The effect of anabolic steroids on the course of uremia

Summary Uremia was induced in rabbits by bilateral nephrectomy or bilateral ligation of the ureters. This surgicalprocedure was followed by an increase in the potassium content of the blood plasma and myocardium, a disturbance of the atrioventricular and intraventricular conductivity of the heart. The animals died on the 3rd-4th day after the operation.In the application of Dianabol the best therapeutic effect was produced by a dose of 5–7 mg/kg of body weight (daily). The life of the animals was thus prolonged by 35–40%. Changes in the electrolyte metabolism and BCG disturbances occurred later. This effect is attributed to the anabolic action of the hormone.Laboratory of General and Experimental Cardiology, Institute of Normal and Pathological Physiology, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Moscow (Presented by Active Member of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR V. V. Parin). Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 62, No. 7, pp. 34–37, July, 1966.     

Age differences in the acid-base balance and blood clotting system during starvation

The state of the acid-base balance and of the blood clotting system during starvation was studied in young (5–6 months) and old (24–26 months) male rats. The times of maximal changes in the two systems were found to coincide, but in the young animals the acidotic crisis and hypercoagulation developed earlier and were more severe. The old animals were more resistant to starvation and died later than the young rats.Laboratory of Dietary Hygiene, Institute of Gerontology, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Kiev. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR D. F. Chebotarev.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 82, No. 10, pp. 1189–1191, October, 1976.     

Changes in the rate of metabolic clearance of cortisol in dogs after terminal states

In the early period of resuscitation after circulatory arrest for 15 min in dogs the rate of metabolic clearance of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-HCS) was found to be reduced, more especially in animals which subsequently died. This decrease was due mainly to a decrease in the clearance of plasma 17-HCS by organs in the splanchnic region and was evidently connected with the circulatory disturbances.Laboratory of Experimental Physiology of Resuscitation, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR V. A. Negovskii.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 83, No. 2, pp. 142–143, February, 1977.     

Effect of an atherogenic diet on age differences in cholesterol biosynthesis in the rat liver

After intraperitoneal injection of radioactive sodium acetate into rats of two age groups (6–8 and 28–32 months) the dynamics of cholesterol biosynthesis in the liver was observed to be slower in the older animals. The specific liver cholesterol activity of the older rats was lower at the maximum of uptake of the label than in the younger rats. An atherogenic diet for 20 days (0.25 g cholesterol/100 g body weight) led to an increase in the total cholesterol content but to inhibition of its biosynthesis in the liver, and this effect was most marked in the younger rats. Continued administration of cholesterol depressed its biosynthesis still more, especially in the older animals.Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Institute of Gerontology, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Kiev. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR N. N. Gorev.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 83, No. 2, pp. 150–151, February, 1977.     

Character and frequency of pathological changes in the solitary rat kidney after removal of the other kidney in old age

One kidney was removed from male rats weighing 500–850 g; the remaining kidney underwent compensatory hypertrophy and, after 1–2 months, it was larger (index of hypertrophy 70–92%) in rats weighing 700–850 g than in animals weighing 500–600 g (56–58%). Histological investigation showed that this marked hypertrophy of the solitary kidney in old rats was not the result of disease of the organ, for pathological changes such as are sometimes found in intact and hypertrophied kidneys were found in only 38 of 223 animals. The results suggest that the ability of the kidneys to undergo, compensation and regeneration is not reduced in old age.Laboratory of Growth and Development, Institute of Human Morphology, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR A. P. Avtsyn.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 84, No. 9, pp. 362–366, September, 1977.     

