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We achieved possibility of isolation, characterization human umbilical cord blood endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), examination potency of EPCs to form new blood vessels and differentiation into cardiomyoctes in canines with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). EPCs were separated and cultured from umbilical cord blood. Their phenotypes were confirmed by uptake of double stains dioctadecyl tetramethylindocarbocyanine-labeled acetylated LDL and FITC-labeled Ulex europaeus agglutinin 1 (DILDL-UEA-1). EPCs of cord blood were counted. Human VEGFR-2 and eNOS from the cultured EPCs were assessed by qPCR. Human EPCs was transplanted intramyocardially in canines with AMI. ECG and cardiac enzymes (CK-MB and Troponin I) were measured to assess severity of cellular damage. Histopathology was done to assess neovascularisation. Immunostaining was done to detect EPCs transdifferentiation into cardiomyocytes in peri-infarct cardiac tissue. qPCR for human genes (hVEGFR-2, and eNOS) was done to assess homing and angiogenic function of transplanted EPCs. Cultured human cord blood exhibited an increased number of EPCs and significant high expression of hVEGFR-2 and eNOS genes in the culture cells. Histopathology showed increased neovascularization and immunostaining showed presence of EPCs newly differentiated into cardiomyocyte-like cells. Our findings suggested that hEPCs can mediate angiogenesis and differentiate into cardiomyoctes in canines with AMI.

Summary This work aimed to assess seminal plasma heme oxygenase (HO) enzyme activity in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) males with varicocele. Ninety-three men were divided according to their sperm count and clinical examination into: healthy fertile controls (n = 34), OAT without varicocele (n = 37) and OAT associated with varicocele (n = 22). They were subjected to semen analysis and estimation of seminal plasma HO enzyme activity in the form of bilirubin concentration. Seminal plasma HO enzyme activity decreased significantly in OAT cases compared with controls. Seminal plasma HO in OAT cases associated with varicocele decreased significantly compared with OAT cases without varicocele and healthy controls (mean ± SD; 109.2 ± 29.5, 283.6 ± 88.4, 669.5 ± 236.1 nMol bilirubin/mg ptn/min, P < 0.001). There was positive correlation between seminal plasma HO enzyme activity and sperm concentration, per cent of motile spermatozoa, number of motile spermatozoas ml )1 and significant negative correlation with sperm abnormal forms per cent. It is concluded that varicocele has a negative impact on seminal HO enzyme activity. Therefore, improved seminal picture after correcting varicocele repair might be related, in part, to improved HO action(s).

Stem cell-based therapy targeted at the penile tissue has been lately considered in preclinical studies. This work aimed to assess the effect of intracavernous administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in aged rats (n = 100). They were subjected to single intracavernous injection (ICI) of 1.0 million MSCs, followed up for 3, 4 weeks, 3 and 4 months (each group 25 rats) and compared with both adult and aged controls (n = 50). In dissected cavernous tissues, cGMP and histopathology were assessed in addition to intracavernous pressure (ICP) measurement in some anaesthetised rats. The results showed that cavernous tissue cGMP was significantly increased in MSCs transplanted rats in all investigated groups compared with the controls. The mean cavernous cGMP levels after 3 and 4 months of MSCs transplantation were significantly increased compared with those after 3 or 4 weeks. Cavernous tissue ICP measurement showed significant increase in MSCs transplanted groups compared with the controls, more in the long-term follow up than in the shorter one. Histopathological examination detected markedly dilated sinusoidal vascular spaces in the long-term follow-up study. It is concluded that stem cell-based therapy is feasible for age-associated erectile dysfunction and could improve erectile signaling.

The ratio of stearic to oleic acids, i. e. the fatty acid saturation index, in red blood cell membranes was assayed in 60 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection before and after interferon-alpha therapy. Results were compared with 20 healthy controls. Hepatitis C virus titre was also assayed before and after interferon-alpha therapy. Within 2-5 months following interferon-alpha therapy, a significant inverse correlation was observed between saturation index and hepatitis C virus load. We conclude that hepatitis C virus infection enhances the degree of desaturation of 18-carbon fatty acids and that interferon-alpha is involved in their metabolism by increasing the degree of saturation and subsequent decrease in membrane fluidity.

