Isolation and characterization of a new basic antigen from short ragweed pollen (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)

A new basic antigen with a molecular weight of 36.5 kDa and a pI of 8.65 was purified from short ragweed pollen using ammonium sulfate precipitation, Q-sepharose chromatography and S-sepharose chromatography. The purified protein, herein referred to as Ambrosia artemisiifolia basic antigen (AaBA), migrated as a single band in SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing, and as a single peak on reverse phase HPLC. AaBA reacted with sera from humans allergic to ragweed pollen including pooled NIH serum. AaBA and two major acidic allergens, Amb a I (antigen E) and Amb a II (antigen K), displayed immunological cross-reactivity inasmuch as they competed significantly with each other in a competition ELISA. This suggests that at least some major epitopes in all three antigens are similar; however, other possibilities like adjacent location of different epitopes cannot be ruled out at this time. Molecular weight, amino acid composition and sequence data suggest that AaBA is very similar to Amb a II whereas it is significantly different from other basic antigens purified from ragweed pollen.

Social interactions in rats: behavioral and neurochemical alterations in DSP-4-treated rats

Noradrenergic neurotoxin DSP-4, preceded by zimelidine to prevent serotonin depletion, was administered IP to rats behaving in a defensive-submissive manner in a resident-intruder paradigm. Computer-based ethological analysis revealed the decrease of frequency and duration of defensive episodes and marked increase of offensive aggression. This might suggest an increase of aggressiveness and therefore support the notion of an inhibitory role of the noradrenergic system in aggressive behavior independently of the model used. Dramatically changed attitude toward the partner might also result from fear reduction or inadequate responsiveness to environmental factors because DSP-4-treated rats explored more than controls in stressogenic, highly illuminated area. HPLC analysis showed significant reduction of noradrenaline (NA) concentration in amygdala, hypothalamus, hippocampus, and frontal cortex. Simultaneously there occurred a considerable decrease in dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT), and their metabolite levels. This suggests an attenuated activity of the DA and 5-HT systems that we consider as an effect secondary to NA depletion, which reflects the functional interactions between DA, 5-HT, and NA systems.

The effects of dorsal and ventral noradrenergic system lesions with DSP-4 on emotional-defensive behavior and regional brain monoamines content in the cat

As a result of selective lesions of dorsal (DB) and ventral (VB) noradrenergic system (DSP-4 i.c.) it was observed that these two systems are functionally differentiated and only DB participates in the regulation of post-carbachol emotional-defensive behavior in the cat. Following DB lesion an increase in emotional-defensive excitation occurred and HPLC analysis showed a significant reduction of NA concentration in the posterior hypothalamus, midbrain central gray matter and frontal cortex and decreased turnover of 5-HT in all "emotional brain areas" (hypothalamus, midbrain, amygdala, hippocampus) and frontal cortex. Following VB lesion there were no significant changes of post-carbachol defensive behavior and HPLC analysis showed a significant reduction of NA in the anterior and posterior hypothalamus, midbrain central gray matter and amygdala and an increased turnover of 5-HT in the posterior hypothalamus and midbrain central gray matter. The results obtained can be interpreted in relation to functional interactions between the NA and 5-HT systems.

Areas of slow conduction in atrial re-entrant tachycardia: a case report and review of the literature

An electrophysiologic study of atrial tachycardia is presented. During tachycardia, transient entrainment and sinus rhythm, two patterns of persistent double potentials in the high right atrium and fragmented activity in the low atrial septum were observed. No activity was recorded from multiple areas of the right atrium with endocardial mapping during sinus rhythm. The observations suggest that persistent fragmented activity represents slow conduction within the circuit which could be orthodromically entrained. Persistent double potentials probably represent slow conduction orthodromically and/or antidromically activated outside the circuit. However, a wave front from pacing impulses travelling through this area could entrain the circuit.

