Function of the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor gamma-chain in biologic responses of X-linked severe combined immunodeficient B cells to IL-2, IL-4, IL-13, and IL-15

The interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor gamma-chain is a common component of several members of the cytokine receptor superfamily including those for IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, IL-15, and possibly IL-13, and has recently been renamed the common gamma-chain (gamma c-chain). Transfection experiments have shown that the gamma c-chain participates in signal transduction by IL-2, IL-4 and IL-7, but a functional role for the gamma c-chain in biological responses by normal T cells and B cells to these cytokines has not been established. In this study, we have used X- linked severe combined immunodeficiency (X-SCID) as a naturally occurring gamma c-chain gene disruption model to examine the role of the gamma c-chain in human B-cell responses to IL-2, IL-4, IL-13, and IL-15. Our experiments show that B cells from two X-SCID patients with characterized gamma c-chain gene mutations do not respond to IL-2 or IL- 15, but respond as well or better than normal B cells to both IL-4 and IL-13 in assays for B-cell activation, proliferation, and IgE secretion. This finding raises important questions about the function of the gamma c-chain in receptors for IL-4 and IL-13, and the nature of the immune defect in X-SCID.     

Growth of tracheal anastomoses: advantage of absorbable interrupted sutures

Growth of the trachea after complete transection and anastomosis was studied in four groups of 1-month-old New Zealand white rabbits. The trachea was transected at the fifth cartilaginous ring and then anastomosed with continuous 6-0 polypropylene (Prolene) (group 1), interrupted 6-0 polypropylene (group 2), continuous 6-0 polydioxanone (PDS) (group 3), or interrupted 6-0 PDS (group 4). The animals were followed up for 90 to 103 days (mean follow-up, 95 days). At the time the animals were killed, body weight had increased 125% (1.2 to 2.7 +/- 0.18 kg). Growth of the trachea was assessed at the time of death. Results from this study suggest that growth of a tracheal anastomosis is retarded in a growing animal model. The degree of resultant stenosis was significantly less when an absorbable suture material (PDS) and an interrupted suturing technique were used.     

The relative contribution of strength and physique to running and jumping performance of boys 7-11.

The purpose of this study was to determine the association of static strength with motor performance of 7 through 11 year old boys (N = 60) after accounting for differences in physique, i.e., body size, shape, and composition. Static strength measures included thigh extension, leg extension and plantar flexion measured by electronic transducer and back lift, leg lift, and right and left grips measured by spring dynamometer. Measures of body composition consisted of fat estimated from triceps, subscapsular and calf skinfolds, and fat-free body weight estimated from potassium-40 measurements. Body structure consisted of skeletal widths, and segment girths, lengths and volumes. The dependent variables were vertical jump, standing broad jump, 50-yard dash, 600-yard run and mile run. The measures of strength increased the variance accounted for from 10 to 23% over that when body size, composition and structure were used without strength. An exception was vertical jump where no increase in the variance accounted for was found with the addition of strength variables. The regression equations determined for the sample of 60 boys rendered multiple R's ranging from 0.64 (mile run) to 0.75 (50-yard dash). It was concluded that strength has a significant relation to motor performance and that its contribution can be better assessed after accounting for differences in body size, shape, and composition.     

Resistance to airflow through bedding materials used in infancy

Various bedding materials used in infancy, including duvets (or continental quilts), were tested for airflow using the British Standards Institution tests for pillows or fabrics. Resistance was also measured when the items were placed on a dummy infant face. Measurements were made on washed and unwashed garments, which were tested both dry and wet. Results suggest that all the bedding materials tested are safe for use even in the newborn period. The duvets produced slightly lower resistance to breathing than conventional blankets and sheets. In view of the wide variety of infant bedding fabrics it seems desirable for standard airflow performance requirements to be introduced.     

Endometrial carcinoma after cyclical oestrogen-progestogen therapy for Turner's syndrome.

A case of endometrial adenocarcinoma in a patient with Turner's syndrome who had received long term combined oestrogen-progestogen therapy is described.     

The effect of prolactin on calcium homeostasis in coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)

The response of plasma prolactin (PRL) to manipulations of plasma calcium were investigated in coho salmon. Injection of 3.16 mumol EGTA/10 g body weight (to reduce the plasma calcium activity) resulted in significantly higher plasma PRL levels. Lower doses of EGTA (1.06 and 2.13 mumol/10 g body wt) had no effect on plasma PRL concentrations. Injection of 8.75 mumol CaCl2/10 g body wt (but not 4.35 mumol CaCl2/10 g body wt) resulted in significantly lower plasma PRL levels. Plasma total calcium and sodium concentrations were significantly elevated following three daily injections of 0.5 micrograms/g pure chum salmon PRL. This is the first report of a role for salmon PRL in calcium homeostasis of Oncorhynchus.