APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA-RDP01-00707R000200110012-0
control purposes is one of the largest and best of its kind in the world. Virology research is excellent on the structure of viruses, the incidence of tick-borne viruses of Europe and Asia, the development of vaccines, and the production of interferon. The major center for virology work is the Institute of Virology in Bratislava, which is a WHO Regional Reference Laboratory for Arboviruses.
Investigations in radiobiology include a well planned and executed study of the comparative radiotoxic and cancerogenic effects of radioisotopes as related to isotope half-life. Fine research is underway on the metabolism of isotope labeled blood components, the distribution of radioisotopes, the effects of whole-body irradiation, the genetic code, and modeling of living processes. Interesting studies are underway on the use of enzymes in the treatment of radiation sickness to neutralize radiation doses and on the cardiovascular effects of radiation damage. The country is shorthanded in laboratory personnel, but many radiologists have received excellent training in both the United States and Western Europe. The important center for radiation work is the Institute of Biophysics and Nuclear Medicine, Charles University, Prague.
The high standard of research in biochemistry can be attributed in part to the fact that a large number of Czechoslovak biochemists have been trained in the United States. The scientists are bright and imaginative, but they are severely handicapped by shortages and inadequacy of equipment. Biochemists are contributing excellent studies on the fractionation of immunoglobulins, an understanding of the problems of transplantation immunology, the effect of physical factors on blood during extracorporeal circulation, and the physiological effects of electromagnetic irradiation. Important contributions are being made in the analysis of protein and polypeptide structures and the partial synthesis of enzymes. There are genetic studies of industrially useful organisms to isolate desirable antibiotic-producing strains and to develop a system to regulate production of nucleic acid and protein macromolecules. Extremely pure and highly active enzymes have been isolated.
Research in pharmacology is given high priority and is directed primarily to support of the drug industry. The Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Prague is pursing a program for the evaluation of pharmacological agents, a program which exploits the facilities of the Central Computer Center of the Institute of Applied Mathematics, Prague. Proposals have been made to WHO to formalize standardization of drug assessment procedures. The pharmaceutical industry has four specialized research units in addition to 13 production enterprises. A major center of investigations is the Research Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Prague. The nation is one of the world's largest developers of ergot alkaloids, and research on these agents is directed to their action on central regulation of physiological functions.
Research in the field of chemotherapy of cancer involves analysis of selected toxicity of agents in cancer cells. Chemical approaches to cancer control are very sophisticated. Czechoslovakia has done good work on antimetabolite development, and its competence in organic chemical synthesis of drugs is of the same caliber as that of the United States. Difficulties are encountered in obtaining reagents and chemicals. Other areas of attention are psychopharmacological agents, prophylaxis of upper respiratory infections, radiopaque agents and steroids.
Able and imaginative work is being contributed in physiology and neurophysiology. Research personnel are well trained, but laboratory equipment is difficult to obtain. The Department of Physiology has developed a technique for assessment of subjects suffering from a variety of neurological, physiological, and psychopathological disturbances. Collaborative studies with the United States in this area are being initiated. Some good equipment, imported from West Germany, is available for the study of pulmonary functions. Wide recognition has been given to Czechoslovak work on the physiology and pathology of the nervous, muscular, and reproductive systems and mechanisms of adaptation to stress. Exhaustive study has been made on the limits of human endurance when subjected to extreme physical and mental stress under laboratory and real conditions. Physiologists have done fundamental research on the effect of long-term hypoxia on the human heart.
Clinical research is of good quality. Research on medical electronic devices must depend on the use of imported materials. An important clinical study center is the Institute of Clinical Experimental Medicine in Prague which now incorporates the former institutes of experimental therapy, human nutrition, cardiovascular research, and experimental and clinical surgery. An advanced neurosurgical clinic, established at the Faculty Hospital in Hradec Kralove, is equipped with West German as well as native instrumentation. Czechoslovakia has made a major contribution to the development of a soft contact lens. Important studies are being made by the Institute of Human Nutrition on the nutritional value of local foods.
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APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA-RDP01-00707R000200110012-0
