Determination of copper and zinc in synovial fluid by atomic absorption spectrophotometry

Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in synovial fluids of 52 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and of 53 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) were determined using a HITACHI MODEL 207 atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Standard solution of Cu and Zn were 50μg, 100μg, 200μg and 300μg per 100 ml 20 v/v % glycerine containing 0.01 N-HCl. To 0.5ml synovial fluid, 50 units of hyaluronidase was added and then the mixture were incubated for 20 minutes at 37℃. Synovial fluid treated with hyaluronidase and standard solution of Cu and Zn were diluted five fold with deionized distillation water, then aspirated directly into the burner. The relative absorbance was expressed as scale reading by a HITACHI MODEL QPD-54 recoder. The mean recovery rate of Cu and Zn in synovial fluids were 102.0% and 101.9%. By this method the concentrations of Cu and Zn in 52 RA (12 males, 40 females) were 97.6±29.0 (S.D.) μg/100 ml and 83.9±40.1 (S.D.) μg/100 ml ; 97.3±27.1 (S.D.)μg/100 ml, 78.7±29.9 (S.D.) μg /100 ml in 12males and 97.7±29.5 (S.D.) μg/100 ml, 85.5±42.6 (S.D.) μg /100 ml in 40 females respectively. The concentrations of Cu and Zn in 53 OA (14 males, 39 females) were 46.9±14.5 (S.D.) μg/100 ml and 40.8±14.3 (S.D.) μg/100 ml; 47.3±9.7 (S.D.) JLg/100 ml, 45.1±19.0 (S.D.) μg/ 100 ml in 14 males and 46.8±15.8 (S.D.) μg/100 ml, 39.3±11.8 (S.D.) μg/100 ml in 39 females respectively. No sex differences of Cu and Zn values were observed in both RA and OA. In patients with RA, concentrations of Cu and Zn in synovial fluids were signifcantly higher than in OA in both sexes. There were positive correlation between the concentrations of Cu and Zn in 105 patients (RA and OA, r=0.74, p<0.01) , in 52 RA (r=0.54, p<0.01), in 53 OA (r=0.81, p<0.01). In patients with RA, there were no correlation between stage and concentrations of Cu and Zn in synovial fluids

Determination of environmental radiation at radioactive spa areas in the Sanin districts

Dose rates of environmental radiation were determined with NaI (Tl) cristal scintillation survey meter at Misasa, Sekigane and Ikeda spa areas which were known as radioactive spring in the Sanin districts. The results were as follows ; (1) Dose rates of radiation in the air of outdoor at spa areas of Misasa, Sekigane and Ikeda were 11.8±2.3μR/h, 11.3±2.1μR/h and 18.4±5.8μR/h, respectively. Dose rates of radiation in the air of these spa areas were significantly higher (P<0.01) than at none spa area of Kurayoshi city (8.6±1.2μR/h). Dose rates of radiation in the outdoor air at Misasa and Sekigane tends to increase near the spring sources. (2) In the room where spring water is not used, dose rates of radiation in the air were 9.5～10.5μR/h. Dose rates of radiation in the air of the room with facilities using spring water were determined; peloid therapy room: 13.3±0.5μR/h, Hubbard bath room : 12.5±0.4μR/h, drinking hall : 11.8±0.7μR/h, hot air bathing room : 18.2±1.7μR/h, usual bath room (Onkensen) : 13.0±1.0μR/h and bath room for patients : 17.9±1.2μR/h (males), 17.0±1.2μR/h (females), respectively. Dose rates of radiation in the air of the bath room of Gunze-hotel and Ohashi-hotel-Gankutsunoyu were 30.1±9.0μR/h and22.3±3.0μR/h, respectively. At Ikeda spa, dose rates of radiation in the air of the guest room and the bath room were range of 13.0～19.0μR/h and 14.0～23.0μR/h

