HLA haplotype segregation in families with allergic asthma

In order to evaluate genetic linkage between Allergic Asthma (AA) and the HLA system, we studied 20 families having AA affected sib pairs and 8 families with Intrinsic Asthma (IA) affected sib pairs. All AA patients had a strong IgE immune response to the mite D. farinae. Serological HLA typing (A, B, C, DR, and DQ antigens) was performed by the standard microcytotoxicity assay. Genetic analysis was made by means of the "Affected sib pairs" method. Out of the 20 affected sib pairs, 14 shared two HLA haplotypes, five shared one HLA haplotype and one was HLA-non-identical. These results differed significantly from the random ratio 1:2:1 for sharing, 2, 1 or 0 haplotypes (p less than 0.0001), and was very close to that expected for a recessive mode of inheritance. In contrast, among the IA sib pairs there was not an important distortion in the pattern of haplotypes segregation. However, a significant association between any of the HLA alleles and the two types of Asthma studied was not found. The results suggest the existence of an HLA-linked recessive gene controlling the IgE immune responsiveness to mite allergens and conferring susceptibility to AA.

Morphine inhibition of lymphocyte activity is mediated by an opioid dependent mechanism

The effects of acutely-administered morphine on mitogen stimulated lymphocyte proliferation and natural killer cell cytolytic activity were investigated. Two hours after a subcutaneous injection of morphine (25 mg/kg), blood lymphocyte proliferation was found to be 70% depressed, compared to saline-injected controls. This effect was partially antagonized in animals pretreated with naltrexone (10 mg/kg) and was present only in blood lymphocytes, since proliferative responses of splenic lymphocytes were not significantly altered. The administration of morphine, however, did result in a 30-40% inhibition of cytolytic activity of natural killer cells, which was completely antagonized in naltrexone-pretreated animals. Naltrexone alone was found to have no effect on either proliferation of blood and splenic lymphocytes or the cytolytic activity of splenic lymphocytes. Although naltrexone had no effect on the activity of lymphocytes, animals treated with either naltrexone or morphine alone, or their combination, had 4- to 8-fold increases in corticosterone in plasma. These results demonstrate that the effect of morphine on immune cells was dependent on the tissue source of lymphocytes. Furthermore, the suppression of blood lymphocyte proliferation and splenic cytolytic activity of natural killer cells by morphine was opiate receptor-mediated, as indicated by the reversibility by naltrexone of the observed effects of morphine. Finally, the accompanying increase in circulating levels of corticosterone most likely did not contribute to these effects.

Mitochondrial DNA variation and genetic structure in Old-World populations of Drosophila subobscura

To discover the relation between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymorphism and the geographic population structure of Drosophila subobscura previously established for other genetic traits, a wide Paleartic survey was carried out. A total of 24 nucleomorphs was observed among 261 isofemale lines assayed by 11 restriction endonucleases with 38 different sites in the mtDNA cleavage map. The differentiation of the Canary Islands populations (delta = 0.0119) compared with the mean among all the other continental and insular populations (delta = 0.0002) is striking. Both the great divergence among Canary Islands nucleomorphs (delta = 0.021) compared with the maximum nucleomorph distance in all other populations (delta = 0.017) and the abundance of endemic nucleomorphs (11) on the Canary Islands (50% of the total number of different nucleomorphs found in the entire distribution area) suggest that this molecular differentiation most probably results from the very old age of the Canary Islands populations rather than from drift and founder effects.

Klebsiella bacteremia. A 10-year review in a cancer institution

A total of 368 episodes of Klebsiella bacteremia occurred in 330 cancer patients, representing a rate of four episodes per 1000 hospital admissions. Eighty-eight percent of these infections were acquired nosocomically and 58% of the patients received antibiotics during the preceding 10-day period. There was pulmonary infection in 24% of the patients, shock in 25%, and disseminated intravascular coagulation in 7%. The overall response rate was 69%. Response rates were significantly lower among patients with shock (25% versus 83%), hemorrhage (29% versus 76%), and pneumonia (37% versus 79%). The combination of a cephalosporin plus an aminoglycoside produced the highest response rate (79%). Klebsiella sp continue to be an important cause of infection in patients with cancer.

