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Biomedical subjects

P Altmeyer

Publications and source records attributed to P Altmeyer.

At least 289 records · Page 16Linked to original sources
PubMed1986

[Endocrinologic reactions following exposure to fluorescent lamps].

Some reports on an increase of malignant skin tumors following fluorescent lighting made us investigate the systemic effects after exposure to fluorescent rays. Fluorescent rays induce small wavy fluctuations of the plasma concentration of alpha-MSH within normal ranges. Some test persons revealed a steep increase of cortisol values shortly after beginning of fluorescent lighting, indicating that fluorescent rays may induce endocrinological reactions. The significance of these findings with regard to the development of diseases, however, cannot be assessed by now.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1986

Bleomycin enhances the tyrosinase activity of human malignant melanoma cells in culture.

By application of bleomycin fine pigmentations on basal cell layers will appear in irritated parts of the skin. Therefore we investigated the effect of bleomycin on the tyrosinase activity. Bleomycin was determined to exhibit a strong cytostatic activity on human melanoma cells in culture (ED50 concentration = 0.21 microgram/ml) whereas the viability of the cells was not affected. Incubation of pigmented human melanoma cells in the presence of bleomycin containing culture medium (1-100 ng/ml) at 37 degrees C for different periods of time resulted in a marked increase of tyrosinase activity. The level of enzyme activity reached 140% if the controls were set to 100%. Direct addition of bleomycin to the crude cell extract produced no detectable stimulatory effect. There were no significant stimulation if the cells were grown with bleomycin in serum-free culture medium. The serum content influences the activity of tyrosinase in a marked degree. The serum concentration for half-maximal stimulation of tyrosinase was calculated to be 14.2%. Furthermore the inflammatory mediator histamine was found to stimulate tyrosinase in melanoma cells. There were no additional stimulatory effect if cells were incubated in the presence of both histamine and bleomycin. These results suggest that bleomycin is able to enhance tyrosinase activity in intact cell systems. Further a possible role of serum and/or inflammatory factors in the stimulatory process must be considered.

Basidiomycota↗
PubMed1986

Seasonal rhythm of the plasma level of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone.

The present results indicate the presence of a seasonal rhythm of immunoreactive alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) in 20- to 40-year-old subjects of skin type I (light color of skin and eyes, red hair, no tanning after sun exposure) and skin type II (light color of skin, eyes, and hair, rare tanning) with raised levels of alpha-MSH in summer and low levels in winter. With increasing age of the investigated subjects, the seasonal rhythm seems to be lost. In subjects with skin type III (light skin, brown eyes and black hair, strong pigmentation after sun exposure) alpha-MSH shows only insignificant variations over the whole year. A seasonal rhythm of ACTH could not be demonstrated. A diurnal rhythm could be seen for ACTH, but not for alpha-MSH. To summarize, one can suppose that the seasonal rhythm of alpha-MSH is controlled by a varying UV exposure of the integument which is different over the whole year.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1986

Influence of topical corticosteroids on hormones in urine and plasma.

In the present study the effects on endogenous hormones of application of topical corticosteroids are investigated. Radioimmunological assays of the hormones cortisol, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) before, during and after a large-area treatment with topical corticosteroids (30 g/d 0.025% fluocinolone acetonide ointment for 9 days) are performed in eight patients suffering from extensive inflammatory dermatoses (7 cases of eczema, 1 case of psoriasis). Cortisol was measured in plasma daily under treatment. In addition, gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric determinations of urocorticoids and uroandrogens are carried out in 24-h urine. A distinct, treatment-induced suppression of the endogenous steroid production was significant (-42.7%, p less than or equal to 0.05) within the first four days and diminished (-24.4%, p less than or equal to 0.10) after nine days' steroid therapy. The suppression of the plasma ACTH was also significant (-23.1%, p less than or equal to 0.05). The alpha-MSH level did not show any alterations. The measured urocorticoids showed an average fall of -38.9% (p less than or equal to 0.05). It is noteworthy that despite continued steroid treatment the marked initial suppression of the endogenous steroid production diminishes. It is possible that a therapy-induced "normalization" of the epidermis brings about a diminished steroid influx and thus a lower systemic load. Under the therapy conditions chosen here, the androgen metabolites in the urine did not show any significant fluctuations.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1986

[Normalization of uremic skin changes following kidney transplantation].

