Three steroid-binding globulins, their localization in the brain and nose, and what they might be doing there

Steroid-binding globulins (SBGs) such as sex hormone binding globulin, corticosteroid binding globulin, and vitamin-D binding protein are receiving increasing notice as being actively involved in steroid actions. This paper reviews data of all three of these SBGs, focusing on their presence and possible activity in the brain and nose. We have found all three proteins in the brain in limbic areas such as the paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic nuclei (SON) as well as other areas of the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and medial preoptic area. There is also evidence that all three are made in the PVN and SON, in conjunction with the neuropeptides oxytocin and vasopressin. The localization of these three SBGs is more variable within areas of the main olfactory area and the vomeronasal organ. However, all three are found in the mucus of these areas, suggesting that one of their functions is to sequester aerosol steroids, such as pheromones, and deliver them to sensory cells and then to deeper sensory areas. In this manuscript, we present multiple models of SBG action including: A) SBG binding to a membrane receptor, B) this SBG receptor being associated with a larger protein complex including cytoplasmic steroid receptors, C) when the SBGs binds to their SBG receptors, second messengers within the cells respond, D) after SBG binding to its receptor, it releases its associated steroid into the membrane's lipid bilayer, from which it gains access into the cell only when bound by an internal protein, E) the SBG, possibly with its bound SBG receptor, is internalized into the cell from which it can gain access to numerous organelles and possibly the cell's nucleus or F) associate with intracellular steroid receptors, G) SBGs produced in target cells are released from those cells upon specific stimulation, and H) according to the Free Steroid Hypothesis steroids released from the extracellular SBG passively diffuse across the plasma membrane of the cell. These models move the area of steroid endocrinology forward by providing important paths of steroid activity within many steroid target cells.

Reliabilität der Quantifizierung von vaskulären Läsionen der weißen Hirnsubstanz - ein Beitrag zur replizierbaren quantitativen Diagnostik

PURPOSE

Microangiopathic lesions of the brain tissue correlate with the clinical diagnosis of vascular subcortical dementia. The "experience-based" evaluation is insufficient. Rating scales may contribute to reproducible quantification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In MRI studies of 10 patients, 9 neuroradiologists quantified vascular white matter lesions (WMLs) at two different points in time for 12 anatomically defined regions with respect to number, size and localization (score). For 9 observers and 10 studies, 90 intra-observer differences were obtained for each of the 12 WML scores. To calculate the inter-observer reliability, rating pairs were formed. Furthermore, 360 differences were computed for each score and rating for 12 anatomically defined WML scores, and the intraclass correlation (ICC) was calculated as a measure of agreement (reliability).

RESULTS

As to the intra-observer reliability, the median of the differences was 1.5 for the entire brain as opposed to 0 for defined brain regions. The corresponding values for the inter-observer reliability were 3 and 1, respectively. The mean intra-class correlation coefficient for the 10 studies was 0.88, whereas the mean interclass correlation concerning the inter-observer reliability was 0.70, with the first and second rating being averaged. The rating of each study took about 6 minutes.

CONCLUSION

The rating scale with high intra- and inter-observer reliability can dependably quantify WMLs and correlates with the clinical diagnosis of vascular dementia. Using a reliable rating scale, the diagnostic distinction of age-associated physiological vs. pathological size of the WML can make a contribution to the reproducible quantifiable diagnostic evaluation of vascular brain tissue lesions within the framework of dementia diagnostics.

