Blood pressure lability in the sympathectomized rat

Intra-aortic blood pressure (BP) was measured in conscious rats after early chronic destruction of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system (SNS) with guanethidine. In sympathectomized rats, the mean level of BP was not different from that of control rats but its variability was markedly increased. These results indicate that functional integrity of the SNS is of primary importance for the short-term control of BP but is not essential for its long-term maintenance.     

Intestinal microflora of the newborn rat as related to mammary, faecal, and vaginal Staphylococci strains isolated from the dam

To determine the relative importance of maternal microflora (faeces, vagina, and teats) in the contamination of newborn rats, strains of staphylococci from six different families (dam + litter) were isolated. These strains were identified, and by means of numerical profiles analyzed for their degree of similarity for each litter and (or) biotope. The staphylococci strains found in the gut of the newborn rat originated first from the teats and thereafter from the faeces. Concomitant observation of some identical strains, however, suggested a certain degree of similarity between these two maternal biotopes in this animal.     

3-Amino-6-methoxy-9-(2-hydroxyethylamino) acridine: A new fluorescent dye to detect mycoplasma contamination in cell cultures

A new fluorescent acridine orange derivative, 3-amino-6-methoxy-9-(2-hydroxyethylamino) acridine (AMHA), has been applied to Hela cells in order to set up appropriate conditions for the detection of mycoplasma contaminations. Since AMHA staining reveals intensely fluorescent nuclei and slight fluorescent cytoplasm, we can visualize and localize mycoplasma contamination on each cell. In combination with a shortened Chen's staining method (1977), AMHA should allow a better detection of mycoplasma in animal cell cultures than the well established Hoechst dye.