Effect of mometasone furoate on early and late phase inflammation in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Mometasone furoate is a potent glucocorticoid that can markedly inhibit proinflammatory Th2 cytokines in vitro. An aqueous nasal spray formulation has been shown to be clinically active in reducing the symptoms of perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether pretreatment with mometasone furoate 200 microg once daily decreases specific indices of early and late phase nasal inflammation compared with placebo.

METHODS

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study was conducted using nasal provocation with ragweed antigen in 21 patients with ragweed-induced allergic rhinitis out of the ragweed season; the treatment period was 2 weeks. Symptom scores, rhinoprobe cytology, and nasal lavage fluid were collected during early and late phase periods for nasal cytokines (interleukin, 1, 4, 5, 6, and 8) and leukotriene B4 determinations using ELISA and RIA.

RESULTS

Mean nasal symptom scores and sneezing frequency were consistently lower with mometasone furoate compared with placebo. Treatment was associated with a statistically significant early phase (30-minute time point) reduction in nasal lavage histamine levels compared with placebo (14.3 versus 20.2 ng/mL, P = .02). Within-treatment comparisons suggested that mometasone furoate reduced the antigen-induced late-phase response for IL-6, IL-8, and eosinophils compared with pretreatment. There were similar, but smaller, changes seen in the placebo group for these measurements. There were no statistically significant changes following antigen challenge in IL-1, IL-4, IL-5, LTB4, or in other nasal cytology parameters.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the clinical activity of mometasone furoate nasal spray in seasonal allergic rhinitis is likely due, in part, to a reduction in the levels of histamine in nasal secretions related to the early phase response, and reductions in IL-6, IL-8, and eosinophils during the late phase response.

Allergen-stimulated leukotriene B4 and interleukin-8 levels in patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis-modulation by a lipid pathway inhibitor

BACKGROUND

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4), a potent chemokinetic mediator for neutrophils, is enhanced by interleukin-8 (IL-8) and may play a key role in the inflammatory response of asthma.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether zileuton, a 5-lipoxygenase antagonist known to inhibit LTB4 production and recruitment of eosinophils/neutrophils in bronchoalveolar fluid, could affect the production of LTB4 and IL-8 by allergen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro from patients with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis.

METHODS

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated using Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient from 14 subjects (2 with asthma, 11 with asthma and allergic rhinitis, and 1 with allergic rhinitis) and were stimulated by selected allergens (grass, tree, mite, and mold) in the absence or presence of 1 and 10 microM of zileuton. Supernatants were collected and assayed for LTB4 and IL-8 levels using RIA and ELISA, respectively.

RESULTS

Levels of LTB4 were significantly elevated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with mold, grass, and tree compared with the unstimulated control group (P<.05). Levels of IL-8 were significantly elevated in all allergen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells, except mold, compared with the unstimulated control group (P<.05). Zileuton significantly reduced production of LTB4 by mold and tree-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. By contrast, no effect of zileuton on IL-8 production was observed in allergen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The zileuton-induced attenuation of LTB4 production by allergen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis occurs independently from the allergen-stimulated IL-8 production.

The impact of early normalization of haematocrit by erythropoietin on renal damage in the remnant kidney model

BACKGROUND

Correction of anaemia in moderate to advanced renal failure is still a matter of debate because of postulated detrimental effects of erythropoietin on the progression of renal damage.

METHODS

The renal effects of early normalization of haematocrit (Htc) by erythropoietin (rHuEpo) were investigated from the time of 5/6 nephrectomy up to 8 weeks post-intervention in three groups of remnant kidney model rats: untreated controls (CON), rats receiving 100 UI/kg body-wt of rHuEpo i.p. twice a week (EPO), and rats receiving rHuEpo in which periodic phlebotomies maintained Htc similar to the value of the control group (PHL). The latter group was included to evaluate the direct effects of rHuEpo on renal damage, i.e. independent from Htc correction.