Mitochondrial DNA evidence for admixed origins of central Siberian populations

The Yakuts of northeastern Siberia are a Turkic-speaking population of horse- and cattle-breeders surrounded by Tungusic-speaking reindeer-herders and hunter-gatherers. Archaeological and ethnohistorical data suggest that Yakuts stem from a common ancestral population with the Buryats living near Lake Baikal. To address this hypothesis, we obtained sequences of the first hypervariable segment (HV1) of the mitochondrial DNA control region from Yakuts and Buryats and compared these with sequences from other Eurasian populations. The mtDNA results show that the Buryats have close affinities with both Central Asian Turkic groups and Mongols, while the Yakuts have close affinities with northeastern Siberian, Tungusic-speaking Evenks and south Siberian, Turkic-speaking Tuvans. This different ancestry of the Yakuts and the Tuvans (compared with other Turkic-speaking groups) most likely reflects extensive admixture that occurred between Turkic-speaking steppe groups and Evenks as the former migrated into Siberia. Moreover, the Yakuts are unique among Siberian populations in having a high number of haplotypes shared exclusively with Europeans, suggesting, contrary to the historical record, that occasionally Yakut men took Russian women as wives.

Maternal uniparental disomy (UPD) for chromosome 2 discovered by exclusion of paternity

Serological and molecular (DNA-STR) analysis of a paternity case demonstrated exclusion of paternity of the presumptive father in two markers (ACP and Apo B, both localized on chromosome 2, region 2p25.2 and 2p23/24, respectively) in a phenotypically normal girl with a normal karyotype 46,XX (by GT-banding). The index of paternity calculated for other serological (seven erythrocyte antigens, six serum protein systems, and seven isozymes, as well as the A- and B-HLA loci) and nine DNA markers, excluding ACP and Apo B, gives a very high (virtually certain) degree of paternity for the presumptive father. Maternal uniparental disomy (UPD) for chromosome 2 was suspected. Evaluation of polymorphic DNA markers (STRs) spanning chromosome 2 of the child, mother, and presumptive father demonstrated that the girl had inherited two maternal chromosome 2 homologues, whereas alleles for markers from other chromosomes were inherited from the father in a Mendelian fashion. The girl was homoallelic for informative markers mapping to the chromosomal regions 2p23-25, but she was heteroallelic for informative markers on the long arm of chromosome 2, establishing that the maternal UPD with partial isodisomy of the short arm was caused by a meiosis I nondisjunction event with genetic recombination (chiasmata in this region 2p23-25) during oogenesis.

Genetic structure of a Sakha population from Siberia and ethnic affinities

The red cell enzymes ACP1, ESD, GLO1, PGM1 and RDS and the serum proteins GC, HP, PI, and TF were determined for samples of 150 and 144 Sakha, respectively. The Sakha, a Turkic-speaking population, inhabit the Sakha-Yakutia Republic in northeastern Siberia. High gene frequencies were found for ACP1*A, GLO1*1 and GC*1F, whereas no P1*S or P1*Z alleles were found. In addition, 1 heterozygous phenotype with ACP1*C and 2 heterozygous phenotypes with ESD*7 were found. The genetic distance measures show close affinities of the Sakha population to Buryats (especially Western Buryats), Mongols, and Evenks, whereas the genetic distance to Turkic-speaking Altay and Tuvan populations is great.

Serological analysis of the Abbad Tribe of Jordan

The Abbad are one of the largest tribes in Jordan with a complex structure dictated by historical and cultural factors. To study the genetic variability within the tribe, we examined four samples representing different levels of tribal structure for the polymorphisms of five blood groups, five erythrocyte enzymes, and seven serum proteins. The obtained allele distributions indicate a wide range of genetic variability within the tribe. An allelic heterogeneity test revealed significant differences between the examined samples, yet a gene diversity analysis revealed no significant substructuring. The observed genetic relationships among the four samples appear to agree with the tribal organization. Endogamous mating within the tribe and inbreeding within the subunits are believed to be the main factors that influenced the observed variability. This was confirmed by the results of the R matrix analysis, which summarized the genetic relationships in concordance with intertribal admixture, when affiliation and historical and maternal links were considered. The study is also an example of gene diffusion and of a negative relationship between the FY A-B- phenotype and endemicity of malaria.

