ALBERT

Notes: C4 is composed of two tightly linked genes (C4A and C4B) lying within the major histocompatibility complex of chromosome 6 that can be demonstrated by agarose gel electrophoresis. Seven alleles and five alleles at the C4A and C4B loci, respectively, were detected in 169 black individuals from the southeastern United States. Furthermore, the phenotypic frequencies of C4A6, C4A5, C4A4, C4B4, C4B3, and C4BQO were significantly different between black and white Americans.

Notes: Two B complex genotypes, B1B1 and B19B19, of outbred line S1, were tested for low and high immune response to GAT, from which four recombinants were recovered: B1B1 GAT-hi and lo, and B19B19 GAT-hi and -lo. Also included in the study were birds of B2B2 genotype with an intermediate level of immune response to GAT.A total of 225 birds of these groups were challenged with the Bryan strain of Rous Sarcoma virus subgroup C, RSV (RAV-7), by inoculation into the wing web at five weeks of age. The B1B1 genotype had the lowest percentage of regressors (17.6%), B19B19 had the highest (42.2%), and the B2B2 genotype was intermediate (23.7%). Combining the results of GAT response over the B1B1 and B19B19 genotypes, 14.0% of GAT-lo and 37.8% of GAT-hi regressed their tumours, respectively. The highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) difference between the combined GAT-hi and -lo groups would suggest that the Rs locus controlling tumour regression induced by the subgroup C virus is closely linked to the region controlling immune response to GAT, but the data also provides evidence that the B-F region of the B complex also plays an important role in RSV-induced tumour regression.

Notes: Surface immunoglobulin on spleen cells from NZB and NZB/W mice and congenic mice bearing the nude or X-linked immune defective (Xid) gene was examined by flow microfluorometry with regard to both the frequency of positive cells and density expressed on the cell. These data indicate that although the frequency of unseparated sIg+ B lymphocytes is equivalent among all of these groups of mice, the densities of sIgM and sIgD are different. Spleen cells from these mice were also separated by free-flow electrophoresis and analyzed in a similar manner. This analysis demonstrated the absence of a subpopulation of B lymphocytes with a low electrophoretic mobility and low expression of sIgM. These studies suggest that maturational and/or activation states of the B cells in mice bearing the Xid or nude genes are different from those seen in the parent strains of mice. Such alterations in cell-surface antigens correlate with differences in the natural history of immunopathology of the autoimmune disease in these congenic colonies of New Zealand mice.

Notes: Fifty-five Caucasoid patients with polymalgia rheumatica (PMR) or giant cell arteritis (GCA) were immunoglobulin (Gm) allotyped for this study. Forty-four of these patients had been previously HLA-A,B,C and DR locus allotyped. The incidence of the immunoglobulin allotypic marker Glm(2) was significantly increased in the GCA group (50.00% v. controls 18.75%, P= 〈0.01). There was a similar but insignificant rise of this Gm marker in the PMR group (27.24% v. 18.75%, NS). The increase in Glm(2) in the GCA group was not accompanied by a corresponding rise in the number of people homozygous for Glm(2), i.e., all the increase could be attributed to patients with the Glm(1,2,3): G3m(5,10,21) phenotype.

Notes: The strains B 10.S(7R), B 10.S(23 R) and B 10.S(24R), all thought to be genetically identical, differ in levels of susceptibility to infection with Trichinella spiralis. In a series of nine independent experiments, B 10.S(7R) was shown to be more susceptible than the other two strains. In another series of seven experiments, the strain B 10.A(18R) was shown to be more susceptible to infection with T. spiralis than the strains B 10.S(21R) or B 10.BAR-5, all of which were thought to share common H-2 alleles. These results indicate that a gene mapping between the S and D loci influences susceptibility to infection with T. spiralis. Typing of these strains for Qa and Tl loci rule out the possibility of a double crossover accounting for the differences observed. The new gene is designated Ts-2. Previously published data have also been reinterpreted and another gene Ts-1 is shown to be associated with the Aβ locus. When the d allele is expressed at the Ts-2 locus, strains of mice expressing s, q, f or b alleles at Ts-1 are rendered more susceptible to infection.

Notes: IgG and IgA heavy chain allotypes were determined in the sera of 483 Caucasian Type 1 diabetes patients and 503 Caucasian healthy controls. There was no significant difference between patients and controls neither on the level of Gm phenotype frequencies nor on the level of Gm three-locus and two-locus haplotype frequencies. A selective IgA deficiency was found in 14 patients (2.9%) but in none of the control individuals (P〈10-4).

Notes: Gm allotypes were detected and quantitated by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in paired serum and CSF samples from patients suffering from various neurological diseases. Of 115 patients with neurological disorders (65 MS and 50 others), seven subjects displayed one or two allotypes in their CSF which were absent in serum. The Gm phenotype in the patient's serum allowed us to infer the genotype without the need of familial data. A comparison of the regression curves obtained in RIA from the unexpected allotype in CSF and the counterpart in a normal serum pool argued for an identity of the Gm antigen carried by both inhibitory molecules. The unexpected allotype(s) in CSF can be considered as the product of a latent Gm gene which may be activated by either immune perturbations due to the disease per se or some particular immune regulations in the central nervous system.

Notes: Book reviewed in this article:N. Catsimpoolas; Cell Analysis. Plenum Publishing CorpJ.W.Shay: Techniques In Somatic Cell Genetics

Notes: Immunoprecipitaon studies of the rhesus monkey major histocompatibility system have shown that the RhLA-DR locus codes for class II antigens with molecular features that are homologous to the class II antigens coded for by the human HLA-dR locus, The products of another alloantigenic RhLA-linked locus of the rhesus monkey, called ‘48’, is provisionally characterized as a class I system.

Notes: The relationships between the antigens recognized by four monoclonal anti-human ‘Ia’-like antibodies were investigated using sequential immunoprecipitation and capping techniques. Two of the antibodies were ‘monomorphic’ and have previously been shown to recognize epitopes in which carbohydrate residues are involved, whereas the two ‘polymorphic’ antibodies recognized protein-defined epitopes—one of these epitopes being present on MB+DR- molecules. In the absence of an indisputable anti-DR monoclonal antibody, it was not possible to conclusively verify which ‘Ia’-encoded antigens were detected by the anti-‘Ia’-like monoclonal antibodies. Nevertheless, several firm conclusions could be drawn: (a) so-called ‘monomorphic’ antibodies do not necessarily react with all ‘Ia’ molecules encoded by a single locus—from the results using the two monomorphic antibodies, B5.1 and 3F1.1, described herein, two populations of antigens being B5.1+3F1.1+ and B5.1+3F1.1- were identified; (b) cross-reactivity of a polymorphic determinant expressed on antigenically-separable ‘Ia’ molecules was noted—using the two polymorphic antibodies, 26.1 and F5C9, molecules which were 26.1+F5C9+ and 26.1-F5C9+ were identified; and (c) the data clearly point to the existence of at least two loci coding for ‘Ia’-like antigens (one of which may or may not be the HLA-DR locus). Given that polymorphisms can now include protein- and carbohydrate-defined epitopes, that cross-reactions occur and that the definition of DR itself by monoclonal antibodies is not clear, the complexity of the human ‘Ia’ antgens is apparent.