Binding of amino acid side chains to preformed cavities: interaction of serine proteinases with turkey ovomucoid third domains with coded and noncoded P1 residues

In the association of serine proteinases with their cognate substrates and inhibitors an important interaction is the fitting of the P1 side chain of the substrate or inhibitor into a preformed cavity of the enzyme called the S1 pocket. In turkey ovomucoid third domain, which is a canonical protein proteinase inhibitor, the P1 residue is Leu18. Here we report the values of equilibrium constants, Ka, for turkey ovomucoid third domain and 13 additional Leu18X variants with six serine proteinases: bovine alpha chymotrypsin A, porcine pancreatic elastase, subtilisin Carlsberg, Streptomyces griseus proteinases A and B, and human leukocyte elastase. Eight of the Xs are coded amino acids: Ala, Ser, Val, Met, Gln, Glu, Lys, and Phe, and five are noncoded: Abu, Ape, Ahx, Ahp, and Hse. They were chosen to simplify the interamino acid comparisons. In the homologous series of straight-chain side chains Ala, Abu, Ape, Ahx, Ahp, free energy of binding decreases monotonically with the side-chain length for chymotrypsin with large binding pocket, but even for this enzyme shows curvature. For the two S. griseus enzymes a minimum appears to be reached at Ahp. A minimum is clearly evident for the two elastases, where increasing the side-chain length from Ahx to Ahp greatly weakens binding, but much more so for the apparently more rigid pancreatic enzyme than for the more flexible leukocyte enzyme. beta-Branching (Ape/Val) is very deleterious for five of the six enzymes; it is only slightly deleterious for the more flexible human leukocyte elastase. The effect of gamma-branching (Ahx/Leu), of introduction of heteroatoms (Abu/Ser), (Ape/Hse), and (Ahx/Met), and of introduction of charge (Gln/Glu) and (Ahp/Lys) are tabulated and discussed. An important component of the free energy of interaction is the distortion of the binding pocket by bulky or branched side chains. Most of the variants studied were obtained by enzymatic semisynthesis. X18 variants of the 6-18 peptide GlyNH2 were synthesized and combined with natural reduced peptide 19-56. Disulfide bridges were formed. The GlyNH2 was removed and the reactive-site peptide bond X18-Glu19 was synthesized by complex formation with proteinase K. The resultant complexes were dissociated by sudden pH drop. This kinetically controlled dissociation afforded virgin, reactive-site-intact inhibitor variants.

Purification and characterization of a novel zinc-proteinase from cultures of Aeromonas hydrophila

While searching for an enzyme capable of breaking epsilon-(gamma-Glu)-Lys isopeptide bonds cross-linking protein chains, we purified a metallo-proteinase which mimics the action of an isopeptidase on the gamma-chain dimers of cross-linked fibrin. The enzyme is present in the growth medium of the bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila, isolated from the intestinal tract of the leech Hirudo medicinalis. It is a 19-kDa protein which specifically hydrolyzes the Gly-Ala peptide bond within the Gly-Gly-Ala sequence, located near the cross-link site in the gamma-chain dimer of fibrin. Substrate specificity studies with a number of synthetic peptides suggest that the enzyme prefers Gly-Gly or acetyl-Gly in the P2 and P1 positions, respectively (Schecter, I., and Berger, A. (1967) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 27, 157-162). Nonpolar amino acid residues seem to be favored in the P1' and P2' positions. The enzyme contains one atom of zinc and is inhibited by 1,10-phenanthroline, but not by EDTA. Iodoacetate, leupeptin, diisopropyl fluorophosphate, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, pepstatin, and alpha 2-macroglobulin have no effect on enzyme activity. Disulfide reducing reagents, such as dithiothreitol or 2-mercaptoethanol, inactivate the enzyme completely. The partial amino-terminal sequence shows 46% identity with a zinc metallo-proteinase from a strain of Lysobacter enzymogenes and 69% identity with the LasA protein from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

[Is Helicobacter pylori gastritis a macroscopic diagnosis?]

