PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J Frick

Publications and source records attributed to J Frick.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Effect of active immunization to luteinizing-hormone-releasing hormone on the fertility and histoarchitecture of the reproductive organs of male rat.

The feasibility of using a vaccine against luteinizing-hormone-releasing factor for suppression of pituitary and gonadal functions has been indicated for some time. Antibody production against this low-molecular-weight, naturally occurring decapeptide, however, requires to be coupled to a carrier protein to enhance its immunogenicity. LHRH was coupled to diphtheria toxoid (DT). Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats with a mean basal body weight of 200 g were immunized with anti-LHRH-DT (20 micrograms/injection/rat) at four-week intervals. An equal number of unexposed animals served as controls. Six animals were killed every two weeks up the end of the week 43. The vaccination schedule did not have any effect on the gain in body weight, nor was any adverse effect of vaccination observed in the course of the investigations. The pituitary, prostate, epididymis, testes, seminal vesicles, adrenal and thyroid were excised for determination of organ weight and histological examination. The adrenal, pituitary and thyroid showed no remarkable weight changes during the observation period, whereas the weights of the reproductive organs demonstrated significant reductions compared to those of the control group. The histopathology revealed marked to significant changes in the gonads and the accessory sex organs including the prostate. A progressive phase of regeneration of spermatogenesis was evident 98 days after vaccination. Total recovery of spermatogenesis was observed 300 days after vaccination. The mating studies showed the return of fertility 300 days after vaccination. The litters borne were normal. Prostate showed recovery after 154 days of vaccination. Our observations lend strong support to the hypothesis that anti-LHRH vaccine can be effectively used on the management of prostate carcinoma. If the vaccination is given together with a suitable dose of long-acting androgen, contained in an adequate delivery system, the regimen may be used for the regulation of male fertility.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Experiences with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in patients with a solitary kidney.

Between March 1985 and January 1990, 43 patients with stones in solitary kidneys were treated by extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) in our department. The most common cause of unilateral kidney absence was previously surgical removal of the kidney. The primary treatment modality was ESWL in all patients; the need for auxiliary procedures was higher than in general stone patients. Of the 43 patients 42 were available for control checkups after therapy, and these examinations revealed a stone-free rate of 85.7%. Of the patients 14.3% had asymptomatic lower calix fragments. All our patients showed a successful result 6 months after ESWL therapy. No loss of kidney was observed. Our results indicate that ESWL as an effective and safe method is also the therapy of choice for stone patients with solitary kidneys.

Female↗
PubMed1992

Long-term follow-up after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy of large kidney stones.

In 76 patients (53 women and 23 men) aged 24-92 years, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) was performed between June 1986 and December 1988 as monotherapy for large kidney stones (diameter > 2.5 cm). There were 41 complete and 24 partial staghorn calculi. The patients were treated with the Dornier HM3 lithotripter under sedoanalgesia. Of the 60 patients with large stones whose last ESWL treatment had been at least 24 months earlier, only 15 ultimately came for this long-term control check-up. Reports on 15 other patients were received from their doctors stating that the patients were doing well, not having new stone episodes. These subjects had to be excluded from final evaluation since they did not fulfill all requirements. Thirty patients had either moved out of the area or were from distant locations and therefore unable to appear. Creatinine was normal and urinalyses negative in these 15 patients; 12/15 were stone-free. The ones who were not had small remnants in the lower pole calices which did no harm at all. One patient already had elevated pretreatment blood pressure; 6/14 with normal blood pressure before ESWL showed elevated values 30 or more months after the last ESWL. Radioisotope examinations with separate clearance tests demonstrated no real evidence of loss of kidney function on the treated in comparison with the untreated side. Sonographic findings on the longitudinal and transverse diameter of the treated and untreated kidneys with regard to the total number of shock waves did not show marked differences as they all remained below the 9% limit.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Long term follow-up after ESWL of large kidney stones.

In 76 patients (53 women and 23 men) aged 24-92 years, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) was performed between June 1986 and December 1988 as monotherapy for large kidney stones (diameter > 2.5 cm). There were 41 complete and 24 partial staghorn calculi. The patients were treated with the Dornier HM3 lithotripter under sedoanalgesia. Of the 60 patients with large stones whose last ESWL treatment was at least 24 months earlier, only 15 ultimately came for this long-term control check-up. Reports on 15 other patients were received from their doctors stating that the patients were doing well, not having new stone episodes. These subjects had to be excluded from final evaluation since they did not fulfill all requirements. Thirty patients had either moved out of the area or were from distant locations and therefore unable to appear. Creatinine was normal and urinalyses negative in these 15 patients; 12/15 were stone-free. The ones who were not had small remnants in the lower pole calices which did no harm at all. One patient already had elevated pretreatment blood pressure; 6/14 with normal blood pressure before ESWL showed elevated values 30 or more months after hte last ESWL. Radio-isotope examinations with separate clearance tests demonstrated no real evidence of loss of kidney function on the treated in comparison with the untreated side. Sonographic findings on the longitudinal and transverse diameter of the treated and untreated kidneys with regard to total number of shock waves did not show marked differences as they all remained below the 9% limit.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Lower toxicity with the topical low-dose BCG therapy of superficial bladder carcinoma?].

