Immunogenicity of deglycosylated zona pellucida antigens and their inhibitory effects on fertility in rabbits.

Influence of carbohydrates on the immunogenicity and immunocontraceptive potential of zona pellucida glycoproteins has been investigated in rabbits. Porcine zonae pellucidae, following deglycosylation with trifluoromethane-sulfonic acid, retained significant immunogenic potential, as shown by the ability to generate antibodies which cross-reacted with the heterologous antigen. Antibody response, however, was much stronger against the native zona glycoproteins, thereby suggesting that both carbohydrate and protein moieties contribute to the overall immunogenicity of the zona pellucida antigens. Contraceptive efficacy of active immunization with the deglycosylated zona antigens, when evaluated by mating experiments, demonstrated inhibition of fertility in all immunized rabbits. Normal ovarian functions were disrupted in these animals, as revealed by the reduction in ovarian weights and gross impairment of folliculogenesis. Flushing of the oviducts of the immunized animals yielded a markedly reduced number of ova ovulated in response to hCG administration, none of which were fertilizable. Results collectively suggest that active heteroimmunization with deglycosylated zona pellucida antigens is effective in reducing fertility in rabbits.     

Spontaneous regression of extramedullary plasmacytoma--a case report

A case of extramedullary plasmacytoma in the soft tissues of the posterior chest wall of an 80-year old man is reported herein. Immunofluorescence study showed that the tumor cells produced IgG lambda. An M-component was also detected in the patient's serum by paper electrophoresis. Two months following the open biopsy done to establish diagnosis, the tumor underwent spontaneous regression and the M-component in the serum also disappeared. This is the first case report of spontaneous regression of an extramedullary plasmacytoma and the probable reasons for this spontaneous regression are discussed herein.     

Hepatitis B vaccine alone or in combination with anti-HBs immunoglobulin in the perinatal prophylaxis of babies born to HBsAg carrier mothers.

The efficacy of hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine alone (group I) or in combination with hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) (group II) for prevention of perinatal transmission of the virus was assessed in 21 and 24 neonates, respectively. 58 infants who could not be vaccinated constituted the control group. It was observed that in the unvaccinated group approximately 70% of the infants became infected. In both the vaccinated groups, the seroconversion and seroprotection rates (anti-HBs > or = 10 IU/1) were almost similar at 6 months of follow up, but, at 12 months, infants given HBIG and vaccine showed better seroprotection rate (85%) than those given vaccine alone (58.8%). Immune response to the vaccine was also better in both the groups if the mothers were anti-HBe positive. Despite immunization, 14.2% and 25% infants in group I and II, respectively, became chronic carriers if their mothers were HBeAG positive.     

Thyrotropin receptor antibodies: advances and importance of detection techniques in thyroid diseases.

The study of autoimmune thyroid disorders (AITD) has greatly contributed to our knowledge of autoimmunity. Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis represent two ends of the range of autoimmune responses seen in AITD. Autoantibodies reactive to cytoplasmic antigens are associated with cell damage, and thyrotropin (TSH)-receptor antibodies (TRAb) influence the function and growth of the gland and play a major role in pathogenesis. The heterogeneous nature of TRAb is well accepted. Besides their long-known thyroid stimulating activity, TRAb can act as blocking antibodies or growth-promoting antibodies and, thus, cause hypothyroidism (primary myxedema) or endemic and sporadic goiters, respectively. Advanced methodologies for detection of these antibodies with the TSH-receptor assay and thyroid cell bioassay allow various activities to be measured. Current data using these assays confirm the presence of heterogeneity of functional activities of TRAb(s) in vivo. The activity of predominating antibody may relate to clinical presentation. This indicates a need for paired determinations of both TSH-binding inhibitory immunoglobulin (TBII) and thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) for accurate clinical correlations. Cloning the TSH-receptor gene has clarified its structure and function. The future identification of its epitopes will further delineate the clinical role of these antibodies and may allow development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.     

子宫内膜增生的治疗：对现行治疗方法的评价

目的:鉴定现行的治疗方法并评价其对子宫内膜增生妇女的治疗效果。研究设计:研究1998年10月至2000年9月期间所有在伯明翰妇女医院,经组织学诊断为子宫内膜增生的妇女。应用标准化资料提取表对每一位妇女进行回顾性病例研究,基线特征包括临床表现和治疗方案。应用治疗后子宫内膜组织的检查结果来评价治疗方法的组织学反应,用是否需要子宫切除术及其指征来评价临床反应。结果:在研究期间有351例妇女被诊断为子宫内膜增生,其中84%表现出异常子宫出血的症状且54%的患者已绝经。合并子宫内膜增生是最常见的诊断,占所有病例的60%。无细胞学非典型…