In a randomised study we have evaluated the influence of erythropoietin (EPO) on the yield of autologous blood in elective surgery (total hip replacement). The study was performed placebo controlled in 82 patients: 25 patients received 200 IE EPO/kg 2 x/week i.v. over 3 weeks (group C), 30 patients 100 IE EPO in the same schedule (group B), and 27 patients received placebo (group A). All patients were treated with 3 x 250 mg Fe-sulfate p.o. during the study time. The number of collected blood conserves was not significantly different in these groups (5.4 in group C, 5.06 in group B, 4.8 in group A), but there was a significant difference in patients with a diminished hemoglobin (Hb < 14 g/dl): 5.2 in group C, 4.9 in group B, and 3.6 in group A. Patients with a normal hemoglobin level showed a significantly higher preoperative hemoglobin in group C against group A. We conclude that the application of EPO is suggestive in patients with a diminished hemoglobin, but also in patients with normal hemoglobin the blood picture at the time of surgery is higher in EPO treated patients.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Neurotensin receptors in adeno- and squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Peptide receptors seem to be good markers for receptor targeting because of their overexpression in human cancer. Understanding the role of receptors and their cognate ligands, they are currently used for both diagnosis and therapy. Candidates playing a key role in tumor biology are the neurotensin receptors (NTR). The expression of NTR in HT-29 cells (human colon adenocarcinoma cell line), FaDu cells (human squamous cell carcinoma cell line) and in corresponding tumor xenografts on nude mice, was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Quantitative RT-PCR of the three receptor subtypes was carried out to study mRNA expression. Receptor protein expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry with specific antibodies for the three known neurotensin receptors NTR1, NTR2 and NTR3. RESULTS: Analysis of receptor mRNA revealed a strong expression of NTR3 and a weak expression of NTR1 and NTR2 in cultured cells and xenografts. Examining the protein levels, a strong signal for NTR1 was detected in tumor cells and xenografts and only a weak signal was detected for NTR3. CONCLUSION: Since the receptor protein is targeted in vivo, the enhanced protein expression of NTR1 in xenografts could be a useful tool for molecular targeting with radioligands and for further characterization of the carcinogenic process.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Cooperation with other health or social services as a requirement for good nursing].

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