The present study was conducted to assess the efficacy of a novel curcumin derivative (NCD) versus sildenafil citrate in erectile signaling. The study was conducted on 10 control male rats and 50 diabetic male rats divided into the following groups: diabetic, curcumin, NCD, sildenafil and NCD combined with sildenafil. Cavernous tissue (CC) gene expression levels of heme oxygenase (HO)-1, Nrf2, NF-κβ and p38, enzyme activities of HO and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and intracavernosal pressure (ICP) were assessed. Results showed that 12 weeks after induction of diabetes, erectile dysfunction was confirmed by the significant decrease in ICP, a significant decrease in cGMP, NOS, HO enzyme activities, a significant decrease in HO-1 gene and a significant elevation of NF-κβ, p38 genes. Administration of all therapeutic interventions led to a significant elevation in ICP, cGMP levels, a significant increase in HO-1 and NOS enzymes, a significant increase in HO-1 and Nrf2 gene expression, and a significant decrease in NF-κβ, p38 gene expression. NCD or its combination with sildenafil showed significant efficacy and more prolonged duration of action. In conclusion, NCD could enhance erectile function with more efficacy and more prolonged duration of action.

The efficacy of a novel curcumin derivative (NCD) versus tadalafil in erectile signalling was assessed. Ten control male rats and 50 diabetic male rats were used and divided into the following: diabetic (DM), curcumin (CURC), NCD, tadalafil and NCD combined with tadalafil rat groups. Cavernous tissue gene expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Nrf2, NF-B and p38, enzyme activities of heme oxygenase (HO) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), cGMP and intracavernosal pressure (ICP)/mean arterial pressure (MAP) were assessed. Results showed that 12 weeks after induction of diabetes, erectile dysfunction (ED) was confirmed by the significant decrease in ICP/MAP, a significant decrease in cGMP, NOS, HO enzyme activities, a significant decrease in HO-1 gene and a significant increase in NF-Ҡβ, p38 genes. Administration of all therapeutic interventions led to a significant increase in ICP/MAP, cGMP levels, a significant increase in HO-1 and NOS enzymes, a significant increase in HO-1, and Nrf2 gene expression, and a significant decrease in NF-Ҡβ, p38 gene expression. NCD or its combination with tadalafil showed significant superiority and more prolonged duration of action. In conclusion, a tendency was observed that CURC and NCD have high efficacy and more prolonged duration of action in enhancing erectile function.

This work aimed to assess seminal plasma heme oxygenase (HO) enzyme activity in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) males with varicocele. Ninety-three men were divided according to their sperm count and clinical examination into: healthy fertile controls (n = 34), OAT without varicocele (n = 37) and OAT associated with varicocele (n = 22). They were subjected to semen analysis and estimation of seminal plasma HO enzyme activity in the form of bilirubin concentration. Seminal plasma HO enzyme activity decreased significantly in OAT cases compared with controls. Seminal plasma HO in OAT cases associated with varicocele decreased significantly compared with OAT cases without varicocele and healthy controls (mean +/- SD; 109.2 +/- 29.5, 283.6 +/- 88.4, 669.5 +/- 236.1 nMol bilirubin/mg ptn/min, P0.001). There was positive correlation between seminal plasma HO enzyme activity and sperm concentration, per cent of motile spermatozoa, number of motile spermatozoas ml(-1) and significant negative correlation with sperm abnormal forms per cent. It is concluded that varicocele has a negative impact on seminal HO enzyme activity. Therefore, improved seminal picture after correcting varicocele repair might be related, in part, to improved HO action(s).

Stem cell-based therapy targeted at the penile tissue has been lately considered in preclinical studies. This work aimed to assess the effect of intracavernous administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in aged rats (n = 100). They were subjected to single intracavernous injection (ICI) of 1.0 million MSCs, followed up for 3, 4 weeks, 3 and 4 months (each group 25 rats) and compared with both adult and aged controls (n = 50). In dissected cavernous tissues, cGMP and histopathology were assessed in addition to intracavernous pressure (ICP) measurement in some anaesthetised rats. The results showed that cavernous tissue cGMP was significantly increased in MSCs transplanted rats in all investigated groups compared with the controls. The mean cavernous cGMP levels after 3 and 4 months of MSCs transplantation were significantly increased compared with those after 3 or 4 weeks. Cavernous tissue ICP measurement showed significant increase in MSCs transplanted groups compared with the controls, more in the long-term follow up than in the shorter one. Histopathological examination detected markedly dilated sinusoidal vascular spaces in the long-term follow-up study. It is concluded that stem cell-based therapy is feasible for age-associated erectile dysfunction and could improve erectile signaling.