In a prospective study, gastroscopy and biopsies from the gastric antrum and body were undertaken in 100 consecutive patients (67 women, 33 men; mean age 58.6 [11-90] years) with unknown Helicobacter pylori status. None had been on any bacteria-suppressing drugs. Main indications for gastroscopy were upper abdominal pain, dyspepsia, emesis and anaemia of unknown cause. The macroscopic criteria for the diagnosis of H. pylori gastritis were the presence of at least one of the following signs: (1) chronic antral erosions; (2) goose-pimple-like appearance of the antral mucosa; (3) spotty erythema in the antrum; (4) complex changes of the antral mucosa with both bizarre reddening and pale areas; and (5) increased areolar markings and diffuse or fine-spotty erythema in the mucosa of the body of the stomach. Four biopsies each from the antrum and body were examined with the urease quick-test, microscopically as smears, specific culture and histology as reference methods. 60 patients had H. pylori gastritis, recognized macroscopically in 59 (sensitivity 98.3%). A false-positive diagnosis was made in 10 of 40 H. pylori-negative patients (specificity 75%). The positive predictive value of macroscopic diagnosis was 85.5%, the negative predictive value 96.8%.

[An initial assessment of therapeutic value of strontium 85 isotope in treatment of chronic osteomyelitis in adults]

An initial assessment of treatment of chronic osteomyelitis in 16 adults with Strontium 85 is presented. A dose 3.5-5 times greater than standard scintigraphic one was administered. In 3 cases the dose has been repeated because of the persistence of infection. The radionuclide was well tolerated. In 14 cases ceasing of osteomyelitis have been achieved. Laboratory tests showed no abnormalities.

[Hypercalciuria and primary hyperparathyroidism in patients with kidney calculi. II. Primary hyperparathyroidism]

Among 1819 patients with renal stone disease 44 cases with primary hyperparathyroidism (p.h.p.) were diagnosed. In all cases the diagnosis of php was confirmed by histomorphological examination. In 34 patients with php solitary adenoma was found, in 5 patients an adenoma with concomitant hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands, in 2 patients hyperplasia and in 3 patients carcinoma of the parathyroid glands. Hypercalcemia was found in 86% of patients, while elevated plasma levels of PTH in 90% of patients with php. Not in all patients PTH secretion was entirely autonomous. No significant correlation was found between plasma levels of PTH and kind of pathology of the parathyroid glands as well as clinical feature of php respectively.

[Hypercalciuria and primary hyperparathyroidism in patients with kidney calculi. I. Hypercalciuria]

In 1819 patients with active or non active respectively nephrolithiasis the following parameters were assessed: plasma level of calcium, phosphate, and uric acid and urinary excretion of calcium, phosphate, oxalate, uric acid and creatinine. These parameters were estimated after 5 days of diet containing 400 mg of calcium, 800 mg of phosphate, 100 mg of purines and 40 g of proteins. In 3/4 of all examined patients at least one lithogenic factor was present. More than 40% of patients showed presence of hypercalciuria. Among these patients in 68% renal in 17% absorptive and in 15% undefined hypercalciuria was diagnosed. Patients with active nephrolithiasis showed a similar frequency of hypercalciuria but more profound abnormalities of Ca P metabolism than patients with non active renal stone disease.

[Long term results of treatment with cytostatic drugs on respiratory function tests in children]

In 47 children after a 5 year remission of treated acute lymphoblastic leukemia respiratory function was assessed. In 11 a decrease of VC was found, while in 12 signs of obturation of lower airways were present. These results imply the presence of restrictive changes suggesting an interstitial lung disease. These children are at risk of developing a chronic pneumopathy.

