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Biomedical subjects

Z Spirer

Publications and source records attributed to Z Spirer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1991

[Myocardial and central nervous system involvement in scorpion envenomation by Androctonus bicolor bicolor].

A 3-year-old girl was stung by a scorpion (Androctonus bicolor bicolor) in her foot while walking barefoot in a courtyard in the early evening. Within an hour she began to vomit and became extremely agitated. On admission she was stuporous and hypotensive, and severe hypertonicity and prolonged convulsions ensued. Treatment consisted of adrenalin, corticosteroids, diazepam, chloral hydrate and phenobarbital and she improved within 2 hours. The following day myocardial involvement, with tachycardia, gallop rhythm and electrocardiographic abnormalities developed and treatment with digoxin and dexamethasone was started. Full recovery took 6 days. Both black and brown scorpions of this species are dangerous and may cause multisystem manifestations, especially in young children. Usually found in the desert or in sand dunes, it sometimes occurs in inhabited areas as well, in rubble or building ruins. Its distribution is from Haifa in the north down to the Sinai peninsula.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Coffee and the immune system.

The effect of coffee consumption on the immune system, studied in 15 men and women, showed that the responses to PHA and Con A were about one-third lower during coffee drinking compared to a period of abstinence from coffee (117335, 99856 and 181236, 153315, P less than 0.004, 0.009 respectively). There was no effect on total T- or B-cells. There was no statistically significant change in the number of suppressor T-cells (20, 26; P = 0.1) or NK cells (20, 26; P = 0.014). Chemotaxis was higher in the coffee period at all concentrations. This exploratory study suggests that coffee intake modifies various measures of the immune function. The clinical relevance of the findings is not clear, and further studies aimed at delineating the constituents responsible for the effects observed are recommended.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Prenatal diagnosis of vitamin D-dependent rickets, type II: response to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in amniotic fluid cells and fetal tissues.

Vitamin D-dependent rickets type II (VDDR-II; hereditary resistance to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3]), an autosomal recessive genetic disease that results from a failure to respond to 1,25-(OH)2D3, is characterized by severe rickets, hypocalcemia, growth retardation, and high prevalence of alopecia. We used amniotic fluid cells in the 17th week of gestation to detect VDDR-II in fetuses at risk for the defect. First, we demonstrated in cells obtained from 15 control pregnancies the presence of a specific high affinity 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor (Kd = 0.3 x 10(-11) mol/L; maximal number of binding sites, 6.1 fmol/mg protein) and 1,25-(OH)2D3-induced 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase activity (up to 30-fold increase). Amniotic fluid cells from a woman who had already given birth to a child with VDDR-II contained receptors that bound [3H]1,25-(OH)2D3 normally and responded to 1,25-(OH)2D3 stimulation with a 10-fold increase in 24-hydroxylase activity. The fetus was, therefore, judged unaffected, and a normal baby girl was born. At the age of 16 months she did not demonstrate clinical or biochemical features of VDDR-II. Amniotic fluid cells from another mother of a child with VDDR-II were unable to bind [3H]1,25-(OH)2D3, and the hormone failed to stimulate 24-hydroxylase activity. VDDR-II in this fetus was confirmed after termination of pregnancy by the total inability of 1,25-(OH)2D3 to stimulate 24-hydroxylase activity in tissue explants and cell cultures prepared from the fetus's kidney and skin. In contrast, tissues from dead control fetuses responded to stimulation by 1,25-(OH)2D3 with a 3- to 10-fold increase in 24-hydroxylase activity. Fetal kidney and skin explants and cell cultures also synthesized a [3H]1,25-(OH)2D3-like metabolite from [3H]25-OHD3 as early as the 17th week of gestation. 1,25-(OH)2D3 (10 nM) decreased the in vitro synthesis of the [3H]1,25-(OH)2D3-like metabolite in tissues from dead control fetuses, but not from the affected fetus. Thus, human fetuses at midgestation already have the regulatory mechanisms responsive to 1,25-(OH)2D3 present postnatally. The prenatal diagnosis of VDDR-II is now possible and is indicated in a high risk family.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Superoxide dismutase activity in the erythrocyte of the term newborn and premature.

