Adrenal and pseudoadrenal masses: CT and US findings

Computed tomography (CT) is currently the imaging modality of choice for assessing the morphology of the adrenal glands in adult patients. Much useful information can be gained using CT in disease processes which primarily involve one or both of the adrenal glands, such as adenomas, as well as in entities which secondarily affect the adrenals, such as pituitary or metastatic disease. The size and configuration of the glands can be readily determined, and masses may be detected. We discuss CT of normal and abnormal adrenal glands with sonographic (US) and pathological correlation, when available. Entities which may mimic adrenal abnormalities are emphasized. Relative advantages of US over CT in the pediatric patient are discussed.     

Memory clinic attenders: A review of 150 consecutive patients

The Dundee Memory Clinic was established in 1991. This paper reviews the diagnosis of the first 150 attenders and compares the findings with those of other memory clinics.     

Regulation of fibroblast-induced collagen gel contraction by interleukin-1β

Fibroblasts incorporated within collagen gels induce a cell-mediated contraction of the gel to form a three-dimensional, tissue-like structure by a mechanism thought to mimic wound contraction in vivo . In this study a gel contraction model was used to investigate the ability of fibroblasts derived from adult gingiva, adult skin and fetal skin to organise a collagen matrix. In addition the effects of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) on the contraction process was also investigated. Over the concentration range 5-50 U/ml, IL-1β induced a statistically significant inhibition of gel contraction in all fibroblast cell types ( P <0.05), although fetal fibroblasts appeared least responsive and gingival fibroblasts most responsive to the inhibitory effects of this cytokine. Comparison of gel contraction by the different fibroblast strains indicated that fetal and gingival fibroblasts shared similar contraction kinetics. For the adult skin fibroblasts, three of five strains studied showed significantly diminished levels of gel contraction compared to fetal and gingival cells. This apparent difference in fibroblast phenotype may, at least in part, explain the fetal-like wound healing pattern seen in the oral mucosa.     

Evidence that the Receptor for Soluble CD14:LPS Complexes may not be the Putative Signal-Transducing Molecule Associated with Membrane-Bound CD14

Membrane-bound CD14 acts as a receptor for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils. Studies have suggested that the activation of monocytes/macrophages by the binding of LPS to membrane-bound CD14 may require the association of a signal-transducing molecule with membrane-bound CD14. The observation that non-CD14 expressing cells, such as endothelial cells, can nevertheless be activated by a complex of LPS and a soluble form of CD14 (sCD14) suggests that the receptor for this complex may be identical to the signal transducing molecule associated with membrane-bound CD14. The studies described show that two CD14-specific MoAb are able to block the LPS-induced activation of endothelial cells but do not affect the response of monocytes to LPS. This suggests that the interaction of the sCD14:LPS complex with endothelial cells is distinct from the interaction of membrane-bound CD14 with its putative signal-transducing molecule.     

Choristomas of the seventh and eighth cranial nerves.

Choristomas, masses of normal tissues in aberrant locations, contain smooth muscle fibers and fibrous tissues. We describe the MR imaging features of two choristomas located in the internal auditory canals and arising from the facial and vestibulocochlear nerves. Both lesions enhanced with contrast material. In one case, enhancement was seen in the geniculate ganglion and greater superficial petrosal nerve. In the other, a medial component enhanced less than the lateral component did.