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D G Ostrow

Publications and source records attributed to D G Ostrow.

66 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

A comparison of the proliferative and replicative life span kinetics of cell cultures derived from monozygotic twins.

We have compared the growth rates, kinetics of cell aging, and replicative life spans of skin fibroblasts cell cultures derived from three pairs of monozygotic twins of similar ages. The results of these studies indicated no significant differences in the cell densities 7 days after inoculation or replicative life spans within each twin pair but highly significant differences among each twin pair. The kinetics by which each culture aged ([3H]thymidine-labeled nuclei) were compared within and among the twin cell cultures. Although the slopes of each regression line were not significantly different, comparisons of the elevations of each line supported the conclusion that the aging of monozygotic twin cell cultures is similar within the twin pairs but differs among the twin pairs.

Adult↗

Lithium-drug interactions altering the intracellular lithium level: an in vitro study.

An in vitro incubation system utilizing a bicarbonate-CO2 buffer system accurately predicts the in vivo red cell:plasma lithium ratio (LR). Piperazine phenothiazines produced the most marked elevations of intracellular lithium, doubling the LR when added to the system at 3 X 10(-5) M. The aminoalkyl phenothiazines and thioxanthenes were somewhat less active, while the non-phenothiazine antipsychotics, such as loxapine, haloperidol and molindone, produced only minor increases in the LR. Tricyclic antidepressants produced a 20-30% increase, while other types of antidepressants, the major neurotransmitters and their metabolites, hormones, benzodiazepines and diuretics did not show any activity. Of the antihypertensives studied, only hydralazine had an effect on the LR. The effect of fluphenazine on the intracellular lithium level was paralleled by an increase in intracellular sodium and was blocked by dipyridamole. Several important lithium-drug interactions may contribute to an increased LR and suggest caution in the interpretation of studies of the relationship between the LR and clinical aspects of the affective disorders.

Antipsychotic Agents↗

A heritable disorder of lithium transport in erythrocytes of a subpopulation of manic-depressive patients.

The in vivo RBC/plasma Li+ ratio is determined by the equilibrium between Li+ influx (ouabain-sensitive Na+-K+ pump and ouabain-insensitive leakage pathways) and Li+ efflux (phloretin-sensitive Li+-Na+ counterflow). A study of RBC Li+ transport via these pathways showed that a deficiency of Li+-Na+ counterflow was responsible for the high in vivo ratio (1:1) observed in a manic patient. This defect was related to an alteration in the membrane Na+ exchange system and was under genetic control. The level of counterflow before lithium therapy was an excellent predictor (r = .88) of the in vivo Li+ ratio and was deficient in approximately one-fourth of manic-depressive patients but not in controls, schizophrenics, or unipolar depressed patients.

Adult↗

Abnormal lithium and sodium transport in erythrocytes of a manic patient and some members of his family.

This paper compares the transport of Li(+) and Na(+) in erythrocytes from a patient with mania and from members of his family to that in erythrocytes from normal humans. In normal human erythrocytes, Li(+) is transported by at least three operationally distinct pathways: one inhibited by ouabain (ouabain-sensitive), one by phloretin (phloretin-sensitive), and one not inhibited by either compound (insensitive). Li(+) can be driven up its electrochemical potential gradient by an oppositely directed electrochemical potential gradient for Na(+)-i.e., Li(+)/Na(+) counterflow can occur-through the phloretin-sensitive pathway but not through the other two pathways. Because ouabain-sensitive Li(+) transport is negligible under physiological conditions, Li(+) distribution between erythrocytes and plasma in vivo depends mainly on the balance between Li(+)/Na(+) counterflow and the insensitive pathway(s) of Li(+) transport. The steady-state ratio of Li(+) concentration in the erythrocytes to that in the plasma of the patient was between 2 and 3 times higher than the comparable ratio in normal persons. The phloretin-sensitive Li(+)/Na(+) counterflow system was almost absent in the erythrocytes of the patient. Furthermore, unlike those from normal individuals, the patient's erythrocytes showed no external Li(+)-stimulated, phloretin-sensitive, ouabain-insensitive Na(+) efflux. The magnitudes of the ouabain-sensitive and insensitive pathways for Li(+) transport in the patient's erythrocytes were within normal limits. The decreased Li(+)/Na(+) counterflow in the patient's erythrocytes was probably not due to the presence of an inhibitor in the plasma of the patient but rather to an intrinsic defect in the erythrocytes. Because the father and several siblings of the patient showed a similar abnormality in erythrocyte Li(+)/Na(+) transport, it is probable that this defect is inherited.

Adolescent↗

Sexually transmitted diseases and homosexuality.

An epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases, culminating in the emergence of acquired immune-deficiency states, has developed among homosexually active men during the past ten to 15 years. This epidemic is reviewed in relation to causative factors, priorities for control, and recommendations for control and prevention. Causative factors are divided into physical, behavioral, cultural, and political factors. Given the complicated interactions of these factors and the numerous diseases epidemic in the homosexuality active population, priorities need to be established for research and control programs that take into account the overall health impact of each disease and the effectiveness of available and potential resources. Finally, educational programs must be developed that will overcome the limited effectiveness of public health control efforts in this area, or we may expect even more serious and widespread health care problems.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Nonresponse to hepatitis B vaccine in homosexual men.

Of 479 homosexual men immunized with three 20-microgram doses of the hepatitis B vaccine, approximately 15% failed to develop protective titers of antibody to the surface antigen of hepatitis B virus (greater than 10 sample ratio units [SRU]). We revaccinated 34 nonresponders with an additional three doses of vaccine and compared their immunologic status with that of 14 control men who had responded to initial vaccination. Most men (15 of 19) who had measurable antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (SRU, 2.1-9.9) after initial vaccination responded to revaccination, whereas ten of the remaining 15 nonresponders (SRU, less than 2.1) did not. No single immunologic measure distinguished ultimate responders from nonresponders; however, the initial responders differed from delayed responders and nonresponders by having higher numbers of total lymphocytes, B, T, and T helper and suppressor cells.

Adult↗

Sexual adventurism, high-risk behavior, and human immunodeficiency virus-1 seroconversion among the Chicago MACS-CCS cohort, 1984 to 1992. A case-control study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To predict incident human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 seroconversions among a cohort of gay and bisexual men based on recalled sexual behavior, drug use, partnership status, and an index of sexual adventurism/risk-seeking attitudes. STUDY DESIGN: A nested case-control design was used in a retrospective study spanning a 9-year period. RESULTS: Sexual adventurism was an important predictor of HIV-1 infection. The partial risk ratio for our 100-point adventurism scale indicated a marginal rate of increase in seroconversion risk of 4% (odds ratio = 1.04; 95% confidence interval = 1.02 to 1.06), with almost 79% of seroconverters scoring above the median on the index. As expected, partner status, drug use, and unprotected receptive anal (RA) intercourse were associated with seroconversion. However, multivariate results indicated that men using condoms consistently in RA sex were also at higher risk for infection (odds ratio = 2.68; 95% confidence interval = 1.04 to 6.95) than men who abstained from RA intercourse. CONCLUSIONS: Results are discussed with respect to their implications for HIV prevention intervention and research. Recommendations include the development of new approaches and the adaptation of existing intervention techniques that recognize and treat persons with strong risk-taking predispositions.

Adult↗

Lithium treatment of depressed and nondepressed alcoholics.

We assessed the efficacy of lithium carbonate in the treatment of 457 male alcoholics in a double-blind, placebo-controlled Department of Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study. Alcoholics either without depression or with a history of major depression, current major depression, or dysthymic disorder were studied. Two hundred eighty-six alcoholics without depression and 171 alcoholics with depression began the 52-week outpatient study; 172 alcoholics (60.1%) without depression and 108 alcoholics (63.2%) with depression completed the study. Among both all alcoholics who began the study and a subgroup who completed the study, no significant differences between alcoholics who took lithium and those who took placebo were found for the following outcome measures:number of alcoholics abstinent, number of days of drinking, number of alcohol-related hospitalizations, changes in rating of severity of alcoholism, and change in severity of depression. Similarly, no significant differences were found when only the 82 alcoholics compliant in taking lithium and the 89 alcoholics compliant in taking placebo were considered. In our study, lithium treatment did not affect the course of alcoholism in either depressed or nondepressed alcoholics.

Adult↗

Antibody to human lymphotropic virus type III: immunologic status of homosexual contacts of patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and the acquired immunodeficiency-related complex.

Twenty homosexual men who reported having sexual contact with homosexual men who had the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or the AIDS-related complex were examined to determine their clinical status, immunologic profiles, and the presence of antibody to the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III (HTLV-III). Of the 20, eight men had one or more signs or symptoms of the AIDS-related complex and 12 were asymptomatic. Antibodies to HTLV-III were present in 14 (70%) of 20 of the sexual contacts as compared with four (10%) of 40 healthy homosexuals without known contact with a patient who had AIDS (P less than .0001). Seropositive contacts had significantly higher mean counts of suppressor lymphocytes and lower helper: suppressor ratios (P less than .05 and .005, respectively) and higher serum levels of IgG than seronegative contacts (P less than .05). It was not possible to determine significant differences in sexual practices, drug use, length of relationship, or numbers of different sexual partners between symptomatic and asymptomatic contacts or between seropositive and seronegative contacts in this study.

AIDS-Related Complex↗