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Biomedical subjects

D L Scott

Publications and source records attributed to D L Scott.

At least 253 records · Page 14Linked to original sources

Ultrastructure of the synovial membrane in seronegative inflammatory arthropathies.

The ultrastructure of the synovial membrane has been studied in 6 patients with seronegative inflammatory arthropathies: Reiter's (2), Crohn's (2), Whipple's (1) and Behçet's disease (1). The most striking changes were found in the synovial B cells, many containing abnormally large mitochondria with altered cristae surrounded by fibrillar material. Similar material was present in dilated endoplasmic reticulum which was the probable source of groups of extracellular fibrillar spheroidal bodies. The B cells also contained electron dense granular lysosomes of very variable size which, in common with the abnormal mitochondria, were often associated with bundles of orientated microfilaments and large golgi complexes. Light microscopy of the synovial membrane was consistent with an inflammatory arthritis, as were the high white cell counts in the synovial fluid. Systemic activity in the patients was indicated by raised ESR and C-reactive protein (CRP).

Arthritis↗

Comparative studies of the high molecular weight amyloid fibril proteins and similar components from normal tissues.

Analysis of purified amyloid fibrils by gel filtration, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in SDS and 8 M urea, and immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis showed that, in addition to the specific amyloid proteins AA and AL, the amyloid preparations all contain a high molecular weight complex. The latter protein complex contains fibronectin, a component which reacts with a non-AA specificity of an antiserum to degraded AA amyloid fibrils (termed the 'B' specificity), and a high molecular weight component excluded by a Sepharose 2BCL column. Similar components were found in aqueous extracts of normal tissues prepared by an identical procedure, and these form aggregates of different size in non-dissociating conditions. It is suggested that amyloid fibrils are complexes of a variety of macromolecules in addition to the specific proteins AA and AL.

Amyloid↗

Familial cheiroarthropathy without juvenile onset diabetes mellitus.

Cheiroarthropathy is a recently recognised complication of juvenile onset diabetes mellitus. It comprises inability to extend fully the fingers, contracted tendons, and waxy thickening of the skin overlying the fingers and to a lesser extent the hands. We report two families in which one parent and a number of siblings had the typical features of cheiroarthropathy without juvenile onset diabetes mellitus. The changes developed gradually during childhood and did not progress after adolescence. There were no other abnormal clinical findings, no persistently abnormal laboratory tests, and no association with a specific HLA phenotype. There are some similarities with scleroderma and its recognition is important to prevent unnecessary treatment and to reassure patients.

Adolescent↗

Synovial fluid and plasma fibronectin levels in rheumatoid arthritis.

1. Plasma fibronectin levels were similar in 60 healthy subjects and 88 with the rheumatoid arthritis. 2. In 42 patients with rheumatoid arthritis synovial fluid fibronectin levels were significantly higher than plasma levels (P less than 0.001). Intermediate fibronectin levels were found in synovial fluid from six patients with psoriatic arthritis, eight patients with osteoarthritis and seven with seronegative arthritis. 3. Plasma and synovial fluid fibronectin levels were not related to indices of inflammatory activity such as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, the Ritchie articular index or synovial fluid cell counts. Nor did fibronectin behave as an acute-phase protein. 4. Immunofluorescent studies showed that fibronectin was adsorbed on fibrinous debris in rheumatoid arthritic joints. 5. These findings suggest that there is local production of fibronectin by the synovium and suggest that measurement of fibronectin levels in the synovial fluid may serve as an indicator of the tissue response to rheumatoid arthritis.

Adolescent↗

A pharmacist's audit of antirheumatic drugs.

The results of an audit, by a hospital pharmacist, of antirheumatic drug use at four rheumatology units are presented. Profiles can be developed for each drug which indicate their efficacy and the adverse reaction rate in clinical practice. These can be used to make rational therapeutic choices. A pharmacist can effectively collate such data to provide an unbiased information source.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗

Variations in responses to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

1 This paper assesses the variability in the response of patients with rheumatoid disease to a group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). 2 Thirty six patients were divided into three groups and each group received a set of four NSAID. The different drugs were each given three times daily for a week and the treatment order was randomised. 3 The study demonstrated marked variability and unpredictability in patient responses and cast doubt on the value of comparative trials of different NSAID.