Modulation of 17 alpha-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase activity in porcine theca cells

The major source of ovarian androgen is the theca cells. Androgens are produced by the conversion of progestins by the 17 alpha-hydroxylase/C17,20 lyase enzymatic system (lyase). The 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and aromatase enzymes in the theca cells are modulated by gonadotropins as well as by steroids produced locally. Therefore, the combined effects of hCG plus progesterone, estradiol, or dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on microsomal lyase activity in theca cells from large and medium-sized follicles were determined. Theca cells (3 x 10(6) cells/6 ml/well) were cultured in Medium 199 (M199) containing only insulin (10 micrograms/ml) and transferrin (5 micrograms/ml). At 24 h, theca cells were treated with M199, hCG (15 ng/ml), progesterone, estradiol, or DHT (100 ng/ml) or a combination of hCG + one of the three steroids. Media were removed at various times of culture (27-72 h) and levels of androgen determined by RIA. Microsomes were incubated with 1 microCi [3H]progesterone +0.5 mM NADPH and radioactive conversion products were measured after purification by thin layer chromatography. Administration of progesterone, estradiol, or DHT alone had little effect on lyase activity in theca cells from medium-sized follicles whereas the addition of hCG alone significantly increased lyase activity in these cells. However, concomitant addition of any steroid with hCG inhibited the increase in lyase activity after the addition of hCG alone. Theca cells from large porcine follicles had a higher basal level of lyase activity compared to theca cells from the smaller follicles. Lyase activity in theca cells from large follicles was enhanced by progesterone; estradiol was inhibitory. DHT initially stimulated lyase activity in theca cells from large follicles, but was inhibitory later in culture. In contrast to its marked effect on theca cells from medium follicles, hCG had only a small effect on lyase activity in theca cells from large follicles. Thus, thecal lyase activity increased as the follicle matured, providing more androgen substrate for the production of estrogen. Lyase activity in theca cells of medium follicles appears to be regulated predominantly by gonadotropin from the pituitary while intraovarian regulation of lyase activity by steroids may be more important in larger follicles.

Optic nerve regeneration in adult fish and apolipoprotein A-I

Fish optic nerves, unlike mammalian optic nerves, are endowed with a high capacity to regenerate. Injury to fish optic nerves causes pronounced changes in the composition of pulse-labeled substances derived from the surrounding non-neuronal cells. The most prominent of these injury-induced changes is in a 28-kilodalton (kDa) polypeptide whose level increases after injury, as revealed by one-dimensional gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. The present study identified as apolipoprotein A-I (apo-A-I) a polypeptide of 28 kDa in media conditioned by regenerating fish optic nerves. The level of this polypeptide increased after injury by approximately 35%. Apo-A-I was isolated by gel-permeation chromatography from delipidated high-density lipoproteins (HDL) that had been obtained from carp plasma by sequential ultracentrifugation. Further identification of the purified protein as apo-A-I was based on its molecular mass (28 kDa) as determined by gel electrophoresis, amino acid composition, and microheterogeneity studies. The isolated protein was further analyzed by immunoblots of two-dimensional gels and was found to contain six isoforms. Western blot analysis using antibodies directed against the isolated plasma protein showed that the 28-kDa polypeptide in the preparation of soluble substances derived from the fish optic nerves (conditioned media, CM) cross-reacted immunologically with the isolated fish plasma apo-A-I. Immunoblots of two-dimensional gels revealed the presence of three apo-A-I isoforms in the CM of regenerating fish optic nerves (pIs: 6.49, 6.64, and 6.73). At least some of the apo-A-I found in the CM is derived from the nerve, as was shown by pulse labeling with [35S]methionine, followed by immunoprecipitation. The apo-A-I immunoactive polypeptides in the CM of the fish optic nerve were found in high molecular-weight, putative HDL-like particles. Immunocytochemical staining revealed that apo-A-I immunoreactive sites were present in the fish optic nerves. Higher labeling was found in injured nerves (between the site of injury and the brain) than in non-injured nerves. The accumulation of apo-A-I in nerves that are capable of regenerating may be similar to that of apo-E in sciatic nerves of mammals (a regenerative system); in contrast, although its synthesis is increased, apo-A-I does not accumulate in avian optic nerves nor does apo-E in rat optic nerves (two nonregenerative systems).