Localization of specific antigen in the organs of newborn animals vaccinated with live smallpox vaccine

Of 20 newborn rabbits aged 4–5 days vaccinated intradermally with live smallpox vaccine, six developed manifestations of generalized vaccinia and neuroparalytic complications. Intensive accumulation of the specific antigen in the brain, lungs, spleen and lymph nodes was demonstrated by the fluorescent antibody method. Vaccinia virus was isolated from the same organs. In 14 newborn rabbits killed while clinically healthy, long persistence of attenuated virus was observed in the brain, spinal cord, lungs, spleen, and lymph nodes. The specific antigen was detected by the immunofluorescence method. Vascular disturbances and slight cellular changes were observed in the brain tissue of the vaccinated animals. In sick animals these changes were more marked in character.Laboratory of Immunopathology, D. I. Ivanovskii Institute of Virology, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR V. M. Zhdanov.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 86, No. 11, pp. 566–568, November, 1978.     

Body temperature and response to pyrogenal in germfree and ordinary animals

The body temperature and response to pyrogenal were studied in germfree and ordinary mice and miniature piglets. The body temperature of intact germfree mice and miniature piglets was found to be below that of ordinary animals of the same species. After intraperitoneal injection of pyrogenal (10 minimal pyrogenic doses) into mice and intramuscular injection of pyrogenal into piglets (500 minimal pyrogenic doses) the absence of a marked febrile reaction was observed in the germfree animals. The results point to the important role of the autoflora in the development of the ability of the animal to produce a temperature reaction and fever.Research Laboratory of Experimental Biological Models, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Moscow Region. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR N. N. Zhukov-Verezhnikov.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 85, No. 3, pp. 263–264, March, 1978.     

Electrophysiological characteristics of aortic baroreceptors

Myelinated and unmyelinated fibers with conduction velocities of 12–30 and 0.9–1.2 m/sec respectively were identified in the left aortic nerve in rabbits. In experiments on an isolated preparation of the aortic arch the electrophysiological characteristics of the aortic baroreceptors with myelinated and unmyelinated fibers were studied by selectively blocking conduction in these fibers. Baroreceptors with unmyelinated fibers were shown to have a higher threshold pressure and a wider range of function.Laboratory of Physiology and Pathophysiology of the Circulation, All-Union Cardiologic Scientific Center, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR E. I. Chazov.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 85, No. 1, pp. 3–5, January, 1978.     

Adaptation of the agent of scrapie to hamsters

The agent of scrapie (Compton strain) can be transmitted from mice to hamsters; the incubation period of the disease is 5–6 months. Passage of the agent of scrapie through suspensions of brain tissue was repeated 10 times. The scrapie agent was found in the spinal cord and spleen but it could not be found in the liver, kidneys, adrenals, and lungs of the infected animals in the last stage of the disease.Division of General Epidemiology, N. F. Gamaleya Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR O. V. Baroyan.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 81, No. 2, pp. 199–201, February, 1976.     

Liver tumors induced in mice by prenatal and postnatal administration of orthoaminoazotoluene

The prenatal and postnatal carcinogenic action of orthoaminoazotoluene (OAAT) on the liver was studied in CBA mice. The carcinogen was administered to the mice by the gastric route in oily solution in three doses each of 4 mg (total 12 mg). Tumors of the liver were found 12 months after administration of OAAT in the postnatal period in females in 89.3% of cases compared with 11.5% in the control and in males in 78.7% of cases compared with 68.5% in the control. In the experimental progenies exposed to OAAT during the last 4–5 days of prenatal development tumors of the liver were found in females at the age of 12 months in 54.8% of cases compared with 5.3% in the control and in males in 81.1% of cases compared with 35.2% in the control. In the experimental progenies, especially in males, malignant neoplasms were found more often than in intact animals or those exposed to OAAT in the postnatal period.Department of Carcinogenic Agents, Oncologic Scientific Center, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR L. M. Shabad.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 85, No. 2, pp. 199–202, February, 1978.     

