Intramuscular hemangioma of the head and neck

Intramuscular hemangiomas are unusual tumors in the head and neck region that occur most frequently in the masseter muscle and are often confused with parotid neoplasms. Four cases are described and the literature reviewed. The diagnosis and management of these tumors are discussed in view of the fact that accurate preoperative diagnosis is unusual and tumor recurrence rates high. Increased awareness of the clinical presentation of intramuscular hemangiomas should enhance diagnostic accuracy and facilitate optimal treatment planning.

[Ultrastructural aspects of a cutaneous biopsy in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)]

Herpes zoster blister was biopsied in an homosexual man presenting and AIDS. Ultrastructural findings were as follows: typical herpes virus particles, tubuloreticular inclusions (TRI), helical polyribosomes. The association of these three findings suggests that TRI may represent rather a particular way of cellular reaction than an etiologic ultrastructural marker in AIDS.

[Cutaneous lymphangioma. Value of the scanner. Pathogenic hypothesis and therapeutic implications]

The authors report the case of a 10-year-old child with a cutaneous lesion of the thigh present since birth and made up of small translucid raised areas grouped in clumps. The association with these pseudo-vesicles of erysipelatous exacerbations 3 or 4 times a year and the discharge of clear fluid indicative of lymphorrhoea led to a clinical diagnosis of complicated cutaneous lymphangioma. CT scan of the thigh showed absence of spread to deeper layers. This case serves as a basis for discussion of the pathogenic hypothesis of Whimster suggesting that the superficial vesicles are connected to larger lymphatic chambers in the subcutaneous tissue and that the course depends upon pressure variations within these chambers. If this were the case, surgical excision of these lymphatic chambers would be a logical alternative to symptomatic medical treatment of inflammatory episodes.

Structure and expression of the mouse beta 2-microglobulin gene isolated from somatic and non-expressing teratocarcinoma cells

Mouse teratocarcinoma cells express neither H-2 heavy chains nor beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-m). We have constructed two genomic libraries, one from PCC4-aza-RI embryonal carcinoma cells and the other from their adult syngenic counterpart 129/Sv liver cells (H-2bc). The libraries were screened with a full length mouse beta 2-m cDNA probe which we isolated and sequenced. Two cosmid clones carrying the entire beta 2-m gene were isolated, one from each library. There was no detectable difference in structure between the two genes. Furthermore, both were shown to be active and to restore beta 2-m synthesis upon transfer into mutant cells deficient in beta 2-m. Irreversible DNA alterations in or around the beta 2-m gene are thus unlikely to account for the lack of beta 2-m gene expression in embryonal teratocarcinoma cells.

[A clinical trial of a new class IV corticosteroid for topical use. Fifty-two case-reports (author's transl)]

A study of the activity of a new corticosteroid for topical use, betamethasone in a propylene glycol vehicle, is reported. The trial was open and included 52 cases. These were mainly severe and chronic cases of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and intractable prurigos resulting from various causes. The overall results were quite satisfactory, with 80% of good or very good responses. Itching was the feature most frequently improved by this treatment. If atopic dermatitis and psoriasis reacted well the response was particularly satisfactory in lichen planus. Evidence indicating an important effect on adrenal gland function is pointed out. This effect was demonstrated either by decreased serum cortisol levels or by decreased urinary excretion of steroids. This point should be carefully monitored, especially when treating patients with extensive skin disease. Therapy should be discontinued very progressively.

DNA organisation in the chicken lysozyme gene region

DNA sequences surrounding the lysozyme gene of the chicken have been cloned in several recombinants which define a region of 40 Kb. We have detected no other gene with a sequence related to that of the lysozyme gene, nor any gene expressed in the oviduct in these recombinants. This situation contrasts with that of the ovalbumin gene, in the vicinity of which lie two other genes of related structure expressed in the oviduct under hormonal control. The lysozyme gene region, however contains a complex array of repeated sequences, which have been resolved into at least five classes. An inverted repeat overlaps the lysozyme gene itself.

cDNA clone coding for part of a mouse H-2d major histocompatibility antigen

mRNA coding for mouse major transplantation antigens of the d haplotype was partially purified, copied into double-stranded cDNA, and cloned in Escherichia coli. Clones were selected by their ability to hybridize specifically with mRNA coding for H-2K, D, or L antigens. One of these clones, pH-2d-1, carries a 1200-base-pair insert, comprising the noncoding region, including poly(A) at the 3' end and part of the coding region. A partial sequence of the latter region showed extensive homology with the known amino acid sequences of H-2Kb,Kk, and HLA-B7 antigens. From this comparison, it appears that the coding region extends from amino acid 133 in the second domain, through the third domain, to the cytoplasmic COOH-terminal region. A stretch of 24 hydrophobic or uncharged residues, located 31 amino acids from the COOH-terminal end, could represent the segment that spans the membrane. This is followed on the cytoplasmic side of the membrane by a cluster of basic amino acids and a possible phosphorylation site on a threonine residue.

[Collagen : physiological approach to skin healing,. Its application to the practical treatment of leg ulcers (author's transl)]

Collagen gel has been studied, during a comparative trial, as a topic for cicatrization on a series of twenty patients with severe leg ulcers rebellious to the usual methods of treatment. A complete healing was obtained in 16 cases out of 20, after a period of 8 to 60 days. Collafilm Gel must only be applied to clean, uninfected wounds. It's action seems noticeable by the appearance of network cicatrization, the mechanism and signification of which is being discussed by the authors.

Long-term changes in dopaminergic innervation of caudate nucleus after continuous amphetamine administration

Silicone pellets containing d-amphetamine base were implanted subcutaneously in rats. These pellets release amphetamine continuously for at least 10 days. Several days after implantation, swollen dopamine axons concomitant with large decreases in tyrosine hydroxylase activity were observed in the caudate nucleus. Decreased tyrosine hydroxylase activity was still present 110 days after pellet removal in the caudate but not in several other brain regions, nor in the caudate of rats injected with an equivalent amount of amphetamine in daily injections. This implies that continuous amphetamine administration has a selective neurotoxic effect on dopamine terminals in the caudate.

[Systematized papulosis of the lower scapular areas with ultrastructural anhist bodies: specific cutaneous symptoms of Hunter's disease (author's transl)]

Papulosis of the scapular areas is a characteristic dermatologic sign of Hunter's disease. It has not been described in the other mucopolysaccharidoses. This sign had been detailed by Hunter in 1917 in his princeps observation. We noted it in two cases of the disease. The ultrastructural study showed an accumulation in the connective interstitial substance of anhist bodies of intra-cellular origin.