[Electrophysiologic findings in so-called latent cardiomyopathies]

In the framework of a diagnostic cardiac catheterization for the confirmation or exclusion of an idiopathic myocardial disease 72 patients with latent cardiomyopathy (LCM) and 51 patients without pathological haemodynamic parameters (Non-CM) were examined electrophysiologically. Intraventricular and His-Purkinje conduction defects were essentially more frequently to be proved in patients with LCM than in the non-CM group, whereas an increased ventricular vulnerability in the two groups of patients was existing in about 20% of the cases. The disturbances of rhythm anamnestically frequently mentioned by patients with LCM might above all be traced back to atrial dysrhythmias, since in about one third of the examined patients an increased atrial vulnerability could be proved. Prospective studies of the course must explain, whether the pathological electrophysiological parameters are of prognostic importance in patients with LCM.

Suppression of humoral immune response against herpes simplex virus induced by defective strains, ts- and TK- mutants

Suppression of humoral antibody formation against HSV is not only induced by replicating Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) but also by the defective strain ANG and the deletion mutant 1301 of Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Moreover, ts-mutants A, H, K, S, 1201 and 1208 of HSV-1 as well as some ts-mutants of HSV-2 and "defective-interfering" particles of HSV-1 after high multiplicity of infection-passages induced suppression. Treatment of infected mice with ACG reduced antibody-formation but did not result in suppression. UV-irradiation of the antibody producing strain Len of HSV-1 strongly reduces antibody formation and induces suppression. Experiments using a series of intertypic recombinants showed the suppressing activity to be spread over the whole genome of HSV-2. It is concluded that suppression is induced by more than one region of the genome of HSV-2 and by incomplete replication of HSV-1 and 2.

Effect of systemic pH on pHi and lactic acid generation in exhaustive forearm exercise

To investigate whether changes in systemic pH affect intracellular pH (pHi), energy-rich phosphates, and lactic acid generation in muscle, eight normal volunteers performed exhaustive forearm exercise with arterial blood flow occluded for 2 min on three occasions. Subjects ingested 4 mmol/kg NH4Cl (acidosis; A) or NaHCO3 (alkalosis; B) or nothing (control; C) 3 h before the exercise. Muscle pHi and phosphocreatine (PCr) content were measured with 31P-nuclear magnetic resonance (31P-NMR) spectroscopy during exercise and recovery. Lactate output during 0.5-7 min of recovery was calculated as deep venous-arterial concentration differences times forearm blood flow. Before exercise, blood pH and bicarbonate were lower in acidosis (7.303 +/- 0.009, 18.6 +/- 0.5 meq/l) than alkalosis (7.457 +/- 0.010, 32.2 +/- 0.7 meq/l) and intermediate in control (7.389 +/- 0.007, 25.3 +/- 0.6 meq/l). Lactic acid output during recovery was less with A (245 +/- 39 mumol/100 ml) than B (340 +/- 55 mumol/100 ml) (P less than 0.05) and intermediate in C (293 +/- 31 mumol/100 ml). PCr utilization and resynthesis were not affected by extracellular pH changes. pHi did not differ before exercise (A, 7.04 +/- 0.01; B, 7.09 +/- 0.01; C, 7.06 +/- 0.01) or at its end (A, 6.28 +/- 0.07; B, 6.28 +/- 0.11; C, 6.31 +/- 0.09). Hence systemic acidosis inhibited and alkalosis stimulated lactic acid output. These findings suggest that systemic pH regulates cellular acid production, protecting muscle pH, at the expense of energy availability.

[Sexual dimorphism of the scapula]

Studies on 96 male and 53 female human right scapulas confirmed a highly significant sexual dimorphism. This sexual dimorphism could also be ascertained for 23 pairs of scapulas from male and female individuals with identical body height. It therefore depends not only on the different average stature of men and women. Using the presented quantitative criteria, the sex of 88% of the bones could be determined correctly, while 4% were misclassified.

