Aspirin dose dependently inhibits the interleukin-1 beta-stimulated increase in inducible nitric oxide synthase, nitric oxide, and prostaglandin E(2) production in rat ovarian dispersates cultured in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: Determine if aspirin inhibits the IL-1 beta-stimulated expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nitric oxide (NO), and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) in rat ovarian dispersates cultured in vitro. DESIGN: Prospective, controlled in vitro study. SETTING: Academic research laboratory. ANIMALS: Ovaries collected from immature rats. INTERVENTION(S): Ovaries were collected from immature rats and enzymatically dispersed. Ovarian dispersates were placed into plates containing media alone or media supplemented with IL-1 beta (100 U/mL) and varying concentrations of aspirin (0, 1, 3, 5 and 10 mM). Ovarian dispersates were cultured in a humidified environment of 5% CO(2) in air at 37 degrees C for 24 or 48 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Twenty-four- and 48-hour iNOS, nitrite (a stable metabolite of NO), and PGE(2) levels were determined from ovarian dispersates cultured in vitro. RESULT(S): Administration of IL-1 beta increased nitrite and PGE(2) levels over that observed in the control group after culture of ovarian dispersates for 24 and 48 hours. Aspirin dose dependently reduced the IL-1 beta-stimulated increase in nitrite production from ovarian dispersates after culture for 24 and 48 hours. Aspirin completely (24 hours) or dose dependently (48 hours) prevented the IL-beta-stimulated increase in PGE(2.) Coadministration of IL-1 beta and aspirin (10 mM) attenuates IL-1 beta-stimulated iNOS expression after culture for 24 and 48 hours. CONCLUSION(S): Aspirin significantly inhibits the IL-1 beta-stimulated expression of iNOS, NO, and PGE(2) in ovarian dispersates cultured in vitro.

The Andro Project: physiological and hormonal influences of androstenedione supplementation in men 35 to 65 years old participating in a high-intensity resistance training program.

BACKGROUND: Since the passage of The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act in 1994, there has been a flood of new "dietary" supplements promoting anti-aging benefits such as the enhancement of growth hormone or testosterone levels. Androstenediol and androstenedione are such products. This study's purpose was to elucidate the physiological and hormonal effects of 200 mg/d of oral androstenediol and androstenedione supplementation in men aged 35 to 65 years while participating in a 12-week high-intensity resistance training program. METHODS: Fifty men not consuming any androgenic-enhancing substances and with normal total testosterone levels, prostate-specific antigen, hemoglobin, and hematocrit, and with no sign of cardiovascular or metabolic diseases participated. Subjects were randomly assigned to a placebo, androstenediol (diol), or androstenedione (dione) group using a double-blind study design. Main outcomes included serum sex hormone profile, body composition assessment, muscular strength, and blood lipid profiles. RESULTS: During the 12 weeks of androstenedione or androstenediol use, a significant increase in the aromatization by-products estrone and estradiol was observed in both groups (P =.03). In the dione group, total testosterone levels significantly increased 16% after 1 month of use, but by the end of 12 weeks, they returned to pretreatment levels. This return to baseline levels resulted from increases in aromatization and down-regulation in endogenous testosterone synthesis based on the fact that luteinizing hormone was attenuated 18% to 33% during the treatment period. Neither androstenediol nor androstenedione enhanced the adaptations to resistance training compared with placebo for body composition or muscular strength. However, both androstenediol and androstenedione supplementation adversely affected high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, coronary heart disease risk (representing a 6.5% increase), and each group's respective (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]/HDL-C)/(apolipoprotein A/apolipoprotein B) lipid ratio (diol: +5.2%; dione: +10.5%; P =.05). In contrast, the placebo group's HDL-C levels increased 5.1%, with a 12.3% decline in the (LDL-C/HDL-C)/(apolipoprotein A/apolipoprotein B) lipid ratio. These negative and positive lipid effects occurred despite no significant alterations in body composition or dietary intakes in the supplemental groups or placebo group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Testosterone precursors do not enhance adaptations to resistance training when consumed in dosages recommended by manufacturers. Testosterone precursor supplementation does result in significant increases in estrogen-related compounds, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentrations, down-regulation in testosterone synthesis, and unfavorable alterations in blood lipid and coronary heart disease risk profiles of men aged 35 to 65 years.

In vivo 4-androstene-3,17-dione and 4-androstene-3 beta,17 beta-diol supplementation in young men.

