Effects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis serum on cultured chick spinal neurons

We used a quantitative immunoassay to examine the effects of human serum and immunoglobulins on neurofilament protein expression in cultures of chick spinal neurons. Compared with cultures grown in the presence of serum from healthy controls or patients with other neurologic disorders, ALS serum lowered the level of neurofilament proteins. Effects were similar with or without muscle-derived neurotrophic factors; there was no specificity for motor neurons. No neurotoxic activity was found in immunoglobulin fractions, and there was no evidence of circulating antibodies that might neutralize muscle-derived neurotrophic factors or induce cytolysis of spinal neurons.     

Diabetes mellitus-associated diffuse autonomic dysfunction causing debilitating hypotension manifested after rapid weight loss in a morbidly obese patient: case report and review of the literature.

The association between weight and blood pressure is well established, especially the paradigm of obesity-related hypertension. The relationship between diffuse autonomic dysfunction and orthostatic hypotension in patients with long-term diabetes mellitus is also well known. We report on a 57-year-old morbidly obese male with a long medical history of hypertension, myocardial infarction, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypothyroidism. After a loss of 147 pounds (representing a percent excess weight loss of 76%) within 6 months after gastric bypass surgery, the patient developed worsening orthostatic hypotension and near-syncopal episodes requiring medication. The subsequent diagnosis and treatment, as well as a literature review, are presented.