Effects of animal versus vegetal rennet on milk coagulation traits in Mediterranean buffalo bulk milk.

Given consumer interest in Mozzarella di latte di Bufala and other cheeses, and the growing interest of the cheese industry in offering products adequate for lactovegetarian consumers, this study aimed to compare clotting capacity of vegetal and animal rennet in buffalo milk. Milk coagulation properties of 1,261 buffalo bulk milk samples collected during milk quality testing were assessed by lactodynamography using commercial animal (75% chymosin and 25% bovine pepsin) and vegetal (Cynara cardunculus) rennets. Chemical composition of milk samples was predicted by MilkoScan (Foss Analytics, Hillerød, Denmark) calibrated with specific buffalo standards. Rennet effect (animal versus vegetal) was statistically analyzed with a paired t-test. Fat, protein, and lactose contents of milk samples were 7.94%, 4.52%, and 4.80%, respectively. A similar variability of milk coagulation properties was observed with both rennets, with the exception of greater variability of curd firmness at 30 min after the addition of vegetal rennet compared with animal rennet (73 and 26%, respectively). On average, when using plant rennet, milk started to coagulate and reached the 20-mm coagulum 12 ± 0.22 min and 1.9 ± 0.20 min, respectively, later than with animal rennet. Thirty minutes after rennet addition, curds were almost twice as firm in animal as in vegetal rennet (difference of 23.92 ± 0.66 mm). However, curd firmness at 60 min was only 1.21 ± 0.39 mm thicker with vegetal than with animal rennet. Moreover, when using animal rennet, 99.52% of samples started coagulating within the first 30 min of analysis, whereas only 70.42% did so when using vegetal rennet. We conclude that vegetal rennet has the capacity to coagulate buffalo milk, achieving a similar curd firmness to that of animal rennet at 60 min. Further studies are needed to evaluate the sensory characteristics and consumer acceptability of Mozzarella di latte di Bufala processed with vegetal rennet.

Short communication: Fourier-transform mid-infrared spectroscopy to predict coagulation and acidity traits of sheep bulk milk.

Sheep milk is mainly transformed into cheese; thus, the dairy industry seeks more rapid and cost-effective methods of analysis to determine milk coagulation and acidity traits. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of Fourier-transform mid-infrared spectroscopy to determine milk coagulation and acidity traits of sheep bulk milk and to classify milk samples according to their renneting capacity. A total of 465 bulk milk samples collected in 140 single-breed flocks of Comisana (84 samples, 24 flocks) and Sarda (381 samples, 116 flocks) breeds located in Central Italy were analyzed for coagulation properties (rennet coagulation time, curd firming time, and curd firmness) and acidity traits (pH and titratable acidity) using standard laboratory procedures. Fourier-transform mid-infrared spectroscopy prediction models for these traits were built using partial least squares regression analysis and were externally validated by randomly dividing the full data set into a calibration set (75%) and a validation set (25%). The discriminant capacity of the rennet coagulation time prediction model was determined using partial least squares discriminant analysis. Prediction models were more accurate for acidity traits than for milk coagulation properties, and the ratio of prediction to deviation ranged from 1.01 (curd firmness) to 2.14 (pH). Moreover, the discriminant analysis led to an overall accuracy of 74 and 66% for the calibration and validation sets, respectively, with greater sensitivity for samples that coagulated between 10 and 20 min and greater specificity to detect early-coagulating (<10 min) and late-coagulating (20-30 min) samples. Results suggest that Fourier-transform mid-infrared spectroscopy has the potential to help the dairy sheep industry identify milk with better coagulation ability for cheese production and thus improve milk transformation efficiency. However, further research is needed before this information can be exploited at the industry level.

Validation of a gold standard method for iodine quantification in raw and processed milk, and its variation in different dairy species.

Adequate milk consumption significantly contributes to meeting the human iodine recommended daily intake, which ranges from 70 µg/d for infants to 200 µg/d for lactating women. The fulfilment of iodine recommended daily intake is fundamental to prevent serious clinical diseases such as cretinism in infants and goiter in adults. In the present study iodine content was measured in raw and processed commercial cow milk, as well as in raw buffalo, goat, sheep, and donkey milk. Iodine extraction was based on 0.6% (vol/vol) ammonia, whereas iodine detection and quantification were carried out through an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer analyzer. Among processed commercial cow milk, partially skimmed pasteurized milk had the greatest iodine content (359.42 µg/kg) and raw milk the lowest (166.92 µg/kg). With regard to the other dairy species, the greatest iodine content was found in raw goat milk (575.42 µg/kg), followed by raw buffalo (229.82 µg/kg), sheep (192.64 µg/kg), and donkey milk (7.06 µg/kg). Repeatability of milk iodine content, calculated as relative standard deviation of 5 measurements within a day or operator, ranged from 0.96 to 1.84% and 0.72 to 1.16%, respectively. The overall reproducibility of milk iodine content, calculated as relative standard deviation of 45 measurements across 3 d of analyses and 3 operators, was 4.01%. These results underline the precision of the proposed analytical method for the determination of iodine content in milk.

