Immunoreactive beta-endorphin in the rat mammotropic transplantable tumor (MtT-F4).

Raised levels of what appeared to be beta-lipotropin (beta-LPH), beta-melanotropic hormone, and beta-endorphin were detected by radioimmunoassay in the plasma of rats bearing the mammotropic transplantable pituitary tumor MtT-F4. The immunoreactivity to anti-beta-endorphin in the assay was displayed by a substance with the molecular weight of beta-LPH, as determined by gel filtration. Isolated cells of MtT-F4 tumor incubated in vitro released immunoreactive beta-LPH and beta-endorphin, with the expected molecular weights, into the incubation medium. These results suggest that the pituitary transplantable rat tumor MtT-F4 secretes peptides structurally related to beta-LPH.

Specific binding of [3H]prostaglandin E2 to rat brain membranes and synaptosomes.

There is saturable, reversible and specific binding for [3H]prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) to rat brain membranes. This binding is of high affinity, selectively distributed with a maximum in the hypothalamus, the amygdala and the posterior pituitary, and is associated subcellularly with the synaptosomal fraction. This specific PGE2 binding has the characteristics expected for receptors, so opening new perspectives which might clarify the role of PGs in the brain.

Interaction between estradiol and prolactin on vasoactive intestinal peptide concentrations in the hypothalamus and in the anterior pituitary of the female rat.

To determine whether vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) can be regulated by modification of plasma estradiol and prolactin levels, VIP concentrations in various structures of the rat brain and in the pituitary were measured in hyperprolactinemic female rats by means of a specific radioimmunoassay for the peptide. In ovariectomized rats treated with estradiol (E2) implants alone and with both E2 and pituitary grafts to induce an experimental hyperprolactinemia, VIP levels decreased in the anterior and mediobasal hypothalamus and increased in the pituitary as compared to ovariectomized rats. No modification of hypothalamic VIP concentrations was observed in ovariectomized rats with pituitary grafts only, whereas a significant increase was found in the pituitary. These results suggest that, in the female rats, E2 exerts an effect on hypothalamic VIP levels, probably through indirect mechanisms, and that this action can be enhanced by elevated plasma prolactin levels.

[Hernia of intervertebral disc: treatment by manipulation under general anesthesia (author's transl)]. / Zur Diskushernienbehandlung: Der Durchhang in Narkose.

From 1956 to 1973 94 patients underwent altogether 104 manipulations of their spine under general anaesthesia 60% of the results were excellent and good; of the 40% remainder poor results more than half of the patients had to undergo a hemilaminotomy within one year. The time of observation was minimum 1, maximum 16 years, average 5.5 years. Having regard to a subtile indication we had no irreversible complications. The results was slightly better in older patients: otherwise there was no correlation with age, duration of suffering, myelographic disc-hernia or any other parameter.

[Endorphins: structure, roles and biogenesis]. / Endorphines: structure, rôles et biogénèse.

The knowledge of the amino acid sequence of both beta-lipotropin (beta-LPH) and gamma-LPH was the starting point that led to the hypothesis, considered revolutionary in 1967, that hormonal precursors exist. This concept was simultaneously proposed for proinsulin and applied later to other polypeptide hormones. The discovery of endorphins brought together two fields of research that were not related: the opiates and the so-called pituitary lipotropic hormones. The demonstration of specific brain opiate receptors led to the hypothesis of the existence of endogenous opiate ligands which could act as neurotransmittors. The isolation of such substances in the brain, first named enkephalins, revealed through their amino acid sequence their structural homology with the pituitary lipolytic hormones. The finding of a more potent opioid substance in the pituitary (beta-endorphin) that comprises the last 31 amino acids of beta-LPH shed a new light on the hypothesis proposed earlier which gave to beta-LPH a role as a precursor molecule. Finally, the addition of ACTH completed a putative multipotent precursor model that has been recently named pro-opiomelanocortin. Pulse-chase experiments have definitely proven that beta-endorphin is a maturation product of a large precursor also containing ACTH and MSH. In other studies, many groups have suggested that endorphins play important roles as possible neuromodulators in pain transmission, in analgesia, in tolerance and dependence, as well as on behavior and endocrine regulations, mainly those related to the hypothalamo-pituitary axes. The elucidation of the biosynthetic process or processes of cerebral endorphins (either enkephalins or beta-endorphin) is of primary importance in order ot understand better their biological as well as regulatory functions. These studies should also be applicable to the biosynthesis of all the other neuronal peptide hormones. It is hoped that they will provide new tools for the study of some important central nervous system functions, such as pain and endocrine control and the physiopathology of behavioral diseases.

