PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

H Kammer

Publications and source records attributed to H Kammer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Fas (CD95, APO-1) antigen expression and function in murine liver endothelial cells: implications for the regulation of apoptosis in liver endothelial cells.

The Fas (CD95, APO-1) receptor is a membrane-associated polypeptide that can mediate apoptosis in various cell types. Although Fas receptor is expressed in endothelial cells (EC), little is known about its function in these cells. The expression of Fas by liver endothelial cells (LEC) suggests that upon stimulation, apoptosis may occur in these cells. We show that Fas is highly and constitutively expressed in cloned murine liver endothelial cells (LEC-1). In contrast, FasL expression was not detected at the protein and mRNA level in these cells. Our results show that Fas ligation in LEC-1 induces apoptotic cell death, indicating that Fas receptor is functional in these cells. The doses of Fas agonist required to induce LEC-1 apoptosis were higher than those used previously in other cells, including hepatocytes, suggesting that LEC-1 are highly resistant to the Fas apoptotic pathway. TNF treatment of LEC-1 induced up-regulation of Fas receptor on these cells. In contrast, TNF did not induce the expression of FasL on LEC-1. An increased susceptibility to Fas-mediated apoptosis was observed in TNF-treated LEC-1. Enhanced susceptibility to Fas-mediated apoptosis was also observed in LEC-1 pretreated with actinomycin D, suggesting that transcription of message coding for protective proteins is necessary to protect these cells against Fas-mediated apoptosis. Up-regulation of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 was observed in LEC-1 treated with a dose of Fas agonist that does not induce apoptosis. To our knowledge, this is the first report that Fas mediates apoptosis in LEC, suggesting that apoptosis of these cells may participate in the liver damage observed in animals after receiving anti-Fas mAb or soluble FasL. Our findings also suggest that the Fas/FasL system may transduce activating signals independently of cell death in LEC-1.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

[Specific parent training in alalia. 1: Introduction and presentation of the seminar concept].

Developmental aphasia is the most severe form of speech retardation and needs therapeutic intervention. The young age of these children (< 3 years) makes therapy difficult. A specified speech therapy is not possible at this age. Intensive stimulation of verbal communication by the parents is necessary. Therefore we developed a specialized training program for parents. This preparation is very useful for later therapy and should prevent disturbance of interaction between parents and child. We will present our concept.

Aphasia↗
PubMed1994

[Specific parent training in alalia. 2: Study of experiences of parents in the seminar].

Specified training for parents of children with developmental aphasia has been offered for several years. We want to guide the parents to a controlled stimulation of speech at home. We asked the former participants about their experiences with this training program. We also studied the realization of the program by parents in everyday life before their children started therapy. The experiences were mainly considered positive, realizing the program did not present difficulties.

Aphasia↗
PubMed1989

Accuracy and cost-effectiveness of preoperative isotope and ultrasound imaging in primary hyperparathyroidism.

A total of 54 patients underwent surgical exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism from 1980 to 1988. Beginning in November 1984 nearly all patients were evaluated with preoperative radionuclide and ultrasound imaging studies. Ultrasound correctly localized 76% of the adenomas removed at surgery, whereas the success rate with radionuclide imaging was 74%. Localization of hyperplastic glands was less successful with the use of either technique. Correct preoperative localization studies in cases of single adenoma reduced the operative time an average of 32 minutes when compared with those cases with no localization studies. Cost-effectiveness was studied based on current charges for operating room time, anesthesia, and the preoperative localization studies. An average cost savings of $124 per case was achieved when results of both localization studies were correct. These localization studies are quick, noninvasive, relatively inexpensive, and associated with no morbidity. Because it is possible to reduce operative time and overall costs, we recommend that radionuclide and ultrasound studies be routinely used in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Adenoma↗
PubMed1982

Translocation(X;Y)(p22.33;p11.2) in XX males: etiology of male phenotype.

Analysis of G-banded prometaphase chromosomes from three XX males revealed extra bands on the distal end of one X short arm. These bands were similar both in size and staining properties to the distal Y short arm of their fathers (in the two cases examined) and also to other chromosomally normal males. The extra material on the abnormal X chromosomes was not C- or G-11 positive in the two cases examined, suggesting that the proximal Y long arm was not present. Previous karyotype-phenotype correlations with structurally altered Y chromosomes provided evidence for localization of male determinants on the Y short arm. The present findings in XX males provide support for more precise localization, to bands p11.2 leads to pter of Y short arm.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Follow-up comparison of short-term versus 1-year antithyroid drug therapy for the thyrotoxicosis of Graves' disease.

We have treated 68 thyrotoxic patients with Graves' disease with a single daily dose of 30 mg methimazole until they were clinically euthyroid and their plasma thyroid hormone concentrations were within normal limits. Sixteen of 56 patients (29%) treated 4.8 +/- 0.2 months (mean +/- SEM; range, 1.5-8.5 for their initial attack of thyrotoxicosis have remained in remission for 54.4 +/- 7.7 months (range, 12-105). Twenty-seven of the patients who relapsed were treated with a subsequent 1-yr course of methimazole. Five of these patients (19%) have maintained a remission for 29.6 +/- 10.8 months (range, 3-66); the remainder relapsed after 7.1 +/- 2.3 months (range, 1-50). If the patients lost to follow-up while known to still be in remission are excluded, the sustained remission rate is 12 of 52 (23%) for initial short term therapy and 3 of 25 (12%) for the subsequent 1-yr of antithyroid treatment. The results of short term antithyroid drug treatment in 12 patients previously treated with long term antithyroid drugs or thyroidectomy were similar, but the follow-up period was not as long. Short term antithyroid drug therapy is a potentially long lasting, innocuous, and relatively inexpensive program for the treatment of Graves' disease, especially for patients with small goiters.

