Influence of the excision shock on the protein metabolism ofVicia faba L. meristematic root cells.

UsingVicia faba root meristems we have shown that protein synthesis was dramatically changed after excision. The amino-acid incorporation dropped to 13% of the level in the unexcised control. This downshift was a direct consequence of the breakdown of polysomes which are converted into monosomes. In order to perform an analysis of the protein pattern by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, endogenous proteolytic activity, which is high in broad bean root, had to be inhibited. Therefore, several protease inhibitors were tested and a very efficient inhibitor pool was obtained which could be used during the preparation of meristematic cell extracts. Protein-pattern analysis showed important differences between the unexcised control and excised apices. The number of proteins synthesized after excision droped from 250 in the control to 80, as a consequence of polysome breakdown. Futhermore, we present evidence that new and apparently specific proteins are synthesized in response to this excision shock.

[Acute respiratory distress syndrome after mycoplasma infection]. / Syndrome de détresse respiratoire aigu sur infection à mycoplasme.

The natural and treated course of Mycoplasma pneumoniae is generally satisfactory. Only a few cases with fatal outcome have been reported, mainly in immunosuppressed and debilitated patients. The case is reported of a healthy young woman admitted with acute respiratory failure, who developed diffuse interstitial fibrosing pneumonia followed by refractory hypoxemia. The diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia was at first suspected from an elevated specific titer in the standard complement fixation test, and then confirmed in the immunofluorescence study by the presence of granular deposits (mycoplasma) in the macrophages of lung tissue. The functional impairments associated with this unusually malignant evolution are discussed.

[Massive heroin intoxication. Hemodynamic studies]. / Intoxication massive à l'héroïne. Etudes hémodynamiques.

Acute hemodynamic changes during heroin overdose have not been frequently reported. We observed 2 male patients aged 24 and 21 years admitted in coma and shock and presenting severe mixed acidosis, with, respectively, pH 6.80, PaCO2 72 mm Hg, PaO2 70 mm Hg, BE -18 mEq/l, lactic acid 16.5 mmol/l, and pH 6.86, PaCO2 94 mm Hg, PaO2 46 mm Hg, BE -16 mEq/l, lactic acid 5.45 mmol/l. The hemodynamic data of the first patient showed a low output failure state associated with high filling pressures, suggesting biventricular heart failure. In the second case, clinically and radiologically marked pulmonary edema was associated with a hyperdynamic state and moderately elevated pulmonary artery pressure, but normal pulmonary capillary pressure. The possible pathophysiological mechanisms of those different, hemodynamic patterns are discussed.