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Biomedical subjects

A C Johannessen

Publications and source records attributed to A C Johannessen.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Analysis of T-cell receptor expressing lymphocytes infiltrating squamous cell carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract.

T-lymphocytes expressing T-cell receptors (TCRs) of the gamma/delta type have been suggested to play an important role in mucosal defense against infection and neoplastic transformation. In this study, an immunohistochemical investigation was performed on the distribution of alpha/beta and gamma/delta TCRs among tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Thirteen patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract were studied, using monoclonal antibodies and an avidin-biotin-peroxidase technique. Most of the T-cells had an alpha/beta TCR. Only 1.6% of the T-cells within the cancer tissue and 1.2% of the T-cells in the parenchyma adjacent to the cancer tissue expressed gamma/delta TCRs. These results are consistent with the results of similar studies in bronchial and breast carcinomas. Biopsies from normal oral mucosa in nine healthy individuals showed that 1.3% of the T-cells within the epithelium and 1.0% of those in the lamina propria adjacent to the epithelium expressed gamma/delta TCRs. Quantitatively the results do not support the theory that gamma/delta T-cells play an important role in the immunological response against cancer tissue in the mucosa of the upper aerodigestive tract. The functional role of these cells in the mucosa and in response to carcinomas is, however, still uncertain.

Adult↗

Rare case of keratin-producing multiple gingival cysts.

A rare case of multiple keratin-containing gingival cysts is presented. It is suggested that either a common dental lamina stem cell with diverging differentiation pathways or another cell of origin may be responsible for the formation of these unique cysts.

Adult↗

Epithelial expression of HLA class II antigens and Fc gamma receptors in patients with adult periodontitis.

The distribution of HLA class II (DR, DP, DQ) and Fc gamma R (I, II, III) was analyzed in the epithelia of patients with advanced marginal periodontitis using cryostat sections incubated with monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) against the Langerhans cell (LC) (CD1a) and various subtypes of HLA class II and Fc gamma R, and the indirect immunofluorescence technique. In the oral gingival epithelium (OGE), LC were concentrated subjacent to the connective tissue papillae, while in the pocket epithelium (PE), they were most abundant at the gingival margin. HLA-DP, DQ, and DR stained LC in both OGE and PE. HLA-DQ+ LC were significantly fewer than DP+ and DR+ LC. HLA-DR also stained keratinocytes (KC) in the whole extension of both OGE and PE. HLA-DP was also observed on KC, but not HLA-DQ. Fc gamma R II stained both LC and focal areas of KC. In PE FC gamma R II+ LC were concentrated near the bottom of the pocket, while in the OGE, they were concentrated at the gingival margin. Fc gamma R III was present only on KC, especially in the basal and suprabasal layer. The results indicate that the epithelial cells are actively involved in the development and maintenance of the inflammation of periodontal disease.

Adult↗

Oligoclonality of T cells in salivary glands of autoimmune MRL/lpr mice.

The aim of this study was to obtain further information about exocrine glandular immunopathology and the potential of the MRL/lpr strain as a model of Sjögren's syndrome. Immunoenzyme staining (ABC technique) and monoclonal antibodies defining CD3 T-cell receptor (TcR) alpha beta, gamma delta and TcR V beta 2, V beta 4, V beta 6, V beta 7, V beta 8.1,2, V beta 10b and V beta 11 were used to identify the mononuclear cells (MNC) in salivary gland infiltrates and lymph nodes of 2- and 4-5-month-old female MRL/lpr mice. TcR alpha beta + cells dominated clearly over TcR gamma delta + cells in both salivary glands and lymph nodes. In addition, to be expressed on lymphocyte-like cells, TcR gamma delta + cells also had a dendritic appearance. The frequency pattern of TcR expression in early inflammation (2 months) was V beta 8.1, 2 > V beta 6 > V beta 4 > V beta 10b > V beta 2 > V beta 7 > V beta 11. Clear differences in frequencies could be found between salivary glands and lymph nodes in established sialadenitis (4-5 months). Particularly V beta 4, V beta 8.1,2 and V beta 10b showed expansion in salivary glands at > or = 4 months. In conclusion, this study shows a diverse repertoire of TcR at local sites of MNC infiltration in autoimmune MRL/lpr mice. However, with increasing age it also shows a preferential utilization of certain V beta gene products.

Animals↗

Micropuncture measurements of interstitial fluid pressure in normal and inflamed gingiva in rats.

Interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) in normal and inflamed gingiva of rats was measured by sharpened glass capillaries (diameter 2-4 microns) connected to a servocontrolled counterpressure system ad modum Wiederhielm. Gingival inflammation was induced by a steel ligature placed unilaterally around the first maxillary molar. After 8 weeks, the ligature was removed and measurements of IFP in normal and experimentally inflamed gingiva were made by puncture through the intact oral epithelium. Average IFP on the control side was 3.5 mm Hg in free, and 7.4 mm Hg in attached gingiva. Compared to the control side, IFP on the experimental inflamed side was elevated significantly (p less than 0.05) both in free and attached gingiva. In the ligated inflamed side IFP in free gingiva averaged 6.7 mm Hg, whereas in attached gingiva it showed a mean value of 10.4 mm Hg. Histological examinations showed a dense infiltrate of inflammatory cells in the connective tissue, while the contralateral control side showed normal features of epithelial and connective tissue. The present finding of increased IFP in the inflamed gingiva may in theory contribute to augmented crevicular fluid flow during inflammation.