Synthesis of congeners and prodrugs. 3. Water-soluble prodrugs of taxol with potent antitumor activity

Taxol has shown good in vivo antitumor activity in a number of test systems. The formulation of taxol for antitumor testing has been difficult. Esterification at either C-2' or C-7 resulted in loss of in vitro tubulin assembly activity but not cytotoxicity. These observations suggested that esters at C-2' and/or C-7, which would tend to promote water solubility, might serve as useful prodrugs of taxol. The reaction of taxol with either succinic anhydride or glutaric anhydride in pyridine solution at room temperature gave the crystalline mono 2'-adducts 1b and 1f, respectively. Salts of these acids (1b, 1f, 1i) were formed by the addition of 1 equiv of the corresponding base, followed by evaporation and/or freeze-drying of the solvent(s). The salts had improved antitumor activity as compared to the free acids. The triethanolamine and N-methylglucamine salts showed greatly improved aqueous solubility and were more active than the sodium salts. The glutarate series was preferred because of the higher activity and the higher yields obtained. 2'-Glutaryltaxol (1f) was coupled with 3-(dimethylamino)-1-propylamine, using CDI, to form in excellent yield the amino amide 1o. The hydrochloride salt (1p) showed good solubility and was extremely potent and active. At 10 mg/kg, in the B16 screen, 1p gave a T/C of 352 with 5 out of 10 cures. In the MX-1 breast xenograft assay, this prodrug gave values of -100 at doses of 40 and 20 mg/kg, with all live animals being tumor free.

Some genetic markers in Catalonia

A random sample from the Catalonian population was studied for 4 serum polymorphisms (HP, GC, Gm, Km). Gene frequencies agree with those of other South-western European populations. Compared to Castilla the GC system shows a significant difference.

Induction chemotherapy with cisplatin, bleomycin and methotrexate in advanced head and neck cancer--lack of therapeutic gain

Seventy patients with stage IV head and neck cancer were treated by two courses of induction chemotherapy followed by surgery plus postoperative irradiation (7) or radical radiotherapy (62). One patient renounced to further treatment after chemotherapy. Each chemotherapy course consisted of methotrexate (40 mg/m2 days 1 and 14), bleomycin (10 mg/m2 days 1, 7 and 14), and cisplatin (50 mg/m2 day 4). Three patients did not complete the two courses of chemotherapy planned due to bad tolerance whereas the rest of the patients tolerated chemotherapy well. 2 CR (3%) and 35 PR (50%) were achieved for an overall response rate to chemotherapy of 53%. 35 (50%) CR were achieved with the whole treatment schedule. The 5-year disease-free survival is 26% for the whole group of patients. The prior response to chemotherapy neither influenced the complete responses to treatment nor the relapse-free survival. The addition of this chemotherapy to conventional treatment was of no value.

Modification of somatostatin content and binding in jejunum from celiac children

The concentration of somatostatin was studied in controls as well as in plasma and jejunal mucosa from celiac children with and without jejunal villous atrophy. The binding of somatostatin to cytosolic fraction, isolated from jejunal mucosa from celiac patients and controls, was also investigated. Fasting plasma somatostatin concentrations were not significantly different among the various groups studied. However, the jejunal somatostatin content was significantly higher in the group of celiac children with subtotal villous atrophy as compared to control group and celiac children with normal villous architecture. The binding of somatostatin to cytosol of jejunal mucosa was significantly decreased in the group of celiac children with subtotal villous atrophy. The present results suggest that somatostatin may be involved in the pathophysiological processes of celiac disease.

Acute modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis by intravenous testosterone in normal women

Intravenous testosterone was infused for 6 hours in 23 ovulatory women, divided into five groups according to dose, to assess the effects of testosterone on gonadotropin secretion. Serum testosterone increased from 0.24 +/- 0.08 to steady-state levels of 1.63 +/- 0.18 ng/ml in the lowest-dose group (1) and to 42.1 +/- 3.3 ng/ml in the highest-dose group (4). In another group (5), patients were pretreated with testolactone, which prevented the estradiol rise associated with testosterone infusion. All groups except group 1 exhibited significant reductions in the delta maximum responses of luteinizing hormone to gonadotropin-releasing hormone during testosterone infusion compared with pretreatment levels (p less than 0.01). This was also evident for the testolactone group (5). There were no observed changes in serum follicle-stimulating hormone. Luteinizing hormone pulse frequency was decreased (p less than 0.05) with testosterone concentrations of 27.2 +/- 0.77 and 42.1 +/- 3.3 ng/ml (groups 3 and 4), but only in the highest group (4) was there a decrease in pulse amplitude (p less than 0.05). No luteinizing hormone pulse changes were observed with lower concentrations of testosterone. Plasma immunoreactive gonadotropin-releasing hormone levels remained undetectable or low in some of the groups sampled. These data suggest that short-term infusions of testosterone inhibit hypothalamic-pituitary function of normal women when high doses are used, and this effect may be independent of aromatization to estrogen.

