Mutations induced by some DNA minor groove binding alkylators in AS52 Chinese hamster cells.

Nitrogen mustards are commonly used in cancer chemotherapy. They interact with DNA at electronegative sites, primarily forming N7 guanine mono-adducts and interstrand cross-links. Targeting nitrogen mustards to DNA by attachment of a DNA minor groove binding carrier such as the bisbenzimidazoles Hoechst 33258 (pibenzimol) or Hoechst 33342 (HOE) makes it possible to direct DNA alkylation to more specific stretches of DNA. We have performed a detailed molecular analysis of 6-thioguanine resistant clones arising in Chinese hamster AS52 cells after treatment with HOE, in comparison with a mono- and bifunctional pair of bisbenzimidazole-targeted nitrogen mustards (MGBs). HOE showed no significant ability to induce 6-thioguanine resistant mutants, possibly because drug-treated cells are highly susceptible to apoptosis within very short times. Neither of the MGBs caused the rapid cell death seen with the bisbenzimidazole. However, both MGBs were weaker mutagens than previously found for undirected mustards in the same system, an effect that we suggest could relate to greater structure-directed binding to less mutable DNA sites in the minor groove. Additionally, the nature of some of the mutants suggested there may be a small component of topo I and/or II-mediated events in the mutagenicity of the MGBs. Both MGBs showed high activity in causing deletion mutations, which may be due to errors in attempted repair of the complex lesions formed by minor groove targeted alkylators.

[A case of cervical pregnancy diagnosed by laparotomy and photographically documented]. / Przypadek ciazy szyjkowej rozpoznany podczas laparotomii i udokumentowany fotograficznie.

A case deals with 33 years old primipara in the last stage of the first trimenom of pregnancy. To dispel the doubts connected with development of pregnancy and ultrasound assessments the explorative laparotomy was undertaken. The cervical pregnancy was stated. The curettage and tamponing of the cervical canal failed. The procedure was completed with hysterectomy without adnexa. The advantage of early laparotomy consisted in getting a clear view of the situation and giving the maximum of safety to the patient when the attempts to save the uterus were being carried out. The early laparotomy made it possible to take some unique photographs of the uterus "in situ" with cervical pregnancy.

[Sarcoidosis in the scar after a perineal surgery]. / Sarkoidoza w bliznie po operacji plastycznej krocza.

An infiltration in the perineal scar occurred in a 34 years old patient six months after colpomyoperineoplasty. This infiltration which turned out to be a focus of sarcoidosis. The patient was treated pharmacologically. The lung and local symptoms regressed.

Ultrastructural studies on the morula in cattle.

Embryos at morula stage were ultrastructurally examined. Blastomeres of normal embryos are characterized by the presence of ribosomes, short single and branched cisterns of endoplasmic reticulum, small spherical mitochondria and vacuolar-granular structures. An enhanced autophagy and the presence of numerous and large lipid droplets are signs of the beginning degeneration.

[Examination of the influence of selected drugs administered orally on amount of saliva excreted and pocket fluid as well as on patients' feeling during stomatological treatment]. / Badania wpluwu wybranych leków podawanych doustnie na ilosc wydzielanej sliny i plynu kieszonkowego oraz na odczucia pacjentów podczas leczenia stomatologicznego.

The influence of pyralgin, acenol, hydroxizinum and scopolan administered orally on the amount of the saliva excreted and pocket fluid as well as one the patients' feeling during stomatological treatment has been examined by the dual blind test method. The examinations haven't proved any significant influence of these drugs on the excretion of the saliva and pocket fluid of a statistical importance; these drugs, however, have reduced the painfulness of the operations depending on hard dental tissues processing. Among the drugs applied Pyralgin has proved to be the most useful drug for patients premedication before stomatological treatment.

[Testosterone levels of the plasma of bulls in relation to growth, breed, semen quality and sexual activity]. / Poziom testosteronu w osoczu buhajów w zaleznosci od wzrostu, rasy, jakosci nasienia i aktywnosci plciowej.

Using Anderson's method for estimation of testosterone level by competitive protein binding, the authors determined plasma testosterone level in young bulls of three breeds: black and white, and red and white lowland. It was found that in bulls of black and white and red and white lowland breed the testosterone level showed great fluctuations without growing tendency. In charolais bulls, in pubescence, testosterone level was low and did not exceed 1 ng/1 ml, but it systematically increased beginning from the 14th month of life. No correlation of testosterone level with protein and energy intake or with sexual activity was observed in adult bulls (breeders) of black and white lowland breed during 12 months of examination.

[Effect of stress on uterine contraction in cows]. / Wplyw stresu na motoryke macicy u krów.

The investigation was carried out to observe the influence of stress upon the motility of the uterus from 1st to 5th day after parturition or cesarotomy. The experiments involved 24 lowland black and white cows; in 12 of them cesarean section was performed. The motility of the uterus was recorded with the balloon method by way of air transmission. The starting uterine contractions curve having been recorded, for 15-20 minutes one of following stress agents was applied: taking the calf away, change of stall, putting under restraint, collecting small amounts of blood or milking by a strange person. Besides, 2 ml 0.1% adrenaline solution or 4 I.U. oxytocin was administered intravenously. Adrenaline was administered before or after oxytocin, or both the hormones were applied together. Oxytocin was also applied during the stress. During the action of the stress as well as after administration of adrenaline there was observed complete decay of uterine contractions from 1st to 5th day after parturition or cesarotomy. No changes in the motility of the uterus were brought about by intravenously administration of oxytocin during the stress. No response of the uterus to oxytocin was observed, either, when adrenaline had been administered before. Both exogenic and endogenic adrenaline was found to restrain strongly the contractions of the examined organ, or to decay them completely, which has a negative effect upon involution of the uterus in cows in the first days after parturition.