Conjunctival impression cytology--a study of normal conjunctiva.

Conjunctival impression cytology was used to study conjunctival ocular surface in 30 normal individuals in the age group of 20 to 60 years. The cytology was graded according to the classification of Nelson. Out of 30 subjects, 26 showed the features of Grade O (average age 28.33 years) and 4 showed grade 1 (average age 56.66 years). The method was very easy to perform, cheap and fast. The relationship of various cells to each other was maintained. This method can be used to study the conditions like trachoma, avitaminosis A and other disorders of conjunctival surface. It can be undertaken by a paramedical worker in an out patient clinic.

Correlation of serum vitamin A and its transport protein (RBP) in malnourished and vitamin A deficient children.

Eighty nine children were studied for retinol (vitamin A) estimation and its transport protein--retinol-Binding Protein (RBP). Serum levels of retinol, RBP and serum protein and albumin were found to be low in children with signs of vit. A deficiency irrespective of their nutritional status. Serum levels of retinol and RBP were risen significantly almost double, after the oral and parenteral administration of vitamin A. PEM interferes with hepatic synthesis of RBP and the release of RBP from the liver depends on vitamin A. Vitamin A is a limiting factor, the presence of which is required for the release of apo-RBP from the liver.

Total serum alkaline phosphatase (SAP) and serum cholesterol in relation to secretor status and blood groups in myocardial infarction patients.

The relation of total serum alkaline phosphatase and serum cholesterol in convalescing patients of myocardial infarction with secretor status and blood groups have been studied. Serum cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase levels showed significant difference in secretors (98) and nonsecretors (56) in myocardial groups. Total cholesterol and total serum alkaline phosphatase levels showed significant difference in secretors when blood groups A and O are compared. While in nonsecretors, significant values obtained in A/O, A/B for cholesterol and A/B, A/AB for alkaline phosphatase levels.