Twelve patients with superficial bladder cancer and carcinoma in situ of the bladder were treated with intravesically instilled BCG solution. As suggested by Pagano's group, we used BCG in a lower dose than usual hitherto (75 mg, strain Pasteur Paris). Complete tumor remission was obtained in all patients except the two whose treatment had to be discontinued at an early stage because of severe side effects. None of our patients was free of symptoms; pain or micturition, pollakiuria, gross hematuria, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and epididymitis occurred. We think, therefore, that low-dose therapy with BCG is as effective as full-dose therapy but the side effects are no less severe.

Administration, Intravesical↗
PubMed1991

Risk factors for bilateral testicular germ cell tumors. Does heredity play a role?

Twenty-three bilateral testicular germ cell tumors (four synchronous and 19 sequential tumors) were investigated for potential risk factors. The incidence of maldescensus testis was not found to be higher than in patients with unilateral disease. The histologic findings of the first tumor did not have any effect on the incidence of the second tumor. In 21 patients (four synchronous and 17 sequential tumors), histocompatibility antigens (HLA) were determined; HLA-B14 was increased significantly in the sequential tumor group. Tendencies toward an increase of HLA-DR5 and HLA-DR7 also were found. The HLA-DR1, HLA-DR3, and HLA-DR4 showed a tendency toward a decreased frequency. Therefore genetic factors might be important in the development of sequential bilateral testicular cancers.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Physiology of the prostate.

The presence of the prostate is universal in mammals; when compared among species the prostate is marked by variations in its anatomy, biochemistry and pathology. The epithelial cells provide secretions that empty through ducts into the urethra to form a major component of the seminal plasma of the ejaculate. The prostate is stimulated to grow and is maintained in size and function by the presence of serum testosterone. Several protein-type growth factors, such as urogastrone and prostatropin, may also affect prostatic growth. After testosterone from the plasma has entered the prostatic cell through diffusion it is metabolized to other steroids by a series of enzymes. Over 95% of testosterone is converted to the most important prostatic androgen dihydrotestosterone. DHT then binds to the activated androgen receptor. The hormone receptor complex undergoes transformation and translocation into the nucleus. In the nucleus RNA-polymerase is activated followed by the synthesis of mRNA. The noncellular stroma and connective tissue compose the extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix plays an important role in development and control of cellular functions.

Androgens↗
PubMed1991

Bilateral seminal vesicle abscesses.

We report a case of a seminal vesicle abscess successfully treated by percutaneous perineal drainage. Magnetic resonance imaging was helpful in clarifying the differential diagnosis. Seminal vesicle abscess is a rare pathological entity; since 1958, only 7 cases have been reported in the literature. Because of its nonspecific clinical symptoms, clinical diagnosis is often ambiguous. An overview of the literature, as well as a discussion of the diagnosis and the treatment of the seminal vesicle abscess will be presented.

Abscess↗
PubMed1991

Increasing infertility in myotonia dystrophica Curschmann-Steinert. A case report.

A 26-year-old male came to our andrologic out-patient clinic because of his desire to have children. Preliminary examinations revealed a varicocele left and a subclinical varicocele right. Testicular volume was smaller than normal, and spermiogram values were already poor (vitality, motility and morphology). Basic hormones were normal. The anamnesis gave no information on hereditary disorders. Surgical treatment of the varicocele did not bring the desired outcome. A testicular biopsy showed Leydig cell hyperplasia with strongly reduced spermiohistogenesis. In a renewed and extensive anamnesis, the patient revealed that he suffers from myotonia dystrophica Curschmann-Steinert. This disorder causes sclerosis of the tubuli seminiferi contorti, which can ultimately lead to azoospermia.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Long-term follow-up after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in children.

In 34 children (25 girls and 9 boys), aged 1-14 years, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) was performed for renal and ureteral calculi between March 1985 and December 31, 1989. The patients were treated with the HM3-Dornier lithotripter under general anesthesia. Of the 34 children, 24 with an interval of more than 12 months since ESWL were called in for control check up, 17 of them ultimately came. Seven were lost for long-term follow-up as they moved out of the area. The children were free of urinary symptoms and without urinary tract infections. Creatinine was normal and urinalyses were negative in all 17 children. 16/17 children were stone free and had normal blood pressure, 1 patient with a polycystic kidney on the left nontreated side already demonstrated elevated pretreatment blood pressure. Radioisotope examinations with separate clearance tests gave results in the normal range in 14/17 patients. The sonographic findings on the longitudinal and transverse diameter of the treated and untreated kidneys did not show marked differences as they all remain below the 5% limit.