Short communication: Phenotypic characterization of total antioxidant activity of buffalo, goat, and sheep milk.

Free radicals are reactive and unstable waste molecules produced by cells, responsible of damages and alteration on DNA, proteins, and fat. The daily intake of antioxidant compounds, acting against free radicals and their detrimental effects, is essential for human health. Milk contains several compounds with antioxidant activity, and the sum of their reducing potential blocking free radicals development is defined as total antioxidant activity (TAA). This novel trait has been described in literature both in individual and bulk cow milk, but there are no reports from other dairy species. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate phenotypic variation of TAA in individual samples of buffalo (n = 105), goat (n = 112), and sheep (n = 198) milk. Total antioxidant activity was measured through a reference spectrophotometric method, and expressed as millimoles per liter of Trolox equivalents (TE). The greatest TAA was observed in sheep milk, averaging 7.78 mmol/L of TE and showing also the broadest phenotypic variation expressed as coefficient of variation (13.98%). Significantly lower TAA values were observed for buffalo (7.35 mmol/L of TE) and goat (6.80 mmol/L of TE) milk, with coefficients of variation of 8.18 and 8.47%, respectively. Total antioxidant activity exhibited weak correlations with milk yield and chemical composition. Phenotypic values of TAA presented in this study will be used to assess the ability of mid-infrared spectroscopy to predict this new trait and thus to collect data at the population level.

Short communication: Prediction of milk coagulation and acidity traits in Mediterranean buffalo milk using Fourier-transform mid-infrared spectroscopy.

Milk coagulation and acidity traits are important factors to inform the cheesemaking process. Those traits have been deeply studied in bovine milk, whereas scarce information is available for buffalo milk. However, the dairy industry is interested in a method to determine milk coagulation and acidity features quickly and in a cost-effective manner, which could be provided by Fourier-transform mid-infrared (FT-MIR) spectroscopy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of FT-MIR to predict coagulation and acidity traits of Mediterranean buffalo milk. A total of 654 records from 36 herds located in central Italy with information on milk yield, somatic cell score, milk chemical composition, milk acidity [pH, titratable acidity (TA)], and milk coagulation properties (rennet coagulation time, curd firming time, and curd firmness) were available for statistical analysis. Reference measures of milk acidity and coagulation properties were matched with milk spectral information, and FT-MIR prediction models were built using partial least squares regression. The data set was divided into a calibration set (75%) and a validation set (25%). The capacity of FT-MIR spectroscopy to correctly classify milk samples based on their renneting ability was evaluated by a canonical discriminant analysis. Average values for milk coagulation traits were 13.32 min, 3.24 min, and 39.27 mm for rennet coagulation time, curd firming time, and curd firmness, respectively. Milk acidity traits averaged 6.66 (pH) and 7.22 Soxhlet-Henkel degrees/100 mL (TA). All milk coagulation and acidity traits, except for pH, had high variability (17 to 46%). Prediction models of coagulation traits were moderately to scarcely accurate, whereas the coefficients of determination of external validation were 0.76 and 0.66 for pH and TA, respectively. Canonical discriminant analysis indicated that information on milk coagulating ability is present in the MIR spectra, and the model correctly classified as noncoagulating the 91.57 and 67.86% of milk samples in the calibration and validation sets, respectively. In conclusion, our results can be relevant to the dairy industry to classify buffalo milk samples before processing.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials comparing single-incision versus conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) may offer advantages over conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized clinical trials on SILC versus LC until May 2012. Odds ratio (OR) and weight mean difference (WMD) were calculated with 95 per cent confidence intervals (c.i.) based on intention-to-treat analysis. RESULTS: Thirteen randomized clinical trials included a total of 923 procedures. SILC had a higher procedure failure rate than LC (OR 8·16, 95 per cent c.i. 3·42 to 19·45; P < 0·001), required a longer operating time (WMD 16·55, 95 per cent c.i. 9·95 to 23·15 min; P < 0·001) and was associated with greater intraoperative blood loss (WMD 1·58, 95% of c.i. 0·44 to 2·71 ml; P = 0·007). There were no differences between the two approaches in rate of conversion to open surgery, length of hospital stay, postoperative pain, adverse events, wound infections or port-site hernias. Better cosmetic outcomes were demonstrated in favour of SILC as measured by Body Image Scale questionnaire (WMD -0·97, 95% of c.i. -1·51 to -0·43; P < 0·001) and Cosmesis score (WMD -2·46, 95% of c.i. -2·95 to -1·97; P < 0·001), but this was based on comparison with procedures in which multiple and often large ports (10 mm) were used. CONCLUSION: SILC has a higher procedure failure rate with more blood loss and takes longer than LC. No trial was adequately powered to assess safety.