This work aimed to assess the efficacy of haeme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) cDNA-liposome complex transfer as a mediator of erectile signalling in aged rats. One hundred and fifty aged white albino rats were equally divided into five groups: controls, rats receiving lipofectamine, rats receiving intracorporeal HO-1 cDNA-lipsome complex, rats receiving HO-1 cDNA-liposome complex plus nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, and rats receiving HO-1 cDNA-liposome complex plus HO inhibitor. Six rats were killed from each group after 12, 24 and 48 h, and after1 and 2 weeks. In dissected cavernous tissues, the following were assessed: HO-1 gene expression, Western blot for HO-1, HO enzyme activity, cGMP and histopathology. The results showed that HO-1 cDNA-liposome complex transfer led to a significant increase in cavernous tissue HO-1 protein, HO-1 gene expression, HO enzyme activity and cGMP up to 1 week. NOS inhibition exhibited no effect on HO-1 gene enhancement of cavernous tissue HO enzyme activity or cGMP, whereas inhibition of HO significantly decreased these parameters. Histopathology of cavernous tissue demonstrated a significant dilatation of helicine arteries in HO-1 cDNA-liposome complex treated group after 48 h compared with the controls. It is concluded that HO-1 cDNA-liposome complex transfer augments cavernous tissue cGMP with subsequent sinusoidal relaxation.

This work aimed to assess heme oxygenase (HO) enzyme activity relationship with different human semen parameters. One hundred and twenty men were divided according to their sperm count and clinical examination into: obstructive azoospermia (n = 20), nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) (n = 25), oligozoospermia (n = 35) and normozoospermia (n = 40). Semen analysis, western blot for HO-1 and HO-2, and estimation of seminal plasma HO enzyme activity chemically in the form of bilirubin concentration were carried out. Seminal plasma HO enzyme activity was very low in OA specimens, low in NOA, moderate in oligozoospermia while higher in normozoospermia (mean +/- SD; 6.26 +/- 2.2, 81.4 +/- 35.5, 283.8 +/- 90.1, 657.4 +/- 227.6 pmol ml(-1) min(-1)) with significant differences. Western blot analysis demonstrated HO-2 expression in all studied groups whereas HO-1 was highly expressed in fertile normozoospermic group compared with other groups. There was positive correlation between seminal plasma HO enzyme activity and sperm concentration, sperm motility percentage, motile spermatozoa ml(-1) and sperm normal morphology per cent. It is concluded that HO enzyme activity in the human seminal plasma is related to spermatogenesis and sperm-motility processes.

Introduction: Considered as an end-stage for all cardiovascular diseases, cardiac fibrosis leads to the development of heart failure, thus the ultimate goal is to prevent the progression of fibrosis. Indeed, heart can regenerate itself but to a certain limit based upon the number of resident stem cells which is limited. Thus, stem cells transplantation is considered as a promising therapy. This study aims to examine if MSC transplantation can inhibit the progression of myocardial fibrosis in rat model compared to Colchicine treatment; and if the timing of treatment with MSCs or COL affect the progression of fibrosis. Material & Methods: To induce cardiac fibrosis in 48 female albino rats, Isoproterenol hydrochloride was used. These rats were divided into 2 models: COL-treated group that were treated after 1,2,3 weeks of the last ISO injection by colchicine orally. MSC-treated group that were injected intravenously after 1,2,3 weeks of last ISO injection by MSC. Heart rate and Systolic blood pressure were measured and the levels of Creatine phosphokinase, Lactate dehydrogenase, Matrix Metalloproteinase II and Collagen I were assessed. Moreover, cardiac tissues were examined hitopathologically. Results & Conclusion: MSC were proved to enhance the effect of anti-remodeling of extracellular matrix significantly by modulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinases, which is superior to COL treatment.

