Effect of interferon on the structural organization of rat thymus

Changes in the thymus of male Wistar rats were studied under a light microscope at various times after intranasal administration of α-interferon. The relative mass of the organ, the cortex volume, the total number of cells, the number of small and medium lymphocytes, and the number of mitoses decrease 14 days after interferon administration. At the same time, the number of macrophages, neutrophils, mature plasmacytes, eosinophils, and erythrocytes increases, and mast cells appear. Thus, α-interferon probably suppresses the formation of T cells, facilitates allergization of the organism, and increases the permeability of the vascular endothelium. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 118, N ^o 12, pp. 609–612, December, 1994     

Segregation analysis of Scheuermann disease in ninety families from Siberia

Scheuermann disease [OMIM number 181440] is the most common cause of structural kyphosis in adolescence. Segregation analysis using a model with gender effects was applied to 90 pedigrees from Barnaul (West Siberia, Russia) ascertained through a proband with Scheuermann disease. The transmission probability model was used to detect major gene effect. A significant contribution of a major gene to the control of the pathology was established. Inheritance of the disease can be described within the framework of a dominant major gene diallele model. According to this model, Scheuermann disease should never occur in the absence of the mutant allele. All male carriers of the mutant allele develop the disease, while only a half of female carriers manifest it. We found a high frequency of idiopathic scoliosis in the families with Scheuermann disease (0.08 vs. 0.01-0.02 in general population). We also observed a succession of idiopathic scoliosis and Scheuermann disease in consecutive generations. The familial aggregation of these two spinal pathologies in the present sample may indicate a genetic unity of Scheuermann disease and idiopathic scoliosis.     

Behavioral effects of novel enterosorbent Noolit on mice with mixed depression/anxiety-like state

The aim of this work was to examine the behavioral effects of a novel lithium-based enterosorbent, Noolit (665 mg/kg), on male mice with mixed depression/anxiety-like state evoked by exposure to repeated social defeats in daily agonistic confrontations. The lithium component allows Noolit to be used as a psychotropic drug. Two experiments are described, in which the therapeutic and preventative effects of chronic Noolit treatment were examined. Response to Noolit was assessed in the plus maze, open field, partition test, and Porsolt's test. In both experiments, Noolit produced obvious anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. Treatment with Noolit fully restored some behavioral parameters in the plus maze and open field in depressed mice and prevented depression that would otherwise have developed. It has been suggested that enterosorbent Noolit can be a potent drug for the treatment of mixed anxiety/depression pathologies and for prevention of mood disorders.     

Cochlear implantation with implant Combi 40+ produced by MED-El

The paper reports three cases of cochlear implantation using implant Combi 40+ produced by Med-El (Austria). Short-term postoperative testing results demonstrate an appreciable progress in hearing. Changes in speech discrimination and speech production are evaluated.     

The ultrastructural changes in the cellular lining of lymph node sinuses in organochlorine pesticide poisoning

In conditions of exotoxicosis arising after the effect of 2,4-dichlorphenoxyacetic acid cytoplasmic cells of littoral cells of marginal and medullary sinuses undergo alike changes and their cell organelles (rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex, micropinocytotic vesicles and mitochondria) mass is reduced. These changes are more pronounced in littoral cells of marginal sinus when the dos under the effect of 4 permissible doses of the poison. Intensity of intracellular structures reaction to the toxicant action depends on the cell localization on the lymph passage insid within the lymph node (marginal or medullar sinuses). Dystrophic changes in sinus lining cells so as the speed and character of regenerative processes depend on the dose and time of action of the agent.