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Biomedical subjects

H Link

Publications and source records attributed to H Link.

At least 487 records · Page 27Linked to original sources

[Bone marrow transplantation in acute leukemias: antibody treatment for suppression of graft-versus-host disease (author's transl)].

Anti-human-thymocyte globulin (AHTZG) was applied to prevent GvHD in clinical bone marrow transplantation. AHTZG produced by absorption with several cell preparations reacted specifically with T-lymphocyte populations and was no longer inhibitory to human CFUc and bone marrow growth in diffusion chambers. Marrow grafts of 14 patients with ALL were incubated in vitro with AHTZG and transferred to the recipients conditioned with antileukemic chemotherapy and total body irradiation of 1000 rad. Ten patients were transplanted after relapse, four patients during remission. The patients tolerated the marrow without side effects and a hemopoietic engraftment was seen in 12 cases. Three patients showed signs of GvHD on the skin, two of them showed later on also manifestations in the liver. In the other cases no GvHD could be detected. Five out of 14 patients are still alive between 144 and 964 days post transplantation in remission.

Acute Disease↗

Antibodies to viral and non-viral antigens in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and multiple sclerosis demonstrated by thin-layer polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing, antigen immunofixation and autoradiography.

Antibody activity in IgG zones separated by thin-layer polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing (PAG IEF) was determined in 3 patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), 4 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and 4 subjects with psychosomatic disorders, using antigen immunofixation and autoradiography. Viral (measles herpes simplex type 1, mumps) and non-viral (purified bovine myelin, bovine myelin basic protein, bovine oligodendrocytes, MS and normal human brain extract) were used as antigens. All oligoclonal and some of the polyclonal CSF IgG zones in the patients with SSPE contained measles virus antibodies, as did some of the oligoclonal and polyclonal CSF IgG zones in 3 of the patients with MS. No antibodies were detectable in CSF or serum IgG zones against any of the non-viral antigens tested.

Adult↗

Viral antibodies in oligoclonal and polyclonal IgG synthesized within the central nervous system over the course of mumps meningitis.

The occurrence of viral antibodies in relation to IgG separated by thin-layer polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing was studied in CSF and serum from 24 patients with mumps meningitis by immunofixation with viral antigens and autoradiography. Eleven of the patients displayed on the autoradiograms evidence of locally in the central nervous system synthesized mumps virus antibodies which were related to oligoclonal IgG bands in all 5 patients who displayed this CSF abnormality, otherwise to polyclonal IgG bands. Local synthesis of mumps virus antibodies was detectable in 43% of specimens obtained 1-13 days after onset, and in 75% obtained 27-47 days after onset. Only one patient displayed local synthesis of antibodies to other viruses (measles and herpes simplex) which could then be traced to polyclonal IgG bands.

Adolescent↗

Tuberculous meningitis: immune reactions within the central nervous system.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lymphocytes from two patients with tuberculous meningitis proliferated stronger than the corresponding peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) when stimulated with tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) in the lymphocyte transformation test after 3 days of culture. This might indicate an accumulation of specifically primed lymphocytes within the central nervous system. CSF lymphocytes and PBL from nine of ten patients with acute aseptic meningitis investigated as controls showed no or low responses when stimulated with PPD, whereas the remaining patient displayed a significant proliferation of CSF lymphocytes, which was more pronounced than that of PBL. Stimulation with the mitogens phytohaemagglutinin, concanavalin A, and pokeweek mitogen gave lower proliferation of CSF lymphocytes compared with PBL in tuberculous and aseptic meningitis. Evaluation of the proliferative response of CSF lymphocytes compared with PBL on stimulation with PPD might be a useful complement in the diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis.

Adolescent↗

Comparison between directional Doppler and angiography in the diagnosis of internal carotid artery disease.

Directional Doppler examination (DD) with flow registration over the supraorbital and supratrochlear arteries and over the carotid artery in the neck was adopted to 99 carotid arteries in 56 patients without previous knowledge of angiography results, and thereafter DD and angiography findings were compared. On subgrouping of the angiography results into internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis less than 50%, greater than 50%, and occlusion, a correct diagnosis was obtained by DD on 90 vessels (91%). All 11 ICA occlusions were correctly diagnosed by DD. The incorrect results obtained with DD were as follows: Four ICA stenosis less than 50% were classified as stenosis greater than 50%; four stenosis greater than 50% were classified as less than 50%; one stenosis greater than 50% was classified as occlusion. DD is a useful noninvasive screening method for the detection of occlusion and greater than 50% stenosis of ICA.

Carotid Artery Diseases↗

Results from 88 consecutive prophylactic carotid endarterectomies in cerebral infarction and transitory ischemic attacks.