To determine if known androgenic hormone precursors for testosterone in the androgen pathway would be readily transformed to testosterone, eight male subjects [mean age 23.8 (SEM 3) years, bodymass 83.1 (SEM 8.7) kg, height 175.6 (SEM 8.5) cm] underwent a randomized, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled oral treatment with 200 mg of 4-androstene-3,17-dione (delta 4), 4-androstene-3 beta,17 beta-diol (delta 4 Diol), and placebo (PL). The periods of study were separated by 7 days of washout. Blood was drawn at baseline and subsequently every 30 min for 90 min after treatment. Analysis revealed mean area-under-the-curve (AUC) serum delta 4 concentrations to be higher during delta 4 treatment [2177 (SEM 100) nmol.l-1] than delta 4Diol [900 (SEM 96) nmol.l-1] or PL [484 (SEM 82) nmol.l-1; P < 0.0001]. The delta 4 treatment also revealed a significant effect on total testosterone with a mean AUC [1632.5 (SEM 121) nmol.l-1] that was greater than PL [1418.5 (SEM 131) nmol.l-1; P < 0.05] but not significantly different from those observed after delta 4Diol treatment [1602.9 (SEM 119) nmol.l-1; P = 0.77]. Free testosterone concentrations followed a similar pattern where mean AUC for the delta 4 treatment [6114.0 (SEM 600) pmol.l-1] was greater than after PL [4974.6 (SEM 565) pmol.l-1; P < 0.06] but not significantly different from those observed after delta 4Diol [5632.0 (SEM 389) pmol.l-1; P = 0.48]. The appearance and apparent conversion to total and free testosterone over 90 min was stronger for the delta 4 treatment (r = 0.91, P < 0.045) than for delta 4Diol treatment (r = 0.69, NS) and negatively correlated for PL (r = -0.90, P < 0.02). These results would suggest that delta 4, and perhaps delta 4Diol, taken by month are capable of producing in vivo increases in testosterone concentrations in apparently healthy young men as has already been observed in women after treatment with delta 4.

Triglyceride oxidation in cystic fibrosis: a comparison between different 13C-labeled tracer substances.

BACKGROUND: For indirect evaluation of pancreatic lipase activity in cystic fibrosis, different 13C-labeled triglycerides may be used. METHODS: Triglyceride oxidation in patients with cystic fibrosis was investigated after administration of different 13C-labeled triglycerides by comparing 13CO2 breath exhalation. In the comparative study, five patients with cystic fibrosis (age, 8-15 years; body weight, 22.5-39.8 kg) were treated with Pangrol (individual dosages: 1-3 capsules per morning meal; Berlin-Chemie, Berlin, Germany). [1,1,1-13C3]Glyceryl tripalmitate and [1,1,1-13C3]glyceryl trioleate were administered as a single oral pulse at 8:00 A.M. (dosage, 4 mg/kg each) with the standard diet Fresubin (dosage, 10 ml/kg; Fresenius, Bad Homburg, Germany). Alternately, the same subjects were given the synthetic mixed triglyceride 1,3-distearyl, 2[13C]octanoyl glycerol (dosage, 12.5 mg/kg) contained in the standard diet Nutri-Mix (dosage, 10 ml/kg; Nutricia, Zoetemeer, The Netherlands). Breath samples were taken in 15- and 30-minute intervals over 8 hours. The 13CO2 enrichment was measured by continuous-flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry. RESULTS: After administration of the 13C-labeled tripalmitin-triolein mixture and the mixed triglyceride, mean maximum 13CO2 enrichments were 4.70 and 7.37 delta over baseline, occurring at 7.0 and 3.5 hours, respectively. The corresponding percentage cumulative 13CO2 exhalations were 12.25% and 29.19%, respectively, and differed significantly in the five paired subjects (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: After using different 13C-labeled triglycerides the resultant 13CO2 exhalation reflected the triglyceride hydrolysis and subsequent oxidation. It is concluded that the different cumulative 13CO2 exhalations were mainly caused by the rate-limiting step of triglyceride hydrolysis to free fatty acids and 2-monoglycerides and by fat deposition. Noninvasive 13C breath tests using different 13C-labeled triglycerides can be used for evaluation of pancreatic lipase activity before and during enzyme supplementation.

Rubella serology in mentally retarded adults.

