Contacts between nerves and lymphocytes in human tonsils.
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Child↗
Biomedical subjects
J Lamprecht
Publications and source records attributed to J Lamprecht.
Deuterium oxide (heavy water) arrests the cell cycle of PtK2 cells during interphase.
Deuterium oxide (D2O, heavy water) exerts an antiproliferative effect on a variety of cells in vitro and on some organisms. This effect is mainly ascribed to a tubulin-mediated antimitotic action. We evaluated the morphology, the mitotic activity, and the dynamics of the cell cycle of PtK2 cells grown in vitro in the presence of 75% D2O for up to eight weeks by microspectrophotometric DNA measurements as well as flow cytometric analysis and a determination of mitotic indices. Substitution of heavy water for water in the culture medium initially increased the mitotic index by a (pro-) metaphase block but after 2 to 3 days of incubation no mitotic figures were seen. Analysis of cells grown for 6 days in medium containing 75% D2O revealed accumulation of cells in S/G2-phase. Extended treatment stabilized the high level of cells in this specific phase, when compared to normal growing cells. Cells grown for 1 to 6 weeks in the presence of D2O remained non-proliferating, nevertheless, they were able to divide again after recovery in non-deuterated medium. The time needed for resumption of the mitotic activity was proportional to the duration of deuterium oxide exposure. Cells incubated for 8 weeks in 75% D2O did not recommence mitotic activity. Light and electron microscopic examination revealed characteristic morphological changes of size and ciliation in PtK2 cells subjected to prolonged deuteration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Animals↗
Control of proven pulmonary and suspected CNS aspergillus infection with itraconazole in a patient with chronic granulomatous disease.
An 11-year-old boy with chronic granulomatous disease caused by cytochrome b deficiency developed right upper lung lobe aspergillosis. Intracerebral lesions developed on maximum doses of flucytosine and amphotericin B. Treatment with 16 mg/kg oral itraconazole was followed by a dramatic clinical improvement and almost complete disappearance of the intracerebral lesions. Plasma itraconazole levels were between 40 and 3440 ng/ml depending on concomitant medication. Toxicity was restricted to transient elevation of alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl transferase. We conclude that further trials with itraconazole are justified in high risk patients in whom conventional therapy has failed.
Antifungal Agents↗
Reduced concentration of secretory IgA indicates changes of local immunity in children with adenoid hyperplasia and secretory otitis media.
Children with adenoid hyperplasia and secretory otitis media show significantly lower immunoglobulin A (sIgA) concentrations in their saliva compared to matched controls. Salivary albumin and cortisol levels do not differ in both groups. Changes in local immunity, dilution or stress as possible factors for the reduction of sIgA concentrations are discussed.
Adenoids↗
Derangement of microtubule arrays in interphase and mitotic PtK2 cells treated with deuterium oxide (heavy water).
The extent and pattern of the rearrangements of microtubule arrays in interphase and mitotic PtK2 cells treated with deuterium oxide (2H2O) were evaluated using light, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. Combined labelling with anti-tubulin antibodies and staining with a DNA-specific fluorochrome revealed that 2H2O influences the reassembly of the cytoplasmic microtubule complex (CMTC) of interphase cells after depolymerization of microtubules (MTs) with nocodazole. In cells entering mitosis in the presence of 75% 2H2O the conversion of the CMTC into the mitotic spindle was affected, resulting in a retardation of the prophase/prometaphase transition. (Pro)metaphase cells did not assemble a regular mitotic spindle and the metaphase/anaphase transition was blocked. Immunofluorescence and ultrastructural studies suggest that separation of centrosomes, nucleation of MTs around centrosomes, organization of MTs into the mitotic spindle, as well as the ultrastructure and positioning of the mitotic poles, are affected in deuterated PtK2 cells. In comparison with control cells, a significantly higher proportion of multipolar divisions was found after stimulation of proliferation in the presence of 25-50% 2H2O or during recovery after a long-term exposure to 75% 2H2O. On the basis of these results we discuss the mechanism of the antimitotic action of deuterium oxide and suggest that, apart from perturbation of MT polymerization, it could also encompass disturbances in MT reorganization, most probably by impairment of the microtubule-organizing centres (MTOC).
Animals↗
[Neuro-otologic diagnosis after long-term exposure to wood preservatives containing pentachlorophenol].
We examined the possible vestibulotoxicity of 16 patients subject to chronic exposure to wood preservatives containing pentachlorophenol. A vestibular test battery showed no abnormal findings except in one patient with pre-existing Menière's disease. The discrepancy between a clear history of exposure contrasted with the normal vestibular finding, and illustrates the diagnostic problems in patients chronically exposed to wood preservative.
Adult↗
[Distribution of sites of cancers of the mouth cavity and oropharynx].
