Lymphokine Production in Ty Lymphoproliferative Disorders

We have studied five patients with chronic lymphocytosis consisting of large granular lymphocytes (LGL). The increased numbers of LGL in these patients had little or no natural killer activity, mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, and were induced to kill tumour lines after culture for 3 days with interleukin 2 (IL-2). Patients' LGL showed considerable reactivity with HNK-1 and AB8.28 monoclonal antibodies (MoAb), whereas positivity for OKM1 and N901 was found in only two subjects, and only one patient reacted with B73.1. No appreciable reactivity has been found with anti-Tac MoAb in the four patients tested. In the absence of stimulation, the patients' LGL produced no IL-2 and only minimal amounts of IL-1 and interferon (IFN). On stimulation with lipopolysaccharides (for IL-1) or phytohaemagglutinin A (PHA) (for IL-2 and IFN), they produced IL-1 and IFN in amounts similar to those produced by normal lymphocytes, but only modest levels of IL-2. These results indicated that proliferating LGL, like normal LGL, have a secretory capacity. The lack of constitutive lymphokine production, the lack of Tac receptor expression, and the defect in IL-2 production after PHA stimulation do not support the hypothesis of an autocrine proliferation sustained by a known growth factor.     

Ultrastructural and histochemical study on the interrenal cells of the male stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus, Teleostea), in relation to the reproductive annual cycle

The steroidogenic interrenal cells in the adrenal homologue of the male stickleback ( Gasterosteus aculeatus ) were studied in relation to the reproductive cycle by means of histological and ultrastructural observations, and using histochemical methods for the localisation of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βHSD) and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17βHSD). To determine the various stages of the reproductive cycle, the testes were also examined by histological and histochemical methods (3βHSD). The results indicate that in this teleost the interrenal cells can undergo a cycle in which phases characterised by different cytological aspects are observed. During this cycle there is a renewal of organelles, in particular mitochondria and SER. Periodic degenerative processes are also found. Organelle cytology showed that the cell cycle has at least 3 different aspects during the year. An analogy with some cytological aspects of the adrenal zonation in mammals is possible. It is postulated that the interrenal gland activity could substitute or supplement androgen production by the testes.     

Occupational health promotion amongst cattle farmers in Zambia

One of the main activities of the Italian Animal Health Programme(IAHP) in the Republic of Zambia, a bilateral project betweenthe Ministry of Agriculture of the Zambian Government and theGeneral Directorate for Development Cooperation of the ItalianMinistry of Foreign Affairs, is the control of Malignant Theileriosisin Southern Province, through immersion of cattle in dip tankscontaining an acaricide. There are potentially important healthrisks to farm workers and the environment as a result of thisintervention and these are discussed. The control measures undertaken,with special reference to health education programmes, are described.