Diffusion tensor MR imaging reveals persistent white matter alteration after traumatic brain injury experienced during early childhood

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can noninvasively quantify white matter (WM) integrity. Although its application in adult traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common, few studies in children have been reported. The purposes of this study were to examine the alteration of fractional anisotropy (FA) in children with TBI experienced during early childhood and to quantify the association between FA and injury severity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

FA was assessed in 9 children with TBI (age = 7.89 +/- 1.00 years; Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] = 10.11 +/- 4.68) and a control group of 12 children with orthopedic injuries without central nervous system involvement (age = 7.51 +/- 0.95 years). All of the subjects were at minimum 12 months after injury. We examined group differences in a series of predetermined WM regions of interest with t test analysis. We subsequently conducted a voxel-wise comparison with Spearman partial correlation analysis. Correlations between FA and injury severity were also calculated on a voxel-wise basis.

RESULTS

FA values were significantly reduced in the TBI group in genu of corpus callosum (CC), posterior limb of internal capsule (PLIC), superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), superior fronto-occipital fasciculus (SFO), and centrum semiovale (CS). GCS scores were positively correlated with FA in several WM areas including CC, PLIC, SLF, CS, SFO, and inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFO).

CONCLUSION

This DTI study provides evidence that WM integrity remains abnormal in children with moderate-to-severe TBI experienced during early childhood and that injury severity correlated strongly with FA.

Imaging of cerebral venous thrombosis: current techniques, spectrum of findings, and diagnostic pitfalls

Cerebral venous thrombosis is a relatively uncommon but serious neurologic disorder that is potentially reversible with prompt diagnosis and appropriate medical care. Because the possible causal factors and clinical manifestations of this disorder are many and varied, imaging plays a primary role in the diagnosis. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, un-enhanced computed tomography (CT), unenhanced time-of-flight MR venography, and contrast material-enhanced MR venography and CT venography are particularly useful techniques for detecting cerebral venous and brain parenchymal changes that may be related to thrombosis. To achieve an accurate diagnosis, it is important to have a detailed knowledge of the normal venous anatomy and variants, the spectrum of findings (venous sinus thrombi and recanalization, parenchymal diffusion or perfusion changes or hemorrhage), other potentially relevant conditions (deep venous occlusion, isolated cortical venous thrombosis, idiopathic intracranial hypertension), and potential pitfalls in image interpretation.

Neuroradiologic characteristics of astroblastoma

INTRODUCTION

Astroblastoma is a rare glial tumor of uncertain origin. Only a few scattered case reports and one small case series have described the radiologic appearance of this uncommon tumor. Many features previously identified are similar to those of other primary malignant brain tumors. We report the largest imaging series to date and further delineate the CT and MRI features of astroblastoma. We identify those features that may be useful in distinguishing astroblastoma from other neoplasms.

METHODS

The radiologic images, pathology reports, and clinical information of 12 patients with pathology-confirmed astroblastoma were retrospectively reviewed. CT and MRI findings including location, morphology, signal intensity, and presence and patterns of enhancement were tabulated.

RESULTS

Patients ranged in age from 0 (newborn) to 50 years with a mean of 20 years at the time of initial diagnosis. A striking female preponderance (11:1) was found. All tumors were supratentorial. There were multiple intratumoral cysts in 7 (58%) of the 12 patients. Nine (75%) showed strong rim enhancement and 3 (25%) showed no rim enhancement.

CONCLUSION

The imaging features of astroblastoma are identified in 12 previously unreported cases. Distinguishing features that can be used to narrow the differential diagnosis with more common primary brain neoplasms reflect a combination of age, anatomic location, and specific imaging findings such as demarcation, heterogeneous tumor enhancement, rim enhancement, and a multicystic "bubbly" appearance. Intraventricular location, intratumoral hemorrhage with a fluid-fluid level, and dural "tails" are less common but important additions to the imaging spectrum.

