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Biomedical subjects

E Wilmes

Publications and source records attributed to E Wilmes.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Antibodies to the minor cartilage collagen type IX in otosclerosis.

The presence of antibodies to collagens type I, II, III, VI, IX, and XI was studied in patients with otosclerosis, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Levels of antibodies to collagens type II and IX were significantly higher in these patients as compared to sex- and age-matched control subjects, whereas no differences were found between the levels of antibodies to collagens type I, III, VI, and XI. These observations for the first time document the presence of autoantibodies against a minor collagen type IX in patients with otosclerosis and support a possible role for collagen autoimmunity in the etiology of otosclerosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

A critical analysis of human immunodeficiency virus transmission using human cartilage allografts.

Allogeneic cartilage represents an important source of tissue for reconstructive surgery in the head and neck. The use of allografts is now being discussed because of the possible transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The receptor for HIV in most cell types is the CD-4 molecule. Since cartilage is a popular homograft source, the purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of CD-4 molecules on cartilage tissue as detected with an immunoperoxidase staining and immunofluorescence flow cytometric analysis using a monoclonal antibody. Our results indicate clearly the absence of the HIV receptor on human cartilage tissue. We have concluded therefore that normal cartilage tissue cannot be infected by HIV, at least not through a CD-4-dependent mechanism.

CD4 Antigens↗
PubMed1993

[Cartilage transplantation in the area of the head-neck: comparative study of HLA class II antigen induction to chondrocytes in various culture systems].

Autologous and homologous cartilage grafts are often used in reconstructive head and neck surgery. Unfortunately, sometimes the outcome of such operations is endangered by graft rejection or resorption. Among other reasons, immunological reactions with HLA class II antigen expression are thought to be involved at least in failures of vitally grafted cartilage. Up to now, only one case of class II antigen expression in a cartilage graft "in vivo" has been reported. Nevertheless, it has already been demonstrated that stimulated cartilage cells are able to express "in vitro" class II antigens if grown in monolayer cultures. However, it has also repeatedly been shown that chondrocytes reveal strong dedifferentiating features if cultured in monolayers. Therefore, it was the aim of this study to examine whether isolated and stimulated chondrocytes also express class II antigens if cultured under in vitro conditions closer to the relevant in vivo situation. Hence monolayer, suspension, agar, alginate and organ cultures were prepared simultaneously and kept for up to 60 days. Chondrocytes were stimulated by the addition of IFN-gamma and tested for class II antigens. For the detection of the antigens immunocyto- and immunohistochemical APAAP stainings as well as flow cytometric measurements were made. In all examined culture systems a class II antigen induction could be observed. Any significant differences between the various cultures as to the intensity of antigen expression could not be detected. Consequently, the expression of class II antigens on stimulated human chondrocytes seems not to be a specificity of monolayer cultures. Therefore, class II antigen induction may be considered to play a role in the rejection/resorption of vitally grafted cartilage in reconstructive surgery.

Cartilage↗
PubMed1993

[In vitro studies of possible transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by allogeneic cartilage transplants].

With the increasing prevalence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the possibility of a transmission of HIV via allogenic transplants has increased. To assess the risk of transferring HIV with allogenic cartilage grafts we investigated the susceptibility of chondrocytes to the virus. Our results indicate the absence of the HIV receptor (CD-4-molecule) on chondrocytes by immunohistochemistry and FACS analyses. Furthermore cultures from chondrocytes and high doses of HIV-1 did not show an active replication. Hence, we conclude that normal cartilage cells cannot be infected by HIV. This means that the risk of HIV transmission by cartilage allografts is very low if no contaminating tissues like blood, perichondrium and calcifications etc. are present.

CD4 Antigens↗
PubMed1993

[The implantation of elastic metal endoprostheses in tracheal stenosis and tracheomalacia. The initial results with 4 patients].

Narrowing of the trachea due to tracheomalacia or compression can lead to life-threatening asphyxia and may require tracheotomy with intubation or endoscopic introduction of a stent. The use of a self-expanding elastic metal prosthesis in 4 patients with airway obstruction has proved a satisfactory alternative to conventional plastic prostheses, both in the acute phase and over a long period of time. After 4 weeks total epithelium cover of the stent could be demonstrated; biopsies after 3 and 4 months showed differentiation into respiratory ciliated epithelium. Patient acceptance was excellent since there was no sensation of a foreign body, retention of secretions or cough. The physical properties of the wall stent made it a suitable mechanical replacement for an unstable or narrowed trachea during the period of observation.

