A group of patients has been identified with cutaneous necrotizing venulitis (vasculitis). These patients, some with concomitant connective tissue disorders, have skin lesions that separate them from the arteritis commonly described as rheumatoid vasculitis. HLA typing has been performed on 31 of these unrelated patients with cutaneous necrotizing venulitis, including 19 with associated chronic disorders. The antigen pair A11, BW35 was found in 5 of these 19 patients and in 11 of 346 controls. This difference in frequency is statistically significant. Because HLA genes appear to be linked to immune response genes, these data suggest that such genes may exist in patients with this form of cutaneous necrotizing venulitis with associated connective tissue disease.

Antibody Formation↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Rheumatoid vasculitis.

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Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Development of the neuromuscular junction: genetic analysis in mice.

Formation of the skeletal neuromuscular junction is a multi-step process that requires communication between the nerve and muscle. Studies in many laboratories have led to identification of factors that seem likely to mediate these interactions. 'Knock-out' mice have now been generated with mutations in several genes that encode candidate transsynaptic messengers and components of their effector mechanisms. Using these mice, it is possible to test hypotheses about the control of synaptogenesis. Here, we review our studies on neuromuscular development in mutant mice lacking agrin alpha CGRP, rapsyn, MuSK, dystrophin, dystrobrevin, utrophin, laminin alpha 5, laminin beta 2, collagen alpha 3 (IV), the acetylcholine receptor epsilon subunit, the collagenous tail of acetylcholinesterase, fibroblast growth factor-5, the neural cell adhesion molecule, and tenascin-C.

Agrin↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A double-blind investigation of the potential systemic absorption of isotretinoin, when combined with chemical sunscreens, following topical application to patients with widespread acne of the face and trunk.

This study assessed the systemic absorption of isotretinoin and its metabolites, during a 4-week application of a cream containing 0.1% isotretinoin and chemical sunscreens, compared with a 4% benzoyl peroxide cream, in patients with acne on the face and trunk. Blood was drawn at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 and at 96 h post-treatment. Plasma levels of isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid) and tretinoin (all-trans-retinoic acid) were quantified by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry and the presence of their combined 4-oxo metabolites were monitored from the peak area ratios observed. The isotretinoin group showed no statistically or clinically significant increases in plasma retinoid levels and mean levels did not exceed +/-2 SD of the mean pre-treatment values, indicating that endogenous levels were not being exceeded. No significant differences were detected between the isotretinoin group and the 4% benzoyl peroxide group. These findings indicated that retinoid absorption from a cream containing 0.1% isotretinoin and chemical sunscreens was clinically insignificant, when applied to patients with widespread acne.

Acne Vulgaris↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Non-HLA gene polymorphisms in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

A substantial amount of work has gone into elucidating the non-HLA genetic associations in JRA. In this paper, we attempt to provide an overview of this body of knowledge. Direct comparison of the different studies is difficult. Different ethnic populations, different JRA/JIA subgroups, and different systems of nomenclature and classification all impose various limitations. Adding to the complexity is the polygenic nature of chronic childhood arthritis. Family based studies will be necessary to overcome ethnicity related issues. A candidate gene approach complemented by genome wide screen data will hopefully advance our knowledge of the genetics of JRA.

Arthritis, Juvenile↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The recognition of bilateral craniofacial deformities.

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Cleidocranial Dysplasia↗