Is inferior mesenteric artery ligation during sigmoid colectomy for diverticular disease associated with increased anastomotic leakage? A meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized clinical trials.

AIM: A meta-analysis was conducted to compare preservation with ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) during sigmoidectomy for diverticular disease. METHOD: Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials were identified using the following electronic databases: Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, BioMed Central, Science Citation Index, Greynet, SIGLE, National Technological Information Service, British Library Integrated Catalogue. The analysed end-points were the anastomotic leakage rate, overall morbidity and 30-day postoperative mortality. RESULTS: Four studies were included involving 400 patients. The anastomotic leakage rate was 7.3% in the preservation group and 11.3% in the ligation group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.11-4.76; P=0.73). Overall morbidity and 30-day postoperative mortality were not compared since these data were reported in only one study. CONCLUSION: The meta-analysis did not show any advantage for preservation of the IMA during sigmoid colectomy for diverticular disease in terms of anastomotic leakage.

Robotic resection compared with laparoscopic rectal resection for cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis of short-term outcome.

AIM: The study aimed to compare robotic rectal resection with laparoscopic rectal resection for cancer. Robotic surgery has been used successfully in many branches of surgery but there is little evidence in the literature on its use in rectal cancer. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the available literature in order to evaluate the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of robotic versus laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer. We compared robotic and laparoscopic surgery with respect to twelve end-points including operative and recovery outcomes, early postoperative mortality and morbidity, and oncological parameters. A subgroup analysis of patients undergoing full-robotic or robot-assisted rectal resection and robotic total mesorectal excision was carried out. All aspects of Cochrane Handbook for systematic reviews and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Metanalysis (PRISMA) statement were followed to conduct this systematic review. Comprehensive electronic search strategies were developed using the following electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, OVID, Medline, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EBM reviews and CINAHL. Randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials comparing robotic and laparoscopic resection for rectal cancer were included. No language or publication status restrictions were imposed. A data-extraction sheet was developed based on the data extraction template of the Cochrane Group. The statistical analysis was performed using the odd ratio (OR) for categorical variables and the weighted mean difference (WMD) for continuous variables. RESULTS: Eight non randomized studies were identified that included 854 patients in total, 344 (40.2%) in the robotic group and 510 (59.7%) in the laparoscopic group. Meta-analysis suggested that the conversion rate to open surgery in the robotic group was significantly lower than that with laparoscopic surgery (OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.12-0.57, P = 0.0007). There were no significant differences in operation time, length of hospital stay, time to resume regular diet, postoperative morbidity and mortality, and the oncological accuracy of resection. CONCLUSION: Robotic surgery for rectal cancer has a lower conversion rate and a similar operative time compared with laparoscopic surgery, with no difference in recovery, oncological and postoperative outcomes.

Laparoscopic vs open resection for rectal cancer: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

AIM: Laparoscopic and open rectal resection for cancer were compared by analysing a total of 26 end points which included intraoperative and postoperative recovery, short-term morbidity and mortality, late morbidity and long-term oncological outcomes. METHOD: We searched for published randomized clinical trials, presenting a comparison between laparoscopic and open rectal resection for cancer using the following electronic databases: PubMed, OVID, Medline, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EBM Reviews, CINAHL and EMBASE. RESULTS: Nine randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included in the meta-analysis incorporating a total of 1544 patients, having laparoscopic (N = 841) and open rectal resection (N = 703) for cancer. Laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer was associated with a statistically significant reduction in intraoperative blood loss and in the number of blood transfusions, earlier resuming solid diet, return of bowel function and a shorter duration of hospital stay. We also found a significant advantage for laparoscopy in the reduction of post-operative abdominal bleeding, late intestinal adhesion obstruction and late morbidity. No differences were found in terms of intra-operative and late oncological outcomes. CONCLUSION: The meta-analysis indicates that laparoscopy benefits patients with shorter hospital stay, earlier return of bowel function, reduced blood loss and number of blood transfusions and lower rates of abdominal postoperative bleeding, late intestinal adhesion obstruction and other late morbidities.

