Evidence for the occurrence of an ecto-(adenosine triphosphatase) in rat epididymal spermatozoa

Intact spermatozoa from rat cauda epididymis possess a Mg2+-dependent ATPase activity that hydrolyses externally added [gamma-32P]ATP. The ATPase reaction was linear with time for approx. 6 min and there was no detectable uptake of ATP by these cells. The ATPase activity of the whole spermatozoa was not due to leakage of the intracellular enzymic activity, contamination of the broken cells or any possible cell damage during incubation and isolation of spermatozoa. The activity of the enzyme was strongly inhibited (approx. 85%) by p-chloromercuribenzenesulphonic acid (50 microM) or the diazonium salt of sulphanilic acid (50 microM), which are believed not to enter the cells, whereas ouabain (0.5 mM), NaF (10 mM), NaN3 (2.5 mM) and oligomycin (5 microM) had no appreciable effect on the activity of the spermatozoal APTase. There was little loss of ATPase activity from the cells when washed with 0.5 mM-EDTA and an iso-osmotic or hyperosmotic medium. These data are consistent with the view that the observed ATPase activity is located on the external surface of spermatozoa. The sperm ecto-ATPase activity is resistant to the action of proteinases (50 micrograms/ml), namely trypsin, chymotrypsin and Pronase. Studies with various unlabelled phosphate esters indicate that the sperm ecto-ATPase is not a non-specific phosphatase and it has high degree of substrate specificity for ATP.

[Asymptomatic chronic-persisting hepatitis B in a young child as source of infection of hepatitis B within a family (author's transl)]

Five members of an eight-member family fell ill with an acute icteric hepatitis B of the same subtype within eleven months. In all probability the source of the infection was a just over one-year-old fostered child with asymptomatic chronic persisting hepatitis B and signs of massive viraemia (usually high HBs antigen concentration, high virus-specific DNA-polymerase activity and positive HBe antigen test). No relation could be demonstrated between HLA constellation and illness in the family members. Since no specific treatment is available, the only possible prophylactic measure is to isolate the child in the present environment, to avoid further cases of the disease.

Simultaneous presence of HBsAg and anti-HBs in the serum of different subtypes (serological and immunofluorescent studies)

Serological and immunofluorescent studies were performed in 3 patients with the simultaneous presence of HBsAg and anti-HBs in the serum. Our investigations revealed the following results: HBsAg and anti-HBs in the serum were of different subtypes. HBsAg in the serum and in the liver had the same subtype. HBsAg in the liver did not react with the circulating anti-HBs in the patient's own serum. HBsAg-anti-HBs immune complexes could not be detected in the serum or in the liver tissue. These phenomena can most readily be explained by at least 2 contacts with hepatitis-B-viruses of different subtypes, one leading to immune tolerance and the other to an immune response. In a follow-up study there was no evidence for a short-term change in HBsAg subtype. Unexplained remains the cause why one contact with HBV did lead to immune tolerance and a second to an immune response.

Effect of ovariectomy and replacement therapy on the tissue lipid pattern in rats

Ovariectomy increases the percentage of total lipids in liver, kidney and uterus of intact cyclic rats. Estrogen and progesterone, when administered individually to ovariectomized rats, caused a decrease in the total lipid content of all tissues. Th effect of progesterone in estrogen-primed rats is not significant. Triglyceride and cholesterol content increases after ovariectomy; treatment with estrogen in ovariectomized rats led to a decrease in the concentration of these lipids. Progesterone has no significant effect on these lipids but showed an antagonistic action when given in estrogen-primed ovariectomized rats. The proportions of ethanolamine, choline and inositol phospholipids decreased after spaying and increased when estrogen was given to spayed rats. Progesterone alone had effect only on the uterus whereas progesterone administered to estrogen-primed rats showed an antagonistic effect in all tissues.

Tuberculous dacryoadenitis in a child

Background: Orbital tuberculosis is rare even in endemic areas. The disease may involve soft tissue, lacrimal gland, or the periosteum or bones of the orbital wall. Case: We present an Indian girl, who presented with a slowly growing left-sided superotemporal orbital mass, with no significant previous medical history. The swelling turned to an abscess and burst spontaneously giving rise to a discharging sinus. The discharge was negative for any organism on Gram and Giemsa staining. A tuberculin skin test was strongly positive. Incisional biopsy showed caseating granuloma and Langhan’s giant cells suggestive of tubercular aetiology. The patient responded well to tuberculous chemotherapy. Conclusion: Although tuberculous dacryoadenitis is a very rare manifestation of tuberculosis, still the possibility should be entertained in a slowly growing mass of the lacrimal gland, especially in developing countries where the prevalence of tuberculosis is high. Key words: Tuberculosis, lacrimal gland, histopathology DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v3i2.5281 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2011; 3(2): 210-213

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy through superior calyceal approach - our experience

Introduction: Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is considered the treatment of choice for large (> 2 cm size) renal stones at present. Aim of this study was to evaluate the results of PCNL as monotherapy in our centre which were done through superior calyceal approach.Materials and Methods: Seventy five patients with three bilateral renal stone (total 78 renal units) that underwent PCNL through superior calyceal approach at Apollo Hospitals Dhaka from May 15, 2005 to December 15, 2007 were included in this retrospective study. Selected patients had renal stones more than 2 cm in size (average stone size 35 mm and surface area 750 mm2). Ultrasonogram, intravenous urogram and in some selected cases CT scan were done to detect the location and size of the stone. Urologist performed percutaneous punctures through superior calyx in prone position under fluoroscopic guidance and general anaesthesia were employed in all cases. Post-operative stone clearance was documented on plain X-ray KUB and ultrasonogram KUB.Results: PCNL was successfully (complete stone clearance and insignificant residue) carried out in 68 patients (69 renal units). Average stone clearance was 88.46%. No second look procedures were needed. Uro-sepsis was the main complication, occurred in 9 renal units (11.53 %) while urinary leakage/ fistula in 6.41%, significant bleeding in 6 renal units (7.69 %) and pleural breach with fluid in pleural cavity (hydrothorax) in 2 (2.6 %) cases. Mean blood transfusion was 1.2 units and mean hospital stay was 67 hours.Conclusion: Monotherapy with PCNL is highly effective in the treatment of large volume renal calculi and staghorn calculi using superior calyceal supracostal and subcostal approach. As a minimally invasive procedure, it is quite safe in experienced hand.Keywords: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy, Renal stone, Superior calyceal puncture, Staghorn calculiDOI: 10.3329/pulse.v3i1.6543Pulse Vol.3(1) July 2009 p4-6