Prolongation of allograft and xenograft survival in mice by anti-CD2 monoclonal antibodies.

Anti-CD2 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) were used to influence graft survival in two transplantation models. Xenogeneic rat islets were transplanted intraportally into mice. Anti-CD2 mAb prolonged xenograft survival and was synergistic with UVB irradiation in prolonging survival. Anti-CD2 mAb was also more potent than an anti-CD4 mAb in this model. Allogeneic cardiac grafts were transplanted across an entire H-2 difference and anti-CD2 mAb prolonged allograft survival in a dose-dependent fashion. Kinetic experiments revealed that anti-CD2 mAb was most potent when administered at the time of allografting. A delay in administration of mAb markedly reduced its immunosuppressive effects. Furthermore, additional doses of mAb given after the initial doses provided no increased immunosuppression and anti-CD2 mAbs did not delay rejection of second-set allografts. These findings support the notion that anti-CD2 mAbs interfere with afferent immunity and that CD2 is most important during the initial steps of an immune response. Investigation of the effect of anti-CD2 mAb on cellular immune functions demonstrated, in agreement with previous results, that it caused antigenic down-modulation of CD2 with relative sparing of CD3, CD4, and CD8 cell surface expression. Concomitantly the MLR, CTL, and NK responses were suppressed.     

Siberian ginseng (Eleutheroccus senticosus) effects on CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 activity in normal volunteers.

Siberian ginseng ([SG]; Eleutherococcus senticosus) is a commonly used herbal preparation. The objective of this study was to assess in normal volunteers (n = 12) the influence of a standardized SG extract on the activity of cytochrome P450 CYP2D6 and 3A4. Probe substrates dextromethorphan (CYP2D6 activity) and alprazolam (CYP3A4 activity) were administered orally at baseline and again following treatment with SG (1 x 485 mg twice daily) for 14 days. Urinary concentrations of dextromethorphan and dextorphan were quantified, and dextromethorphan metabolic ratios (DMRs) were determined at baseline and after SG treatment. Likewise, plasma samples were collected (0-60 h) for alprazolam pharmacokinetics at baseline and after SG treatment to assess effects on CYP3A4 activity. Validated high performance liquid chromatography methods were used to quantify all compounds and relevant metabolites. There were no statistically significant differences between pre- and post-SG treatment DMRs indicating a lack of effect on CYP2D6 (P > 0.05). For alprazolam there also were no significant differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters determined by noncompartmental modeling (C(max), T(max), area under the curve, half-life of elimination) indicating that SG does not significantly induce or inhibit CYP3A4 (P > 0.05). Our results indicate that standardized extracts of SG at generally recommended doses for over-the-counter use are unlikely to alter the disposition of coadministered medications primarily dependent on the CYP2D6 or CYP3A4 pathways for elimination.     

Image-directed percutaneous biopsies with a biopsy gun

Core tissue for histologic study is believed by many pathologists to be more diagnostic than material from needle aspiration. Recently, a biopsy "gun" has been introduced, which simplifies core biopsies. With this device, 182 biopsies of multiple anatomic sites were performed with ultrasonic, computed tomographic, and fluoroscopic guidance and 18-gauge needles. High-quality histopathologic specimens were obtained in 177 of the biopsies, and diagnostic target tissue was obtained in 167. Only three significant complications occurred: one bleeding complication that required transfusion and two cases of pneumothorax that necessitated placement of chest tubes. The biopsy gun eliminated the disjointed movements of conventional "skinny" needle biopsies, and none of the samples demonstrated significant "crush" artifact or obscuring blood, problems that are commonly associated with manual biopsy techniques. Patient discomfort was decreased with this system compared with that of manual biopsies, and the total procedure time was reduced. Because of these distinct advantages, the authors now use the biopsy gun exclusively for all percutaneous biopsies and recommend that other institutions consider the use of this biopsy method.     

Production of multiple murine CD2 receptor constructs using the baculovirus expression vector and a rapid dot-blot assay

The baculovirus expression system was used to produce three different constructs of the murine cell surface adhesion receptor CD2. One construct coded for a single, N-terminal, Ig-fold domain. It was inefficiently secreted and therefore primarily intracellular. The second construct coded for both extracellular, N-terminal Ig-fold domains. This was efficiently secreted into culture supernatant. The third construct coded for the full-length transmembrane molecule which localized to the cell surface. All constructs were monomers of predicted MW_r and were appropriately glycosylated. They retained epitopic specificity as demonstrated by binding to mAbs, and adhesion function as demonstrated by a rosetting assay.     

Osteosarcomatosis

A review of the 690 cases of osteosarcoma in the radiographic file of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology revealed 29 cases of "osteosarcomatosis" (multiple skeletal sites of osteosarcoma). Fifteen of these patients were 18 years old and under and manifested rapidly appearing, usually symmetric, sclerotic metaphyseal lesions. The remaining 14 patients were more than 18 years old and had fewer, asymmetric sclerotic lesions. In most patients (28 of 29), a radiographically dominant skeletal tumor was seen. Pulmonary metastases occurred in the majority of patients and were detected at the same time as the bone lesions. These 29 patients were studied with regard to demographic data and skeletal distribution and radiographic appearance of their lesions. As a result of the findings, a metastatic origin from a primary dominant osteosarcoma is favored over a multifocal origin as the basis for osteosarcomatosis. Osteosarcomatosis is more commonly encountered in the mature skeleton than has been previously recognized.     

ROLE OF EPIDURAL MEDICATION IN LUMBOSCIATIC SYNDROME

Role of epidural medication through caudal route was studied in 109 patients having lumbago with or without sciatica to highlight the value of this mode of treatment which relieved symptoms in more than 70% of cases without hospitalisation and without being off work for long periods as in usual methods of conservative treatment.KEY WORDS: Epidural medication, Backache, Lumbago, Sciatica