[Severe, reversible cerebral ischaemia following a diving accident]. / Schwere, reversible zerebrale Ischämie nach Tauchunfall.

CASE HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS: A 33-year-old experienced female diver complained of headache and chest pain when emerging after a dive. When she was rescued, tetraplegia, clouding of consciousness and aphasia were stated. The first measures consisted in the securing of the vital functions and the immediate administration of pure oxygen. Then she was transferred to the next hospital. During the 7-hour-transfer the sensory disturbances and the palsy of the left body side improved. EXAMINATIONS: Computed tomography with contrast agent revealed a subcortical parieto-occipital brain edema in the left hemisphere without midline shift. Additionally a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after the second pressure chamber treatment showed a smaller brain edema on the right side. DIAGNOSIS, THERAPY AND COURSE: The findings supported the diagnosis of decompression sickness type II. On the evening after the diving accident a generalised seizure occurred. Due to repeated cerebral seizures 20 mg of diazepam were administered. This was followed by a transport to the next health facility with a pressure chamber.  After two pressure chamber treatments within 24 hours the clinical symptoms disappeared, the neurological examination was unremarkable and MRI had returned to normal. CONCLUSION: An acute decompression sickness is diagnosed purely clinically. In case of even the slightest suspicion the patient should be transported to a health facility with a pressure chamber as quickly as possible because this significantly improves prognosis. Up to that point, the administration of pure oxygen is indicated. Imaging methods realised within the first hours/days are valuable for securing the diagnosis. Follow-up MRI-scans serve to reflect the course of the disease.

Hypophosphatemic rickets with hypercalciuria due to mutation in SLC34A3/NaPi-IIc can be masked by vitamin D deficiency and can be associated with renal calcifications.

Hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets with hypercalciuria (HHRH) is caused by mutations in SLC34A3, the gene encoding the renal sodium-phosphate co-transporter NaPi-IIc. Despite increased urinary calcium excretion, HHRH is typically not associated with kidney stones prior to treatment. However, here we describe two sisters, who displayed nephrolithiasis or nephrocalcinosis upon presentation. The index patient, II-4, presented with short stature, bone pain, and knee X-rays suggestive of mild rickets at age 8.5 years. Laboratory evaluation showed hypophosphatemia, elevated 1,25(OH) (2) vitamin D levels, and hypercalciuria, later also developing vitamin D deficiency. Her sister, II-6, had a low normal serum phosphorous level, biochemically vitamin D deficiency and no evidence for osteomalacia, but had undergone left nephro-ureterectomy at age 17 because of ureteral stricture secondary to renal calculi. Nucleotide sequence analysis of DNA from II-4 and II-6 revealed a homozygous missense mutation c.586G>A (p.G196R) in SLC34A3/NaPi-IIc. Ultrasonographic examinations prior to treatment showed grade I nephrocalcinosis for II-4, while II-6 had grade I-II nephrocalcinosis in her remaining kidney. Four siblings and the mother were heterozygous carriers of the mutation, but showed no biochemical abnormalities. With oral phosphate supplements, hypophosphatemia and hypercalciuria improved in both homozygous individuals. Renal calcifications that are presumably due to increased urinary calcium excretion can be the presenting finding in homozygous carriers of G196R in SLC34A3/NaPi-IIc, and some or all laboratory features of HHRH may be masked by vitamin D deficiency.

