Migration and differentiation of myogenic precursors following transplantation into the developing rat brain

There is increasing evidence that muscle-derived precursor cells can, under appropriate conditions, give rise to other than myogenic cell types. Transplantation into the embryonic ventricular zone provides a unique opportunity to study the migration and differentiation of non-neural somatic progenitor cells in response to instructive cues within the developing neuroepithelium. Here, we demonstrate that myogenic cell lines grafted into the ventricles of rat embryos showed widespread migration into several host brain compartments. In contrast to incorporation patterns observed after transplantation of neural cells, grafted myoblasts incorporated virtually exclusively along endogenous blood vessels. Preferential incorporation sites included cortex, olfactory bulb, hippocampus, striatum, thalamus, hypothalamus, and tectum. While the engrafted myoblasts showed no evidence of neural differentiation, a fraction exhibited pronounced coexpression of endothelial marker antigens. These findings support the concept of a close developmental relationship between the myogenic and the endothelial lineages. Used as a delivery system, transfected myoblasts may be exploited for widespread gene transfer to the perivascular compartment of the perinatal central nervous system.     

Ependymome

Ependymome entstehen aus den wandauskleidenden Ependymzellen der Ventrikel einschließlich des Zentralkanals des Rückenmarks. Entsprechend können sie ventrikelnah im Bereich des Gehirns sowie im Inneren des Rückenmarks und an dessen Ende, dem Filum terminale, beobachtet werden. Sie stellen ca. 3–9% aller neuroepithelialen Tumoren,wobei der Anteil im Kindesalter deutlich höher ist—hier machen sie bis zu 20% aller soliden intrakraniellen Tumoren aus. In dem vorliegenden Text sollen die intrakraniellen Ependymome behandelt werden—auf die spinalen Ependymome, die in der Regel als intramedulläre Tumoren auftreten, soll aufgrund der grundsätzlichen Verschiedenheiten spinaler und intrakranieller Tumoren hier nicht eingegangen werden. Die intrakraniellen Manifestationen der Ependymome führen zu Anfällen oder zu neurologischen Ausfallserscheinungen. Je nach Lage des Tumors, insbesondere bei Lokalisation des Tumors in der hinteren Schädelgrube tritt häufig ein begleitender Hydrozephalus auf. Die Therapie der Wahl ist die mikrochirurgische Exstirpation, die auf eine maximale Entfernung des Tumors abzielt. Rezidive entstehen in der Regel lokal, selten auch als Aussaat über den Liquorraum. Aufgrund der Rezidivneigung ist eine regelmäßige Nachsorge unerlässlich.     

Local immunotherapy of glioma patients with a combination of 2 bispecific antibody fragments and resting autologous lymphocytes: evidence for in situ t-cell activation and therapeutic efficacy

After adoptive transfer of pre-activated lymphocytes into the operation cavity of glioma patients, tumor regression and improved survival have been reported in some patients. Results were most impressive when bispecific antibodies with tumor x CD3 specificity were also applied. In this study, we attempted to avoid time-consuming pre-activation procedures for adoptively transferred cells by using a combination of bispecific antibodies directed to the EGF receptor (EGFR) on tumor cells and to CD3 and CD28 on T cells. Eleven patients with high-grade malignant glioma received 3 injections of 2 bispecific antibody fragments (EGFR x CD3 and EGFR x CD28) together with freshly isolated autologous lymphocytes via an Ommaya reservoir. Intracavitary fluid aspirated during immunotherapy was examined for markers of T-cell activation. Increased levels of soluble IL-2 receptor and TNF-alpha were detected in the intracavitary fluid of all patients tested. Two of the 11 treated patients experienced a beneficial response to therapy as defined by a transient contrast enhancement in subsequent MRI scans and prolonged survival. Side effects were transient and consisted of fever, nausea, headache and aggravation of pre-existing neurologic deficits. These adverse effects were most likely due to the antibody construct containing anti-CD3 specificity. Two patients developed cerebral edema and required steroid treatment.     

Insufficiency of accommodation in patients with advanced AIDS

This study determined the amplitude of accommodation in patients with advanced acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The Push-up and Minus lens techniques were used to measure the accommodation amplitude of 42 patients with AIDS, aged 17 to 44 years, and of aged-matched controls. With both techniques, the AIDS group had average accommodative values below those of the controls and below normal values. Insufficiency of accommodation in patients with AIDS was more severe in younger than in older patients. The authors have stated that they do not have a significant financial interest or other relationship with any product manufacturer or provider of services discussed in this article.