RESULTS

Two weeks after renal ablation (basal), Htc decreased in CON and PHL rats (from 49.3+/-1.4% to 43.2+/- 1.1, P < 0.05 and from 49.6+/-1.1 to 43.3+/-1.5%, P<0.05 respectively), while it remained consistently normal in EPO rats (48.9+/-1.2% to 48.9+/-1.50/%, P<0.05 vs other groups). Thereafter Htc did not change throughout the remaining period in all groups. At the end of the study, with respect to basal, resting blood pressure increased significantly by the same extent in CON (+ 13+/-2%) and EPO rats (+ 15+/-5%), while it remained constant in PHL rats. Notably, creatinine clearance significantly decreased in CON (-53+/-8% 8 vs basal) and EPO (-38+/-8% vs basal), while it did not change in PHL rats. Likewise the degree of proteinuria as well as renal morphologic alterations and glomerular hypertrophy/sclerosis was similar in CON and EPO rats, and was significantly more severe than in the phlebotomized group. The only difference detected between CON and EPO group was the greater mesangial hypercellularity in rHuEpo-treated rats.

CONCLUSION

In uraemic rats, chronic treatment with rHuEpo aimed at normalization of Htc beginning the early stage of renal failure does not inevitably account for a rise in systemic blood pressure. In addition, neither erythropoietin per se nor the correction of haematocrit accelerates the progression of renal damage when blood pressure remains constant.

Vagotomy blocks responses to vaginocervical stimulation after genitospinal neurectomy in rats

To ascertain whether any effects of vaginocervical stimulation (VS) are mediated by the vagus nerve, all known afferent nerves from the reproductive tract to the spinal cord were transected and the rats were tested for residual responses to VS. After combined bilateral transection of the pelvic, hypogastric, and pudendal nerves (NX), the following responses to VS were greatly reduced or abolished: lordosis to flank-perineum palpation, leg extension, immobilization, and blockage of both tail withdrawal to radiant heat and leg withdrawal to foot pinch. However, after these nerve cuts, the following persisted as significant residual responses to VS: 1) analgesia [measured as increase in vocalization threshold (VOCT) to tailshock], 2) pupil dilatation (PD), and 3) increase in heart rate (HR). Subsequent bilateral subdiaphragmatic vagotomy (VX) significantly reduced the magnitude of PD and abolished the analgesia. By contrast, VX produced no significant effect on the HR increase to VS. The above findings provide evidence that brain-mediated responses to vaginocervical stimulation can be elicited via the vagus nerves.

Brain-mediated responses to vaginocervical stimulation in spinal cord-transected rats: role of the vagus nerves

The present study was designed to ascertain whether the vagus nerves convey functional sensory activity from the reproductive tract in rats. Previously, vaginocervical mechanostimulation (VS) was shown to increase pupil diameter (PD) and the threshold of vocalization to tail shock (Voc-T). These responses were attenuated but not abolished by combined bilateral transection of the 'genito-spinal' nerves (i.e. pelvic, hypogastric and pudendal). Subsequent bilateral vagotomy further reduced or abolished the residual responses. In the present study, spinal cord transection above the known level of entry of the genito-spinal nerves was combined with bilateral vagotomy. In ovariectomized rats, after spinal cord transection at thoracic 7 (T7X), lumbar 5 (L5X) levels, or sham surgery (Sh), responses to VS were measured, the vagus nerves were then transected bilaterally, and responses to VS were again measured. VS significantly increased Voc-T and PD after sham procedure or spinal cord transection at either level. Subsequent bilateral vagotomy abolished the VS-induced increase in PD in the T7X group. Due to low survival rate, the effect of vagotomy on Voc-T could not be determined. Consequently, we performed a second experiment. In non-ovariectomized rats, VS significantly increased PD but reduced Voc-T in the T7X group compared to the Sh group, and subsequent bilateral vagotomy abolished both responses. These findings provide evidence that, in the rat, the vagus nerves provide a functional sensory pathway from the reproductive tract directly to the medulla oblongata of the brain, bypassing the spinal cord.

