Increase in vasopressin binding sites in the human choroid plexus in Alzheimer''s disease

Vasopressin binding sites were determined in the choroid plexus of five Alzheimer's disease patients and five non-demented controls using the¹²⁵I-labelled linear V_1a-antagonist. The Alzheimer's disease patients showed a twofold increase in the density of vasopressin binding sites, whereas the increase in the affinity constant K_d did not reach significance.     

Liposomes for atopic dry skin: the rationale for a promising approach

Summary Atopic dry skin characterized by a defect of the barrier function as determined by trans-epidermal water-loss measurements at the ultrastructural level shows an increase in membranecoating granules (MCGs). MCGs are lamellar, ovoid organelles appearing in the stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum. MCGs consist of stacks of small parallel disks that are extruded and fuse to continuous lamellae. Liposomes, i.e., unior multilamellar vesicles composed of alternating lipid and water phases are structurally similar. Moreover, they also can form continuous lamellae. While phospholipids are generally used for liposome production, skin lipids and in particular ceramides can also be used. These lipids also seem to be the major components of MCGs. Hence, it seems advisable to use liposomes made of such lipids in the treatment of atopic dry skin. Apart from the probable inherent effect liposomes of this type may also apply particularly well for the delivery of active components.Abbreviation] MCG membrane-coating granule     

Liposome encapsulation improves efficacy of betamethasone dipropionate in atopic eczema but not in psoriasis vulgaris

Summary The effect of a liposomal preparation of betamethasone dipropionate (0.039%, BDP) has been compared to that of a commercial propylene glycol-gel containing 0.064% BDP in a double-blind, randomized, paired trial lasting 14 d in 10 patients with atopic eczema and 10 patients with psoriasis vulgaris.In eczema, the liposome preparation tended to reduce erythema and scaling more than the conventional gel, the difference in the latter parameter being significant on Day 7. There was greater improvement of psoriasis on the side treated with the reference gel.Hence, liposome encapsulation of BDP may increase the antiinflammatory action but not the antiproliferative effect. Since inhibition of mitotic activity is linked to the atrophogenicity of topical corticosteroids, the results suggest that liposome encapsulation may improve the benefit-risk ratio in eczema.     

Untersuchungen mit der Claraschen Diazokupplungsreaktion an Schnitten menschlicher Haut

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Preputial abscesses caused by beta-lactamase-producing gonococci

Preputial abscesses occurred in three men who had had sexual intercourse with prostitutes in Thailand. Neisseria gonorrhoeae could be grown from the lesions. Two of the strains were tested for beta-lactamase production and proved positive. While all three patients showed no clinical signs of urethritis, urethral swabs were positive for gonococci in two.     

Zum verhalten der kollagenpeptidasen im serum von sklerodermie-kranken unter gestagen-therapie

Summary In 20 patients with progressive systemic sclerosis the activity of collagen peptidase in serum before and after gestagen therapy of 10 resp. 20 days was determined. After 20 days the enzyme activity was significantly decreased. These findings show no correlation to the known gestagen induced alterations of the collagen metabolism.

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Zum verhalten der kollagenpeptidasen im serum von sklerodermie-kranken unter gestagen-therapie

Zusammenfassung Bei 20 Patienten mit progressiver Sklerodermie wurde die Kollagenpeptidase-Aktivität im Serum vor sowie 10 und 20 Tage nach Beginn der Gestagen-Therapie bestimmt. Es zeigte sich nach 20 Tagen eine statistisch signifikante Abnahme der Kollagenpeptidase-Aktivität. Dieser Befund korreliert nicht mit den bekannten Gestagen-bedingten Veränderungen im Kollagenstoffwechsel.