Summary This work postulated that heme oxygenase (HO) is partly responsible for controlling phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor actions by modulating cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) cavernous tissue levels. Five hundred and four male Sprague–Dawley rats, divided into five groups, were investigated. Group 1 (n = 72) included controls, group 2 (n = 72) received sildenafil citrate (ViagraR) orally, group 3 (n = 72) received vardenafil hydrochloride (LevitraR), group 4 (n = 72) received tadalafil (CialisR). Group 5 (n = 216), subdivided into three subgroups (A, B and C, 72 each), received the same dose of each drug with the HO inhibitor, Zn protoporphyrin. Eight rats from each group/subgroup were killed at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 18, 24 and 36 h when cGMP levels in the cavernous tissues were estimated. Cavernous tissue cGMP levels increased significantly in sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil-treated rats compared to the controls with significant decreases after HO inhibition. It is concluded that the effects of these PDE-5 inhibitors in rat cavernous tissue are partly mediated through HO activity via the cGMP signalling pathway.

To study the effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) on experimental liver fibrosis in rats.MSC were derived from bone marrow obtained from femoral and tibial bones of male albino rats. MSC were separated, grown, and propagated in culture for 4 weeks and were characterized morphologically and by detection of CD29 by RT-PCR. They were then infused into the tail vein of female rats that received CCl4 injection to induce liver fibrosis. Rats were divided into 4 groups: control, CCl4, CCl4 plus MSC, and MSC. Liver tissue was examined histopathologically and liver functions (ALT and serum albumin) were estimated for all groups. Y-chromosome gene (sry) was assessed by PCR in liver tissue of the female rats to confirm uptake of the male stem cells. Hydroxyproline content in liver tissue was assessed by chemical methods and expression of the collagen gene (type I) was detected as a marker for liver fibrosis. Results of the present study showed that MSC have a significant antifibrotic effect as evidenced by the significant decrease in liver collagen gene expression as well as the decrease in hydroxyproline content in the CCl4/MSC group (p0.001) compared to the CCl4 group. The Y-chromosome gene (sry) was detected by RT-PCR in the CCl4/MSC group, but was not detected in control group and other groups. The CD29 gene was expressed in MSC culture, and this confirmed the efficiency of isolation and propagation of MSC in culture. With regard to liver function, there was also a significant improvement and elevation of serum albumin in the CCl4/MSC group compared to the CCl4 group (p0.05). As regard to the liver enzyme ALT, there was a decrease of its level in the CCl4/MSC group compared to the CCl4 group. However, this was statistically nonsignificant (p0.05). In conclusion, MSC have a potential therapeutic effect against the fibrotic process through their effect in minimizing collagen deposition in addition to their capacity to differentiate into hepatocytes.

The ratio of stearic to oleic acids, i.e. the fatty acid saturation index, in red blood cell membranes was assayed in 60 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection before and after interferon-alpha therapy. Results were compared with 20 healthy controls. Hepatitis C virus titre was also assayed before and after interferon-alpha therapy. Within 2-5 months following interferon-alpha therapy, a significant inverse correlation was observed between saturation index and hepatitis C virus load. We conclude that hepatitis C virus infection enhances the degree of desaturation of 18-carbon fatty acids and that interferon-alpha is involved in their metabolism by increasing the degree of saturation and subsequent decrease in membrane fluidity.

The role of homocysteine as an independent risk factor for vascular endothelial damage, and the possible link between homocysteine and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) as two synergistic risk factors for beta-cell apoptosis in type 1 diabetes mellitus was studied. Plasma homocysteine levels were significantly elevated in all diabetic patients compared with controls and diabetic patients with vascular complications showed higher elevations. Furthermore, homocysteine levels showed significant positive correlation with the degree of microalbuminuria. TNF-alpha levels were elevated in all diabetic patients compared with controls. These results may have therapeutic implications.

Early diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women can be of great help in early intervention and prevention of congenital disorders that usually lead to fetal death. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate nested PCR amplification of the B1 gene of Toxoplasma gondii before and after treatment and in comparison to serological follow-up during treatment. The efficiency of treatment on the bases of PCR detection of T. gondii DNA was statistically significant, while it was insignificant when anti-toxoplasma specific IgM and IgG antibodies were used. PCR detection of T. gondii DNA when performed on whole blood is a rapid, sensitive and specific diagnostic procedure and is a valuable tool for establishing the diagnosis of T. gondii infection in women before or during pregnancy.