Notes: We report HLA genotypes in four familial cases of Hodgkin's disease (HD), Nodular Sclerosis (NS) histological subtype, where all patients showed B18 antigen. This finding, although statistically not supported, confirms the possible correlation between HD and B18 antigen which carries a high relative risk in international data.

Notes: Previous studies from this laboratory have resulted in the determination of the antigenic structure of sperm-whale myoglobin (Mb). In the present work, we have investigated the fine specificity requirements for T-cell recognition of one of the Mb antigenic sites (antigenic site 5). The antigenic site (peptide 145-153) and seven progressively longer peptides, increasing in length stepwise by two residues at a time, up to 22 residues in length (peptide 132-153), were synthesized. In addition, four truncated peptides were synthesized with intentional deletions at Tyr- 151 and Ala- 144. The T-cell recognition of these purified synthetic peptides was examined here in detail in three strains of mice (BALB/cByJ, B10.D2/n and SJL/J). Mb-primed mice afforded T-cells which proliferated to smaller peptides (two or four residues longer than the site; i.e. peptides 145-153 and 143-153) and more so to the longer peptides 135-153 and 132-153 and to Mb. No response was obtained to the truncated peptides, thus underscoring the fine specificity T-cells. No response was obtained also to intermediate-sized peptides. The latter result, due to an unfavourable mode of folding, suggested a conformational dependency in T-lymphocyte recognition.

Notes: Serum blood samples from 563 of the total 700 Nganasans, members of the isolate in the northern-most part of Siberia were tested for G1m, (z,a,x,f), G2m (n), G3m (g,b0,b1,b3,b5,s,t), and km (1) allotypic determinants. Additionally, 78 Yenisey Samoyeds (Entsi) who are the Nganasan's western neighbours were studied. Both populations are remarkable for high frequency of ‘Northern Oriental’Gm (za;.;b0b3b5st) which appears to be the most frequent haplotype in the Nganasans (0.486), and is the second frequent in Yenisey Samoyeds (0.276). The Gm (f;b) generalized haplotype which used to be considered as an indicator of Caucasian gene flow occurred in the Nganasans in the very low frequency of 0.008, versus 0.045 revealed in adjoining Yenisey Samoyeds. Both populations also differ in the frequency of Km1 which is two times lower in the Nganasans (0.048), than in Yenisey Samoyeds (0.103). When segregation ratios for the Gm locus were inspected in 67 Nganasan families, no apparent deviations from Mendelian expectations, and no recombinant phenotypes were observed.

Notes: Genetic control of PQ prolongation of the electrocardiogram (ECG) in the mouse, immunized with killed group A streptococci, was studied by using various congenic mice. Mice of H-2a, H-2k and H-2f haplotypes showed high frequencies of PQ prolongation, while haplotypes of H-2b, H-2d and H-2s showed low frequencies of PQ prolongation. Studies using various recombinant mice revealed that at least one immune-associated (Ir) gene mapped in the left side of the I-B subregion. High responsiveness of F1 hybrids of H-2b and H-2d, as well as B1O.A(5R) and B10.A(3R), suggests the existence of a complementing gene. In addition, the differences between C3H and CKB, as well as differences between C3H.SW and CWB, indicate that another Ir gene maps in the immunoglobulin heavy chain (Igh) coding loci. Repeated injections of anti-I-J or anti-I-A antisera also modified this PQ prolongation. These results suggested that both the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and immunoglobulin (Igh) loci seem to be playing important roles in the pathogenesis of PQ prolongation.

Notes: The growth and reproduction complex contains recessive genes (grc) which influence body weight and gonadal development. Homozygous males are sterile, and they have an arrest of spermatogenesis at the primary spermatocyte stage. Homozygous females are fertile but have a reduced reproductive capacity. The data presented in this paper show that the latter defect is associated with a decrease in the relative number of secondary ovarian follicles and an increase in the number of atretic follicles. This finding indicates that most of the primary follicles do not mature properly. Thus, the genetic defect in gametogenesis controlled by the grc appears to occur at the same stage of development in both females and males.

Notes: Having reviewed the status of H-Y as the sex-determining antigen concerned with the differentiation of teh dominant gonad, we consider some of the problems deriving from the tests for this antigen, and from their application to the study of natural experiments. To reconcile the results of these studies with the alleged influence of H-Y on gonadal development, we propose and discuss a hypothesis on the genetic control of the synthesis of this antigen. This states that an autosomally-coded, positively cross-reacting precursor is rendered biologically active by a Y-chromosomal gene, and transformed (in a dosedependent manner) into a biologically inactive, antigenically negative substance under the influence of an X-chromosomal gene.

Notes: The presence of H-2Ld antigens was evaluated in methylcholanthrene-induced BALB/c fibrosarcomas by a varity of approaches. Transplantation experiments showed that BALB/c-H-2dm2 mice, a mutant strain whose cells do not express H-2Ld antigens, after immunization with BALB/c normal tissues developed a resistance to the growth of two tumours (C-3 and GI-17), but not to a third neoplasm, C-1, which is known to have H-2d-as well as H-2k-like alien antigens. In vitro experiments with cytotoxic T lymphocytes generated against Ld antigens confirmed a loss of Ld antigens on C-1 but not on C-3 tumour cells. Serological experiments with an anti-Ld serum again revealed the presence of H-2Ld determinants on C-3 but not on C-1 cells. Biochemical analysis in SDS-PAGE of immunoprecipitates obtained by specific anti-H-2 sera with NP40 lysates of the tumours studied could detect H-2Kd, H-2Dd and H-2Ld antigens in C-3 fibrosarcoma cells whereas Kd and Dd were the only H-2d molecules found in C-1 lysate along with the H-2k-like specificities. The possible genetic mechanisms which may explain this apparent gain and loss modification of the H-2 profile of C-1 are discussed.

Notes: Recently, in investigating the responses of T-cell from high responder mice that were primed with myoglobin (Mb) or with synthetic peptides containing antigenic site 5 and increasing in length stepwise by increments of two residues, we observed that T-cell recognition was highly dependent on conformation. In the present studies, tolerization experiments were carried out to further investigate this finding. Neonatal mice (BALB/cByJ) were either tolerized with Mb or with synthetic peptides of Mb containing antigenic site 5. Tolerization with Mb and subsequent immunization with Mb gave T-cells that did not proliferate in vitro to Mb or any of the peptides. T-cells from mice that were tolerized with a truncated peptide 139-153 (having deletions at Tyr-151 and Ala-144) and subsequently immunized with Mb proliferated in vitro to Mb and to peptides 132-153, 135-153 and 143-153. T-cells from mice that were tolerized with native Mb and subsequently immunized with peptides (which are unfolded in solution) did not proliferate in vitro to Mb, but responded well to the peptides. Conversely, tolerization with peptides had no effect on the recognition of, and the response to, native Mb by the T-cells, whereas the response to the peptides was completely removed. It was thus concluded that the recognition of protein antigens (or at least of Mb) by T-cells is (like the recognition by antibody) dependent on the conformation of the antigen.

Notes: Gm phenotype frequencies were examined in 112 Swedish myasthenia gravis patients. The G1m 1,2,3 phenotype frequency in the total patient material did not differ significantly from that found in the normal population. However, when patients were subdivided, three different patient groups were observed with regard to Gml frequency: (1) Thymoma patients having a low frequenc of Gm1, (2) Non-thymoma patients with a mild disease having a low frequency of Gm1 and (3) Non-thymoma patients with a severe disease having a high frequency of Gm1. When patients were subdivided according to presence or absence of HLA-B8 and Gm1 respectively, severe symptoms were less frequent in the HLA-B8+, Gm(-1) group as compared to the HLA-B8+, Gm(+1) group. Furthermore, there was an increased frequency of sera with anti-immunoglobulins not inhibitable by pooled control immunoglobulins.

