Nuclear Uptake of l,25-Dihydroxy[3H]-cholecalciferol in Peripheral Blood Monocytes

The active vitamin D metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol induces differentiation of monocytes into macrophages. The pharmacological induction of differentiation of primitive, rapidly proliferating cell lines into more mature cells with lower proliferative potential is a new dimension in the treatment of myeloproliferative disorders, which may prove to be an important alternative to more traditional regimens. Furthermore, the cell primarily engaged in bone resorption--the osteoclast--represents another differentiated form of mononuclear phagocytes, and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol increases the number of osteoclasts. Since the cellular action of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol is exerted mainly through its binding to nuclear receptors, a detailed knowledge of ligand-receptor interactions is mandatory for future work in this area. In order to investigate the interaction between 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol and its receptor in mononuclear cells, the nuclear uptake of the hormone was studied using a whole cell assay. The nuclear uptake of 1,25-dihydroxy[3H]cholecalciferol in human monocytes at physiological temperature and pH was saturable, specific, and fully reversible. When eight normal individuals were investigated, the maximal binding capacity (Bmax) was 0.4-8.4 fmol/10(6) cells and the dissociation constants (Kd) were 0.12-0.45 nmol/l. The characterization of the nuclear uptake of 1,25-dihydroxy[3H]cholecalciferol in intact human monocytes shows that it is mediated by binding of the ligand to a specific nuclear receptor. The binding to the nuclear receptor is the result of the passage of ligand across the cytoplasmic membrane and of the cytoplasmic transport of ligand. In contrast to conventional receptor assays in hypertonic cellular extracts, this system provides information on the role of the cytoplasmic membrane in relation to the nuclear uptake of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, which may be closer to in vivo cellular conditions.     

Occlusal contacts in maximum intercuspation and craniomandibular dysfunction in 16- to 17-year-old adolescents

The relationship between number, distribution and intensity of occlusal tooth contacts and the craniomandibular functional status was investigated in 56 subjects aged 16-17 years. The photocclusion technique was used for the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of occlusal contacts, and a clinical examination was performed to assess the function of the stomatognathic system. According to a matched-pairs design two groups were formed, one consisting of individuals with signs of craniomandibular disorders, and the other consisting of functionally healthy adolescents. The pairs were matched according to morphological occlusal characteristics. The results of the present study emphasize the importance of occlusal contacts in relation to craniomandibular function. In particular the posterior occlusion appeared to be related to function, since statistically significant differences between the two groups were detected with regard to the number and load of contacts. Symmetry of intensity rather than symmetry of contact distribution per se seemed to be important in relation to craniomandibular function.     

Epidural blockade in the treatment of preterm labour

A case of premature labour induced by necrosis in a fibromyoma followed by laparotomy is described. Unsuccessful treatment with ritodrine was followed by successful treatment with epidural analgesia. The possible role of a sympathetic blockade is discussed.     

Plaque inhibition by guanidino propyl piperazine (CKO 569A)

The plaque inhibiting effect of the antibacterial substance, guanidino propyl piperazine (CKO 569A) has been analyzed in a clinical study of 10 adults. Plaque formation was enhanced by three daily rinses with 15% sucrose. Normal hygiene was performed. The effects of a twice daily mouthwash of 30 s duration with 0.2, 0.1 and 0.05% CKO 569A, 0.05% chlorhexidine and a placebo on plaque formation were compared through a registration of plaque scores. Each solution was tested over a period of 5 days. As a result of this study it could be concluded that in humans CKO 569A is an effective inhibitor of plaque, and that lingual plaque scores appear to be a good indicator of plaque inhibiting activity.     