Arthritis prevalence and associations in American Indian and Alaska Native people.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of arthritis and associations with arthritis in American Indian and Alaska Native populations. METHODS: Data on self-reported, doctor-diagnosed arthritis from the baseline visit of 9,968 American Indian and Alaska Native adults from Alaska and the Southwest US were included. The prevalence of arthritis and univariate and multivariate associations between arthritis and demographic characteristics, health-related factors, and treatment are described. RESULTS: The prevalence of self-reported arthritis increased with age. The age-sex adjusted prevalence was high in Alaska (26.1%) and low in the Southwest US (16.5%) as compared with the US population (21.5%). In both centers, arthritis was associated with age, lack of employment, chronic medical conditions, and poorer self-reported overall health. Arthritis was associated with female sex in Alaska only, whereas education, marital status, and urban residency were associated with arthritis in the Southwest US. In both centers, self-reported physical health measured by the Short Form 12 Health Survey was lower in people with arthritis, and mental health was not associated with arthritis. More frequent use of antiinflammatory medications was reported with arthritis in both centers, but increased use of traditional medicine and healers were associated with arthritis only in Alaska. CONCLUSION: Compared with US rates, the prevalence of self-reported arthritis was higher among Alaska Native people and lower in a Southwest American Indian population. Some factors associated with arthritis differ between the 2 populations.

Multicenter study of the European Assessment Group for Lysis in the Eye (EAGLE) for the treatment of central retinal artery occlusion: design issues and implications. EAGLE Study report no. 1 : EAGLE Study report no. 1.

BACKGROUND: The natural course of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) often leads to legal blindness in the affected eye. To date, none of the conservative therapies had proven effective in retrospective studies. In 1991, a new minimally invasive therapy was started in patients with an acute CRAO. This therapy, namely, local intra-arterial fibrinolysis, is comparable to the minimally invasive therapy in patients with an acute ischemic stroke. In pilot studies, it showed promising results in comparison with conservative treatments. The efficacy of this method is now being investigated in a randomized multicenter study. METHODS: The European Assessment Group for Lysis in the Eye (EAGLE) started a prospective and randomized multicenter study in 2002 to evaluate therapeutic efficacy. Inclusion criteria are age between 18 and 75 years and a CRAO not older than 20 h with a visual acuity less than 0.32. The most important exclusion criteria are branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO), cilioretinal arteries supplying the macula, and serious general disease. After randomization the patient is treated by conservative or local intra-arterial lysis therapy. The conservative regime included bulbus massage, lowering intraocular pressure with topical beta-blocker and acetazolamide, acetylsalicylic acid, heparin, and-depending on the hematocrit-isovolemic hemodilution. In case of local intra-arterial fibrinolysis, a maximum of 50 mg rtPA is injected into the ophthalmic artery by the neuroradiologist. During the following 5 days, all patients are treated with heparin. Primary study end point is visual acuity 1 month after therapy in comparison with visual acuity before therapy. The calculated sample size is 100 patients per subtrial (a total of 200 patients). The study was started in June 2002. To April 2005, 47 patients were included. CONCLUSIONS: The EAGLE Study is the first randomized prospective clinical trial to compare conservative medical treatment and local intra-arterial fibrinolysis in patients with CRAO. The results of this study should enable ophthalmologists and neuroradiologists to improve the therapy of patients with acute CRAO. To April 2005, treatment is only justified in randomized multicenter studies because of the limited therapeutical visual outcome. We welcome new study centers to join.

Survival analyses from the ZEBRA study. goserelin (Zoladex) versus CMF in premenopausal women with node-positive breast cancer.

The Zoladex Early Breast Cancer Research Association (ZEBRA) trial compared the efficacy and tolerability of goserelin (Zoladex) with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil (CMF) chemotherapy in pre-/perimenopausal women with node-positive early breast cancer. The results of disease-free survival (DFS) analyses have already been published. Here we present an update including data on overall survival (OS) from the ZEBRA trial at a median follow-up of 7.3 years. In patients with oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive tumours, non-inferiority of goserelin versus CMF for OS was shown; goserelin was again shown to be equivalent to CMF for DFS. This updated analysis has demonstrated that the two treatments are also equivalent for distant disease-free survival (DDFS). In patients with ER-negative disease, goserelin was inferior to CMF for DFS, DDFS and OS. This follow-up analysis confirms the previously reported outcomes from the ZEBRA trial and demonstrates that goserelin offers an effective alternative to CMF chemotherapy for adjuvant therapy of premenopausal patients with ER-positive, node-positive early breast cancer.