Animals↗

In situ characterization of mononuclear cells in marginal periodontitis of patients with Down's syndrome.

An indirect immunofluorescence technique on cryostat sections was used to study the cellular composition in chronic marginal periodontitis (CMP) of patients with Down's syndrome (DS). The findings were compared with CMP lesions in otherwise normal patients (NP). The distribution and amount of CD22+ cells (B lymphocytes), CD3+ cells (pan T lymphocytes), CD4+ cells (helper T subset), CD8+ cells (suppressor/cytotoxic T subset), and CD11c+ cells (in tissue, mainly monocytes and macrophages) were investigated. Morphologic studies showed a denser inflammatory infiltrate in DS than in NP. Countings showed significant differences in cell distribution (p = 0.0003) and cell profiles (p = 0.0273) between the two groups. The median CD4+/CD8+ ratio in DS (2.73) was significantly higher (p = 0.0024) than found in gingival inflammatory lesions from NP (1.08). The present study shows that DS patients have a different, more pronounced, immune response in CMP than NP.

Adult↗

[The patterns of admission for patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction].

The patterns of admission to hospital for 161 patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction during the period 1.2.1988-30.9.1988 were investigated. This revealed that 59% called their doctor, 20% called the ambulance directly, 11% arrived at the doctor's office or casualty department and 7% were admitted with cardiac arrest. The durations of delay were investigated. The median duration of delay by the doctor was 15 minutes but only 7% of the cases were escorted to hospital by the doctor. In 53% of the cases, the doctors waited for the ambulance without escorting the patient. In 40% of the cases, the doctors did not wait for the ambulance. 44% of the patients with acute myocardial infarction referred to hospital by doctors who did not accompany them were in poor condition on arrival (one patient died in the ambulance). 33% of these patients died in hospital. The ambulances were staffed by three persons with paramedical training in only 5% of the cases when the patient first called the doctor and in 41% of the cases when the ambulance was called as an emergency. The study reveals that prehospital treatment of cardiac patients should be improved.

Adult↗

Geographic stomatitis: report of 6 cases.

The macro- and microscopic appearance and results of microbiologic and immunohistochemical investigations in six patients with geographic stomatitis are described. On the background of similarities in both the clinical, histologic and immunohistochemical findings it is felt that psoriasis and stomatitis geographica are related lesions.

Adult↗

The composition of gingival inflammatory cell infiltrates in children studied by enzyme histochemistry.

Gingival biopsies were obtained from 23 children, aged 5-11 years (8.6 +/- 1.8 years). Specimens were taken from areas of the gingiva adjacent to the teeth which were to be extracted because of caries or its sequelae and which clinically had a gingival index score of at least 1. Staining for alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase with unspecific esterase at pH 5.8 (ANAE) permitted identification of T lymphocytes, monocytes/macrophages, plasma cells and non-reactive (ANAE-negative) cells. Cells which tentatively were identified as "natural killer" (NK) cells were also observed. Differential cell counting was performed for 10 specimens, selected on the basis of the presence of a well-defined inflammatory infiltrate, clear morphology throughout and good ANAE staining. Cell counts confirmed earlier studies showing that lymphocytes predominate in the inflammatory infiltrates in childrens' gingivitis. T lymphocytes dominated particularly in the periphery of the most densely infiltrated areas. Relatively few plasma cells were seen. It was concluded that T lymphocytes dominate in the inflammatory infiltrate in childrens' gingivitis.

Cell Count↗

Variation in the composition of gingival inflammatory cell infiltrates.

Biopsy specimens were taken at gingivectomy from 18 adult patients undergoing treatment for chronic marginal periodontitis. They were embedded so that the cut surface of the gingiva was parallel to the top of the block to obtain a comprehensive view in a transversal plane of the inflammatory cell infiltrate near the bottom of the pocket. Sections were stained with HES or with toluidine blue for histological description, and acid alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) was used to differentially stain T lymphocytes, plasma cells and monocytes/macrophages. Sections stained with HES showed that the density and size of the cell infiltrates varied along the circumference of a tooth over very short distances and on various surfaces on neighbouring teeth. Differential counts of cells stained for ANAE demonstrated great variation in the composition of the cell infiltrates, particularly along the pocket epithelium. The predominating ANAE positive cell type in this area was T lymphocytes, while in the central connective tissue, plasma cells predominated. There was no systematic covariation between the localization of the gingiva (i.e. mesial, facial, etc.) and the composition of the cell infiltrates. The local variation in the composition of the cellular infiltrate most likely reflects local variability in the noxious substances (i.e. plaque composition) within the periodontal pocket, and in the resulting local inflammatory response.

