sample="quota" bates="HK1691097" isource="ctr" decade="1970" class="ui" date="19740819" August 19, 1974 RCH INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM The National Foundation-March of Dimes has funded these grants which run from July 1, 1974 to June 30, 1975. GABRIEL G. NAHAS, M.D., Ph.D., Columbia University, New York City $40,000 Comparative study of lymphocytes from smokers and non-smokers of marijuana, regarding the chromosome content of these cells and their ability to respond to stimuli and reproduce. The study may show whether chronic exposure to marijuana produces subtle detrimental effects on some cell groups. IRVING P. CRAWFORD, M.D., Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation, La Jolla $19,194 To study the relation of deficiency of the enzyme alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) and propensity to emphysema by following many emphysema patients who have a normal amount of AAT but the enzyme is functionally inactive. A large number of emphysema patients will be screened for AAT. Those showing abnormal enzyme activity will be further studied to pinpoint the exact molecular abnormalities in their AAT. Family studies will be done to establish the hereditary nature of their defective AAT. If functional variants are found, members of high-risk families can be tested and those having the variant enzymes may be treated to delay, modify or prevent the onset of emphysema.