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Biomedical subjects

D Wassermann

Publications and source records attributed to D Wassermann.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

World PCBs map: storage and effects in man and his biologic environment in the 1970s.

PCB residues are found in biota all over the world. A biologic magnification of PCBs has been demonstrated in the food chain: plankton-fish-fish eating birds. A world map of the PCBs residues in biota and some of their biologic effects are given in this study. The biologic effects of PCBs are varied and may generally be explained by the induction or inhibition of the activity of a large number of enzymes, which upsets quantitatively, normal biochemical processes. Harm to reproduction, growth, development, defense systems, tissues, and organs appeared in susceptible organisms as a result of such changes or as a chain reaction to heterostases. The adverse health effects, observed in persons occupationally exposed and in those accidentally poisoned, point to the risk for the general population of an ever-increasing environmental pollution by PCBs. There is need for an integrated approach, consisting of epidemiologic studies on high risk groups in the general population and in persons occupationally exposed, as well as periodic assessment of PCB residues in man, his food, and feed supplies.

Animals

Systematic utilization of an antipseudomonas aeruginosa vaccine in a severe burn unit.

The biological and clinical results of vaccination against pseudomonas aeruginosa infection have been analyzed for a group of 287 burned patients having over 25% surface burnt. The vaccine used was a cellular one inactivated by heat and containing 10 different strains. The effectiveness has been judged on the one hand by the increase in the antipseudomonas antibody count and on the other by comparing a group of vaccinated patients with a non-vaccinated group. After vaccination, the antipseudomonas aeruginosa antibodies increased from the 4th-5th day and reached an impressive increase after the 10th day. Clinically, protection is almost complete if one considers that pseudomonas aeruginosa positive blood cultures appear 15 days after vaccination, and above all the prognosis of these late infections. Both locally and generally, this vaccine has always been perfectly tolerated.

Antibodies, Bacterial

Polychlorinated biphenyls induced rat liver adenomas.

Multiple liver adenomas were found in 30 month old female rats which had received for 28 months, 200 ppm polychlorinated biphenyls (Arochlor 1254) in their drinking water. No lung metastases were detected. The examination of fragments of these adenomas under the electron microscope showed group polymorphism of the hyperplastic liver cells. The ultrastructural changes were considered to be as a result of chemical lesions induced by polychlorinated biphenyls and as adaptive morphological responses to the long term exposure to toxic chemical compounds. The group polymorphism was seen in the light of the clonal theory, to be the result of inherited biochemical lesions occurring in cells of hyperplastic liver nodules.

Adenoma

Organochlorine compounds in human blood plasma and milk.

Organochlorine insecticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's were assessed in human blood and milk collected from Israeli mothers 2-4 days ater childbirth during 1975. The concentration of total DDT (sigma DDT) was similar in whole plasma and milk (74 ppb versus 72 ppb) and higher in plasma-extracted lipids than in milk-extracted lipids: 15.12 ppm versus 5.77 ppm. Levels of gemma-BHC, dieldrin, and heptachlor epoxide were higher in whole plasma and plasma-extracted lipids than in whole milk or in milk-extracted lipids. PCB's had similar concentrations in extracted lipids of plasma and milk but were significantly higher in whole milk than in whole plasma. Higher percentages of organochlorine insecticides and PCBs were excreted in milk from mothers between 20 and 29 than between 30 and 39, although the younger group had lower levels of these compounds in plasma. Overweight women excreted lower quantities of organochlorine insecticides and PCB's than did women of normal weight

Adult

Multiple rough endoplasmic cisternae in "C" cells.

Multiple rough endoplasmic cisternae were found in "C" cells of the adult rat, at interphase. They are considered to be normal constituents of "C" cells. Their morphological relation to rough endoplasmic reticulum and their close proximity to mitochondria, Golgi dictyosomes and secretory granules suggest that they may have a role in the secretory activity of this endocrine cells.

Animals

Multiple rough endoplasmic cisternae in the endocrine pancreas of the adult rat.

Multiple rough endoplasmic cisternae were found in the parenchymatous cells of the endocrine pancreas of the adult rat (alpha, beta, D and intermediary cells) and were especially developed in beta cells. They are considered to be normal constituents of the parenchymatous cells of the endocrine pancreas. Their close proximity to Golgi dictyosomes and the accumulation of secretory material sometimes seen at the extremities of such cisternae, suggest that they may have a role in the secretory activity of these endocrine cells.

Animals

[Change in blood lactate decrease after submaximal exercise, after stay at moderate altitude].

The study of blood lactate concentration after a submaximum and steadfast exercise shows a lesser rise after three weeks at middle altitude. This can be related with an increase of maximum working capacity as previously demonstrated. The obtained modifications result in part from an increase in oxydative metabolism activity and perhaps from an enhancement of lactate oxydation.

Acclimatization

Ultrastructure of beta-cells of the endocrine pancreas in rats receiving polychlorinated biphenyls.

A morphological study of the beta-cell of the pancreas in rats chronically exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is presented. In rats who received 200 p.p.m. PCBs in their drinking water for 13 months, marked dilatation of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), vesiculation of RER, hyperplastic Golgi complexes, a reduced number of secretory granules, an increased number of mitochondria and mitochondrial changes were observed. Numerous acinar-beta and beta-acinar cells were also present. These structural features suggested an increased activity of the beta-cells in these animals. Since in previous studies we found an increase in the activity of the adrenal zona fasciculata of rats exposed to PCBs, the present findings were considered a result of solicitation of beta-cells for carbohydrates' homeostasis.

Animals