The validity of radioimmunoassays of each of luteinizing hormone, follecile stimulating hormone, prolactin, thyroid stimulating hormone and insulin was assessed from the point of view of iodinated tracer purity of one type of commercial clinical radioimmunoassay kits. The use of high resolution gel filtration made it possible to purify further the standard iodinated tracers. Comparative radioimmunoassays using the unpurified preparations and the purified fractions enabled the detection of overestimations as well as underestimations of standards and unknowns in all the investigated hormones, together with non-specific binding effect noticed with the use of the unpurified iodinated preparations.

The effect of administration of various contraceptive tablets, namely, Lyndiol 2.5, Lyndiol 1.0, and lynestrenol 0.5 mg., and Deladroxate injection on milk composition was investigated. A diminution was observed in milk proteins and milk fat which was statistically significant in all cases, compared to a control (placebo) group. Narrow variations were observed in milk lactose which were, however, statistically insignificant. The milk inorganic constituents, namely, sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, were significantly decreased. The total inorganic phosphorus showed no change except in the lynestrenol 0.5 mg. and Deladroxate groups, in which it was diminished. The above findings speak strongly in favor of an adverse effect of these steroids on milk composition. The possible role played by these drugs in this concern is discussed.

A study was planned on the effect of contraceptive steroids on milk yield and composition in goats after established lactation. The goats were classified into six groups: Group I received no medication and was considered as a control group. Group II was given Deladroxate injections. Groups III and IV received Lyndiol 2.5 and Lyndiol 1.0, respectively. Group V received lynestrenol 0.5 mg. alone and Group VI, mestranol 0.1 mg. alone. The milk yield per 24 hours was found to decrease in all groups, the drop amounting to 42 per cent in the control group, 71.6 per cent in Group II, 60 per cent in Group III, 52 per cent in Group IV, 55.6 per cent in Group V, and 56 per cent in Group VI. The growth rate of the kids in Groups II, III, and IV was lower than that in the control group. The milk fat and proteins dropped gradually. This was most marked in medicated groups. Milk lactose showed minor variations, while the changes in the inorganic constitutents were inconsistent, varying between increment and decrement. These results confirm the previous findings in women, that gestagens exert an adverse effect on the quantity and quality of milk when they are orally or parenterally administered during lactation.

The effects of progestational steroids on the chemical composition of milk during the 1st year of lactation are described. The milk samples were analyzed for total protein lipid and lactose content. When compared with a group of nonmedicated women chlormadinone acetate Depo-Provera and Deladroxone all caused a marked increase in protein co ntent in the early stages of lactation while quingestanol acetate had little overall effect. The average protein content in gm% over the period was as follows: chlormadinone acetate 1.07 Depo-Provera 1.04 Deladroxone .96 quingestanol acetate .86 and controls .83. Lipid and lactose content showed irregular changes in the medicated groups as compared with the controls. The general trend towards an increase in milk protein with all 4 progestagens may be explained by the direct stimulating effect of their estrogenic metabolites on mammary tissue.

The effects of Depoprovera and Deladroxone were studied in humans, on certain milk components as well as on the growth of the nursed infants. Both drugs caused reduction in milk yield. Both drugs caused an increase in the concentration of milk total proteins, however. Depoprovera caused an increase while Deladroxone caused a decrease in the total amount of milk proteins per feed. Depoprovera showed no effect while Deladroxone caused an increase in the concentration of milk lipids; however, both drugs caused reduction in the total amount of milk lipids per feed. Both drugs showed no effect on the concentration of milk lactose, but caused reduction in the total amount of milk lactose per feed. The percentage increase in weight of nursed infants was decreased by Depoprovera, but not affected by Deladroxone.The effects of Depo Provera and Deladroxone, both long-acting inject able contraceptive agents, on lactation and infant growth was studied in 76 lactating women. Milk yield was decreased by both drugs, though the concentration of total milk proteins was increased. Depo Provera increased the total amount of milk proteins per feed, while a decrease was observed with Deladroxone. Deladroxone increased the concentration of milk lipids, but Depo Provera had no effect. Nonetheless, both agents reduced the total amount of milk lipids per feed. Concentrations of milk lactose were unaffected, but the total amount of milk lactose per feed was reduced by both drugs. Depo Provera decreased the rate of infant growth, while Deladroxine had no effect.