Complete and partial ureteral obstruction: evaluation of renal effects with P-31 MR spectroscopy and Tc-DMSA scintigraphy

Phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy was used to study the effects of partial and complete ureteral obstruction on the porcine kidney; results were compared with renal tubular function as determined with technetium-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy. Twenty-seven pigs were used: nine as sham-operated controls, six with partial ureteral obstruction, and 12 with complete ureteral obstruction. P-31 MR spectra and Tc-DMSA scintiscans were obtained weekly over 3 weeks. Partial obstruction caused no significant change in P-31 MR spectra, whereas Tc-DMSA scintiscans showed a 74% decrease in tubular function by the end of 3 weeks. Complete obstruction caused a 43% reduction in the mean adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to inorganic phosphate (Pi) ratio, which paralleled the 96% decrease in Tc-DMSA uptake over 3 weeks. The difference in ATP/Pi ratios between control and completely obstructed kidneys was significant (P less than .01) at 2 and 3 weeks after ligation. These results indicate that radionuclide Tc-99m DMSA uptake is very sensitive to the pathophysiologic changes in renal tubular function, while the organ average cellular bioenergetic state (ATP/Pi) is not as strongly affected.

Modulation of Ig gene expression by Ig binding factors. Suppression of alpha-H chain and lambda-2-L chain mRNA accumulation in MOPC-315 by IgA-binding factor

Previous reports by a number of laboratories have shown that Ig-binding factors may play a role in the regulation of Ig production by B cells. Although numerous studies have addressed the specificity and biologic function of Ig-binding factors at the cellular level, little information is available regarding the mechanism whereby Ig-binding factor modulates Ig production by B cells at the molecular level. Herein we have examined the specificity and molecular mechanism of the suppression of IgA production mediated by IgA-binding factor. Using the IgA-secreting plasmacytoma, MOPC-315, as a target cell, we have demonstrated that: 1) IgA-binding factor binds to IgA, but not to IgG, IgM, or BSA; 2) IgA-binding factor can suppress proliferation as well as IgA production by MOPC-315; 3) soluble IgA, but not IgG or IgM can inhibit the action of IgA-binding factor; 4) suppression of Ig production by IgA-binding factor is maximal within 8 to 12 h after exposure to the factor and is reversible; 5) IgA-binding factor suppresses IgA production by selectively down-regulating synthesis of IgA H and L chain proteins; 6) IgA-binding factor selectively suppresses transcription of alpha-H chain and lambda-2-L chain genes; 7) IgA-binding factor suppresses accumulation of c-myc mRNA. These findings suggest that IgA-binding factor binds selectively to surface IgA on MOPC-315 and suppresses IgA production by down-regulating transcription of H and L chain genes. Suppression of MOPC-315 proliferation by IgA-binding factor may be related to the concomitant down-regulation of the expression of the c-myc gene. c-myc is deregulated in MOPC-315 by virtue of the reciprocal 15:12 chromosomal translocation present in MOPC-315 where the c-myc gene is translocated and rearranged into the alpha-H chain gene complex. Simultaneous suppression of the expression of c-myc and alpha-H chain genes suggests that these two genes may be coordinately modulated, in plasmacytomas, by IgA-binding factor.

Modulation of Ig gene expression by Ig binding factors. Suppression of alpha-H chain and lambda-2-L chain mRNA accumulation in MOPC-315 by IgA-binding factor

Previous reports by a number of laboratories have shown that Ig-binding factors may play a role in the regulation of Ig production by B cells. Although numerous studies have addressed the specificity and biologic function of Ig-binding factors at the cellular level, little information is available regarding the mechanism whereby Ig-binding factor modulates Ig production by B cells at the molecular level. Herein we have examined the specificity and molecular mechanism of the suppression of IgA production mediated by IgA-binding factor. Using the IgA-secreting plasmacytoma, MOPC-315, as a target cell, we have demonstrated that: 1) IgA-binding factor binds to IgA, but not to IgG, IgM, or BSA; 2) IgA-binding factor can suppress proliferation as well as IgA production by MOPC-315; 3) soluble IgA, but not IgG or IgM can inhibit the action of IgA-binding factor; 4) suppression of Ig production by IgA-binding factor is maximal within 8 to 12 h after exposure to the factor and is reversible; 5) IgA-binding factor suppresses IgA production by selectively down-regulating synthesis of IgA H and L chain proteins; 6) IgA-binding factor selectively suppresses transcription of alpha-H chain and lambda-2-L chain genes; 7) IgA-binding factor suppresses accumulation of c-myc mRNA. These findings suggest that IgA-binding factor binds selectively to surface IgA on MOPC-315 and suppresses IgA production by down-regulating transcription of H and L chain genes. Suppression of MOPC-315 proliferation by IgA-binding factor may be related to the concomitant down-regulation of the expression of the c-myc gene. c-myc is deregulated in MOPC-315 by virtue of the reciprocal 15:12 chromosomal translocation present in MOPC-315 where the c-myc gene is translocated and rearranged into the alpha-H chain gene complex. Simultaneous suppression of the expression of c-myc and alpha-H chain genes suggests that these two genes may be coordinately modulated, in plasmacytomas, by IgA-binding factor.