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was determined in the erythrocytes of 16 full-term and 12 preterm neonates and the mothers of these babies. Blood samples were obtained from the umbilical cord (or within the first 12 h and samples were again obtained 48 h after delivery. The results of the study show that SOD activity in the erythrocytes of the full-term newborn is identical to the SOD activity in the erythrocytes of their mothers. Exposing the newborn to atmospheric oxygen for 48 h caused no change in the activity of SOD. The activity of SOD in the erythrocytes of the preterm was not different from that of the full-term neonate.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Defective leukocyte fungicidal activity in end-organ resistance to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

Recent studies have shown 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor-mediated modulation of leukocyte proliferation, differentiation, and function. We examined the phagocytosis and killing of microorganisms by neutrophils and monocytes from five patients of three families with hereditary resistance to 1,25(OH)2D3. Phagocytosis of microorganisms by patients' neutrophils and monocytes was normal. However, defective neutrophil killing activity toward Candida albicans (30-40% of controls) was found in all patients. The killing of Staphylococcus aureus was normal. The neutrophil chemiluminescence, nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) dye reduction, and the generation of superoxide ions and hydrogen peroxide by neutrophils and monocytes after induction by either soluble stimuli or zymozan particles, did not differ from those in controls. The neutrophil myeloperoxidase activity was also normal. Monocytes obtained from two patients of different families before long-term calcium infusion therapy and after they became normocalcemic, demonstrated a similar impaired fungicidal activity toward Saccharomyces cerevisiae, indicating that hypocalcemia itself was not the cause of the killing defect. However, the addition of the Ca+2 ionophore A23187 (1 microM) to the test medium restored the monocyte fungicidal activity to normal. As patients' neutrophil cytosolic free calcium concentration was similar to that in controls, it is suggested that 1,25-(OH)2D3 exerts its effect on leukocyte function by a putative receptor-mediated regulation of subcellular calcium localization which may be important for fungicidal activity.

Calcitriol↗
PubMed1989

Tuftsin stimulates IL-1 production by human mononuclear cells, human spleen cells and mouse spleen cells in vitro.

Human peripheral adherent cells from splenectomized subjects, human spleen cells and mouse spleen cells were tested for IL-1 production in vitro in presence or absence of synthetic tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg). Application of synthetic tuftsin to peripheral blood adherent cells from normal donors as well as from splenectomized subjects induces IL-1 production. In splenectomized subjects the extent of induction was more evident than in controls. In human splenic cells tuftsin stimulates IL-1 production without KLH or LPS. In mouse spleen cells tuftsin alone did not stimulate the IL-1 secretion. However, addition of tuftsin to mouse spleen cells incubated with KLH augmented significantly the IL-1 secretion. As removal of the spleen leads to tuftsin deficiency, our present findings may perhaps explain the fulminant nature of the postplenectomy sepsis and some immune disturbances described in the postplenectomy state.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

The immune system response to Campylobacter infection.

Campylobacter may be one of the most common causes of bacterial gastroenteritis (GE) in children. It has recently been suggested that it is one of the bacterial pathogens most likely to infect immune-compromised children, and it may facilitate colonization of enteric pathogens. The immune system response was studied in 12 children with Campylobacter fetus subspecies jejuni (CBJ) infections. Serum concentrations of IgA, IgM, and IgG were analyzed using a Beckman auto-analyzer. Sera specific Ab to CBJ were tested with CBJ specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Mitogen stimulation of lymphocytes was performed to three lectins: Con A, PWM, and PHA. The lymphocyte blast transformation to Campylobacter was studied using the Campylobacter antigen. T-cell subsets were studied using the monoclonal antibodies Leu 2, 3, and 4 (Becton Dickinson). Chemotaxis was measured in modified Boyden chambers; chemotactic stimulants were the Formyl Met Leu Phe, Campylobacter antigen virion, and E. coli 0111 B. Immunoglobulins were normal in nine cases and abnormal in two children previously diagnosed as agammaglobulinemic and one diagnosed as hypoagammaglobulinemic. Specific serum Ab level was significantly higher in the CBJ group, except in the agammaglobulinemic group. Stimulation indices to mitogens and monoclonal subset were in the normal range. The blastogenic transformation to CBJ Ag was decreased compared to normal lectins, and positive and high compared to controls. The chemotactic activity to campylobacter Ag was decreased in comparison to other stimulants. Most CBJ infections are self-limiting due to a normal immune response and collaboration of all cellular limbs. When, however, the immune response is disturbed, we may find a prolonged and complicated course of CBJ.