Blood Pressure↗
PubMed1990

Treatment of cancer patients with recombinant interferon-gamma induces release of endogenous tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: 1) to investigate serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in patients treated with recombinant interferon-gamma and 2) to relate changes in TNF serum levels to other biological responses observed during treatment with interferon gamma (IFN-gamma). PATIENTS: Five patients suffering from metastasizing renal cell carcinoma. INTERVENTION: Each patient received three treatment cycles of 10 micrograms, 100 micrograms and 500 micrograms IFN-gamma applied three times at weekly intervals. The treatment cycles were separated by a therapy free interval of two weeks. The order of dose levels was randomly assigned to each patient. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), IFN-gamma and neopterin serum levels, monocyte counts in the peripheral blood and body temperature were measured immediately before and 4, 24, 48, 72, and 168 h after each application of IFN-gamma. Results indicated that elevated serum levels of TNF-alpha are induced by 100 micrograms and 500 micrograms IFN-gamma. Repeated application of the same dose led to downregulation of TNF release into the serum. Changes in TNF serum levels did not correlate with the magnitude of febrile reactions, neopterin production or IFN-gamma serum levels.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

Alkali citrate for preventing recurrence of calcium oxalate stones.

The use of alkali citrates for preventing the recurrence of calcium oxalate stones was investigated in two trials. In trial I, alkali citrates were given continuously for 18 months to 8 patients who had shown a tendency to recurrent stone formation. In trial II, 12 similar patients were given intermittent therapy for 12 months. The expected changes in urine chemistry were checked at intervals of 3 months. Recurrent stone formation (2 episodes) was observed in only 1 patient (in trial II) during alkali citrate administration; before therapy this patient had suffered an average of 10 attacks of stone formation annually. In the light of the experience gained in these trials, continuous administration of alkali citrates is recommended; the duration of treatment should be tailored to individual needs, but it should not be prolonged indefinitely. Besides having well-attested effectivity of stone prevention, this mode of therapy carries a relatively low incidence of side effects.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Results following radiotherapy for hypernephroma].

From 114 patients treated with local radiotherapy after nephrectomy up to now 46 patients are alive. 59 patients died; 55 patients died because of the tumor, 4 patients died because of other genesis. At 4 patients, who are alive, a secondary therapy because of pulmonary metastasis was performed. Three times a solitary metastasis of the lung was removed surgically. One female patient came into a CR under therapy with Gestagen (Depo Provera). Three patients (2.6%) died because of a local recidive. There was no change of survival rates and local recidive rates compared to surgery alone.

Aged↗
PubMed1979

Collagenase--a marker enzyme in human bladder cancer?

Collagenase activity in human bladder carcinomas was measured against 14C-labeled collagen as substrate. Enzymes activity in vivo increased with the degree of penetration of the bladder wall. It was not detectable or low in the cases of superficially infiltrating tumours (A, B1 B2) and high in the cases of deeply infiltrating tumours (C, D). These results suggest that collagenase activity of advanced tumours is predominantly expressed in the pervesical layer of the bladder wall. A quantitative estimate of this enzyme may thus help to distinguish between Stage C and Stage C tumour.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1979

Pregnancies associated with sperm concentrations below 10 million/ml in clinical studies of a potential male contraceptive method, monthly depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and testosterone esters.

A potential male contraceptive approach was evaluated in clinical trials involving monthly injections of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and either subdermal implants of testosterone propionate or monthly injections of testosterone enanthate. Pregnancies occurred in partners of 9 men with recent sperm counts of 10 million/ml or below. In 5 of the 9 instances, the sperm counts were less than 1 million/ml. It appears that male contraceptive methods involving spermatogenic suppression may require attainment and maintenance of azoospermia. The pregnancy rate cannot be calculated, because the extent of other contraceptive use is uncertain. There were no spontaneous abortions. 6 pregnancies were carried to term, and all progeny were normal, based on physical examination at birth or 3 months after birth.

Contraceptive Agents, Male↗
PubMed1979

Electron microscopic stereological analysis of the normal human prostate and of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Normal and benign hyperplastic prostatic tissue was studied by quantitative electron microscopic measurements. Quantitative morphological procedures provide values for volume, surface, number of tissue and cellular components within human prostatic tissue. When a comparison is made of the stereological data of the glandular cell of benign prostatic hyperplasia to that of the normal human prostate no statistically significant difference in the relative volumetric amount of the cell organelles is indicated. An attempt was made to characterize the fine structure of the smooth muscle cells of the stromal area (fibromuscular) in normal and benign hyperplastic prostatic tissue. In benign prostatic hyperplasia a significant increase in the relative amount of organelles in the smooth muscle cell was found, indicating an activation of these cells. Light microscopic analysis has revealed that benign prostatic hyperplasia is primarily a stromal disease.

Cytological Techniques↗