Association of cumulus-oocyte complexes with the intrafollicular levels of a blood protein in Bubalus bubalis

The protein pattern of the follicular fluid (FF) and the ultrastructure of the inner cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) has been analysed in single antral follicles (n = 146) of buffalo B. bubalis ovaries. The protein population of FF was fractionated by SDS-PAGE; the resulting pattern was Coomassie stained and processed for densitometry. Comparative analysis of sera and autologous FFs showed a marked difference in the level (measured as the percentage of total proteins) of one 21 kDa polypeptide band, called 'L'. Concentration of L, which was mainly higher in the serum (2.05 +/- 1.5%) than in the surrounding FF (0.98 +/- 0.94%), fluctuated widely in fluids from the same ovary. On gel filtration of FF and SDS-PAGE of the fractions collected, the L polypeptide was found and eluted together with a 36 kDa polypeptide, called 'H', with an exclusion volume lower than that of albumin. The levels of both polypeptides in the eluted fractions were measured by gel densitometry, and the same ratio H/L was found (2:1). These data suggest that H and L are subunits of a complex high-molecular-weight protein. The presence of L levels in male sera comparable to those detected in females indicates that this putative protein does not originate in the ovary but is transported from the blood. Moreover, a correlation between the increase in the percentage of Lf (calculated as %L in FF/%L in serum) and atresia was observed. COCs (n = 86) obtained during the collection of the single FF samples were processed for transmission electron microscopy. The ultrastructure of each COC was compared with the SDS-PAGE data of the associated FF. Healthy COCs were found to be related to very low levels of Lf (between 0 and 14% of those measured in serum). COCs with an early atretic ultrastructure undetectable at the dissection microscope, were associated with FFs having Lf levels between 24% and 60%; advanced atresia was associated with Lf values up to 70%. Finally, the acrosome reaction of buffalo precipicitated spermatozoa in vitro was monitored by adding one volume of FF with high (FF+; Lf = 80%) or undetectable (FF-) values of Lf to the sperm suspension.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Functional versus structural changes in the pathophysiology of acute ischemic renal failure in aging rats

The aim of this study was to gain further insight into the greater susceptibility to acute ischemic renal failure (ARF, 30 min of renal arteries clamping) of old rats (O, 18 months) as against young rats (Y, 3 months). All the rats ate a hypoproteic diet (14% of casein) to avoid age-related glomerulosclerosis in O. Basal renal dynamics was similar in O and Y (Groups CON). One day after ARF, the decrease in GFR was more severe in O than in Y (-82% and -57% vs. respective CON, P < 0.05), due to a greater rise of RVR in O (+258%) than in Y (+104%). The histological renal damage after ischemia was comparable in the two groups with ARF. Five days after ARF, the recovery of renal function was characterized by a slower rise of GFR in O than in Y. In two further groups, two different scavengers of oxygen-free radicals, dimethylthiourea (DMTU) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were administered at the time of arterial occlusion. DMTU had protective effects in Y but not in O (delta GFR was -28% and -72%, respectively); in contrast, SOD was more effective in O (delta GFR = -58%) than in Y rats (delta GFR = -40%). To test the hypothesis that such a difference was related to the capacity of SOD to increase the levels of nitric oxide (NO), four more groups of Y and O rats were pretreated with L-arginine (ARG), precursor of NO, in tap water (1.5%). No difference in renal dynamics was detected in basal conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Localisation and capacitation-dependent loss of buffalo sperm-coating antigens shared with rat sperm

The heterodimeric sperm-coating protein CFS was previously localised on the middle-piece region of rat spermatozoa by anti-CFS rabbit antibodies. CFS-immunorelated antigens were detected in the secretion of the water buffalo seminal vesicle by protein electrophoresis and Western blotting. Spermatozoa from buffalo epididymal cauda were incubated with the rat antigen and, upon immunostaining with anti-CFS antibodies and goat anti-rabbit fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated IgGs, CFS was found attached on both the post-acrosomal region and the tail. Indirect immunofluorescence analysis permitted the localisation of CFS-related antigens on the same domains of buffalo ejaculated spermatozoa. These results suggest that the buffalo antigens not only share some epitopes with the homologous rat antigen but may also have some of its functional properties. Ejaculated spermatozoa were capacitated in vitro and then assayed for their content of CFS-like antigens. An inverse relationship was found between the levels of capacitation and the amounts of antigens detected, thus suggesting that the in vitro treatment was effective at removing CFS-related proteins from the cell surface. Titration of these proteins to monitor plasma membrane changes during sperm manipulation or to evaluate sperm quality is proposed.

