ATPase Langerhans cell staining: a technique allowing progression from light to electron microscope observation

A technique which enables good visualization of the membranous ATPase activity of epidermal Langerhans cells is described. The method has the advantage of keeping intact most of the ultrastructural details. It may allow the observation, under pathologic conditions, of ultrastructural modifications in ATPase-negative Langerhans cells still recognizable by their Langerhans cell granules.

[Acute hemorrhagic edema in infants: role of adenoviruses? Apropos of a case]

A case of acute hemorrhagic oedema of the skin is reported. About it we discuss: Anatomo-clinical data, similar to immune complex type III hypersensitivity vasculitis. Antigen has never been defined. In our case adenovirus can be discussed. Evolution is usually benign, but lethal intestinal complications have been described. Nosologic relation with anaphylactoid purpura.

ATPase and morphologic changes induced by UVB on Langerhans cells in guinea pigs

We have devised, in guinea pigs, an improved ATPase technique which enables one to proceed from light to electron microscope study while preserving, on the ultrastructural level, the various membranous structures, in particular the Langerhans cell (LC) granules. Using this method, we have been able to confirm the action of acute, low-dose UVB on the surface enzymatic marker, ATPase. Moreover, this study has shown that the ATPase-negative LC contain abnormal LC granules or, more often, are deficient in LC granules. In a previous work, we have shown that, after epicutaneous application of a hapten, one successively observes an extensive adsorptive pinocytosis process, the disappearance of the membranous ATPase system, and the appearance of LC granules in the cytoplasm. Therefore we may suppose that, after UVB irradiation, the disappearance of the ATPase system and/or the possible alteration of the adsorptive pinocytosis process interrupts or alters the formation of LC granules. These successive events might play a vital role in the formation of the hapten--carrier protein-Ia antigen complex. In their absence in a large number of LC, following UV irradiation, epicutaneous application of a hapten would lead to the development of a state of immune tolerance.

Induction of tolerance to urushiol by epicutaneous application of this hapten on dinitrofluorobenzene-treated skin

The application of a sensitizing dose of urushiol on a dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-treated skin area significantly diminished the intensity of the urushiol challenge test in guinea pigs. Furthermore, the animals which had been first exposed to urushiol through DNFB-treated skin failed to become sensitized in a second sensitization attempt even when painted on a previously untreated area. This tolerance is hapten-specific and may be reversed by treatment with cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg) shortly before another contact sensitization attempt to urushiol. In a previous work, we have shown that most of the Langerhans cells present in the DNFB-treated skin area are ATPase-negative and that there exists a link between the membranous ATPase system and the formation of Langerhans cell granules. The latter seem to develop in the course of a mechanism of adsorptive pinocytosis during which ATPase activity "disappears." Thus we suggest that the "unavailability" of ATPase-negative Langerhans cells for adequate processing a second hapten may result from the incapacity of cells lacking their ATPase system to activate the intracellular events that depend on this system and that normally lead to sensitization.

Cellular development and myelin production in primary cultures of embryonic mouse brain

The development of cell cultures from embryonic mouse cerebral hemispheres has been followed in detail for periods up to 40 days in culture using a variety of approaches. Functionally well differentiated neurons (shown by receptor binding studies, immunocytochemistry and morphological examination) were found to be abundant early in culture and to form cell contacts with oligodendrocytes characterized both immunocytochemically and morphologically. Myelin-like membranes with the periodicity of classical myelin elaborated by oligodendrocytes were detected only after 30 days in culture when neurones were no longer present. These results are discussed with regard to possible mechanisms of initiation of myelin synthesis.

[Efficacy of measles vaccination in young malnourished African children]

A survey aiming at assessing the anti-measles vaccination efficiency among malnourished children, 1-3 years old, has been conducted in rural Upper-Volta. The haemagglutination inhibition technique has been used and antibodies titers higher or equal to 20 were considered as markers of protective immunity. Malnutrition does not seem to be a factor that decreases the anti-measles antibodies production, because there is no significative difference between seroconversion percentages of well and malnourished children. It is proposed that a new serological technique would be useful in the assessment of actual post-vaccinal immunity, mainly in children with ages ranging from 6 to 12 months old.