[Colorectal cancer in the elderly: which surgical approach?]. / Carcinoma colo-rettale nell'anziano: quale approccio chirurgico?

Single-operator case studies of 135 patients undergoing surgery for colon rectal carcinoma (CRC) between June 2004 and April 2008 in our Institute. Patients were divided into two groups (A: < 70 years old, n = 44, - = 27 U = 17, B: ≥ 70 years old, n = 91, - = 49 U = 42) and were compared clinical, pathological and surgical data. In particular, were analyzed age range and average age, ASA score, post-operative complications (major and minor), mortality at 30 days. Surgical procedure with radical intent (R0) was achieved in 41 (93%) and 76 (83%) patients respectively in group A and B; Given the more than double the number in group B than in group A is easy to imagine that for equal numbers in both groups might have observed an almost equal R0 resections in both groups; Despite the uneven number of groups A and B, it was noted that age is not a factor in determining the surgical therapeutic strategy in the CRC, as well as the clinical conditions of patients.

[The sentinel lymph node mapping in colon cancer]. / Il linfonodo sentinella nei tumori del colon.

BACKGROUND: malignant tumors of the colon can metastases along the lymphatic system in a sequential way, which means that there will be a first node to be involved and then from this disease will pass to another node and so gradually. The sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node or group of nodes reached by metastasizing cancer cells from a tumor. OBJECTIVES: the present work aims to determine the predictive value of the sentinel lymph node procedure in the staging of non-metastatic colon cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: in this prospective study joined up only 26 patients with adenocarcinoma of the colon T2-T3, without systemic metastases, and with these criteria for inclusion: a) minimum age: 18 years old; b) staging by total colonoscopy, chest X-ray and CT scan; c) patients classified as ASA 1-3; d) informed consent. Within 20 minutes from the colic resection, the bowel was cut completely along the antimesenteric margin and is performed submucosal injection of vital dye within 5 mm from the lesion at the level of the four cardinal points; then the lymph nodes are placed in formalin and sent to the pathologist. The lymph nodes were subjected to histological examination with haematoxylin-eosin and with the immunohistochemistry technique. RESULTS: from January to December 2008 only 26 patients joined up in this prospective study. From the study were excluded the 4 patients with T4 and M1 tumour. Also 7 patients with stenotic lesions were excluded. Patients considered eligible for our study were only 14. The histopathological examination of haematoxylin-eosin revealed: a) in 4 cases were detected mesocolic lymph node metastases; b) in 10 cases were not detected mesocolic lymph node metastases. In cases there were no metastases, the mesocolic sentinel lymph nodes lymph nodes were examined with immunohistochemical technique; in 2 cases were revealed the presence of micrometastases. In one case was identified aberrant lymphatic drainage patterns (skip metastasis); the sentinel lymph node (negative examination wit eaematoxylin-eosin) was studied with immunohistochemical technique that has not revealed the presence of micrometastases. CONCLUSIONS: the examination of the sentinel node is feasible with the ex vivo method. Using the immunohistochemical technique we detect micrometastasis in 20% of the cases, not revealed with the classical haematoxylin-eosin examination. The study of sentinel lymph node with multilevel microsections and immunohistochemical techniques allow a better histopathological staging.

[The abdominal compartment syndrome and the importance of decompressive re-laparotomy]. / La sindrome compartimentale addominale ed il ruolo della re-laparotomia decompressiva.