Goserelin versus cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil as adjuvant therapy in premenopausal patients with node-positive breast cancer: The Zoladex Early Breast Cancer Research Association Study.

PURPOSE: Current adjuvant therapies have improved survival for premenopausal patients with breast cancer but may have short-term toxic effects and long-term effects associated with premature menopause. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The Zoladex Early Breast Cancer Research Association study assessed the efficacy and tolerability of goserelin (3.6 mg every 28 days for 2 years; n = 817) versus cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil (CMF) chemotherapy (six 28-day cycles; n = 823) for adjuvant treatment in premenopausal patients with node-positive breast cancer. RESULTS: Analysis was performed when 684 events had been achieved, and the median follow-up was 6 years. A significant interaction between treatment and estrogen receptor (ER) status was found (P =.0016). In ER-positive patients (approximately 74%), goserelin was equivalent to CMF for disease-free survival (DFS) (hazard ratio [HR], 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84 to 1.20). In ER-negative patients, goserelin was inferior to CMF for DFS (HR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.27 to 2.44). Amenorrhea occurred in more than 95% of goserelin patients by 6 months versus 58.6% of CMF patients. Menses returned in most goserelin patients after therapy stopped, whereas amenorrhea was generally permanent in CMF patients (22.6% v 76.9% amenorrheic at 3 years). Chemotherapy-related side effects such as nausea/vomiting, alopecia, and infection were higher with CMF than with goserelin during CMF treatment. Side effects related to estrogen suppression were initially higher with goserelin, but when goserelin treatment stopped, reduced to a level below that observed in the CMF group. CONCLUSION: Goserelin offers an effective, well-tolerated alternative to CMF in premenopausal patients with ER-positive and node-positive early breast cancer.

Duration of adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer: a joint analysis of two randomised trials investigating three versus six courses of CMF.

Cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and fluorouracil adjuvant combination chemotherapy for breast cancer is currently used for the duration of six monthly courses. We performed a joint analysis of two studies on the duration of adjuvant cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and fluorouracil in patients with node-positive breast cancer to investigate whether three courses of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and fluorouracil might suffice. The International Breast Cancer Study Group Trial VI randomly assigned 735 pre- and perimenopausal patients to receive 'classical' cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and fluorouracil for three consecutive cycles, or the same chemotherapy for six consecutive cycles. The German Breast Cancer Study Group randomised 289 patients to receive either three or six cycles of i.v. cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and fluorouracil day 1, 8. Treatment effects were estimated using Cox regression analysis stratified by clinical trial without further adjustment for covariates. The 5-year disease-free survival per cents (+/-s.e.) were 54+/-2% for three cycles and 55+/-2% for six cycles (n=1024; risk ratio (risk ratio: CMFx3/CMFx6), 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.85 to 1.18; P=0.99). Use of three rather than six cycles was demonstrated to be adequate in both studies for patients at least 40-years-old with oestrogen-receptor-positive tumours (n=594; risk ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.68 to 1.08; P=0.19). In fact, results slightly favoured three cycles over six for this subgroup, and the 95% confidence interval excluded an adverse effect of more than 2% with respect to absolute 5-year survival. In contrast, three cycles appeared to be possibly inferior to six cycles for women less than 40-years-old (n=190; risk ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.87 to 1.80; P=0.22) and for women with oestrogen-receptor-negative tumours (n=302; risk ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.85 to 1.57; P=0.37). Thus, three initial cycles of adjuvant cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and fluorouracil chemotherapy were as effective as six cycles for older patients (40-years-old) with oestrogen-receptor-positive tumours, while six cycles of adjuvant cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and fluorouracil might still be required for other cohorts. Because endocrine therapy with tamoxifen and GnRH analogues is now available for younger women with oestrogen-receptor-positive tumours, the need for six cycles of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and fluorouracil is unclear and requires further investigation.

High-throughput fluorescence screening of antioxidative capacity in human serum.

