John K. Hampton

Effect of whole body x-irradiation on plasma iron turnover in rats.

Summary We studied the depression of plasma radioiron turnover rates in rats following X-irradiation. The depression is prompt (maximal by 24–30 hours) and, at 24 hours post-irradiation, is directly related to dose between 50 r and 300 r. Recovery occurs by the 6th post irradiation day, indicating that subsequent anemia is more likely due to hemorrhagic diathesis than bone marrow dysfunction. Sensitivity of the radioiron turnover method permitted a study of bone marrow response at frequent short intervals after irradiation.

An Evaluation of the Role of Ferritin (VDM) in Traumatic Shock.

Summary Increased tissue ferritin produced by intraperitoneal hemoglobin or precipitation of circulating ferritin by antiserum failed to affect mortality rate and mean death time in rats subjected to trauma in the Noble-Collip drum.

Further Evidence for Human A-Like Antigens on Marmoset Red Cells.

Summary Absorption and elution tests using immune heteroagglutinins produced in rabbits immunized with red cells of the marmoset Oedipomidas oedipus have further indicated the presence of an A-like antigen on the marmoset cells. In addition, the rabbit antiserum was found to have properties suggesting the presence of a “cross-reacting” type of antibody against human A and B cells. Although marmoset cells appear to have both A- and B-like red cell antigens, considerable differences in the reactions of these antigens compared to those of human A and B cells were seen.

Effect of high lipid diets on normal and traumatized rats.

Summary and conclusions Rats were maintained on 40% butter, 40% corn oil and control diets for 2, 4 and 6 weeks. Rats from each diet were traumatized in the Noble-Collip Drum so as to compare plasminogen activation. Serum proteolytic activity and cholesterol levels were determined. Differences in weights of the comparably dieted animals were negligible. Serum cholesterol levels were markedly higher in those fed high fat diets with 5% cholesterol than in rats on control diets. Trauma caused significantly increased serum proteolytic activity and serum cholesterol levels in all groups. The diet administered produced moderate hypercholesterolemia which did not significantly alter the serum proteolytic activator or plasmin activity of normal or traumatized rats.

Labeling of Rat Hemoglobin with Radioactive Iron

Summary and Conclusion The tagging of hemoglobin in the red cells of rats by the method described is efficient. The iron compound, ferrous chloride, is of low toxicity, the lactic acid in which it was dissolved provides a satisfactory stabilizing environment and the solution is well tolerated when injected. The data show a consistency in the percentage of tagging as evidence of the reproducibility of the experiment. In addition to the ease with which the materials are prepared, the short duration of the experiment is a desirable feature.