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BP was measured in 440 children followed longitudinally from birth to 7 years of age in Bogalusa, LA. Levels, trends, and determinants of BP were evaluated in this newborn cohort. Both systolic and diastolic BP levels remained relatively constant between the ages of 6 months and 7 years. BP levels varied between the different instruments, and differences were also noted between measures obtained using the same instrument before and after venipuncture. White children were noted to have slightly higher levels of systolic and diastolic BP pressure at 6 months and 1 year of age, even after adjustment for body size. Significant prediction of year 7 BP rank occurred as early as 6 months of age for systolic and at 1 year of age for diastolic BP levels. Body size was inconsistently related to BP levels from ages 6 months through 4 years, but the relationship was stronger and more consistent with changes in body size. Of interest is the relatively constant levels of indirect BP during this period of rapid growth, as measured by currently available instruments. These data emphasize the importance of cardiovascular risk factor measurement during early life and of the need to improve methods of indirect BP measurement in infancy.

Cardiovascular risk factors in childhood are related to arterial wall changes that lead to atherosclerotic coronary artery disease in later life. Atherosclerosis begins early in life. The observations of early arterial wall connective tissue changes and accompanying early lipid deposition show the importance of understanding cardiovascular risk factors in children. Since risk factors found in childhood are potentially predictive of adult coronary heart disease, methods for prevention of atherosclerosis should begin in children. Rational strategies should be directed to removing atherogenic forces that work in a child at high risk. Primary prevention of atherosclerosis has its maximal potential when begun before advanced irreversible lesions can occur. Consideration needs to be directed to how cardiovascular connective tissue changes and lipid and calcium deposition can be modulated in the injury and healing processes. It is important to recognize that adult coronary artery disease is really a major pediatric problem.

SUMMARY Glycoproteins from immature and immature, oestrogen-stimulated and adult rat uteri were isolated and analysed by chemical and gel electrophoretic methods. Esterase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and peroxidase activities were found. Changes in electrophoretic mobilities of certain enzyme bands in polyacrylamide gel were also observed after hydrolysis of the preparations with neuraminidase. These latter observations and chemical analyses provide additional evidence of the carbohydrate nature of the enzymes. The influence of 17β-oestradiol on immature rat uteri caused a significant increase in total protein and sialic acid per uterus compared with controls. Oestrogen treatment also resulted in an increase in the total activity of esterase and acid and alkaline phosphatases per uterus, but there was no increase in specific activities. Observations of electrophoretic patterns of glycoprotein preparations from untreated and oestrogen-stimulated, immature uteri did not show the evolution to a more adult pattern by oestrogen stimulation. These studies show that stimulation with oestrogen increases the synthesis of glycoprotein in the immature rat uterus. Factors which are involved in the more intricate control of glycoprotein biosynthesis need to be elucidated.