Neural substrate differences in language networks and associated language-related behavioral impairments in children with TBI: a preliminary fMRI investigation

The present study examined whether functional MRI (fMRI) can identify changes in the neural substrates of language in young children following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Eight children with TBI (F/M=3/5, age (Mean +/- SD)=7.98 +/- 1 years, range = 6-9 years) and a comparison group of nine children with orthopedic injuries (OI) (F/M=4/5, age (Mean +/- SD)=7.4 +/- 1 years, range=6-9 years) participated in an fMRI study of covert verb generation (VG). Results revealed significantly different BOLD signal activation in perisylvian language areas between the groups, after accounting for potential confounders such as verbal fluency and executive function. We also found significant associations between the BOLD signal activation and performance on language-specific neuropsychological tests (NEPSY verbal fluency score, Verbal IQ) and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score. This study suggests that children with TBI have significantly different brain activation patterns in language circuitry compared to children with orthopedic injuries. Although we found clear differences in brain activation between the two groups, conventional MR images showed no evidence of structural abnormalities in five of eight children with TBI. Our study demonstrates the feasibility and potential utility of fMRI as a means of quantifying changes associated with language deficits in future pediatric TBI studies.

Three-Dimensional Rotational Angiography of Neurovascular Lesions in Pediatric Patients

OBJECTIVE

In this pictorial essay, we review the 3D rotational angiography (RA) studies of six pediatric patients; in these cases, the information obtained with 3D RA was uniquely beneficial in diagnosis and treatment planning.

CONCLUSION

Three-dimensional RA is an excellent tool for the evaluation of a number of intracranial lesions in pediatric patients: There is less total radiation exposure from a single rotational run than from CT or a conventional angiography examination that involves more than one view and the study is quick, with data acquisition requiring less than 8 sec and fully rendered 3D reconstructions generated within 180 sec.

Brain magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities after the Norwood procedure using regional cerebral perfusion

OBJECTIVES

Neurologic deficits are common after the Norwood procedure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Because of the association of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with adverse neurologic outcome, regional low-flow cerebral perfusion has been used to limit the period of intraoperative brain ischemia. To evaluate the impact of this technique on brain ischemia, we performed serial brain magnetic resonance imaging in a cohort of infants before and after the Norwood operation using regional cerebral perfusion.

METHODS

Twenty-two term neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome were studied with brain magnetic resonance imaging before and at a median of 9.5 days after the Norwood operation. Results were compared with preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative risk factors to identify predictors of neurologic injury.

RESULTS

Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (n = 22) demonstrated ischemic lesions in 23% of patients. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (n = 15) demonstrated new or worsened ischemic lesions in 73% of patients, with periventricular leukomalacia and focal ischemic lesions occurring most commonly. Prolonged low postoperative cerebral oximetry (<45% for >180 minutes) was associated with the development of new or worsened ischemia on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (P = .029).

CONCLUSIONS

Ischemic lesions occur commonly in neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome before surgery. Despite the adoption of regional cerebral perfusion, postoperative cerebral ischemic lesions are frequent, occurring in the majority of infants after the Norwood operation. Long-term follow-up is necessary to assess the functional impact of these lesions.

Brain magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities after the Norwood procedure using regional cerebral perfusion

OBJECTIVES

Neurologic deficits are common after the Norwood procedure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Because of the association of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with adverse neurologic outcome, regional low-flow cerebral perfusion has been used to limit the period of intraoperative brain ischemia. To evaluate the effect of this technique on brain ischemia, we performed serial brain magnetic resonance imaging in a cohort of infants before and after the Norwood operation using regional cerebral perfusion.

METHODS

Twenty-two term neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome were studied with brain magnetic resonance imaging before and at a median of 9.5 days after the Norwood operation. Results were compared with preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative risk factors to identify predictors of neurologic injury.

RESULTS

Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (n = 22) demonstrated ischemic lesions in 23% of patients. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (n = 15) demonstrated new or worsened ischemic lesions in 73% of patients, with periventricular leukomalacia and focal ischemic lesions occurring most commonly. Prolonged low postoperative cerebral oximetry (<45% for >180 minutes) was associated with the development of new or worsened ischemia on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (P = .029).

