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In vitro amplification of the alphoid repeated sequences clustered in the centromeric regions of the human X and Y chromosomes was carried out. A modification of the amplification conditions reported by Witt and Erickson gave clear amplification bands from 10 pg of genomic DNA template. Results were obtained from the following aged tissue samples: 1 microL three-year-old blood stain, one-year-old single hair roots, six-month-old saliva stains and twelve-year-old bone fragments. Good results were obtained even when the template was artificially fragmented into fragments of less than 1 kbp.

A total of 120 human samples of blood, saliva and semen stains, hair roots, bone and skin fragments, obtained from 30 males and 16 females were analyzed in Southern blots with probe cY97. Only the male samples gave a specific band of 5.7 kb. In dot blot, under high stringency conditions, male DNA gave signals equivalent to a quantity of female DNA eight times higher. Probe cY97 did not react with 9 different vertebrate species but gave a signal for monkey DNA when used at low stringency. The advantage of using a probe specific for the centromeric region for sex determination and species exclusion is discussed.

To determine if increased lead absorption was associated with sperm count suppression or perterbation of the hypothalamopituitary system, we compared battery workers (N = 18), who were exposed to high airborne lead levels, with cement workers (N = 18), who were exposed to ambient lead levels. Blood lead, urinary lead, semen lead, and zinc protoporphyrin concentrations were markedly elevated (p less than .001) in battery workers. Battery workers had a significantly shifted (p less than .025) frequency distribution of sperm count (median count, 45 vs. 73 X 10(6) cells/cc, respectively). There were no significant differences between the two groups in mean follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, or total neutral 17-ketosteroid levels. Potential confounding factors (alcohol, cigarette, and coffee consumption, frequency of intercourse, and days of abstinence prior to semen donation) were not significantly different between the two groups. These results suggest a direct toxic effect of increased lead absorption on sperm production or transport in man.

To determine if increased lead absorption was associated with sperm count suppression or perterbation of the hypothalamopituitary system, we compared battery workers (N = 18), who were exposed to high airborne lead levels, with cement workers (N = 18), who were exposed to ambient lead levels. Blood lead, urinary lead, semen lead, and zinc protoporphyrin concentrations were markedly elevated (p less than .001) in battery workers. Battery workers had a significantly shifted (p less than .025) frequency distribution of sperm count (median count, 45 vs. 73 X 10(6) cells/cc, respectively). There were no significant differences between the two groups in mean follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, or total neutral 17-ketosteroid levels. Potential confounding factors (alcohol, cigarette, and coffee consumption, frequency of intercourse, and days of abstinence prior to semen donation) were not significantly different between the two groups. These results suggest a direct toxic effect of increased lead absorption on sperm production or transport in man.

Postmortal changes of propane, butane and iso-butane concentration in the lung and fat of mice exposed to lethal intoxication with commercial liquid gas are studied. The hydrocarbon tissue concentrations after exposure were determined by gas liquid chromatography. The hydrocarbons progressively decreased in the lung and disappeared, depending on the degree of putrefaction; even in case of remarkable putrefaction, it was still possible to detect them in the fat tissue.

Potassium and sodium content in lung, heart and liver of sea water-drowned mice was measured flame-photometrically after destruction of tissue through nitric-percloric acid. It was found that the ratio of K+/Na+ content in the lung and even in the heart was significantly lower in the drowned group than in the control one; the liver did not show any significant eletrolyte change after drowning. The results are the basis of a test applicable to humans.