The relation between the [3H]-thymidine labelling index (3H-Thy LI), which evaluates the S-phase cells, and the monoclonal antibody Ki-67 (MoAb Ki-67), which recognizes a nuclear antigen expressed during the cell cycle, was defined in 35 non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL). Significantly higher median values of [3H]-Thy LI and Ki-67-positive cells were observed for high-grade than for low-grade malignancy tumours according to the Kiel classification, but with wide and overlapping values for the two morphologic subgroups. A significant correlation was observed between [3H]-Thy LI and Ki-67-positive cells (P less than 0.0001; r = 0.62). However, the ratio between the two cell kinetic variables on individual tumours was not constant. It sharply increased with decreasing [3H]-Thy LI values and was much higher in low-grade NHL than in high-grade NHL. Follow-up studies are needed to establish the role of the tumour growth fraction as evaluated by MoAb Ki-67 as a prognostic indicator in NHL.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Prognostic implications of cell kinetics, histopathology and pathologic stage in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

Cell kinetics ([3H]-thymidine labelling index, [3H]-Thy LI) were determined on pathologic lymph nodes from 175 untreated adult patients. [3H]-Thy LI significantly differed in low-grade and high-grade malignancy groups according to the Kiel classification (median values, 1.8 per cent and 10.4 per cent, respectively) and in low, intermediate, high grade according to the Working Formulation (median values: 1.7 per cent, 4.8 per cent and 14.2 per cent, respectively) but was unrelated to pathologic stage or patient's age. Cell kinetics, histopathology, pathologic stage and patient's age were significant discriminants of 6-year survival. Multivariate analysis was performed by Cox's proportional hazard model to investigate the role of [3H]-Thy LI after making allowance for the other prognostic factors. When [3H]-Thy LI was added to the model, a large increase (chi square = 29.94) contributed by the cell kinetic variable in identifying patients at different risk was revealed.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluation of the operative parameters for a human prolactin radioimmunoassay in serum.

A sensitive homologous radioimmunoassay (RIA) for human prolactin (hPRL) was evaluated. The experimental parameters of this double antibody solid phase (DASP)-hPRL-RIA are discribed. The RIA measures concentrations of hPRL as low as 1 ng/ml of human serum and allows repetitive measurements and accurate delineation of serum hPRL. The assay is specific for hRPL; only HGH shows a weak cross-reaction. The antigen recovery tests are quantitative. The serum concentrations of hPRL in a group of randomly selected male and female individuals averaged 6.7 +/- 3.3 ng/ml, respectively. In a chronobiological study performed on 21 subjects (5 male and 16 female), a statistically significant rhythm with a 24-h period was detected.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Cross-over study of the bioavailability of a new NSAID (droxicam) versus piroxicam in healthy volunteers following single and multiple dose administration.

Droxicam is a new anti-inflammatory drug which is a pro-drug of piroxicam and possesses delayed absorption kinetics. In this study, the comparative bioavailability of the two compounds was investigated. The study was performed following a cross-over design with single (20 mg) and multiple (20 mg/day for 30 consecutive days) administration in 25 healthy volunteers. The peak plasma concentrations of piroxicam, obtained following administration of droxicam, were lower than those calculated for administration of piroxicam, and the time taken to reach these peak concentrations was increased by approximately 5-7 h. There was no significant difference in either the elimination kinetics of piroxicam or the AUC values found following administration of the two products. Bioavailability of droxicam is equal to that of piroxicam, with a slower rate of absorption.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Thyroid hormones in tissues from human embryos and fetuses.

This study was intended to quantify T3 and T4 in various human tissues at different stages of gestation as a contribute in the evaluation of the role of thyroid hormones in fetal development, particularly before the maturation of fetal thyroid function. Moreover, for a better comprehension of the influence of thyroid hormone status in tissues, the study was extended to adults. Embryonic specimens were obtained from voluntary abortions between 6 and 12 weeks of gestation, fetal and neonatal specimens from fetuses and neonates between 15 and 36 weeks of gestation after spontaneous abortion or stillbirth, and adult specimens from men (age range: 45-65 years) after death for cardiovascular diseases. Thyroid hormones were measured by the method of Gordon and coworkers. In embryos T3 and T4 were measured in limbs, carcasses, brain and liver: considering all values measured in the period 9-12 weeks, a mean concentration of 0.11 ng/g for T3 and 1.28 ng/g for T4 was obtained. In pooled limbs of 6-8 weeks T3 was barely measurable (0.01 ng/g). In the carcasses there was an increase in T3 and T4 concentrations of 40 and 20 times respectively from the 9th to the 12th week, when thyroid follicles organization takes place. In fetuses and adults T3 and T4 were measured in brain, heart, kidney, liver, lung, skeletal muscle and skin (mean concentrations: 0.86 ng/g for T3 and 7.44 ng/g for T4 in fetuses and neonates; 1.36 ng/g for T3 and 12.75 ng/g for T4 in adults). Hormones concentration increased with gestational age; the T3/T4 ratio increased until 22-24 weeks, when the prevalent increment in T4 occurs. T3 concentration up to 30 weeks was generally higher in tissues than in cord serum of the corresponding age. During the last month of gestation T3 increment was faster in serum. T4 level was always predominant in serum. In conclusion, T3 and T4 have been detected in the limbs of embryos before the onset of thyroid hormone secretion. Concentrations were 1/150 and 1/70, of the normal maternal blood values respectively. It is conceivable that these hormones are of maternal origin, and the question of whether such small quantities may play a role in fetal development is open.

Brain↗