CONCLUSIONS

Ischemic lesions occur commonly in neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome before surgical intervention. Despite the adoption of regional cerebral perfusion, postoperative cerebral ischemic lesions are frequent, occurring in the majority of infants after the Norwood operation. Long-term follow-up is necessary to assess the functional effect of these lesions.

MR imaging and spectroscopy in juvenile Huntington disease

Juvenile Huntington disease manifests differently from adult Huntington disease and has more variability in presentation. We describe a child with cognitive decline and adventitial movements in whom Huntington disease was confirmed with genetic testing. MR imaging showed abnormal T2 prolongation in the putamina and progressive caudate atrophy, and MR spectroscopy revealed elevated myoinositol and diminished N-acetyl aspartate, creatine, and phosphocreatine. Imaging findings of caudate atrophy and abnormal T2 prolongation in the putamina with MR spectroscopy findings consistent with dense gliosis can be helpful indicators of juvenile Huntington disease.

Minimally invasive management of a traumatic artery aneurysm resulting from shaken baby syndrome

Based on our review of the literature, we present the first use of coiling in an infant with a traumatic artery aneurysm that resulted from shaken baby syndrome. Computed tomography (CT) scans showed a skull fracture, hemorrhagic subdural collections, multiple parenchymal contusions, and intraventricular and subarachnoid hemorrhages in a 3-week-old infant who presented with lethargy, poor feeding, and seizure. These multiple injuries were consistent with shaken baby syndrome. After closed-head injury medical management, including subdural taps, the baby was discharged home. When increasing seizures and hydrocephalus developed 8 months later, CT angiographic scans showed a pseudoaneurysm of the anterior cerebral artery. We successfully occluded the aneurysm with pushable coils placed via a microcatheter and treated the obstructive hydrocephalus with endoscopic third ventriculostomy. We show that minimally invasive radiological and surgical techniques may be effective in managing the sequelae of trauma in children.

Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation: diagnosis and treatment of 13 children with extended clinical follow-up

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We herein present our experience in diagnosing and treating 13 children with vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations (VGAM), with an emphasis on possible prognostic indicators, endovascular strategies, factors affecting treatment during the neonatal period, and long-term follow-up. With this review, we hope to identify those factors that have the most significant prognostic value in determining long-term outcomes in children with VGAM.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the radiology studies, hospital charts, and outpatient clinic chart notes (when applicable) of 13 children evaluated and treated for VGAM at a single tertiary care pediatric hospital. Clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, treatment strategies, and outcome were documented for each child. The present neurologic status and level of function of each patient was determined by review of the outpatient charts and direct contact with the clinicians who were conducting the follow-up. Outcome was graded on a 5-point scale, ranging from 0 (death) to 4 (normal), taking into account only neurologic and developmental characteristics.

RESULTS

Eight of 13 patients presented as neonates with congestive heart failure. The other five patients ranged in age from 4 months to 13 years at the time of presentation. The five patients presenting outside of the neonatal period achieved normal or near-normal outcomes. Two of the eight patients presenting during the neonatal period achieved normal or near-normal outcomes, one experienced significant impairment, and the other five died. We were unable to identify significant differences in outcome on the basis of differences in treatment strategies.

CONCLUSION

Our experience confirms that children with VGAM presenting during the neonatal period have a generally much worse prognosis than do those presenting later in childhood. Complicating factors in the management and treatment of these children are discussed in light of their impact on outcome.

Reversible MR imaging and MR spectroscopy abnormalities in association with metronidazole therapy

We present a report of MRI and proton MR spectroscopy (MRS) findings in an adolescent patient with Down syndrome and Crohn disease treated with metronidazole. MRI revealed signal abnormalities within the corpus callosum, basal ganglia, and brainstem. Proton MRS examination demonstrated a persistent lactate elevation during metronidazole treatment. Clinical, spectroscopic, and imaging abnormalities resolved with discontinuation of metronidazole.

Guglielmi detachable coil embolization of a giant midbasilar aneurysm in a 19-month-old patient

We present the case of a 19-month-old patient with tuberous sclerosis who developed a giant aneurysm of the midbasilar artery. Multiple Guglielmi detachable coils were used to fill and occlude the aneurysm and the involved segment of the basilar artery. After the procedure, the child had transient peripheral fifth cranial nerve palsy and no permanent neurologic deficits.

