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Passively transferred antibody levels were significantly increased in plasma of two- and seven-day-old chicks when the dams were fed 150 and 450 p.p.m. vitamin E prior to immunization with Brucella abortus. However, if the hens were fed 90, 300 and 900 p.p.m. vitamin E before immunization, the chicks evidenced no increase in antibody titers relative to controls. This nonlinear antibody response by the reticulo-endothelial system to vitamin E confirms in Gallus domesticus similar results reported for other species.

Aged rats were exposed to 10% oxygen for 1, 13, and 36 hr. Norepinephrine levels in cerebral cortex, hypothalamus, hippocampus, midbrain, cerebellum, pons-medulla and dopamine levels in striatum were determined after each exposure. While there was no significant change in monoamine levels in brain regions after 2 hr, norepinephrine concentration in hypothalamus and midbrain decreased significantly after 13 hr of hypoxia. After 36 hr in a hypoxic environment, levels of the monoamines in brain regions were similar to the controls. This would suggest NE metabolism is most vulnerable to hypoxia in two regions of the aged brain. The precise mechanism of these changes is unknown, but they suggest both a vulnerability and an adaptive recovery of central adrenergic metabolism by the aged brain under hypoxia.

Our understanding of the structure and function of the anterior cruciate ligament has progressed rapidly over the past decade. Arthroscope-assisted anterior cruciate ligament replacement is a new procedure that allows isometric placement of the anterior cruciate ligament graft. Postoperative rehabilitation is enhanced by preservation of the extensor mechanism.

In summary, the approach to the athlete with low back pain must include an emphasis on aggressive nonoperative intervention, education, and rehabilitation. A diligent attempt must be made to establish a correct diagnosis, though this may be difficult at first. A firm diagnosis allows individualized treatment that meets the strenuous needs of the athlete. Work-up should be standardized to avoid missing what will appear obvious in retrospect. Unlike most of the general patient population, athletes are unlikely to tolerate a long period of "wait and see" therapy. It is necessary to have qualified allied health personnel who can perform a full spectrum to have qualified allied health personnel who can perform a full spectrum of exercise, mobilization, and modality therapies. Return to competition should be gradual but steady, as previous performance levels can usually be obtained following lumbar injuries.

The spectrum of posterior element, vertebral injury in the young gymnast ranges from stress reaction to spondylolisthesis. Hyperextension and repetitive microtrauma lead to such injuries in young athletes. Early recognition may lead to a more favorable clinical outcome.

The primary determinant of the ultimate outcome of surgery is the nature of the underlying disease. The current applications of arthroscopic surgery to various disease entities are reviewed and the results that can reasonably be expected with each are summarized. As time goes on, the number of diseases that can be treated arthroscopically and the efficacy of treatment will continue to improve.

Techniques for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery have evolved from the traditional open procedures to arthroscopically assisted procedures. The rationale for arthroscopically assisted ACL reconstruction includes small incisions, no disruption of the extensor mechanism, shorter hospitalizations, reduced postoperative pain, and faster rehabilitation. A stepwise approach for ACL reconstructions is presented.

Drs. Jackson and Lohr review such skeletal injuries as fractures, dislocations and subluxations, cervical disk herniation, degenerative disks, and "stingers." Cervical strains and sprains are also discussed, and evaluation of cervical injuries and immobilization and transportation of the injured player are other topics covered.