Atypical hereditary ovalocytosis associated with defective dyserythropoietic anemia

The cases of a child and his mother affected by chronic anemia with atypical elliptocytosis are reported. When adolescent the mother underwent splenectomy, with an incomplete response. Anemia was characterized by a morphological picture of ovalocytosis associated with a significant percentage of spherocytes in the peripheral blood of the child and spiculated red cells in that of the splenectomized mother. Bone marrow aspirates of the child showed a striking erythropoietic hyperplasia with marked decrease of mature cells and dyserythropoietic features. Reticulocyte count was rather low. Ferrokinetics showed ineffective erythropoiesis. Biochemical studies on red blood cell membrane cytoskeleton showed that beta-spectrin, alpha-spectrin and protein 4.1, which are usually altered in hereditary elliptocytosis (HE), were normal in our cases. This report confirms the hypothesis of Torlontano who postulated the existence of a distinct atypical form of HE associated with ineffective and dysplastic erythropoiesis.

Early glycosylation products induce glomerular hyperfiltration in normal rats

The effects of early glycosylation products (Amadori Products, AP) were investigated in male Munich-Wistar rats to establish whether AP play a role in the pathogenesis of glomerular hyperfiltration of early diabetic nephropathy. To mimic such a condition, normal rats were transfused with blood containing in vitro glycated serum (Group GLYC) to achieve plasma levels of Amadori products similar to those measured in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Rats transfused with normal blood were used as control (Group CON). Glomerular hemodynamics was evaluated in basal condition (B) and during acute hyperglycemia (HG). Blood transfusion did not alter basal hemodynamics. In Group CON, HG determined a rise of single nephron GFR (41.4 +/- 3.2 vs. 32.1 +/- 1.8 nl/min, P less than 0.005), secondary to the increase of afferent effective filtration pressure (EFPa, +19% vs. B, P less than 0.01). Rats of Group GLYC, in B, had values of SNGFR higher than those of Group CON B (46.8 +/- 3 nl/min, P less than 0.05, ANOVA). This increase was mediated by a significant reduction of glomerular afferent arteriole (Ra, -38% vs. Group CON B, P less than 0.05), a rise in hydrostatic gradient pressure in glomerular capillaries (delta P, +17%, P less than 0.05) and of EFPa (+31%, P less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Detection of a sperm-coating antigen in the semen of Bubalus bubalis

1. Surface antigens of B. bubalis spermatozoa were solubilized by Triton X-100 and EDTA; the sperm extract was used to raise antibodies in rabbits. 2. Two major polypeptides, immunoprecipitated from the seminal plasma by the antibodies against the sperm extract, exhibited the same electrophoretic mobilities of two immunorelated sperm surface antigens. 3. The two polypeptides were isolated from the seminal plasma, by a multi-step chromatographic procedure, and found subunits of a single protein (MW 30,000), called SP 30. 4. The SP 30 protein bound in vitro to the postacrosomal region of homologous spermatozoa from cauda epididymis. 5. The localization of the sperm-coating antigen on the cell surface is compatible with a role in the fertilization process.

An unclassified case of congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia with a severe neonatal onset

The case of a 13-year-old child with a congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia (CDA) is reported. A severe anaemia associated with a slight increase in reticulocytes, erythroblastosis, hyperbilirubinaemia, hepatosplenomegaly, generalized oedema and hypoproteinaemia was present at birth. Three exsanguino-transfusions were needed in the first 4 days of life. In the following years a continuous transfusional regimen was maintained in association with a chelating treatment. Bone marrow aspirates showed a striking hyperplasia of the erythroid lineage with ineffective erythropoiesis and changes of erythroblastic nuclei which were double but incompletely separated. Numerous histio-erythroblastic islands were also present. Electron microscopy studies did not show specific alterations of the erythropoietic cells. By a long-term evaluation of the clinical signs and of the haematological data, we came to the conclusion that the case does not fit into any of the three classical categories of CDA.