Thirty-two patients with transitory ischemic attacks (TIA), 55 with cerebral infarction (minor stroke) and one with a disturbing bruise underwent carotid endarterectomy during a 4 year period. Within the first 2 weeks postoperatively, 10 patients (11%) had developed new neurological symptoms from the operated side. Two patients died postoperatively due to major stroke and 2 patients developed persistent neurological deficits, yielding a total operative mortality and permanent morbidity rate of 4.5%. In the other 6 patients, the neurological signs and symptoms disappeared completely within one month. During a follow-up for an average of 21 months, the only symptoms from the operated side were TIA in 2 patients, while 3 patients developed TIA and 5 infarctions from other vascular territories.

Age Factors↗

Antibodies in oligoclonal immunoglobulins in CSF from patients with acute cerebrovascular disease.

Thin-layer polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing (PAG IEF) of CSF and serum, and subsequent immunofixation with viral and structural brain components followed by autoradiography revealed in eight out of nine selected patients with oligoclonal CSF IgG and cerebrovascular disease local synthesis within the CNS of antibodies against one or more of the viruses tested: six patients against measles, five against herpes simplex virus type 1, and two against varicella virus. This finding may reflect a polyclonal B cell activation secondary to brain damage and elaboration of certain structural brain components. None of the patients had local synthesis of antibodies against the other viruses tested (mumps, rubella and cytomegalovirus), or against structural brain components (crude saline, lipid-proteolipid, myelin basic protein extracts from human brain and purified bovine myelin basic protein).

Adult↗

Concentrations of CSF proteins as a measure of blood brain barrier function and synthesis of IgG within the CNS in 'normal' subjects from the age of 6 months to 30 years.

Concentrations of proteins in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum have been studied in 105 'normal' subjects divided into age groups 0.5-5, 6-15, 16-20, and 21-30 years in order to obtain reference values for information concerning blood brain barrier damage and synthesis of immunoglobulins within the central nervous system (CNS). CSF/serum albumin ratio is superior to CSF total protein as a test of the blood brain barrier function. The IgG synthesis rate per 24 hours and IgG index [CSF/serum IgG ratio]: [CSF/serum albumin ratio] reflect the presence of IgG synthesis within the CNS. The variables reflecting the blood brain barrier function increased with age, the upper values of the CSF/serum albumin ratio being 4.0, 4.9, 6.7 and 6.5 for the mentioned age groups respectively. The upper values for the CSF IgG index remained rather constant in relation to age at 0.62, 0.68, 0.64, and 0.63 respectively. An index value of less than 0.70 and an IgG synthesis of less than 10 mg/24 hours seem to be appropriate upper values as references. Only about 1--2 ml of CSF and 0.5 ml serum are required for the analyses including cell counting and determinations of IgA and IgM index values as well as of glucose and lactate.

Adolescent↗

Characterization of antibody activity in oligoclonal immunoglobulin G synthesized within the central nervous system in a patient with tuberculous meningitis.

Thin-layer polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum obtained from one patient 48 and 65 days after the onset of tuberculous meningitis revealed five oligoclonal immunoglobulin zones in CSF without any counterpart in serum, indicating local immunoglobulin production. Subsequent immunofixation with specific antisera revealed that three of the zones consisted of immunoglobulin G lambda present simultaneously. Immunofixation with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) as antigens and autoradiography revealed zones of specific antibodies in the CSF which, regarding mobility, corresponded to oligoclonal and polyclonal CSF immunoglobulin G zones. No antibody activity was detectable in the corresponding serum, indicating that the antibodies present in CSF were synthesized within the central nervous system. In seven control patients (three with multiple sclerosis, four with chronic inflammatory central nervous system diseases of unknown cause) with oligoclonal CSF immunoglobulin, no evidence for local production of antibodies against M. tuberculosis or BCG was detectable. Immunofixation with M. tuberculosis or BCG as antigens and autoradiography may prove to be a useful diagnostic complement to conventional techniques in patients with suspected tuberculous meningitis.

Adult↗

Myelinotoxic activity on tadpole optic nerve of IgG isolated from CSF and serum of patients with multiple sclerosis.

IgG from individual cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and sera from patients with multiple sclerosis and from controls was isolated by protein A-Sepharose column chromatography and tested in the tadpole optic nerve system for myelinotoxic activity. Oligoclonal IgG was present in all multiple sclerosis CSF specimens used. All IgG preparations yielded optic nerve myelin lesions, indicating that IgG has myelinotoxic activity. Significantly higher numbers of myelin lesions were obtained with IgG prepared from multiple sclerosis CSF compared to control CSF IgG.

Adult↗

Oligoclonal IgG and free chains in multiple sclerosis demonstrated by thin-layer polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing and immunofixation.

A modified technique of isoelectric focusing on thin-layer polyacrylamide gel followed by immunofixation with monospecific antisera was used to identify individual cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum proteins and to define the oligoclonal reaction observed in multiple sclerosis (MS). "Normal" IgG gave about 20 to 30 bands at pH 3.5 to 9.5, IgA about 10 bands at pH 3.5 to 6.4, beta-trace protein a smear at pH 3.5 to 8.5, and gamma-trace protein 1 or 2 bands at pH 8.0, 9.5 or both. Up to 11 oligoclonal IgG bands migrating between pH 6.5 and 9.5 were found in CSF from 26 of 27 consecutive patients with MS and also in 20 of the corresponding sera, although at lower numbers and concentrations. In 26 patients, 1 or more of the bands corresponding to normal polyclonal IgG were stronger in CSF than in serum. These data support the hypothesis that two colonies of lymphocytes are activated intrathecally, one of them synthesizing oligoclonal and the other polyclonal IgG. Up to 11 mostly faint bands of free light chains, predominantly of lambda type and migrating between pH 3.5 and 9.5, were found in 8 of 9 CSF specimens from patients with MS.