Effect of sulfhydryl groups on automatic activity of the cardiac pacemakers

Experiments on isolated rabbit hearts and also on hearts with a complete atrioventricular block were carried out to study the effect of an excess or deficiency of sulfhydryl groups on automatic activity of the cardiac pacemakers. Unithiol and cysteine in concentrations of 1·10^–6–1·10^–4 g/ml were used as donors of sulfhydryl groups and a deficiency of these groups was produced by addition of alloxan in concentrations of 1·10^–5–5·10^–5 g/ml. Changes in the concentration of sulfhydryl groups were found to have no marked action on automatic activity of the sinoatrial node. An excess of sulfhydryl groups led to poststimulation depression of automatic activity of potential pacemakers of the ventricles and could lead to the development of Luciani's periods. Conversely, with a deficiency of sulfhydryl groups, automatic activity of the ventricular pacemakers increased shaprly, atrioventricular conduction was disturbed, and poststimulation depression of automatic activity was considerably reduced. Disturbances of cardiac activity evoked by a deficiency of sulfhydryl groups were completely abolished by unithiol or cysteine.Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, P. K. Anokhin Institute of Normal Physiology, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR. Department of Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Faculty, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow Medical Institute. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR P. A. Fedorov.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 82, No. 10, pp. 1165–1168, October, 1976.     

Effect of atherogenic diet on blood cholesterol and bile secreting function of the liver of rats of different ages

After isolation of the common bile duct the quantity of bile secreted during 24 h and the concentration of total bile acids in it were determined in adult (11–12 months) and old (27–29 months) rats. Differences between the adult and old rats as regards bile formation and the concentration of the cholesterol fractions of the liver and blood plasma were not significant if the animals were kept on a standard diet. If kept on an atherogenic diet, the secretion of bile acids was significantly higher both in the adult and in the old rats. Meanwhile the level of total and esterified cholesterol in the blood plasma was higher in the old than in the adult rats.Research Institute of Physiology, Kiev University. Laboratory of Pathological Physiology, Institute of Gerontology, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR N. N. Gorev.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 85, No. 2, pp. 155–157, February, 1978.     

Chronobiological aspect of the mechanism of lithium salts action in experimental alcoholism

After consumption of a 5% solution of ethanol for two months the diurnal rhythm of histophysiological activity of the rat pineal gland was found to be disorganized. A course of lithium chloride injections in doses corresponding to those used clinically reversed these changes and prevented their development if given during the two months' consumption of ethanol. This effect of lithium correlated with the suppression of preference for ethanol observed under these experimental conditions, or with the prevention of its development. The possible link between this property of lithium salts to reverse chronobiological disturbances of pineal activity and their clinical efficacy in alcoholism and other affective disturbances with a periodic course is discussed.Laboratory of Drug Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacology, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medial Sciences of the USSR V. V. Zakusov.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 86, No. 8, pp. 194–197, August, 1978.     

Effect of ethyrazole and parmidine on the development of experimental atherosclerosis in rabbits

In rabbits receiving cholesterol with the diet for 3–4 months the accumulation of total cholesterol in the aorta and the degree of severity of atherosclerosis of the aorta were reduced by administration of ethyrazole and parmidine. These substances had no substantial effect on the blood cholesterol, triglyceride, and phospholipid levels of these animals.Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacotherapy, N. N. Anichkov Department of Atherosclerosis, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Leningrad. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR S. V. Anichkov.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 81, No. 5, pp. 558–559, May, 1976.     

Effect of ligation of the pacreatic ducts on distribution of endogenous serotonin in organs of the gastrointestinal tract

During the 12 months after ligation of the pancreatic ducts in dogs the concentration of endogenous serotonin (5-HT) was studied in the mucous membrane of different parts of the stomach and small intestine, and also in homogenates of pancreatic tissue and in peripheral blood. Considerable and prolonged disturbances of the deposition of endogenous 5-HT were found. The disturbances were characterized by definite patterns for each tissue studied and were connected with changes in the relative constancy of the enteral medium as a result of absence of the pancreatic secretion in the lumen of the alimentary canal.Laboratory of the Pathophysiology of Digestion, Research Institute of General Pathology and Pathological Physiology, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR A. M. Chernukh.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 85, No. 5, pp. 518–520, May, 1978.     

