Epitope specificities and quantitative and serologic aspects of monoclonal complement (C3c and C3d) antibodies

Twenty-two monoclonal antibodies to human C3c and ten to C3d were obtained by hybridization after the immunization of mice with complement-coated human red cells and/or purified human complement components. C3c antibodies were variable in their agglutination reactions with cells coated with C3 by antibody in vitro; more consistent and potent reactions with these cells were observed with anti-C3d, and all anti-C3d reacted with red cells coated with C3 in vivo. Immunoradiometric assays were used to estimate antibody concentration, affinity, and epitope specificity. The antibody content in ascitic fluids varied from less than 0.1 mg per ml to 5.6 mg per ml. The estimated values of antibody affinities for Sepharose-coupled C3 ranged from 2.8 X 10(6) l per M to 5.0 X 10(8) l per M; on average, IgM antibodies had higher affinities than IgG antibodies. Competitive binding assays showed that the monoclonal antibodies recognized at least seven different epitopes, four on the C3c and three on the C3d fragment of C3. When the results of serologic and quantitative assays were compared, no convincing relationship was found between serologic performance and epitope specificity, antibody concentration, or affinity. IgM antibodies generally gave higher agglutination scores than IgG antibodies, and Ig class was the only useful predictor of serologic efficacy.     

The use of Fogs' test to assess associated movements in Parkinsonism,dystonia, and controls

The Fogs' test elicits non‐homologous associated movements which reflect underlying pathology or immaturity of the CNS, but has not been thoroughly studied. We filmed participants performing a modified Fogs' test and developed a reliable scoring system for the associated movements. We assessed scores in healthy controls of all ages and compared scores in dystonia and parkinsonism to age similar controls. Associated movements were marked in children, lessened as they matured into adults, and then increased in old age. Associated movements were marked in dystonia but not in parkinsonism. Our scoring system showed robust inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability. The Fogs' test is a reliable addition to the clinical examination that can be used to screen for both normal and abnormal neurological status. We suggest a potential neural pathway via cervical‐lumbosacral connections within the spinal cord which are modulated by propriospinal and cerebral input. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society     

Subclavian artery laceration: A serious complication of needle decompression

A 31‐year‐old woman presented with spontaneous tension pneumothorax. This was initially treated with needle decompression, which led to massive haemothorax. Treatment and methods to reduce the likelihood of this complication are discussed.