Antibodies↗
PubMed1988

Prolactin stimulates creatine kinase activity and DNA synthesis in explants of human amnion.

To characterize the action of hPRL and human placental lactogen on the amnion, decidua and placenta, we examined the effects of these hormones on the brain type isozyme of creatine kinase in cultured explants of these tissues from normal deliveries. In the amnion, hPRL (1 mg/l) caused a 1.8-fold increase in creatine kinase specific activity in 24 h, whereas hGH (1 mg/l) or human placental lactogen (1 mg/l) had no effect; oPRL (1 mg/l) also caused a 2.5-fold increase in creatine kinase activity. Neither hPRL, human placental lactogen nor hGH had a significant effect on creatine kinase activity in the placenta or decidua. [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA increased in parallel to the stimulation of creatine kinase activity. The predominant isozyme of creatine kinase in both the unstimulated and stimulated explants was the brain type isozyme. Creatine kinase activity in the amniotic tissue increased significantly 2 h after hPRL treatment and reached its highest value at 4 h. The enzyme activity in the amnion rose with increasing hPRL dose and showed a significant increase at physiologic concentrations as low as 0.01 mg/l. This study, therefore, provides evidence for biological action of prolactin in amniotic tissue, suggesting that the amnion is physiologically responsive to prolactin.

Amnion↗
PubMed1988

The immune regulation in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).

In order to investigate a possible immune regulation imbalance in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), the T-cell subsets and interleukin (IL)-1 and -2 production were examined in 39 patients (32 consecutive; 7 previous) and 14 controls. Results in the FMF group indicated no change in total T-cells and B-cells. The number of supp T-cells and helper cells were significantly decreased, as compared to the controls (14 +/- 5.2, 19 +/- 4.6 vs. 31 +/- 4.6, 41 +/- 5.3, respectively), and the NK cells were significantly increased (16 +/- 4.8, 36 +/- 2.1). Peripheral blood monocytes from the patients with FMF produced higher amounts of IL-1 and lower amounts of IL-2 than those from the control subjects. The latter results were enhanced when the FMF group was subdivided on the basis of pretreatment with colchicine and presence of amyloidosis. This study, although preliminary, indicates an immune regulation imbalance in FMF patients. Further research is necessary to understand the interrelation of amyloidosis and colchicine treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Cerebellar ataxia and opsoclonus as the initial manifestations of myoclonic encephalopathy associated with neuroblastoma.

Cerebellar ataxia and opsoclonus were the initial manifestations of an associated neuroblastoma in a 20-month-old girl. Two months after the initial symptomatology, a physical examination revealed an abnormal mass palpable left to the midline. Urinary catecholamines were within normal limits. The child's neurological findings improved immediately after surgery, and steroid treatment and the follow-up on her after 2 years revealed normal general and neurological development. The syndrome of myoclonic encephalopathy including cerebellar ataxia, myoclonus and opsoclonus, and its relationship to neuroblastoma is reviewed. Failure to recognize this association can result in delays in both diagnosis and treatment and could be fatal.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗
PubMed1987

Long-term intracaval calcium infusion therapy in end-organ resistance to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

Two boys aged six and four with the syndrome of hereditary resistance to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 with rickets alopecia and growth retardation are presented. After unsuccessful therapeutic trials with pharmacologic doses of vitamin D or its active metabolites, the patients were treated by long-term intracaval infusions of calcium through an implantable catheter. A total of 0.5 to 0.9 g of elemental calcium was infused daily for 18 months and the serum calcium concentration was maintained at 9 to 10 mg/dl. Bone pain subsided within one week of treatment. Serum phosphorus, immunoreactive parathyroid hormone, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations and alkaline phosphatase activity were normalized within four to nine months. Radiographs of the knees and hands revealed progressive healing of rickets with complete resolution after one year of treatment. The patients gained 12 cm and 8 cm per year in height as compared with 3 cm and 2 cm, respectively, in the previous year. A transilial bone biopsy obtained from one patient prior to treatment revealed severe osteomalacia associated with osteitis fibrosa. A follow-up biopsy examined after 12 months of therapy showed almost complete healing of osteomalacia and normal mineralization. These observations indicate the following: (1) Long-term intracaval calcium infusions are an effective mode of therapy for these patients, and (2) When adequate serum calcium and phosphorus concentrations are maintained, healing of rickets and normal growth rate could be achieved even in the absence of a normal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor-effector system.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1987

Serum immunoglobulin A levels and ethnicity in an Israeli population sample.