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the pediatric brain

Proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy is a complementary method to MR imaging for understanding disease processes in the pediatric brain. By demonstrating the presence of various metabolites in the sampled tissue, MR spectroscopy helps in the understanding of abnormalities detected by MR imaging or clinical examination. This capability is especially pertinent in the pediatric brain, where the manifestation of pathology is superimposed upon a background of normal or abnormal brain development. In this article, we review the major metabolites demonstrated by MR spectroscopy and present examples of MR spectra obtained in various pathological processes encountered in children.

Identification of an arteriovenous fistula in a child. Case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

A 6-year-old girl sustained a subarachnoid hemorrhage after a mild head injury and was discovered to have an arteriovenous fistula (AVF).

INVESTIGATIONS AND TREATMENT

The etiology of subarachnoid hemorrhage was not evident on the initial brain CT. Brain CT with CT angiography identified the lesion. The AVF was further imaged with brain MRI followed by cerebral angiography and successfully embolized.

OUTCOME

The child did not suffer any neurological sequelae.

CT, MRI and MRS of Epstein-Barr virus infection: case report

We report MRI and proton MR spectroscopy (MRS) findings in a 12-month-old girl with Epstein-Barr virus encephalitis. CT and MRI showed focal lesions in the basal ganglia. MRS of the lesions showed decreased N-acetyl aspartate and elevation of some amino acids, indicating an infectious rather than ischemic etiology. This case illustrates the use of MRS to narrow differential diagnosis.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the pediatric head and neck

Although the bulk of pediatric head and neck lesions are adequately evaluated by computed tomography (CT) alone, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides valuable additional information in those lesions that are difficult to resolve on CT, and it is almost essential for assessment of possible intracranial extension of disease. The ability of MRI to show intrinsic characteristics of mass lesions can help direct therapeutic decisions. It should be utilized early in the imaging evaluation of most vascular lesions, including juvenile nasal angiofibroma and vascular malformations, in suspected neurogenic tumors, and as an adjunct in those cases where CT does not adequately demonstrate the extent or true nature of a lesion.

Basilar artery dissection in a young woman: a case report

The case of a young woman with basilar artery dissection, possibly precipitated by trauma, is presented, and the literature is reviewed.

Optic nerve enlargement in Krabbe's disease

We report imaging and gross pathologic findings from two cases of Krabbe disease in which there was marked enlargement of the intracranial optic nerves. Numerous globoid cells were observed in the optic nerves at autopsy in one case. Krabbe disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of children with enlargement of the optic nerves.

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas: recognizing the spectrum of magnetic resonance imaging findings

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas are the most common type of vascular malformation to involve the spinal cord. In this report, we describe and analyze the various magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas in order to increase awareness and prompt timely diagnosis. We reviewed 14 patients evaluated and treated for spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas over a seven year period, with special attention to findings on MRI. All patients had regions of increased cord signal on T2-weighted MRI, with corresponding hypointense signal on T1-weighted images in 11 patients (79 percent). Thirteen (93 percent) of 14 patients had focal increased cord caliber and eight (57 percent) had prominent intradural vessels. Cord enhancement was observed in all seven patients who were administered contrast and two patients had enhancement of intradural vessels. These imaging findings are relatively nonspecific, but should lead to further investigation with myelography or arteriography in the appropriate clinical setting.

Hypertensive encephalopathy in children

We present five cases of hypertensive encephalopathy in children, three with MR imaging findings and two with CT findings alone. One of the five patients had MR perfusion imaging, which showed perfusion abnormalities that support the concept of vasodilation as the major contributor to the syndrome. Hypertensive encephalopathy is rarely reported in children, and its true prevalence may be underestimated. Characteristic lesions in the severely hypertensive child should be recognized as manifestations of hypertensive encephalopathy, and subsequent clinical management should focus on treatment of the hypertension and/or its underlying causes.

