Effect of UVB 311 nm irradiation on normal human skin

Ultraviolet radiation B (UVB) on the skin induces erythema, inflammation and modifications of the immune system. These changes have been reported after excessive short-term or long-term exposure to broad spectrum UVB. In this study, we examined the effects of local repetitive UVB irradiation of 311 nm wavelength on the skin of seven young volunteers. Skin biopsies were taken before and after UVB irradiation, and we immunohistochemically analyzed the expression of CD1a and HLA-DR antigens of Langerhans cells (LC), the possible infiltration of dermis/epidermis by CD11b macrophages, the modifications or the induction of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), E-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) involved in the binding of leukocytes to the endothelial surface and the development of perivascular infiltrates of LFA-1⁺ mononuclear cells. We also determined the expression of substance P receptors (SPR) using biotinylated substance P (SPB). Exposure of UVB 311 nm induced a drastic reduction of CD1a⁺ cells and a moderate increase of HLA-DR⁺ dendritic cells in the epidermis without infiltration by CD11b macrophages. An increase of the binding of SPB to upper layer epidermal cells was noted in five of seven biopsies. In the dermis, vessel-associated ICAM-1 expression increased and an induction of E-selectin occurred on nearly 20 to 40% of endothelial cells, but VCAM-1 expression remained undetectable. The percentage of LFA-1⁺ cells did not change significantly after irradiation. These observations may be compatible with a selective role of UVB 311 nm on the skin immune response.     

Effects of galanin on insulin and glucagon secretion in the rat

Galanin-like immunoreactivity has been visualized in nerve fibers in the islets of Langerhans, suggesting an involvement of galanin in the neural regulation of islet function. In this study, we investigated the effects of galanin on basal and stimulated insulin and glucagon secretion by infusing the peptide at three different dose rates in rats. We also studied the direct effect of galanin on insulin secretion from freshly isolated rat islets. At 320 pmol/kg/min, but not at 20 or 80 pmol/kg/min, galanin lowered basal plasma insulin levels. In contrast, basal plasma glucagon levels were lowered by galanin already at 20 and 80 pmol/kg/min. Furthermore, galanin inhibited both glucose- and arginine-induced insulin release at all three dose levels, whereas arginine-induced glucagon release was not affected by galanin. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from isolated rat islets was dose-dependently suppressed by galanin (10^-6-10^-8M). Therefore, it is concluded that galanin in rats inhibits insulin secretion, both in vivo and in vitro, and that at lower dose levels, the peptide also inhibits basal glucagon release.     

Neuroendocrine factors regulating blood glucose, plasma FFA and insulin in the development of obesity

A number of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides in the hypothalamus play a role in the control of food intake, metabolism, and body weight. Particularly, noradrenergic mechanisms in several areas of the hypothalamus are involved. Control of peripheral metabolism by the hypothalamus is achieved via autonomic modulation of the function of hepatocytes, adipocytes, and the endocrine cells in the islets of Langerhans. The autonomic control mechanisms ultimately lead to an appropriate shaping of blood glucose, plasma FFA, and insulin profiles to guarantee an adequate flow of nutrients under different physiological situations. Peripheral insulin and glucose can penetrate into the brain where they might affect the function of those brain structures involved in control of food intake, metabolism, and body weight.     

Langerhans cell sarcoma in a patient who underwent transplantation

Langerhans cell sarcoma is a rare, aggressive tumour that may metastasize to many organs, likely leading to death of the patient within 1 year. We present the first case described in the literature in a patient who underwent transplantation.     

Reizhusten, Belastungsdyspnoe und zystische Lungenveränderungen bei einem 28jährigen Patienten

Zusammenfassung Eine neu aufgetretene Dyspnoesymptomatik und eine symmetrische, apikal betonte retikulonodul?re Zeichnungsvermehrung im R?ntgen-Thorax bei jungen rauchenden Erwachsenen müssen an das seltene Krankheitsbild der pulmonalen Histiocytosis X denken lassen. Klinischer Befund, laborchemische- und Lungenfunktionsuntersuchungen zeigen unspezifische Befunde. Neue radiologische Verfahren wie die hochaufl?sende Computertomographie (HRCT) leisten bei gezielter Indikationsstellung eine entscheidende differentialdiagnostische Hilfestellung. Dieser Fall verdeutlicht die M?glichkeit einer Diagnosesicherung durch transbronchiale Biopsien unter Verzicht auf offene Lungenbiopsien. Eine ambulante Diagnostik war m?glich, das h?here Risiko eines operativen Eingriffes konnte vermieden werden. Die Indikation zur Therapie ist nicht gesichert und wird daher durch den Grad der subjektiven bzw. funktionellen Einschr?nkung sowie den Verlauf bestimmt.     

