[Metabolism of nicotine--mechanism and clinical effects of toxicity].

Nicotine is a major constituent of tobacco and exerts a number of physiological effects. Metabolism of nicotine in animal and human tissues is reviewed. Clinical considerations regarding the problems of toxic effects of nicotine in human and molecular basis of carcinogen mechanism of nicotine derivatives are discussed.

Rabbit antibodies to some sequences of human chorionic gonadotropin and their use for immunoassay of the hormone.

Three synthetic peptides corresponding to amino acid sequences of two human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) subunits were conjugated to thyroglobulin and used for immunization of rabbits. The highest antibody concentration was found in antisera from rabbits immunized with the peptide corresponding to 122-145 sequence of the hormone beta-subunit. Specificity of antisera and immunoaffinity purified rabbit antibodies were studied.

Haemolytic crises caused by Hoya carnosa in a patient with G6PD deficiency.

Haemolytic crises caused by contact with Hoya carnosa were observed in a 45-years old woman. The investigation of erythrocyte enzymes displayed both G6PD deficiency and its diminished affinity to G-6-P. Some properties of dehydrogenases isolated from erythrocytes of the patient's brother and son were also changed although clinical signs of haemolysis were absent.