Leprosy in infants--report of two cases

Two infants, one 4 months old and the other 2 months old, having histologically confirmed indeterminate leprosy are reported. The route of infection, mode of transmission, and incubation period are discussed with reference to these two cases of infantile leprosy.     

Mitogenic and protein synthetic activity of tissue repair cells: control by the postsurgical macrophage

It is well known that fibroblasts are a main source of extracellular matrix synthesis necessary for tissue repair. In addition, macrophages secrete products that are known to modulate synthesis of extracellular matrix. Accordingly, we studied the incorporation of [3H]thymidine, [3H]proline, and [35S]sulfate into macromolecules produced by fibroblasts recovered from the site of peritoneal tissue repair cultured with and without spent media from postsurgical peritoneal macrophages. Rabbits underwent resection and reanastomosis of their small intestines. Peritoneal exudative cells (PEC) were then collected on postsurgical day 5 and day 10 as well as from nonsurgical controls, separated by discontinuous Percoll gradient centrifugation, and cultured for 48 h. A second group of rabbits underwent peritoneal wall abrasion from which fibroblast tissue repair cells (TRC) were collected from the site of injury at postsurgical day 7 and maintained in culture for varying times. Incorporation of radiolabeled precursors into DNA, collagen, and sulfated proteoglycans was determined. Incorporation of [3H]thymidine and [3H]proline into untreated TRC gradually decreased with culture duration. Conversely, [35S]sulfate incorporation gradually increased during prolonged culture. Macrophage spent media increased the levels of [3H]thymidine incorporation by the TRC. [3H]Proline and [35S]sulfate incorporation into TRC were also stimulated by macrophage spent media. However, this stimulation may be due to the enhanced proliferation of TRC by macrophage spent media. In conclusion, tissue repair fibroblasts are activated for postsurgical repair at the site of injury by many factors including secretory products from postsurgical macrophages.     

Characterization of unique ADTN-catecholamine binding sites in the iris root-ciliary body of rabbits

A binding site for tritiated 2-amino-6, 7-dihydroxy-1, 2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (ADTN) has been partially characterized in the rabbit iris root-ciliary body. Binding of ADTN is proportional to protein content and requires at least 60 minutes to reach equilibrium. Binding is saturable, with a Kd of 27 +/- 1 nM and a Bmax of 2.1 +/- .3 pmol/mg protein (mean +/- SEM). Dopamine competes for this site with a Ki of 100 nM and apomorphine with a Ki of 180 nM. This site is not blocked by L-timolol, phenoxybenzamine, or by several DA1 and DA2 antagonists. It appears to be a new type of catecholamine binding site, of a type not observed outside the anterior eye. It is possible that some of the effects of dopamine on intraocular pressure are mediated through this binding site.     

Study of talc for pharmaceutical use. Trials of pharmacopoeias

A study has been carried out on the possible pharmaceutical use of spanish talcs following the normalized assays of the main european pharmacopoeia and other quantitative methods. Only the talc nr3, not processed, meets all the assays of pharmacopoeia. The samples 2 and 4 (crushed) exceed the highest tolerated content in chlorides. The talc 1 (also crushed) only meets the loss on drying. The measures of some of these assays by using quantitative methods lead to more correct results and even sometimes in opposition with those obtained by pharmacopoeia methods. The particle size estimated by shifting and sedimentation shows that the crushed talcs are silty, whereas the only talc not processed is sandy. Considering the medium sizes estimated by scanning microscopy, it can be said that the pulverization of the talcs 1, 2 and 4 is characteristic of a micronization.     

Lack of tolerance to nicotine-induced dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens

The extent to which repeated administration produces tolerance to nicotine-induced increases in dopamine transmission in the nucleus accumbens was investigated in rats. In vivo microdialysis was used to sample extracellular dopamine and metabolites after a nicotine challenge (0.35 mg/kg) in (1) naive rats, (2) acutely pretreated rats (1 prior nicotine injection), and (3) chronically pretreated rats (12-15 prior daily nicotine injections, 0.35 mg/kg per injection). Nicotine increased extracellular DA and its metabolites, and these increases were not significantly altered by either acute or chronic prior exposure to the drug. The failure to find evidence of tolerance is compatible with the hypothesis that the mesolimbic dopaminergic system is a substrate for the reinforcing properties of chronically administered nicotine.     

Severe hypoglycorrhachia after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Two cases with spontaneous recovery in adults

We report two patients with severe hypoglycorrhachia after a subarachnoid hemorrhage. They had no obvious meningeal infection, and they spontaneously recovered within a few weeks. Such cases have previously been reported in neonates, but exceptionally in adults. Contrary to detailed cases from the literature, our patients recovered without antibiotics, and hypoglycorrhachia was very severe.     

Computed tomography of the brain in the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome

Computed tomographic (CT) scans of the brain in a child with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome revealed enlargement of the ventricular system, hypoplasia of the cerebellum, and abnormal thickening of the gray matter, consistent with pachygyria. These findings have been previously noted in autopsies performed on patients with this disorder. We conclude that CT scanning is a valuable tool in the evaluation of children suspected of having the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.     

Juvenile Parkinsonism: clinical and metabolic characteristics.

Twenty one patients with idiopathic Parkinsonism beginning before the age of 40 years were investigated. The mean duration of the disease was 19 years. There was a good and sustained response to levodopa. Only four patients reached stages IV and V (Hoehn and Yahr). Intolerance to levodopa was observed in the more advanced stages of the disease. In the series the familial incidence of Parkinsonism (2 cases) and essential tremor (3 cases) was very low. Thyroid disorder, diabetes mellitus or macrocytic anaemia was not found in any of the cases.