Effect of sigetin on anovulation in rats

The effect of sigetin on anovulation was investigated in experiments on sexually mature female rats. Anovulation was induced experimentally by stress (keeping the rats under overcrowded conditions) and by unilateral ovariectomy (hemicastration). Treatment with sigetin in a dose of 10 mg/kg for 4–5 days restored normal ovulation. If large doses of sigetin (up to 30 mg/kg) were given for longer periods (2–3 weeks) no such effect was observed. The results of these experiments suggest that sigetin, in small doses, stimulates the secretion of luteinizing hormone.Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Leningrad. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR S. V. Anichkov). Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 83, No. 6, pp. 741–742, June, 1977.     

Increased thymidine excretion induced by polyanions

Marked thymidinuria, as is usually observed in rats and mice following exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation, develops in these animals during the first day after injection of polyanions (dextran sulfate and polyI-polyC). It is postulated that the thymidinuria is connected with the ability of the polyanions to induce migration of lymphocytes into the blood stream.Research Institute of Medical Radiology, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Obninsk.(Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR A. D. Ado.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 81, No. 6, pp. 655–656, June, 1976.     

Inhibitory action of neuraminidase ofVibrio cholerae in Rauscher mouse leukemia

The inhibitory action of the neuraminidase ofVibrio cholerae in Rauscher mouse leukemia was studied. After treatment of the spleen cells of leukemic mice with neuraminidase in doses of 50 units/ml or more, the ability of these cells to induce leukemia when injected into BALB/c mice was inhibited significantly. Neraminidase in the above concentration, if given by repeated parenteral injection, had no therapeutic action in Rauscher leukemia.D. I. Ivanovskii Institute of Virology, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR. Scientific-Research Laboratory of Experimental Immunobiology, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR N. N. Zhukov-Verezhnikov.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 82, No. 11, pp. 1357–1359, November, 1976.     

Primary and secondary immune response in animals after spontaneous loss of tolerance

The primary and secondary immune response was studied in mice in which tolerance was induced by injection of sheep's erythrocytes and cyclophosphamide (CP). In the early stages (from 1 to 8 weeks) after induction the mice were immunized with sheep's erythrocytes either in a single dose of 5·10⁸ cells or in two doses each of 1·10⁶ cells. Both methods of immunization gave equal results in the control animals. In the experimental animals the process of formation and (or) realization of immunological memory was impaired to a greater degree and recovered more slowly than ability to give a primary response.Laboratory of the Molecular Bases of Immunogenesis, Institute of Experimental Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Armenian SSR. Laboratory of Immunological Tolerance, N. F. Gamaleya Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR O. V. Baroyan.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 83, No. 6, pp. 716–718, June, 1977.     

On the oncogenic effect produced in rats by tissue culture preparations,subjected to the action of human mammary gland cancer tumor extracts

Summary In administering to newborn rats preparations from the monkey kidney tissue cultures subjected to the action of the extracts from cancer tissues of the human mammary gland, sarcoma occurred in 17–18% of the experimental animals at the age of 11–20 months, as well as in control animals in direct contact with them. Much more rarely (in 3.7% of the cases) the tumors occurred in rats in an experiment in which the initial material was passaged both in vivo and in vitro (mixed passage). Tumors did not appear in another comparable group of rats inoculated at the same period with the preparation from tissue cultures of human origin. A question is discussed on the appearance of tumors in rats and a possible connection of this phenomenon with the material investigated or the monkey kidney tissue cultures.(Presented by Active Member of the Academy of Medical Sciences of USSR A. D. Timofeevskii) Translated from Byulleten Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 53, No. 2, pp. 85–88, February, 1962Presented at a conference at the Department of Etiology and Pathogenesis of Tumors, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Oncology, Academy of Medical Sciences of USSR, on February 22, 1961.