Letter: Risks and benefits of hormonal agents in pregnancy

Concern over the possible teratogenic effects of the hormone 17alpha -hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17alpha OHP-C) when given intrapartum to the mother and the possible effects on the cervix and vagina in later life, was voiced in response to a published report, and advocacy of use of this hormone for the prevention of early abortion questioned. In response, the authors share their concern over possible long-term carcinogenic effects as well as possible effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, the mammary apparatus, the male genitalia, and psychosexual behavior.     

Disability: a model and measurement technique

As a result of histological and ultracytochemical investigations concerning the influence of thiamine and its disulfide derivative, thiamine tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide (TTFD), on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in extirpated guinea pig atria, it was found that there was a clear increase in the AChE activity by 10(-4) M TTFD, a weak increase with 10(-5) M and an extremely weak increase, about the same as that in only the nutrient (Locke's solution), with 5 x 10(-4) M. However, with 10(-4) M of thiamine there was a tendency for the activity to be the same degree as with Lock's solution alone or be even inhibited at times.     

Computer analysis of microstructures for evaluation of the effect of beta-irradiation on the skin]

Hormonal levels were tested in postweanling rats, because these had not been well established despite much testing on adult animals. Holtzman rats, 25-26 days old, that had been handled daily were decapitated at various times of the day. Radioimmunoassays were used to measure serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, androstenedione, progesterone, and 20alpha dehydroprogesterone. Only FSH, testosterone, and androstenedione showed a significant variation with time. The maximal values occurred late in the dark and early in the light period.     

Effect of cytochalasin B on the adhesion of mouse peritoneal macrophages

The adhesion of normal mouse macrophages to glass surfaces was reduced by nontoxic levels (1-50 mug/ml) of cytochalasin B in combination with a centrifugal force (1,000-8,000 g). Macrophages nonspecifically activated by Corynebacterium acnes were also detached by this treatment, but less effectively. The effects of cytochalasin B treatment on these cells were shown to be reversible. After detachment, the cells reattached to glass, appeared morphologically normal, and behaved like untreated cells as judged by adhesion, acid phosphatase levels, and phagocytosis. The effect of cytochalasin B on several parameters of phagocytosis by normal macrophages was also examined. The results demonstrate that cytochalasin B can be used to detach macrophages from surfaces and suggest a functional relationship between phagocytosis and macrophage adhesion to surfaces. Furthermore, the effect of cytochalasin B on adhesion of phagocytic cells provides a probe for further investigation of the adhesion of cells to surfaces.     

Intravas device studies in rabbits: I. Effect of surgical procedures on adrenergic innervation of the vas deferens

In time of food shortage, accurate assessment of nutrition status is important so that effective aid may be directed to those in greatest need and, in the future, the impact of this aid on the nutritional situation may be assessed. Using a population proportional sampling method and the index weight for height (which is relatively independent of sex, race, and age) as a criterion of nutritional status, CDC investigators determined that about 10% of the sampled population (aged about 6 months through 6 years) in Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Upper Volta and over 20% in the sampled population in Chad were severely and acutely undernourished. Apparently younger children were affected first, but as the food shortage became more severe the prevalence of undernourished older children increased. This method of nutrition surveillance has proven itself during a stressful period and should be considered a fundamental tool when rapid assessment of acute undernutrition in children in developing nations is required.