BACKGROUND: Rubella and congenital rubella syndrome remain a problem in the United States; institutionalized individuals are at higher risk. We assessed demographic variables and rubella serology in a population of institutionalized adults with mental retardation. METHODS: Subjects were 181 institutionalized adults with mental retardation. We reviewed charts to determine patient's age, sex, race, and fertility status (if female), cause of mental retardation, and rubella history. Serologic testing to determine rubella immunity was done. RESULTS: We found that 26.4% of subjects were nonimmune. Sex, cause of mental retardation, and history of rubella vaccination were not related to serologic immunity status. Of the 29 fertile female subjects, 8 (27.6%) were nonimmune to rubella. CONCLUSION: Subjects with unknown immunization status had a similar serologic profile to those whose medical records indicated immunization. Neither history of infection nor immunization was predictive of serology status.

Effect of platelet activating factor on embryonic development and implantation in the mouse.

Platelet activating factor (PAF) was administered to female mice in order to investigate its effect on ovulation rate and on oocyte quality including their in-vitro embryonic development, implantation and uterine receptivity. In experiment 1, 4-week-old female mice were assigned to receive PAF or phosphate buffered saline for 4 consecutive days. On the second day of this treatment, pregnant mares' serum gonadotrophin was administered and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) 48 h later, after which copulation occurred. Oocytes were collected on the following day and evaluated. The mean number of oocytes and zygotes (two pronuclear stage embryos) recovered from the PAF-treated group was not different from the control group (31 versus 27), but the proportion of zygotes was higher in PAF-treated group than in controls (83 versus 68%, P < 0.05, PAF versus controls). Although the rate of in-vitro first cleavage was not different in the two groups (82 versus 69% respectively), hatching was higher in the PAF-treated group than control mice (99 versus 83%, P < 0.01). In experiment 2, the in-vitro developed blastocysts from experiment 1 were transferred into the uterus of day 3 pseudopregnant PAF-treated or control recipients. Three different combinations of intrauterine transfer were performed; PAF embryo to control recipient (PAF-->C: n = 19), control embryo to PAF recipient (C-->PAF: n = 19), and control embryo to control recipient (C-->C: n = 22). Implantation and abortion were assessed on day 19 posttransfer. The implantation rate of C-->PAF (23.7%) was lower than C-->C (31.1%, P < 0.05), but was not different from PAF-->C (31.2%). Further, C-->PAF showed a higher abortion rate per embryo (29.6%) than PAF-->C (12.7%, P < 0.05), but was not different from C-->C (24.4%). In the present study, PAF administration enables females to produce oocytes with a higher potential for fertilization, in-vitro development and implantation, but has a detrimental effect on uterine receptivity to embryos.

Geographic distribution and origin of CFTR mutations in Germany.

The geographic distribution and origin of CFTR mutations in Germany was evaluated in 658 three-generation families with cystic fibrosis (CF). Fifty different mutations were detected on 1305 parental CF chromosomes from 22 European countries and overseas. The major mutation. delta F508 was identified on 71.5% of all CF chromosomes, followed by R553X (1.8%), N1303K (1.3%), G542X (1.1%), G551D (0.8%) and R347P (0.8%). According to the grandparents' birthplace, 74% of CF chromosomes had their origin in Germany; the delta F508 percentage was 77%, 75%, 70% and 62% in northern, southern, western and eastern Germany, respectively. Ten or more mutant alleles in the investigated CF gene pool originated from Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Russia, Turkey and the Ukraine. This widespread geographic origin of CFTR mutations in today's Germany reflects the many demographic changes and migrations in Central Europe during the 20th century.

Factors affecting fertility in the postpartum cow: role of the oocyte and follicle in conception rate.