Notes: In the preceding communication of this series, the fine specificity requirements for T-cell recognition of one of the Mb antigenic sites (antigenic site 5) were examined. Seven synthetic peptides containing antigenic site 5 and progressively increasing in length to the left by increments of two residues up to 22 residues in length were studied with regard to their ability to stimulate T-cell proliferation of Mb-primed T-cells from high responder H-2d and H-2s mouse strains. Unexpectedly, it was found that, unlike smaller and longer peptides, some intermediate-sized peptides failed to stimulate T-cell proliferation even though they contained the full antigenic site. This indicated that lack of proliferative stimulating activity by a peptide does not necessarily imply absence of an antigenic site in the peptide. The results enabled us to conclude that T-cell recognition of native proteins (or at least of Mb) is dependent on protein conformation. In the present work, we have examined the ability of peptide-primed T-cells from H-2d and H-2s mouse strains to proliferate to Mb. Immunization with peptide 145-151 (antigenic site 5) afforded T-cells that did not proliferate in vitro to Mb or any of the synthetic peptides 145-153, 143-153, 141-153, 139-153, 137-153, 135-153 or 132-153. When mice were primed with either peptide 143-153 (11 residues) or peptide 132-153 (22 residues), The T-cells obtained did not respond to Mb but responded in each case very well to peptides 132-153, 135-153, 137-153 and gave lower, but significant, response to the shorter peptides 145-153 and 143-153. Intermediate-sized peptides did not stimulate T-cell proliferations and neither did truncated peptides that had deletions at Tyr-151 and Ala-144. These findings underscore the fine specificity of the T-cell and indicate a high level of conformational dependency for T-cell recognition. It is also concluded that macrophage recognition and presentation of protein antigen must involve the intact native protein and it is probably not related to the processing and fragmenting of the antigen by macrophage. The latter activity is more related to the role of macrophage in clearance.

Notes: All classes of molecule postulated to play a role in recognition or to have some structural homology to immunoglobulins were compared by the SΔQ index of differences in amino acid composition. The results suggest that there is a wide family of immunoglobulin-related molecules that includes vertebrate immunoglobulins, T cell receptors, MHC products, C-reactive proteins, and (some) invertebrate lectins.

Notes: IgM and IgG mouse monoclonal antibodies with specificity for the blood group B determinant have been produced by immunization of mice with a partially purified salivary glycoprotein. These antibodies have been characterized and one of the IgM antibodies showed potential as a grouping reagent. The ready availability of these salivary blood group substances offers the potential to produce a wide range of related monoclonal antibodies.

Notes: No evidence was found for close linkage between the human C6 gene (6th component of complement) and 28 marker loci, using the LIPED 3 computer program of Ott (1974). But the data allow the exclusion of the C6 locus from large parts of the autosomes 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 14, 16, 19, and 20.

Notes: The humoral response of twelve strains of mice to immunization with either normal adult human haemoglobin (HbA1) or sickle-cell haemoglobin (HbS) was studied using a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Results indicate the presence of at least two genes that control the magnitude of this response, one of which is located at the ‘D-end’ of the H-2 complex. H-2 haplotypes s, q and k are associated with a low response, haplotypes d and a with a high response, and the b haplotype with an intermediate response. No difference in the pattern or magnitude of the response was observed when HbS was used as the immunogen in place of HbA1. The N-terminal octapeptides of the β chains of HbA1 and HbS were synthesized and the presence of antibodies specific for the N-terminal octapeptides was tested. The magnitude of the anti-N-terminal response correlated with that to the intact molecules with one exception. A much lower response to the βs-peptide was found in the C57BL/10Sn mice. Monoclonal antibodies were prepared to HbA1 and HbS. Three clones were studied for their reaction with HbA1' HbS, and the βA1 and βs peptides. One clone was found which binds both the βA1 and βs peptides. This indicates that the N-terminal portion of the β chain of human haemoglobin is antigenic in mice.

Notes: The RTI-B/D region-associated antigens which were serologically defined in the previous study (Ohhashi et al., 1981), were partially purified from membranes of a rat B cell leukaemia, KNL-14. Sequential immunoprecipitation test, with the partially purified 125I-B/Dak preparation using four different rat alloantisera, including a monoclonal antibody, disclosed three distinctive populations of β units of the class II molecules. Highly purified β units of three discriminable class II molecules were shown to have different structural properties in terms of molecular weights and of electrophoretic profiles on the isoelectric focusing. The β units shifted to a position of higher molecular weight on SDS-PAGE under reducing condition, thus suggesting to carry intradisulfide bonds. Furthermore, the highly purified β units crossreacted with murine anti-Ia sera. The rebinding test revealed that at least two discriminable species of β units cross-react with anti-I-Ak monoclonal antibody, whereas β units purified by binding with the IE4 monoclonal antibody cross-reacted with anti-I-Ab and/or anti-I-Ad antiserum. On the basis of structural and antigenic properties, we have postulated that the rat class II region can be divided into at least three subregions, each containing a locus which encodes a distinctive β unit of the class II molecule.

Notes: In attempts to identify cell surface molecules specified by lethal genes in the T/t-complex, we prepared a rabbit antiserum that has cytotoxic activity against testicular cells from males heterozygous for t12, but not against wild type cells. However, anti-t12 serum immunoprecipitates the same major component, a glycoprotein of mol. wt. 87,000 daltons, from galactose-labelled C3H.+/t12 testicular cell lysate and from congenic C3H.+/+ lysate, although the gp87 molecule precipitated from +/t12 cells appears to be more highly galactosylated than the +/+ form. The antigen is heavily glycosylated in both genotypes, since when testicular cells are treated with tunicamycin before immunoprecipitation, a protein of 40,000-42,000 daltons is obtained.Gp87 is also present on pre-implantation embryos, and on teratocarcinoma cells, but is barely detectable on any adult somatic cells examined. Its expression is developmentally regulated during pre-implantation stages, but the temporal pattern of its expression appears to be different between wild type and t12 embryos. Thus, we believe we have identified a molecule that may play a role in the differentiation of testicular cells and pre-implantation embryos, and that is either specified by genes in the t12 haplotype, or responsive in some way to the effects of t12.

Notes: Five monoclonal antibodies reacting with class I MHC antigens were produced by fusing lymphocytes from WF (RT1u) rats immunized against DA (RT1a) rats with P3-X63-Ag8-653 myeloma cells. Sequential immunoprecipitation studies with the mAb and the WF anti-DA alloantiserum demonstrated the presence of four different class I molecules: all four molecules were reactive with the alloantiserum; three of them contained the determinant for mAb 155; two of the latter three molecules shared the determinants for mAb 3, 56 and 60, and one of these two molecules also contained the determinant for mAb 118. The four molecules could be isolated from the antigen preparation by sequential immunodepletion first with 118, next with 3, then with 155 and finally with the alloantiserum or by sequential absorption with affinity columns of Sepharose 4B coupled to the antibodies. The three antigens which were sequentially isolated with the mAb 118, 3, and 155, respectively, were analysed by SDS-PAGE after digestion with Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease, and they showed differences in peptide patterns. The relative amounts of the antigens expressed on red blood cells and on lymphocytes were different based on the results of sequential isolation and indirect cellular radioimmunoassay: the antigen which reacted with both mAb 3 (and 56 or 60) and 155 was the major class I antigen on red blood cells, and the antigen which reacted with mAb 118, 3 (and 56 or 60) and 155 was the major class I antigen on lymphocytes.