Analysis of Variance↗

Frequency of occurrence, mode of development, and significance or rice bodies in rheumatoid joints.

The incidence of rice bodies (RB) in synovial effusions has been studied in 36 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and in 12 patients with seronegative inflammatory arthritis (7 cases of Still's disease, 3 of psoriatic arthritis, and 2 of ankylosing spondylitis). In the RA group 50 joints were aspirated before and after saline lavage with a specially designed wide-bore needle. RB were found in 72% overall of the joints studied in this group, 14% on initial simple aspiration and an additional 58% after lavage. In contrast no rice bodies were found in 31 aspirations with lavage by an identical technique in the 12 patients with seronegative synovitis. The RB in RA synovitis occurred both early and late in the course of the disease and were not related to the severity of clinical or radiological changes. However, removal of rice bodies was accompanied by clinical improvement and reduction of synovitis. Macroscopically RB varied in shape and size, some being so large as to preclude effective removal by needles of the gauge customarily employed for joint aspirations. Microscopically the majority of RB were composed of coarsely reticular material reacting immunologically with antifibrinogen and antifibronectin and containing mononuclear cells. Some showed vacuolation suggestive of fibrinolysis, but many showed organisation like that seen in established connective tissues, with the formation of mature collagen, reticulin, and elastin. These findings are discussed in relation to the origin, development, and significance of rice bodies in rheumatoid synovitis.

Adolescent↗

Studies on reticulin. I: Serological and immunohistological investigations of the occurrence of collagen type III, fibronectin and the non-collagenous glycoprotein of Pras and Glynn in reticulin.

Collagen Type III, fibronectin and a non-collagenous reticulin component (NCRC) are all secretory products of fibroblasts and other mesenchymal cells. Antisera to human collagen III (isolated from the placenta) human plasma fibronectin, and NCRC (from spleen) have been used to examine possible antigenic relationships between these proteins both by serological studies and by comparison of the distribution of the proteins in various tissues using immunofluorescence. For other comparative purposes, the distribution of collagen and of reticulin in the same tissues was also sought using conventional histological methods. Serologically, the 3 antisera showed distinct specificities. However, when used on sections all 3 antisera gave closely similar staining patterns broadly resembling that of histological "reticulin", although minor differences were noted to be characteristic of the distribution of the respective antigens in certain tissues and in cell monolayers. The results support previous suggestions that histological "reticulin" is not a single entity but is a compound fibrous structure containing collagen Type III, fibronectin and at least 1 additional non-collagenous glycoprotein (NCRC).

Cells, Cultured↗

Thyroid dysfunction and rheumatic diseases.

Musculoskeletal symptoms developing during the treatment of thyroid disease were studied in 150 patients; 17 developed a symptom complex of early morning stiffness together with shoulder girdle pain and weakness; similar symptoms were seen in only 3 of 100 controls. A prospective study of 16 patients with recent onset rheumatoid arthritis followed during the first 6 months of penicillamine therapy showed no changes in thyroid function tests. It is suggested that changing or abnormal thyroid status may precipitate or exacerbate musculoskeletal disease. Finally, in a retrospective study of 26 patients with both thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis, 4 patients had a simultaneous onset of both myxoedema and rheumatoid arthritis, the activity of which was greatly improved by correction of the hypothyroid state.

Adolescent↗

Hepatic injury following feprazone therapy.

Two cases of feprazone-induced hepatic injury are reported. Both patients developed jaundice within one month of commencing therapy. Histological investigation showed a granulomatous reaction in one case and hepatitic changes in the other. The changes were similar to those seen as a complication of phenylbutazone therapy. When the administration of feprazone was discontinued both the clinical and biochemical changes were resolved.

Adult↗