Genetic study of African populations: polymorphisms of the plasma proteins TF, PL, F13B, and AHSG in populations of Namibia and Mozambique

Genetic variations of four highly polymorphic serum proteins, TF, PI, F13B, and AHSG, were tested to distinguish one black African and one Khoisan population of southwest Africa. The results show that indeed the systems TF, PI, and AHSG are of high value for anthropological genetics: The allele frequencies for these systems enable clear identification of and distinction between black African and Khoisan populations. The F13B locus, on the other hand, reveals for both the black African and the Khoisan populations specific and unique African variants: a high frequency of F13B*2 and the lowest frequency of F13B*3 so far worldwide. The new data are compared with results for TF and PI in another black African population of Mozambique, which Rodewald et al. (1988) had studied previously. The dendrogram, based on genetic distance data D and average linkage cluster analysis, shows minimal distance between both black African populations of Namibia and Mozambique and marked distance between those and the Khoisan population of Namibia.

Microevolution and genetic affinities among six Amerindian tribes of lower Central America: comparative genetic study of serum proteins

We evaluate the pattern of genetic variation among native Mesoamerican Amerindians by the construction of a gene frequency map that reflects the past action of evolutionary forces. The analysis is based on the theory that genes of modern human populations carry the encoded history even of humans' remote past and their early wanderings around the globe. We examined the serum proteins TF, PI, F13B and AHSG on 491 samples of 6 Mesoamerican Amerindian tribes (Guaymi, Bribri, Cabecar, Teribe, Guatuso, and Huetar) and 2 tribal mixed samples (Teribe x Guaymi and Bribri x Cabecar). We find a distinct genetic pattern in the examined tribes that clearly separates the Mesoamerican Amerindians from other living Amerindian groups. The proteins, TF, PI, and AHSG proved to be especially rich in special genetically fixed variants and polymorphisms, and F13B proved to be a powerful genetic marker to distinguish human groups. Using Nei's distance D and Mahalanobis's D2, we compared the polymorphisms and allele frequencies at the four serum protein loci to discern degrees of similarity between the samples. These data are presented in the dendrograms computed by average linkage cluster analyses and in two kinds of unrooted phylogenetic trees, neighbor-joining trees and split decompositions. Estimations are made on Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and on genetic diversity and average heterozygosity index.

The distribution of plasminogen (PLG) polymorphism in the Namibian !Kung San and Kavango populations

Genetic polymorphism of the PLG serum protein was examined in the Namibian !Kung San and Kavango (Bantu) populations by means of IEF technique. The two samples revealed very similar allele frequencies (!Kung San: PLG*A = 0.8351, PLG*B = 0.1649; Kavango: PLG*A = 0.8228, PLG*B = 0.1732 and PLG*M4 = 0.004). The Namibian distributions were within previously observed African PLG ranges. The effects of natural selection were also discussed.

HP and GC subtype distribution in the !Kung San and Kavango in Namibia

The distribution of the HP and GC serum protein polymorphisms in the !Kung San and Kavango (Bantu) populations in Namibia were examined. The obtained allele frequencies of GC marker system were very similar in both populations (GC*1F approximately equal to 0.80, GC*2 approximately equal to 0.10), while the distributions of the HP subtypes in the !Kung San sample (HP*1F = 0.0967, HP*1S = -.1452, HP*2FS = 0.7581) differed markedly from those in the Kavango one (HP*1F = 0.3791, HP*1S = 0.2375, HP*2S = 0.375). These results confirm previously reported allelic distributions in ethnically similar populations.

Dermatoglyphic peculiarities in patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome

The dermatoglyphic patterns of fingertips and palms of 115 patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) were analysed and compared with the data from 199 control individuals from Germany. The following combination of dermatoglyphic patterns appears to be characteristic to WBS: an excess of whorls on all fingertips; high termination values of the main lines D, B, and A; frequent absence of C triradius (C0); high frequencies of ulnar loops on the hypothenar and distal loops on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th interdigital areas, of distal axial triradii t", and of abnormal palmar creases such as simian crease and Sydney lines. The combination of fingertip and palmar patterns expressed by a "Log.Score-Index," provides a high degree of discrimination between the WBS patients (92%) and the control group (88%). A "phantom picture" for WBS was constructed, which can be used for its diagnosis.