Notes: The frequency of dorso-ventral vaginal septa (DVS) in mice in influenced by genes associated with the major histocompatibility complex, H-2. Data shows that two subregions within the H-2 complex, K-Eβ and D, have a very strong influence on the frequency, while the Eβ-S subregion appears to have a weak effect.

Notes: Two directional selections of rats for a high or a low IgM serum levels have been carried out. The criterium of selection was the individual merit of each rat in having a high or low IgM level when they were 3 months old. All animals were kept together, in order to avoid external influence on the IgM synthesis. The founding population was a mixed nucleus of rats, obtained by breeding of 13 different strains of inbred or outbred rats for two generations. Two lines, one with a high IgM serum level and another with a low IgM serum level, have been separated. At generation 10, they differed from each other by a coefficient of approximately four. These IgM serum levels were not due to differences in IgM catabolism of the two lines since both lines had similar IgM half-lives. Analyses of the data obtained show that, for IgM synthesis, the coefficient of heritability varies between 0.30 to 0.40, and the number of `independent loci' controlling IgM synthesis ranges from 11 to 14.

Notes: Two murine monoclonal antibodies (E11-1 and MR4-130) agglutinated all samples of human red cells except those of the Ge (-1, -2, -3) phenotype. It was possible to demonstrate that these antibodies recognize two different epitopes of the Gerbich antigen.

Notes: Genetic polymorphism of human C6 was investigated in Japanese using isoelectric focusing and a specific haemolytic overlay method. Three common and six rare allotypes were identified. Five of these nine allotypes were reference-typed by the International Reference Laboratory. Five of the six rare allotypes were considered to be new. The allele frequencies were estimated in the population study as follows: C6 A 0.427, C6 B 0.483 C6 B2 0.076, and the rere alleles (A3, A21, M1, M2, B3, and B4) 0.041.Inheritance of the three common and the two rare (A3 and M1) allotypes was demonstrated in the family study. The patterns obtained by the pretreatment with neuraminidase are presented.

Notes: Previous studies in this laboratory have resulted in the determination of the antigenic structure of myoglobin. The present work was carried out to investigate the genetic control of the murine antibody response to myoglobin following immunization with free (i.e., not coupled to a carrier) synthetic antigenic sites or other peptides corresponding to surface regions of myoglobin that are not immunogenic when the native molecule is the immunizing antigen. Synthetic peptides corresponding to antigenic site 1 (peptide 15-22), site 2 (peptide 56-62), site 3 (peptide 94-100), site 4 (peptide 113-120), site 5 (peptide 145-151) and two surface regions, peptide 1-6 and peptide 121-127, were injected in complete Freund's adjuvant in different strains of mice. Serum antibodies specific for myoglobin were subsequently obtained and were measured by means of a radioimmune plate binding assay in which Mb was used as the solid phase antigen. It was found that the genetic control of the antibody response to myoglobin following immunization with the free synthetic peptides was different from the genetic control obtained following immunization with native myoglobin. The significance of this finding is discussed.

Notes: A β-galactoside α1 → 2 fucosyltransferase (H-enzyme) from human group O plasma which provides H blood group specificity to erythrocyte membranes has been purified approximately 22,000-fold by chromatography on DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B, GDP-hexanolamine-Sepharose 4B and SP-Sephadex C-50. The molecular weight of the H-enzyme was estimated to be 150,000 by gel filtration. Human group O erythrocyte membranes which had lost their H blood group activity by the action of α1 → 2 fucosidase were fucosylated by the transferase, and restored the H activity. Radioactive L-fucose appeared to be incorporated into glycolipid blood group substances of erythrocyte membranes. The activity of the α1 → 2 fucosyltransferase from human plasma, stomach mucosa, erythrocyte membranes and porcine stomach mucosa were specifically inhibited by the rabbit antiserum immunized with the preparation of human plasma H-enzyme. The anti-plasma H-enzyme antiserum did not inhibit the activities of α1 → 3 N-acetygalactosaminyltransferase (A-enzyme), α1 → 3 galactosyltransferase (B-enzyme), and β-N-acetylglucosaminide α1 → 3 and α1 → 4 fucosyltransferases from human plasma and stomach mucosa.

Notes: The monoclonal antibody H8, previously described as anti-JMH, has the same specificity as a JMH-related antibody, R.M. H8 blocks the reaction of human anti-JMH and related antibodies with JMH+ cells, suggesting that the JMH-related antigens are very closely situated to each other on the red cell membrane.

Notes: The existence of HLA-encoded genetic factors controlling susceptibility to tuberculoid leprosy in humans has been firmly established. Furthermore HLA-DR2 has been recognized as a marker for tuberculoid leprosy in India. At this moment, however, the gene products involved and the mechanism by which they confer susceptibility to tuberculoid leprosy remain only speculative. In an attempt to detect in vitro the expression of these HLA-encoded factors, we studied 12 tuberculoid leprosy patients and 22 healthy family members in a lymphocyte transformation test (LTT). All individuals were derived from multi-case Indian families, previously reported to show the presence of HLA-linked susceptibility genes. Although the responder-status of the healthy contact siblings was shown to behave independently from the fact whether they were HLA-identical with the patient-siblings or not, some evidence for in vitro expression of HLA-DR2 associated factors could be obtained. Nevertheless, it is concluded that the standard LTT seems not to be a test-system of first choice to detect the in vitro expression of the genes under study.

Notes: The survival time of skin allografts was investigated in 28 combinations of mouse strains differing at various loci, in adult recipients treated with lentil seed lectin (LCA). The recipients were given 1 mg of LCA daily (i.v. or i.p.) after transplantation of the skin graft. The immunosuppressive effect of LCA was generally inversely related to the conventional strength of the allotransplantation reaction, i.e. the rate of rejection of allografts on untreated recipients. In the case of H-2D antigenic disparities, the grafts usually survived for more than 100 days. The H-2A or H-2K disparity appeared to be relatively resistant to induction of tolerance by LCA treatment. The relative resistance of various H-2 antigens toward the induction of tolerance by LCA differs to some extent from that observed in experiments on the induction of neonatal tolerance by semiallogeneic lymphocytes as described in literature.

Notes: In mice it has been shown that mating preference is genetically associated with the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC). In the present study, an approach is described to study homologous aspects of the MHC in man.After selection of families with one or more children, a given parental HLA antigen was selected and the frequencies of the spouse's HLA antigens were determined. Assuming a random distribution, these frequencies should not be statistically different from those of the total population.Evidence is presented that this distribution is not random for a number of maternal and paternal HLA antigens.