A clinical dermatological examination was performed on 49 patients (30 males, 19 females; 24-64 years of age) 3.1 years after successful kidney transplantation. Some patients underwent skin biopsy procedures for examination by light and electron microscopy, as well as immunohistological methods. Six patients had already been examined using these methods prior to the transplantation. When sufficient renal function was restored after successful kidney transplantation, the uremic skin alterations disappeared. The increase in sweat secretion, a common symptom in uremic patients was not observed after renal transplantation. The ichthyosiform feature of uremic skin and the increased vulnerability of the skin was observed in only a minority of the transplanted patients examined. In addition, the generalized pruritus and Raynaud phenomenon that are seen so frequently among uremic patients disappeared completely. However, the uremic-induced alterations of the connective tissue, like severe actinic elastosis and Dupuytren's contractures, persisted after renal transplantation. Histological examinations revealed renormalization of the uremic altered skin; in particular, the severe microangiopathy of skin vessels in long-term hemodialysis patients vanished.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

[Clinical aspects of progressive systemic scleroderma (PSS). Multicenter studies of 194 patients].

Patients from five German Departments of Dermatology (Düsseldorf, Erlangen, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg and Munich) affected with progressive systemic scleroderma (PSS) were classified and examined. The results of the clinical investigations are presented. In order to guarantee a uniform classification of all patients, the patients were divided into three groups according to the distribution of the affected skin: type I consisted of those with acrosclerosis distal to the wrist, type II had scleroderma extending along the wrist in a proximal direction, and type III had diffuse scleroderma beginning on the trunk. Altogether, 194 patients with PSS were investigated, and the following distribution was found: type I, 32%; type II, 60%; type III, 7%; 1% of the patients could not be classified. The distribution according to the patients' sex and age was in good agreement with published reference data. The incidence, significance, and localization of the major symptoms were investigated. The Raynaud symptom could be identified as being the main clinical symptom in 90% of the patients. Joint involvements (10%-73% depending in the applied parameters), dysphagia (51%), and rest dyspnea (30%) contributed to the main internal symptoms. The extensive clinical, chemical, and immunological results are summarized. In 80% of the cases, high ANA titers could be detected, but these were not correlated to the type of disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

[Chemiluminescence measurement in AIDS, lymphadenopathy and hemophilia patients].

In order to reveal the activity of polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocytes (PMNL) representing the first step of defence against infections, measurements of chemiluminescence (CL) were performed in patients suffering from acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), lymphadenopathy, or hemophilia. In comparison with healthy controls, AIDS patients revealed significant reduction (about 50 per cent) of phagocytic, i.e. CL activity of neutrophils, which had been induced by Zymosan. Only part of the patients suffering from lymphadenopathy answered with decreased granulocyte activity on the application of Zymosan. If concanavalin A was used as stimulant of metabolic activity of PMNL-independently of phagocytosis-again AIDS and some of the lymphadenopathy patients showed a markedly reduced neutrophil response. In conclusion it should be stated that there is some evidence for at least two defects of cellular immunity associated with AIDS and to some extent, with AIDS-endangered homosexuals suffering from lymphadenopathy: first the defect of PMNL to answer to concanavalin A with increased metabolic activity, and secondly the defect of PMNL to start phagocytosis induced by Zymosan with a subsequent release of oxygen radicals which are measurable as chemiluminescence. The appraisal of granulocyte activity by means of measurements of chemiluminescence might become an additional criterion for AIDS diagnostics.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1985

[Association of HLA antigens with scleroderma].

22 patients suffering from scleroderma have been investigated with regard to possible association of HLA with scleroderma (PSS and s. circumscripta). Preliminary data revealed increased relative risk values for carriers of the HLA antigens DR1 and DR5 (rR value 6.3 and 2.6 for PSS, resp.). In s. circumscripta, the rR value of individuals positive for B27 was increased up to 4.9. Different subtypes of scleroderma seem to be associated with different HLA antigens.

Cytotoxicity Tests, Immunologic↗
PubMed1985

Serum interferon level and (2'-5')oligoadenylate synthetase activity in lymphocytes during clinical interferon application.

