Search

A new test for the laboratory diagnosis of spherocytosis, conventionally called 'Pink test', is presented. This test, semi-quantitatively or quantitatively, determines the hemolysis of small blood samples in a solution containing glycerol (135 mmol/l), NaCl (25 mmol/l), NaN3 (1.5 mmol/l), buffered to pH 6.66 with Bis-Tris (70 mmol/l) and HCl. 'Pink test', as well as 'acidified' glycerol lysis test, were positive in 100% of 42 patients suffering from hereditary spherocytosis, and optimally discriminated them from healthy subjects, showing a diagnostic sensitivity greater than 'standard' glycerol lysis test and osmotic fragility in hypotonic saline solutions of fresh or incubated blood. 'Pink test' was also positive in some cases of renal failure, immunohemolytic anemia, chronic hemoproliferative disorders, normal pregnant women, and negative in other microcytic anemias (beta-thalassemia, iron deficiency anemia). The results do not critically depend on pH of the solution (differently from those obtained with 'acidified' glycerol lysis test), and for this reason they show a good reproducibility.

The indications for investigation on the LSD-25 "in vivo" activity on brain cholinesterases of the rat, have been considered. Indications of materials and method used have been supplied too. From the results obtained it emerged no clear evidence of a statistically significant inhibition of cholinesterases due to LSD-25. The results have been discussed and it has been evidenced that the lack of action of the psychotomimetic substance on cholinesterases could be only apparent or that the discrepancy between the LSD-25 anticholinesterase "in vivo" and "in vitro" action should be ascribed to the too scarce tissue levels which can be reached with the does utilized. Apart from the hypothesis, tending to explain the results obtained, it has been considered that the LSD-25 behavioural action, is not probably carried out thanks to a cholinesterase activity.