Notes: We compared H-2D products of B10.D2 and the mutant B10.D2-H-2dml spleen cells using two monoclonal antibodies designated D3.179 and S11.7. D3.179 reacts with public specificities and appears to define more than one product as shown by cytotoxicity and binding studies. Strong reactivity was obtained in both binding and cytotoxicity and binding studies. Strong reactivity was obtained in both binding and cytotoxicity to B10.D2 and marginal cytotoxicity and low binding were observed with B10.D2-H-2dml cells. The second monoclonal antibody S11.7, in contrast, reacts only with H-2Dd bearing strains and gave strong binding to B10.D2-H-2dml and weaker binding to B10.D2. Taken together, the observations indicate that the mutant not only expresses H-2D, encoded antigens but bear quantitatively greater amounts of some specificities than the parent. A Product of approximately 46,000 daltons was immunoprecipitated from B10.D2 cells by D3.179. Very small amounts of this product were seen in B10.D2-H-2dml immunoprecipitates.

Notes: Abstract. Five species of fingerling fish, channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, tilapia, Sarotherodon aureus, golden shiner, Notemigonus crysoleucas, largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides and bighead carp, Aristichthys nobilis, were tested to determine their susceptibility to the bacterium, Edwardsiella ictaluri, at 26°C, Channel catfish demonstrated high susceptibility to E. ictaluri as 100% of those fish injected with 1.5 × 103 cells died within 10 days. Tilapia demonstrated slight susceptibility to the pathogen while golden shiner, bighead carp and largemouth bass were not susceptible. E. ictaluri was isolated from a higher percentage of peritoneal cavities, livers and kidneys of channel catfish than of other species. Sequential growth of E. ictaluri in the liver of channel catfish is described.

Notes: Abstract. Eimeria branchiphila sp. nov. is described from the roach, Rutilus rutilus L., collected in Bulgaria. Sporulated oocysts were found in gill secondary lamellae and less frequently were associated with melano-macrophage centres in the spleen and in kidney interstitial tissue. In the gills, parasite cells identified as zygotes and sporulation stages were also encountered. This unusual site of sporulation represents a mechanism of sporocyst dispersal previously not recorded in fish coccidia.

Notes: Abstract. Fifteen drugs were tested for in vitro control of Yersinia ruckeri. Those drugs yielding in vitro control were subsequently tested for in vivo control of induced enteric redmouth disease in rainbow trout. Two of the drugs, Tribrissen®v and tiamulin, controlled Y. nickeri in vivo under laboratory conditions. The effective doses used in this study were 1–0 mg of Tribrissen/kg fish/day and 5–0 mg of tiamulin/kg fish/day, when the compounds were administered orally for 14 days. No toxic effects were noted at these dose levels, or from Tribrissen given at 15 times the above effective dose.

Notes: Abstract. S, a dominant, lethal, atitosomal gene, was discovered in Auburn University's population of Surotherodon aureus (=Tilapia auera). When present in the heterozygous state (S+). the S gene produces the saddleback phenotype. Saddlebacks are missing part of or all of the dorsal fin. Some fish thai are missing most of or the entire dorsal fin have additional fin disorders and are missing various combinations of the pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins. Each fin disorder is associated with gross skeletal anomalies. Viability in saddlebacks is reduced by 67% during the first three months of life. Those that survive are less resistant to stress and subsequent infection than normal fish. When challenged by Saprolcegnia sp., saddlebacks were far more susceptible to infection (P〈0.01). When present in the homozygous state (SS), the gene causes death in fry prior to swim-up. Thus, a single S gene reduces viability by 67%, and two S genes reduce viability by 100%. The S gene did not affect early growth or dressing percentage. Because it is a dominant gene, the S gene can be eliminated from any population in one generation by culling all saddlebacks.

Notes: Abstract. Two new viruses, goldfish virus-1 (GFV-1) and goldfish virus-2 (GFV-2), were isolated from swimbladder cultures prepared from healthy Carassius auratus (L.). The isolates were sensitive to pH, heat, and chloroform but stable to freezing and thawing. Treatment with IUDR, Feulgen staining and acridine orange staining indicated that the viruses contain double-stranded DNA. Electron microscopy revealed enveloped virions of 180 nm enclosing icosahedral capsids of 120 nm. Viral growth was studied by light and electron microscopy and infectivity assays. Virions were assembled in cytoplasmic inclusion bodies and apparently released through cell degeneration. Infectious virus was first produced at 24 h post-infection. Progressive cytopathology was observed leading to cell ghosts by 96 h post-infection. The results suggest tentative placement of the viruses in the family Iridoviridae.

Notes: Abstract. The in vitro bacteriostatic activity of a combination of sulphadiazine (SDZ) and trimethoprim (TMP) against representative bacterial fish pathogens was studied. In general, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of TMP were much smaller than comparable values for SDZ. When SDZ and TMP were combined, the bacteriostatic effect was enhanced in a synergistic manner for all bacteria tested except Pseudomonas fluorescens. The synergism was most remarkable in the case of bacterial strains that were sensitive to the action of SDZ alone. This degree of synergism was observed when the ratios of SDZ and TMP in combination were in the range of 1:1 io 5:1. The MIC of SDZ plus TMP combined was less than 3.13 μg/ml for SDZ resistant strains and as low as 0.2 to 0.78 μ/ml for SDZ sensitive strains. The possible usefulness of a combination of these two compounds for therapy or control of bacterial fish disease is discussed.

Notes: Abstract. Trophonts of Pisdnoodinium pillulare (Schäperclaus, 1954), a common ectoparasite of freshwater aquarium fish, are attached to host cells by means of a specialized structure, the attachment disc. Unlike other dinoflagellate genera parasitic on fish and invertebrates, this disc features nail-like organelles, the rhizocysts. Head-parts of the rhizocysts are inverted in separate compartments, rhizothecas, in the sole of the disc while their long shafts are firmly embedded in the cytoplasm of cells of the host epidermis or gill epithelium. The attachment inflicts a serious injury on the host cells which may ultimately be destroyed. Rhizocysts originate in the subnuclear cytoplasm from where they migrate into the attachment disc. There are other specialized organelles and inclusions; fibrous vesicles, membraneous bodies, striated tubular bodies and paracrystalline bodies. Pisdnoodinium has well-developed chloroplasts. While its cytological adaptations indicate a nutritional dependence on the host, there is no evidence of ingestion of host-derived particulate material. Pisdnoodinium may derive an essential part of its nutrition from photosynthesis.

Notes: Abstract. Ovarian samples were collected from plaice, Pleuronectes platessa, captured in the highly oiled Aber Wrac'h and Aber Benoit estuaries at four intervals during 1979–1980, following the Amoco Cadiz crude oil spill. Reference plaice were obtained along the western and southern coasts of Brittany. Tissue samples were fixed, processed and stained by routine histologic procedures. Ovaries were examined for histopathologic changes and for four different types of follicles. The concentrations and percentages of four types of ovarian follicles (primordial, primary, growing and mature) were determined for plaice ovaries within each sampling site at each sampling interval. Reference site ovaries, which were considered representative of the ovarian cyclic events for plaice along the Brittany coast, had primordial and primary follicles in high concentration in the summer season and in low concentration in the winter season. Concentrations of mature ovarian follicles in reference site plaice ovaries were low in the summer and high in the winter seasons. Growing follicles were observed infrequently in the reference site plaice ovaries. The seasonal pattern exhibited by follicles in ovaries from Aber Benoit plaice was similar to that observed in the reference site ovaries, but both the concentrations and percentages of follicle types were lower. The seasonal pattern of follicle types in Aber Wrac'h plaice ovaries was the reverse of that seen in the reference site plaice ovaries. In the Aber Wrac'h samples, concentrations of primordial and primary follicles were high in the winter months and low in the summer season, and no mature follicles were observed at any season. Growing follicles were seen more frequently in Aber Wrac'h and Aber Benoit plaice ovaries than in reference site plaice ovaries at all sampling intervals. Other than atretic follicles with an associated leucocytosis, no histopathologic conditions were observed in any ovary.