Aged↗
PubMed1993

[Cartilage-specific autoimmunity in otosclerosis].

The otic capsule of patients with otosclerosis contains premature bone with numerous cartilaginous remnants. Some investigators have proposed that the pathogenesis of otosclerosis is related to these cartilaginous rests in the otic capsule. In this study we investigated the presence of a humoral immune reaction against cartilage-specific antigens using ELISA-methods in patients with otosclerosis. Concomitantly, 8 age- and sex-matched healthy blood donors, free of any symptoms of autoimmune disease, served as controls. The following antigen substrates were used: collagen (I, II, III, VI, IX and XI), chondrocytes and chondrocyte membranes. Findings then showed that the levels of antibodies to collagens type II and IX as well as to chondrocytes were higher in the otosclerosis patients than in the control subjects. The high titer of antibodies against chondrocytes was not accompanied by an increase in antibodies against the chondrocyte membranes. To our knowledge these observations represent the first evidence for the existence of autoantibodies against minor collagens and chondrocyte-specific antigens and support a possible role for a cartilage-specific autoimmunity in the etiopathogenesis of otosclerosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Clinical studies and treatment of Karposi's sarcoma of the head and neck in AIDS patients].

Kaposi's sarcoma is the major neoplastic disease of HIV-infected patients in the head and neck regions. A clinical study realized at Ludwig-Maximilians University, München, uncover 25 homosexuals with KS out of 135 HIB-positive patients. Six of them showed a KS as initial manifestation of the syndrome. The KS was found principally in the palate (22 cases), oropharynx (12) and skin of the neck (11). Symptoms like swallowing or breathing problems occurred in nodular lesions of the mouth, pharynx or larynx, but no in the maculous type. Local laser and/or systemic (retrovir, interferon, chemotherapy) treatment was performed. CO2 and Nd:YAG laser-therapy showed a regression of the tumors and thus an improvement of quality of life could be achieved.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1992

[Immunologic behavior of human tracheal transplants].

In this study we tried to investigate the antigenicity of human tracheal allografts. We found transplantation antigens in the mucosa and the mixed glands using monoclonal antibodies in an indirect immunoperoxidase method. However these antigens were able to be destroyed with a chemical preservation procedure. The diminution of the antigenicity could be also achieved in a tracheal transplant human recipient. These results show that the preserved trachea may be immunologically a suitable material for reconstruction in surgery of the trachea.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

Culture and cryopreservation of chondrocytes from human cartilage: relevance for cartilage allografting in otolaryngology.

One of the reasons for failure of cartilage allografts is the impaired condition of the transplant during storage. In this paper we describe methods for the isolation and culture of viable chondrocytes obtained from nasal septum cartilage. Furthermore, we evaluate the possibility of growing such specific chondrocytes under culture conditions and storing them in a frozen state. Age-dependent differences were observed in the growth rate of the cultured cells. Our results confirm that chondrocytes survive freezing and remain able to proliferate. Knowledge gained from this study may be applied to the culture and freezing of viable intact cartilage for use in reconstructive surgery in otolaryngology.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

[Skin melanomas of the head and neck: therapeutic value of cervical lymphatic dissection].

There is a conflicting evidence regarding the value of a regional lymph node dissection in early clinical stages of head and neck Melanomas. The AA. reviewed the clinical histories of 500 patients presenting a malignant melanoma localized in the head and neck region and treated in their Hospital between 1967 and 1987. Results showed that the prophylactic neck dissection is necessary for lesions between 0.75 and 1.5 mm in thickness, whereas in tumours with a depth of invasion greater than 1.5 mm the outcome of the disease is not improved by the prophylactic neck dissection.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗
PubMed1991

Class II antigenicity of human cartilage: relevance to the use of homologous cartilage graft for reconstructive surgery.

The presence and distribution of class II transplantation antigens was studied on fresh and Merthiolate-preserved human nasal, tracheal, auricular, and rib cartilage using monoclonal antibodies in an indirect immunoperoxidase method. Substantial class II antigen expression was found on cells of the superficial area of the perichondrium of the nasal, auricle, and tracheal cartilages. In contrast, cartilage tissue lacked cells with detectable class II antigens. Our results indicate that the host response to fresh cartilage graft is induced by class II antigens presented in the perichondrium. A complete disappearance of this class II antigenicity of perichondrium can be achieved by means of an adequate Merthiolate preservation.

Cartilage↗
PubMed1991

[Benign lymphoepithelial parotid cysts in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus].

