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Biomedical subjects

L H Calabrese

Publications and source records attributed to L H Calabrese.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Modulation of T-cell-mediated regulation of antibody production by interaction with specific immune complexes.

The importance of the phlogogenic effects of immune complexes in disease pathogenesis has been emphasized, but they also have a role in immunoregulation. We examined the effects of DNA: anti-DNA immune complexes, formed at different antigen:antibody ratios, on the ability of T cells to modulate DNA antibody production in vitro. We found that antigen-excess complexes promote IgM anti-DNA synthesis, whereas antibody-excess complexes favor a switch to IgG anti-DNA production. We suggest that interaction of T cells with immune complexes is an important feedback mechanism in control of the immune response.

Antibody Formation↗
PubMed1987

Augmentation of skin test reactivity and lymphocyte blastogenesis in patients with AIDS treated with transfer factor.

Nine patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) were administered four doses of pooled transfer factor obtained from the lymphocytes of three healthy controls and three homosexuals with stable lymphadenopathy and serum antibody to the human immunodeficiency virus. Before receiving transfer factor, all patients exhibited anergy to skin test antigens. After four weeks of transfer factor therapy, six of seven patients tested had at least one skin test response. Lymphocyte blastogenic responses to phytohemagglutinin rose from a stimulation index of 6.77 +/- 1.31 before treatment to 19.77 +/- 6.24 after four weeks of transfer factor therapy. Smaller but significant increases were also seen in blastogenic responses to antigens. Improvements in immune responses diminished after administration of transfer factor was halted. Thus, administration of transfer factor to patients with AIDS resulted in partial immune reconstitution. Further studies are indicated to examine the clinical efficacy of this immune response modifier in the treatment of AIDS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1987

Inclusion body myositis presenting as treatment-resistant polymyositis.

Inclusion body myositis (IBM) has been viewed as a distinct and rare form of inflammatory myopathy. Previously reported findings from series of IBM patients have suggested that clinical and pathologic features are present which readily distinguish it from idiopathic polymyositis. We report 4 cases of IBM presenting clinically and pathologically as polymyositis, each of which was refractory to therapy. Our data suggest that IBM may be a more common and heterogeneous form of inflammatory myopathy than has been previously suggested. Furthermore, IBM may be clinically and electrophysiologically indistinguishable from polymyositis. Reasons for failing to recognize IBM by pathologic studies appear to include: the skip lesion nature of the pathologic findings, failure to examine tissues by electron microscopy, and a low level of suspicion or lack of recognition. Because of its insidious clinical course and its failure to respond to immunosuppressive therapy, IBM may be an important variant of treatment-resistant polymyositis.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Acute infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) associated with acute brachial neuritis and exanthematous rash.

Clinical descriptions of acute or primary infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are rare. Among cases previously reported, most describe an acute illness resembling infectious mononucleosis. We describe the case of a 32-year-old homosexual man with an acute illness associated with strong serologic evidence of a primary infection with HIV. This case illustrates two new clinical features: an acute, bilateral brachial neuritis, and a vesicular, pustular exanthematous and enanthematous rash. Studies of HIV-related serologic results show differential sensitivities for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot, immunofluorescence, and viral antigen techniques in the acute phase of HIV infection. There appears to be significant clinical heterogeneity of the acute phase of HIV infection.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1986

Persistence of high risk sexual activity among homosexual men in an area of low incidence for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

A survey of 305 homosexual men was performed in an area of relatively low incidence for AIDS and low seroprevalence for antibody to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The objective of the study was to investigate current knowledge and practice of sexual behavior designed to limit transmission of HIV. The results showed that while the majority of the study group believed that they had made changes in their life styles that would reduce the likelihood of transmitting or acquiring the virus, nearly half admitted to persistently engaging in active and passive anal intercourse without condoms. These data suggest the need for more widespread and effective forms of education to help prevent the continuing spread of the AIDS epidemic.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1986

Immune reactivity in Bell's palsy.