Notes: Abstract. Vibrio anguillarum was shown to adhere to excised sections of rainbow trout gut in numbers which were a function of the concentration of bacterial cells and the time for which the tissue was exposed. Using a standardized method for assaying adhered bacteria the course of infection with vibriosis in rainbow trout was studied. It is suggested that the gut may be an important site of bacterial multiplication in slowly developing infections of mature fish. Bacteria adhere to gut sections of fish protected by vaccination substantially less than to sections from non-vaccinated fish.

Notes: Abstract. In a study of the possible role of waterborne infectious haematopoietic necrosis virus in transmission of the disease among spawning sockeye salmon, Oncorhynchus nerka (Walbaum), both infection rates and virus titres were higher in fish held at high density in a side channel than in fish in the adjacent river. Virus was never isolated from river water, but was found in water from the side channel at levels ranging from 32.5 to 1600 plaque-forming units (p.f.u.)/ml. Uninfected yearling sockeye salmon held in a box in the side channel developed localized gill infections with IHN virus. The disease did not progress to the viscera until a threshold titre of about 105 p.f.u./g was reached in the gill. The effectiveness of the gill as a barrier limiting development of systemic infections means that waterborne IHN virus probably does not greatly increase the infection rate in a sockeye salmon population during spawning.

Notes: Book reviewed in this articles: Introduction to Fish Physiology by Dr Lynwood S. Smith. Water Quality Criteria for Freshwater Fish, 2nd edn by J. S. Alabaster and R. Lloyd.

Notes: Abstract. Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum), and rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, were used to determine if sublethal copper exposure would increase their susceptibility to Vibrio anguillarum infection. Fish were pretreated with copper at fractional levels of the 96 h copper LC50 before exposure to the pathogen. Mortality by vibriosis was greater among fish exposed to 9% of the copper LC50 for 96 h than unexposed fish. Peak susceptibility to vibriosis depended in part on the interaction of exposure time and copper concentration. The higher copper concentrations produced peak susceptibility to infection in shorter time periods. After the peak of susceptibility, sensitivity to infection declined to near control levels in those fish where exposure was continued. Rainbow trout stressed by copper required about 50% fewer pathogens to induce a fatal infection than non-copper exposed fish.

Notes: Abstract. An extract vaccine against Vibrio anguillarum was compared with other vaccine preparations when administered to rainbow trout intraperitoneally or orally on food. Intraperitoneal vaccination resulted in virtually 100% protection within two weeks whereas oral vaccination gave a maximum protection of 50–70% after eight weeks. When administered intraperitoneally the extract performed better than formalin killed cells but when administered orally formalin killed cells were better. The addition of alum as adjuvant enhanced the response to antigen administered by both routes. Serum agglutinin litres after oral vaccination were low and variable but after intraperitoneal injection they reached a consistent peak of 64. As the response to oral vaccination was so low it was not possible to relate agglutinin titre to protection in a quantitative relationship.

Notes: Abstract. Eight isolates of Acronionus salmonicida ssp. salmonicida were collected during furunculosis epizootics in North American Pacific coast states and provinces. Both virulent and avirulent forms of each isolate, confirmed by challenge and electron microscopy, were examined. Serological comparisons by cross-absorption agglutination tests revealed no serological differences between isolates. Using the double diffusion precipitin test, a single band was observed when antigen from a sonicated virulent strain was reacted with antiserum against a sonicated, virulent strain absorbed with homologous, avirulent strain. The presence of the single band was eliminated by excess sonication.

Notes: Abstract. Development of an experimental bath challenge method for fish furunculosis caused by Aeromonas salmonicida is described. The influence of certain important experimental variables was investigated and standardized. Possible application of the model is discussed.

Notes: Abstract. The occurrence, prevalence, seasonality and histopathological progression of a cellular disorder, thought to be a haemic neoplasm, were studied in subpopulations of Mytilus edulis inhabiting different sites in Yaquina Bay, Oregon, from 1976–1981. There were significant differences in the occurrence of the disorder that were related to geographical location. In the subpopulation with the highest levels of the disease, the prevalence rates ranged from 0 to 20% with a 5-year mean of 9.8 %. There was a statistically significant relationship between prevalence and season. During the 5-year study period, there was a consistent pattern characterized by highest prevalences during January to March followed by a period of decline to lower levels during the summer and early autumn, after which there was an increase. Data analyses revealed that there was no seasonal histopathological progression of the disorder. Numbers of stage 1 (early), 2, 3 and 4 (advanced) cases were not related to season but occurred in a random manner throughout the entire year.

Notes: Abstract. Pleistophora priacanthusis sp. nov. is described from big-eyes, Priacanthus tayenus and P. macracanthus, from the South China Sea. The clinical signs, prevalence, intensity and site of infection of the infected fish, the general effect of the parasite on the host, seasonal distribution and sex differences are reported. The morphology of cysts, spores, sporonts and the characteristic features of the new species using the light microscope are described.

Notes: Abstract. Morbidity of intensively cultured red abalone, Haliotis rufescens, as well as experimentally stressed (elevated temperature and hyper-oxygenation) abalone, was studied using clinical, histological, immunofluorescent and bacteriological techniques. Histological study showed a typical pattern of bacterial infection from all groups studied, characterized by epithelial exfoliation or rupture and systemic growth of the bacteria along vascular sinuses and along neural sheaths. Peripheral neurons degenerated rapidly and a responsive host cellular infiltrate did not appear to effectively retard the advancement of the infection. Nine bacterial isolates from the culture system water or sick animals were characterized biochemically. All were Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, non-aerogenic, oxidase-positive rods with single polar flagella and thus appeared related to the Vibrio group. Further characterization showed that most isolates did not correspond to specifically characterized vibrios, Antiserum prepared to the isolates contained antibody both to common group antigens (from all nine strains) and to strain-specific antigens. Selection of antiserum and subsequent absorption permitted the use of the antiserum for specific recognition of each isolate. Immunofluorescent studies clearly demonstrated that antiserum to an isolate corresponding to Vibrio alginolyticus was the predominant antiserum producing positive staining of infecting bacteria in the typical lesions in abalone tissues. The pattern of positive staining corresponded to histopathological observations of the disease. The disease can be managed in husbandry systems by both limiting the number of potentially pathogenic bacteria and by limiting the exposure of the animals to physico-chemical stresses.

Notes: Abstract. During the period from 1965 to 1980, 263 Vibrio anguillarum strains from ayu, Plecoglossiis altivelis (Temminck & Schlegel), two from rainbow trout. Salmo gairdneri Richardson, and two from eel, Anguilla japonica (Temminck & Schlegel), were collected from fish suffering from vibriosis in various parts of Japan. On the basis of cross-agglutination and cross-absorption tests with thermostable (O) antigens, six distinct serotypes (A, B, C, D, E and F) were established among 12 selected strains of V. anguillarum. 241 strains isolated from ayu and two strains from rainbow trout belonged to serotype A, six strains from ayu and one strain from eel to serotype B, 12 strains from ayu to serotype C, three strains from ayu to serotype D, one strain from ayu to serotype E, and one strain from eel to serotype F. V. anguillarum strains belonging to serotypes D, E and F have not been detected from ayu, rainbow trout and eel since 1973; these serotypes appear to be minor types. V. anguillarum strain NCMB 6 and 1669 belong to our serotype A and V. anguillarum 813 to our serotype C.