Serum IgA concentrations were measured in 1799 healthy Israeli military recruits (698 women and 1101 men) using an automated nephelometric system. The overall prevalence of IgA deficiency defined at a level of less than 50 mg/liter was 1.0 +/- 0.46% (95% confidence limits). No significant difference was found between the sexes in the mean values of serum IgA. Statistically significant ethnic differences were evident. Recruits of European origin had lower serum IgA concentrations than the North African, Israeli, or Asian origin groups. Whether the apparently high prevalence of IgA deficiency in this young population in Israel has clinical significance is at present unknown.

Africa, Northern↗
PubMed1987

Age distribution of anginose mononucleosis.

The age distribution of anginose infectious mononucleosis in children was analysed retrospectively for the years 1966-85. During that period the disease became significantly more common in children of a young age and less common in older children. This shift could not be attributed either to socioeconomic conditions or to the diagnostic methods used.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Antibodies to insulin receptor followed by anti-idiotype. Antibodies to insulin in child with hypoglycemia.

A child presenting severe hypoglycemia despite low or normal secretion of insulin was found to have IgM antibodies to the insulin receptor. These antibodies stimulated lipogenesis in fat cells in vitro and competed with insulin for binding to insulin receptors. After treatment with glucocorticoids, the anti-receptor antibodies and the hypoglycemia both disappeared, and antibodies to insulin appeared in the patient's serum. The anti-insulin antibodies were isolated by affinity chromatography and were found to inhibit the anti-insulin-receptor antibodies that were present earlier. The interaction between the patient's anti-insulin antibodies and his anti-receptor antibodies suggests that these two species of antibodies are related as idiotypes and anti-idiotypes. We also studied the interaction of the hypoglycemic patient's anti-receptor antibodies with anti-insulin antibodies of a diabetic patient and with anti-insulin antibodies of mice immunized to insulin. The hypoglycemic patient's anti-receptor antibodies were neutralized by the diabetic patient's anti-insulin antibodies, indicating that anti-insulin antibodies with a common idiotype may arise in both diabetes and hypoglycemia. Moreover, mouse anti-insulin antibodies that interacted with mouse anti-receptor antibodies neutralized the hypoglycemic patient's anti-receptor antibodies. In contrast, mouse anti-insulin antibodies that did not interact with the mouse anti-receptor antibodies did not neutralize the hypoglycemic patient's anti-receptor antibodies. Thus, the human anti-insulin antibodies share an idiotype with a specific class of mouse anti-insulin antibodies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Abnormalities of cellular immunity and natural killer cells in Gaucher's disease.

Gaucher's disease (GD) which is a congenital defect characterized by the accumulation of glucocerebroside in cells of the reticulo endothelial system, is associated with malignancies of the lymphoid system such as multiple myeloma, chronic lymphatic leukemia, as well as acute leukemia of childhood. We report the immunological profile of the T-cell system in GD patients and in GD carriers. We found a variable response to lectins stimulation (PHA, Con A, PWM in various concentrations) which supports the hypothesis that a persistent antigenic stimulation in GD affects all components of the immune system of those patients. A highly significant decrease in the number of NK cells was also found, which might be a predisposing factor to the increase in malignant B and other lymphoid cell proliferations described in patients with GD.

B-Lymphocytes↗
PubMed1987

Immunocompetence in pregnancy: production of interleukin-2 by peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Pregnancy is a natural allograft and the mechanisms for its non-rejection are obscure. Depression of maternal cellular immunity was suggested as a possible explanation. Interleukin-2(IL-2) is a lymphokine release from OKT4+ lymphocyte. This factor has a crucial role in the proliferation and differentiation of T cell subsets, and controls functions associated with immune rejection mechanisms. We therefore examined the ability of lymphocytes from women in the 3 trimesters of pregnancy to produce IL-2 in culture. Mononuclear cells were cultured with PHA for 48 h. The IL-2-containing supernatant was added to and supported the proliferation of an IL-2 dependent T cell line. Proliferation of this line indicated the IL-2 content of the added supernatant. Using this assay, IL-2 production in all 3 trimesters of pregnancy was adequate and comparable to that of lymphocytes from non-pregnant women. These results suggest that the proposed defect in cellular immunity during pregnancy is not mediated by an inability of the lymphocytes to produce IL-2.

Adult↗