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Abstracts
The derivatives: D, L, DI.-n-propyl and isopropyl homocysteine; D, L, m-n-butyl and isobutyl homocyst&e; m-octyl homocystcine; D, L, m-benzylhomocysteine when added to Eagle’s semi-synthetic culture medium in concentrations rising from 0.025 to 0.5 per cent, interfere markedly with the metabolism, growth and karyocynetic activity of the epithelial elements in man (HeLa carcinoma). Statistical analysis shows that the inhibition of the growth of the explant differs quantitatively, particularly with the lower values of the series, depending on the homologue present in the culture medium, and that inhibition by the same homologuc depends on optical activity. The conclusion which could be drawn from a comparison of the different degrees of inhibition caused by the two optical antipodes of each homologue, make it possible to explore the relationship between the structure and activity of the homologues of methionine. 474 The Influence of Some Pharmacological Agents on the Regulation of Lipid Metabolism. G. S. GWISHIANI (U.S.S.R.). These conclusions are confirmed by results obtained in irradiated rabbits whose heads were protected against irradiation. The influence of some pharmacological drugs on the iipid content of the blood and of the aortic wall of rabbits with cholesterol induced atherosclerosis was studied. The injection of novocaine into the animal organism is accompanied by a decrease in the cholesterol content of the blood and in the lipid composition of the aortic wall. The quantity of lecithin also decrcascs but to a slighter degree. The intramuscular injection of diethylendoamino-cobalt iodide decreases the lipid content of the aortic wall. The quantity of cholesterol in the blood serum also decreases. The quantity of lecithin is not subjected to any definite changes. The intramuscular injections of AKTG sharply decrease the cholesterol level in the blood and the lipid content of the aortic wall. Some increase of the lecithin content of the blood serum is observed simultaneously. 475 The Intluence of Chlorpropamide and Salicylate on Plasma Lipids. L. A. CARLSON and J. &TMAN (Sweden). Salicylate, given intravenously to normal subjects as well as to patients with diabetes, decreases blood sugar. Simultaneously, a decrese of plasmafree fatty acids (FFA) is obtained. This decrease of FFA was studied with isotope technique and was found to be related to a diminished inflow to plasma of FFA. In vitro experiments have given evidence of a decreased output of FFA from adipose tissue after addition of salicylate, which agrees with the above-mentioned finding.
of Papers Chlorpropamide has an influence similar to salicylate on plasma FFA. Studies are in progress on the mechanism of this effect, which arc hoped to be reported at the Meeting. The long term effect of chlorpropamide on cholesterol, phospholipids and glycerides in plasma will be reported. Th e main effect observed, is a decrease of the glycerides.
476 I Alterations in Serum Lipid Patterns and Fatty Acid Distribution after Oral Administration of Synthetically Prepared Arachidonic Acid. H. \vACEPI’ER, H. hl.41 and G. SCHETTLER (Germany). Results of short- and long-term studies on the action of synthetically prepared arachidonic acid (administered as the ethyl ester) are presented. The study was undertaken with normals of different ages and persons with disturbed lipid metabolism, e.g. patients with atherosclerosis, essential hyperlipaemia, and essentially hypercholesterolaemia. The serums were analysed for total lipids, cholesterol, phospholipids, and total fatty acids. Total fatty acids were also xparated by gas-liquid chromatography. Normal persons with different caloric intakes showed reduction of total lipids and total cholesterol within 24 hr with doses of 9, 3: and even 1 g ethyl arachidonate. The fall in total lipid and cholesterol levels appeared to be roughly proportional to the original levels. Hyperlipaemic and hypercholesterolaemic patients showed more marked depressions. The accompanying altcrations in fatty acid distribution arc presented ant1 discussed.
477 Occurrence Biological (Germany).
and Formation Material.
of Lysolecitbin in HABERYANN E.
Lipid components of tissues and body fluids can be separated by thin layer chromatography and can be determined subsequently. Quantitative data will be given, especially concerning the behaviour of the pharmacologically active lysolecithin under various conditions.
478 Reduction of 9a- and 12a-Halogenated llI. E. BUSH and S. HUNTER Ketosteroids. (United Kingdom). Fried has demonstrated that the effect of halogen substituents adjacent to the 11-oxgen function of glucocorticoids is due to their negative inductive effect since fluorine has the same influence in increasing the activity of such steroids in position 9 and 12. It is believed that this effect increases thr strength of hydrogen bonds with the 1 Ip-hydroxyl group when this group acts as proton donor to the bond. Bush and Mahesh have shown that another