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Biomedical subjects

D W Kress

Publications and source records attributed to D W Kress.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

Sexual behavior suppresses the primary antibody response in the golden hamster.

The possibility that sexual behavior triggers neural or endocrine events that influence immune function was explored in male Golden Hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). Sexually experienced males showed a 62.8 and 64.9% decrease in antibody response to TNP-ovalbumin compared to virgin and sham-mated males, respectively, as measured by ELISA. Antibody deficiency was associated with copulation on the day of immunization and was highly correlated with ejaculatory behavior and the incidence of prolonged intromissions, an indicator of sexual satiety. Although a single sexual encounter was not sufficient to inhibit antibody levels, prolonged intromissions were inversely correlated with titers. Changes in antibody production were not related to plasma levels of cortisol, corticosteroid-binding globulin activity, or testosterone. These results suggest that sexual behavior is immunosuppressive and may play a role in the communicability of sexually transmitted diseases.

Animals

Mating suppresses splenic natural killer cell activity in male golden hamsters.

The possibility that sexual behavior is associated with changes in natural killer cell activity was explored using a 4-h chromium-51 release assay. Mated male Golden Hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) showed a significant suppression of natural killer cell activity 2 h after sexual activity relative to matched Virgin controls. Natural killer cell activity returned to control levels by 16 h postmating. The suppression of natural killer cell activity did not correlate with changes in plasma cortisol, transcortin, or testosterone levels, or with ejaculatory or intromissive behaviors. Administration of 0.40 mg/100 g of testosterone also suppressed natural killer activity at 2 h.

Animals

A preliminary report on the use of Staphage Lysate for treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa.

Eight patients, 7 with hidradenitis suppurativa and 1 with chronic recurrent staphylococcal abscess, all of whom failed to respond to antibiotic therapy, conservative therapeutic measures, and surgery, were experimentally placed on Staphage Lysate. Treatment after appropriate skin testing consisted of subcutaneous infections of 0.1 ml and intranasal installation of 0.3 ml of Staphage Lysate. Treatments were weekly for twelve weeks, biweekly for six months, and then monthly. Complications, which occurred early, were minimal and involved rash, vertigo, malaise, chills, nausea, fever, and headache. Six of the 8 patients reported noticeable improvement in odor, consistency, and amount of drainage and considerable decreases in pain. Seven of the 8 patients reported improvement in the ability of lesions to drain spontaneously, and a decrease in the frequency of inflammatory nodules. All 8 patients reported that the inflammatory periods were definitely shorter. Early data suggests that Staphage Lysate is a useful adjuvant in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa.

Abscess