Inflammation

Anti-inflammatory effect of selenium nanoparticles on the inflammation induced in irradiated rats

Selenium (Se) has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory properties, but its bioavailability and toxicity are considerable limiting factors. The present study aimed to investigate the possible anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of selenium nanoparticles (Nano-Se) on inflammation induced in irradiated rats. Paw volume and nociceptive threshold were measured in carrageenan-induced paw edema and hyperalgesia model. Leukocytic count, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBAR), and total nitrate/nitrite (NOx) were estimated in the exudate collected from 6 day old air pouch model. Irradiated rats were exposed to 6 Gy gamma (γ)-irradiation. Nano-Se were administered orally in a dose of 2.55 mg/kg once before carrageenan injection in the first model and twice in the second model. The paw volume but not the nociceptive response produced by carrageenan in irradiated rats was higher than that induced in non-irradiated rats. Nano-Se were effective in reducing the paw volume in non-irradiated and irradiated rats but it did not alter the nociceptive threshold. The inflammation induced in irradiated rats increased all the estimated parameters in the exudate whereas; Nano-Se decreased their elevation in non-irradiated and irradiated rats. Nano-Se possess a potential anti-inflammatory activity on inflammation induced in irradiated rats.

Iris fluorescein angiography in clinical practice

Iris fluorescein angiography is a valuable technique for elucidating a wide range of eye pathologies, among them developmental anomalies, degenerative disease, retinal vascular occlusions, diabetic microangiopathy, uveitis of various etiologies, glaucoma, tumor, and surgical or accidental trauma. In fact, IFA is more sensitive than biomicroscopy in the evaluation of iris abnormalities. Moreover, it provides indirect but reliable information on the retinal circulation when this cannot be examined directly. Some of the most important clinical applications involve the early detection of iris new vessels, cataract management in diabetic patients, and monitoring of iris tumors. Equipment, procedures, and fluorescein angiography patterns in normal and disease states are described and extensively illustrated. More widespread use of this valuable technique is encouraged.

Neutrophil function and oral disease

The pathological sequela of reduced neutrophil function in the oral cavity and the mechanisms behind dysfunction have added to our understanding of infectious diseases. Numerous examples have been given, and the overriding conclusion must be that any impairment of neutrophil function will lead to some degree of increased susceptibility to infection. Perhaps the tissue most sensitive to pathological changes in the oral cavity is the periodontium. In cases of severe neutrophil dysfunction, there is severe periodontal breakdown, but also in cases of "mild" neutrophil dysfunction, where there is no other infection, such as in individuals with LJP, there is severe periodontal breakdown. The molecular basis of neutrophil dysfunction is beginning to be understood in individuals with LJP, LAD, CGD, and AIDS. It is our hope that further research in this area will help to delineate the pathogenesis of these and other oral diseases.

[Etiology and pathophysiology of post-traumatic bone infection]

The present study deals with etiology and pathophysiology of posttraumatic bone infections. Great importance is attached to the description of intracortical transformations. The authors underline that the chronic infection originates in disturbances of blood flow caused primarily in the corticalis by trauma or osteosynthesis. All further pathophysiologic processes have to be considered as an effort made by the organism to heal the damage. The pathophysiologic processes resulting in the different end stages (recovery, persisting necrosis, sequester) are described.

Neutrophil function and oral disease

The pathologic sequela of reduced neutrophil function have been reviewed. In each case, the mechanism for the reduction in function has been elaborated when known. Special emphasis has been placed upon the pathologic changes in the oral cavity as a result of neutrophil dysfunction. Numerous examples have been given, and the overriding conclusion must be that any impairment of neutrophil function will lead to some degree of increased susceptibility to infection. Perhaps the tissue most sensitive to pathologic changes in the oral cavity is the periodontium. In cases of severe neutrophil dysfunction there is severe periodontal breakdown. But also in cases of "mild" neutrophil dysfunction, where there is no other infection, such as in individuals with LJP, there is severe periodontal breakdown. The molecular basis of neutrophil dysfunction is beginning to be understood in individuals with LJP. It is our hope that further research in this area will help to delineate the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases.

Relationship between lymphocyte emigration and vascular endothelium in chronic inflammation

Small blood vessels within areas of chronic inflammation which contain large numbers of lymphocytes develop unusually thick walls. Combined histological and electron microscope study shows that the thickening is due to hypertrophy of endothelial cells which come to resemble the endothelium of post-capillary venules in lymphoid tissue. Vessels of this type have been found in experimental granulomas induced by injection of Freund's adjuvant or killed tubercle bacilli and in human biopsy material from cases of rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto's disease of the thyroid. Comparison with the developing Peyer's patch in young rats shows that the unusual vessels in granulomas are very similar in endothelial cell size, pattern of distribution, extent of lymphocyte migration and degree of carbon leakage to post-capillary venules of the immature Peyer's patch. Study of the time at which lymphocytes appear in large numbers within the granuloma or developing Peyer's patch and the time at which thickened vessels are first seen suggest tha the endothelial changes are a consequence and not a cause of lymphocyte emigration. The stimulus to endothelial hyperthrophy appears to be massive sustained migration of lymphocytes, but the functional significance of this change in vascular structure is not clear.

The serum complement system--a mediator of acute pancreatitis

The role of the complement system in the initial membrane lesion of acute pancreatitis was investigated. In the experimental sodium-taurocholate pancreatitis of the rat a sudden and steady decline of serum complement was observed. The deposition of C3 component of complement in acute pancreatitis could be demonstrated by immunofluorescence. To rule out mere deposition or activation of complement in the interstitial exsudative fluid, single acinar cells of rat and rabbit pancreatic tissue were prepared and transfered to culture medium. In contrast to heat inactivated serum and C6 deficient serum these cells were lysed by trypsin activated fresh serum. Consequently, an acute pancreatitis could be induced by activating exclusively the complement system by injection of cobra venom factor into the pancreatic duct of rats. The activated complement system is thought to be responsible for initial membrane lesion in exsudative inflammation, as could be shown in acute pancreatitis.