Localization of human A, B and H isoantigens in Cynomolgus monkey tissues.

The presence and distribution of human A, B and H isoantigens were demonstrated in Cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) by means of red cell adherence test. Although no human antigens were found on primate erythrocytes, various epithelial tissues revealed the presence of A, B or H antigenic substance. The distribution and localization was similar to that found in human tissues. Majority of specimens from each individual animal possessed only 1 human type isoantigen with the exception of the salivary and sweat glands, where all animals showed the presence of H antigen in addition to other specificity, and of Brunner's gland, where all sections reacted positively also for A antigen.

Distribution of H antigen in persons of blood groups A, B, and AB.

The distribution of H antigen in tissues of persons of blood groups A, B, and AB was examined. H antigen could be demonstrated in all tissues in which the isologous antigens A and B were demonstrated, although some cells demonstrated isologous but not H antigen. In most tissues, areas were seen that demonstrated H antigen but not the isologous antigen. This was especially true in Brunner's glands of the duodenum and esophageal glands, where the amount of H antigen was apparently greater than the amount of the isologous antigen. Since the results varied greatly from tissue to tissue, it was not possible to interpret the data with respect to the biochemical pathways of blood group antigen formation.

Toxicological evaluation of Norpace after intravenous administration to rat and dog.

Norpace (disopyramide phosphate) is a drug for treating cardiac arrhythmias. It has been evaluated for potential toxicological effects in albino rats and Beagle dogs, to provide safety support for clinical studies involving intravenous infusion. The compound was dissolved in Sodium Chloride for Injection, U.S.P. and administered daily by continuous intravenous infusion to groups of rats and dogs. Dose levels to 4.95 mg/kg/h for 14 and 28 consecutive days, respectively were employed. Rats received the formulation for 6--12 h daily; dogs were infused for 6 h daily. Conventional physical, cardiovascular, hematology, clinical chemistry and postmortem gross and microscopic examinations were performed. No compound-related changes were observed in the physical examinations (including ophthalmic), blood pressure (rat), ECG (dog), body weight, or clinical lab parameters evaluated; Food consumption was unontinuous restraining procedure employed during infusions reduced food consumption in all dogs, however, Postmortem examination did not reveal any lesions unique to treated animals. Some dogs exhibited intravenous fibrin thrombi at the site of injection. Organizing blood clots were occasionally present in the thoracic cavity of the rat. These findings were considered related to the infusion technique employed, rather than the drug administered. It was concluded that daily intravenous infusions of Norpace at doses up to 4.65 mg/kg/h to rats and dogs for 14 and 28 consecutive rays respectively, cause no biologically meaningful detrimental effects.

Experimental porphyria induced by 3-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-thioethyl)-4 methylsydnone.

Administration of 3-[2-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-thioethyl]-4-methylsydnone (TTMS) induces hepatic porphyria in rats, mice and dogs. The protoporphyrin pigment in livers of rats and mice is found mainly in bile ducts and leads to bile duct proliferation and portal inflammation. Dog livers contain protoporphyrin predominantly in bile canaliculi. The birefringence of the pigment appears to be associated with bilamellar components within the pigment. The markedly depressed catalase activity in livers of rats does not increase after clofibrate administration. The catalase activity of mouse liver is depressed slightly and responds to clofibrate treatment.