BACKGROUND: the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (ACS) is an increasingly recognized complication of both medical and surgical patients. The World Society of the Abdominal Compartmental Syndrome defined Intra Abdominal Hypertension (IAH) as a mean Intra Abdominal Pressure (IAP) ≥ 12 mm Hg and the ACS as IAP ≥ 20 mmHg (with or without an abdominal perfusion pressure < 60 mm Hg) that is associated with dysfunction or failure of one or more organ systems that was not previously present. The IAH contributes to organ failure in patients with abdominal trauma and sepsis and leads to the development of ACS. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the clinical significance of IAH, the prevalence of ACS and the importance to the effects to the abdominal decompressive re-laparotomy. Patients and methods. The study included 10 patients, 4 men and 6 women with an average age of 68 years (range, 38-86) operated and and treated with xifo-pubic laparotomy between January 2007 and December 2008. According to gold-standard methods, we measured the IAP by indirect measurement using the transvescical route via Foley bladder catheter. RESULTS: among 10 patients with laparotomy, 8 patients (80%) developed IAH < 20 mm Hg but they have not reported significant organ dysfunction , while 2 patients (20%) developed an IAH > 20 mm Hg associated whit organ dysfunction. For this reason, the last 2 patients were undergoing to the decompressive re-laparotomy with temporary closure. CONCLUSION: in according to our experience and the results of the literature, we believe essential monitoring abdominal pressure in patients with abdominal laparotomy. The abdominal decompressive re-laparotomy is a useful procedure to reduce symptoms and improve the health of the patient.

Loop ileostomy versus loop colostomy for fecal diversion after colorectal or coloanal anastomosis: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sphincter-saving surgery for the treatment of middle and low rectal cancer has spread considerably when total mesorectal excision became standard treatment. In order to reduce leakage-related complications, surgeons often perform a derivative stoma, a loop ileostomy (LI), or a loop colostomy (LC), but to date, there is no evidence on which is the better technique to adopt. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials until 2007 and observational studies comparing temporary LI and LC for temporary decompression of colorectal and/or coloanal anastomoses. Clinically relevant events were grouped into four study outcomes: general outcome measures: dehydratation and wound infection GOM construction of the stoma outcome measures: parastomal hernia, stenosis, sepsis, prolapse, retraction, necrosis, and hemorrhage closure of the stoma outcome measures: anastomotic leak or fistula, wound infection COM, occlusion and hernia functioning of the stoma outcome measures: occlusion and skin irritation. RESULTS: Twelve comparative studies were included in this analysis, five randomized controlled trials and seven observational studies. Overall, the included studies reported on 1,529 patients, 894 (58.5%) undergoing defunctioning LI. LI reduced the risk of construction of the stoma outcome measure (odds ratio, OR = 0.47). Specifically, patients undergoing LI had a lower risk of prolapse (OR = 0.21) and sepsis (OR = 0.54). LI was associated with an excess risk of occlusion after stoma closure (OR = 2.13) and dehydratation (OR = 4.61). No other significant difference was found for outcomes. CONCLUSION: Our overview shows that LI is associated with a lower risk of construction of the stoma outcome measures.

Retained sponges in abdomen: an analysis of the judgments of the Italian Supreme Court.

The administration of justice in Italy includes first, second and third instance. The first and second instances are represented by the Court of First Instance and the Court of Appeal: these are judgment of Romamerit. The court of last appeal for both the civil and the criminal jurisdiction is the Court of Cassation, the Italian Supreme Court. It is a court of legitimacy that should provide for a consistent and uniform interpretation of the law and that only on points of law, not on factual evidence. The Court of Cassation can confirm the sentence of second instance, can dismiss it without referral, can deciding and closing the trial definitively, or dismiss it referring the case to the judge of merit that must decide according to the principles set out in the legitimacy. The aim of this study is to analyze the Supreme Cassation Court's judgments on the legal proceedings about retained sponges in abdomen.

[Cholecysto-gastric fistulas: case report and literature revision]. / Le fistole colecisto-gastriche. Descrizione di un caso e revisione della letteratura.

Authors report a recent case of cholecysto-gastric fistula. On the basis of their own experience and of the literature, authors discuss the pathogenesis of the cholecysto-enteric fistulas and underline the relative non frequent of fistulas with the stomach. Authors stress the available diagnostic and therapeutic features and believe that this disease deserves, whenever possible, a surgical correction.

Variable CD7 expression on T cells in the leukemic phase of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (Sézary syndrome).