Normal appearance of arachnoid granulations on contrast-enhanced CT and MR of the brain: differentiation from dural sinus disease

PURPOSE

To determine the imaging appearance and frequency with which arachnoid granulations are seen on contrast-enhanced CT and MR studies of the brain.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 573 contrast-enhanced CT scans and 100 contrast-enhanced MR studies of the brain for the presence of discrete filling defects within the venous sinuses. An anatomic study of the dural sinuses of 29 cadavers was performed, and the location, appearance, and histologic findings of focal protrusions into the dural sinus lumen (arachnoid granulations) were assessed and compared with the imaging findings.

RESULTS

Discrete filling defects within the dural sinuses were found on 138 (24%) of the contrast-enhanced CT examinations. A total of 168 defects were found, the majority (92%) within the transverse sinuses. One third were isodense and two thirds were hypodense relative to brain parenchyma. Patients with filling defects were older than patients without filling defects (mean age, 46 years versus 40 years). Discrete intrasinus signal foci were noted on 13 (13%) of the contrast-enhanced MR studies. The foci followed the same distribution as the filling defects seen on CT scans and were isointense to hypointense on T1-weighted images, variable in signal on balanced images, and hyperintense on T2-weighted images. Transverse sinus arachnoid granulations were noted adjacent to venous entrance sites in 62% and 85% of the CT and MR examinations, respectively. Arachnoid granulations were found in 19 (66%) of the cadaveric specimens, in a similar distribution as that seen on the imaging studies.

CONCLUSION

Discrete filling defects, consistent with arachnoid granulations, may be seen in the dural sinuses on 24% of contrast-enhanced CT scans and on 13% of MR studies. They are focal, well-defined, and typically located within the lateral transverse sinuses adjacent to venous entrance sites. They should not be mistaken for sinus thrombosis or intrasinus tumor, but recognized as normal structures.

Identification of a molecule uniquely expressed on a gamma/delta TCR+ subset within bovine intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes

An antigen has been identified, recognized by a novel monoclonal antibody CC45, which is expressed by a subpopulation of bovine gamma/delta T-cell receptor-positive (gamma/delta TCR+) T cells restricted in their distribution to the intestinal epithelium. This subset of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (iIEL) which represented 8-29% of gamma/delta TCR+ T cells in the gut epithelium expressed CD45, CD3 and L-selectin; most of these cells were CD2- and CD8-. Electron microscopic studies of CC45+ cells revealed that they were large mononuclear leucocytes containing numerous mitochondria and smooth vesicles; a proportion of these contained membrane-bound dense granules. Immunoprecipitation of 125I-labelled iIEL analysed by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under reducing and non-reducing conditions revealed polypeptides of 60,000 and 200,000 molecular weights, respectively indicating that the antigen, which appears distinct from molecules described in other species, is expressed on the cell surface as a complex.

Diagnosis of posttraumatic pericardial tamponade by plain film and computed tomography and control of bleeding by embolotherapy of the left inferior phrenic artery

A 21-year-old male developed pericardial tamponade in a delayed fashion after blunt chest trauma. Tamponade was not suspected clinically and was first seen on computed tomography of the abdomen. Plain films of the chest revealed distortion of the path of a Swan-Ganz catheter due to the ventricular compression. After drainage, left inferior phrenic artery embolization was performed to treat the persistent hemothorax.

Gastric syphilis: radiologic findings

Syphilis, a venereal infection caused by the spirochetal bacterium Treponema pallidum, has long been considered a primary public health concern in the United States. With the onset of the antibiotic era, the prevalence of the disease dramatically plummeted, as did interest in its radiologic manifestations. Rolfs and Nakashima [1] have shown that the prevalence of primary and secondary syphilis increased 34% from 1981 to 1989, to its highest level since 1949. Given this dramatic increase, classic manifestations of syphilis may warrant renewed attention. In its secondary and tertiary stages, syphilis can cause a wide range of gastric lesions that can mimic many other entities, from gastritis or benign ulcer disease to gastric carcinoma. Indeed, the acute gastritis of early secondary syphilis produces the earliest radiologically detectable signs of the disease. Cases of gastric syphilis submitted to the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology and cases drawn from the University of Cincinnati teaching file are used to illustrate the varied findings in this disease.