Abnormal processing of antral gastrin in active duodenal ulcer disease

The concentrations of gastrins containing the active C-terminal tetrapeptide amide (mainly gastrin-34 and gastrin-17) and the N-terminal tridecapeptide fragment of gastrin-17 were measured in antral and duodenal biopsy specimens. The antral concentration of the N-terminal gastrin fragment was much higher in patients with active duodenal ulcer (33.4 +/- 6.8 nmol g-1, mean +/- SEM, n = 15) than in controls (5.6 +/- 2.9 nmol g-1, n = 10), patients with gastric ulcer (5.6 +/- 1.8 nmol g-1, n = 10) or patients with pernicious anaemia (7.7 +/- 2.5 nmol g-1, n = 6). No differences were found between the groups regarding gastrin-34 and gastrin-17 concentrations. In duodenal extracts, the N- and C-terminal gastrin concentrations were similar in all groups of patients. These data suggest that the posttranslational processing of antral gastrin is abnormal in patients with active duodenal ulcer disease.     

Morphometric analysis of occlusal fissures in human premolars

abstract — In the present study serial sections were prepared of 51 human maxillary first premolars. Drawings were made (×150) from each side of the sections. The occlusal angle, the depth and width of the fissure and the thickness of the adjacent enamel were measured on each drawing. The data conformed to a normal continuous distribution and except for the occlusal angle and the depth of the fissure a low or no correlation was found between the different parameters. The results indicate that occlusal fissure of human teeth may not be categorized into specific groups on the basis of morphologic features. The average fissure depth of the individual tooth ranged from 120 to 1,050 μm. The average width in the middle part of the fissure varied between 40 and 156 μm. The average thickness of the enamel at the bottom of the fissure varied between 270 and 1,008 μm and the occlusal angle between 51.6° and 84.5°.     

Comparative bone morphometric analysis of mandibles and iliac crests

Abstract – A comparative analysis of bone mass in the mandible and the iliac crest has been carried out in autopsy specimens from 30 subjects aged 23–84 years. Microradiograms of standardized 100-μm-thick sections of the undemineralized plastic embedded material from the two locations were used for quantitation. The following measurements were carried out by electronic point-counting: 1) the percentage of cortical bone mass in the subperiosteal and subendosteal layers, 2) mean cortical width, and 3) the percentage of trabecular bone mass in die iliac crest. Positive correlations were found in the expressions of bone mass within the mandible; the values were significantly higher in the 200-μm-thick subperiosteal layer than in the remaining part of the mandibular cortex. Only a poor or no correlation was found in the expressions of bone mass from the two sites. The investigation, therefore, shows that bone mass and cortical width in the mandible cannot be predicted from a biopsy from the iliac crest. This finding may partly be due to different age-dependent functional changes of the two bones.     

Effect of acupuncture on headache measured by reduction in number of attacks and use of drugs

Abstract – The experiment was performed in order to study the effect of acupuncture on headache by comparing the number of attacks during a 2-month period after acupuncture with the number of attacks during a similar period before treatment. Twenty-nine students (age: 19–24 years) all suffering from headache filled out questionnaires noting the days with attacks of headache and the amount and type of drugs used for 60 consecutive days. After acupuncture this observation procedure was repeated. One group of 10 students, however, received a placebo treatment instead of acupuncture but followed the identical questionnaire procedure. After 120 days acupuncture was given to this second group without revealing that the first treatment was a placebo. This treatment was again followed by a 60-day observation period. Comparison of the questionnaires before and after acupuncture showed a significant reduction in the number of days with headache. The placebo treatment resulted in a nonsignificant reduction in attacks of headache. A reduction in the amount of drugs used, especially the acetylsalicylate type, was noted following the acupuncture treatment. It is concluded that acupuncture is a relevant therapy for headache with a definite symptomatic effect.     

Papain-induced changes in the cranial base of rats

ABSTRACT – Alterations of the cranial base induced by parenterally administered papain were studied on rats by means of a new microradiographie technique. The material consisted of 28 males and 36 females, randomly divided into one papain injected group and one saline injected. The experiment started when the rats weighed 90 ± 5 g, and daily injections were given for 12 d. Differences between experimental and sham-operated animals were most pronounced in the males. Apart from the length of the presphenoid bone, all measurements in males were reduced, whereas in females only the total length of the skull, nasal length and length of the basisphenoid bone were significantly smaller in the papain than in the saline injected animals. The influence of papain on angular measurements was also greater in males than in females, akhough the type of alterations found was the same. It is suggested that the alterations are caused by changes in the degree of differentiation in synchondral growth.