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Biomedical subjects

H Holzmann

Publications and source records attributed to H Holzmann.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Effect of the dose of ultraviolet radiation on the pigment formation by human melanocytes in vitro.

Human melanocytes were cultivated under different conditions with phorbol ester (TPA), or with bovine pituitary extract (BPE). The cells altered their morphology with the different culture conditions. With TPA they were predominantly bipolar, while with BPE most of the cells had a dendritic cell shape. In order to investigate the effect of UV irradiation, the cells were irradiated with 50, 100 and 200 mJ/cm2 UVA/B. After irradiation with 200 mJ/cm2 UVA/B the cells cultured with TPA also showed a dendritic shape. We determined the tyrosinase activity, the cellular melanin content and the cell number 3 days after irradiation. In all cases the number of cells decreased depending on the UVA/B doses. In melanocytes we found a marked increase in tyrosinase activity and melanin content after irradiation with 200 mJ/cm2. The UV-induced effect on tyrosinase activity was higher in melanocytes cultured with BPE than in those cultured with TPA. The results were compared with two human melanoma cell lines. Only little pigment formation could be measured in the tested melanoma cell lines without change after UV irradiation.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Carbonic anhydrase--a marker for fenestrated capillaries in psoriasis.

A strong correlation between capillary fenestrations and the demonstration of carbonic anhydrase (CA) has previously been shown. In the present histochemical study we sought to determine whether CA could serve as a marker for fenestrated capillaries in psoriasis. In normal human skin capillary staining for CA was found only in the fenestrated capillaries of the perifollicular and periglandular plexus. In psoriatic skin lesions, however, the intrapapillary capillaries also reacted for CA. From ultrastructural investigations it is known that these capillaries are fenestrated. Our findings have shown that there is a strong correlation between fenestrated and CA-positive capillaries in normal human skin as well as in the lesional skin of psoriatics. Therefore, the demonstration of CA activity may serve as a specific and sensitive marker for fenestrated capillaries in psoriasis using an uncomplicated method, which makes it possible to detect numerous fenestrated capillaries in a single histological section.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Molecular epidemiology of tick-borne encephalitis virus: cross-protection between European and Far Eastern subtypes.

Tick-borne encephalitis virus isolates from widely separated geographic regions of the USSR, six isolates from Hungary and one from France were compared with the European and Far Eastern prototype viruses. Peptide mapping by limited proteolysis yielded similar patterns for five selected isolates from the USSR. All isolates from Hungary and France exhibited the same reactivity pattern with a panel of 16 protein E-specific monoclonal antibodies, whereas 10 out of 12 isolates from the Soviet Union showed minor differences at certain epitopes. However, no correlation between geographic origin of the isolates and their antigenic structure was observed. No statistically significant difference in the degree of protection was detected when mice were immunized with the European prototype vaccine and challenged with three selected Asian isolates and one from the European part of the USSR.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Detection of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus in Liechtenstein.

In this study, we present the first detection of a focus of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus-infected ticks in Liechtenstein. The focus is located on a much-used forest path near Vaduz, the capital of the principality. The virus isolated is a representative of the Western subtype of the TBE virus. It is thus closely related to or identical with the other strains isolated in western Europe.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

[Immunogenetic studies of familial occurrence of progressive systemic scleroderma and circumscribed scleroderma].

Two different forms of scleroderma in one family are described: the mother suffers from systemic sclerosis and her daughter from linear morphoea. The observed HLA antigens indicate that systemic sclerosis and morphoea have various features in common. The immunogenetic data can be used to calculate the aetiological and preventive fractions, which together with environmental hazards and other risk factors describe the HLA-associated potential for provocation of scleroderma.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

[Detection of the Köbner phenomenon of the skeleton of patients with psoriasis].