Antithyroid Agents↗
PubMed1981

Corticotropin/beta-lipotropin biosynthesis, processing, and release in Nelson's syndrome.

Biosynthesis and processing of ACTH/beta-lipotropin was studied in Nelson's syndrome pituitary tumor tissue grown in monolayer culture. Radiolabeled peptides were immunoprecipitated and fractionated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS/PAGE). Important findings include: 1) a virtual absence of 13K ACTH or 3.5K beta-endorphin production; 2) evidence indicating the presence of a 24-26K ACTH and beta-LPH containing intermediate (which implies a different order of processing from that reported in the mouse); 3) An extremely rapid rate of turnover and release of ACTH and beta-lipotropin (beta-LPH) similar to that of the mouse AtT20/D16v pituitary tumors. The latter finding is consistent with an intrinsic pituitary cell defect in the pathogenesis of this disorder.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1980

Concentration of human chorionic gonadotropin in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with germinal cell hypothalamic tumors.

Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens were measured simultaneously for human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in two patients with HCG-secreting choriocarcinoma. In the patients with hypothalamic tumors, the CSF HCG levels were higher than the plasma HCG concentrations. In the patient with gestational choriocarcinoma with no known cerebral metastases, the plasma HCG level greatly exceeded the CSF HCG concentration. The finding of a CSF HCG concentration that approaches or exceeds the plasma value would be a useful screening procedure in localizing a pathologic source of HCG secretion in patients with a suspected hypothalamic tumor. An unexpected finding in the patient who also had a hypothalamic embryonal cell carcinoma and hypocortisolism was an extremely high concentration of a biologically inactive adrenocorticotropic like substance in the CSF.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1980

Single daily dose methimazole treatment of hyperthyroidism.

The effectiveness of methimazole used in a single daily dose was studied in 47 patients during their initial episode of hyperthyroidism, and in an additional eight patients during a relapse of hyperthyroidism. All patients become euthyroid using this method. Mean time required to achieve a euthyroid state was 16.7+/-1.1 weeks in the former group, and 14.9+/-2.9 weeks in the latter. In one patient there was an initial response to single daily dose therapy, but subsequently split dosage was required for control. The single daily dose regimen of antithyroid drugs will control hyperthyroidism in most patients. We have found that propylthiouracil will achieve this more rapidly than methimazole.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

Spontaneous remission of Cushing's disease. A case report and review of the literature.

A 70 year old man whose severe Cushing's disease remitted spontaneously is described. Medical therapy was instituted as a temporary measure prior to planned adrenalectomy. The patient showed dramatic improvement during medication and has remained well for two and a half years following the discontinuation of drug therapy. The literature is reviewed for other cases of spontaneous resolution of Cushing's.

Aged↗
PubMed1977

Short-term antithyroid drug therapy for the thyrotoxicosis of Graves's disease.

We investigated whether thyrotoxic patients treated with short-term antithyroid therapy would achieve prolonged remissions. Thirty-one previously untreated and nine previously treated patients with thyrotoxic Graves's disease received a single daily dose of methimazole or propylthiouracil. The drug was stopped at, or shortly after, the time they became euthyroid. Twelve of the 31 previously untreated patients remained in remission for 29 +/- 3.5 months (mean +/- S.E.) after treatment for 4.5 +/- 0.3 months. Four of the nine previously treated have remained in remission of 13.0 +/- 2.1 months after treatment for 3.0 +/- 0.3 months. Of various possibilities analyzed, only a small goiter at the onset of therapy and tri-iodothyronine toxicosis were significantly favorable prognostic indicators that a remission would be maintained. The lasting remission rate is as good when antithyroid drugs are stopped as soon as the patient is euthyroid as when they are continued for one year or more.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1977

Sulfonylurea-induced factitious hypoglycemia. A growing problem.

Two patients had sulfonylurea-induced factitious hypoglycemia. Both patients demonstrated hyperinsulinism during hypoglycemia suggesting the presence of an insulin-secreting tumor. One patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy with subtotal pancreatectomy before the etiology of the hypoglycemia was discovered. Inboth patients, the diagnosis was made by detecting sulfonylurea agents in blood. A survey of Portland, Ore metropolitan hospitals suggests that factitious hypoglycemia occurs with a frequency similar to the insulinoma syndrome. The biochemical similarity of these disorders and the apparent increasing incidence of factitious hypoglycemia suggests that blood determinations of sulfonylurea agents should be performed prior to exploratory laparotomy for an insulinoma.

Adenoma, Islet Cell↗
PubMed1969

Cell dispersal methods for increasing yield from animal tissues.

An improved method for increasing cell yield from animal tissues is described. The current technique differs from the classical, primarily in that the tissues were perfused with trypsin in situ and cell dispersal was completed by trypsinization either at 4 or 37 C but without prior mincing of the tissue. Increased yields of 75% were obtained. Mechanical damage to tissue by mincing was presumed to be the greatest single source of injury to cells. The adoption of the trypsin perfusion technique reduced the number of animals needed to prepare an equivalent quantity of tissue culture.

Animals↗