Effectiveness of intranasal immunization with Myxovirus influenzae neuraminidase in mice]

An intranasal immunization with a A/PR8/34-isolated NA, protected mice as well as the whole virus and A/Hong Kong/1/68 virus against a subsequent infection with mice-adaptated A/PR8/34 strain.     

Monoamine oxidase activity of the brain of Locusta migratoria in normal conditions and after intoxication by two insecticides: chlordimeform and dieldrin]

Our investigations have shown up an MAO activity in locust brain, by the use of a radio-isotopic method, as much at larval as at adult stage. This MAO activity is in a sample of 34,3 dpm/mg of brain tissue (wet weight). Investigations have also been undertaken on effects of dieldrin and chlordimeform poisoning on this MAO activity. Even at sublethal dosages, chlordimeform causes a significant inhibition of MAO activity in vivo. This finding is in accordance with Beeman and Matsumura's work in vitro. Moreover, acute poisoning by dieldrin produces more than 60% of inhibition of MAO, 3 hours after administration of 115 microng of this insecticide by injection in the hoemocelian cavity.     

Effect of the gas phase of cigarette smoke on the rate of sister chromatid exchanges in human lymphocytes in vitro]

A technique of differential staining of chromatids after BudR treatment enabled us to study the influence of the gas phase of cigarette smoke on human lymphocytes. We ascertained that the number of exchanges increased in proportion to the concentration of gas phase extant in the medium. Moreover, the base-line exchange rate was a little higher in smokers than in nonsmokers.     

Macrophage origin of platelet activating factor]

Platelet-activating factor (P.A.F.) is a mediator of anaphylaxis released from human and Rabbit basophils which causes aggregation of platelets and release of their vasoactive amines. We have induced the release of P.A.F. from Rat peritoneal cells (P.C.) with ionophore A 23187. After fractionation of P.C. on 5-15% Ficoll gradients, P.A.F. was obtained from macrophage-rich but not from mastocyte-rich fractions and from adherent cells but not from non adherent cells. These data suggest an important new function for the macrophage: aggregation of platelets and release of their vasoactive amines and others mediators of inflammation.     

Experimental bases and primary trials of photochemotherapy of psoriasis by a non-cancerigenic monofunctional furocoumarin, 3-carbethoxypsoralen]

The carcinogenic risk of the photochemotherapy (PUVA) with bifunctional furocoumarins such as 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) forming cross-links in cellular DNA has initiated a search for active but less dangerous psoralens. The 3-carbethoxypsoralen (3-CPs), studied in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has been very photoactive on DNA forming only monoadditions to DNA. In Mice it was demonstrated that after local or intra-peritoneal administration, 3-CPs is non toxic, non erythematogenic and non carcinogenic in contrast to 8-MOP. A limited study on ten psoriatic patients has shown that after local application 3-CPs exhibits about the same therapeutic activity as 8-MOP.