[Hand metastases--a rare metastatic form of colorectal carcinoma]

24 years after the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis had been made a now 77-year-old man was found to have carcinoma of the rectum. One year after its resection lung metastases and a sacral recurrence became apparent. Two years later swelling of the left hand was at first diagnosed as Sudeck's atrophy, but subsequent tests revealed a metastasis of the known adenocarcinoma to the hand. Palliative telecobalt radiation quickly brought about symptomatic relief.

Multifrequency selective rf pulses for multislice MR imaging

A method is described for multislice imaging by means of rf pulses which contain a multifrequency excitation spectrum. These pulses label each slice by an individual signal phase and allow the separation of the signals from all the slices by subsequent add/subtract procedures. The image sensitivity corresponds to the total number of acquisitions. Sequences for the imaging of an arbitrary number of slices with a minimum number of experiments are described.

The polyamine metabolism of filarial worms as chemotherapeutic target

Parasite-specific putrescine-N-acetyltransferase and polyamine oxidase, both involved in the reversed pathway of polyamine metabolism, were demonstrated for Ascaris suum and Onchocerca volvulus. Berenil-treatment was found to be correlated with accumulation of polyamines, especially spermine, obviously due to blockaded polyamine interconversion. Furthermore it was shown that added spermine to the culture medium led to the death of worms. These specificities might be exploited for chemotherapy of filarial infections. Polyamines are widely distributed in the nature. They are found in higher and lower eucaryotes and in procaryotes as well as in viruses (Tabor and Tabor, 1984). During the last years there have been many approaches to examine the role of polyamines in cell growth and differentiation in vertebrates (Tabor and Tabor, 1984; Pegg, 1986). The polyamine metabolism of parasites also has attracted increasing interest, e.g. in African trypanosomes the initial enzyme of polyamine synthesis - ornithine decarboxylase - has been exploited as a target for chemotherapy by using DFMO (DL alpha-difluoromethylornithine) (Bacchi et al., 1980; Bacchi et al., 1983; Fairlamb et al., 1985; Giffin et al., 1986). The polyamine metabolism of filaria and other helminths is still a neglected area of research, although there are reports about distribution pattern of polyamines and some peculiarities of polyamine metabolism in filarial worms (Srivastava et al., 1980; Wittich et al., 1987; Walter, 1988). DFMO and MGBG (methylglyoxal bis-(guanylhydrazone], both of which are potent inhibitors of polyamine synthesis in mammals, do not significantly effect the viability of filarial worms (Wittich et al., 1987).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A monoclonal antibody recognizing plasminogen and plasmin--altered reactivity in psoriatic lesions

To study the organization of the plasminogen activator/plasminogen-plasmin (PA/PG-P) system in human epidermis we raised monoclonal antibodies with specificity for human plasminogen and plasmin (PG-P). Monoclonal antibody P2, which appeared most suitable for immunohistology, is a mouse monoclonal antibody of IgG1 subtype, specific for the precursor enzyme plasminogen and for the high molecular weight chain of the active enzyme, plasmin. Immunofluorescence analysis of normal human epidermis revealed that reactivity with P2 was confined to the basal cell layer. In psoriatic lesions, however, this regional organization was not found. Immunoreactivity in this case was scattered throughout all the hyperproliferating cell layers, which is taken as evidence for an altered distribution of PG-P in psoriatic lesions. In psoriasis other components of the PA/PG-P system have previously been found to be altered. In this context our findings add to the hypothesis that this system may be involved in the pathology or the pathogenesis of psoriatic lesions.

Reciprocal space description of MR experiments

The phase space description of Fourier-based imaging methods is extended to describe imaging of heterogeneous distributions of chemical shift, J coupling, and T1 and T2 relaxation. Simple graphical illustrations for a general class of spectroscopic imaging experiments are provided.