Four experiments were designed to examine the contribution of the oocyte or the follicular, oviductal, or early uterine environments to low fertility associated with the first ovulation postpartum. At 17-25 days postpartum in experiments 1, 2, and 3, suckled beef cows were assigned at random to receive 6 mg norgestomet, via ear-implant, for 9 days (NOR) or to serve as controls (CON). Calves were weaned from all cows 7 days after assignment to treatment in order to induce estrus, an LH surge, ovulation, and subsequent formation of CL. As cows were detected to be in estrus, they were bred first by natural service and 12 h later by artificial insemination. In experiment 1, on Day 3 after estrus, the oviduct ipsilateral to the side of ovulation was removed and flushed for recovery of an embryo or oocyte. Rates of recovery (86%), fertilization (68%), and development of fertilized oocytes to the 4- to 8-cell stage (100%) did not differ between CON and NOR cows. In experiment 2, uteri were flushed nonsurgically on Day 6 after estrus. Rates of recovery of embryos from the uterus were similar between CON (86%) and NOR (71%) cows. In experiment 3, one half of the cows in each group (CON and NOR) were fed melengestrol acetate (MGA) beginning on Day 4 after estrus and continuing until Day 35. The remaining cows in each group served as controls. Treatment with NOR increased (p < 0.05) the proportion of cows that maintained pregnancy until Day 35 (9/22) as compared to controls (0/18).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Endocrine profiles and follicular development in early-weaned postpartum beef cows.

This study investigated whether treatment with progestagen, which improves fertility after early weaning in postpartum cows, altered concentrations of gonadotrophins or development and function of follicles. Patterns of luteinizing hormone (LH), oestradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and of follicular growth before first postpartum ovulation were compared in two experiments. At 17 to 25 days post partum, suckled anoestrous beef cows received an ear-implant containing 6 mg progestagen (norgestomet) for 9 days or served as untreated controls. Calves were weaned from all cows 7 days after initiation of treatment. Cows were observed for oestrous behaviour twice a day until 10 days after weaning. As expected, the proportion of anoestrous cows that formed a corpus luteum with a normal lifespan was greater (P < 0.01) in cows treated with norgestomet (Expt 1, 17 of 24; Expt 2, 18 of 22) than in control cows (Expt 1, 2 of 16; Expt 2, 3 of 18). In general, patterns of secretion of LH and oestradiol and of final growth of the preovulatory follicle did not differ between control and norgestomet-treated cows. However, there was a transient rise in FSH in association with weaning in control cows that did not occur in norgestomet-treated cows. In addition, mean LH increased more rapidly and mean oestradiol was higher during the 3 days immediately before the preovulatory surge of LH in the norgestomet-treated cows (P < 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Maintenance of pregnancy in postpartum beef cows that have short-lived corpora lutea.

The first two experiments examined the role of the uterus in low pregnancy rates of beef cows induced to ovulate by early weaning. At 20 to 25 d postpartum, one-half of the cows in Exp. 1 and 2 received a s.c. implant containing 6 mg of norgestomet (NOR) for 9 d (NOR-pretreated) and the remaining cows were untreated controls (CON). Lengths of first postpartum luteal phase after weaning of calves at d 7 after implant insertion were expected to be normal in NOR-pretreated and short in CON cows. In Exp. 1, cows of both groups received an implant containing 3 mg of NOR at d 4 after first estrus and a silastic implant with 15 or 25 mg of NOR at d 7 after first estrus. At 7 d after first estrus, two embryos were transferred into the uterus of each cow and pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasonography at d 35. Blood samples were collected daily from onset of treatment to d 8 after estrus and then every other day to d 24. Only 4 of 22 cows were pregnant at d 35, concentrations of estradiol (E2) were elevated after luteolysis, and large follicles were present at d 35. In Exp. 2, all cows were injected with 100 mg of progesterone (P4) twice daily from d 4 to 35 after first estrus. Embryos were transferred, pregnancy was diagnosed, and blood samples were collected as in Exp. 1, except blood sampling was continued to d 34.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of breed, age of donor and dosage of follicle stimulating hormone on the superovulatory response of beef cows.

Data were obtained on 1039 recoveries of embryos from beef cows of four breeds at two locations, in clinic and on farm. General linear models procedures were utilized to determine the effects of breed, location, age of donor, dosage of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and the interaction of age and FSH on the following dependent variables: 1) the mean number of ova (unfertilized oocytes and embryos) recovered; 2) the mean number and percentage of embryos (fertilized; live and dead) recovered; and 3) the mean number and percentage of transferable embryos recovered. The interaction of age of donor and dosage of FSH with breed and location prevented the pooling of data over breed and location. The mean number of ova recovered was affected by age of the donor (Charolais-in clinic), or the interaction between age of donor and dosage of FSH (Polled Hereford-in clinic and -on farm and Simmental -on farm). The mean number of embryos was affected by age of donor (Polled Hereford-in clinic), dosage of FSH (Simmental-in clinic) or their interaction (Angus-on farm). The mean number of transferable embryos was affected by age of donor (Polled Hereford-in clinic and -on farm, Simmental-in clinic and Angus-on farm). General linear models procedures were utilized to determine the effects of the embryo (stage of development and quality) and the recipient (synchrony with the donor) on the rate of pregnancy. Rate of pregnancy varied with embryo quality score and synchrony of the recipient and the embryo. In conclusion, the superovulatory response was found to be highly breed-specific, and most of the variability in embryos produced was attributed to the number of ova recovered. However, the number of ova, embryos and transferable embryos recovered was further influenced by age of the donor, dosage of FSH or their interaction.

