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Biomedical subjects

G Scala

Publications and source records attributed to G Scala.

108 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Human large granular lymphocytes are potent producers of interleukin-1.

Natural killer (NK) activity against tumour and virus-infected target cells is shown by a subpopulation of peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes with the morphological features of large granular lymphocytes (LGL). The lineage of human LGL is still controversial, as they display surface markers of both T lymphocytes and myelomonocytic cells. LGL have recently been reported to produce lymphokines such as interleukin-2 (IL-2) and alpha- as well as gamma-interferons, functions associated mainly with T cells. To determine whether cytokines associated with other cell lineages are also produced by LGL, we examined whether they might produce a myelomonocyte -associated cytokine such as interleukin-1 (IL-1). IL-1 is a 12-18,000 molecular weight (MW) lymphokine produced by a variety of cell types such as monocytes, keratinocytes and a human dendritic cell line, which plays a crucial role in immunoregulation and inflammation. Moreover, IL-1 has recently been reported to act synergistically with IL-2 and interferons in boosting LGL-mediated NK activity. We now show that a subset of highly purified human LGL with NK activity can be stimulated to secrete a soluble factor with the biochemical and biological characteristics of human IL-1.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The innervation of the lingual papillae of the buffalo. A histochemical and immunohistochemical study.

The neural structures of the lingual papillae of the buffalo tongue were studied by means of neurohistological and immunohistochemical techniques and by the Ruffini gold chloride impregnation method. The circumvallate papillae were found to be richly innervated; the conical and filiform papillae were poorly innervated; and the innervation of the fungiform and lenticular papillae was intermediate. The following neural structures were identified: myelinated and non-myelinated fibers, free nerve endings and encapsulated end organs, lamellated corpuscles, Ruffini-like endings, and ganglia containing few cell bodies. Brain-derived neurofilament and the S-100 proteins were found in the majority of these structures. These findings indicate that the innervation of the lingual papillae of the buffalo is fairly well developed. It appears to be similar to that of cattle.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The microvasculature of the lingual mucosa in Capra hircus.

The microvasculature of the lingual mucosa of the goat was studied by SEM using microvascular corrosion casts. A complex microcirculatory system was observed to supply the large number of papillae, which had a wide structural variety. Generally, the organization of the vascular network in the lingual papillae was found to be influenced by the nature of the microcirculation in the lamina propria. Another characteristic feature noted was the presence of numerous valves in the venules situated in the lamina propria. They were oriented toward the broader side of the venules and probably control the rapid outflow of blood. This in turn most probably leads to an increased mucosal blood supply, which might sustain both mechanical and gustatory functions.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Bacterial isolates and cigarette smoking in patients with chronic bronchitis: results from an Italian multicenter survey.

Patients who were cigarette smokers suffering exacerbations of chronic bronchitis were examined in eight outpatient clinics in five regions of Italy, three from the South (Campania, 82 patients; Sicily, 82 patients; and Puglia, 29 patients) and two from North (Lombardy, 33 patients; and Liguria, 50 patients). Haemophilus influenzae was the most frequently isolated bacterium in the patients' sputum (in 30% of the total group), followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (in 20%), Staphylococcus aureus (in 25%), and Branhamella catarrhalis (in 7%). H. influenzae was the most common bacterium in the South (in 37%) and S aureus in the North (in 13%). Smoking index scores (number of cigarettes smoked daily x years of smoking) were 827 in patients in whom H influenzae was isolated; 691 in patients with S aureus; 599 in patients with S pneumoniae; 542 in patients with B catarrhalis; and 446 in patients in whom no isolates were found. Pulmonary function was most severely decreased in patients positive for H influenzae and S aureus. The results indicate an association between heavy cigarette smoking and lower respiratory tract infections that is influenced by regional differences.

Bronchitis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Hepatitis B in pediatrics. Considerations on vaccination in leukemia].

The A.A. after briefly describing the epidemiology of B hepatitis in Italy, outline its particular incidence among all the leukemic children in Campania and stress its negative effects on the course and prognosis of the disease. A study on 50 children affected by Acute Leukemia shows that 30/50 appear to be constantly seronegative for HBV. Nine of them received vaccination against B Hepatitis (HB VAX, MS & D) in order to reduce the risk of infection in the course of the chemotherapy. Among the vaccinated children, only two (22%) were found positive for HBsAb after the third inoculation. The fail in response is probably due to the light immunodepressed condition of most of these patients. The achieved results are not very encouraging, but further investigations are needed to decide whether the vaccination can be advisable for these children.

Acute Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Schönlein-Henoch syndrome. Clinico-statistical analysis of 60 cases (1978-1984)].