Hyperprolactinemia and estrogen-induced rhythms in LH and prolactin release in the ovariectomized rat.

Short-term (9 days) hyperprolactinemia induced by pituitary grafts reduced basal plasma LH levels in ovariectomized rats whereas long-term (31 days) grafts increased basal LH levels. Although long-term grafts inhibited estradiol-induced prolactin surges, hyperprolactinemia had no effect on the LH surge. It is concluded that the estrogen-treated ovariectomized rat is not suitable for studying the effects of hyperprolactinemia on LH release.

Internal derangement of the knee joint due to pathologic synovial folds: the mediopatellar plica syndrome.

A prospective study of the mediopatellar plica was performed by arthroscopy in 134 patients. The mediopatellar plica is a fold of synovial tissue attaching medially at the undersurface of the quadriceps tendon which extends distally around the patella and over the medial femoral condyle to insert into the fat pad. Extensor mechanism derangement may be produced by a mediopatellar plica when it loses its pliability owing to fibrosis or hyalinization. Persistent disabling symptoms require surgical treatment consisting of excision by arthrotomy or by operative arthroscopy.

[Own experiences in the orthopedic treatment of meningomyelocele]. / Eigene Erfahrung bei der orthopädischen Behandlung der Myelomeningocele.

30 myelomeningocele patients which were surveyed at Zurich's Children's Hospital and at the Wilhelm Schulthess Clinic in the years from 1962 to 1976 have been postexamined. Significant for the rehabilitation of these children in respect for the gaining of their best ever possible independence and capability to walk are primarily the neurosegmental level of the lesion, the remaining motor power as well as intelligence and motivation. Of secondary significance is the orthopaedic operation whereby specifically the correction of fixed deformity is important. The quantity of anesthesias should be hold at minimum, bilateral hip-dislocations can be left alone, and psoas-transfers (SHARRARD) should be made on children with strong quadriceps only.

[Pregnancy and hyperprolactinemia. Review of therapeutic measures apropos of a series of 35 patients]. / Grossesse et hyperprolactinémie. Révision des modalités thérapeutiques à propos d'une série de 35 patientes.

Forty-eight pregnancies were observed in 35 patients with hyperprolactinaemia divided into 3 groups according to their initial radiological appearances: normal sella turcica (Group I, n = 11), microadenoma (Group II, n = 12) or macroadenoma without suprasellar expansion, visual defect or pituitary deficiency (Group III, n = 12). Twenty-seven patients were treated with Bromocriptine (Br) from the outs six by adenomectomy + Br, one by adenomectomy alone complicated by meningitis and by corticotropic and thyrotropic hormone deficiencies, followed by amenorrhea despite normalisation of the hyperprolactinaemia requiring induction of a first pregnancy with Clomid. As regards the pregnancies induced by Br (43/48), Br was withdrawn at an early stage in Group I and in the majority of cases in Groups II and III. In all, 37 pregnancies came to term; after Br therapy we observed 5 spontaneous abortions and 3 premature deliveries; 2 caesarian sections were performed before term (one case of hypertension and one adenomatous expansion); one early termination was performed for a tumoral complication. One congenital abnormality (oesophageal atresis) was detected. These observations support the results of extensive studies showing no effects of Br on the outcome of pregnancy and no detectable teratogenic effects with this drug. Five pituitary complications occurred during pregnancy after withdrawal of Br; 1 case of headaches with expansion of a macroadenoma cured by adenometry after prophylactic caesarian section before term; 1 case of optic chiasma compression (Group III) which responded to emergency surgery and 2 cases of pituitary apoplexy (Groups II and III) which responded favourably to Br and in which pregnancy continued normally.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Diffusion studies in non-oxide ceramics: analytical aspects of the use of ion implanted stable tracers and SIMS.

The physical and chemical properties of complex non-oxide ceramic materials require advanced methods of diffusivity determination. In this study, we present a method based on the high-dose ion implantation of stable tracers in combination with secondary ion mass spectroscopy for depth profiling. The analytical basics, advantages and problems of the method are discussed for two examples of complex materials, the Si-B-C-N precursor ceramics and the Ti-based transition metal diborides. We demonstrate that is possible to measure the temperature dependence of diffusivities, especially for ceramic systems with low diffusivities, for systems that contain elements for which no suitable radioactive tracers exist for extended measurements.