[Assessment of the efficacy of treating infections in hematopoietic proliferative diseases: Monotherapy with ceftazidime and tobramycin combined with amoxycillin/ampicillin]

Efficacy of the ceftazidime monotherapy in 120 febrile children with neoplastic diseases and granulocytopenia was compared with that of tobramycin combined with amoxycillin/ampicillin. The obtained results were similar in both types of antibiotic therapy. However, granulocytopenia was higher and septicemia was more frequent in children treated with ceftazidime. Isolated bacteria were more sensitive to ceftazidime than to tobramycin with amoxycillin/ampicillin. Both regimens were tolerated well. Despite a low number of patients in both groups, one may conclude that ceftazidime is more efficient in patients with granulocytopenia. Less adverse reactions, lower number of infections, less frequent medical procedures, elimination of the potentially toxic aminoglycosides and lower cost of therapy advocate the use of ceftazidime monotherapy.

[Diagnostic difficulties in prajmaline-induced intrahepatic cholestasis]

A case of prajmalium-induced intrahepatic cholestasis is presented. A proper diagnosis was delayed because differential diagnosis did not include toxic liver damage. Pathogenetic considerations included immunological background of the disease which improved completely within one year. No clinical and biochemical complications were seen.

[Fibrosing cholangiolitis after administration of methyltestosterone]

A case of intrahepatic cholestasis of great intensity was observed in a patient taking methyltestosterone. In histological examination of liver biopsy specimen evidence was found of fibrosing intralobular cholangiolitis. The histological findings and the clinical course are discussed considering the disease as an atypical liver reaction to methyltestosterone.

Collagen and elastin in the liver of rats intoxicated with mercuric chloride

Intoxication of rats with mercuric chloride (0.5 mg Hg/kg of body weight, daily for 10 weeks) increased the hepatic contents of soluble and insoluble collagen and elastin. The increase was associated with elevated serum aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities, and decreased total protein level in serum. Inflammatory changes were found in the liver. An increase in the fibrous protein content suggests that inflammatory reaction to mercuric chloride can result in hepatic fibrosis.

[Injury of the acromial end of the clavicle imitating dislocation of the acromio-clavicular joint]

Two patients have been presented: a 15-years-old boy with rupture of the clavicular-coracoid ligaments as in total acromioclavicular dislocation, in whom dislocation of that joint did not occur but acromial epiphysiolysis of the clavicle (this patient, was successfully treated surgically) and 5-years-old boy with strain of the clavicular-coracoid ligaments and fracture of the acromial end of the clavicle; he was treated conservatively with remaining of angular dislocation of the distal fragment. The hope for rebuilding of the axis was fulfilled in that child. The anatomical and functional result in both patients is good.

[Stages of B-lymphocyte differentiation in acute lymphoblastic leukemia]

Blasts phenotype was determined in 61 children with the acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Non-T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia was diagnosed in 51 children. Stages of blasts differentiation were determined with the aid of monoclonal antibodies set using alkaline phosphatase-anti-alkaline phosphatase technique. Blasts in 50 patients belonged to B subpopulation confirmed by the presence of panB CD19 and CD22 antigens. Common antigen was seen in 76.5% of the examined patients with non-T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Cases of non-T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia were divided into 8 subgroups depending on the antigens of B-cells differentiation. An identification of pre-B subgroups of the acute lymphoblastic leukemia indicates heterogenicity of the acute lymphoblastic leukemias in childhood and enables their classification into groups corresponding to the early stages of lymphoblasts maturation.

[Use of CO2 laser in the treatment of condylomata acuminata of the vulva in women]

CO2 laser was used in the treatment of 35 women with vulvar condylomata acuminata. The mean age of the patients was 31.6 years. Isolated lesions were removed as well as extensive conglomerates involving the whole vulva and clitoris and anal region. Small condylomata were evaporated. Large ones were cut off at the base and additionally evaporated. After one laser application cure was obtained in 87.5% of cases, while after repeated procedure 93.8% of the patients were cured. The tolerance of laser procedures was good in all cases. Healing was rapid, no scars and hyperpigmentation were noted. The possibility of application of laser in pregnant women is another advantage of this method.