Nocardia delipidated cell mitogen (NDCM) derived from Nocardia opaca, given 2 h after whole-body gamma irradiation (2.5 Gy) to germ-free piglets in amounts of 1 mg/kg via a stomach tube, prevented the loss of B-cells in the spleen, intestinal mucosa, and mesenteric lymph nodes when recorded on day 8 after irradiation. NDCM and/or formolized Enterococcus faecalis strain (Ef) applied intraperitoneally also 2 h after irradiation increased the survival rate in mice irradiated with 8.3 Gy and 8.5 Gy doses. The number of nucleated bone marrow cells and the content of RNA in the spleen were significantly higher in rats given immunostimulators NDCM and Ef after irradiation with 5.0 Gy. The effect is presumed to be a consequence of stimulated production of inflammatory cytokines.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Toxicity of staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 for germ-free and conventional piglets.

The susceptibilities of conventional and germ-free miniature pigs to staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1) were studied and compared. TSST-1 at doses of 100 micrograms/kg evoked reactions similar to those observed in rabbits, i.e., hyperthermia, diarrhea, apathy, conjunctival hyperemia, and various changes indicating toxic damage of different organs, but it was never lethal at this dose. Germ-free piglets were less susceptible than were corresponding conventional animals, a finding that may support the concept that endogenous endotoxin is involved in the pathogenesis of toxic shock syndrome.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Alcoholic sialosis.

Sialosis (sialadenosis) is a term used to describe a disorder that involves both secretory and parenchymal changes of the major salivary glands, most commonly the parotid. Seen often in a dental office, it is recognized as an indolent, bilateral, non-inflammatory, non-neoplastic, soft, symmetrical, painless and persistent enlargement of the parotid glands. Four major entities have commonly been associated with this disorder. They are alcoholism, endocrinopathy (particularly diabetes mellitus), maLnutrition and idiopathic. We are reporting a case of alcoholic sialosis with its clinical and diagnostic aspects. It is important for the dental practitioner to recognize sialosis, because it often indicates the existence of an unsuspected systemic disease.

Adult↗