Adult↗

Active T cells and humoral immune variables in blood and cerebrospinal fluid in patients after acute unilateral idiopathic optic neuritis.

The active T cell rosette test--that is determination of T lymphocytes with high affinity for sheep erythrocytes after incubation at 37 degrees C for 1 h--defines a T cell subset that has been claimed to parallel cell-mediated immunocompetence in e.g. viral diseases. In 16 patients who have had acute unilateral idiopathic optic neuritis (ON), lower percentages of active T cells were found in CSF compared to blood, irrespective if the interval between the first bout of ON and the present study was 2 months or 26 years, and irrespective of degree of mononuclear pleocytosis or humoral immune variables in CSF. The same distribution of active T cells has previously been observed in multiple slcerosis (MS). The percentages of active T cells in peripheral blood from the patients with ON were normal. Determination of active T cell does not seem to discriminate those patients with ON who are likely to develop MS. One explanation could be that ON and MS have an etiologic agent in common but that a part of patients with ON have an until now undefined competence to limit the demyelinating process.

Adult↗

Active and total T cells in blood and cerebrospinal fluid during the course of aseptic meningitis.

Patients with aseptic meningitis (AM) were examined with the active T cell rosette test, which has been claimed to reflect cell-mediated immunocompetence more accurately than determination of total T cells. Higher percentages of active T cells were demonstrated in CSF compared to blood regardless if specimens were obtained on days 1-4, days 5-10, or later than 20 days after onset of symptoms, Active T cell percentages in CSF decreased when values for specimens obtained on days 5-10 were compared with those taken later than 20 days after onset, while no significant variations of active T cell percentages in blood were observed. The percentages of total T cells were higher in CSF than blood in specimens from days 5-10, and later than 20 days after onset, but no significant fluctuations of total T cells occurred in either CSF or blood over the course of AM.

Adolescent↗

Relation between benign course of multiple sclerosis and low-grade humoral immune response in cerebrospinal fluid.

The prognosis in multiple sclerosis (MS) is related to the presence of an abnorma humoral immune response within the central nervous system: 14/17 MS patients (82%) without oligoclonal CSF IgG displayed no or slight disability after a mean duration of MS of 17 years, while 53% of 88 patients with oligoclonal CSF IgG had a benign course after a mean duration of 13 years (p less than 0.05). A benign course also was more often accompanied by a normal CSF IgG index. MS patients without oligoclonal CSF IgG had elevated CSF/serum ratios of albumin in 6%, and of the complement factors C3 in 0% and C4 in 6%, as against 20%, 27% and 37%, respectively, in MS patients with oligoclonal CSF IgG.

Complement C3↗

Predominance of oligoclonal IgG type lambda in CSF in aseptic meningitis.

Oligoclonal immunoglobulins (Ig) demonstrble as bands by agarose-gel electrophoresis of CSF were characterized in ten patients with aseptic meningitis. Oligoclonal CSF IgG was found in all patients, IgM was found in two. The oligoclonal Ig was more often of lambda light-chain type than of kappa type. In four patients, oligoclonal Ig bands contained kappa and lambda light chains simultaneously. In two patients, bands consisting of free lambda light chains were found. On repeated investigations more than one year later in three cases, the oligoclonal IgG was of the same light-chain type. The immune response within the CNS in aseptic meningitis seems to be dominated by synthesis of IgG with lambda light chains.

Adolescent↗

Immunoglobulin class and light chain type of oligoclonal bands in CSF in multiple sclerosis determined by agarose gel electrophoresis and immunofixation.

Agarose gel electrophoresis and immunofixation of CSF and serum from 39 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) revealed oligoclonal IgG in the CSF in all cases and oligoclonal IgA and IgM in 1 patient each. IgG kappa bands only were found in 10 patients, while no patient had IgG lambda bands alone. IgG kappa bands predominated in 20 patients and IgG lambda bands in 5, while 4 patients had the same number of IgG kappa and IgG lambda bands. Twenty-seven patients also displayed IgG bands with kappa and lambda present simultaneously. Bands of free lambda chains were found in 7 patients, while free kappa chain bands were not seen. One or 2 faint IgG bands in 4 patients constituted the only serum abnormality. In 4 additional MS patients selected on the basis of normal findings on agarose gel electrophoresis of the CSF, immunofixation did not reveal oligoclonal Ig, while isoelectric focusing showed bands in 1. Immunofixation is recommended for proving the presence of oligoclonal Ig in CSF and for characterizing oligoclonal Ig into classes and types of light chains.

Adult↗