Biomedical subjects

L F Jarvik

Publications and source records attributed to L F Jarvik.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

PubMed1977

The in vitro effects of imipramine on human chromosomes.

The clastogenic effects of imipramine on chromosomes have been investigated in leukocyte cultures from seven healthy blood donors (2 mlae and 5 female), repeat cultures being initiated at intervals of 6 to 12 weeks. At various times prior to harvesting nine different doses of imipramine were added in vitro, the three lowest concentrations being within the range of plasma levels reported in psychiatric patients reveiving the drug therapeutically. In addition, streptonigrin was used as a positive control. No increase in chromosome breaks was found at any concentration for any duration of exposure even in those cultures where high concentration and/or long duration of exposure significantly suppressed cell growth. Only cultures to which streptonigrin had been added showed a significant increase in chromosome breaks.

Adult↗

PubMed1977

The Odyssean personality. A survival advantage for carriers of genes predisposing to schizophrenia?

To explain the persistence of schizophrenia in human populations at relatively high and constant rates, it is proposed that the schizoid-paranoid personality (designated as the Odyssean personality) which characterizes so many nonpsychotic relatives of schizophrenics, represents a selective advantage. It is assumed that odyssean relatives carry the gene or genes predisposing to schizophrenia, but not in sufficient quantity for the development of the psychosis. It is suggested that because of their schizoid-paranoid out-look, Odysseans have an increased probability of contributing to the gene pool of succeeding generations since, in a world plagued by terror, strife, and war, they, rather than their trusting peers, are the ones more likely to survive long enough to ensure the survival of their progeny.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1976

Chromosomes in old age: a six year longitudinal study.

This first longitudinal study on aged subjects confirms previous cross-sectional observations of increasing aneuploidy with advancing age in women but not in men. In this study of 17 aged twins (mean age 89.7 years), 11 women and 6 men, spanning an interval of approximately 6 years between examinations, only women showed a significant increase in hypodiploidy (also hyperdiploidy and monosomy C). This increase in hypodiploidy was not due to a high frequency of chromosome loss in a few subjects but rather was exhibited by most of the subjects. While men showed a loss in G-group chromosomes during this 6-year interval, that loss was not statistically significant. These findings confirm for the first time by means of longitudinal follow-up that women and not men, even in the ninth decade of life, show a significant increase in hypodiploidy.

Aged↗

PubMed1976

Twin studies and behavior genetics.

It is observed that neither the methodology of twin studies nor that of behavior genetics in general has been adequately explored in most investigations of human behavior. General distrust of genetic methodologies as well as the belief that genic disorders are unalterable appear to be salient factors in explaining the neglect of those areas by social scientists. A plea is made for putting aside biased attitudes that prevent utilization of the best available techniques for the study of human beings as distinguished from all other animals.

Attitude↗

PubMed1976

Survival of octogenarians: six years after initial chromosome examination.

The frequencies of hypodiploidy, hyperdiploidy, monosomy C, monosomy G, and breaks were lower in the 19 female octogenarians who survived chromosome examination by six years than in the 19 who died, although none of the differences were statistically significant. In men, if anything, the trend was in the opposite direction with the nine survivors having higher frequencies than the 14 decedents. Again the differences were small and none were statistically significant. In neither sex, was there a relationship between length of survival and any of the parameters examined. Repeat chromosome examinations (two each, average interval 2.4 years) were available for seven women (one survivor and six decedents). There were no statistically significant differences between the two chromosome examinations except for an increase in monosomy C. Seven individuals, however, including but a single survivor, form too small a group to permit definitive conclusions about the lack of a relationship between chromosomal changes and survival.

Aged↗

PubMed1976

Immunoglobulin levels and intellectual functioning in the aged.

Significant positive correlations between vocabulary test scores and serum levels of immunoglobulins, IgG and IgM, were obtained for 14 subjects ranging in age from 83-100 years (mean 89.0 years). This positive association with vocabulary scores is a result contrary to data reported by other investigators. The interrelationship between measures of behavior, central nervous system and immunologic function deserve further attention.

Aged↗

PubMed1976

Aging and depression: some unanswered questions.

The subject of aging and depression leaves many unanswered questions, and the lack of precise and universally accepted definitions (not to mention an inadequate nosology) further complicates the issue. Little is known regarding the differentiation of depressive illness from a melancholic response to the stressful aging process, and equally little regarding the natural history of depressions with onset in the teens, 20s, or 30s. Studies are focusing on biochemical and physiological aspects of depression, but at present biochemists suffer from the uncertainties of the clinicians, and the clinicians and geneticists from the limitations of the biochemists. However, despite our uncertainties about the condition, several effective forms of therapy have been developed, ranging from a focus on the therapeutic milieu to the use of pharmacologic antidepressants (particularly lithium). Ultimately, the question remains: Why are not all elderly persons suffering from depression? The answer may lie in the interaction of environment, life stresses, and the internal adaptive capacities of the individual.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1975

Human intelligence: sex differences.

An extensive review of the literatureon sex differences in human intelligence leads to the conclusion that there is stron evidence for sex differences in processing both verbal and spatial information. The few genetic studies that there are all point toward a sex-link mode of inheritance of certain spatial abilities.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1975