Although the pathogenesis of acute facial (Bell's) palsy is probably multifactorial, some investigators believe that the disorder results from autoimmune demyelination and is perhaps related to previous viral infection. The purpose of this study was to identify immune mechanisms which might contribute to Bell's palsy. The lymphocyte transformation test and immunofluorescence were evaluated with a soluble homogenate of unrefined peripheral nerve antigens. Three antigen-nonspecific tests were also studied. Results in 14 patients with Bell's palsy were compared with those in 21 controls. To be eligible for study, patients with Bell's palsy had to be seen within 10 days of onset of weakness. The control group included 5 patients with facial nerve dysfunction from other causes and 16 normal volunteers. No patient or control had previously received steroids. Five patients with Bell's palsy and one normal volunteer had abnormal lymphocyte transformation (p less than .05). Virtually all other tests were normal. These results. suggest that some instances of Bell's palsy result from cell-mediated immunity against peripheral nerve antigens. They also encourage further research in steroid and other immunotherapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Predictive value of laboratory tests in "autoimmune" inner ear disease: preliminary report.

The purpose of this prospective, controlled study was to estimate the prevalence of immune-mediated (autoimmune) inner ear disease in a high-risk patient population, in order to determine the predictive value of a positive lymphocyte transformation test. The high-risk group was defined as any dizzy patient with unilateral or bilateral-asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss, who had not previously received immunotherapy. From more than 400 consecutive patients with a chief complaint of dizziness, 58 were entered into the study over an 8-month period. The control group consisted of 15 normal volunteers. Thirteen patients (22%) one control (7%) had positive lymphocyte transformation tests. The data suggest that positive results in "high-risk" patients are more common than previously believed. Assuming test sensitivity is 96%, specificity 93%, and disease prevalence 22% in high-risk patients, the predictive value of a positive lymphocyte transformation test using inner ear membranes is 79%. That is, approximately three fourths of all positive results are true positives. Positive results in suspected patients, therefore, should be considered true positives, and treatment recommended. Future research should attempt to refine the putative antigen(s), further define "high risk" patients, and prospectively verify these preliminary results.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Autoimmunity in otology.

Experimental and clinical studies over the past ten years have confirmed that immune-mediated disease can involve the external, middle, and/or inner ear. Autoimmune inner ear dysfunction can result from systemic or localized disease. The pathogenesis of autoimmunity and the responsible antigen(s) of the inner ear is not known at present. The clinical course, laboratory test results, and treatment response often follow a consistent pattern but in some cases may be highly variable. Empirical treatment of autoimmune inner ear disease has produced encouraging preliminary results, and further research should provide better understanding of these otoimmune disorders.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Autoimmune vestibular dysfunction: preliminary report.

Since 1981, 28 patients have been diagnosed with autoimmune inner ear disease. This preliminary, retrospective study reviews clinical and laboratory manifestations of autoimmune vestibular dysfunction. Sixteen of 28 patients presented with dizziness (7 vertigo, 8 lightheadedness, 1 ataxia). Twelve of these patients presented with Meniere's syndrome. Seven of 16 dizzy patients underwent formal vestibular testing. Five had reduced vestibular response in the involved ear(s); one patient had positional nystagmus only; and one had normal results. Of 17 patients with adequate follow-up, 11 presented with dizziness. Hearing improved and dizziness resolved in two patients following treatment. Hearing stabilized and dizziness resolved in two. Hearing stabilized but lightheadedness (without vertigo) persisted in five. Hearing was lost and oscillopsia resulted in two patients. Preliminary conclusions are vestibular dysfunction in autoimmune inner ear disease is nonspecific; bilateral vestibular dysfunction is more common; Meniere's syndrome is relatively common; medical management usually is helpful; surgery at this time does not seem appropriate; vestibular treatment results tend to parallel auditory treatment results.

Adolescent↗