Relationship of plasma growth hormone-releasing hormone levels to pubertal changes

Basal plasma GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) concentrations were measured by RIA in 180 normal subjects (93 boys and 87 girls between the ages of 8 and 18 yr). Every subject was in good health and between -2 and +2 SD for height. Fourteen boys with delayed puberty also were studied. Plasma GHRH concentrations were higher during puberty than before it. At midpuberty, the mean GHRH levels in girls was 159.1 +/- 28.5 (+/- SEM) pg/ml, approximately 5-fold higher than the level in prepubertal girls (30.3 +/- 4.3 pg/ml). The mean plasma GHRH in midpubertal boys (101.4 +/- 11.5 pg/ml) was approximately 2-fold higher than the level in prepubertal boys (48.1 +/- 5.2 pg/ml). The GHRH levels in boys with delayed puberty more closely resembled those in boys at a similar pubertal stage than those in boys of similar chronological age. The dramatic rise in plasma GHRH levels during puberty suggests a role for this peptide in the adolescent growth spurt. Moreover, these data indicate that GHRH levels during adolescence may be a marker of the patient's pubertal development.

Evolutionary relationships of human populations from an analysis of nuclear DNA polymorphisms

The genetic relationships of human populations have been studied by comparing gene frequency data for protein and blood-group loci of different populations. DNA analysis now promises to be more informative since not only do the DNA coding sequences have more variation than their corresponding proteins but, in addition, noncoding DNA sequences display more extensive polymorphism. We have now studied the frequency of a group of closely linked nuclear DNA polymorphisms (haplotypes) in the beta-globin gene cluster of normal (beta A) chromosomes of individuals from eight diverse populations. We have found that all non-African populations share a limited number of common haplotypes whereas Africans have predominantly a different haplotype not found in other populations. Genetic distance analysis based on these nuclear DNA polymorphisms indicates a major division of human populations into an African and a Eurasian group.

Cholecystoduodenal fistula

An elderly woman with a history of cholelithiasis was seen for right upper quadrant pain and jaundice. During her evaluation, she was found to have extensive choledocholithiasis and a cholecystoduodenal fistula. Successful management was accomplished with cholecystectomy, removal of the common bile duct stones, and by creating a choledochoduodenostomy where the fistula had been present.

Management of Hodgkin's disease in a patient with sickle cell anemia

A right periauricular swelling developed in a 21-year-old woman with sickle cell anemia. The mass was removed and revealed Hodgkin's disease of the lymphocyte predominance type. While preparing the patient for a staging laparotomy, an allo-anti-Kell and an allo-antic-C were identified in the patient's sera. The patient's direct antiglobulin test was positive and an auto-anti-e was eluted from the patient's erythrocytes. The patient was treated with nine courses of MOPP therapy given over a nine-month period. The clinical and therapeutic implications for the management of patients with sickle cell anemia and lymphoproliferative disorders are discussed.

A crossover study comparing the kinetics of Tc-99m-labeled diethyl- and diisopropyl-IDA

Tc-99m-diisopropyl-IDA (DISIDA) and Tc-99m-diethyl-IDA (DE-IDA) were compared in each of 44 patients who had serum bilirubin levels ranging from normal to 50 mg/dl. Quantitative and qualitative analysis showed a significantly higher liver uptake relative to background for DISIDA. No significant differences between DISIDA and DE-IDA were found in the blood retention and rate of liver washout. Clinically, the diagnostic information received from both radiopharmaceuticals was essentially the same.

A cross-over study comparing the kinetics of Tc-99m-labeled diisopropyl and p-butyl IDA analogs in patients

Tc-99m-diisopropyl-IDA (DISIDA) and Tc-99m-p-butyl-IDA (BIDA) were compared in each of 33 patients who had serum bilirubins ranging from normal to 23.5 mg/dl. DISIDA exhibited quantitatively a higher liver uptake and faster rate of washout at all levels of bilirubinemia. There was a tendency for BIDA to have a slower blood clearance, particularly in hyperbilirubinemias exceeding 5 mg/dl. On visual comparison of the images, BIDA failed to identify the gallbladder in three icteric patients and dilated biliary tracts in two others.