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Biomedical subjects

M S Pollack

Publications and source records attributed to M S Pollack.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Frequencies of HLA and Gm immunogenetic markers in Kaposi's sarcoma.

An outbreak of Kaposi's sarcoma in homosexual men has recently been observed in New York and California which differs from the "classic" North American disease with regard to younger age of onset and clinical prognosis. Although the exact mechanism for initiation of either disease is still unknown, a viral mechanism has been suggested in both cases. In order to investigate the possible role of HLA-associated variations in genetic susceptibility, 39 patients with histologically documented Kaposi's sarcoma were typed for HLA-A,B,C antigens. Most of these patients were also typed for HLA-DR antigens and for Gm allotypes. A significant increase in DR5 occurred in both groups. Decreases in B8 and DR3 and an increase in homozygosity for the Gm haplotype 3;5,13 were also noted. These results suggest that HLA and Gm linked immune response factors may play a role in the induction of both these forms of the disease.

HLA Antigens↗

Nonsalt-losing congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency with normal glomerulosa function.

In studies of a 6-yr-old boy and his non-HLA identical 8-yr-old sister, we demonstrated 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) deficiency in the biosynthetic pathways of glucocorticoids and androgens, but not mineralocorticoids. The sister did not manifest abnormal genital development at birth, but developed premature adrenarche at the age of 4 yr, with clitoromegaly and advanced bone age. The brother had perineal hypospadias at birth and developed premature adrenarche at the age of 6 yr. In both siblings, baseline and ACTH-stimulated delta 5 steroids were markedly elevated. The baseline and ACTH-stimulated ratios of delta 5 to delta 4 steroids remained extremely high, and all steroids promptly suppressed with dexamethasone (DEX). Normal baseline PRA and serum and urinary aldosterone (Aldo) levels increased after stimulation with a low Na+ diet. Renal Na+ conservation was normal after dietary Na+ deprivation with and without DEX administration. The PRA to pH 1 Aldo ratio remained normal with normal and low Na+ diets, regardless of DEX administration, indicating normal glomerulosa function with renin stimulation. In both siblings, ACTH increased PRA and Aldo levels, maintaining the PRA to pH 1 Aldo ratio unchanged from the baseline value. In contrast, in control children, PRA was suppressed, while Aldo increased, resulting in a fall of the PRA to pH 1 Aldo ratio. The increase in PRA with exogenous ACTH in these siblings suggests there may be an ACTH-stimulable mineralocorticoid antagonist. During prolonged DEX administration, hCG administration caused a slight increase in 17-hydroxypregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone in both the siblings, while testosterone (T) rose poorly in the brother, and estradiol did not rise at all in the sister. These results suggest the possibility of a deficiency of 3 beta-HSD in the gonads as well as the adrenals. After [3H]dehydroepiandrosterone iv infusion, there was normal conversion to [3H]-conjugated testosterone glucuronide, suggesting the presence of normal peripheral 3 beta-HSD activity. We propose that in these siblings, there is a deficiency of 3 beta-HSD in the adrenal zona fasciculata and zona reticularis, whereas 3 beta-HSD activity is intact in the zona glomerulosa. In addition, in these siblings, 3 beta-HSD deficiency was present in the gonads, while peripheral 3 beta-HSD activity appeared to be intact. These cases demonstrate further the heterogeneity of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 3 beta-HSD deficiency.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

HLA genotyping in family members and patients with familial polycystic ovarian disease.

To determine whether the familial occurrence of polycystic ovarian disease (PCO) is related to the major histocompatibility complex (HLA), four families in whom at least two siblings had clinical evidence of disease were examined. The diagnosis of PCO was confirmed by increased serum testosterone, androstenedione, and LH levels compared to those in normal women. Elevated concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate indicated excess adrenal androgen secretion. The result of HLA genotyping in the families studied demonstrate that PCO does not exhibit linkage to the HLA system.

Androgens↗

Genotyping steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency: hormonal reference data.

Hormonal reference data, in the form of nomograms relating baseline and stimulated levels of adrenal hormones, provide a means of genotyping steroid 21-hydroxylase (21-OH) deficiency in congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Data from both 360- and 60-min ACTH stimulation tests are given. The serum hormone concentrations that have proven most useful in classifying 21-OH deficiency are 17-hydroxyprogesterone and delta 4-androstenedione. These nomograms clearly distinguish the patient with classical 21-OH deficiency from those with the milder symptomatic and asymptomatic nonclassical forms of 21-OH deficiency (previously referred to as late onset and cryptic forms) as well as heterozygotes for all of the forms and those subjects predicted by HLA genotyping to be unaffected. The nomograms also can identify individuals heterozygous for 21-OH deficiency in the general population who have a characteristic heterozygote response. These nomograms provide a powerful tool by which to assign the 21-OH deficiency genotype. Patients whose hormonal values fall on the regression line within a defined group are assigned to that group. In view of the strong correlation between the 60- and 360-min ACTH stimulation tests, the less cumbersome and shorter 60-min test can be used with the same confidence as the longer test.

Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital↗

Generalized lymphadenopathy in homosexual men.

The cases of 90 homosexual or bisexual men with generalized lymphadenopathy were studied by epidemiologic, clinical, pathologic, immunologic, and genetic methods. The patients ranged in age from 20 to 52 years and had histories of multiple sexually transmitted diseases and both recreational and prescription drug use. Histologically, their lymph nodes showed three patterns: explosive follicular hyperplasia; follicular involution with expansion of the paracortical area; and a mixed pattern of follicular hyperplasia and follicular involution in the same lymph node. The frequency of HLA-DR5 was significantly increased in these patients (p less than 0.005) compared with that in controls. All patients had impaired cell-mediated immunity. Opportunistic infections, lymphomas, or Kaposi's sarcoma subsequently developed in 15 patients who had had severe immune dysfunction for the previous 3 to 13 months. We suggest that generalized lymphadenopathy is part of the spectrum of a disorder manifested by acquired immunodeficiency, opportunistic infections, Kaposi's sarcoma, and malignant lymphomas.

Adult↗

Transplantation for severe combined immunodeficiency with HLA-A,B,D,DR incompatible parental marrow cells fractionated by soybean agglutinin and sheep red blood cells.

Three patients with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) received transplants of HLA haplotype-mismatched parental bone marrow depleted of T lymphocytes by differential agglutination with soybean agglutinin (SBA) and subsequent E-rosette depletion. Two patients achieved durable engraftment with reconstitution of both humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Neither of these patients developed graft versus host disease (GVHD). The third patient achieved only a transient engraftment with concomitant development of mitogen-responsive lymphocytes of paternal origin. Our experience indicates that depletion of T lymphocytes by this technique can abrogate the potential of histoincompatible marrow grafts to induce lethal GVHD without limiting immunologic reconstitution. It also provides further evidence of nonimmune mechanisms of graft resistance that may necessitate preparative treatment of patients with SCID before transplantation with HLA-mismatched marrow cells.

Bone Marrow Transplantation↗

Analysis of active and inactive complement C4 complotypes associated with subtypes of HLA-B17 in different racial groups.

HLA-A, B, and C antigens and the HLA-linked markers BF, C2, and C4 were determined in 1,799 unrelated Caucasians, 140 North American blacks, 140 Chinese, and 66 Japanese. One allele of the C4A locus (Rodgers), C4A*6, was found to code for a functionally inactive product in HLA-B17 (Bw57)-positive individuals, but for a functionally active product in HLA-B37- or HLA-B27-positive individuals. Further studies revealed that the functionally inactive C4A*6 gene product was found only in one subtype of HLA-B17, namely, 17.1 (Bw57, long). In addition, it was found that the frequency of the other subtype of HLA-B17, namely, 17.2(Bw58, short) varies greatly in different populations and that HLA-Bw58 is associated with either C4A*3,B*1 or C4A*3,B*Q0.

Alleles↗

HLA frequencies in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Our study of the distribution of HLA-A, -B, and -C in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) found no statistically significant deviation. We found a trend, however, toward a decrease in HLA-A9, as we had reported previously, and toward an increase in HLA-Bw35 and -Cw4. The worldwide incidence of ALS is uniform except in Guam and on Japan's Kii peninsula, and published reports from many countries, including Guam, show no consistent deviation in HLA frequencies related to ALS.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis↗

Absence of HLA association or linkage for variations in sensitivity to the odor of androstenone.

Sensitivity to the odor of 5-androst-16-en-3-one (androstenone), a testosterone metabolite, shows wide variations among unrelated individuals. Analysis of correlations in sensitivity between monozygotic twin pairs, dizygotic twin pairs, and nontwin sib pairs now shows that at least a portion of this variation is genetically determined. However, although data from some mouse studies have suggested a relationship between olfaction and the murine histocompatibility system (H-2), we were unable to demonstrate any role of the human HLA system in explaining the wide individual variations in human sensitivity to androstenone. An additional analysis of HLA antigens among 61 human mating pairs also provided no evidence that HLA phenotypes play a role in human mating preference. These data fail to support a role for the human HLA system in the recognition of an odorant of potential biological significance.

Adolescent↗