Diphenylhexatriene-labeled phosphatidylcholine and propionic acid have been established as selective fluorescence markers for the continuous determination of oxidation processes in the lipid and aqueous phases of unfractionated human serum. Oxidation of the respective fluorophores leads to a decrease in fluorescence intensity from which the time-dependent degradation of the marker molecule can be determined. The lag times preceding the propagation of oxidation are representative for the antioxidative capacity of the system, which may be influenced by exogenous factors, e.g., the antioxidants from the diet. Supplementation of human serum by quercetin, rutin, vitamin E, vitamin C, or total apple phenolics in vitro led to a decrease in oxidizability depending on the oxidation marker and the hydrophobicity of the antioxidant. Quercetin and vitamin E showed a higher in vitro capacity of protecting lipoproteins against oxidation. In contrast, rutin and vitamin C were more efficient as inhibitors in the aqueous phase. The same effect on serum was found after dietary consumption of apples. This result is in line with the known observation that intake of plant polyphenols leads to an increase in serum levels of hydrophilic antioxidants.

Progesterone stimulates Krox-20 gene expression in Schwann cells.

The gene of the zinc finger transcription factor Krox-20 (Egr-2) is expressed in Schwann cells and plays an important role in myelination of peripheral nerves. We have shown that progesterone promotes myelination in the regenerating sciatic nerve and in cocultures of Schwann cells and sensory neurones. To determine whether progesterone regulates Krox-20 expression, we measured its effects on Krox-20 mRNA levels in the MSC80 mouse Schwann cell line by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Although low levels of Krox-20 mRNA are detectable in MSC80 cells cultured in defined medium, treatment with 10(-6) M progesterone induces a rapid (15 min) and transient increase in the levels of Krox-20 mRNA. Lower doses of progesterone (10(-9), 10(-8) and 10(-7) M) are also effective in increasing Krox-20 mRNA. Other steroids including testosterone, dexamethasone, and estradiol are ineffective when added to the culture medium at 10(-6) M for 1 h. The induction of Krox-20 mRNA was also observed with the selective progesterone agonist Organon 2058 and was abolished by treating the MSC80 Schwann cells with the progesterone antagonist RU486, indicating that progesterone induces Krox-20 mRNA expression by binding to its intracellular receptor. The induction of Krox-20 by progesterone was also demonstrated in primary cultures of Schwann cells isolated from neonatal rat sciatic nerves, at the mRNA level by RT-PCR and at the protein level by immunohistochemistry. As Krox-20 is a necessary step for the initiation of myelin formation in peripheral nerves, its stimulation by progesterone suggests an important signalling function for this steroid in myelination.

Long-term prognosis of breast cancer patients with 10 or more positive lymph nodes treated with CMF.

The purpose of this investigation was to study the long-term prognosis of breast cancer patients with 10 or more positive lymph nodes after conventional chemotherapy treatment with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil (CMF). Between 1984 and 1989, 1048 node-positive patients were treated with CMF in two separate trials conducted by the German Breast Cancer Study Group (GBSG). Subgroups either received radiotherapy or tamoxifen in addition. In this study, long-term prognosis in the subgroup of 141 patients with 10 or more positive lymph nodes was investigated. Univariate and multivariate Cox models were used to evaluate the effect of prognostic factors on event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS). Both univariate and multivariate analyses revealed the progesterone receptor (PR) status as the dominating prognostic factor for both EFS and OS, resulting in a strongly increased risk of more than 2-fold for receptor-negative patients. A large number of positive lymph nodes also affected the prognosis for EFS. In univariate analysis, the degree of lymph node involvement (i.e. percentage of positive nodes out of all examined nodes), oestrogen status (ER) status, and tumour grade also showed significant effects. To conclude, the prognosis in the subgroup of patients with 10 or more positive lymph nodes is heterogeneous. Some surprisingly high survival rates have been observed in case series of breast cancer patients treated with high-dose chemotherapy which may be explained by patient selection. From the usual factors investigated in this study, the PR status showed the strongest effect, and, at least this factor should be taken into account in the design and analysis of trials for breast cancer patients with a poor prognosis.

