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Biomedical subjects

M Mainitz

Publications and source records attributed to M Mainitz.

12 recordsLinked to original sources

Immunohistochemical demonstration of immunoglobulin A in human sebaceous and sweat glands.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) mediated humoral defense mechanisms have been detected on all mucous membrane surfaces. There are only a few papers about the presence of IgA in human skin. In order to demonstrate the occurrence of IgA in sebaceous and sweat glands, biopsies of normal human skin were investigated and compared to intestinal mucosa. Two different commercially available anti-IgA antibodies were used. For light microscopy peroxidase-anti-peroxidase (PAP) or avidin-biotin complex (ABC) staining was used, and for electron microscopy protein-A-gold (PAG) labeling was performed on tissue sections. Specifically decorated IgA was found in sebaceous glands as well as in various portions of eccrine glands. In sebaceous glands, the maximum of IgA concentration was seen near the mouth of pilosebaceous ducts. Sweat ducts exhibited a continuous coat of IgA, whereas secretory portions contained only singular scattered IgA positive cells. Immunoelectron microscopy suggests endocytotic uptake and processing of IgA in the glandular cells. These results indicate strongly that IgA are secreted by normal human sebaceous and sweat glands. Because it is well known that IgA plays an important role in inactivation of invading viruses, bacteria, and other antigenic structures on mucous membranes, it appears that IgA in sebum and sweat fulfil a similar function on the outer body surface.

Adolescent↗

Fibrous hamartoma of infancy--infantile subcutaneous myofibroblastoma.

This paper presents light and electron microscopic findings in a case of fibrous hamartoma of infancy. Histological examination revealed different tissue components: irregular trabecular collagen fibers among mature adipose tissue, and mesenchymal cells at the border of fibrocollagenous trabeculae as well as around blood vessels. Ultrastructurally most of the tumor cells represented myofibroblasts. According to the predominance of a distinct cell type, fibrous hamartoma of infancy cannot be regarded as a hamartomatous lesion but should be included in the group of juvenile fibromatoses under the term 'infantile subcutaneous myofibroblastoma'.

Child, Preschool↗

[Ichthyosiform scaling in alpha-1,4-glucosidase deficiency].

In two patients suffering from infantile and juvenile types of alpha-1,4 glucosidase deficiency (Pompe's disease, glycogen storage disease types 2a and 2b) with typical lysosomal glycogen storage, widespread dry "ichthyosiform" scaling skin was observed. The clinical and microscopical findings resembled those of ichthyosis vulgaris. Even in the cytoplasm of keratinocytes vacuolar glycogen accumulation was demonstrated, suggesting a correlation between this pathological storage process and the symptom of "scaling". Therefore, ichthyosiform scaling conditions should be investigated not only for disorders of lipid metabolism but also for a possible disturbance of the carbohydrate-digesting enzymes.

Adult↗

[Pigmented neurofibroma].

In a 24-year-old male melanin synthesis was demonstrated in a neurofibroma by light and electron microscopy. Although it is unclear whether the tumor cells are pigment-synthesizing Schwann cells or whether they originate from a coexisting melanocytic tumor, this tumor again demonstrates the close relationship between peripheral nerve sheath tumors and melanocytic malformations, as for example cellular blue nevi.

Adult↗

[Tungiasis--an increasingly frequent vacation dermatosis].

Because of the increase in international air travel to the tropical areas, we often observe skin diseases now that were formerly restricted to the equatorial zones. As we have recently observed several cases of tungiasis in our department, we report here the epidemiology, clinical appearance and treatment of this "tourism-transmitted" rare form of tropical parasitosis.

Adult↗

Anthrenus sp. The paraffin block eater bug.

Review of several years-old, paraffin-embedded specimens showed unusual damage, especially of the sectioned surface of hyperkeratotic lesions. The larva of Anthrenus sp., feeding on the embedded material, was identified as the causative agent. Normally found in birds' nests, this species prefers keratin for nutrition, and can therefore damage histopathology collections.

Animals↗

[Sweat glands in pseudohypoaldosteronism].

Pseudohypoaldosteronism is a rare syndrome occurring during early infancy, which is mainly characterized by salt-depletion crises. Sodium chloride is lost via the kidneys resulting in a reduced sodium level and raised potassium level in the serum, leading to life-threatening disturbances of water and acid-base concentration. The excessive sodium loss seems to be caused by an unresponsiveness of the renal tubules to endogenous and exogenous mineralocorticoids. The colon, salivary and sweat glands, which are also involved in sodium reabsorption, may likewise be affected by the disease. We describe skin changes in two siblings suffering from pseudohypoaldosteronism, who developed seborrheic dermatitis, folliculitis or miliaria rubra-like lesions during salt-depletion crises. Biochemical analysis revealed a highly increased sodium-chloride concentration in the sweat, saliva, urine and stool of both patients. Destructive inflammatory reactions could be demonstrated histologically within and around the dermal sweat glands, thus indicating the important role of the sweat system in the pathogenesis of skin lesions in pseudohypoaldosteronism.

Child, Preschool↗

Response of multiple syringomas to isotretinoin.

Two female patients with multiple syringomas were treated for 5/6 months with cumulative doses of 9 and 11 g isotretinoin respectively. Clinically, the appearance of the lesions in both patients improved from the third month on. After therapy, the lesions were flattened, softened, and skin coloured. Histologically, a marked reduction of size and numbers of syringomas was observed, and the contents of cystic lesions seemed reduced 6 months after therapy. Ultrastructurally, changes in the cystic and ductal epithelium correspond with the keratin modulating efficacy of the drug, but also point at a drug-induced change in intracellular lipid composition.

Adenoma↗

[Antiarrhythmic effect and side effects of amiodarone].

UNLABELLED: Amiodarone (AM) is one of the most potent antiarrhythmic drugs, the value of which is limited by reversible and irreversible side-effects (SE). 59 patients, 50 male, 9 female (age 33 to 81 years) entered the study with ventricular tachycardia (VT, 68%), WPW-tachycardia (12%), non-sustained VT (12%) or untreatable paroxysmal atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia (8%). Prior to AM the patients had received 1 to 8 different antiarrhythmic drugs (m 3.5) and maximal 9 different combinations of antiarrhythmics. The drug regimen started with a loading dose of 1200 mg/d for 1 to 2 weeks and was continued with a maintenance dose of 200 to 600 mg/d. The patients were followed up 1 to 41 months (m 14 m). The drug effect was evaluated using clinical criteria (recurrence of arrhythmias, death), computer-assisted analysis of several 24 hr long-term ECGs and programmed electrophysiological stimulation. Three- to six-monthly the patients were seen in our outpatient department for check up and blood-sample analysis (liver, thyroid gland etc.). Also in the majority of the patients frequent ophthalmological and dermatological investigations, as well as lung functions tests were carried out. RESULTS: under AM therapy the initial arrhythmias were no longer detectable in 41% of the patients. In 37% a significant amelioration of the formerly life-threatening arrhythmias was found. 7 patients (12%), predominantly with reduced left ventricular function, died during follow up. No pulmonary, hepatotoxic or neurological SE were found. All patients developed reversible AM keratopathy. In 27% ETR and T4 were elevated, but only one patient developed hyperthyroidism with an increase in TT3. Another patient showed signs of hypothyroidism with an elevated TSH prior to TRH stimulation. Increased phototoxicity was found in 31%, whereas in two patients typical AM hyperpigmentation occurred, especially on the face. In conclusion, AM is a highly effective antiarrhythmic agent, despite a negatively selected collective, but it should only be used in patients with refractory arrhythmia in view of the SE.

Adult↗