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Biomedical subjects

G Grasso

Publications and source records attributed to G Grasso.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

Effect of thyrotropin and cAMP on FRTL5 cell growth in a serum free medium.

TSH-induced proliferation of FRTL5 cells was studied in a chemically serum-free, defined medium. FRTL5 cells incubated for several days in a medium lacking of serum and hormones were fully able to respond to TSH in terms of cAMP production and iodine uptake. In the same medium, TSH stimulated FRTL5 cell growth as assessed by thymidine incorporation, DNA content and cell count. In these experimental conditions the cellular doubling time was of 7.5 days as compared to 40 h when calf serum was present together with TSH. Cholera toxin, forskolin and (bu)2cAMP, substances able to selectively increase intracellular cAMP levels, were not as efficient as TSH in inducing FRTL5 cell growth. However, both TSH and (bu)2cAMP, in a similar way, induced c-myc gene expression and cellular progression through the prereplicative phase of cell division. These data demonstrate that cAMP-dependent mechanisms are only partially responsible for TSH-induced FRTL5 cell growth, thus suggesting a role of cAMP-independent mechanisms.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Somatostatin and vasoactive intestinal peptide reduce interferon gamma production by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

There is increasing evidence that neuropeptide modulation of the immune response is an important physiological phenomenon which involves the interaction of peptidergic neuromodulators with specific neuropeptide receptors on the plasma membrane of immune effector cells. Many studies have examined the effect of neuropeptides on mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation and immunoglobulin synthesis but very little is known about specific lymphokine production. In this study, we describe the effect of somatostatin (SOM) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) on interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) production by normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated in vitro with polyclonal T cell activator staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA). Our findings provide experimental evidence that both SOM and VIP reduce the IFN-gamma production by SEA-stimulated PBMC. This reduction was time- (with maximal effect at 72 h) and dose-dependent (at doses as low as 10(-11) M with maximal effect at concentrations between 10(-9) and 10(-8) M of neuropeptides). This effect was absent in resting PBMC. The meaning of inhibitory effect of VIP and SOM on IFN-gamma production and its role in immune response in vivo are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Recent developments in imaging diagnosis in fractures of the acetabulum: the role of CAT and tridimensional reconstruction.

The authors report their experience in a radiographic study of the treatment of 22 cases of fractures of the acetabulum. All the patients were studied using both traditional radiography and CAT, and the results were then compared. In 17 cases (77%) the CAT images were integrated with a tridimensional reconstruction (3D). The diagnostic aid provided by CAT was of crucial importance in planning treatment and selecting the most suitable surgical approach. Furthermore, 3D reconstruction may provide a valuable link between traditional radiography and CAT in evaluating complex fractures. The authors conclude that a comprehensive radio-diagnostic study should be a routine preoperative procedure in complex fractures of the acetabulum, and in all cases where traditional radiography yields doubtful results.

Acetabulum↗
PubMed1989

Brain stem expanding lesions: stereotactic diagnosis and therapeutical approach.

In most cases of brain stem expansive lesion a surgical approach is possible, but in each patient it must be evaluated if the surgical risk is proportional to the therapeutic result. Sometime surgery is limited to a biopsy sample, particularly in malignant lesions. We started stereotactic serial biopsy sampling in all CT or NMR intraaxial brain stem expansive lesions as a preliminary diagnostic procedure. The aim is to look for benign well delimited lesions that we consider for surgical removal or to drain haematomas and abscesses. 35 patients with brain stem expansive lesions were submitted to 47 surgical procedures: 35 stereotactic biopsies (one each patient) and, among them, 12 were major surgical procedures (with craniotomy) for microsurgical removal of the expansive lesions. 15 patients were in paediatric age. Suboccipital transcerebellar approach was performed in 25 mesencephalic, pontine, bulbar expansive lesions and frontal approach was limited to 10 thalamo-mesencephalic lesions. There was no mortality. Two patients were stereotactically drained and definitively cured.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Brain stem expansive lesions: stereotactic biopsy for a better therapeutic approach.

CT diagnosed brain stem malignant lesions were in the past almost always treated with radiation therapy (RT). Eventually this turned out to be a grave mistake. With stereotactic serial biopsies of all brain stem expanding lesions we have been able to verify the histological nature in all cases but two and to prevent a blind therapeutic approach. In 24 patients bearing CT diagnosed expansive lesions into the brain stem 68 samples were taken during 24 stereotactic procedures. In 8 patients surgical removal of the expanding lesion was attempted after stereotactic biopsy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Bladder reconstruction after cystectomy: use of ileocecal segment and three-loop ileal reservoir.

We report on 11 patients who in 1980-1982 had bladder reconstruction, after cystectomy for bladder cancer, utilizing the ileocecal valve as an antireflux mechanism and a direct urethrocecal anastomosis. They received preoperative irradiation (2,000 rad) and had some early complications such as pelvic abscesses and temporary urinary fistulas. We have since omitted preoperative radiation on cases performed in 1984-1987 and they did not have these complications.

Follow-Up Studies↗
PubMed1988

Effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on interferon gamma production in vitro.

In recent years, receptors for calcitriol (the active form of vitamin D3) have been identified in monocytes and activated, but not resting, human B and T lymphocytes suggesting that it may be involved in immune regulation. Because lymphokines are central in the regulation and modulation of immune or inflammatory responses and since the calcium translocation is involved in the mitogen-induced activation of lymphocytes, we thought it interesting to study the role of calcitriol on interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) production in vitro. In this study, we report that calcitriol inhibits the IFN-gamma production by staphylococcal enterotoxin A-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in a dose-dependent fashion. The inhibitory effect was less potent in calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated PBMC and was absent in resting PBMC.

Calcimycin↗
PubMed1988

LH-RH analogue treatment for advanced prostate cancer.

The trial drug was ICI 118.630 (Zoladex). Inclusion criteria were histologically confirmed advanced prostate cancer (T greater than 2 or N+ or M+), life expectancy greater than 3 months, and no previous radiotherapy, orchiectomy, or chemotherapy. Treatment started in November 1984; 30 patients were recruited. The period of treatment ranged from 6 to 144 weeks (median of 59.5 weeks). One patient died after 6 weeks of rapidly progressive renal failure. Data were updated to the end of August 1987. The mean age was 67.9 years (53-83 years). Subjective response was evaluated by a mean symptoms score (using daytime micturition, nocturia, dysuria, hesitancy, and flow) and a score of three different items: patients' activity, bone pain, and use of analgesics. Only 7.1% of the patients showed a permanent positive response. Four different objective responses (complete, partial, stable disease, and progression) were possible after evaluating the T category, tumor dimensions, metastases, and prostatic acid phosphatase. Testosterone (T) and plasmatic LH levels rose after administration: T dropped below the castration level (1 ng/ml) within a few days and remained constantly low. The rate of progressive disease was 27.6%; disease control was possible in 72.4% of the patients (PR or SD).

Aged↗
PubMed1986

The lymphatic route. 1) Albumin and hyaluronidase modify the normal distribution of interferon in lymph and plasma.

When human recombinant interferon-alpha 2 diluted in saline was injected s.c. into rabbits, the total amount recovered in thoracic lymph was less than 0.4%. Recoveries increased from 2- to 8-fold if interferon was injected in 4% albumin or with hyaluronidase, respectively. Albumin added to interferon acts as an interstitial fluid expander, thus favoring interferon absorption through lymphatics rather than blood capillaries. This strategy may increase the therapeutic index of interferon.

Animals↗