Structural glycoprotein, fact or artefact.

It has been repeatedly claimed that structural glycoprotein or SGP is a major component of many connective tissues, particularly aorta. SGP is usually defined as material extractable from tissue with chaotropic agents such as urea and having an amino acid composition matching that of other, similar extracts. It has been claimed that SGP comprises 10-60% of the dry weight of aortic tissue.

Arterial cholesterol content and collagen metabolism in cynomolgus monkeys.

The activity of prolyl hydroxylase and the rate of collagen synthesis were examined in two anatomically different arterial segments of cholesterol-fold cynomolgus monkeys. In the aortic arch vessels the activity of prolyl hydroxylase was increased after six months on a high fat and high cholesterol diet. In this tissue the enzyme activity showed positive correlation with the levels of plasma and tissue cholesterol content.

Serum inorganic fluoride levels in obese patients during and after enflurane anesthesia.

Serum ionic fluoride levels in 24 markedly obese patients (127.6 +/- 6.0 kg) and seven nonobese control subjects (67.

Stereo-electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray analysis of avian reticulocytes.

Utilizing the techniques of stereo-electron microscopy (stereo-EM) and energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX), we have studied aspects of the ultrastructure of avian reticulocytes. Stereo-EM of thin sections (0.10 to 0.

Aging of collagen.

Current knowledge of the structure and the mechanism of formation of the covalent cross-links that fuse individual collagen molecules into a stable fiber is reviewed. Some of the mechanical properties of dermal connective tissue and the way in which these change with age can be correlated with the types of cross-link present in the tissue. Cross-links are routinely detected by treatment of a tissue sample with tritium-labeled borohydride and subsequent isolation and quantification of the cross-linked compound, which has been rendered radioactive by reaction with this reducing compound.

Biosynthesis of aortic collagen and glycosaminoglycan following immunological injury.

The effect of immunological injury upon the early in vivo changes in aortic connective tissue metabolism was studied. It was found that a single antigen (bovine serum albumin), when administered in multiple doses, activated collagen synthesis and increased the rate of lgycosaminoglycan synthesis in the arterial wall. The degree of stimulation of both connective tissue components was higher in animals receiving a higher dose of antigen.

Experimental study of tissue response to ruptured gel-filled mammary prostheses.

Miniature "soft gel" filled breast prostheses were implanted into rats, and half of these were purposefully ruptured upon insertion. At sacrifice of the animals later, the position of the exuded gel, the variability of the capsule thickness, and the extent of the capsule formation were evaluated. The capsule thickness was significantly increased around the ruptured prostheses, in response to the exuded gel.

Menetrier's syndrome in children.

Since Menetrier's original description in 1888 many cases of hypertrophic gastritis have been recorded in adults. Only recently has a similar syndrome been described in childhood. The case reported demonstrates the characteristic features of the condition (the duration was rather longer than in other reported cases) and diagnosis, clinical course and aetiology are discussed.

Isolation and characterization of the cardiotonic polypeptide anthopleurin-A from the sea anemone Anthopleura xanthogrammica.

A highly potent cardiotonic polypeptide, anthopleurin-A, was isolated from the sea anemone, Anthopleura xanthogrammica (Brandt), using solvent partition, gel permeation chromatography, and cation-exchange chromatography. It is a pure basic polypeptide wtih a molecular weight of about 5500.

Sulfated glycolipids in ciliary body epithelium.

The sulfated material which locates in the basal membrane of ciliary body epithelium when immature rat eyes are incubated with Na235SO4 was studied. On the basis of its chromatographic behavior compared with standard preparations, we conclude that the material consists of sulfatides.

Excelsior: a retrospective view of collagen.

The current state of knowledge about the biosynthesis of the collagen molecule and the stabilization of fibers is reviewed. There have been a number of major breakthroughs during the past 25 years which will be described.

Differences in effect of 6-hydroxydopamine on the right and left atria from guinea-pig.

The effect of chemical sympathectomy by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) treatment was studied on guinea-pig atria. 6-OHDA treatment significantly reduced the positive inotropic effect of nicotine and tyramine on the left atrium, while similar treatment on the intact atria and the right atrium showed a decreased response to tyramine but not to nicotine. After 6-OHDA treatment the left atrium but not the right atrium showed supersensitivity to noradrenaline.

A simple microassay of prolyl hydroxylase applicable to skin punch biopsy specimens.

A method is described for the assay of prolyl hydroxylase. The method is rapid, avoids the use of vacuum distillation equipment and can be applied to small tissue samples such as skin biopsies.

A sensitive automated procedure for the determination of glucuronic acid.

A newly automated method for the detection of uronic acids, particularly glucuronic acid is described. Data showing the limitations of this method are also presented. The advantages of the method are: (1) greatly increased sensitivity compared to the carbazole methods and increased range; (2) lowered interference from other sugars, proteins and salts; (3) variability to allow small sample volumes and/or continuous flow; (4) a more stable color reagent solution.

Asthmatic children away from home: a comparative psychological study.

The essential difference that emerged from a comparison of the fantasies of Rapidly Remitting and Nonremitting asthmatic children was found to be in the area of emotional awareness. The children who lost their asthmatic symptoms when separated from home were found to have some awareness of angry feelings toward parental figures whom they experienced as hostile and/or rejecting. They were also found to be aware, to some extent, of longings for a relationship with a person who would provide nurturing care or guidance.