Randomized trial on the effect of radiotherapy in addition to 6 cycles CMF in node-positive breast-cancer patients. The German Breast-Cancer Study Group.

In 1984 the GBSG started a multicenter randomized trial to compare the effectiveness of 6 cycles of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and fluorouracil (CMF) with or without radiotherapy (RT) as adjuvant treatment in node-positive breast-cancer patients treated by mastectomy. During 5 years, 199 patients were randomized. After a median follow-up of about 9 years, the treatment groups 6 x CMF and 6 x CMF + RT were compared regarding time to recurrence and death. As the first event of failure, we observed locoregional recurrence in 22 patients, distant metastases in 66 patients, a secondary malignancy in 9 patients and death without previous event in 5 patients. For event-free survival (EFS), no significant difference was observed [relative risk (RR) 6 x CMF + RT vs. 6 x CMF 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.55-1.21]. Event-specific analysis showed a significant decreased risk after radiotherapy for locoregional recurrence. The risk for distant metastases was estimated as slightly decreased and the risk for secondary malignancy and for death without previous event was estimated as increased in treatment group 6 x CMF + RT in comparison with treatment group 6 x CMF, but these effects were not significant. For overall survival (OS) and breast-cancer-specific survival (BCS), no significant treatment effect could be demonstrated. There is a beneficial effect of radiotherapy on locoregional recurrence. For EFS and BCS, a tendency in favour of radiotherapy is observed, but this is not significant; for OS, no difference can be demonstrated, but the power of the study is too low to detect small treatment effects.

Randomized 2 x 2 trial evaluating hormonal treatment and the duration of chemotherapy in node-positive breast cancer patients: an update based on 10 years' follow-up. German Breast Cancer Study Group.

PURPOSE: In 1984, the German Breast Cancer Study Group started a multicenter randomized trial to compare six versus three cycles of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil (CMF) starting perioperatively and to investigate the additional effect of tamoxifen as adjuvant treatment in node-positive breast cancer patients treated with mastectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1984 to 1989, 473 patients were randomized from 41 institutions. After a median follow-up of approximately 10 years for overall survival (OS) and 9 years for event-free survival (EFS), the treatment groups were compared with respect to OS and EFS. Results based on a median follow-up of 56 months have been published earlier. RESULTS: Estimated cumulative locoregional incidence rate after 10 years was 19.9%; the corresponding rate of distant recurrences was 41.3%. Concerning duration of chemotherapy, we did not find any difference between six and three cycles of CMF (EFS: relative risk [RR] in multivariate analysis = 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74 to 1.21 OS: RR = 0.90; 95% CI, = 0.69 to 1.18). Treatment with tamoxifen resulted in an improvement in outcome (EFS: RR = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.61 to 1.07, OS: RR = 0.74; 95% CI, 0.55 to 1.0) although it proved not significant. Number of positive lymph nodes and progesterone receptor were the dominant prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: In this study, we observed some tendency in favor of hormonal treatment, which is in agreement with the literature. Concerning duration of chemotherapy, the results of this study provide further evidence that a reduction to three cycles of CMF is possible without increasing the risk of recurrence or death. For a definitive conclusion, however, further investigations are required.

The capsaicin receptor: a heat-activated ion channel in the pain pathway.

Capsaicin, the main pungent ingredient in 'hot' chilli peppers, elicits a sensation of burning pain by selectively activating sensory neurons that convey information about noxious stimuli to the central nervous system. We have used an expression cloning strategy based on calcium influx to isolate a functional cDNA encoding a capsaicin receptor from sensory neurons. This receptor is a non-selective cation channel that is structurally related to members of the TRP family of ion channels. The cloned capsaicin receptor is also activated by increases in temperature in the noxious range, suggesting that it functions as a transducer of painful thermal stimuli in vivo.

Reversal of Borrelia burgdorferi associated dilated cardiomyopathy by antibiotic treatment?