Zinc-protein from rat prostate fluid binds epididymal spermatozoa

The detection and the isolation of a zinc-protein from the secretion of the rat dorsolateral prostate is described. The purification procedure, based on gel filtration and cationic exchange chromatography, allowed to separate a minor protein (Mr approximately 66,000) from free zinc ions and other secretory components. Two zinc ions were estimated to be associated with one molecule of isolated protein. The zinc-protein was labelled with 125I and then incubated at 37 degrees C with spermatozoa from rat epididymal cauda. Time-dependent in vitro binding of the radioactive protein to sperm cells was demonstrated. This binding was not affected by the presence of proteins from the seminal vesicle during the incubation, while it was blocked in the presence of an excess of unlabelled zinc-protein. After binding, the labelled spermatozoa were treated with a buffer containing 0.5% sodium deoxycholate and 40 mM EDTA; only very small amounts of label were removed from the cells, thus suggesting that the zinc-proteins were kept on the plasma membrane by interactions which do not involve merely hydrophobic bonds.

Relative ratios of lactoferrin, albumin, and acid phosphatase seminal levels as sperm quality markers in fertile and infertile men

Human seminal plasma proteins from fertile and infertile men were fractionated by electrophoresis. The amounts of three Coomassie-stained protein bands were measured by densitometry. Their relative ratios were constant in normospermic men but varied in the infertile patients. Laboratory manipulation of the semen was shown not to affect the protein ratios as observed after liquefaction, incubation at various temperatures, and storage at -20 degrees C. The three proteins were purified by chromatographic techniques and identified as lactoferrin, albumin, and acid phosphatase by electrophoresis, high-pressure liquid chromatography, and enzyme assays. The use of these proteins to evaluate the contributions of different fluids to seminal plasma is discussed.

An aberrant type of congenital dyserythropoietic anemia associated with a beta-thalassemia trait

A child is described who suffered from a severe congenital anemia. The anemia persisted and a regular transfusional regimen became necessary. Bone marrow aspirates showed an erythroblastic hyperplasia associated with some dyserythropoietic features. A most striking and constant finding was the presence of many inter-erythroblastic chromatin bridges. The reticulocyte count was always low, in spite of the increased erythropoietic activity. A beta-thalassemia trait inherited from the mother was demonstrated. The hypothesis of dyserythropoiesis/thalassemia syndrome was put forward, based on the assumption that the two genes may have interacted with each other.

Binding of free and protein-associated zinc to rat spermatozoa

1. The zinc content of rat spermatozoa increases, upon ejaculation, from 0.035 to 1.055 micrograms/10(6) cells. 2. The rat seminal plasma holds zinc both as free ion and as protein-bound forms. 3. Zinc-free ions bind in vitro to rat epididymal spermatozoa. 4. Zinc-protein complexes can be isolated, by a chromatographic procedure, from the dorsolateral lobe of rat prostate. 5. The isolated zinc-protein complexes bind in vitro to rat epididymal spermatozoa.

The Italian contribution to the study of Fanconi's anemia

All the papers of the Italian authors on Fanconi's anemia are carefully listed. In the meantime some data of an epidemiological inquiry on the Italian unpublished cases are notified. They are as follows: i) the frequency of the disease is higher than it could be suspected; ii) the regional distribution is not homogeneous, with areas of higher density in Southern Italy, especially in Campania; c) the mean survival of the patients is significantly increased in comparison with the past; d) the prevalence of malignant complications is inexplicably low, as compared with non-Italian cases. A national Registry on Fanconi's anemia is proposed.

Randomised prospective study on renal effects of two different contrast media in humans: protective role of a calcium channel blocker

Contrast media affect renal hemodynamics. Hyperosmolality is regarded as the major factor responsible for renal hemodynamic changes. In this study, the role of osmolality was evaluated in 30 hospitalized patients without risk factors during intravenous pyelography. Contrast media with low and high osmolality were used. In addition, nifedipine was administered before infusion of high-osmolality contrast to evaluate the role of calcium ions in radiocontrast-induced changes of renal hemodynamics. Hyperosmolar contrast reduced renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate. Calcium channel blocker prevented changes of renal hemodynamics. Hyperosmolality appears the most likely factor affecting renal hemodynamics during hyperosmolar radiocontrast infusion. Calcium channel blocker may prevent renal changes due to hyperosmolar medium.

