Computer-assisted video measurement of inhibition of ciliary beat frequency of human nasal epithelium in vitro by xylometazoline.

The effect of xylometazoline, an alpha-adrenergic agonist, on ciliary beat frequency (CBF) was tested on samples of human nasal epithelium in vitro. Ciliated tissue was obtained from the inferior nasal turbinates of five normal individuals. CBF was measured from video recordings of ciliary activity using a computer-assisted photometric technique. The mean CBF of cells from the five subjects, followed for 40 min without xylometazoline, was 12.0 +/- 1.1 Hz. All concentrations of xylometazoline significantly decreased ciliary beat frequency. After a 10-min exposure, the mean CBF dropped to 3.8 +/- 0.4 with 0.1% xylometazoline, 4.9 +/- 1.0 with 0.05%, and 8.1 +/- 0.9 with 0.025%. Washing with control culture medium at least partially reversed the inhibition within 10 min. Phentolamine (10(-3) M), an alpha-adrenergic antagonist, did not alter CBF significantly when used alone, but partially blocked the strong cilioinhibitory effect of xylometazoline. This action of xylometazoline is similar to that of several commercially prepared decongestants that contain potentially ciliotoxic preservatives in addition to alpha-adrenergic agonists and supports the view that alpha-adrenergic agonists act directly on ciliated cells to inhibit ciliary activity.     

Change in the oestrogen receptor status of breast cancer with age--comparison of two types of assay.

The oestrogen receptor (ER) is considered to be an essential component of the mechanism of response of a breast tumour to endocrine therapy, but ER measurements have proved to have only modest predictive value. In the present study, we have examined ER status by both immunocytochemical assay (ER-ICA) on a fine needle aspirate and by radioligand-binding assay (DCC) on an excised portion of tumour. There was a correlation between the ER level detected by the two assays (Spearman's r = 0.77 for DCC versus ER-ICA staining intensity, r = 0.70 for DCC versus ER-ICA percentage of cells stained, P < 0.0001, n = 137 in each case). Each assay showed an increasing proportion of ER+ve results with increasing patient age. In the case of ER+ve tissues only, while ER concentration by DCC assay increased steadily with age (r = 0.39, P < 0.0001, n = 108), the ER-ICA assay revealed that, staining intensity increased with age (r = 0.26, P = 0.001, n = 149) but the percentage of cells stained did not (r = 0.08, P = NS, n = 149). It is concluded that increasing endocrine responsiveness with advancing age could reflect the increasing proportion of ER+ve tumours with increased levels of ER per cell (as indicated by staining intensity) rather than increasing proportion of ER+ve cells.     

A Rose by Any Other Name? The Potential Consequences of Microglial Heterogeneity During CNS Health and Disease

Microglial activation and macrophage infiltration into the CNS are common features of CNS autoimmune disease and of chronic neurodegenerative diseases. Because these cells largely express an overlapping set of common macrophage markers, it has been difficult to separate their respective contributions to disease onset and progression. This problem is further confounded by the many types of macrophages that have been termed microglia. Several approaches, ranging from molecular profiling of isolated cells to the generation of irradiation chimeric rodent models, are now beginning to generate rudimentary definitions distinguishing the various types of microglia and macrophages found within the CNS and the potential roles that these cells may play in health and disease.     

Direct inhibition of rat granulosa cell inhibin production by epidermal growth factor in vitro

The effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on inhibin production by rat granulosa cells has been investigated using a recently developed inhibin radioimmunoassay (RIA). Granulosa cells from intact immature diethylstilbestrol (DES)-treated rats were exposed to EGF (1-100 ng/ml) in the presence or absence of FSH for varying periods in vitro. An inhibitory effect of EGF on basal inhibin secretion was evident at day 2 of culture and was sustained over the subsequent 2 days. This action on basal inhibin secretion was dose-dependent, and maximal inhibition to 50% of control was observed at a dose of 100 ng EGF/ml at day 4. EGF also inhibited basal progesterone secretion in a similar manner. EGF caused a dose-dependent inhibition of FSH-stimulated inhibin secretion, with an ID50 (0.5 ng/ml, 0.08 nM) about one-eighth that in the absence of FSH. In addition, EGF also inhibited the stimulation of inhibin production by 8-Br-cAMP and prostaglandin E2. To exclude the possibility that EGF was toxic to the granulosa cells, several biochemical parameters related to cell growth were measured. EGF treatment did not alter cell number but slightly increased [3H]thymidine incorporation into cellular DNA. The effect of EGF on [35S]methionine incorporation into cellular protein was biphasic, being stimulatory at doses less than 10 ng/ml but inhibitory at 100 ng/ml. The present data have demonstrated a direct inhibitory effect of EGF on basal and FSH-stimulated inhibin production by granulosa cells suggesting an important regulatory role of this growth factor in the differentiation of ovarian function.     

A proposed role for silicates and protein in the proliferative effects of saccharin on the male rat urothelium

High doses of sodium saccharin, a non-genotoxic chemical, lead to the formation of silicate-containing precipitate and microcrystals in urine of male rats. Differences in urinary protein, pH, sodium and other factors affect silicate-containing precipitate and microcrystal formation as well as the bladder effects of sodium saccharin. Total urinary silicon concentration (mostly soluble) in sodium saccharin-fed rats is similar to or lower than the concentration in control rats. Binding of saccharin to male rat urinary proteins was demonstrated by equilibrium-gel filtration. We propose that by binding to urinary proteins under appropriate conditions, saccharin produces a nidus for the formation of silicate-containing precipitate and crystals. These appear to be cytotoxic to the superficial bladder epithelium, with cell death resulting in regenerative hyperplasia. Factors that influence the formation of these silicate-containing materials might provide a rationale for sex, species, dose and dietary differences in response to sodium saccharin.     

Plain radiographic findings in anterior cruciate ligament injury and repair

Although magnetic resonance imaging is the most accurate imaging method of evaluating the anterior cruciate ligament, several plain radiographic signs suggestive of anterior cruciate ligament injury have been described. Plain radiographs also play an important role in evaluating anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.     

Adult adjustment of persons with severe/profound mental disabilities: A longitudinal study

The parents of 14 individuals with severe/profound mental disabilities were interviewed one and three years after their children graduated or aged out of high school. Two categories of information were sought concerning the adult adjustment of these individuals. General status variables included marital status, place of residence, agencies contacted concerning employment opportunities, financial resources, leisure activities, means of transportation, sources of help in resolving problems, and amount of postsecondary training. Employment variables included location of employment, wages, number of hours worked per week, and job benefits received. Results indicated that three years after exiting high school, all participants were very dependent upon others for housing, transportation, and financial assistance. Ten of the 14 individuals were employed 3 years after exiting high school, all in sheltered workshops.