Ultrastructures of atypical acinar cell nodules in rat pancreas induced by 4-hydroxyaminoquinoline-1-oxide

A single intravenous injection of 4-hydroxyaminoquinoline-1-oxide (4HAQO) to rats induces multiple atypical acinar cell nodules in the pancreas. In this study, the ultrastructure of cells in these nodules was examined at 6, 9, and 12 months, and the features were compared to those of developing embryonal pancreas. The cells in the nodules are exocrine acinar cells in type and exhibited several features which distinguish them from the nonnodular acinar cells. Irregular nuclear shape with enlarged nucleoli was frequently observed. Zymogen granules in the nodular cells appeared as vesicles with contents of extreme electrom lucency and their ultrastructural appearance was similar to those of developing embryonic pancreatic acinar cells at 16 and 18 days of gestation. At the cell periphery, the lateral cell membrane showed bizarre interdigitation and the ectoplasm showed hyaloplasmic rarefaction. These findings indicate that the acinar cell nodules induced by 4-hydroxyaminoquinoline-1-oxide are composed of a new population of phenotypically altered acinar cells showing nuclear abnormalities, modified cell to cell interaction, and a possible defect in synthesis and/or maturation of secretory enzymes. The latter may indicate an arrest in the differentiation of acinar cells. The significance of these findings is discusses, and it is suggested that the atypical nodules in the pancreas induced by 4-hydroxyaminoquinoline-1-oxide may represent early neoplastic foci.     

Glucose and bicarbonate reabsorption in edematous dogs

Glucose and bicarbonate reabsorption were studied in dogs made edematour by aortocaval fistula (A-V dogs) and in sham-operated dogs. Following construction of the A-V fistula, there was a significant increase in body weight; glomerular filtration rate, renal plasma flow, hematocrit, and sodium excretion decreased significantly. Bicarbonate reabosorption was significantly higher in A-V than in sham dogs both during control and volume expansion. Volume expansion depressed bicarbonate reabsorption significantly in both groups. Glucose reabsorption fell following volume expansion in both groups; glucose reabsorption was significantly higher in A-V dogs than in sham dogs during control and volume expansion. Volume expansion led to a minimal increase in sodium excretion in A-V dogs when compared to the increase in the sham dogs. These data demonsttate that chronic sodium retention is associated with enhanced reabsorption of glucose and bicarbonate. The site in the neophron responsible for the increase in reabsorption of these substances cannot be determined with certainty based on these clearance studies although it is possible that proximal reabsorption may be enhanced in this model.     

Propranolol therapy in patients undergoing myocardial revascularization

The records of 185 consecutive patients having myocardial revascularization were reviewed with regard to preoperative administration of propranolol and intraoperative or postoperative complications. Tachycardia and hypertension before cardiopulmonary bypass were slightly more common in patients never taking propranolol or those who had discontinued it for more than 48 hours before operation. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of postbypass hypotension among patients who took propranolol within 24 hours of operation, those who discontinued it more than 24 hours before operation, and those who never took the drug. Operative mortality was not significantly different among patients who received propranolol within 48 hours of operation (3%), those who never took it and those who discontinued it more than 48 hours before operation (4%). Early in the series, five patients had an acute myocardial infarction within 48 hours after routine preoperative withdrawal of propranolol. Because complete withdrawal of propranolol in patients with unstable angina pectoris may lead to acute myocardial infarction, we recommend gradual withdrawal of the drug during 48 hours before operation. If this is not possible because anginal pain recurs or intensifies, then reduced doses may be given safely up to 10 hours before revascularization, provided that the patient is a satisfactory candidate for bypass and that adequate myocardial revascularization can be accomplished.     

Regulation of nitrogen catabolic enzymes in chick liver -- effects of amino acids

It is well-known that in the chick, dietary protein increases the levels of several hepatic enzymes that are involved in nitrogen metabolism and excretion. However, the biochemical mechanism of this response is essentially unknown. The experiments presented in this paper show that the chick is responding to alpha-amino nitrogen and not to any specific amino acid. Furthermore, it is shown that this system responds to endogenous sources of nitrogen as well as dietary protein and that the xanthine dehydrogenase response involves regulation of enzyme synthesis without changing the rate of degradation.     

Renaturation of formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase from urea and guanidinium chloride solutions

Formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase from Clostridium cylindrosporum and Clostridium acidi-urici was denatured in 6 M urea and 4 M guanidinium chloride. Viscometric, fluorimetric and ultracentrifugal measurements were used to determine that the protein is completely unfolded under these conditions. The polypeptide chains refold upon dilution of the denaturant-protein solutions to give final concentrations of 0.5 M urea or 0.1 M guanidinium chloride. In the presence of NH4+, but not in its absence, the refolded proteins associate to produce the catalytically active tetramer. Refolding and reassociation were followed by measuring changes in protein fluorescence and by determination of sedimentation constants. Under most conditions 80% of the enzymic activity is recovered.     

Dental management of patients irradiated for oral cancer

Management of patients irradiated for oral cancer should include consideration of their oral health prior to, and after, radiation therapy. Data from 130 patients, followed for a period of 1 to 10 years, are presented and evaluated. The philosophy of retention and maintenance of as many teeth as possible is supported by this data. Extraction of teeth with severe periodontal disease after irradiation also proves to be a relatively safe operation. Osteoradionecrosis tends to be limited in extent and is generally well tolerated by the patient when treated conservatively. A treatment regimen is presented that significantly reduces the morbidity from therapeutic irradiation of the jaws. A comprehensive dental evaluation and follow-up plan coupled with patient cooperation are instrumental to the success of this program.