Distinction of naive and memory BoCD4 lymphocytes in calves with a monoclonal antibody, CC76, to a restricted determinant of the bovine leukocyte-common antigen, CD45

A murine IgG1 monoclonal antibody (mAb), CC76, has been produced that, based on findings of the relative molecular mass of polypeptides that it recognized, staining of leukocytes in blood and tissues, and the biological properties of the T lymphocyte subpopulations with which it reacts, is considered to identify an isoform of the leukocyte common antigen (LCA) family of molecules in cattle. The mAb is more similar to human CD45R which detect products requiring the presence of the B exon within the LCA gene and to the anti-rat mAb MRC-OX22, than to CD45RA or CD45R0. mAb CC76 reacts with an antigen expressed by subpopulations of cells in bovine blood that express BoCD2 and either the BoCD4 or BoCD8 antigens. T cells that express the gamma/delta T cell receptor identified with mAb to BoWC1 antigen did not react with CC76. The molecule detected is expressed on B cells but not on monocytes or granulocytes. Only 2% of cells in thymic suspensions stained with mAb CC76. Immature cortical thymocytes that were BoCD1+ did not react with CC76 and 90% of the cells in thymic suspensions that were CC76+ had the phenotype of mature thymocytes. These cells were primarily in the medulla. The LCA isoform detected thus appears to be acquired by mature cells shortly before emigration from the thymic medulla into the periphery. Expression of the molecule detected by mAb CC76 on cells from lymph nodes was similar to that in blood, but expression on cells from the gut mucosa was quite different. Almost all, 95% and 93% respectively, of the BoCD4+ cells in the gut mucosa or discrete Peyer's patches were CC76-. A greater proportion of BoCD8+ cells from these sites, 35% and 26%, expressed the antigen. Lymphocytes from animals that had been immunized with Trypanosoma brucei were sorted into BoCD4+, CC76+ and BoCD4+, CC76- populations and cultured in vitro with the variable surface glycoprotein antigen from the parasite. Lymphocyte transformation responses were entirely within the CC76- population indicating that the mAb distinguished naive from memory BoCD4+ T cells in cattle. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-restricted cytotoxic precursor cells that expressed the BoCD8 antigen sorted from cattle that were immune to Theileria parva were both CC76+ and CC76- indicating that different isoforms of the LCA may be expressed on MHC class I- and class II-restricted memory cells and that BoCD8 memory cells are heterogeneous with respect to the LCA isoform that they express.

Production of bovine immunoregulatory molecules by xenogeneic hybrids

The study of bovine cytokines and lymphocyte surface markers has been restricted by the lack of stable, long-lived, easily maintained cell lines. To address this problem, bovine mononuclear leucocytes were fused with the mouse thymoma cell line BW5147 to produce interspecies hybrid cell lines and clones. Hybridomas were produced which contained more than 40 chromosomes and expressed one or more bovine leucocyte surface markers, they grew well and were cloned without the use of exogenous factors. Fusion rates were improved when exogenous factors, including recombinant human interleukin-2 (rhIL-2), were added. Some hybrids secreted immunoregulatory factors able to maintain the growth of either an IL-2-dependent bovine T-cell line (C625) and/or preactivated normal bovine B cells. Anti-human IL-2 partially blocked the T-cell growth factor (TCGF) activity produced by these hybrids. The release of growth factors by the hybrid clones 5/AA6/16 and 5/AA6/19 was augmented by concanavalin A stimulation.