This report describes four patients who presented with masses in the tail of the parotid gland and who were seropositive for antibody to the human immunodeficiency virus. Two had unilateral gland enlargement and the other two had bilateral disease. A characteristic cyst appearance and a benign lymphoepithelial infiltrate with cystic degeneration was found on the radiographic and the histological examinations, respectively. They were located peri- and intraparotid. Benign lymphoepithelial parotid cysts appear to be an early manifestation of pre-AIDS or AIDS-related complex. Surgical excision is recommended for therapy.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1990

The effect of gamma-interferon on HLA class II antigen expression on isolated human nasal chondrocytes.

HLA class II antigens play an important role in the immunological response. In this study, we report on HLA class II antigen expression in vitro by human nasal cartilage cells as detected with an immunoperoxidase staining and immunofluorescence flow cytometric analysis using monoclonal antibodies. Their expression was induced during a 7-day incubation period with gamma-interferon. These findings suggest that a possible mode of action of the preservation methods of cartilage allografts for inducing a prolonged acceptance time is based on the prevention of HLA class II antigen expression by the cartilage cells.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1990

[Cutaneous leishmaniasis of the ear muscle. A case report].

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a parasitic infection which is especially endemic in the southern parts of Europe, in several regions of Africa, and in South and Central America. Whether treatment is necessary or not depends on the virulence of the germ, the infection's localization, and the host's immunological reaction. Because of the high rate of recidivation and the large number of undesirable side-effects of systemic chemotherapy of localized cutaneous leishmaniasis, several methods of local therapy have been tested. This case report demonstrates one of several approaches to the local treatment of this disease. Despite progress in this field, cutaneous leishmaniasis will continue to be a considerable medical and sociopolitical problem, because successful treatments in under-developed countries must be highly efficient, cost little, be easy to administer, and have a low rate of undesirable side-effects.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1990

[Etiology and clinical aspects of palatal myoclonus].

Palatal myoclonus is a movement disorder consisting of rhythmic myoclonus of the soft palate, pharynx, larynx, and other muscles derived from the embryonal branchial arches. These movements are continuous and involuntary, and the patients are, in general, unaware of them. In the majority of patients, palatal myoclonus persists for life. In oculopalatal myoclonus, the eyes can be involved in the form of a nystagmus. Often a clicking noise in one or both ears is the initial symptom which can be heard by the examiner. A variety of etiologies have been linked to palatal myoclonus. The most common defined cause is a stroke. The variable delay between the proposed cause and the appearance of the disorder causes difficulties in determining the exact etiology. Pathologic findings show a transsynaptic hypertrophic degeneration of the inferior olivary nucleus which is due to a lesion of a specific, inhibitory, anatomic pathway. This somatotopic pathway leaves the contralateral dentate nucleus, passes through the superior cerebellar peduncle, and crosses the posterior commissure before joining the central tegmental tract and descending to the ipsilateral inferior olive. Treatment of palatal myoclonus is only occasionally effective. Some patients have responded to tryptophan, carbamazepine, and trihexyphenidyl. Surgical attempts have not been successful. - In the present paper the authors report on a case of an oculopalatal myoclonus following Leber's optic atrophy which involved the brain stem.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[The clinical manifestations of histologically classified malignant lymphomas in the ENT area].

For an optimum therapy of malignant lymphomas in the ENT region an extensive analysis of the interrelations of exact histological classification, clinical manifestation and prognosis is desirable. We therefore classified, according to various criteria, 57 patients (34 male, 23 female) aged between 17 and 88, in whom the first diagnosis of a malignant lymphoma was established at our department between 1970 and April 1989. Histologically, in 52 cases (91%) this concerned a non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), in the other 5 cases Hodgkin's disease (HL). According to the "Kiel classification", 60% of the NHL displayed a high degree of malignancy, 36% a low one, while 4% could not be exactly classified histologically. Clinically (Ann Arbor classification), 27 patients with NHL were at stage I (with 21 at stage IE), 16 patients at stage II (with 14 at stage II E), and 9 patients at stage IV. The first manifestation was often extranodular (9 patients tonsil, 8 parotid gland, 8 base of tongue, 7 nasopharynx). A cervical lymph node enlargement was the first sign in 12 patients only. Four patients with NHL additionally developed a second malignancy (squamous cell carcinoma) of another localization. The 5-year survival rate was 81% at stage I, but there were no meaningful differences between stage II (51%) and stage IV (40%). Our study demonstrated that malignant lymphomas of the head and neck are primarily NHL which frequently affect an extranodular organ as a first manifestation. Moreover, malignant lymphomas in the ENT region seem to have a relatively good survival prognosis even in an advanced stage.

Adolescent↗