Plasma prolidase activity: a possible index of collagen catabolism in chronic liver disease

We describe here an easy method of determining prolidase (EC 3.4.13.9) in plasma after preincubation with Mn2+ for 24 h at 37 degrees C to maximize prolidase activity. The mean activity in 338 patients who were either in hospital or outpatients was 900 U/L +/- 520 (2 SD), unrelated to sex or age. In 25 of these 338 samples tested, prolidase activity was between 1500 and 2000 U/L. It exceeded 2000 U/L in eight, all of whom were patients with chronic liver disease. Plasma prolidase activity was normal in cytolytic syndromes such as liver or heart disease. Of the 27 patients with cirrhosis, only five exhibited prolidase activity greater than 2000 U/L. Plasma prolidase activity was uncorrelated with six biochemical indexes to liver function (the aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, glutamyltransferase, total bilirubin, and serum albumin) or with the degree of cirrhotic fibrosis. We believe that plasma prolidase activity may be high only in the early stage of fibrosis. This hypothesis would be consistent with the data on rat-liver collagenolytic activities during CCl4 administration. Monitoring of plasma prolidase activity might be useful in evaluating fibrotic processes in chronic liver disease in the human.

Plasma prolidase activity: a possible index of collagen catabolism in chronic liver disease

We describe here an easy method of determining prolidase (EC 3.4.13.9) in plasma after preincubation with Mn2+ for 24 h at 37 degrees C to maximize prolidase activity. The mean activity in 338 patients who were either in hospital or outpatients was 900 U/L +/- 520 (2 SD), unrelated to sex or age. In 25 of these 338 samples tested, prolidase activity was between 1500 and 2000 U/L. It exceeded 2000 U/L in eight, all of whom were patients with chronic liver disease. Plasma prolidase activity was normal in cytolytic syndromes such as liver or heart disease. Of the 27 patients with cirrhosis, only five exhibited prolidase activity greater than 2000 U/L. Plasma prolidase activity was uncorrelated with six biochemical indexes to liver function (the aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, glutamyltransferase, total bilirubin, and serum albumin) or with the degree of cirrhotic fibrosis. We believe that plasma prolidase activity may be high only in the early stage of fibrosis. This hypothesis would be consistent with the data on rat-liver collagenolytic activities during CCl4 administration. Monitoring of plasma prolidase activity might be useful in evaluating fibrotic processes in chronic liver disease in the human.

[Toxic pneumopathy following voluntary ingestion of 1 1/2 liters of gas-oil]

Authors recall an original observation about a twenty years old young girl who ingested one and half litre of gas-oil for suicide. A severe toxic lung disease appeared in the following days. Several weeks will be necessary for complete resorption, but no heavy breathing assistance will be needed. This observation confirmates the very rare cases described in publication.

Activity of neurons in the ventral tegmental region of the behaving monkey

To investigate the functions of neurons in the ventral tegmental area, recordings were made of the activity of 257 single neurons in this area in the behaving monkey. Four main types of neuronal response were found in the ventral part of the tegmentum. First, neurons with activity phasically related to mouth or arm movements were found. Most of these were located relatively far lateral, close to the junction of the midbrain reticular formation with the zona incerta, or were in the substantia nigra, pars reticulata. Second, neurons were found which responded differentially in a visual discrimination task on trials on which the monkey had to initiate a licking response compared with trials on which he did not, and which also altered their firing rate tonically while mouth movements were being made in other situations (differential motor neurons). These were found mainly in the midbrain reticular formation, consistent with the view that populations of neurons in these regions are involved in the execution of movements. Third, neurons which also responded differentially in the visual discrimination task, but did not respond when the same movements were made in other situations, were found in the ventral tegmental area, in a region medial to and in some cases immediately dorsal to the substantia nigra pars compacta. Fourth, neurons which responded to cues such as a tone which enabled the monkey to prepare for performance on each trial of the visual discrimination task were found in the ventral tegmental area close to the midline. These third and fourth types of neurons were thus found in the region where neurons of the mesocortical and mesolimbic pathways are located. Their responses are similar to those of neurons found in the striatum, and it is suggested that they are important in enabling the animal to prepare for and then to engage in particular behavioral responses.