It is suggested that Borrelia burgdorferi infection could be associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC). Stanek et al. were able to cultivate Borrelia burgdorferi from myocardial biopsy tissue of a patient with longstanding dilated cardiomyopathy. Here we present a study in which we examined the effect of standard antibiotic treatment on the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy associated with Borrelia burgdorferi infection. In this study we assessed the serum (IgG, IgM Elisa) and history of 46 IDC patients with specific regard to Borrelia burgdorferi infection (mean LVEF 30.4 +/- 1.3%, measured by cardiac catheterization and echocardiography with the length-area-volume method). All 46 patients received standard treatment for dilated cardiomyopathy: ACE inhibitors, digitalis, and diuretics. Eleven (24%) patients showed positive serology and a history of Borrelia burgdorferi infection; nine of these also had a typical history of tick bite and erythema chronicum migrans (ECM) and/or other organ involvement, and two had no recollection of tick bite or ECM but showed other Borrelia burgdorferi-associated disorders (neuropathy, oligoarthritis). These 11 patients with Borrelia burgdorferi infection received standard antibiotic treatment with intravenous ceftriaxone 2 g bid for 14 days. Six (55%) recovered completely and showed a normal LVEF after 6 months, three (27%) improved their LVEF, and two (18%) did not improve at all. This amounts to nine (82%) patients with recovery/improvement in the Borrelia burgdorferi group. The 35 patients who did not show positive serology or a history of Borrelia burgdorferi infection did not receive antibiotic treatment. In this group without Borrelia burgdorferi infection 12 (26%), showed recovery/improvement following the standard treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy (see earlier). Our results indicate that Borrelia burgdorferi infection could play a decisive role in the development of dilated cardiomyopathy, especially in a geographical region such as Graz, where Borrelia burgdorferi is endemic. While we are aware of the small number of Borrelia burgdorferi patients in this study, we nevertheless conclude that in a remarkable number of patients with signs of Borrelia burgdorferi infection, dilated cardiomyopathy could be reversed and LVEF improved.

Heterogeneity of pollen proteins within individual Betula pendula trees.

To determine the variation of antigenic water soluble proteins in white birch (Betula pendula) pollen, extracts of pollen from different sides of individual trees were analyzed by isoelectric focusing (IEF), crossed immunoelectrophoresis, and crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis. IgE-antibody-binding patterns were also studied in samples analyzed by IEF by probing with serum pooled from patients with birch pollen allergy, followed by radiolabelled anti-IgE. Antigenic proteins and allergens per unit weight of extracted protein were greatest in pollen extracts from the south side of the trees. Allergens decreased progressively in pollen from west-through east- to north- facing branches. Proteins with high isoelectric points (pI > 8.5) and proteins between pI 4.5 and 5.6 were infrequent in extracts from the north side. Extracts from branches facing north were poor in allergens: in general, only one or two precipitin lines were found, and in some cases they did not bind to IgE antibodies. Differences between numbers of proteins and allergens found in extracts from south, west and north branches were statistically significant for all methods used. The results indicate the need to collect birch pollen for allergen extract manufacture from south-facing branches.

Optimising the extraction of allergens in Betula pollen as determined by isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gels.

Water soluble proteins extracted from birch pollen are responsible for most of the allergic symptoms in central and northern Europe as well as in parts of northern U.S.A. and Canada. Previous immunological studies of pollen allergens by isoelectric focusing (IEF) in polyacrylamide gels (PAGs) used a variety of extraction methods with little regard to standardisation or optimisation. In the present study a variety of buffers with various pH, charged buffering ions and ionic strengths were evaluated against different extraction times and temperatures in order to determine the optimum conditions for protein extraction. The largest number of proteins, determined by IEF, were found when extractions were performed at 10 degrees C and for 1 hour. Coomassie Blue and silver staining methods were compared.

[Elimination kinetics of several clinically relevant enzymes in the blood plasma of cattle after intravenous bolus infusion of homologous preparations]. / Eliminationskinetiken einiger klinisch relevanter Enzyme im Blutplasma von Rindern nach intravenöser Bolus-infusion homologer Präparate.