Notes: Abstract. Protection against Aeromonas salmonicida was determined by passive immunization and with various bacterin preparations. Rabbit antiserum was prepared against a rough, virulent strain of A. salmonicida (AS-1R), the same strain boiled (AS-1R, boiled), and an avirulent, smooth strain of this same isolate (AS-1S). Cross-absorption, cross-passive protection and analysis by counter immunoelectrophoresis of various extraction methods were studied. It was shown that AS-1R cells contained an additional antigen not present in AS-1R (boiled) and AS-1S cells. Antiserum to the AS-1R antigen passively protected sockeye salmon, Oncorhynchus nerka (Walbaum), against a virulent challenge, and antisera to AS-1R (boiled) and AS-1S were not protective. The antigen was not destroyed by formalin or heat at 5°C for 60 min, but it appeared to be partially inactivated with proteolytic enzymes. The antigen was produced in casein yeast beef (CYB) broth up to 32 h but not thereafter, and low yields were obtained in tryptic soy or brain heart infusion (BHI) broth. It was extracted from cells with ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and especially alkaline hydrolysis, but not with proteolytic enzymes or detergents. The detergents appeared to destroy the antigen. We concluded that the antigen was protein and is most likely the external A-protein (AP) reported for rough, virulent strains of A, salmonicida. Various methods of preparing A. salmonicida bacterins were evaluated by determining the level of protective immunity induced in intraperitoneally (i.p.) vaccinated fish. Growth of cells in CYB or BHI broth resulted in production of only rough (autoagglutinated in saline) variants of A. salmonicida. Although only rough variants were associated with protective immunity, one strain was not protective, it was avirulent by bath challenge. Bacterins prepared in CYB were more efficacious than those grown in BHI, but inactivation with formalin, iodine, or glutaraldehyde worked equally well. However, boiling the bacterin or filtering the cells from the bacterin removed its efficacy. Methods of releasing the AP were evaluated by sonification, pH-lysis, disaggregation and treatment with EDTA, and all treatments worked equally well. Also, precipitation on to aluminium or use of Freund's complete adjuvant did not significantly improve the protection. In parenterally vaccinated fish, protection was demonstrated by challenging the fish at various levels by bath, injection or cohabitation with infected fish. The best protection was demonstrated using the cohabitation challenge method. The potency and field efficacy of an A. salmonicida bacterin prepared in CYB broth and extracted with 5 mM EDTA was evaluated. Fish were vaccinated by i.p, injection and potency was determined in the laboratory by experimental challenge and in the field by natural challenge. Chinook salmon, O.ishawytschu (Walbaum), developed immunity within seven days at 10°C. The bacterin could be diluted up to 1:2000 without loss of potency. The field tests results were equivocal; however, (he prevalence of infection was lower in vaccinated fish.

Notes: Abstract. An antigenic comparison of ten strains of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) and a single strain of European eel virus (EEV) revealed the presence of three distinct groups separable by cross-neutralization. The 1/r value calculated from the formula r=√r1× r2 (Archetti & Horsfall 1950) was used to divide the virus strains into: group I, which included all six U.S.A. strains: Buhl, Idaho; Reno, Nevada; ATCC VR 299; Powder Mill, New Hampshire; West Buxton, Maine; and Cascade Locks, Oregon: group II, the European strains: ?Honnincthun, France; Sp Denmark; and Bonnamy, France: group III, Ab Denmark and EEV. The group II European strains of IPNV were more closely related to the group I U.S.A. strains than to those viruses in group III. European eel virus (EEV) was antigenically most closely related to the Ab strain of IPNV.

Notes: Abstract. The ultrastructurc of the macrogamont of Eimeria funduli was studied in hepatocytcs of the killifish Funldulus grandis and F. similis. The macrogamont developed in a parasitophorous vacuole (PV) that was bounded by two unit membranes probably derived from an envelope of modified host rough cndoplasmic reticulum (RER). The membrane adjacent to the host-cell cytoplasm was lined with ribosomes. whereas the membrane facing the PV was smooth and blebbed into the PV. Intravacuolar tubules were not observed in the PV. The macrogamonts had a single limiting membrane with lew micropores. Developing macrogamonts had abundant RER. few Golgi bodies, and a few small polysaccharide granules. Nuclei of developing macrogamonts had dispersed chromatin and compact nucleoli. Polysaccharide granules in developing and mature macrogamonts were identified with the periodic acid-thiocarbohydrazide-silver proteinate technique. In mature macrogamonts, polysaccharide granules as large as 1 –2 μm in diameter nearly filled the cytoplasm. The cytoplasm contained three kinds of inclusions that were associated with either the RER or Golgi apparatus. Inclusions identified as type I wall-forming (WF) bodies were small, dense, membrane-bound granules that developed from the Golgi apparatus. Inclusions identified as type II WF bodies were usually dense, irregularly shaped bodies that occupied RER cisternae. Some type II WF bodies had a heterogeneous content but most were homogeneous. A third type of inclusion was related to the cytoplasmic aspect of RER cisternae and consisted of tubules and vacuoles enclosed in a membrane.

Notes: Abstract. Severe melanotic liver and visceral fibroses in bluegill associated with infections of plerocercoids of Proteocephalus sp. and metacercariae of the digenean Posthodiplostomum minimum, were studied by light and transmission electron microscopy. Fibrosis was most evident in bluegill carrying heavy worm burdens. Tubular and multilocular melanotic and non-melanotic cysts were formed of concentric layers of non-cellular eosinophilic connective tissue surrounding central spaces containing basophilic material. Moribund and deteriorating plerocercoids and metacercariae were surrounded by, and sometimes invested with, fibrous tissue. Living plerocercoids in the liver were surrounded by necrotic and compressed hepatocyte zones. Fibro-blasts, epithelioid cells and eosinophilic granulocytes were common in compressed cell zones. Intrahepatic fibrotic cysts were surrounded by granulomatous zones. Parenchyma in fibrotic livers showed increased numbers of macrophages, melano-macrophage centres and engorged blood vessels with thickened walls. Histochemical tests for lipofuscin and haemosiderin were strongly positive in melanotic liver tissue. Ultrastructural changes in hepatocytes adjacent to fibrotic cysts and epithelioid zones included intranuclear lipid and glycogen inclusions, chromatin alterations and mitochrondrial degeneration. Bile canaliculi, sinusoids and perisinusoidal spaces showed reduced micro villarsurfacesand a decrease in luminar diameter. Degenerating hepatocytes contained phagolysosomes and myelin bodies.

Notes: Abstract. A closed fish culture recirculation system consisting of 36 20-gallon aquaria in series with a rotating plate biofilter, a diatomaceous earth filter, and an ultraviolet (UV) light sterilizer was evaluated for the effectiveness of UV light in preventing spread of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Water from the aquaria, the reservoir, and a valve 29 cm beyond the UV light source was analysed bacteriologically to assess its effectiveness. The spread of I multifiliis from one aquarium to another was controlled with 91 900 μW s/cm8 of UV light. No significant differences in the bacterial counts from the water of the reservoir or the aquaria could be demonstrated when the UV light was either on or off, although a significant difference could be demonstrated between the sterilizer effluent and the reservoir and aquaria.