[Bronchoalveolar lavage--a diagnostic method in chronic nonspecific bronchopulmonary diseases in childhood? 2. Studies of cellular and humoral parameters in BAL irrigation fluid]. / Die bronchoalveoläre Lavage (BAL)--eine diagnostische Methode bei chronischen unspezifischen bronchopulmonalen Erkrankungen im Kindesalter? 2. Teil: Untersuchungen der zellulären und humoralen Parameter der BAL-Spülflüssigkeit.

With a view of the pathogenesis of chronic bronchopulmonary diseases the interrelations between infections and evolving defense system are of interest, they are perhaps detectable by means of diagnostic bronchoalveolar lavage. We carried out cytodifferentiation, investigated adenosine deaminase activities and interleukin 1 formation of macrophages, determined immunoglobulin concentrations (secretory IgA), lysozyme, alpha 2-macroglobulin, alpha 1-antitrypsin, albumin. Because the cytodifferentiation yields insight into topical inflammatory reactions, shows diagnostic useful informations in single cases and because it is simple to carry out we can recommend it for each bronchological examination. There were no results specific for any disease group for parameters mentioned above.

[Some new treatment strategies for lung involvement in patients with mucoviscidosis]. / Einige neue Behandlungsstrategien der Lungenmanifestation bei Mukoviszidosepatienten.

Autogenic drainage, PEP mask breathing as well as physical exercise are now well established in the treatment of pulmonary disease in cystic fibrosis, but there are different opinions about oxygen therapy over a long period as well as corticosteroid treatment. First reports on amiloride inhalations seem to be hopeful, but there is no experience with cystic fibrosis children till now, therefore clinical use can not be recommended. Heart lung transplants are not to consider as an alternative treatment for all cystic fibrosis patients, in special cases it may be successful.

First-service pregnancy rate in beef heifers as influenced by human chorionic gonadotropin administration before and/or after breeding.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate whether administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) before and/or after breeding influences the first-service pregnancy rate in beef heifers. In Experiment 1, 125 yearling and two-year-old heifers were allotted to one of four groups: a control group; a group receiving 3,000 IU hCG on Day 4 of the prebreeding estrous cycle; a group receiving 3,000 IU hCG on Day 4 post breeding; and a group receiving 3,000 IU hCG on Day 4 of the prebreeding estrous cycle and again on Day 4 post breeding (Day 1 = estrus). First-service pregnancy rate was not affected by a single intramuscular (i.m.) injection of 3,000 IU of hCG on Day 4 of the prebreeding estrous cycle and/or post breeding. In Experiment 2, 111 yearling heifers were allotted either to an untreated control group or to a group receiving 3,000 IU hCG on Day 4 post breeding. Administration of a single i.m. injection of hCG on Day 4 post breeding did not affect the first-service pregnancy rate.

Secretory immunoglobulin A in serum of CF patients.

Increased sIgA values were found in CF patients in about 70 per cent (3 studies with 23, 43, 45 CF patients). With higher severity of CF disease (Shwachman score) we could observe higher sIgA levels. Postmortem histological findings and sIgA concentrations correlated well in 13 cases. Determinations of sIgA in serum could serve as parameter for hepatobiliary involvement in CF. Secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) is the predominant immunoglobulin of exocrine secretions. In serum large and frequent elevations of sIgA could be found in patients with chronic liver disease characterized by biliary obstruction (3). Slight and irregular elevations were observed in patients with disorders of gastrointestinal tract and of respiratory tract as well as in lactating women (3). Manifestations of the hepatobiliary system in CF will become more important with advancing age and progressively higher life expectancy of CF patients. A simple reliable test for detection of hepatobiliary involvement in CF would be useful.

Diagnosis of cystic fibrosis by means of particle electrophoresis test.