Congenital refractory anaemia with vacuolisation of bone marrow precursors, sideroblastosis and growth failure in a girl with normal endocrine pancreatic function

The case is described of an 8-years-old girl with consanguineous parents. She was apparently well, apart, from growth retardation, until 18 months of age when she developed severe normocytic hypochromic anaemia. Bone marrow examination revealed vacuolisation of the erythroid and myeloid precursor, and electron microscopic studies showed striking sideroblastosis with ringed arrangement of the iron granules. Porphyrin metabolism was apparently normal, whereas blood levels of iron and ferritin were high. A careful study of the exocrine pancreas showed completely normal function. Vitamin B6 administration was unsuccessful. The patient is transfusion-dependent, and iron chelation treatment has produced good results. The case could be a new entity or a variant of congenital sideroblastic anaemia, since it has some features in common with the syndrome described by Pearson et al.

Interaction of proteins RSV IV and RSV V in rat seminal vesicle secretion

The RSV IV polypeptide, molecular weight ratio (Mr = 10,000), which is produced by the rat seminal vesicle, has previously been suggested to be associated with another polypeptide in the gland secretion (Higgins et al., '76). This study provides that RSV IV is a component of a protein shown by immunoassays, electrophoresis, and amino acid composition analysis to contain, together with RSV IV, the seminal vesicle secretory RSV V polypeptide (Mr = 13,000). This RSV IV-RSV V complex (namely CFS protein) had an isoelectric point at pH 7.2 and an approximate molecular weight of 22,000 daltons. This complex inhibits the previously reported in vitro binding of the isolated RSV IV to epididymal sperm cells, thus suggesting a functional role for the RSV IV-RSV V interaction.

Detection of sperm-coating antigens immunologically related to a seminal protein in rat

We report in this paper that proteins from the surface of ejaculated spermatozoa contain antigenic determinants cross-reacting with a rabbit antiserum raised against native CFS, a protein secreted from the rat seminal vesicle and composed of two subunits, namely RSV IV and RSV V. Conversely, no such proteins could be extracted from cauda epididymal spermatozoa. The cross-reacting proteins derived from the ejaculated spermatozoa were analyzed by SDS-PAGE. An electrophoretic pattern different than that expected for native CFS in denaturing conditions was found. In vitro reconstitution experiments showed that labeled native CFS is able to bind cauda epididymal spermatozoa. The CFS protein recovered from the sperm surface was examined and alterations of its structure were also noted. The sperm-coating abilities of CFS and of its RSV IV subunit are discussed.

Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type I: report of a pair of siblings

Two siblings affected with congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type I are described. They are the sixth familial occurrence reported. Particularly interesting is the comparison between the course and laboratory data of our cases. An unusual finding is the presence of the antigen 'i' on the erythrocytes of both patients.

[Yersinia enterocolitica sepsis in splenectomized thalassemic subjects. Description of 2 cases]

Two cases of Yersinia enterocolitica septicemia in two splenectomized children with thalassemia major are reported. Human Yersinia enterocolitica septicemia is an uncommon condition, but its frequency may increase in patients having debilitating diseases or blood disorders, as well as a consequence of the splenectomy. Some brief considerations on the pathogenetic factors yielding, to severe infections in splenectomized thalassemic children are discussed. The high number of thalassemic people in Italy makes necessary an early diagnosis in case of septicemia. Particularly important is the blood culture, because of the slowness of the microbic development in stools.

[Selective incorporation of metals in aragonite and calcite into the shell of Mytilus galloprovincialis in relation to the ionic radius]

The Authors assuming as hypothesis that elements beyond Calcium could be included as carbonate according to crystalline structure of Aragonite and Calcite in the shell of Mytilus g. have verified the selective inclusion of Cr, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu, Cd, Pb in the biocrystals in relation to their ionic radius. Though the ratio of concentrations of these elements in the shell layers: [Me] calcite/[Me] aragonite ( [C]/[A] ) is significatively greater than 1 for Zn and Mg, significatively less than 1 for Cr and Pb and the no-significative distribution of Cu, Fe, Cd do not allow a sure relationship between the ionic radii of Ca and the investigated elements in the process of shell inclusions. However, authors, do not exclude that these elements may be included differently from the relative aragonitic or calcitic crystalline carbonate structures.