Notes: Abstract. The ultrastructure of the microgamont and microgamete of the coccidium Eimerici funduli was studied in hepatocytes of the killifish Fundulus grandis and F. similis. During microgametogenesis, the nuclear chromatin condensed, marginated, then differentiated into a peripheral dense portion that became the nucleus of the microgamete and a central clear portion that remained in the gamont. Near each nucleus was a mitochondrion and four microtubules which were incorporated into the microgamete. In microgamonts, dense polysaccharide granules (50–60 nm diameter) were demonstrated with the periodic acid-thiocarbohydrazide-silver proteinate method. Flagella extended into the parasitophorous vacuole from basal bodies situated near nuclei. Microgametes budded from the surface of the microgamonts. The microgamete consisted of a nucleus, two flagella and basal bodies, a mitochondrion, a rudimentary basal body, four microlubules, a perforatorium, and a dense rod-like structure. The elongate nucleus was narrow anteriorly and bulb-like posteriorly. One of the flagella was attached to the body of the microgamete. A mitochondrion that was swollen anteriorly and constricted posteriorly ran alongside the nucleus. The four microtubules appeared to arise from a rudimentary basal body and were closely related to the mitochondrion. Two of them extended nearly the length of the nucleus. The rod-like structure appeared to develop from a thickening of the limiting membrane of the microgamont. Fertilization was not directly observed, but microgametes were found in the parasitophorous vacuoles of several macrogamonts.

Notes: Abstract. The comparative efficacy of several methods of vaccinating rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, with Yersinia ruckeri bacterins was evaluated. In general, the protective immunity was best by intraperitoneal injection followed by direct immersion, shower and spray, respectively. The bacterin was effective by all methods when diluted 1:20 or less, but there was a trend towards less efficacy with higher dilutions and shorter exposure time.

Notes: Abstract. A mass mortality of the deep sea scallop, Placopecten magellanicus, which occurred in the autumn and winter of 1979–80, in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island was studied. Grossly the animals possessed greyish, flaccid adductor muscles and histologically they showed myodegeneration. Eighty-eight per cent of the 34 animals examined were infected with intracellular prokaryotes on the gills, plicate membranes and other epithelial surfaces of the body. The morphology of this prokaryotic organism is suggestive of rickettsia. Heavy infection was positively correlated with extensive myodegeneration.

Notes: Abstract. A clinical syndrome characterized by blindness, loss of pigmentation, erratic swimming behaviour and increased mortality is described in cultured clownfish, Amphipnon ocellaris. Histopathological examination of affected fish revealed retinal degeneration, extensive ceroid deposits in visceral and muscle macrophage accumulations, and renal tubular calcium oxalate crystals. The syndrome is discussed in relation to deficiencies of the fat soluble vitamins A and E and lipid peroxidation. Changes in diet correcting these imbalances resulted in a disappearance of the syndrome.

Notes: Abstract. Gross and histological descriptions of four different spontaneous neoplasms in three species of salmonid fishes are provided: thymic lymphoma and dermal fibrosarcoma, respectively, in two artificially reared sockeye salmon, Oncorhynchus nerka (Walbaum); renal papilliferous cystadenoma in a wild caught chinook salmon, O. tshawytscha (Walbaum); capillary haemangioma of the dermis in an artificially reared rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson. The frequency of occurrence of these and related tumour types, as reported in the literature, are compared in salmonid and non-salmonid fish.

Notes: Book reviewed in this articles: An Atlas of Fish Histology. Ed. by T. Hibiya. The Biology and Culture of Tilapias. Ed. by R. S. V. Pullin & R. H. Lowe-McConnell.

Notes: Abstract. Pyridoxine deficiency was experimentally produced in a population of Channa punctatus Bloch by feeding a pyridoxine deficient vitamin test diet for 240 days. The deficiency effects were further accentuated in another group of fish by adding 4-deoxypyridoxine as an antagonist to the deficient diet. The behaviour, general morphology and growth of these fish were compared with control fish maintained on a complete vitamin test diet. The behavioural study revealed a series of nervous disorders such as ataxia, hyperirritability and muscular spasm followed by convulsions, fits, anorexia and paralysis in the posterior region during advanced stages of the deficiency. Gross morphological changes recorded were retarded growth and loss of weight resulting in a pinhead condition; integumentary damage such as scale loss, leakage of oedematous fluid and abnormal pigmentation, opacity of the lens resulting in complete blindness and enlargement and nodule formation in the spleen and kidney. Recovery treatment for 30 days comprising restoration of dietary supply of pyridoxine supplemented by intramuscular injections brought about considerable recovery in the fish with dietary pyridoxine deficiency but the antagonist-treated deficient group showed little recovery, although further deterioration was halted.

Notes: Abstract. Several factors affecting the potency of Yersinia ruckeri bacterins were evaluated by vaccinating rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, with various bacterins using the immersion method and determining the level of protective immunity after a virulent challenge. The potency of bacterins prepared with tryptic soya broth at room temperature was not affected by growth at pH from 6.5 to 7.7 or by a culture age from 9 to 96 h. Chloroform and formalin inactivated (0.3%) bacterins gave comparable results and no enhancement of potency occurred by prior extraction of bacterial cells with either butanol or phenol. Cell lysis, as measured by reduced optical density, occurred when cells were held at pH 9–8 for 60 to 120 min. Bacterins prepared from pH-lysed cells resulted in a significant increase in protective immunity. Bacterins prepared at pH 7.2 for 48 h, pH-lysed and inactivated with 0.3 % formalin could be diluted up to 1:100 without loss of efficacy when applied to rainbow trout by a single 20 s immersion. However, with bacterin diluted 1:10 loss of potency occurred after 20 consecutive immersions (100 kg of fish) in the same bacterin at a rate of 0.5 kg/1 of diluted bacterin for each immersion. Factors affecting optimum duration of immunity are discussed.

Notes: Abstract. Loma salmonae (Putz, Hoffman and Dunbar, 1965), Morrison & Sprague, 1981, in the rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, was studied with the electron microscope. It is morphologically very similar to L. morhua Morrison and Sprague, 1981, in the Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua L., having only minor differences. Loma sp. Morrison and Sprague, 1981, in the brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill), is more like L. salmonae than the other species of Loma, but was deemed to be distinct. It was named L. fontinalis sp. nov.

Notes: Abstract. Juvenile abalone were exposed to supersaturated oxygen conditions (about 150–200% of saturation) in order to reproduce similar conditions encountered in intensive husbandry systems and to then study the resultant lesions. Depigmentation, lethargy and swelling of tissues were observed clinically. Histopathology showed that the cytoplasmic vacuoles of large haemocytes were enlarged. Oxygen emboli were observed throughout the muscular tissue and connective tissue but separation of fibrous neural sheath from nerve cell bodies and surrounding tissue was the predominant lesion. Chromatin of the nuclei of nerve cells became marginated. Gaseous emboli were observed at various other locations in the vascular system. At termination of the experiment all animals sampled bacteriologically showed systemic infection with Vibrio alginolyticus. The clinical signs appeared to result from mechanical interference caused by the accumulation of oxygen and from dysfunction of neural structures. The predominant histopathological changes occurred after only 3 h or less exposure time. Normal histology of the haemocytes and nerve structures is described.