Genetic differentiation of Jordanian Moslems and Christians

Two samples representing the Moslem and Christian communities of Jordan were examined for the polymorphic serum proteins AHSG, BF, FXIIIB, GC, HP, PI, PLG, and TF. The results revealed similar allele distributions, and low interpopulation differentiation (GST = 0.0004) between the two communities. The low HP*1S (< 0.12) allele frequencies and the comparatively high PLG*B (> 0.40) and BF*S.07 (approximately equal to 0.05) frequencies are characteristic of the populations of this region.

Dermatoglyphics in type 1 diabetes mellitus

Although fingerprints and handprints are widely used in criminology, it is only recently that this approach has been applied to the field of medical and genetic diagnoses. In order to investigate dermatoglyphics in Type 1 diabetes mellitus, quantitative characteristics of fingers and palms (ridge count and main line indices) as well as qualitative parameters such as digital and interdigital patterns, the position of the palmar axial triradii and main line courses were analysed in 88 male and 108 female Type 1 diabetic patients and compared with data from 100 male and 99 female normal controls. Type 1 diabetic patients show a lower third finger ridge count (p < 0.05) and a-b ridge count (p < 0.001) and higher transversality of the main lines as indicated by the main line index value (p < 0.001) or the ending of the main line A in a specific sector 5, 5', and 5" (p < 0.001) compared with controls. In addition, diabetic patients show higher frequency of palmar axial t' and t" triradii (p < 0.001) and a lower frequency of 'true' patterns in the fourth interdigital and thenar area (p < 0.001) than controls. By multivariate analysis of quantitative and qualitative variables a predictive value of 78.6% and 77.3%, respectively, for male, and 81.4% and 82.2%, respectively, for female Type 1 diabetic patients was found. In conclusion, dermatoglyphics seem to be an interesting tool for genetic studies related to Type 1 diabetes.

Cytogenetic survey of 32 cancers of the prostate

Cytogenetic studies after short-term culture were performed on 32 adenocarcinomas of the prostate from patients without prior treatment. The tumor specimens, ranging from stage B1 to D1, were obtained by radical prostatectomy or diagnostic biopsies. Fourteen tumors showed a normal diploid chromosome complement in all metaphases examined. Clonal chromosomal alterations were detected in 16 tumor samples and the remaining two cases contained double minute (dmin) chromosomes in some cells. The most frequent numerical changes included loss the Y chromosome and trisomy 7, both found in four cases. The only recurrent structural aberration was del(10)(q24), seen in three cases both as a sole anomaly and within multiple rearrangements. Six patients showed cytogenetically unrelated clones. The occurrence of the chromosomal changes found in this study shows no relationship to certain histopathologic characteristics of the tumors. The recurrent finding of del(10)(q24) as sole anomaly and the evidence for clonal evolution in one patient demonstrates that this change is an early karyotypic event which may be important for the pathogenesis in at least a subset of prostatic cancers.

Genetic serum protein polymorphisms in Jordanian Arabs: a pilot study of the systems AHSG, BF, F XIII B, GC, PI, PLG and TF

A sample of 124 healthy unrelated Arabs from Amman, Jordania were studied for AHSG, BF, F XIII B, GC, PI, PLG and TF serum protein markers. The more recently discovered systems AHSG, F XIII B and PLG appear to be very useful for the characterization of Near Eastern populations.