The effect of three antimonial antischistosomal drugs and a non-antimonial one, namely, niridazole, was studied on some aspects of carbohydrate metabolism. The drugs were given in curative doses daily for 5 days and twenty-four hours after the last injection blood sugar, liver glycogen, liver phosphorylase and liver lactic acid were estimated. The results show that the antimonial drugs did not significantly change any of the items examined but niridazole raised the blood sugar level as well as the liver phosphorylase activity and lactic acid levels. This was accompanied by a decrease in liver glycogen levels. Possible explanations of these findings are discussed.

Total, free, and conjugated urinary catecholamines and their metabolites are studied in diabetes before and after treatment. There are abnormalities in catecholamines metabolism and their metabolites caused by the diabetic condition. The 24 hour urinary excretion of the total catecholamines is significantly increased in diabetics. Epinephrine, as a free fraction, conjugated fraction, and, consequently, as a total metabolite, is significantly increased. No change in dopamine concentration is observed in diabetes although dopamine is known to inhibit insuline release. No sex difference is, however, observed in the diabetic patients with regards to the catecholamines excretion. After controlling the diabetic state, abnormalities in catecholamine metabolism and their metabolites are normalized.

The effect of Quinestrol (3-0-cyclopentyl-17alpha-ethinyl-1, 3, 5 (10)-triene-3,17-diol), a long acting estrogenic contraceptive steroid, on plasma lipids has been studied in ten women for three months. It was found to lower plasma free fatty acids, cholesterol and cholesterol esters, but to increase plasma phospholipids and triglycerides. The possible causes of these alterations are discussed.

A study confirming the in vivo D-homoannulation of an ethynylated steroid evidenced by its specific beta-stereochemistry involved the administration by sc injections of mestranol in 6 adult female guinea pigs. 17 alpha-ethinyl estradiol as a monoconjugate (glucuronide) and a diconjugate (glucuronide and presumably sulfate in urine), D-homoestradiol-17a beta and D-homoestrone were identified as urinary metabolites of mestranol in these guinea pigs. Very few metabolites retained the carbon-14-methyl ether. Chromatographic evidence was given for the presence of little mestranol with 11-tritiated-hydrogen to carbon-14 ratio. The large percentage of free metabolites in urine is attributed either to increased glucuronidase activity in guinea pig urine or to bacterial deconjugation of urinary metabolites during 24-hour urine collections.

Hypercholesterolemia has been shown to cause an increased vascular reactivity to catecholamines, but the mechanisms leading to greater smooth muscle responsiveness are not clear. Since membrane lipids are associated with receptors, a change in receptor structure and affinity for agonists could have been responsible. This study examined pharmacologic characteristics of cardiac beta adrenoceptors in isolated hearts from rabbits which had been fed a high cholesterol diet for 4, 6, or 8 weeks. Parameters measured were the spontaneous rate changes of the isolated right atrium and changes in refractory period of the isolated, perfused ventricles as these were induced by cumulative doses of the beta receptor agonist isoproterenol. The efficacy of a specific beta-one adrenoceptor blocking drug, metoprolol, in blocking these effects of isoproterenol was also evaluated. The rate and refractory period responses to isoproterenol and the blocking effectiveness of metoprolol were the same in all groups, as were the maximum responses induced by the agonist. It thus appears that hypercholesterolemia does not alter membrane beta adrenoceptor responsiveness in rabbit hearts.

Hemostatic factors in cases of early pregnancy bleeding were estimated in 16 patients pregnant for 8-12 weeks and compared with established mean values for normal pregnancies (controls). During abortion there was a significant decrease in platelet count and clot retraction and an increase in capillary fragility, indicating utilization of hemostatic factors. However, the whole blood clotting time was shortened. Subsequent recovery in the postabortive period occurred at a slower rate than that of the recovery previously established for normal delivery (mean platelet count, 268+ or -52 times 10(3)/cu. cm 6-10 days after abortion; 410+ or -103 times 10(3) in corresponding puerperal period). The state of enhanced hemostasis observed 6-10 days after normal labor did not manifest fully after abortion. Abortion resulted in a significant reduction of hemoglobin percentage which was maintained for 10 days. A depressed state of hemopoiesis in abortion might be in part responsible for the persistence of lowered hemoglobin reported in the postabortive period. A case of hemopoietic failure as a result of pregnancy is described, and it is suggested that therapeutic abortion in such conditions may be life-saving.