaryal population is concentrated mainly within the tuberal region, projecting primarily in a dorsal direction: (i) into the striatum; (ii) into rostral diencephalic, septal, hyperstriatal, and thalamic areas; and (iii) into dorsal and ventral areas of the brain stem. Ir-fibers seemingly contact local non-immunoreactive neurons mainly in the accumbens nucleus, septum, dorsal thalamic nuclei, infundibular and interpeduncular nuclei, and in the rostral diencephalon. Neurohemal zones are not supplied by ACTH-ir terminals. Immunocytochemical problems arising from the complexity of the proopiomelanocortin molecule and its derived peptide components are discussed in relation to phylogenetically directed studies, and contradictory results.     

Long-term effects of postovulatory aging of mouse oocytes on offspring: a two-generational study.

Aims of this study were to analyze the long-term effects of postovulatory aging of mouse oocytes on 1) reproductive traits of parental (F(0)) and first (F(1))-generation females (pregnancy rate, gestation length, litter size, perinatal death, and sex ratio of offspring) and 2) developmental and behavioral variables of F(1) and second-generation (F(2)) offspring (birth weight and weight gain during preweaning development, postnatal day of attainment of immediate righting, spontaneous motor activity, and passive and active conditioned learning ability). Hybrid (C57BL/6JIco x CBA/JIco) females were artificially inseminated at 13 h (control group) or 22 h (oocyte-aged group) after GnRH injection. Experimental (oocyte-aged group) F(0) females exhibited lower pregnancy rate, shortened gestation length, decreased litter size, higher perinatal death of their pups, and increased percentage of male offspring compared to control F(0) females. Postovulatory aging of oocytes was also associated with increased number of growth-retarded pups, delayed development of the righting reflex, and higher spontaneous motor activity and emotionality of F(1) offspring. Postovulatory aging of F(0) oocytes did not affect birth weight, weight gain during preweaning development, passive and active conditioned learning ability of F(1) offspring, or reproductive traits of F(1) females or developmental and behavior variables of F(2) offspring.