The 67-kDa calelectrin is the largest member of a family of Ca2"-binding proteins that associate with membranes and phospholipids in a Ca2+-dependent manner.Oligonucleotide probes based on peptide sequences obtained from purified bovine 67-kDa calelectrin were used to screen a human retina cDNA library, and the complete primary structure of human 67-kDa calelectrin was deduced by DNA sequence analysis. Lipocortin I and II are two related proteins each containing four similar repeats. Lipocortin I and II were identified by their ability to inhibit phospholipase A2 activity and were purified using this inhibition as an assay (6, 7). Unexpectedly, when their amino acid sequences were deduced from the nucleotide sequence of cDNA clones, their sequences were found identical to the amino acid sequences of two intracellular protein-tyrosine kinase substrates of 35 kDa and 36 kDa (named p35 and p36, respectively), the primary structure of which was being determined concomitantly (5-9). p35 and p36 appear to be physiological intracellular substrates for pp6v-src and the epidermal growth factor receptor protein-tyrosine kinase (8,9). Although several hypotheses on the function of lipocortin I and II (p35 and p36, respectively) have been advanced, their biological role is still controversial.We report the cDNA cloning and primary structure of the human 67-kDa calelectrin,l the largest member of the cale-

SUMMARY The discovery of a large patent ductus venosus resulted from radiological investigations in a 34-year-old man, a chronic alcoholic of low mental status. Splenoportal and inferior caval venograms were performed because of recent exacerbation of the neurological symptoms and electroencephalographic criteria of portacaval encephalopathy. Portal pressure was 8 mm Hg. A liver scan, a laparoscopy, and a liver biopsy were performed. They showed that the gland was atrophic with a microscopic appearance of alcoholic fibrosis, but without any nodular regeneration. The relationship between the fistula, the mental state, and the atrophic liver is discussed. Such a malformation appears to be very uncommon.Radiological investigations in the diagnosis of liver dysfunction, especially cirrhosis, lead commonly to the discovery of portacaval shunts. Most of these connexions are explained by portal hypertension itself. Yet, in some cases, the anastomotic veins have an unusual topography, either splenorenal or umbilical, and it is reasonable to assume the preexistence of a spontaneous portacaval derivation.We recently observed a case of a large portacaval fistula with the radiological configuration of a persistent ductus venosus. Case ReportA 34-year-old man, a contruction worker of Italian origin, was admitted to the Montpellier University Hospital in March 1970 because of psychiatric symptoms of a few weeks' duration. He was a known alcoholic and these symptoms were at first related to his drinking. However, initial examination revealed a flapping tremor. The patient exhibited alternately indifference and agitation, and he became somnolent for a few days; normal consciousness reappeared rapidly and objective examination confirmed mental subnormality which probably preceded the recent psychiatric disturbance. Physical examination revealed no ascites or collateral circuPlease address requests for reprints to: Dr Paul Barjon, Cliniques Saint-Charles,

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1. Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis by indomethacin induced an increase in blood pressure which did not occur when rats were bilaterally nephrectomized.2. The blood pressure effect was related to the state of sodium balance and thus to the activity of the renin-angiotensin system.3. Indomethacin induced a decrease in renal blood flow.4. Angiotensin receptor blockade with Sarl-Alasangiotensin I1 blunted the blood pressure effect and prevented the renal haemodynamic changes induced by indomethacin. Intrarenal prostaglandin release attenuates the renal vasoconstrictor activity of angiotensin. Journal of Phnrmncology nnd Experimentnl Therapeutics, 184, 678-687.

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