Pharmacological Screening of Valerenal and some other Components of Essential Oil of Valeriana officinalis.

In order to clarify the pharmacological properties of some constituents of the essential oil of VALERIANA OFFICINALIS L. s. l. four pure compounds (valerenal, valerenic acid, valeranone and isoeugenyl-isovalerate), a hydrocarbon fraction, an oxygen fraction and the essential oil itself were submitted to a screening test. This test is an elaboration of the screening test of C AMPBELL and R ICHTER [11] to which several symptoms mentioned by I RWIN [12] and some other features have been added. From the results of this so-called Syndrome test valerenal and valerenic acid, which show some structural correspondence with the valepotriates, are pharmacologically active at the lowest dose levels. Together with valeranone, both compounds are likely to play a significant role in the depressive action of the essential oil whereas the activity of isoeugenyl-isovalerate is of relatively minor importance.     

The Fieldmaster 101 PR automatic visual field screener-Technical evaluation and clinical results

The perimetric concept and the technical construction of the Fieldmaster 101 PR were evaluated. 64 eyes of patients and 10 normal subjects were examined. We conclude that the Fieldmaster is a well-engineered instrument, using an inefficient test strategy. The presentation of visual field results could be impoved. Clinical results of the patient examinations are presented.     

Sertoli cell tumors of ovary: light microscopic and ultrastructural study with histogenetic considerations.

Two cases of pure Sertoli cell tumors of the ovary are presented. The tumors were grey to brown and generally solid, but with several cystic areas. They showed a highly differentiated, but variable, histologic patterns with solid cords of neoplastic cells, as well as tubular formations. Ultrastructurally, the basal part of the cells rested on a nonfibrillary basement membrane layer while the free border showed occasional cilia. Laterally, the cells showed tight junctions and desmosomes. Abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum and some cystically dilated smooth endoplasmic reticulum were evident. The theories regarding the histogenesis are discussed. Enough similarities, both by light and by electron microscopy, are presented between these tumors and the Sertoli cell to justify classifying these ovarian tumors as Sertoli cell in type. The development of cilia is considered to be a manifestation of focal metaplasia of the neoplastic Sertoli cell.     

Comparison of enzyme-labelled F(ab')2 and IgG conjugates in an enzyme-immunoassay for hepatitis B ‘e’ antigen

An improved enzyme-immunoassay (EIA) for the detection of hepatitis B ‘e’ antigen (HBeAg) and its corresponding antibody is described. The present test is as sensitive as the previous one but it is more specific as demonstrated by testing donor/recipient sera, donor plasmas and patients sera.Interference by antibody against hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) did not occur due to the use of HBsAg-free reagents. Interference by rheumatoid factor could be avoided by using enzyme-labelled F(ab')₂ rather than IgG conjugates. The application of an F(ab')₂ conjugate, however, introduced other non-specific reactions, particularly in sera from patients with (autoimmune) liver disorder. Further study into the applicability of F(ab')₂ conjugates is therefore indicated.