Alwin M. Pappenheimer

Effect of Parathyroid Extract upon Volume of Parathyroid Glands in Normal and Partially Nephrectomized Rats

In the course of certain experiments upon sensitiveness of partially nephrectomized rats to parathyroid extract, an opportunity was offered to ascertain whether the administration of this hormone over shorter or longer periods leads to a reduction in the size of the parathyroid glands. It is a commonly held belief that substitution therapy brings about functional atrophy of the endocrine glands producing the secretion. In the case of the parathyroids, Jaffé and Bodansky 1 have reported that in dogs, the size of the parathyroid was reduced from one-third to one-half of that usually found; and that there were microscopic evidences of atrophy after acute or chronic experimental hyperparathyroidism. However, they did not weigh or measure the glands, and it seemed desirable to obtain more precise information on the subject. White and hooded rats were maintained on a standard diet. 2 Parathyroid extract (Lilly) was given by intraperitoneal injection in total doses ranging from 200 to 2150 Hansen units over periods of from 3 to 51 days. The combined volume of the parathyroid glands, after short fixation in Zenker, was measured from serial sections. 3 Determinations were made on 4 groups of rats: Group (I) Normal, untreated controls. Group (II) Normals, treated with parathyroid extract. Group (III) Partially nephrectomized, untreated rats. Group (IV) Partially nephrectomized rats, injected with parathyroid extract. The individual data are shown on the scatter chart, and the mean values in the various groups are presented in Table I. It is obvious that the injection of parathyroid extract, even in large closes, does not bring about an involution of the normal glands, nor does it prevent the hyperplasia which follows partial nephrectomy. We are greatly indebted to the Eli Lilly Co. for the parathyroid extract used in these experiments.

Prevention of Nutritional Myopathy of Ducklings by α-Tocopherol

Conclusion The nutritional myopathy of ducklings which develops on vitamin E deficient diet is completely prevented through the experimental period by daily administration of 4 mg of synthetic α-tocopherol. A dosage of 1 mg daily does not afford protection.†

Pathological Changes in the Skeletal Muscles Produced by Dietary Means

Guinea pigs maintained on the diet described in the previous paper 1 for periods ranging from 35 to 133 days, develop extreme degeneration of the skeletal muscles of the trunk and extremities. The primary alteration is a waxy or hyaline necrosis of the fibers. This is followed by great proliferation of the muscle nuclei, leading to the formation of so-called “Muskelzellenschlauche” within the intact sarcolemma. There is also active regeneration of muscle cells in the later stages. The disappearance of the degenerated fibers is accompanied by a variable amount of interstitial fibrosis and lipomatosis. The affected muscles are characterized grossly by a striking pallor. The prevailing color is yellowish grey, with fine stippling. The muscular tone and elasticity are lost, and the muscle bulk is much reduced in comparison with that of control litter mates. Careful histological study of the principal organs and tissues other than the skeletal muscles shows no significant change. The brain has not been routinely examined, but in sections of the spinal cord, the motor ganglion cells at all levels are normal in appearance. There are also no obvious lesions in the peripheral nerve trunks. The heart muscle, and the smooth muscle of the gastro-intestinal tract, bronchi, blood vessels and uterus are not affected. Two young rabbits were examined on the 15th and 16th days after having been placed upon the experimental diet. At that time, they were extremely weak, lying flat on their belly, with limbs flaccid and outstretched. The head could not be raised from the table. The muscles were uniformly pale, grey and translucent, not stippled. Microscopically, the lesions were identical with those seen in the guinea pigs. Necrotic fibers were plentiful, but there had already occurred enormous multiplication of muscle nuclei, and active regeneration of new fibers was in progress.

A note on the prevention of experimental low-phosphorus rickets in rats by the subcutaneous administration of potassium phosphate.

It is now well established that rachitic lesions of the bones may be readily produced in rats by a regimen deficient in available phosphate. With the standard Diet 84 in use in this laboratory, the minimal protective addition of K2HPO4, in the absence of effective light rays or specific antirachitic substances is in the neighborhood of 0.4 grams per cent of the diet—an amount equivalent to 75 mg. of phosphorus. The addition of 50 mg. protects in some individuals, but is on the border line. 1 It seemed of interest to ascertain whether the subcutaneous administration of inorganic phosphate also conferred protection; and if so, to make at least a rough quantitative comparison of the amount required with that necessary when administered with the food. A solution of K2HPO4 was made up to contain approximately 5 mg. of phosphorus per cc. Actual analysis by the Briggs modification of the Bell-Doisy method showed the solution to contain 4.85 mg. per cc. 2 The solution was sterilized, and kept in stoppered vaccine bottles to prevent evaporation. Graded amounts were injected 6 days a week over a period of 28 days. There was no local reaction, and the fluid was rapidly absorbed. Two litters of known stock (Gies) comprising 14 individuals, were used for the experiment. Three rats died before the termination of the experiment, and are not included. The dosage and results are shown in the accompanying table. It is seen that complete protection was afforded by injections of 1 cc. of the solution, equivalent to an average daily dose of 3.98 mg. of phosphorus. The total amount administered during the 28 day period of the experiment was 111.55 mg. Injection of lesser amounts gave only incomplete protection.

Unidentified Inclusions Within the Erythrocytes in Certain Gases of Febrile Anemia

This brief report concerns 3 cases of progressive febrile anemia, 2 ending fatally, which were characterized by the presence within the red cells of unidentified coccoid and bacillary bodies. These were stained dark blue or bluish purple with Wright or Giemsa stains (Fig. 1). From one to 20 or more bodies were present in a single cell, and from 10 to 55% of the cells were affected. They were somewhat pleomorphic, but frequently appeared in the form of diploids, tetrads, or short batonnets, straight or slightly curved. The presence of the structures was often associated with a de-hemoglobinization of the cells; in such cases, they were clustered at the margin. In unstained preparations, the bodies were colorless, very slightly refractile and possessed of an oscillatory motion within the cell. Treated with HCl and potassium ferrocyanide, they gave a positive iron reaction; the iron staining persisted in acid solutions, but disappeared after exposure to alkali at about pH 10. The morphology of the bodies was not altered by these procedures. They were not blackened by (NH4)2S, as is hemosiderin, nor by silver nitrate; they gave no histochemical reaction for alkaline phosphatase; the Feulgen reaction was also negative. They were resistant to autolysis, and to tryptic digestion. By laking the blood with distilled water or saponin, it was possible to obtain a very great concentration of the bodies in the centrifuged sediment (Fig. 2). When a suspension of intact red cells containing the bodies was placed in a strong electro-magnetic field, the cells with the inclusions were drawn in a linear streak along the sharp edge of the magnet. In Giemsa stained sections of the spleen, in all 3 cases, minute blue-staining bodies were present within the endothelial cells lining the sinuses. They were found also in reticuloendothelial cells of lymph-nodes and bone marrow, and in Kuppfer cells, in the 2 fatal cases.

Blood Volume in Normal Chicks and in Chicks with Nutritional Encephalomalacia

Conclusions 1. The disease described as nutritional encephalomalacia of chicks is not associated with significant alterations in cell plasma ratio, plasma or blood volume. 2. During the early growth period of the chick, the growth of the plasma and blood follow closely the growth of body weight. The blood and plasma volume per kilo, aside from individual variations, remain constant throughout the early growth period.