Schonlein-Henoch purpura is a systemic, immunocomplex-mediated vasculitis which involves skin, joints, gastrointestinal and urinary system. This is a retrospective study on 60 S.H.S. admitted in our Division from 1978 to 1984. The most affected age range seems to be included between 2 and 7 years, with a maximum at 6. The Male/Female ratio is 35/25. Clinically we found skin (100%), joint (63%), abdominal (48%), and renal (25%) manifestations. Laboratory data are not characteristic: C3 and C4 are always in the normal range. 27% showed an elevation of IgA, 81% a rise of sedimentation rate and 45% a rise of Anti-O-Streptolysin Title. The main problem to face is prevention of glomerulonephritis. Salicylates, piridamol and cyproheptadine have been suggested to be effective. Prednisone is recommended in all cases with abdominal pain in order to prevent surgical complications. In our experience we could not demonstrate any difference between treated and not treated cases. It is important anyway to perform a correct follow-up of these children to early show a possible relapse or a renal complication.

Abdomen↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Habitual vomiting due to dust mite allergy. A case report].

It has been demonstrated that: a) part of the inhalant allergenic particles we normally breath, adhere to the oropharyngeal mucosa, and eventually progress to the gastrointestinal tract; b) digestive tract mucosa is able to produce specific IgE against aeroallergens even before than respiratory tract mucosa. The case is described of a 5-year-old girl who presented a daily vomiting since she was 6 months. All clinical instrumental and laboratory findings had been unable to reach a definite diagnosis. SPT (inhalants and foods): Dermatoph. pteronyssinus: + (confirmed by RAST). The patient had an immediate, complete recover just following the clinician's instruction for HDM domestic prevention. Symptoms appeared again in response to a NPT performed with Dermatophagoides extract. The positivity of the exclusion-re-exposure test confirmed the diagnosis of HDM-induced gastrointestinal allergic syndrome, so far not described in literature (to my knowledge). Immunological considerations: since it is known that patients allergic to HDM do not usually present a specific IgE-mediated gastrointestinal allergic syndrome, it is suspectable that an immunological tolerance can be instaured toward inhalant allergens as it normally happens toward food allergens. In atopic individuals there is a high expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and other adhesion molecules on the surface of HEV at BALT level. Adhesion molecules expression and immunocompetent cells activation are modulated by several mechanisms among which the cytokine network plays a major role. The author speculates that sensitized lymphocytes may migrate from intestinal to bronchial mucosa, via lymphocytic immunoallergic competence. In the described clinical case this mechanism did not work.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of enzyme-potentiated desensitization in the treatment of pollinosis: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

Several controlled clinical trials have shown that specific immunotherapy (SIT) using incremental injections of allergens can be effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Nevertheless, the risk of side effects have led to some recommended limitations of SIT. Enzyme-potentiated desensitization (EPD) is a proposed method for immunotherapy with very low doses of mixed allergens plus beta-glucuronidase enzyme, for which irrelevant or no side effects have been claimed. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical efficacy of EPD in the treatment of pollinosis. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of EPD among 20 patients sensitive to Parietaria and grass pollen was performed. All patients recorded daily symptom scores for nine months following a single intradermal injection of EPD or buffered saline received in February. Symptoms recorded were nasal itching and obstruction, sneezing, rhinorrhea, itchy eyes and excessive tear production. Moreover, total and specific lgE were measured and CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ peripheral blood lymphocytes were counted at different times. In the same period, ten additional subjects, with an allergic clinical profile similar to the subjects admitted to the double-blind trial, were studied in an open clinical trial in order to evaluate the effects of EPD without enzyme using a mixture of allergens. Symptom scores were higher in the placebo group (p < 0.001), with a similar level of significance for both global symptom score and for each individual symptom. Active-treated patients had a significant post-treatment increase in the mean percentage of T-CD8+ peripheral blood cells and a significant post-seasonal decrease in the mean percentage of Parietaria specific lgE. On the contrary, placebo-treated patients had a borderline significant post-seasonal decrease in the mean percentage of CD8+ circulating cells and a significant seasonal increase in the mean percentage of Parietaria specific lgE with no significant post-seasonal decrease. Finally, clinical results of the mixture of allergens injection were similar to those of the placebo in the double-blind trial. EPD injection caused only an asymptomatic, local wheal and flare lasting about two hours. Two patients (20%) in the active-treated group experienced a delayed, mild, unusual headache lasting about two days. In conclusion, EPD is clinically effective in the treatment of pollinosis. Some immunological modifications observed in the EPD-treated patients suggest an EPD-induced enhancement of tolerogenic mechanisms like "immune deviation."

Adult↗