The spread of carcinomas in the oral cavity and the oropharynx was evaluated in a retrospective study. In 306 subjects the malignancies involved 1082 areas. The present authors concentrated on malignancy distributions in their study and found interesting results in the right-left ratios: carcinomas of the oral cavity alone (n = 122) had a local right-left distribution of 3:2. Carcinomas affecting both the oral cavity and the oropharynx (n = 12) showed no asymmetry. Carcinomas of the oropharynx alone (n = 55) had a local right-left distribution of 2:3. The authors speculate that apart from endogenous disposition factors these asymmetries in carcinoma occurrence are due to the fact that the majority of smokers are right-handed.
Adenolymphoma↗
[Plasma level of atrial natriuretic peptide following oral glycerol administration].
Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a cardiac hormone known to mediate increased capillary permeability, vasodilation, and natriuresis. In 1988 the authors' experimental results indicated the presence of ANP receptors in the inner ear. From this they hypothesized that ANP might be involved in the regulation of inner ear fluids and therefore investigated the effects of orally administered glycerol on ANP and cGMP plasma levels. As regards the initial values, there was no apparent significant difference between the 14 subjects with Ménière's disease and the 34 subjects without. During the first hour after glycerol administration there was a significant hormonal effect: ANP, cGMP (second messenger), and serum osmolality increased, while total serum protein and plasma renin decreased. In addition to this, the hearing ability of ten subjects was positively affected. After the first hour the hormonal levels reapproached their original homeostatic states. But the positive effects on hearing ability continued to increase for another hour before decreasing again. The authors believe that this delayed effect is caused by the blood-perilymph barrier. Further research is required to establish whether glycerol affects hearing improvement directly or by mobilizing ANP.
Atrial Natriuretic Factor↗
[Aerodynamics of respiratory flow in the nasopharynx].
The authors present a new technique for studying airflow patterns and particle deposition in the nasopharynx. The nasal cavities and the nasopharynx from the head of a human cadaver were filled with siliconrubber and a "positive" model was then produced by moulding with plastic. An apparatus was constructed to provide calibrated flow of propandiol in both directions. Flow characteristics were visualized by introducing small particles in suspension or by injecting methylene blue with a needle. In addition, test aerosol was drawn in through the model to demonstrate dust deposition sites in the nasopharynx. In the future, this method will enable us to examine the nasopharyngeal airflow patterns and deposition sites of inhaled particles.
Airway Resistance↗
[Aspergillus mastoiditis in infected granulomatosis--a case report].
An 11-year old boy with chronic granulomatous disease due to cytochrome B deficiency developed pulmonary aspergillosis proven by culture in his upper right lobe (upper lobe resection). In spite of maximum doses of flucytosin/amphotericin B combination, he developed focal seizures associated with three intracerebral lesions and a lesion in the area of the right mastoid. Imaging methods (X-ray Schüller, CT, MRT) demonstrated the defects. Mastoidectomy showed blue purulent but sterile necrosis. The antimycotic therapy with the Flucytosin/Amphotericin B combination was stopped and replaced by a new drug, itraconazole. After a short time the boy felt much better. Even the intracerebral lesions became smaller. We conclude that both the surgical and the conservative therapy with a new antimycotic are the reason for this result.
Antifungal Agents↗
[A simple method for the demonstration of the bacterial spectrum in the nose and the nasopharynx in the infection-free interval in children with adenoid hypertrophy].
The implications of bacterial colonization and distribution patterns in the nasopharynx and nasal cavities of children with adenoidal hypertrophy without clinical signs of acute infection are to be determined. We examined the spectrum and distribution of the facultative pathogenic bacterial flora in nasal cavities and nasopharynx of children with clinical apparent symptoms or signs of adenoid hypertrophy in an infection free interval. Compared with the nasal cavity we found an accumulation of pathogenic bacteria in the nasopharynx. A transnasal single swab from the nasopharynx showed to be the most effectively practical way to detect clinically relevant pathogenic bacteria. A thin flexible calcium-alginate swab was used in our experiments. Swabbing from the anterior nasal cavities proved to be a minor successful diagnostic method.
Adenoids↗
Symmetric and asymmetric cell division in rat corneal epithelium.
Mitotic cells in normal, mature rat corneal epithelium were examined with a light microscope on serial, semi-thick plastic sections. Classification of mitotic figures into horizontally, obliquely or vertically positioned with reference to the epithelial basal lamina has shown that no single configuration predominates. A striking correlation between the position of the daughter cells after cytokinesis and their morphology has been observed. Horizontal cytokinetic pairs were morphologically symmetric but vertical ones were asymmetric, displaying distinct differences between daughter cells. Analysis of earlier mitotic phases has shown that the asymmetry could also be observed in vertical anaphases and telophases. The data provide clear morphological evidence for real asymmetric (unequal) cell division in a replacing epithelium in an adult mammal. It is concluded that asymmetric cell division in the corneal epithelium coexists with, and is as frequent as symmetric (equal) cell division. Randomness of mitotic spindle positioning implies that diverse forms of cell transfer from the proliferative into the differentiative epithelial compartments must operate. Therefore, the universality of the general model of cell renewal in stratified epithelia, which assumes a strong predominance of horizontal mitoses, exclusively equal mitotic divisions and one form of cell transfer, is questioned.
