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Biomedical subjects

W H Hitzig

Publications and source records attributed to W H Hitzig.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1975

The role of vitamin B 12 and its transport globulins in the production of antibodies.

Immunological functions were repeatedly tested in a patient with hereditary deficiency of transcobalamin II (TC II): he was unable to synthesize immunoglobulins and specific antibodies, but was able to do so normally after injection of high doses of vitamin B 12 (1000 mug per week). Lymphocytes (B and T) were present in normal numbers prior to therapy, thus indicating normal differentiation of stem cells. In contrast, clonal expansion, necessary for immunoglobulin production, was possible only after vitamin B 12 administration. These observations, as well as the well known disturbances in haemopoiesis, indicate that vitamin B 12 is indispensable to rapidly replicating tissues, and that a severe deficiency of this vitamin in the cells can result from the absence of TC II.

Antibody Formation↗
PubMed1975

Conventional immunoglobulin therapy.

Concentrated gamma globulin as a substitute for deficient B-cell function is usually given by the intramuscular route. The intravenous administration would be preferable, but presents major difficulties, mainly with shock-life reactions. Most of them are due to rapid activation of the complement system by aggregated IgG. The attempts to avoid such reactions include exposure of gamma globulin concentrates to pepsin, plasmin, low pH, beta-propiolactone, polymers, salts and millipore filtration. The results improved slowly, but they are still not entirely satisfactory.

Absorption↗
PubMed1975

Vitamin B12 transport in blood. I. Congenital deficiency of transcobalamin II.

Some characteristics of vitamin B12 binding and transport in the serum of an infant with congenital hereditary transcobalamin II (TC II) deficiency were studied using the following parameters and methods: vitamin B12 level and binding capacity; electrophoretic mobility in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; various immunodiffusion and absorption experiments, using a specific anti-TC II antiserum and the patient's serum as antigen. The results of these studies point to a deficient synthesis of TC II. Parenteral administration of high doses of vitamin B12 was followed by rapid and complete clinical remission and the appearance of vitamin B12 binder in the alpha 2 region which is similar to "fetal binder." Thus, very high concentrations of vitamin B12, either carrier free or bound to this alpha 2 binder, were able to correct the disturbed physiology of TC II deficiency, presumably by normalization of DNA-thymine synthesis.

Humans↗