Incubation of polystyrene latex particles with CF serum leads to reduced electrophoretic mobility (EPM) measured by a particle electrophoresis device. About 85% of 50 CF patients, 60 CF heterozygotes and 190 controls (healthy subjects and patients with different disorders) could be identified correctly.

Systemic progesterone concentration following human chorionic gonadotropin administration at various times during the estrous cycle in beef heifers.

In Trial 1, 26 heifers were allotted randomly to a control group or one of four groups to receive a single injection of 3,000 IU hCG on d 1, 4, 7 or 10 of an estrous cycle. Heifers next completed a nontreated cycle, and at their third estrus were reallotted to one of the five groups described previously. Estrous cycle length was extended in cycle 1 but was not altered during the nontreated cycle or in cycle 3. Administration of hCG on d 4 or 7 increased (P less than .05) mean serum progesterone (P4) over the first 16 d of the estrous cycle by .9 and .8 ng/ml, respectively. In Trial 2, 23 heifers were allotted randomly to one of two groups to receive a placebo or a single injection of 3,000 IU hCG on d 4 of an estrous cycle. Heifers were inseminated artificially at subsequent estrus. On d 4 postbreeding, treatments were repeated. Administration of hCG on d 4 of the prebreeding estrous cycle increased (P less than .05) mean P4 over the first 16 d by .9 ng/ml, whereas mean P4 over the first 16 d postbreeding was not affected by a second injection of hCG on d 4 postbreeding. Administration of hCG increased (P less than .05) first-service pregnancy rate (92 vs 55%). In conclusion, progesterone concentrations were enhanced by hCG given on d 4 or 7 of the estrous cycle, and pregnancy rate was increased when hCG was administered both on d 4 of the prebreeding cycle and d 4 postmating.

Effect of holding time and temperature of bovine whole blood on concentration of progesterone, estradiol-17beta and estrone in plasma and serum samples.

Bovine jugular venous blood was collected, with and without heparin, and aliquoted into 140 12-ml tubes. Four subsamples (two heparinized and two coagulated) were centrifuged immediately (time zero) and plasma or serum was aspirated and stored at -20 degrees C. One-half of the remaining subsamples were stored at 4 degrees C and the other one-half at 25 degrees C (room temperature). At 1-h intervals (0 to 24 h), 6-h intervals (24 to 72 h) and at 96 and 120 h, four subsamples (heparinized and coagulated at both 4 degrees C and 25 degrees C) were centrifuged, plasma or serum was aspirated and stored at -20 degrees C. Whole blood incubation for 1 h at 25 degrees C reduced mean plasma and serum progesterone (P(4)) concentration (P<0.05). Similarly, whole blood incubation at 4 degrees C for 2 and 3 h, respectively, reduced mean plasma and serum P(4) concentration (P<0.05). No difference was found in mean P(4) concentration between plasma and serum samples harvested from whole blood incubated at 4 degrees C or 25 degrees C. Concentration of estradiol-17beta (E(2)) and estrone (E(1)) fluctuated over time, irrespective of holding temperature. There was a blood type, heparinized or coagulated, by time interaction (P<0.01) for both E(2) and E(1) concentrations It was concluded that incubation time and temperature between collection and centrifugation of bovine blood samples influenced the assayable P(4) concentration in both plasma and serum. In contrast, incubation temperature had no effect on assayable E(2) and E(1) concentrations, but assayable E(2) and E(1) over time were differentially affected, depending on whether plasma or serum was assayed.

[Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)--a diagnostic method in chronic nonspecific bronchopulmonary diseases in childhood. 1. Implementation and tolerance]. / Die bronchoalveoläre Lavage (BAL)--eine diagnostische Methode bei chronischen unspezifischen bronchopulmonalen Erkrankungen im Kindesalter. 1. Teil: Durchführung und Verträglichkeit.

While the effectiveness of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in pediatric therapy has been recognized for years, there are hardly any data on its usefulness in diagnosis, its performance and compatibility in childhood. After 123 bronchological investigations including BAL on 118 children in the age of three months through 16 years, with lavage fluid amounts between 40 and 160 ml, febrile reactions occurred in 17 cases (= 13.8%), i.e. no more frequent than in a group of 100 children bronchologically investigated but without BAL. After blood gas analyses, ECG examinations, blood pressure readings the compatibility of BAL turned out to be good in children of every age. Bronchography pictures after BAL were not reduced in quality, atelectasis formation occurred rarely.