[Quantitative dermatoglyphic markers in fra-X-syndrome]

Quantitative dermatoglyphic characters of fingers and palms of 61 male patients with fra-X-syndrome and 20 female heterozygote carriers were analysed and compared with the data from 84 male and 90 female normal individuals. Univariate and multivariate analysis of the data led to the following conclusions: 1. The fra-X-syndrome patients show higher ridge count and higher MLI value (increased transversality of the main lines), and lower a-b ridge counts than the controls. In addition to this, differences are observed also for the diversity and asymmetry measures. 2. Discriminant analysis as applied to the sexes separately, showed that 75% of males can be correctly classified in their group. However, the percent of correctly classified females is lower than the males; it is 70% (fra-X female) ad 64.4% (control female). 3. D2-matrix and the comparison of TFR C values support the hypothesis of X-chromosomal doses effect on the dermatoglyphics.

Genetic differentiation among four groups of fishermen of the eastern coast, India

The four endogamous groups of fishermen living around the city of Puri, located on the eastern coast of India, were studied for blood groups, red cell enzymes and serum proteins (11 loci). Only 1.3% of the total diversity among the groups studied is due to differences between them (GST = 0.013). The genetic distances between populations were estimated using Edwards and Cavalli-Sforza's method. The pattern of genetic distance reflects the geographical distribution of these groups. In general, these observations support the patterns of variation based on anthropometric and dermatoglyphic variables.

Genetic transferrin types and iron-binding: a comparative study of a European and an African population sample

Two population samples, one from Europe and one from Africa, were analyzed for the distribution of genetic transferrin (TF) types, serum concentrations of TF, serum iron concentrations and free iron-binding capacities. In Europeans the distribution of the TF alleles was C1 = 0.816, C2 = 0.143, C3 = 0.037, and B2 = 0.004. In black Africans the allele frequencies were: C1, 0.823; C2, 0.104; and D1 = 0.073; TFC3 was absent. The mean serum concentrations were 362 +/- 88 mg/dl in Europeans and 528 +/- 176 mg/dl in Africans; this difference was statistically significant. The concentration of serum immunoglobulins was also elevated in black Africans although their health was reported to be normal. The serum iron concentrations in Africans were decreased; the free iron-binding capacity of TF was, thus, increased. In both population samples there was a tendency for slightly higher TF concentrations in the TF C1 subtype than the TF C2 subtype. This correlation was not statistically significant. Analysis of a larger sample is required to establish this relationship.

Dermatoglyphic peculiarities in families with X-linked mental retardation and fragile site Xq27: a collaborative study

The dermatoglyphic patterns of fingertips, palms and soles of 75 male patients with X-linked mental retardation and fra-Xq27 and of 28 obligate female heterozygotes were analyzed and compared with the data from 200 male and 200 female control individuals. The results show that there is a strong association between the fra-X-syndrome and dermatoglyphic peculiarities observed in male patients and also in female heterozygotes. The characteristic dermatoglyphic features of the fra-X-syndrome are: increased frequencies of radial loops, whorls and arches on the fingertips, a pronounced transversal course of palmar ridges, lower a-b RC, absence of c-triradii on the palms, abnormal palmar and plantar creases, dysplasia of the papillary ridges and low frequencies of true patterns on the soles. Some of these patterns were found in the female carriers of fra-Xq27 also. The combination of palmar and plantar patterns, expressed by a "log. score-Index", provides a high degree of discrimination between the male patients with fra-X-syndrome and the control group. A preliminary log. score-Index was developed also for the female heterozygotes. A "phantom picture" of the dermatoglyphic stigmata is constructed. We suggest that dermatoglyphic examination of the members of families suspected for fra-Xq27-syndrome can be useful for predicting this state and for diagnosing male hemizygotes and carrier females.

Interstitial de novo deletion of the long arm of chromosome 5: mapping of 5q bands associated with particular malformations

A new case of interstitial deletion of the long arm of one chromosome No. 5 (q13 leads to q22) is described. The girl shows mental retardation, severe hypotonia, dysmorphic facies and peculiar dermatoglyphics. The relationship between partial trisomies and partial monosomies of 5q chromosomal segments and associated clinical features is discussed. It seems possible to draw a rough phenotypic map of the long arm of chromosome 5 (5q), correlating observed malformations and phenotypic features with specific chromosomal regions.

