Evaluation of a new type of membrane for blood oxygenation.

Results of tests on oxygen transfer rates and on a series of membranes, both in saline solutions and blood are reported. A series of hematological tests was carried out during the tests with blood, in order to assess the damage caused to the blood by contact with the membrane. All the results were compared with results obtained with the same equipment using Celgard membranes.

5-Hydroxytryptamine in platelets of torsion dystonia patients.

In an effort to explore possible changes in 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) metabolism in idiopathic torsion dystonia (ITD), platelets from patients were studied. Platelet 5-HT concentrations did not differ from those in matched controls. 5-HT uptake by the platelets was also studied, and the results demonstrated significantly higher Km values, but Vmax values were normal among patients.

Myeloproliferative disorders terminating in acute micromegakaryoblastic leukaemia.

Two cases of myeloproliferative disorder--one of myelofibrosis with agnogenic myeloid metaplasia and one of chronic granulocytic leukaemia terminating in acute micromegakaryoblastic leukaemia--are presented. The clinical course is described, and results are reported of morphological, cytometric, cytochemical and cytogenetic studies, as well as cell culture of blood cells in soft agar and in fluid medium.

Prostaglandins do not affect ion concentrations in human erythrocytes.

In an attempt to further our understanding of the mode of action of prostaglandins (PGs), experiments were performed in which sodium and potassium ion concentrations were measured in human erythrocytes exposed to various concentrations of PGs. No consistent effect was observed and it is concluded that such changes are not likely to underlie excitability alterations induced by PGs.