Extracts of homologous organs (liver, muscle) and of colostrum were infused intravenously in cattle of two different age groups: heifers (n = 9, each preparation was infused in 3 animals) and calves (n = 6, preparations from liver and muscle were infused in 3 animals each). Parameters of elimination kinetics were determined for some clinically relevant enzymes. Enzyme elimination was quicker in the younger animals. The volume of enzyme distribution was comparable to plasma volume. Biological half-lives in calves and heifers respectively were: CK from muscle 3.46 +/- 0.65 h and 8.27 +/- 3.27 h, AST from muscle 9.74 +/- 1.38 h and 33.48 +/- 3.74 h, AST from liver 14.99 +/- 0.81 h and 16.71 +/- 0.58 h, GLDH from liver 14.61 +/- 1.88 h and 25.09 +/- 4.13 h, SDH from liver 13.95 +/- 2.25 h and 17.68 +/- 0.81 h, GGT from colostrum 1.69 +/- 0.95 h (only heifers).

[Nisoldipine in comparison with long-term nitrates]. / Nisoldipin im Vergleich zu Langzeitnitraten.

Nisoldipine represents a new attractive second generation calcium channel blocker of the dihydropyridine-class for the treatment of all types of coronary artery disease. The effect on chronic ischemia is comparable to long-acting nitrates, side-effects have been rarely observed. The advantages will be the high vascular selectivity with only slight negative inotropic effect as well as a long-lasting positive influence on the myocardial metabolism. Up to now, no studies have been reported which compare nisoldipine and long-acting nitrates directly, but this calcium antagonist appears to influence duration and intensity of symptomatic and silent episodes of ischemia similar to the nitrates.

Characterization of the major allergen of Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) pollen, Cyn d I.

An allergen from Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) pollen, Cyn d I, has been purified by a combination of concanavalin A-Sepharose affinity chromatography, and carboxymethyl-Sepharose chromatography. The allergen constitutes the major allergenic component of the pollen extract as observed by immunoelectrophoretic techniques, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, an IgE-inhibition experiment, and skin testing. In sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Cyn d I is presented as a dominant 32 kd band and a minor 29 kd band, both binding IgE. Both bands are identified by monospecific rabbit antibodies (Abs) raised against Cyn d I. These Abs only weakly precipitate allergens from other grass species, indicating that Cyn d I possesses some unique immunochemical properties. Two of four purified murine monoclonal Abs raised against Cyn d I also bind to both bands of Cyn d I, indicating that the bands represent isoallergens with slightly different immunochemical properties. All four monoclonal Abs cross-react with pollen components from other grass species, especially Poa pratensis and Dactylis glomerata. The NH2-terminal sequence corresponding to approximately 10% of the complete sequence was determined, and it revealed high homology to the corresponding sequence of the major allergen of Lolium perenne, Lol p I. From the amino acid composition determination and immunoelectrophoretic comparison, the amount of Cyn d I in the source whole-pollen extract was estimated to be 15% wt/wt.

Light-dark differences in behavioral sensitivity to oxytocin.

Ovariectomized female rats treated with estradiol benzoate (EB) and progesterone (P) were infused intracerebroventricularly with a low (200 ng) or high (1 microgram) dose of oxytocin (OT). The low dose of OT facilitated lordosis behavior only during the dark phase of the light-dark cycle in females that were pretreated with low doses of EB (2 micrograms) and P (250 micrograms). In contrast, the high dose of OT facilitated lordosis behavior during both the light and the dark phases but only in long-term ovariectomized females that were primed with large amounts of EB (2 x 10 micrograms) and P (500 micrograms). In females that were primed with lower amounts of ovarian steroids, the high dose of OT failed to increase levels of lordosis responding in either the dark or light phase. Thus, when female rats are treated with physiological amounts of ovarian hormones and OT, they are more sensitive to the facilitative effects of the OT on lordosis behavior during the dark phase.