New chromosomal dysmorphic syndromes. 4. Trisomy 12p

This is the report of two independent families in which a balanced maternal translocation led to trisomy 12 p in one of each their offspring. Evaluation of 21 further case reports indicates that this is a phenotypically well defined syndrome which leads to severe developmental retardation. It can be recognized by a characteristic combination of craniofacial anomalies which are summarized in a phantom picture. The gene sequences which produce the typical features in the trisomic state must be localized distally to band 12p12, which is the breakpoint in the partial trisomies. The specific craniofacial anomalies are not visibly modified by the length of the trisomic segment or additional small monosomies or trisomies of recipient chromosomes. However, the frequency and severity of organ malformations and the resulting probability of survival seem to decrease with increasing degrees of chromosomal imbalance. A cytogenetic classification of the 21 inherited translocations and a segregation analysis from the pedigree data was performed. For the different types of translocations the calculated risk figures are given.

Dermatoglyphic peculiarities in Down's syndrome detection of mosaicism and balanced translocation carriers

The combination of dermatoglyphic patterns and the number and intensity of traits characteristic for Down's syndrome can be statistically expressed by the "Walker" index and the "general" index. More than 96% of a Down's syndrome series and a control series could clearly be separated by the general index. Cytogenetic and dermatoglyphic features were studied in 17 patients with mosaic trisomy 21 and their parents. In the 17 cytogenetically diagnosed patients with mosaic Down's syndrome, a highly significant correlation was observed between the percentage of trisomic cells and the presence of traits characteristic for this syndrome in the dermatoglyphic patterns. The diagnostic problems and the value of dermatoglyphic examination in cases of mosaicism, where the trisomic cell line seems to have disappeared, is discussed. The results of our study also indicate an elevated incidence of a specific dermatoglyphic pattern combination with general index values similar to Down's syndrome in one parent in nearly 20% of Down's syndrome children. The possibility of hidden mosaicism in these parents of Down's syndrome children is discussed. Furthermore, the dermatoglyphic patterns in a large kindred with an inherited 15/21 translocation (21/41 carriers of the balanced translocation; 14/41 chromosomally normal; 6/41 mongoloid members) was analyzed. The data obtained from this translocation family and especially the values obtained in the general index indicate that some dermatoglyphic stigmata are directly associated with the D/21 translocation carrier state and can therefore be used for predicting this state.

Dermatoglyphs in carriers of a balanced 15;21 translocation

Cytogenetic and dermatoglyphic features were studied in a large family with an inherited 15;21 translocation. Of 35 healthy members of the family, 21 carried the translocation chromosome and 14 were chromosomally normal. There were six members with Down's syndrome who had the translocation. Dermatoglyphic studies showed that carriers of this balanced translocation had the following peculiarities significantly more often than the general population. On the hands, they had ulnar loops on the fingertips, symmetrical high terminations of the A line, symmetrical ulnar loops on the hypothenar areas, distal loops in the 3rd interdigital areas, open fields in the 4th interdigital areas, axial triradii in the distal position, and single transverse palmar creases (Sydney lines). On the feet, they had small distal loops on the hallucal area and distal loops in the 4th interdigital areas. The translocation carriers also had significantly more often than non-carrier relatives symmetrical high terminations of the A line, open fields in the 4th interdigital areas, distal axial triradii, and Sydney lines. On the feet, they had small distal loops on the hallucal areas, distal loops in the 4th interdigital areas, and tibial loops on the proximal hypothenar areas. The data obtained from this study, and especially the values of the Walker and general indices, indicate that some of the dermatoglyphic stigmata of Down's syndrome are directly associated with the 15;21 translocation carrier state and can therefore be used for predicting that state.

