Antibodies to glycosphingolipid antigens in patients with immune-mediated cochleovestibular disorders

HYPOTHESIS

To determine the presence of antibodies against the glycosphingolipid antigen sulfated glucuronic lactosominyl paragloboside (SGLPG) in the sera of patients suspected of immune-mediated cochleovestibular disorders (IMCVD).

BACKGROUND

Glycospingolipids are molecules present on the surface of normal nerve cells and are considered antigenic. Previous studies have isolated these antigens in vestibular neuroepithelia, cochleovestibular nerves and endolymphatic sacs.

METHODS

The sera of 22 patients suspected of IMCVD were tested for antibodies against the antigen SGLPG. Thin-layer chromatography-immunostaining method was used.

RESULTS

Antibody titers were elevated in 63.6% of patients tested. Statistical significance (p < 0.0001) was achieved since reactivity was seen in only 7% of 43 age-matched healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Antibodies to SGLPG antigens are present in some patients with IMCVD. Because SGLPD antigens have been previously isolated in the inner ear and the cochleovestibular nerve, these structures can potentially become targets for anti-SGLPG antibodies.

Performance of the internal jugular vein after functional neck dissection

The objective of this study was to assess internal jugular vein performance after functional neck dissection in routine and extended head and neck surgical procedures, including bilateral neck dissections, treatment of radiation failures, and those combined with microvascular free grafts. Because the indications for functional neck dissection in our practice have increased. It is important to assess the use of the procedure in these circumstances. Although previous work has suggested the patency of the internal jugular vein after functional neck dissection, actual flow rates have not been investigated. The function of the dissected internal jugular vein was analyzed with duplex ultrasound at least 4 weeks after treatment. Maximal venous flow rates were evaluated. The results of this study will be presented and discussed.