Investigation of bovine gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) using monoclonal antibodies against bovine lymphocytes

Gut associated lymphoid tissue of the small and large intestine of calves and cows has been compared morphologically and quantitatively using monoclonal antibodies to bovine lymphocytes. B cells were significantly decreased in the ileum of the cow compared to the calf. Significantly increased numbers of T cells were present in cell suspensions of all lymphoid areas of the cow compared to the calf. T lymphocyte subsets were quantified into cryostat sections of lymphoid tissues expressing BoT4, and BoT8 antigens demonstrated increased numbers in follicular and dome areas of the discrete Peyer's patches of the small and large intestine of the cow. BoT4+, BoT8+, and the non-BoT4/BoT8+ T cell subsets were increased in the mucosa of the cow as compared to the calf. Similarities in structure and lymphocyte composition of the discrete Peyer's patches of the small intestine, cecum and colon and isolated single follicles in the large intestine suggest similar functional properties.

Production and characterization of bovine monoclonal antibodies to respiratory syncytial virus

Six interspecific hybridomas (heterohybridomas) secreting bovine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against respiratory syncytial (RS) virus were produced. Four of the heterohybridomas were formed using the mouse myeloma cell line NS1 as the fusion partner, one using NS0, and the remaining heterohybridoma was formed using a bovine X murine hybridoma as the fusion partner. Five heterohybridomas secreted bovine IgG1 and one secreted IgG2. All six MAbs recognized human subtype A and B viruses as well as bovine RS virus. They were specific for the fusion glycoprotein and reacted with a 140K dimer and a 70K monomer in a Western blot of native antigen; three also bound to the 46K F1 component and its 22K cleavage product in a blot of reduced antigen. Two of these MAbs neutralized RS virus infectivity, inhibited virus-induced fusion, lysed RS virus-infected cells in the presence of complement and protected mice against RS virus challenge.

Two monoclonal antibodies (CC17, CC29) recognizing an antigen (Bo5) on bovine T lymphocytes, analogous to human CD5

Two new monoclonal antibodies (CC17 and CC29) raised against bovine thymocytes are described. The antibodies, both of which were IgG1, recognize a molecule of approximately 67,000 molecular weight on bovine T cells. They react T cells in peripheral blood, the lymph node paracortex and the periateriolar lymphoid sheath in the spleen. Both the cortex and medulla of the thymus are stained but the medulla reacts more intensely. They do not stain B cells in peripheral blood, the ileal Peyer's patch, the cortex or the primary follicles in lymph nodes. No activity was found on cells outside the lymphoid system, i.e. monocytes, alveolar macrophages or endothelial and epithelial tissue. The antigen recognized is considered to be the bovine homologue of CD5 (T1) in humans and Lyt1 in mice. The mAbs appear to be particularly useful for detecting cells in the peripheral blood of young calves which are of the T cell lineage but do not express BoT2 or the mature pan T cell antigen recognized by mAb IL-A27 and may thus allow identification of a population of bovine lymphocytes previously described as null cells.

Clinico-chemical changes in goats given carbon tetrachloride

Six healthy castrated male goats were each given 1.0, 1.25 or 1.5 ml of carbon tetrachloride per 10 kg BW by stomach tube (2 animals at each dose level). Definite signs of dose dependant liver damage were seen, starting about 4 hours after administration of the drug. The clinico-chemical changes included increased total and conjugated plasma bilirubin, decreased blood clotting activity, and increased activities of P-ASAT and P-GT. Further experiments are needed in animals afflicted with liverflukes to establish the lowest possible anthelmintic dose of carbon tetrachloride.

Myositis ossificans in the biceps femoris muscles causing sciatic nerve palsy. A case report

A case of bilateral myositis ossificans in the biceps femoris muscles causing a sciatic nerve palsy on the left side is described. Complete recovery of the sciatic nerve followed excision of the mass of ectopic bone. It is postulated that the patient's hobby of weight-lifting caused the ossification.

Pyocin inhibition of Neisseria gonorrhoeae: mechanism of action

Purified R-type pyocins (611 131) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA103 exhibited bactericidal activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Killing of gonococci was a single-hit process requiring as few as 1 pyocin per colony-forming unit. Deoxyriboinucleic acid, ribonucleic acid, protein, and lipid syntheses were rapidly and completely inhibited. Oxygen uptake was also inhibited, but occurred after the inhibition of macromolecular synthesis. The cell lysis which occurred after pyocin inhibition of gonococcal growth was the result of endogenous gonococcal autolysin activity.

Infections in hospital

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