Animals↗
Mitosis arrested by deuterium oxide. Light microscopic, immunofluorescence and ultrastructural characterization.
Dynamics and correctness of mitotic division of PtK1 cells grown in vitro in the presence of deuterium oxide were assessed by morphological criteria. Incubation of PtK1 monolayers for 2 h in media supplemented with 25% to 75% D2O retarded in a dose-dependent manner the interphase/prophase transition, thus substantially decreasing the fraction of prophase cells. The progression of mitosis was also arrested at the metaphase/anaphase transition resulting in an accumulation of prometaphase and metaphase cells. After a prolonged incubation (12-24 h) in 75% D2O, prophase cells reappeared, often displaying a peculiar, "overmatured" pattern of chromosome condensation. In the presence of D2O an "overmatured" prophase cell is able to transform into a prometaphase cell and then directly into a multinucleate/micronucleate cell. Arrested prometaphase and metaphase cells developed restitution nuclei when incubated up to 24 h in the media containing 25% to 75% of heavy water. Immunofluorescence and electron microscopic studies revealed that the treatment with deuterium oxide profoundly disturbed development of the mitotic spindle. On the basis of these observations, a possible mechanism of the antimitotic action of deuterium oxide is discussed. We postulate that centrosomally controlled transformation of the microtubular cytoskeleton into the mitotic spindle is impaired by D2O. This delays the progression of prophase and disturbs congression of chromosomes into a regular metaphase plate.
Animals↗
[Diagnosis and therapy of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo].
The clinical features and therapeutical aspects of 31 patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) were studied. Attention is drawn to diagnostic criteria such as the "Hallpike manoeuvre" and guidelines are given for the differentiation of BPPV and cervical nystagmus. The results of this study are discussed with special regard to habituation training.
Female↗
Localization of the atrial natriuretic peptide binding sites in the inner ear tissue--possibly an additional regulating system.
Specific high affinity atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) binding sites were identified and localized by autoradiography (125J-ANP 1-28) in the inner ear of guinea pigs. ANP is a cardiac hormone known to mediate increased capillary permeability, vasodilation, and natriuresis. Since specific receptors for ANP exist in both eye and brain, possibly playing a role in regulation of fluid and pressure (14, 15), we hypothetized that ANP might be involved also in inner ear fluid dynamics via interaction with other volume/electrolyte balance regulating hormones including vasopressin, renin, and aldosteron. The distribution of ANP receptor in the inner ear tissue appears unequal, which may play a significant role in view of some functional disturbances such as Meniere's disease.
Animals↗
Disorganization of mitosis in HeLa cells by deuterium oxide.
We assessed, by light and electron microscopy, the influence of deuterium oxide on the dynamics of mitosis and on the morphology of the mitotic apparatus in HeLa cells grown in vitro. A 2-h incubation of HeLa monolayers with low concentrations of D2O (1%-25%) in the medium increased the frequency of multipolar divisions up to 20 times the control level. Substitution of 10% and 25% D2O for H2O induced changes in the proportions of mitotic phases. These changes could be fully reversed to the control pattern after 1 h of recovery in non-deuterated medium. Fifty % D2O strongly inhibited, and 75% D2O blocked the cell cycle before prophase and at (pro-)metaphase. In cells treated with 50% D2O conspicuous morphological changes of the interphase chromatin as well as ultrastructural abnormalities of all mitotic phases were regularly observed. Overall, these results confirmed the antimitotic activity of deuterium oxide and revealed that it could also influence the cell cycle before mitosis. It is suggested that interference with diverse cellular constituents rather than a specific influence on microtubule turnover could be responsible for the disorganization of the cell cycle in HeLa cells by D2O.
Chromatin↗
The presence and localization of receptors for atrial natriuretic peptide in the inner ear of the guinea pig.
Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a cardiac hormone known to mediate increased capillary permeability, vasodilation, and natriuresis. Since specific receptors for ANP exist in both the eye and brain, possibly playing a role in ocular and cerebrospinal fluid regulation, we postulated that ANP might also be involved in inner ear fluid dynamics. Autoradiography was used to evaluate whether and where ANP receptors are present in the inner ear. Frozen sections of the cochlea and vestibular organ from guinea pigs (n = 18) were incubated in either 125J-ANP alone or together with an excess of unlabeled ANP (as control). ANP receptors were demonstrated in the stria vascularis of the cochlea and in the secretory epithelium of the ampulla and the utriculus, but not in the region of the sensory cells. These results indicate that (1) specific ANP receptors are present in the inner ear, and (2) their local distribution is congruent with those parts thought to regulate labyrinthine fluid composition and volume. We speculate that ANP contributes to the homeostasis of the inner ear fluids and may even play a role in the pathophysiology of Menière's disease.
Animals↗
[Experiences with smell and taste studies in 798 patients].
We present our experiences of olfactometry and gustometry on 798 patients. The results show the necessity of combining tests for both taste and smell. They are essential components of the complete neuro-otological examination and should remain in the otorhinolaryngologist's repertoire.
Ageusia↗