Determination of copper and zinc in serum by atomic absorption spectrophotometry

Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) in serum of 113 healthy controls (43 males and 70 females) and of 68 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (19 males and 49 females) were determined using a HITACHI MODEL 207 atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Wavelength and lamps current of Cu and Zn were setted at 3247 A, 2139 A, and 10mA, 9mA respectively. Flow rate of acetylene and air were setted at 3.0 l/min, and 13.0 l/min. The stock standard solutions of Cu and Zn were 0.5 mg, 1.0mg, 2.0mg and 3.0mg per 100mE in 0.01 N·HCl. For working standard solutions, these stock standard solutions were diluted to 50μg/100ml. 100μg/100ml, 200μg/100ml and 300μg/100ml with 20% glycerine. Serum and working standard so· lutions of Cu and Zn were diluted five fold with deionized distillation water, then aspirated directly into the burner. The relative absorbance was expressed as scale reading by a HITACHI MODEL QPD-54 recorder. Various acids and other elements had few influences on the determi· nations of Cu and Zn. The mean recovery rate of Cu and Zn in serum were 100.5% and 100.8% respectively. By this method, the levels of Cu and Zn in healthy controls were 103.0±14.5 (S.D.), 116.2±18.6 (S.D.) μg/100ml in males and 108.7±19.6 (S. D.), 110.3±14.7 (S.D.) μg/100ml in females respectively. No sex difference were observed. The ratio of Cu and Zn (Cu/Zn ratio) of healthy controls were 0.89±0.17 (S. D.) in males and O.99±0.25 in (S.D.) females. The sex differrences of Cu/Zn ratio were statistically significant (p<0.05). The levels of Cu and Zn in rheumatoid arthritis were 141.7±25.2 (S.D.). 89.1±14.5 (S.D.) /-Lg/100 mP and 154.l±29.7 (S.D.), 86.7±18.1 (S.D.) μg/100ml in females respectively. No sex differren· ces were observed. The Cu/Zn ratio were 1.64±0.43 (S.D.) in males and 1.82±0.48 (S.D.) in females, wich showed no sex differrences. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, serum Cu levels were significantly higher (P<0.001) and serum Zn levels were significantly lower (P<0.001) than in healthy controls in both sexes. The Cu/Zn ratio were significantly higher (P<0.001) rheumatoid arthritis than in controls. The serum Cu in 13 of 19 males (68%), and 30 of 49 females (61 %), with rheumatoid arthritis were shown to be above the upper limit of 5% rejection limit in healthy controls. The serum Zn in 3 of 19 males (16%), and in 24 of 49 (47%) with rheumatoid arthritis were shown to be below the lower limit 5% rejection limit in healthy controIs. The Cu/Zn ratio in rheumatoid arthritis, in 14 of 19 males (74%), and in 35 of 49 females (71%) were shown to be above the upper limit of 5% rejection limit in healthy of males and females. So, differences in Cu/Zn ratio between healthy controls and rheumatoid arthritis were proved to be more pronounced

Studies on lithium in the field of balneology : Effects of lithium salts on analgesic activity of aminopyrine

The authors studied the effect of pretreatment with internal use of lithium salts on analgesic activity of aminopyrine by hot-plate test in mice. The male mice at 4 weeks of age weighting 17-19 g were divided into 7 groups. Earch group being composed of 9-10 mice was given oraBy 0.1 ml of LiCI-solution per 10 g of body weight for 35 days, LiCl was dissolved in 0.9% saline solution, in such concentrations that each group received 0 mg, 50 mg, 100mg, 200 mg and 400mg of LiCl for each kg of body weight of mouse, respectively, Control group received only 0.9% saline solution. On the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th and 35th days of this experiment, 0.1 ml of 1% solution of aminopyrine per 109 of body weight was injected intraperitoneaJly and then tested 30 minutes later. In the hot-plate test, a mouse is placed on a hot plate being adjusted with the thermostat at 55°±1℃, and the response is licking or lifting the hind feet or an outright attempt to escape from the plate, The increase in response time is used to quantify the analgesic effect of aminopyrine, The results were as follows : 1. The response time in groups receiving 0-50 mg of LiCl per kg of body weight had decreased on the 14 th day, but it tended to return to the initial level after the 21st day of experiment. 2. The response time in groups receiving 100-400 mg of LiCl per kg of body weight had also decreased on the 14 th day, and the degree of the decrease in response time was greater than that of the former and then remained faily constant at this level to the end of the observation period. These results would indicate that LiCl inhibits the analgesic activity of aminopyrine

