Comparative analysis of CD4-4B4 and CD4-2H4 lymphocyte subpopulations in HIV negative homosexual, HIV seropositive and healthy subjects.

A comparative analysis of subsets (4B4 and 2H4) within the CD4 lymphocyte subpopulation was made by double marker analysis among 23 healthy heterosexual, 16 healthy HIV seronegative high-risk homosexuals and 82 HIV seropositive subjects. Data show that the significant increase in CD4 lymphocytes observed among seronegative homosexuals corresponds mainly to an increase in CD4-4B4 positive cells while CD4-2H4 subset levels remain comparable to healthy heterosexual controls. A decrease both in CD4-4B4 and CD4-2H4, parallel to a decrease in CD4 subpopulation, was observed in asymptomatic seropositive carriers (SPC) and patients with ARC syndrome (AIDS-related complex) or AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Interestingly, an absolute decrease in CD4 subpopulation in patients with asymptomatic lymph node enlargement (LAS), is chiefly accounted for by a decrease in CD4-4B4 subset. The values of CD4-2H4 subset are significantly higher than those observed for SPC patients and are close to the normal values. These observations are of interest, as no differences between SPC and LAS patients could be detected when CD3, CD4 and CD8 subpopulations were studied.     

Ontogeny of B lymphocytes in mice. Quantification of surface membrane immunoglobulins by immunoperoxidase assay.

Surface membrane immunoglobulins (SmIg) of splenic lymphocytes were investigated by immunoperoxidase assay in newborn Swiss mice, their mothers and adult controls. The mean number of SmIg + cells in adult mice was 45-8% and the mean number of antigenic sites per positive cells was 108,500. In newborn mice during the first 7 days of life, values for both parameters were low (24-25--28-5% and 38,000-45,773 respectively) and began to rise after the 10th day to reach adult levels between the ages of 2 and 3 weeks. A peak above adult levels for the mean number of sites per cell was observed on day 21 with a subsequent drop to adult levels on day 28. Post-partum females were found to have consistently fewer sites per positive cell (69,000-86,600) during the 14 days following delivery than their adult control counterparts, though the difference was not statistically significant.     

Antinuclear and related autoantibodies in sera of healthy subjects with IgA deficiency

The sera of 49 healthy IgA-deficient (SIgAD) subjects were evaluated for the presence of autoantibodies directed against 10 different nuclear and cytoskeletal antigens, as well as for the presence of the common lupus anti-DNA idiotype (16/6 Id). Twenty-nine sera were from IgG subclass-deficient subjects (4 = IgG2, 25 = IgG3), and 25 from normal healthy subjects, used as controls. The incidence of antinuclear but not anti-cytoskeletal antibodies were found to be significantly greater in the SIgAD group, as compared to the IgG-deficient subjects and the normal controls. Overall, 39% of SIgAD sera demonstrated polyreactivity, namely reactivity against more than one nuclear antigen. The incidence of specific antibody detection ranged from 37% against cardiolipin to 12% against RNP in the IgA-deficient group, albeit not with statistical significance in all cases when compared to the control group. Isotype evaluation of the antinuclear and related antibodies in the SIgAD group showed a greater tendency towards IgG. This increased incidence of autoantibody production in SIgAD may preceed the development of an overt autoimmune disease in the future.     

Individual cell-by-cell quantitation of lymphocyte surface membrane Ig in normal and CLL lymphocyte and during ontogeny of mouse B lymphocytes by immunoperoxidase assay

A new quantitative immunoperoxidase method is presented for determining absolute amounts of peroxidase and, consequently, surface antigen densities of individual cells in B lymphocytes from normal individuals, from subjects with CLL and prolymphocytic leukemia, and during ontogeny of B lympocytes in the mouse. The following results were observed: (1) The density of B antigenic sites were lower on CLL than on normal B lymphocytes. (2) The B antigens density of leukemic lymphocytes varied less from cell to cell, forming a homogeneous peak on histograms. (3) In a very rare case of CLL, the antigen density was measured at the time of initial diagnosis (22,500 sites or 647 U) and during the development of a blastic crisis (135,000 sites or 2576 U). The cell by cell distribution changed from a homogeneous peak with a low number of antigenic sites per cell to a heterogeneous peak with a high number of antigenic sites per cell. (4) In prolymphocytic leukemia, the density of B antigenic sites was greater than on normal B lymphocytes and much more heterogeneous than on CLL lymphocytes. (5) During ontogeny of B lymphocytes in the mouse, maturation is associated with the appearance of a population of cells of intermediate to high Smig density. The finding of a decrease in, and altered distribution of, surface markers in CLL is compared with these ontologic findings in the mouse, and the concept that a monoclonal B lymphocyte in CLL may be arrested at a particular stage in its differentiation is discussed.     

Avellino dystrophy. Current diagnostic criteria

We report a French family suffering from an Avellino corneal dystrophy diagnosed by using clinical, histological, ultrastructural and genetics findings. Our results indicate that direct corneal examination and routine histological examinations must always be associated with an assay for BIGH3 gene mutations to establish a modern and unambiguous diagnosis of a corneal dystrophy.     

Bilateral keratoconus: a case report

Among corneal dystrophies, the keratoconus is one of the most frequently observed among young adults. A clinico pathological case is reported in a 13-year-old-girl of African origin. The diagnosis of bilateral keratoconus was established based on the obvious changes of the corneal curvature and thickness. After an unsuccessful attempt to improve vision with contact lenses, a keratoplasty was finally performed on one side to remove the pathological cornea. Its histopathological study found the characteristic changes of keratoconus: breaks of Bowman's layer and corneal thinning.     

Investigation of a new parameter in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: The percentage of large peripheral lymphocytes determined by the Hemalog D: Prognostic significance

The number of large peripheral lymphoid cells and the ratio of these large unstained cells to the total number of peripheral lymphocytes was determined by means of the Hemalog D in 57 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and in 100 control subjects. Although the absolute number of large unstained cells/mm³ is simply a reflection of peripheral lymphocytosis, the ratio large unstained cells to total lymphocyte count was shown to correlate with clinical staging. In control subjects, this ratio ranged from 3.2 per cent to 11.2 per cent. In those with CLL it was < 11.2 per cent in 43 patients and > 11.2 per cent in 14 patients. These 14 patients corresponded statistically to patients with advanced disease in our clinical staging system (stages III and IV). An increase in the large unstained cells to total lymphocyte ratio is therefore a statistical criterion of poor prognosis.     

Role of vitrectomy in patients with a decrease in visual acuity secondary to asteroid hyalosis

PURPOSE: Asteroid hyalosis is a vitreous degeneration with calcium and phosphorus--lipid complexes in elderly patients with vascular risk factors or general disease such as diabetes mellitus. Synchysis scintillans is a complication of pathological eyes. Generally there are no symptoms. This study aims to evaluate the role of vitrectomy in patients with a decrease in visual acuity. CASE REPORTS: Pars plana vitrectomy was performed in three patients with visual acuity less than 1/10. The biomicroscope examination showed white and bright particles with rounded and variable shapes localized in the anterior vitreous, moving with the eye. The visualization of the fundus was difficult or impossible. On echography B, the vitreous was very dense with a complete posterior vitreous detachment. The vitrectomy was completed in one case by peeling an epiretinal membrane. Visual acuity was improved for two patients (6/10 or more) and stable for one patient with an atrophic DMLA. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: These results were compared with studies in the literature: in spite of complications, vitrectomy can be indicated in patients with a substantial decrease in visual acuity. However, the result is conditioned by the macular status. Fluorescein angiography can, when it is possible, evaluate the fundus before surgery.