Adult↗

Verapamil-induced inhibition of theophylline elimination in healthy humans.

The interaction between theophylline and verapamil was investigated in 7 healthy volunteers. Oral administration of verapamil in a dose of 120 mg t.i.d. for 7 days caused a significant inhibition of the elimination of theophylline (5 mg/kg intravenously). Theophylline clearance was reduced from 45.2 to 36.1 ml/hr/kg (20.1%; P less than 0.005). The apparent steady-state volume of distribution of the drug was not influenced. The terminal half-life of theophylline was increased from 6.80 to 8.23 hr (21.0%; P less than 0.001). Increased steady-state plasma theophylline concentrations may thus be expected when verapamil is added to a drug regimen which includes theophylline.

Adult↗

Verapamil-digoxin interaction in chronic hemodialysis patients.

Verapamil increases the serum-digoxin concentration (SDC) in digoxin treated normals due to a compromised renal and extrarenal clearance. In chronic hemodialysis patients (CHD-patients) treated with digoxin where the renal elimination is diminished, verapamil has been shown to cause substantial increases of SDC with risk of digoxin intoxication. The effect of verapamil treatment on SDC in 8 nearly anephric (Uvol less than 1 l/d) CHD-patients on digoxin treatment was assessed. The patients were continuously treated with verapamil for two periods of two weeks at two dosage levels, 120 mg/d and 240 mg/d, whereafter verapamil was withdrawn. SDC and serum-verapamil were measured weekly. The SDC increased from 1.1 mmol/l to 1.7 mmol/l (p less than 0.05, N = 7) during the first two weeks. Increasing the dose of verapamil to 240 mg/d did not cause a further increment in SDC; on the contrary, the mean SDC decreased. The SDC increments varied between 0 and 200% of baseline values. We conclude that verapamil treatment decreases digoxin clearance in CHD-patients and that the influence of verapamil on SDC in CHD-patients shows great interindividual variation with no close dose dependency and decreases to pretreatment level in 2-3 weeks.

Adult↗

Plasma zinc concentrations during the first 2 years after diagnosis of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: a prospective study.

Studies of zinc status in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) have shown contradictory results. Zinc is essential for many enzymes involved in the human metabolism and may play a role in the biosynthesis and storage of insulin in the B-cell. We therefore prospectively followed 26 patients (14 males and 12 females) with newly diagnosed IDDM in order to determine the plasma zinc variation at the time of diagnosis and after 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. Seventy-two healthy persons (36 males and 36 females) served as controls. Only minor differences in plasma zinc were demonstrated during the first 2 years of IDDM. A sex difference was found in healthy controls but only after 24 months in the diabetics. Quantitative changes of the B-cell function, development of insulin antibodies, age, body weight and serum albumin did not correlate with the course of plasma zinc.

Adolescent↗

Hyponatremia induced by oxcarbazepine.

A case of hyponatremia is presented with water intoxication due to treatment with oxcarbazepine (OxCZ). The patient was admitted because of exceeding dullness and increasing seizures. Low values for serum sodium and osmolality were found. Simultaneously with the reduction in OxCZ, values of sodium and osmolality increased, normalizing on discontinuation of the drug, and the exceeding tiredness as well as the generalized seizures disappeared. Low values of arginine-vasopressin were found, suggesting that the mode of action of OxCZ was directly or indirectly at the level of the kidney.

Anticonvulsants↗

Thyroid function in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Many of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease are similar to those seen in patients with hypothyroidism. The diagnosis of myxoedema may easily be overlooked when occurring together with Parkinson's disease. We studied 52 patients with Parkinson's disease and found normal thyroid values and TSH-levels in all patients except one, who turned out to have an incipient hypothyroidism.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

In situ demonstration of Fc gamma-receptors in human chronic marginal and apical periodontitis.

The distribution of receptors for the Fc portion of IgG (Fc gamma R) in chronic marginal and apical periodontitis were studied by using a monoclonal antibody against placental Fc gamma R and soluble immune complexes as indicators. Cryostat sections were used in indirect immunofluorescence technique. Fc gamma R were detected on varying numbers of cells in the inflammatory cell infiltrates, on endothelial cells of certain vessels and in fibrous tissue. In chronic marginal periodontitis Fc gamma R were also observed on cells within the oral gingival epithelium (OGE) and the pocket epithelium (PE). There was a distinct fluorescence in stratum spinosum and occasionally in stratum basale of OGE and in the coronal portion of the PE. Fc gamma R on Langerhans cells could not be demonstrated. In apical periodontitis Fc gamma R were also detected on cells within the epithelium. In some cases epithelium in periapical cysts was positive. Soluble immune complexes bound to morphologically similar, but fewer cells compared to the monoclonal antibody against Fc gamma R. The results indicate that Fc gamma R are generally expressed on cells in inflamed tissue. Thus, this presence of Fc gamma R on certain specialized cells such as endothelial cells and keratinocytes, may endow these cells with functions previously thought to be restricted to cells of the lymphoreticular system.

Adolescent↗