Biochemical effects of some organo‐phosphorus insecticides on new targets in white rats

Abstract

The three S‐n‐propyl phosphates and phosphothioates: RH 218, profenofos and prothiophos were compared with fenitrothion in their potential as inhibitors of rat liver and brain AChE. Fenitrothion was more potent as an inhibitor than the three S‐n‐propyl derivatives. Incubation of hepatic protein enhanced ChE inhibition in brain in the case of fenitrothion, while it reduced the inhibitory effect of the S‐n‐propyl derivatives. On the other hand, the four organophosphorus esters caused hypoglycemia in both male and female rats and also reduced their blood urea with different degrees.     

Prenatal diagnosis and fetal pathology of partial trisomy 20p–monosomy 4p resulting from paternal translocation

Amniocentesis was performed in view of a paternal balanced chromosomal rearrangement t(4;20)(p16;p12), inv(18)(p11q11). The pregnancy was complicated by severe oligohydramnios. The fetal karyotype was unbalanced: 46XX, der(4), t(4;20)(p16;p12), inv(18) (p11q11)pat., thus resulting in partial trisomy 2Op and monosomy 4p. In addition, the amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) became increasingly elevated with gestational age. The pregnancy was terminated at 25 weeks. The fetus presented with typical facial dysmorphic features, unilateral cleft lip and palate, severe renal hypoplasia, consistent with the 4p- (Wolf-Hirschhorn) syndrome.     

Aseptically collected calf serum as an effective alternative to fetal calf serum in the culture of amniotic fluid cells

The growth-promoting activities of three different bovine sera have been compared in primary and secondary amniotic fluid cell cultures. In secondary amniotic fluid cell micro- cultures, aseptically collected calf serum (CS) was slightly, though not significantly more effective than fetal calf serum (FCS) in promoting DNA synthesis, while newborn calf serum (NCS) was significantly less effective than either CS or FCS. All three sera were optimally effective at concentrations of 10 per cent (v/v). Significant variation in quality occurred within four batches of each of CS and FCS, but not within four batches of NCS. A selected batch of CS was significantly more effective in promoting the growth of primary amniotic fluid cell cultures than were a number of batches of FCS then in routine laboratory use. It is suggested that CS may serve as an effective and economical alternative to FCS in the culture of amniotic fluid cells, thereby expanding the scope of serum batch testing. A possible explanation for the varying growth-promoting activities of different sera is discussed.     

Fetal blood sampling via the umbilical cord using a needle guided by ultrasound report of 66 cases

Pure fetal blood has been aspirated in utero from the umbilical vein near the placental insertion of the cord using a twenty gauge needle under ultrasound guidance. Sixty-six samples were taken on 63 pregnancies between 17 and 32 weeks of gestation. One to two millilitres of blood can be obtained easily without amniotic fluid dilution or contamination by maternal blood, as confirmed by the measurements of the mean corpuscular volume, the histogram distribution of the red blood cells and the hematocrit. In all cases the Kleihauer test and isoelectrofocusing of the hemoglobins were performed. Coagulation factors were also studied in 60 cases. In 17 cases a medical abortion was voluntarily induced after the procedure, and the follow-up was normal during the observation period after sampling. In the other cases, pregnancies have continued normally and twelve healthy babies have already been born.     

Computer-assisted analysis of fetal behavioural states

A computerized system which simultaneously acquires and quantifies several ultrasonically detected fetal activities, including gross body movements, breathing movements, and eye movements, was developed in order to obtain additional quantitative data on fetal behaviour. Movements were automatically related to fetal heart rate allowing computation of their mean incidence, duration, lag time and percentage time spent moving during different heart rate patterns. The incidence of various behavioural states was also calculated. The study of 15 healthy fetuses near term revealed the existence of statistically significant differences in these parameters between low and high variability patterns of fetal heart rate suggesting a quantitative modulation of fetal movements by behavioural states.     

Unexpected structural chromosome rearrangements in prenatal diagnosis

Among 5315 prenatal diagnoses performed for various indications (maternal age, neural tube defect, metabolic diseases, X-linked diseases, pathologic pregnancies) 29 unexpected structural chromosome rearrangements were found in fetal cells. Fourteen were de novo chromosome rearrangements, six unbalanced, and eight balanced. Fifteen were inherited and balanced rearrangements. This high frequency of structural anomalies is discussed.     

The psychosocial sequelae of a second-trimester termination of pregnancy for fetal abnormality

A retrospective study to investigate the psychosocial sequelae of a second-trimester termination of pregnancy (TOP) for fetal abnormality (FA) is described. After appropriate consent was obtained, 84 women and 68 spouses were visited 2 years after the event and asked to complete an extensive questionnaire. Most couples reported a state of emotional turmoil after the TOP. There were differences in the way couples coped with this confusion of feelings. After 2 years about 20 per cent of the women still complained of regular bouts of crying, sadness, and irritability. Husbands reported increased listlessness, loss of concentration, and irritability for up to 12 months after the TOP. In the same period, there was increased marital disharmony in which 12 per cent of the couples separated for a while and one couple obtained a divorce. These problems could be attributed to a lack of synchrony in the grieving process. Confusing and conflicting feelings led to social isolation and lack of communication. Difficulties in coming to terms with the fetal loss were not found to be linked to the type of fetal abnormality or religious beliefs but were related to parental immaturity, inability to communicate needs, a deep-rooted lack of self-esteem before the pregnancy, lack of supporting relationships, and secondary infertility. Suggestions for improved management are given.