Psoriasis is a humorally controlled systemic disease. The degree of "eruptive strength" of manifestation results from hereditary factors (disposition) and environmental factors (provocation). We were able to demonstrate that the well-known Köbner phenomenon of the skin also occurs on the skeleton of patients suffering from psoriasis. We analysed 83 patients in whom bone scans were carried out. Our results indicate that provocation factors such as bacterial foci and/or trauma correlate with a significantly higher number of pathological scintigraphic findings, ranging up to "hot spots". Furthermore, not only did bone fractures remained scintigraphically positive for an unusually long time, traumas of the end phalanx could be demonstrated in 70% of psoriatic patients compared with 21% of a control group. Obviously, one factor alone or a combination of factors triggers the involvement of the skeleton as a "deep Köbner phenomenon". In psoriatic patients the response of bone metabolism to disturbance differs from that of non-psoriatic patients in that there is a long-lasting dysregulation. This explains the high correlation between skin and skeletal manifestation in psoriatics. Therefore the manifestation of psoriatic disease is due not to a single-stranded linear causal interrelation but to a multicausal "network pathogenesis". Bone scintigraphy is the diagnostic method of choice in patients with psoriatic osteoarthropathy and allows an objective evaluation of therapeutic success.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[The possible nephrotoxicity of a bituminous coal dermatologic agent].

Nephrotoxic effects are discussed as a possible risk of dermatological coal tar preparations. Therefore, we have performed a renal tolerance study with a modern coal tar preparation for the scalp, Berniter. 15 healthy volunteers, randomly subjected to 3 different modes of application, applied the preparation: twice weekly (mode I) or daily (mode II) for a period of 8 weeks. In both modes, application time was 15 min. In mode III, the preparation was used under occlusion for 30 min every second day for a period of 4 weeks. Before, during and after treatment, renal functions and urinary phenol levels were assayed. No pathological change or impairment of renal functions was detected. A relationship between urinary phenol content and the coal tar treatment was not observed, either. We conclude that the coal tar preparation investigated here has no nephrotoxic properties.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1992

[Immunology of leprosy. Review of data from the 1980-1990 time period].

The classification used for leprosy so far distinguishes between two polar forms (pauci-bacillary and multi-bacillary), with different influences on the immune cells. The identification of specific antigens of the germ surface with monoclonal antibodies allows finer differentiation in classification, which now extends to transitional forms of clinical relevance. The current status of knowledge about immunological phenomena triggered by Mycobacterium leprae is complex, and controversy is rife at present. The bacillus is comparable to other mycobacteria in antigenicity. Owing to the complicated composition of the cellular envelope, few epitopes are accessible for immunological reactions. Investigation on the behaviour of T-lymphocytes in combination with analysis of the bacterial surface structures led to the development of a new pathogenetic concept. In spite of different immunological and inflammatory reactions in patients (reflecting the individual pathology), the discrimination between a partial and a total immunological defect is made. So far, no histocompatibility-antigen type has been found that allows recognition of the predisposition to infection. Immunity against the bacteria is achieved after BCG in some cases. All this suggests that the development of a vaccine via biotechnical synthesis of idiotypes and anti-idiotypes may be possible.

Humans↗
PubMed1979

[Zinc deficiency syndrome during long-term parenteral nutrition in a patient with Crohn's disease and cirrhosis of the liver. Casuistry and zinc-pharmacokinetic (author's transl)].

A 29 year old patient with Crohn's disease and posthepatitic HBsAg-positive cirrhosis developed zinc deficiency in the course of complete parenteral nutrition. Zinc deficiency was proven by a low plasma zinc level of 12 microgram/dl. The daily input of zinc was 0.5 mg as calculated from the zinc concentration of infusion solutions used in parenteral nutrition during 3 1/2 months of treatment. The clinical picutre was that of acrodermatitis enteropathica. Cirrhosis of the liver and Crohn's disease were contributory causes of zinc deficiency. 6 bolus injections of 12-36 mg of zinc (total amount 144 mg) were given during 13 days. The plasma zinc level increased to 60-80 microgram/dl. 52% of the total amount of zinc injected were excreted by urine. The plasma half-life times of zinc were independent from basic zinc concentrations and averaged 1.55 +/- 0.22 h. It is concluded that severe signs of zinc deficiency will develop during parenteral nutrition in the presence of conditions leading to a negative zinc balance. In the case of long-term complete parenteral nutrition zinc should be substituted from the beginning of the treatment on.