Radon contents in the air of radioactive spring areas

Radon(Rn) contents in the air of radioactive spring areas were determined using an ionization chamber equipped with vibrating reed electrometer. The results were as follows: (1) Rn contents in the outdoor air at spa areas of Misasa. Sekigane and Togoo were 0.7 ± 0.4 pCi/l. 0.6±0.3pCi/l and 0.5±0.2 pCi/l respectively. Rn contents in the air both at Misasa and at Sekigane were significantly higher than at none spa area of Kurayoshi city (0.3±0.2pCi/l). (2) Rn contents in the outdoor air at Misasa spa tend to increase from June to September in the year. (3) In usual rooms where spring water is not used. Rn contens in the air were below 1.0 pCi/l. Rn contents in the air of facilities using spring water were determined; peloid therapy room: 2.0±0.4 pCi/l, usual bath rooms: 6.3±1.3 pCi/l (before the bathing). 21.8±2.1 pCi/l (immediately after bathing), Hubbard bath room: 6.7±0.3 pCi/l (before the bubbling), 143.4±69.8 pCi/l (during the bubbling), exercise pool room : 4.3±0.3 pCi/l (before the exercise). 7.4 ± 0.8 pCi/l (during the exercise) and drinking hall: 30.0～47.0 pCi/l respectively

Excretion of radon in expired air after bathing and drinking of radioactive hot spring water at Misasa Spa

Radon (Rn) contents in expired air after bathing, exposure in hot-air room and drinking of Misasa radioactive hot spring water were determined using an ionization chamber equiped with vibrating reed electrometer. The results were as follows; 1. Rn Contents in the indoor and outdoor air of Misasa spa were in the range of 0.5-1.0 pCi/ℓ and 0.4-0.7 pCi/ℓ. 2. Rn contents in the expired air of persons living at Misasa spa area and none spa area were 0.4-0.9 pCi/ℓ, 0.6±0.2 (S.D.) pCi/ℓ and 0.1-0.9 pCi/ℓ, 0.5±0.2 (S.D.) pCi/ℓ respectively and no difference of Rn contents was observed in both groups. 3. The highest Rn contents in the expired air of subjects bathed in radioactive hot spring (Rn ; 58.0×10(-10) Ci/kg, watre temp. : 41±1℃.) were immediately after bathing, and the values were 10.8-25.5 pCi/ℓ (bathing for 5 min.), 16.0-27.9 pCi/ℓ (bathing for 10 min.) and 38.8-59.3 pCi/ℓ (bathing for 15 min.) respectively. Rn contents in expired air were reduced to about 1.0 pCi/ℓ during 120-180 min. after bathing. The longer the bathing time and the younger the subjects, the higher Rn contents in the expired air. The biological half-life of Rn in the expired air of subjects after bathing was 42-43 min. 4. The highest Rn contents in the expired air of subjects exposed in hot-air room (Rn in air; 54.3pCi/ℓ, air temp. : 37-38℃., humidity: 40%, staying for 15 min.), and the values were 4.9-7.8 pCi/ℓ, and gradually reduced to about 1.0 pCi/ℓ during 120 min. The bioligical half-life of Rn in the expired air after leaving the hot-air room was 43 min. 5. Rn contents in the expired air of subjects immediately after drinking of radioactive spring water (Rn contents: 596.8×10(-10) Ci/kg, 500mℓ), were the highest, and the value were 28.0-101.5 pCi/ℓ, and reduced to about 1.0pCi/ℓ during 180 min. after drinking. The biological half-life of Rn in the expired air was 40 min

