Localization of phospholipids in human catecholamine neurons with Baker''s acid haematein

Summary Protein bodies in catecholamine neurons of the normal human brain contain arginine-rich proteins similar to those present in the core of Lewy bodies in Parkinsonian brains. Lewy bodies are known also to contain phospholipids in their core, demonstrable with Baker's acid haematein. We used Baker's procedure on catecholamine neurons of normal brains to test whether the protein bodies also contain phospholipids. Postmortem tissues of three control individuals were used in this study. Locus coeruleus and substantia nigra were dissected out from the fresh brains and two sets of blocks were made from each area. One set was fixed in formol-calcium for the preservation of lipids, the second was fixed in Bouin's solution and treated with hot pyridine for the extraction of lipids. Finally, both sets were subjected to the same chroming and staining procedure according to Baker. In catecholamine neurons the protein bodies were stained with acid haematein, indicating the presence of phospholipids. Since this staining resisted pyridine extraction we conclude that these phospholipids are firmly bound to the basic proteins. Thus, protein bodies in healthy catecholamine neurons give the same positive reaction for phospholipids as that reported for the core of Lewy bodies in damaged neurons in Parkinsonism.     

A leg ulcer as manifestation of metastatic squamous cell vaginal carcinoma

Cutaneous metastasis of vaginal carcinoma is extremely rare. So far, the total number of reported skin metastasis of vaginal carcinoma is only one. We present another case with an unusual manifestation of vagina carcinoma metastasis: skin metastasis presenting as a leg ulcer on the lower leg.     

Localization of a gene for otosclerosis to chromosome 15q25-q26

Among white adults otosclerosis is the single most common cause of hearing impairment. Although the genetics of this disease are controversial, the majority of studies indicate autosomal dominant inheritance with reduced penetrance. We studied a large multi- generational family in which otosclerosis has been inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. Five of16 affected persons have surgically confirmed otosclerosis; the remaining nine have a conductive hearing loss but have not undergone corrective surgery. To locate the disease- causing gene we completed genetic linkage analysis using short tandem repeat polymorphisms (STRPs) distributed over the entire genome. Multipoint linkage analysis showed that only one genomic region, on chromosome 15q, generated a lod score >2.0. Additional STRPs were typed in this area, resulting in a lod score of 3.4. STRPs FES (centromeric) and D15S657 (telomeric) flank the 14. 5 cM region that contains an otosclerosis gene.      

Peritoneal fluid concentrations of interleukin-8 in women with endometriosis: relationship to stage of disease

There is increasing evidence that immunological mechanisms play a role in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of endometriosis. It was therefore of interest to study interleukin-8 (IL-8), a chemokine, in the peritoneal fluid and peripheral blood of women undergoing laparoscopic procedures. The presence and concentrations of IL-8 in relation to endometriosis, infertility and abdominal pain were evaluated. Samples of peritoneal fluid (n = 49) and peripheral blood (n = 50) were obtained from 50 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for various gynaecological indications (abdominal pain, infertility, sterilization). IL-8 was present in the peritoneal fluid of most women (87%). The concentration of IL-8 in the peritoneal fluid was higher in women with endometriosis compared to women without (P = 0.02). This difference was more pronounced in early (stage 1) endometriosis (P = 0.001). IL-8 concentrations in the peritoneal fluid were also higher in women with early endometriosis compared to women with later stages of the disease (P = 0.003). Peripheral blood concentrations did not correlate with peritoneal fluid concentrations of IL-8 and/or the presence of endometriosis. We conclude that IL-8 is an important factor that may contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis possibly by promoting neovascularization. This information can be a guide in the development of new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of endometriosis.