[Influence of the accumulation of Cr, Cd and Pb on the pool of free tissue amino acids in Mytilus galloprovincialis in various zones of the bay of Naples]

The Authors investigated on the relations between the amount of Heavy Metals (Me) and free aminoacids (FAA) from tissues of Mytilus galloprovincialis. Similar mussels were collected from three sampling zones of bay of Naples. The analyzed Me were Cr+3, Cd+2, Pb+2. The obtained results show that behaviour of Me and FAA is similar. These data suggested to the Authors that FAA changes have to be related to an attempt to recover their's equilibrium more than a direct influence of Me on mussel's FAA metabolism.

Alternate organization of alpha G-Philadelphia globin genes among U.S. black and Italian Caucasian heterozygotes

Seven Hb G-Philadelphia (Hb G) heterozygotes from three Caucasian families from Northern Italy and Sardegna were found to have proportions of Hb G averaging 23%. This value is considerably lower than the 34% or 48% found in Blacks from the Southeastern U.S.A. in whom the alpha G gene is in linkage with alpha-thalassemia-2, i.e. the alpha o alpha G/alpha alpha or alpha o alpha G/alpha o alpha genotypes. Gene mapping identified tandem organization of the alpha G gene in cis with a normal alpha A gene, i.e. the alpha alpha G/alpha alpha genotype, among the Hb G heterozygotes from Italy. The data on the Italian heterozygotes are similar to those obtained by Bruzdzinski et al (14) on a Black family. These results indicate alternate organization of the alpha G genes probably across racial or ethnic boundaries. Comparison of the mean cellular globin amount of alpha G/alpha G gene/cell among Hb G heterozygotes with 4, 3, 2 or 1 alpha globin genes (i.e. alpha A + alpha G) revealed considerable reactivation of individual alpha genes in conditions of mild to severe alpha globin deficiencies.

Acute hemolytic anemia induced by a pyrazolonic drug in a child with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency

In a 36-month-old child a severe hemolytic anemia occurred after the administration of a pyrazolonic drug. Erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity was absent in the patient. Intermediate enzymatic levels were demonstrated in the mother and in the maternal grand-mother with a corresponding erythrocyte mosaicism at the methemoglobin elution test. Some cells showed Heinz bodies and peculiar changes in the morphology in the initial phase of the crisis. There is no mention in the literature of a hemolytic action of this drug.

Congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia type II associated with a new type of G6PD deficiency (G6PD Gabrovizza)

A 6-year-old boy with chronic haemolytic anaemia was found to have glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and the morphological, ultrastructural and serological features of congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia (CDA) type II. The patient's mother was heterozygous for G6PD deficiency. G6PD from the patient's red cells, upon partial purification and full characterization, was found to be a new variant designated G6PD Gabrovizza. We conclude that two distinct genetic abnormalities coexisted in this patient. We suggest that CDA type II may become clinically more expressed when another abnormality of the erythrocytes coexists.

[G6PD deficiency in a western area of Genoa. Genetic study of 4 new variants]

Investigations for G6PD deficiency have been carried out among 900 subjects at the Paediatric Departments of the hospitals in Sestri Ponente and Pegli, in the western part of Genoa. 24 G6PD deficient males, 15 heterozygous and 1 homozygous females have been detected. Four variants, which have been encountered during the population survey, are reported. All of them, upon full characterization, were found to be unique new variants.

[Different shell development in Mytilus galloprovincialis in 2 different populations from the Gulf of Naples]

The size frequency distribution, the shell weight, the semilogarythmic growth, the carbonic anhydrase activity has been investigated between two populations of mussels from different sampling zones. Significative differences were found in the parameters investigated between the two populations. The authors conclude that the reason of this morphological and biochemical differences may arise from different natural hydrobiological factors and/or from different pollution of their habitat.

