Thymocytes, macrophages, and erythrocytes

Lymphocyte-macrophage and lymphocyte erythrocyte interactions were examined in the 4 homologous and 12 heterologous combinations of mice, rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits. There was a highly species-specific interaction between thymic lymphocytes (T cells) and homologous peritoneal macrophages. Distinct red cell rosettes were formed only between thymus-derived cells of the guinea pig and rabbit erythrocytes.     

Egg allergy, influenza vaccine, and immunoglobulin E antibody.

In a study of 70 patients with asthma, rhinitis, and eczema, those giving a definite history of allergic reactions to egg more frequently showed positive skin tests to egg extracts (p = less than 0.003), the wheal diameters of which were significantly larger (p = less than 0.01) than in patients with only a possible or no such history. Patients with a definite history of egg allergy had significantly higher levels of specific IgE antibody against egg yolk, egg white, and allantoic fluid than patients in the other two groups (p = less than 0.005). Seven patients, all of whom had given a definite history of allergy to egg, were found to have positive skin prick tests to influenza vaccine, at the concentration used in medical practice. Two of these patients had previously been given influenza vaccine and both had developed adverse reactions. Of the 22 patients giving a definite history of allergy to egg, the 7 (35 per cent) with positive skin tests to influenza vaccine had significantly larger skin tests and higher levels of specific IgE antibody to the egg extracts than the group as a whole (p = less than 0.001). Allergic reactions to influenza vaccine are likely to occur in patients who have a definite history of allergy to egg and large skin prick test reactions or high levels of specific IgE antibody to egg extracts. Those at risk can best be identified by skin prick testing with egg extracts and undiluted influenza vaccine.     

Prazosin, an alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist, partially inhibits exercise-induced asthma

The effect of prazosin, a potent and specific alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist given by inhalation (total nebulized 2 mg) was compared with placebo in a double-blind randomized study of 10 atopic asthmatic children. Prazosin significantly (p less than 0.01) reduced the severity of post-exercise bronchoconstriction (maximum fall in peak expiratory flow after exercise 21.4% +/- SEM 6.3% after prazosin compared with 42.5% +/- 7.3% after placebo). This protective action of prazosin suggests that activation of alpha 1-adrenoceptor may be involved in the pathogenesis of exercise-induced asthma either by facilitation of mast-cell mediator release or by direct contraction of bronchial smooth muscle. Prazosin did not significantly change resting bronchomotor tone or histamine-induced bronchoconstriction, suggesting no effect on bronchial smooth muscle contractility.     

An Accurate, Direct Reading, Beat-By-Beat, Heart Rate Scale for Measurement of the Cardiac Orientation Reaction

An easily made, accurate, direct reading scale for obtaining beat-by-beat HR from paper chart EKG recordings is described for use where on-line computer analysis is not practicable, or where a check is wanted on the accuracy of the computer program.     

Clinical investigation of fenoterol, a new bronchodilator, in asthma.

In a randomized, double-blind, noncrossover, study, 28 asthmatic patients received either ephedrine or fenoterol (Th1165a) a new beta 2-sympathomimetic bronchodilator, for 90 days. Forced expiratory flows and volumes and plethysmography were performed after a single test dose on days 1, 45, and 90. The subjects' clinical course was followed for patient acceptance and side effects. Compared to ephedrine, Th1165a was demonstrated to be a potent bronchodilator with a prolonged duration of action. Adrenergic side effects were minimal, and no tolerance or toxicity was demonstrated.     

The classification of affective disorders — A reassessment of the bipolar-unipolar dichotomy: A clinical,laboratory, and family study

We studied a sample of 26 unipolar and 134 bipolar probands for a selection of familial, demographic, clinical and laboratory variables. We found a high proportion of unipolar illness in the relatives of bipolar probands and bipolar illness in the relatives of unipolar probands, inconsistent with the present dichotomous classification of affective disorders. The two groups were also similar on a number of clinical and demographic variables, and displayed equal amounts of cortical dysfunction as measured by electroencephalographic and neuropsychological techniques. The groups differed significantly on only 2 variables, with unipolars having a greater proportion of females and a later onset age than bipolars. We interpret these findings to be suggestive of homogeneity rather than heterogeneity for the more severe forms of affective disorder and offer several alternatives to the present unipolar/bipolar dichotomy which require further testing.     

Serum IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgE levels and allergy in Filipino children in the United States

The serum levels of IgE, IgG, IgA, and IgM of 27 American-born Filipino children 5 to 17 years of age were measured and found to be significantly higher than those of a control group of 24 Caucasian children of similar age distribution and attending the same general pediatric clinics. The geometric mean of serum IgE of the Filipinos was 227 U. per milliliter and of the Caucasians, 69 U. per milliliter (p < 0.01). The geometric means of other serum immunoglobulin levels of the Filipinos by comparison with the Caucasians were: IgG, 1,303 and 1,010 mg. per 100 ml. (p < 0.01); IgA, 195 and 120 mg. per 100 ml. (p < 0.001); and IgM, 141 and 92 mg. per 100 ml. (p < 0.02), respectively. The incidence of atopic disease was higher in the Filipino study group (48 per cent) than in the Caucasian control group (25 per cent); eczema was especially prevalent in the Filipino group. Elevated serum IgE levels were associated with atopic disease in both racial groups; however, there was no correlation between serum level of IgG, IgA, or IgM and atopy.     

Identification of three class II antigens, DR7, MB2, and MT3, from a homozygous human cell line

The class II antigens from a homozygous DR7 human B cell line were isolated by immunoprecipitation with human alloantisera or monoclonal antibodies. Three class II light chains and three class II heavy chains were identified. The heavy and light chain subunits of the DR7 antigen were distinct from those of the MB2 antigen as assessed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. A third light chain in addition to the DR7 and MB2 subunits was precipitated by some alloantisera containing MT3 antibodies. The monoclonal antibodies examined immunoprecipitated one or more of the three class II antigens. The MB2 antigen appeared to be the same as the major antigen recognized by L227 and the DS7 antigen precipitated by SG171.     

老化对心肌缺氧性应激耐受力的影响及SOD,ATP,四逆汤的保护作用

用小鼠研究了老年心脏的自由基及对缺氧应激耐受力（Ｔ－ＡＳ）的变化，同时探讨了外源性ＳＯＤＡＴＰ及四逆汤对老年心脏耐受性缺氧应激的影响，结果表明：与青年对照小鼠相比，老年小鼠心脏在缺氧环境下心电话动时间（ＣＥＡＴ）显著缩短，缺氧１５ｍｉｎ内停电率明显上升，提示，老年心脏Ｔ－ＡＳ明显减弱，同时，老年心脏ＯＦＲ浓度增加，ＳＯＤ活性下降，ＭＤＡ含量上升，提示，老年心脏存在异常的自由基反应，这可能是老年心脏