Quantitative characteristic of circulating immune complexes in patients with lupus erythematosus and central nervous system disorders

Molecular weight and concentration characteristics of immune complexes (IC) from 19 sera of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and CNS impairment have been obtained by the rapid nephelometry assay. Basing on cranial CT findings, the examinees were divided into 2 groups. Group I included patients with cerebral cysts and local dilation of subarachonid spaces, group II those with the above dilatation or that of ventricles of the brain. Small-size IC were registered in 14 sera, their relative molecular mass being under the values derived for donors and SLE patients without CNS affections whereas their level exceeded such in donor sera. Larger IC relative concentrations were seen in group I patients than in group II ones (34 +/- 13 and 18.7 +/- 12, respectively). Five patients failed to demonstrate IC. The presence of small-size IC in high concentrations may be considered a marker of CNS involvement in SLE, the highest concentrations suggesting local impairment of the brain.     

A new method for preservation of viable leukocytes at near-zero temperatures

We propose a new effective, available, and economic method for preservation of leukocytes at near-zero temperatures for 6 days using an original protecting solution. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 144, No. 9, pp. 358–360, September, 2007     

Creation of a gelatin-based solution for preservation of leukocytes

A new effective and available method is proposed for preservation of human blood leukocytes at supercooling temperature (−10°C). The method consists in induction of cold hypobiosis under protection of an original antifreeze protecting solution containing glycerol (cryoprotector), mexidol (antioxidant and membrane stabilizer), and gelatin preparation (modegel or gelatinol) as the solvent. No washing of the solution from the biological object before its intravenous injection is needed; the solution preserves morphological integrity of cells and their functional activity at a high level for 12 days. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 144, No. 10, pp. 445–447, October, 2007     

Use of Choline Chloride for Leukocyte Cryopreservation (-40°C)

Choline chloride in complex with the main cryophylactic (1,2-propanediol) preserves morphological integrity and functional activity of blood nuclears after freezing to -40°C by the exponential program.     

A method for quantitative determination of average masses and concentrations of circulating immune complexes in human sera

A method for rapid determination of average masses and concentrations of circulating immune complexes in human sera is suggested. It is based on the dissimilarity in solubilities of immune complexes with different masses in the presence of polyethyleneglycol. Light-scattering intensities are measured by a laser nephelometer after adding to the serum of PEG in two different concentrations. The experimental values of the average masses and concentrations are calculated using calibration curves. The calibration curves are plotted for model immune complexes with different average masses obtained by heat-aggregation of IgG at various concentrations. This technique has been employed for determination of the average masses and concentrations of circulating immune complexes in 17 patients suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus and in 8 control individuals.     

Effect of simulated weightlessness on calcium metabolism and the condition of bone tissue in experimental animals

Male rats of the Wistar strain were for 40 days exposed to hypokinesia and hypodynamia. After exposure bone biochemical, physical, chemical, morphological and strength parameters were investigated. Both simulation studies led to changes in calcium and phosphorus metabolism but the nature of bone changes was different. It is concluded that the efficacy of drugs used as countermeasures in animal simulation experiments should be assessed by both exposures, viz. small size cages and suspension, because they reproduce different mechanisms of potential bone lesions in microgravity. It is also inferred that various countermeasures should be used in combination to yield the best results.     

Computerized tomography, radionuclide gamma-topography and angiography in the diagnosis of brain abscesses of rhinosinusogenic origin

X-ray and other methods were used to examine 21 patients with brain abscesses of rhinosinusogenic origin. The diagnostic methods including computer tomography, brain gamma-topography and cerebral angiography yielded objective information about the localization, size, distribution and multiplicity of brain abscesses. They were displayed as doughnuts or rings on computer tomograms and as pies on gamma-topograms. The noninvasive methods such as computer tomography or gamma-topography proved very helpful for assessing the efficacy of surgical intervention at an early postoperative stage.