Zur Wertigkeit von EPF, ß-HCG,Progesteron, 17-OH-Progesteron,PP12, PP14 und TNF-α als Marker der intakten und gestörten Frühschwangerschaft

Zusammenfassung Früherster Marker für St?rungen der Frühschwangerschaft ist der EPF. Als sicherster Marker kann weiterhin das ?-HCG gelten. Erniedrigte PP14 und TNF-α-Werte weisen auf Extrauteringravidit?t hin.     

Cerebral infarction in pediatric acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Cerebral infarction is an uncommon complication of AIDS in pediatric patients. We have seen three HIV-infected children who developed acute neurological deficits due to stroke. Cerebral infarction must be considered in the work-up of a child with AIDS who presents with focal neurological deficit, seizure or mental status change.Stroke is a complication of HIV infection that occurs in approximately 1% of affected children [1]. At autopsy, evidence of cerebral infarction was documented in 10–30% of children with HIV infection [2]. We have seen three children with focal infarction who are HIV positive.     

Effects of vagal perineural capsaicin treatment on vagal efferent and airway neurogenic responses in anesthetized rats

The acute effect of vagal perineural capsaicin treatment (VPCT) on parasympathetic bradycardia and tracheal neurogenic protein extravasation was examined. In nine anesthetized male Wistar rats the effect of VPCT on the bradycardia induced by electrical stimulation of the vagus was examined. In 24 anesthetized male Wistar rats the effect of VPCT on the tracheal protein extravasation induced by the inhalation of capsaicin aerosols was also studied. VPCT did not alter the bradycardia induced by vagal stimulation or the tracheal protein extravasation induced by the inhalation of capsaicin aerosol. The results of these studies further demonstrate the selectivity of perineural capsaicin treatment on vagal sensory nonmyelinated fibers in the rat and indicate that it is a useful tool for examining the role of sensory vagal C-fibers in pulmonary and cardiovascular reflexes and in isolating C-fiber-mediated reflex responses from those mediated by the release of neuropeptides.     

Pontine calcification following radiotherapy: CT demonstration

Development of pontine calcifications following radiation therapy for suprasellar tumors is described in two patients, 5 and 9 years old. Post-radiotherapy brain calcifications are rare in the brain stem.     

Induction of hepatic cell proliferation and unscheduled DNA synthesis in mouse hepatocytes following in vivo treatment

We have modified the in vivo-in vitro hepatocyte DNA repairassay for measurement of unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) andhepatic cell proliferation in B6C3F1 mice. Dimethylnitros-amineand methylmethane sulfonate produced significant increases inUDS in both rats and mice. 2-Acetylaminofluorene induced a significantincrease in UDS in rats, but not in mice. The mouse hepatocarcinogens,carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene, polybrominated biphenylsand 2,6-dichloro-p-phenylenediamine all failed to induce UDSin male and female mice, but all induced significant elevationsin hepatic cell proliferation. Increased cell turnover in theliver may therefore be an important mechanism in hepatocarcinogenicityin the mouse.     

The effects of intact platelets on cultured human endothelial cells

Effects of intact platelets on DNA synthesis, replication and the morphology of cultured human endothelial cells were studied. When either primary or first passage endothelial cells were seeded at a low density, the cells formed small clusters with large intercellular spaces. When intact platelets were added to these cultures, the cells appeared to migrate from these clusters and dispersed themselves more evenly over the culture surface. In addition, intact platelets were found to enhance the repair of a scratched defect produced in confluent primary cultures. Cells that were cultured with platelets also appeared to be changed from their ususal polygonal shape to a more elongated or bipolar form. This effect appeared at a platelet count of about 10,000 platelet/μl of medium and after 12 hours of culture. Maximal effects were seen at a platelet density of 100,000/μl and after 24 hours of cultivation. DNA synthesis and cell replication were not essential for this effect. However, if these cultures were incubated for an additional 48 hours, enhancement of DNA synthesis and the labelling index was found, but a significant increase in cell number was not yet apparent. If however, these cells were cultured for an additional 72 hours then a significant increase in cell growth was noted. Cells disrupted by either sonification or freeze-thawing were without effect. Treating the platelet with either neuraminidase or trypsin did not eliminate this effect. This effect appeared to be limited to intact platelets and not to leukocytes or erythrocytes. Examination of the platelet-treated cells by electron microscopy revealed a small number of cells that contained platelets within their cytoplasm. These observations may provide a mechanism by which platelets help to maintain and support the integrity of the vessel wall.