Caffeine toxicity in drosophila strains having different MMS sensitivities

Larvae of Drosophila melanogaster were fed with caffeine, and the induced lethality was recorded using two different methods. With a wild-type strain a whole dose-response curve was obtained. The two sexes were equally sensitive. Four genetically different strains, showing different MMS sensitivities, were tested with two caffeine doses. The strains differed significantly in their caffeine sensitivity, but there existed no correlation between MMS and caffeine sensitivity.

[The effect of treatment on circulating immune complexes in rheumatoid arthritis (author's transl)]

Immune complexes were demonstrated by leucocyte phagocytosis assay in 37 of 55 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. After treatment with gold salts, penicillamine, alpha-mercaptopropionylglycine, immunosuppressive agents or levamisole a substantial fall or elimination of demonstrable circulating immune complexes occurred. In-vitro studies revealed that gold salts in therapeutic concentrations inhibited the phagocytosis of immune complexes, while other drugs - penicillamine, levamisole and all anti-inflammatory agents including corticosteroids - lack this effect. The reduction in circulating immune complexes under basic therapy may be due to a beneficial effect of these agents on the disease process itself. This test may, therefore, be of value in assessing the efficacy of drug treatment.

[Demonstration and analysis of immune complexes in rheumatic diseases]

By means of an immunofluorescence technique, immune complexes have been demonstrated in circulating blood leukocytes, in serum and in joint effusions of patients with various rheumatic diseases. Such complexes are present within cell inclusions in about 30% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA patients has immune complexes in serum in 75% of cases and in joint effusions in over 80% of cases. Soluble immune complexes were demonstrated in the serum of about 30% of age-matched patients with degenerative joint disease, while such complexes are present in the serum of only 1.5% of a younger, normal control group. The immune complexes chiefly contain IgG, frequently IgM and only rarely IgA. CO complement component can frequently be demonstrated within such complexes. In RA patients a statistically significant correlation (p less than 0.001) could be established between the presence of soluble immune complexes and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, but no correlation was observed between the presence of such complexes and the Lansbury joint index. The possible pathogenetic role of immune complex clearance by circulating leukocytes in rheumatoid arthritis is discussed.