Determination of manganese in serum by atomic absorption spectrophotometry

The manganese (Mn) concentrations in serum of 40 healthy controls (9 males and 31 females), and of 26 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (4males and 22 females) were determined using a HITACHI MODEL 207 atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Wavelength of Mn determination was setted at 2795 A. Flow rate of acetylene was setted at 3.0 l/min and lamp current was setted at 10 rnA. The serum samples were ashed by IPC MODEL 1003plasma machine, and dissolved in 3N-HCl and evapolate on the hot plate, and redissolved in constant volume of 0.1 N-HCl. These sample solution were aspirated directly into the burner. Mn levels in serum were estimated by standard curve. The mean recoverry rate of ashedsample solution was 100.1%, and that of serum by ashing process was 101.6%. The serum Mn levels in 40 healthy controls and 26 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were 2.19 ± 0.34 (S.D.), 3.04 ± 1.01 (S.D.) μg/100ml respectively. The serum Mn levels in rheumatoid arthritis were significantly higher than healthy control levels (p<0.001). In 10 of 26 cases (38%) with rheumatoid arthritis, the serum Mn levels were shown to be above the upper limit of 5% rejection limit of healthy controls

Studies on sinter deposits in Misasa radioactive hot springs (2nd report)

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of sinter deposits in a distributing pipe used for seventeen years (Sample No.1) and adhere to bathtub wall for eleven years (Sample No.2 and Sample No.3) in Misasa radioactive hot springs were investigated. The results were as follows ; (1) The color of deposits of Sample No.1 and Sample No.2 was black and the color of deposits of Sample No.3 was white. The metal elements in these deposits were qualitative analysed by spectraspan plasma emission spectrophotometry (SPES) and by fluorescent X-ray spectrometry. Following elements were detected, in Sample No.1 : Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, As, Sr, Ba, Mo, and Pb, in Sample No.2 : Na, Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, Ba, Pb and Cl and in Sample No.3 : Na, Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ba, S, and Cl, (2) The metal elements in these deposits were quantitative analysed by SPES, atomic absorption spectrophotometry and emission spectrophometry. Following elements were determined, in Sample No.1 ; Mn : 411.6, Fe : 65.7, Ba : 20.0, Ca : 11.9, Na : 5.7, Cu : 4.5, K : 4.2, Sr : 2.9, Zn : 2.6, Mg : 1.4, in Sample No.2 ; Mn : 248.2, Fe : 28.5, Ba : 15.6, Ca : 25.0, Mg : 10.5, Na : 9.3, Cu : 5.4, K : 4.9, Sr: 7.4, Zn : 3.3, and in Sample No.3 ; Ca : 275.2, Sr : 32.4, Mg: 12.4, Na: 18.7, K: 5.0, Mn: 1.7 and Fe: 0.6mg per gram. The main components of these deposits were manganese compounds (Sample No.1 and Sample No.2) and calcium compounds (Sample No.3). Qualitative and quantitative analysis of barium in sinter deposits of Misasa spa was done by authers for the first time. (3) Radioactivity in these deposits were observed by autoradiography. Among the radioactive elements, concentration of radium were 3.41×10(-8) Ci/g (Sample No.1), 4.70×10(-9) Ci/g (Sample No.2) anp 2.36×10(-11) Ci/g (Sample No.3), respectively

Influence of emotional stress on pharmacokinetics of isosorbide dinitrate intraperitoneally administered to rats.

The plasma level of isosorbide dinitrate intraperitoneally administered to rats stressed by foot-shock was almost the same as that in non-stressed control rats. However, levels of its metabolites, 5-isosorbide mononitrate and 2-isosorbide mononitrate, were lower in stressed rats than in non-stressed rats, suggesting that stress may influence the metabolism and/or excretion of the metabolites.</p

The Effect of Thermal Spring Water on Drug Absorption in Special Reference to Aspirin and Indomethacin

It is thought that a drug reacts differently with media taken internally. The solubility of Aspirin is assured 600μg/ml in 30min. with Misasa spring water, whereas 400μg/ml with plain water. The parallel difference of 200μg/ml follows 10 min. thereafter. Maximum serum concentratin of 200μg/ml is obtained 2 hours after the internal use of Aspirin with Misasa spring water in parallel difference of 20μg/ml with plain water. In the case of Indomethacin intake, maximum serum concentration of 1.5μg/ml is obtained in 2 hours with plain water, whereas maximum serum concentration of 1μg/ml is obtained in the same period with Misasa spring water. However, the difference of 0.25μg/ml in serum concentration between the media internally taken is seen initially and after 4 hours under high concentration of Indomethacin. We, therefore, assume tentatively that the effect of Aspirin and Indomethacin is supposed to be enhanced with Misasa spring water taken internally