Nitric oxide is not involved in the initiation of insulin secretion from rat islets of Langerhans

Summary The involvement of nitric oxide as an intracellular messenger in the control of insulin secretion from pancreatic Beta cells was studied in rat islets of Langerhans by measuring: (i) nitric oxide generation in response to physiological insulin secretagogues; (ii) the effects of inhibitors of nitric oxide synthesis on insulin secretory responses to physiological secretagogues, and on insulin synthesis; (iii) changes in islet cyclic guanosine monophosphate in response to secretagogues; (iv) the effects of exogenous cyclic guanosine monophosphate and dibutyryl cyclic guanosine monophosphate on insulin secretion from electrically permeabilised islets and from intact islets, respectively. These studies produced no evidence that nitric oxide generation is required for the initiation of insulin secretion by common secretagogues. However, the results of our experiments suggest that the generation of nitric oxide may be involved in long-term, glucose-dependent increases in cyclic guanosine monophosphate content of islet cells, although the physiological relevance of these changes requires further investigation.     

Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Presenting as a Varicelliform Eruption over the Entire Skin

A boy with skin eruptions resembling varicella and specific for Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is reported. At his initial visit when he was four months old, vesiculopustular lesions were present over the entire body; these had first appeared on the third day post partus. Histopathological, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopical examination confirmed the Langerhans cell phenotype and Birbeck granules in the responsible cells. He also had hydronephrosis, recurrent fever, and cutaneous bacterial infections. His parents refused further medical treatment and he died of diarrhea with cachexia about two years later. LCH may present diagnostic difficulties by manifesting as a skin eruption which resembles varicella.     

Fas配体阳性睾丸细胞对共移植的胰岛细胞存活起全身和/或局部的免疫豁免作用

目的探讨Fas配体阳性睾丸细胞对共移植的胰岛细胞存活起全身和/或局部的免疫豁免作用。方法将同种大鼠胰岛细胞与不同数量的睾丸细胞同侧或两侧共移植于糖尿病受体肾包膜下,观察移植物功能和存活情况,以及移植物内淋巴细胞凋亡。结果单纯移植胰岛组(对照组)平均存活期为(4.6±1.1)天。睾丸细胞和胰岛细胞同侧共移植时,当睾丸细胞数为1×106(A组)时,胰岛细胞平均存活期为(23.8±4.6)天;睾丸细胞数增至1×107时(B组),胰岛细胞存活期大于(57.5±4.0)天,均较对照组明显延长(P<0.01)。两侧共移植时,当睾丸细胞数为1×105(C组),胰岛细胞平均存活期为(6.0±1.4)天,与对照组相似(P>0.05);睾丸细胞数增至1×106(D组),胰岛细胞存活期(11.5±3.1)天较对照组或C组延长(P<0.01);睾丸细胞数增至1×107(E组)时,胰岛细胞存活期(31.2±15.9)天延长更加明显(P<0.01)。相同剂量的睾丸细胞与胰岛细胞分别同侧和两侧共移植时发生移植排斥反应各自的病理表现是不同的,前者移植物内有淋巴细胞浸润,部分胰岛玻璃样变,抗胰岛素抗体染色仅见少量阳性细胞,而后者胰岛细胞移植物内有大量的淋巴细胞和少量的中性粒细胞浸润,抗胰岛素抗体阳性细胞较少,未见胰岛玻璃样变。原位细胞凋亡检测发现同侧共移植后的移植物与肾实质交界处有淋巴细胞凋亡。电镜检查发现胰岛移植物存活超过60d的标本可见大量存活的胰岛细胞团和睾丸Sertoli细胞,有散在的凋亡淋巴细胞。结论睾丸细胞与同种胰岛细胞移植后不仅可诱导局部免疫豁免,而且也具有一定的全身免疫保护作用,但较局部免疫豁免作用弱;这些作用可延长移植物的存活期,并具有剂量依赖性。     

Satisfactory Remission Achieved by PUVA Therapy in Langerhans Cell Hisiocytosis in an Elderly Patient

Langerhans cell histiocytosis is currently regarded as a reactive proliferative process of Langerhans cells rather than a malignancy. The disease is characterized by Langerhans cell infiltration of skin, lung, bone and other organs. We report a 74-year-old man with Langerhans cell histiocytosis who had generalized hemorrhagic and crusted papules. He also had diabetes insipidus. Because he did not have any severe constitutional symptoms or failure of vital organs, we applied topical PUVA treatment to his skin lesions, which responded well to the therapy. Diabetes insipidus, however, remained, in spite of X ray radiotherapy for the pituiary lesion.