Acrodermatitis↗
PubMed1979

Immunological studies in patients with alopecia areata.

Cellular and humoral immune parameters were studied in 10 patients with alopecia areata totalis and universalis. Trends to low normal immunoglobulins levels and in vitro lymphocyte transformation to concanavalin A were observed. Serum CH-50 levels and skin test responses to mumps, candida, trichophytin and dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) not found in vitro. 1 patient with alopecia universalis of 33 years duration developed hair at the site of DNCB skin testing. The findings point to rather subtle immune defects in patients with this disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

The absorption of benzoyl peroxide from leg ulcers.

Absorption and clinical efficacy of a preparation containing 20% benzoyl peroxide were studied in 20 patients with leg ulcers of varying etiology. Benzoic acid formed from benzoyl peroxide on penetration through the skin cannot be demonstrated in the plasma until three days after commencing application at the earliest. This indicates a building up of deposits of benzoyl peroxide in the skin. The plasma benzoic acid levels in all patients amounted to less than 5 mumol/l and is therefore toxicologically inoffensive. Clinically, the known therapeutic effects of benzoyl peroxide were confirmed. Neither sensitization nor allergic reactions were found in the 20 patients taking part in this study.

Absorption↗
PubMed1979

[Studies on percutaneous absorption of flumetasone pivalate and salicylic acid from a corticoid combination for topical use (author's transl)].

The combination of 0.02% flumetasone pivalate and 1% salicylic acid in a water-alcohol solution (Locasalen) is a novel therapeutic for topical treatment of the hairy scalp and also for the cosmetically acceptable treatment of other skin areas, that is, exposed skin. An investigation was carried out in 6 patients with psoriasis capitis and 6 control subjects in order to determine whether the use of Locasalen Tincture on the hairy scalp leads to percutaneous absorption of the corticosteroid and the salicylic acid. In the patients with psoriasis a few slight transient changes in biochemical-endocrinological parameters were observed, but not in the control subjects. However, these changes remained within the normal, non-pathological range so that they are of no clinical consequence. Percutaneous absorption of salicylic acid was not observed in either patient group.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1978

[HLA antigen frequencies in patients with progressive systemic sclerosis and morphea (author's transl)].

Forty three patients with progressive systemic sclerosis and 24 patients with morphea are typed for 30 antigens of the HLA-A and B series. There is an increase of the frequency of HLA-B8 in patients with progressive systemic sclerosis (37% vs. 20% in controls: P less than 0.001, Pcorr. = n.s.). The increase of the HLA-B8 frequency seems to be most pronounced in patients with a diffuse form of progressive systemic sclerosis. 4 out of 5 patients are HLA-B8 positive (P = 0.00672). In patients with acrosclerosis is HLA-B8 only slightly increased (32%), but the increase is greater in male patients (44%) and in patients with an early onset of the disease (36%). With the exception of HLA-A1 there is no deviation of the frequencies of any other HLA antigen tested, especially not of HLA-Aw24. The number of patients with morphea is to small for statistical evaluation.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

[Bone findings in psoriasis].

Three female patients out of 40 psoriatics examined with scintigraphical methods (Tc-diphosphonate) were found to have a diffuse and circumscribed pathological increase of nuclide at the skull. These abarticular signes of proliferation at the bone-area indicate an early affection of skeleton of patients with psoriasis which is similar to the joint-scan that is mostly obtained in positive bone-scan.

Adult↗