Isolation and characterization of ribosomes from Bacillus subtilis spores.

Bishop, Helen L. (Syracuse University, Syracuse, N.Y.

THE NATURE OF THE ANTIPERISTALTIC FACTOR FROM WHEAT GLUTEN.

The ultrafiltrate of an aqueous extract of gluten depressed the peristaltic reflex of the rat isolated jejunum. Further purification increased the activity of the extract 200-fold. Biochemical analysis showed that this purified gluten ultrafiltrate contained over 50% of adenosine.

CORONARY ARTERIOGRAPHY.

The rapid injection of opaque media through a large bore, closed-end, side-hole catheter positioned adjacent to the sinuses of Valsalva reliably opacifies the coronary arteries. The potential toxicity of a rapidly introduced large volume of contrast agent and the necessity of peripheral arteriotomy are drawbacks of this procedure. Such innovations as loop-ended catheters, balloon occlusion of the aorta, percutaneous arterial catheterization and acetylcholine cardiac arrest have been introduced as attempts are made to increase the reliability and safety of coronary arteriography.

The mechanism of the inhibitory effect of gluten fractions on the peristaltic reflex.

The mechanism of the inhibitory effect of gluten fractions on the peristaltic reflex was studied using, first, a filtrate of the autoclaved peptic-tryptic digest of gluten (fraction III A.F.) and, second, the ultrafiltrate of an aqueous extract of gluten (fraction G.

The inhibition of the peristaltic reflex by substances from protein sources.

An aqueous extract of gluten, and its ultrafiltrate, depressed the peristaltic reflex of the rat jejunum. This effect was shared by similar extracts of mammalian skeletal muscle but not by such proteins as casein, gelatin, and albumin. Peptic-tryptic digestion did not abolish the effect, whereas acid hydrolysis of the active fractions destroyed the depressant substance.

Reducing gonad irradiation in pediatric diagnosis.

The greatest danger of carcinogenesis and of genetic damage through diagnostic radiologic procedures is in children, whose smaller bodies are more vulnerable and who have a longer life span in which this damage can be realized. Film badges placed on the gonad area during radiologic studies indicated widely varying degrees of gonad irradiation from similar procedures. These results emphasize the importance of technique in protecting children from unnecessary exposure.