HLA and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in Koreans

Specific allelic associations vary among ethnic groups. We studied the distribution of HLA-A, -B, -C and -DR antigens in 41 patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and 280 unaffected persons in Korea. HLA typing was performed by the standard microlymphocytotoxicity test using antisera supplied by the Third Asia-Oceania Histocompatibility Workshop Conference (3rd AOHWC, 1986). There was no association between HLA-A, -B, or -C and IDDM. However, the frequencies of HLA-DR3 and HLA-DR4 were increased in the patients as compared with the controls (19.5% vs 4.3%, RR 5.4, corrected p < 0.005 for DR3 and 61.0% vs 36.4%, RR 2.7, corrected p < 0.05 for DR4). Also a decreased frequency of HLA-DR2 was found in the patients with IDDM (9.8% vs 32.1%, RR 0.3, corrected p < 0.05). These results emphasize the differences in HLA-IDDM associations among different ethnic groups.

The chromosome constitution of plants derived from pollen of hexaploid triticale X common wheat F1 hybrids

The anthers of three F1 hybrids of hexaploid triticale and common wheat ('Rosner' X 'Kedong 58', 'Beagle' X 'Kedong 58' and 'Beagle' X 'Jinghua No. 1') were cultured on four media in vitro. More than 900 green plants were obtained. The chromosome numbers ranged from 17 to 27 for haploid derivatives and from 38 to 52 for diploid regenerates. The chromosome constitutions of the pollen plants reflect those of the gametes found in the donor plants (genome formula: AABBDR). The value of such pollen plants for genetical analysis of rye wheat addition and substitution lines, as well as for breeding purposes, is discussed.

Spirocerca lupi (Rudolphi, 1809) nodule in the rectum of a dog from Connecticut

A small nodule causing repeated rectal prolapse was surgically removed from a four year old Dachshund residing for her entire life in Connecticut. Histologic examination of the biopsy specimen revealed sections of Spirocerca lupi (Rudolphi 1809) surrounded by a granulomatous reaction and fibrous wall.