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Biomedical subjects

M Blümke

Publications and source records attributed to M Blümke.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1997

Flow cytometry cross-match: a method for predicting graft rejection.

Long-term graft survival is mainly influenced by early graft rejection and posttransplant graft function. The ability of both complement-dependent cytotoxicity cross-match (CDC) and flow cytometry cross-match (FCXM) to predict acute rejection episodes has been evaluated by cross-matching 40 patients who received cadaveric kidney transplants, before (current serum) and after transplantation (on days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 60, and 90). Of the 40 patients, all of whom had a negative CDC before transplant, seven patients had a positive FCXM before transplant: five of them (5/7=71.4%) experienced severe rejection within 2 months after transplantation. In patients with a negative FCXM before transplant, the incidence of acute rejection was lower (25.8%). Pre-transplant FCXM recipients who had a positive FCXM after transplant, experienced more frequent rejection (38.5%) than those pre-transplant FCXM recipients who never had a positive FCXM (15.8%). With respect to the incidence of acute graft rejection, no difference was found between patients who had a positive CDC after transplant and those who had a negative CDC after transplant. Patients who had a positive FCXM before transplant had significantly higher creatinine levels within the first month after transplant. Immediate onset of function and accelerated lowering of the creatinine level were found to be more frequent in patients who had a negative FCXM before transplant. As early graft rejection is the largest contributing factor for the development of chronic rejection and, therefore, of graft loss, we regard FCXM as a sensitive method for predicting long-term prognosis and graft survival, due to its competence in predicting both restricted graft function and early acute rejection, in particular.

Complement System Proteins↗
PubMed1995

Studies on the carbohydrate moieties of the timothy grass pollen allergen Phl p I.

Timothy grass pollen was investigated in order to determine the carbohydrate moieties of its major grass group I (Phl p I) and to study its impact on allergenicity. Based on computer calculations one N-glycosylation site was deduced from the cDNA data of Phl p I. After two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, followed by blotting of pollen extract and by use of the monoclonal antibody IG 12 we identified at least six isoallergens of Phl p I with the main spots at a molecular mass of 35-37 kDa and a pI range of 6.5-7.3. Deglycosylation by trifluoromethanesulfonic acid resulted in a decrease of about 2 kDa. Treatment with N-glycosidase A resulted in a partial deglycosylation, while N-glycosidase F and O-glycosidase had no effect. Ten lectins were investigated for their binding to Phl p I components: Aleuria aurantia agglutinin showed strong reactivity (indicating fucose residues), while Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (indicating mannose residues) and concanavalin A (indicating mannose, glucose or N-acetylglucosamine residues) showed weak binding. By neutral sugar analysis we determined similar contents of the monosaccharides in the isoallergens. In order to study the influence of the carbohydrate structures of Phl p I on IgE reactivity we tested some patient sera for their reactivity with intact and deglycosylated Phl p I. Even though most of the IgE antibodies bind at the protein core, we detected one serum that recognized carbohydrate moieties on the Phl p I.

Allergens↗
PubMed1994

A new operative technique of paratopic positioning of pediatric en bloc kidneys for transplantation.

Technical difficulties and insufficient renal mass have been reasons not to use en bloc-removed kidneys from organ donors under the age of 3 years. We developed a new technique of paratopic positioning of en bloc-removed kidneys with a prolonging interpositional graft of donor aorta and vena cava. With transperitoneal approach, anastomosis directly to the recipient's aorta and vena cava can be performed. Using this technique, 7 patients have been transplanted so far. They were chosen out of a list of possible recipients according to HLA-match, body weight and blood pressure. All patients had primary function. Anastomosis and renal vessels were controlled by color duplex ultrasound imaging and angiography. Patients developed a stable kidney function. There were no surgical complications except a thrombosed kidney in 1 patient. With the new technique described, transplantation of en bloc-removed kidneys from donors under the age of 3 years can be performed with a low rate of technical complications. Donors of this age should be considered not only as potential liver donors but as kidney donors as well.

Adult↗