CD7, a molecule normally expressed on 90% of normal CD4+ T cells, is often deficient on the malignant T cells of cutaneous T cell lymphoma. To investigate the clinical and biologic implications of CD7 expression, blood lymphocytes from 42 patients with the leukemic phase of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CD4/CD8 ratio of 10 or more with evidence of a T cell clone in the blood) were analyzed for level of expression of CD7 by flow cytometry. CD7 expression by cells did not clearly segregate into two distinct subgroups that are either CD7 positive or CD7 negative as generally thought; however, nine of 17 patients with a predominantly CD4+CD7+ tumor population on early studies became CD4+CD7- over time whereas the converse situation was not observed. In addition, of three patients with evidence of large tumor cells in the blood coexisting with smaller cells, discordant CD7 expression was observed in one instance. In lymph node specimens, the percentage of cells expressing CD7 and other T cell markers did not correlate with histologic evidence of involvement. CD7 expression on blood lymphocytes also did not correlate with patients' survival nor to serum IgE levels or blood eosinophil counts, a finding suggesting that this marker does not identify functional cell subsets that produce serum interleukin-4 or -5, respectively. We speculate that the level of CD7 expression on malignant T cells may be the effect of sustained antigen stimulation in vivo analogous to what has been proposed to occur with normal T cells during aging.

Cholinergic agents structurally related to furtrethonium. 2. Synthesis and antimuscarinic activity of a series of N-[5-[(1'-substituted-acetoxy) methyl]-2-furfuryl]dialkylamines.

In the first part of this study, devoted to the discovery of selective antimuscarinic agents, (+/-)- N-[5-[(1'-phenyl-1'-cyclohexylacetoxy)methyl]-2-furfuryl]dimeth yla mine (5a) proved to be at least 20 times more potent in the rat ileum and bladder than in guinea pig atria. Several (+/-)-N- [5-[(1'-substituted-acetoxy)methyl]-2-furfuryl]dialkylamine analogs of 5a were subsequently prepared. This involved exploration of the tertiary nitrogen substituents and modulation of the lipophilic side chain at position 5 of the furan ring, using the Hansch approach. A QSAR study was conducted to correlate activity with physicochemical properties of substituents. The possibility of describing all compounds in a single model indicates that variations of nitrogen and the lipophilic side chain contribute independently to activity. Compounds 5b, c,j, with bulky lipophilic substituents at the tertiary nitrogen, showed unprecedented selectivity between the two smooth muscle tissues, their antimuscarinic potency being from 10 to 90 times higher in the ileum than in the bladder. It is suggested that their interesting tissue selectivity is probably related to nonspecific phenomena involving the receptor environment, rather than real differences between the muscarinic receptors in the two tissues.

Acute cerebral focal ischaemia alters the adrenergic and NANC responses in the bisected rat vas deferens.

1. Disturbances of the autonomic nervous system are common in right hemisphere stroke patients, including a marked decline in male sexual functions. There is a lack of information on the influence of stroke on male secondary sex organs such as the vas deferens. 2. This study investigates the effect of right brain focal ischaemia on the adrenergic and purinergic responses in isolated epididymal and prostatic portions of rat vas deferens. 3. In both epididymal and prostatic portions the concentration-response curves to noradrenaline are flattened resulting in a reduction (up to 67 - 76%) of the maximum contractile response in the tissue from ischaemic rats compared to the controls. In the prostatic portion from ischaemic rats the concentration-response curve to alpha,beta-methylene ATP was also depressed. 4. The first purinergic and the second delayed adrenergic phase to single pulse was not modified by brain ischaemia. In contrast both phasic and tonic components of the electrically induced contractions by trains of stimuli at high frequencies (2 - 30 Hz) were significantly depressed in the epididymal and prostatic portions from ischaemic rats. 5. These results demonstrate an autonomic imbalance at the level of male sexual secondary organs which may contribute to sexual impairment after stroke.

Distinct epitopes on the T8 molecule are differentially involved in cytotoxic T cell function.

The present report attempts to determine if there are distinct epitopes on the T8 molecule that are involved in class I-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) function. A panel of 9 monoclonal antibodies (OKT8A,B,C,E,F,G,H,I, and OKT5) was produced and all antibodies were shown to bind to the T8 molecule. This panel of antibodies was employed to characterize the distribution of distinct epitopes on the T8 molecule and to block the activity of class I-specific influenza virus-immune and allo-immune CTL effector function. Significant differences in the ability of the anti-T8 antibodies to block CTL function were observed: OKT8C and T8F blocked best (49 and 55% respectively); OKT8A,E,G,H,I, and OKT5 blocked less well (24-31%); and OKT8B blocked marginally (11%). There was no correlation between the capacity of the antibodies to block CTL function and their heavy chain isotype. Competitive binding of the different OKT8 antibodies to the cell surface and differential trypsin sensitivity of the epitopes recognized by the antibodies indicated that OKT8C and T8F were located on topographically distinct regions of the T8 molecule. These results indicate that specific epitopes on the T8 molecule are involved in CTL function, and that there could be more than one functional site on the molecule.