The dermatoglyphic pattern of the trisomy 9p syndrome

This paper shows that the study of dermatoglyphics is an objective aid in the clinical diagnosis of chromosomal dysmorphic syndromes. The dermatologlyphic patterns of four patients with trisomy 9p were analyzed and compared with dermatoglyphic data from 63 published case reports on the condition. We consider that the following traits constitute the combination of dermatoglyphic patterns that is specific to trisomy 9p: an excess of arches on the fingertips and toes, a low total finger ridge count, the absence of digital triradii b and c, and the presence of zygodactylous triradii z, z' and z'', a simian crease, a single crease on the 5th finger, a hypothenar crease, a distally placed axial triradius t', a proximal or tibial arch or both on the hallux, and increased intensity of the plantar patterns. A "phantom picture" is constructed, which can be used for dermatoglyphic diagnosis of the trisomy 9p syndrome.

Single crease on the 5th finger in medical disorders and in normal population

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New chromosomal dysmorphic syndromes. 3. Partial trisomy 3q

Chromosome analysis in a newborn, the daughter of diabetic parents, who showed multiple dysmorphic signs and malformations revealed direct duplication of a long arm segment of chromosome 3(3q2100 leads to 3q2700). Both parents have normal karyotypes. Compilation of the phenotype stigmata with those of 7 other patients and 1 fetus with partial trisomy 3q confirmed that clinical recognition of this syndrome is possible. It is characterized by hypertrichosis, typical craniofacial dysmorphia, frequent organ malformations and skeletal anomalies, as well as a peculiar dermatoglyphic pattern. It is a severe genetic disturbance, leading to death in the first months of life in many cases and only symptomatic care is advised.

Distal 2q duplication: report of two familial cases and an attempt to define a syndrome

Two cases of partial trisomy 2q are described, both resulting from a balanced translocation in one of the parents. In one case the chromosomes 2 and 11 were involved [paternal karyotype: 46,XY,t(2;11)(q33;q23)]; in the second case, chromosomes 2 and 8 [paternal karyotype: 46,XY, t(2;8(q32;p23)]. When the two patients were compared to the few cases reported in the literature, it was concluded that the associated clinical syndrome is characterized by severe psychomotor retardation and relatively mild abnormalities involving skull and facies.

The dermatoglyphic pattern of the trisomy 10p syndrome

Dermatoglyphic findings are reported for six members of a family in which two patients have partial trisomy for the short arm of chromosome 10(p13 leads to pter) and there are two unaffected carriers of the balanced translocation t(5;10)(p15;p13). The patterns are compared with those of nine other published cases of trisomy 10p. The following dermatoglyphic features appear to be characteristic for the trisomy 10p syndrome: frequent whorls and a high total ridge count on the finger prints and on the palms, C-lines terminating in space 11 (2nd interdigitum), B-lines terminating in space 9(3rd interdigitum), axial triradii t'', high atd angles, abnormal creases on the palms and soles, and general dysplasia of the papillary ridges.

Refined mapping of the gene for glutathione reductase on human chromosome 8

Activity of the enzyme glutathione reductase (EC 1.6.4.2) in erythrocytes and fibroblasts of a patient with karyotype 46, XY, del(8) (pter-p212:) was found to be in the normal range. With results from other laboratories, this allowed a more precise mapping of the gene for this enzyme in the region 8p2100-8p212.

Nullisomy for the distal portion of Xp in a male child with a X/Y translocation

An unbalanced X/Y translocation was found in a male child with malformed external genitalia and in his mother, who are respectively nullisomic and monosomic for the distal portion of Xp and have the translocated distal segment of Yq in excess. The loss of the distal portion of Xp is supposed to be the cause of the phenotypic abnormalities present in these subjects. The phenotype of our subjects is compared with those of the other cases of X/Y translocation described in the literature.