[Development of adaptation of the cardiovascular system in rehabilitation phase III in patients with acute myocardial infarct]

In 30 men with proven myocardial infarction we performed a complex examination of cardiopulmonary capacity at the beginning (about 8 weeks after myocardial infarction) and at the end of rehabilitation phase III (5-6 months after infarction). Of these patients the results from microcatheterization at rest and during exercise are present. In addition we determined the relative quotient of effort (kpm/kg), maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and maximum oxygen pulse (max O2 pulse). For the majority of the patients the parameters given suggested a significant improvement in the physical capacity after termination of rehabilitation. The improvements also concerned the functional capacity of the heart muscle, its increase in contractility during exercise. Conclusions are drawn about the selection of the patients for physical performance.

Effect of bezafibrate and colestyramine in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia

40 patients with primary hypercholesterolemia were included in a randomized cross-over trial comparing effects and tolerance of bezafibrate (Cedur) (200 mg t.i.d.) and colestyramine (4 g t.i.d.). Gastrointestinal side-effects led to the discontinuation of colestyramine in 11 patients. No adverse events were observed with bezafibrate. Both drugs had similar effects on total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (bezafibrate: -15% and -12%, respectively; colestyramine: -10% and -11%, respectively). While the high density lipoprotein-increasing effect of bezafibrate was more marked (+20% vs. +14%), triglycerides and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol were lowered by bezafibrate (-22% and -27%, respectively) and tended to increase with colestyramine (+11% and +10%, respectively). In the light of results of a multicenter primary prevention trial bezafibrate also should have a protective effect on coronary heart disease. This, however, has to be proven in longterm prospective trials.

Microtubules and intermediate filaments of herpes simplex virus infected cells

The fate of microtubules and of vimentin or keratin containing intermediate filaments during infection with fusion or rounding producing strains of herpes simplex virus (HSV) was investigated. Microtubules polymerize early after fusion of cells. However, they do not reconstitute 6-7 hours post infection (p.i.) after release of a colcemid block. Keratin and vimentin are maintained around the original nucleus still inside of recruited cells in the polykaryocyte. Cells of fibroblastic and epithelial origin fuse. Inside of polykaryocytes keratin or vimentin containing fibers seem to polymerize. Keratin is to be found in invaginations in the nuclei surrounded by the inner layer of the nuclear membrane. Anti-keratin antibodies specifically label HSV envelopes located in the cytoplasm or outside of the cell. Controls of the procedure allowed to exclude labelling of HSV envelopes via gpE, which represents HSV induced Fc receptors. Late stages of infected cells contain thickened and condensed keratin fibers. Conversely, vimentin fibers late after infection appear to be evenly distributed and to be thin. Microtubules decay late after infection with rounding producing strains of HSV, whereas keratin and vimentin fibers are still present late after infection.

Modification of luminol-dependent chemiluminescence reactivity of peripheral blood leukocytes from patients with lymphoreticular tumor, solid cancer, or healthy blood donors by interferon-alpha

The effect of interferon-alpha (rIFN-alpha 2) on modulating the luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (CL) response evoked by Zymosan or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) has been studied in heparinized whole blood as well as isolated peripheral blood leukocytes derived from cancer patients and healthy blood donors. The cancer patients, diagnosed with chronic leukemia or lymphoma or solid cancer, were under rIFN-alpha 2 therapy. The CL emission to both Zymosan or PMA was enhanced in the whole blood of the patient's group in comparison to whole blood of healthy blood donors. CL reactivity induced in Dextran-sedimented leukocytes derived from neoplasia patients and healthy blood donors did not differ in the two groups. CL reactivity to Zymosan or PMA could be potentiated when whole blood samples or isolated leukocytes of patients or healthy blood donors were incubated in vitro with rIFN-alpha 2 in the range of 0.001-1000 U/ml prior to addition of CL-stimulating agents. rIFN-alpha 2 itself without adding further agents did not stimulate CL reactivity. Therefore, enhanced CL reactivity to PMA or Zymosan observed in the whole blood of the patients' population appears to be due to the presence of interferon in serum blood components as a consequence of IFN-infusion rather than to other symptoms or treatments of the neoplastic diseases, since the relative CL enhancement in patients is abrogated when isolated blood leukocytes are used for CL assay.