Two pathways of signal transduction are activated in the same cell by different cytokines.

NFS60, a murine leukemia cell line, responds to both interleukin 3 and 6 by proliferating, apparently by different signal transduction pathways. Although stimulation by both cytokines increases the uptake of 3H-arachidonic acid, the response to IL-6 was much faster. Furthermore, the effect of various arachidonic acid metabolites on the response to cytokine was different. PGE2 inhibited IL-6-induced proliferation and potentiated the response to IL-3. Additionally the G proteins which coupled the IL-3 and IL-6 receptor to the proliferative response are probably different, based on the ability of cholera toxin to inhibit the IL-3 but not the IL-6 response. These data are evidence of two pathways of signal transduction.     

The renal clearance of free and peptide-bound deoxypyridinoline: response to pamidronate treatment of Paget's disease.

Bisphosphonate treatment of Paget's disease results in a large decrease in urinary peptide-bound pyridinolines but a smaller decrease in urinary free pyridinolines. This discrepancy could be explained by changes in renal handling of pyridinoline forms. We studied eight patients with Paget's disease treated with pamidronate. We collected blood and urine at baseline and at 3 and 14 days after treatment. We measured free and total deoxypyridinoline (DPD) in serum (S) and urine (U) by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The ratio of free to total DPD at baseline was (mean +/- SE) 13 +/- 1% in serum and 37 +/- 3% in urine; at 3 days, this had increased to 25 +/- 3% in serum and 62 +/- 7% in urine. Peptide-bound (pb) DPD decreased significantly 3 days after treatment: UpbDPD -63 +/- 11%, p < 0.001; SpbDPD -51 +/- 8%, p < 0.01. Free DPD decreased in the urine after 14 days: UfDPD -48 +/- 5%, p < 0.01; there was no significant change in SfDPD. The fractional excretion of pbDPD relative to creatinine was less than one at all time-points; however, the fractional excretion of fDPD was significantly greater than one throughout the study. As a consequence, the proportion of free DPD in the urine increased as bone turnover decreased. This resulted in a smaller decrease in urine free compared with peptide-bound DPD in response to bisphosphonate therapy. Thus, the conversion of peptide-bound to free DPD in the kidney may become more efficient as bone turnover decreases as a consequence of pamidronate treatment.     

Facial reanimation with the VII-XII anastomosis: analysis of the functional and psychologic results

The VII-XII anastomosis has been employed for more than a decade by The Otology Group, P.C., in the facial reanimation of patients undergoing extirpation of tumors involving the cerebellopontine angle and the skull base. A retrospective review based upon a detailed questionnaire and submitted photographic documentation from 61 patients forms the basis for this review. Details and analysis of the functional results include onset of function, synkinetic activity, corneal irritation and associated ophthalmologic problems, facial tone and symmetry, and volitional mimetic function. From a psychosocial perspective, evaluation was made regarding workplace and home acceptance, self consciousness, adaptation, and overall satisfaction. Because of the nature of its technical performance and reliability, the VII-XII anastomosis is an important technique for the otolaryngologist to be familiar with. Cognizance of the functional and psychologic results with this procedure will ensure optimal (yet realistic) rehabilitation for this patient population.     

Desmoplastic malignant melanoma: An aggressive tumor

Summary The clinical features and histological appearance of desmoplastic malignant melanoma are presented. Aggressive surgical management and close follow-up are mandatory if this highly aggressive tumor is to be controlled. Despite this, the prognosis is poor.     

Electron microscopic evidence for the association of M 2 protein with the influenza virion

Summary Immunogold electron microscopy revealed that site-specific antibodies elicited by a synthetic peptide representing the N-terminal sequence (residues 2–10) of influenza virus M 2 protein were capable of binding to the surface of virions. Antibody binding was observed with two human influenza virus strains but not with an avian virus strain which has amino acid substitutions in the appropriate sequence of M 2. These results provide direct evidence for the presence of M 2 in the influenza virion.