[Diagnostic problems in mosaic-Downs-syndrome (author's transl)]

In 14 cytogenetically diagnosed patients with mosaic Down's syndrome a dermatoglyphic examination was performed. A highly significant correlation between the percentage of trisomic cells and the grade of mongoloid stigmata in the dermatoglyphic pattern was observed. In 11 of the 14 patients a second chromosome analysis could be done after different periods. In several cases a very distinct shifting between the normal and the trisomic cell line occurred. In three patients the normal cell line disappeared and in one other patient the trisomic cell line was lost. The diagnostic problems are pointed out which occur by the total loss of trisomic cell lines. The value of dermatoglyphic examinations in such cases is discussed.

New chromosomal dysmorphic syndromes. 2. Trisomy 10p

This is the report of a family in which a balanced translocation in the mother t(5;10)(p15;p13) led to an unbalanced chromosomal constitution in two children. It was identified by G-banding analysis as trisomy of the distal portion of the short arm of chromosome 10 (p13 leads to pter). Comparison with 15 previous reports of trisomy 10p confirms the existence of a characteristic dysmorphic syndrome.

Dermatoglyphic patterns in trisomy 8 syndrome

Up to the present, 38 cases of trisomy 8 have been found. As most of the patients showed mosaicism, the clinical picture is variable and it seems possible that some mosaics will not be detected by the usual cytogenetic examination of blood cultures. We therefore examined the dermatoglyphics of our own case and compared the results with the findings in the other cases reported in the literature, in order to establish a typical dermatoglyphic pattern in trisomy 8 which might be useful in diagnosis. All patients exhibited several unusual dermatoglyphics, including: a low TFRC (x=96.06), high palmar (92.9%) and plantar (100%) pattern intensity, a distally placed axial triradius (62.5%), loop with accessory triradius in an interdigital area (91.7%), thenar (68.2%) and hypothenar (50.0%) patterns, simian crease (47.1%), bilateral arches on the great toes (88.9%) and hallucal-whorl (72.2%). A distinctive feature was the presence of zygodactylous triradii z, z' and z'' (100%) on the soles of the feet, and deep skin furrows on the palms and soles (68.2%). This combination of dermatoglyphic features appears to be characteristic for the trisomy 8 syndrome.

The medicolegal usefulness of the Kidd system in exclusion of parentage

The blood samples of 2741 people from Germany were examined. The gene frequencies of Jka was found to be 0.49345 and of Jkb 0.50655. The theoretical probability of exclusion lies at 18,57%, the practical one only at 7.09%, because in many cases, the presumptive father is also the biological father. It is a system of dependable information. The Kidd system can be used as a classical system for exclusion of parentage.

New chromosomal malformation syndromes. I. Partial monosomy 8p. An attempt to establish a new chromosome deletion syndrome

A mentally retarded 8-year-old boy with a de novo partial monosomy for the short arm of the No. 8 chromosome is described. Based on G-banding analysis, the patient's karyotype was identified in lymphocytes and skin fibroblasts as 46,XY,del(8) (pter leads to p21:). No chromosomal abnormalities were found in the phenotypically normal mother, father and sister of the propositus. Four further cases described in the literature indicate that partial monosomy of the short arm of the No. 8 chromosome might be associated with a syndrome characterized by the following stigmata: mental retardation, slow growth, high forehead, broad chest, wide-set nipples, pulmonary stenosis with atrial and/or ventricular septal defect, hypoplasia of the genitalia, dermatoglyphic stigmata.

[Anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia--Identification of heterocygote (carrier) females (author's transl)]

We report on a newborn male infant suffering from anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. This x-linked recesive disorder has a high letality during the first year of life. Survivors are psychologically grossly impaired. This necessitates identification of carrier females. Characteristics of heterocygotes (e.g. palmar ridge flattening, paucety of pores, dermoglyphic pattern) are described. In pregnancy amniocentesis and chromosome analysis for sex determination are to be recommended.

Population genetics of glyoxalase I (E.C.4.4.1.5) in human erythrocytes

1025 individuals from Southern Germany were examined. The gene frequencies for GLI1 are 0.4235 and for GLI2 0.5765. These frequencies are compared with those of other authors.