It has been shown that segregational errors (SE) of chromosomes can be induced by olivetol and several halogenated inhalation anesthetics. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of natural cannabinoids - including delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabidiol (CBD) - on chromosome segregation. Lymphocytes obtained from healthy adult males were incubated with various concentrations of natural cannabinoids for 72 hours. Anaphase preparations were made from these cultures. A statistically significant increase in the incidence of SE of chromosomes was observed in the lymphocytes exposed to THC at a concentration of 3.2 x 10(-6) M, but not to CBN or CBD. A greater incidence of bridge formations, anaphase lags, micronuclei, and unequal segregations in bipolar divisions and multipolar divisions were observed in THC-treated lymphocytes, compared with the controls. However, only anaphase lags and unequal segregations in bipolar divisions reached statistically significant levels. It appears that THC affects the formation of microtubules and spindles and may be considered as a mitotic poison. The value of examining SE as a part of cytogenetic studies on chemical mutagens is emphasized. A description of a classification system of SE developed in our laboratory is also presented. This system can be applied to studies using both normal human lymphocyte cultures and lymphoid cell lines.

Clinical trial with authentic recombinant somatropin in Japan. Acta Paediatr Scand [Suppl] 331: 18, 1987.Recombinant somatropin, produced by recombinant DNA technology, was administered by injection in daily doses of 8 IU to six healthy young volunteers. Daily injection for 4 days did not cause any significant change in the results of physical examination, blood count or urinalysis. Non-esterified fatty acid levels increased significantly from 0.45 f 0.16 to 1.08 ? 0.12 mEq/litre (mean k SEM) at 4 hours after the first injection (p

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A total of 21 patients with linear growth retardation were treated with low doses of oxandrolone for a period of 8 to 41 months. Nine of the patinets had chromosomal disorders. The other 12 had no chromosomal abnormalities. The effect of oxandrolone on the ultimate adult height was assessed by changes in the ratio of the height age and the bone age, (δHA/δBA), and by the adult height prediction (AHP). In the non‐chromosomal group, the ultimate height prediction improved in patients whose initial bone age was greater than 8 1/2 years. In the group with chromosomal disorders, no change in ultimate height prediction occured. In Turner's syndrome, the adolescent growth spurt is much less than in normal children. Therefore, the data were interpreted to signify probable beneficial response to therapy. Evidence suggests that low dose oxandrolone treatment does not compromise ultimate height. Since it may induce an acceleration of growth rate on a short term basis, it can help ameliorate psychological problems due to poor body image in these short patients.