Animal models of allergic rhinitis

Actively sensitized Brown Norway rats and guinea pig are useful species for studying drug effects on symptoms of experimental rhinitis. Even if not all symptoms of human rhinitis can be induced and detected in the same animal species, the predictablity of methods generally used is well acceptable. In the present review, advantages and disadvantages of experimental methods of rhinitis will be discussed.     

Musculoskeletal examination — range of motion

The normal ranges of movement and their accurate measurement for each of the joints are summarized. Presented are charts to enhance the recording of data collected on joint examination.     

Histamine receptor-bearing lymphocytes. VI. Influence of histamine on the Go-G1 transition of activated lymphocytes

Histamine (10(-4) M) suppressed the PHA-induced activation of lymphocytes in vitro. This was shown by inhibition of the expression of DR- and 4F2-antigens, of the blast transformation, DNA- and RNA-synthesis, and the formation of thermostable sheep erythrocyte rosettes. Histamine affect these phenomenons only when added to the culture during the first hours. Already 6 hrs after addition of PHA, it exerted no significant suppression. The target of the inhibiting effect of histamine is the G0-G1-transition of the lymphocytes. Cells that already had entered the G1-phase were no more susceptible to histamine.     

Metastases to the larynx.

Four patients with metastases to the larynx are reported. The pathways of metastatic invasion of the larynx are discussed and illustrated with whole organ laryngeal sections from these cases. Although three of the four cases were clinically silent, all could have been detected on indirect laryngoscopy. The true incidence of laryngeal metastases appears to be much higher than clinically suspected, and indirect laryngoscopy of all patients "at risk" should be considered.     

The role of dipeptidyl peptidase IV in human T lymphocyte activation. Inhibitors and antibodies against dipeptidyl peptidase IV suppress lymphocyte proliferation and immunoglobulin synthesis in vitro

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DP IV), an ectoenzyme in the cell membrane of T lymphocytes, is an important constituent in the process of lymphocyte activation. This conclusion is drawn from the following observations: (a) Proliferation of peripheral blood lymphocytes induced by mitogenic lectins (phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, pokeweed mitogen) is suppressed in the presence of DP IV inhibitors. This effect is specific and applies to an irreversible suicide inhibitor as well as to a competitive one in a dose-dependent fashion. (b) Inhibition of DNA synthesis was also induced by a polyclonal anti-DP IV immunoglobulin. (c) As a consequence of impaired T cell function the production of immunoglobulins by pokeweed mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes is also markedly reduced in the presence of DP IV inhibitors.     

Follow-up study of erosive prepyloric changes

A follow-up study of erosive prepyloric changes (EPC) was undertaken in 60 patients who originally presented with non-ulcer dyspepsia and EPC grade 2 or 3. After 45 (range, 24-60) months EPC grade 2 or 3 was still present in 80% of the patients, and 82% had unchanged dyspeptic symptoms. Most of the patients (77%) experienced a 'stressful' life situation. None of the patients had developed peptic ulceration during the follow-up period, and there were no indications of active or healed ulcerations or cancer at the follow-up study. The results indicate that EPC are chronic changes in the gastric mucosa closely associated with long-lasting dyspeptic symptoms.     

MRI findings in two cases of acute facial paralysis

This article describes the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of the facial nerve paralysis of Bell's palsy and herpes zoster oticus. Identification of the nature of inflammatory facial nerve paralysis often presents a diagnostic dilemma. The site of involvement along the course of the nerve may have importance when treatment options are being considered. We have found MRI to be a unique method for localizing the site of nerve injury in both Bell's palsy and Ramsay Hunt syndrome.     

Growth characteristics of cultured human normal bladder epithelial cells: a comparison with urothelial carcinoma cell cultures

We present the in vitro growth characteristics and morphology of the first established long-term culture of human normal bladder epithelium. Normal bladder cells were grown with a mean generation time of 44 h and a life span of 33 population doublings in 12 weeks. The cells exhibited contact inhibition of growth. The cultures were morphologically examined and compared with transitional cell carcinoma in culture.