Some pathogenetic factors in experimental “indomethacine” hypertension

The concentrations of cyclic nucleotides (AMP and GMP) in the blood plasma, urine, and tissues, and morphological changes in the blood vessel walls of the kidneys were studied in rats with arterial hypertension induced by chronic inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. Considerable thickening of the walls of the interlobular and arcuate arteries and marked constriction of the lumen, mainly on account of hypertrophy and swelling of smooth-muscle cells, were observed. Mean-while the cyclic GMP concentration was increased, the cyclic AMP level lowered, and the cyclic AMP/cyclic GMP ratio reduced in the biological fluids. It is suggested that changes in the metabolism of the cyclic nucleotides are connected with organic and functional changes in the peripheral vascular system which lie at the basis of the increased general vascular resistance associated with arterial hypertension.All-Union Cardiological 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. 86, No. 8, pp. 150–153, August, 1978.     

Congenital rubella in the USSR.

The results of a comprehensive study of the problem of congenital rubella in Moscow and other cities of the USSR are presented. The highest rubella incidence was found among children 1-7 years of age; but 20-25 rubella cases were also recorded annually per 100 000 adults. Specific antihaemagglutinins were found in 36-70% of children and in 91-99% of adults. Investigation of the rubella foci revealed clinical rubella, confirmed by laboratory methods, in children and adults who had low initial titres of specific antihaemagglutinins. Serological screening of 1661 apparently healthy pregnant women detected antihaemagglutinins in 98.4%; however, low (1:8-1:16) titres were found in 53.3% and high (postinfection) titres and specific IgM in only 8.8% of cases.