Biotransformation of Sisomicin to Gentamicin C2b

Sisomicin was transformed to gentamicin C_2b by Micromonospora rhodorangea NRRL 5326. The mechanisms involved in the biotransformation are the 6′-N-methylation and the (4′-5′)-reduction. The progression of the methylation was followed by the isotope technique, but the reduction reaction was not monitored.     

Failure of antiserotonergic agents to modify levallorphan-induced stereotypy in rats

n-Dipropylacetate (nDPA), at a dose of 100 mg/kg, has a facilitating action on the acquisition of conditioned reactions with negative reinforcement in mice. On the other hand, nDPA reduces the number of conditioned reactions with a dose of 200 mg/kg. These effects of nDPA on conditioned behaviour are correlated with the increase of the level of brain gamma-aminobutyric acid, following administration of nDPA.     

Cryptococcal eye disease

A survey is given of the clinical picture of an infection with Cryptococcus neoformans. The symptoms and therapy are reviewed and the case history of a 13 year old boy suffering from this fungus infection is discussed.     

Effect of pregnancy on experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in guinea pigs and rats

Pregnancy in guinea pigs and rats exerted a suppressive influence on the development of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). Early or late stages in pregnancy had a similar effect in delaying the onset of EAE, a greater delay being observed in pregnant guinea pigs with full term pregnancies. However, the suppressive effect in the majority of animals was only temporary and when they developed the disease the clinical severity was then similar to that in the controls. Clinical symptoms of EAE, in guinea pigs that did not maintain their pregnancy, developed soon after abortion or resorption and these animals deteriorated rapidly. Histologic lesions were markedly enhanced with prominent demyelination in the majority of guinea pigs that were sensitised when pregnant.     

Somatic presentation of DSM III psychiatric disorders in primary care

This paper describes a study assessing the correlates and possible determinants of ‘somatisation’ by patients consulting their family doctor with a new illness. Operational criteria of ‘somatisation’ are given and the relationship between DSM III psychiatric disorders and physical illness are described. The epidemiological findings that are presented illustrate that ‘somatisation’ is a common phenomenon and accounts for a substantial proportion of ‘hidden psychiatric morbidity’ in primary care.