Differential effect of adenosine on DNA synthesis in lymphoid and myeloid cell lines

In this report, the effects of adenosine on the promyelocytic cell line HL-60 and on T-lymphocytic clones are compared. According to previous reports, adenosine induces a dose-dependent inhibition of DNA synthesis in T-lymphocytes. Conversely, adenosine dose-dependently enhances DNA synthesis in HL-60 cells, as documented with [3H]thymidine uptake studies and flow cytometric cell-cycle analysis. Unlike its effect on lymphocytes, the adenosine effect on HL-60 cells does not seem to be mediated by receptor binding, but it appears to be correlated with an intracellular mechanism following active uptake. Despite the different effects exerted by adenosine on lymphocytes and myeloid cells, a purinergic pathway appears to be more generally involved in the regulation of some phases of cell growth.     

Variations in ferritin levels in blood during physiological pregnancy

Iron deficiency anemia is the most frequent haematological pathology in pregnancy. Serum ferritin levels represent the state of iron deposits. Low levels are a sure sign of iron deficiency. At the University of Turin we studied the variations of serum ferritin levels during physiological pregnancy and the sensitivity of routine blood tests with respect to serum ferritin levels. Routine haematological blood values along with ferritin levels were measured in 115 patients throughout pregnancy. The mean serum ferritin level was 56 ng/ml in the first trimester, 27.2 ng/ml in the second and 11.8 ng/ml in the third. The incidences of anemia per trimester was 6.6%, 4.8% and 49% respectively (p less than 0.05, chi squared). Our results show that it is important to evaluate iron deposits early in pregnancy by measuring serum ferritin levels in order to determine the need for iron therapy.     

Synthesis and anti-microbial activity of benzo-condensed heterocyclic derivatives

The synthesis of 2,4-dione derivatives of 1,5-benzodithiepine, 1,5-benzodiazepine and 1,5-benzothiazepine and the anti-microbial activity in vitro of these derivatives and of analogous of 1,5-benzodioxepine, 1,5-benzoxathiepine and 1,5-benzoxazepine, previously prepared, are reported. Some of these compounds showed a good activity against some Gram positive microorganisms and blastomycetes.     

Study of circulating lymphocytes by monoclonal antibodies in myasthenia gravis

A significant decline of CD3 cell detected by rosettes and a significant increased of B cell populations were observed. The total CD3+, helper CD4+ and suppressor CD8+ T-cell subsets showed no significant variation em relation to sex, age thymectomy and corticotherapy by monoclonal antibodies.     

The role of donor and recipient factors in initial renal graft non-function

ATN is a deleterious problem in the outcome of kidney transplantation. This complication is usually related to multiple factors including donor parameters, surgical technique, ischemic time, and recipient variables. In order to develop prophylactic measures, out of 430 kidney transplants performed in our Department, a series of 90 consecutive cadaveric renal allografts has been considered in this study. The overall incidence of IGNF was 23/90 (25.5%). Kidneys from MOD revealed a lower rate of IGNF (7/35 = 20%) when compared with organs from SOD (16/55 = 29%, P = NS). No difference was noted when kidneys were removed together with heart and/or liver and/or pancreas. Out of the donor factors, only CID was significant (17 +/- 9 hours in IGNF v 11 +/- 10 hours in patients with IGF, P = less than .05). Analysis of data concerning the fate of paired kidneys revealed two cases of IGNF in both kidneys from the same donor v 14 cases of IGNF in only one of the two paired grafts (P = NS). We conclude that: 1. Donor factors are clearly associated with a minority of IGNF. 2. The introduction of multiorgan procurement programs does not complicate early function. 3. Recipient factors (immunological events and intraoperative fluid management) provides important additive effects on initial graft nonfunction.     

Health insurance and private providers: A study of the civil servants' medical benefit scheme in bangkok,Thailand

Compulsory health insurance schemes have received attention recently as a means of creating a reliable extra-budgetary source of health care funding. Yet, the full implications of such schemes in a developing country context are unclear; in particular, the impact on and relationship with private sector providers has infrequently been explored. This study examines patterns of public and private sector utilization under the Civil Servants' Medical Benefit Scheme (CSMBS) in Bangkok, Thailand. The CSMBS currently provides limited reimbursement for private inpatient care, but recent proposals suggest increasing benefit levels for care sought in the private sector. The study shows that despite high level of cost recovery in the public sector, charges were much lower than those in the private sector. Different patterns of diagnosis in the two sectors were found with private hospitals tending to treat a less complex case mix. Within the private sector, there was a limited tendency to specialize in certain types of care. It is concluded that under the current payment mechanism of fee-for-service reimbursement, measures to enhance access to private sector care should be approached with caution. In the long run, the scheme should merge with the recently established social security scheme.     

Immunopathology of ocular sarcoidosis

Summary Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease characterized by enhanced immune responses at sites of involvement. To elucidate the immunopathogenesis of ophthalmic lesions, cell infiltrates in biopsies from conjunctiva and other tissues involved (lungs, lymph nodes, skin) were studied in 26 patients with active sarcoidosis in order to define the surface phenotype and the distribution of cells in granulomatous lesions. Biopsy specimens were also stained for detection of immunoglobulins, complement and fibrinogen deposits. The data demonstrate a lymphocytes/macrophages interaction in the central core of granulomatous areas as the crucial event that initiates the maintains the state of inflammation: at all sites of disease activity is present a compartmentalization of T-cells expressing a helper-related phenotype which account for the great majority of infiltrating cells both in the early lesions (aggregate of macrophages surrounded by lymphocytic infiltrate) and in well-organized sarcoid granulomata. The presence of plasma cells and immunoglobulin deposits may represent an epiphenomenon in line with the helper infiltration, suggesting a local hyper-reactivity of the B-cells immune system. This study suggests some immunopathogenetic mechanisms leading to the formation and growth of conjunctival sarcoid granulomata.     

Rats clearing a vaginal infection by Candida albicans acquire specific, antibody-mediated resistance to vaginal reinfection.

Oophorectomized, estrogen-treated rats were susceptible to experimental vaginal infection by Candida albicans. After spontaneous clearing of the primary infection, the animals were highly resistant to a second vaginal challenge with the fungus. The vaginal fluid of Candida-resistant rats contained antibodies directed against mannan constituents and secretory aspartyl proteinase(s) of C. albicans and was capable of transferring a degree of anti-Candida protection to naive, nonimmunized rats. This passive protection was mediated by the immunoglobulin fraction of the vaginal fluid and was substantially abolished by preabsorption of the vaginal fluid with C. albicans, but not with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, cells. Vaginal anti-mannan antibodies were also produced by active immunization with heat-killed cells of C. albicans or with a mannan extract when administered via the vaginal route. The protection conferred was comparable to that resulting from clearing of the primary infection. In summary, the data suggest that acquired anticandidal protection in this vaginitis model is mediated at least in part by antibodies, among which those directed against the mannan antigen(s) might play a dominant role.