[Organic matrix in biocrystals in the Mytilus galloprovincialis shell. Scanning microscopy]

The Authors have investigated the structural property of organic shell matrix from Mytilus galloprovincialis by scanning microscopy. The microscopic investigation shows differences between matrix from nacreous layer or argonite and matrix from outer layer or calcite. The first shows a "cavernous" surface; the other instead shows a "smooth" surface. The Authors conclude that probably these differences may influence the different crystallographic arrangement of biocrystals.

[Accumulation of heavy metals in biocrystals in the shell of Mytilus galloprovincialis from different zones of the Gulf of Naples]

The amounts of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mg were determined in the inner and outer layers of shells of Mytilus g.. Different values significatively between the layers were found only for Mg. The ratio [Me]Calcite/ [Me]Aragonite was calculated and it is not more than one, for all the colonies of different sampling zones. The Authors conclude that perhaps the reason of this behaviour is the different pollution of their habitat.

The occurrence of different levels of G gamma chain and of the A gamma T variant of fetal hemoglobin in newborn babies from several countries

The gamma chain compositions of the fetal hemoglobins of 2453 newborn babies from East Asian countries (1350 babies), from Italy, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, and Georgia (417 Caucasian babies), and 686 black babies from Georgia were determined by high pressure liquid chromatography. Unusual results for a limited number of babies were confirmed by chemical analyses, and were evaluated further by family studies. Statistical analyses indicated high gene frequencies for the A gamma T chain in Italian (f = 0.237), Yugoslavian and Bulgarian (f = 0.238), and white Georgia babies (f = 0.224), a lower frequency in Japan (f = 0.178), and India (f = 0.173), and particularly in mainland China (f = 0.079). The A gamma T gene frequency in normal (AA) Black babies was 0.102. When a beta S or beta C mutation was also present this frequency was greatly decreased, particularly in babies with the AC condition (f = 0.036). These results suggest the near absence of the A gamma T mutation on the chromosome also carrying the beta C determinant. Most babies had the expected G gamma values which vary between 60 and 80%, but several (mainly black) babies had higher values (between 80 and 90%), while one normal black baby had a G gamma value of (nearly) 100%. This condition may be a form of A gamma +1-thalassemia and has been discussed in detail elsewhere (Blood 58:491-500, 1981). Thirty-five clinically normal (mainly Chinese, Indian, and Japanese) babies had G gamma values of about 40%. Twenty-six babies had A gamma I values of about 60%, while the remaining nine babies had A gamma T and A gamma I chains in a ratio of either 1 to 2 or 1 to 1. Two additional newborns did not produce any G gamma chains, but had only A gamma I chains or A gamma T chains. Family studies failed to indicate a specific hematological abnormality. These unusual ratios between the G gamma and A gamma (either A gamma I or A gamma T) chains have led to speculations regarding possible genetic abnormalities present in these infants.

Decreased glycosylation of band 3 and band 4.5 glycoproteins of erythrocyte membrane in congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia type II

We report a study of HEMPAS erythrocyte membrane glycoproteins in relation to proteolytic digestion and surface labelling with galactose-oxidase/NaB[3H]4. The proteolytic digestion of band 3, the major intrinsic glycoprotein of the human erythrocyte membrane, reveals an abnormality in the outer glycosylated segment of this protein. 3H incorporation in band 3 and band 4.5 glycoproteins after treatment with galactose-oxidase/NaB[3H]4 is reduced in HEMPAS red cells suggesting a defective glycosylation of these proteins. These findings together with the persistence of i antigen and the normal presence of I antigen lead us to conclude that erythroblastic membrane features may persist in HEMPAS erythrocytes.

[The presence of 3,4-benzopyrene in plants I. Methods]

Purification methods of vegetable extracts have been experienced during our researches on the possible presence of the aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons (particularly 3,4 benzopyrene) in vegetables. The validity of different methods has been determined by IR spectrophotometric analysis using special apparatus (IR-DATA-STATION). Vegetables extracts have been purified efficaciously by column chromatography, saponification and special methods (Grimmer's method). The described method eliminates, nearly entirely, the polluting substances that could alternate the chemical analysis of the vegetable extracts.