[Phosgene poisoning]

Phosgene, a combat gaz of the first world war is now very used in industry. Authors report a few observations about acute intoxications in the manufacture of this gaz in Toulouse. They insist about the risks of slow coming out lung oedema when safety instructions are not correctly followed. However better knowledge and observance of these instructions permitted a reduction of these intoxications in number and gravity.

[Tubo-ovarian hydatid cyst. Apropos of a case]

The authors report a new case of hydatid disease infecting the Fallopian tube and ovary. Diagnosis was ascertained only upon pathologic examination of the operative specimen. With reference to this case, the signs which may suggest the diagnosis are specified, as well as the treatment and the nosology of these localizations.

Investigations on myelination in vitro: IV. "Myelin-like" or premyelin structures in cultures of dissociated brain cells from 14--15-day-old embryonic mice

The present study reports ultrastructural and biochemical data characteristic of myelin-related structures in 30- to 41-day-old cultures of dissociated brain cells from 14- to 15-day-old embryonic mice. Multilayered membranous material was identified and displayed an alternation of electron-lucent and electron-dense lamellae with a periodicity of 102 A. In these membranes, typical myelin constituents like basic protein, cerebrosides, sulfatides, and CNPase could be identified. Although we are still unable to distinguish if these membranes are premyelin or compact myelin, which could be partly degraded, these results indicate that cultured mouse brain cells retain, to a certain extent, potential to produce myelin-related membranes.

Consequences of the chronic cutaneous application of iodinated antiseptics on the thyroid function in the guinea-pig

The effect of the chronic cutaneous application of iodine-containing substances on the thyroid function was studied in the guinea-pig. Six iodinated products were daily applied at the rate of 2 g/kg/day for 90 days. We find a quasi-abolition in the thyroid 131I-uptake (reflecting the transcutaneous absorption of free iodine) and an important transient thyroidal hyperproduction during the first month. Then, this primary hyperthyroidism induces a strong pituitary negative feed-back so that the levels of the circulating hormones T3 and T4 are normalized at the end of the experiment; a new hormonal balance is reached with a TSH level reduced by half compared to its normal value.

[Difficulties in the pathological diagnosis of Garre's neurinoma (glandular schwannoma (author's transl)]

Evidence from a case studied with electron microscopy suggests that tumors diagnosed up till now as Garre's neurinoma (glandular schwannoma), without ultrastructural proof, may not in fact originate in Schwann cells. None of the characteristics of Schwann cells could be demonstrated in the fusiform cells of the tumor. The medical literature is reviewed.

Effects of lesioning the anterior suprasylvian cortex on visuo-motor guidance performance in the cat

Seven cats were trained to press a lever that moved in front of them at an adjustable speed and at random from left to right or from right to left. Efficient presses were reinforced by food. After measuring accuracy and latency of pressing the lever, the animals underwent bilateral ablation of the suprasylvian (SS) cortex; in three animals the lesions involved its anterior aspect; in two animals, they were restricted to its middle portion; two other cats had lesions of both anterior and the middle SS cortex. No long-lasting postoperative deficits were observed in any group when the lever remained immobile. On the other hand, the scores after anterior SS lesions were severely deteriorated, when presses had to be performed on the moving lever. No such deficits were noticed when the ablations were restricted to the middle SS. These results suggest that the cat anterior suprasylvian cortex (that includes parts of areas 5 and 7) plays a determinant role in the spatial adjustment of a visually guided (or visually triggered) forelimb movement.

[Bronchial myoblastoma with cartilage injury (author's transl)]

The authors present a new case of bronchial myoblastoma the particularity of which is the partial destruction of bronchial cartilages. This unusual aggressivity of the tumor facing the toughest bronchial structures does not seem to be an unfavourable prognosis element. Two years after resection, the tumor hasn't recurred.

[Visually guided movement in the cat: difference in the effects of a bilateral lesion of the thalamic nucleus ventralis lateralis performed either before or after training]

Bilatéral lesions of the thalamic nucleus ventralis lateralis were performed in cats, either after [1] or before [2] training to reach a moving target with the forepaw. In situation [1], lesions were ineffective; in situation [2] the animal never reached normal scores. VL thus seems to be essential only in the acquisition phase of the tested visuomotor performance.