Determinations of (2'-5')oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) in extracts of peripheral mononuclear cells were used to monitor clinical treatment by human leukocyte-derived alpha-interferon (IFN-alpha). The maximum activity of this enzyme was detected about 6 h after the maximum IFN activity in the patient's serum, its half-life being severalfold longer than that of circulating IFN. Thus, even some days after its clearance, IFN can be detected by means of this enzyme. Sixfold increases of the IFN dose were not able to further increase OAS activity induced by doses of about 5 X 10(4) units/kg body weight in adult persons. Intravenous administration of IFN seems not to be superior to its i.m. injection.

2',5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase↗
PubMed1985

[Endocrinological reactions following UV A whole body irradiation].

The basal secretion of proteo-hormones alpha-MSH and ACTH in plasma as well as the changes of the plasma concentrations following UV A-whole-body irradiation were investigated on 40 young male volunteers with different pigmentation levels (Caucasians: skin types I, II, III. Blacks: skin type VI). Significantly lower mean basic values of alpha-MSH and ACTH of light-haired persons in comparison with dark-haired and black persons (p less than 0,05) were demonstrated. We observed furthermore a significant increase of these proteo-hormones (alpha-MSH: skin type I: 26,7%, skin type II: 22,7%) in persons less pigmented within a short time after UV A whole-body irradiation in contrast to the more pigmented volunteers. These results prove a cutaneous peripheral sensor for UV A-rays, reacting with a different sensitivity depending on disposition and inducing endocrinological reactions. How this cutaneous-hypothalamic-pituitary stimulus mediation functions in detail is not completely revealed up to now. In what respect the present results, which can be explained as a consequence of evolutionary development, have a connection with the induction of melanoma remains to be seen.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1985

[Therapy of psoriatic osteoarthropathy with EHDP].

After describing the problems involved in the therapy of psoriatic osteoarthropathy, we discuss the specific accumulation of EHDP at the site of the disease. Because of its pharmacological properties, EHDP may have a regulatory effect on the pathological changes in psoriatic osteoarthropathy. In an open experiment using 20 patients with psoriatic osteoarthropathy, we evaluated the influence of EHDP on the extent and seriousness of bone and joint disease. We carefully studied the case history, laboratory tests, and rheumatological status; in some cases, bone scintigrams were also carried out. The patients received an oral dosage of about 20 mg/kg body weight the first 2 months and about 5 mg/kg from month 3-6. Two-thirds of the patients (n = 12) indicated a decrease in joint and bone pain, and there was also detectable improvement in the bone scintigrams. Only one patient noticed a side effect from the therapy. He complained of severe itching.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1984

[1st results of functional RES scintigraphy with 99mTc-labeled human serum albumin millimicrospheres in progressive scleroderma: possibility of early diagnosis of lung involvement?].

Functional RES scintigraphy with 99mTc-labeled human serum albumin millimicrospheres (99mTc-HSA-MM) was conducted in 11 female patients suffering from progressive scleroderma. The RES scan revealed abnormalities in the bone marrow in eight patients as well as pathological changes of the liver in 2 cases. 7 patients showed diffusely enhanced concentrations of 99mTc-HSA-MM in the lung, whereas X-ray picture and pulmonary function test revealed pathological findings in only 4 patients, respectively. Humoral inflammatory and immunologic parameters, too, indicated abnormalities less frequently than the lung scan. Thus functional RES scintigraphy seems to be a very sensitive approach to the assessment and possibly to the early diagnosis of lung involvement in progressive scleroderma.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

[Significance of gallium scintigraphy in tumors and granulomatosis of the skin].

Scintigraphy with gallium has proved useful as a screening method for the diagnosis of certain malignant tumors and systemic diseases. One single scintigraphic investigation is able to detect almost all organs of a man. We checked this radiopharmacon with regard to its usefulness in dermatology. Gallium scintigraphy shows high sensitivity concerning verification and localization of metastases of malignant melanome as well as B- and T-cell lymphomas. Moreover, gallium is effective in controlling the therapie of sarcoidosis.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed1984

[Effect of ultraviolet rays on alpha-MSH plasma concentration].

Influence of Ultraviolet Rays on alpha-MSH Plasmaconcentration. Ultraviolet total-body irradiation induces changes of alpha-MSH plasmaconcentration dependent on wave-length of the source of radiation as well as skin type of the volunteers. Following UV-A total-body irradiation, we observed a significant increase of the proteohormone alpha-MSH, whereas UV-B rays did not change the plasma concentration. With regard to persons showing skin type I or II, we found low alpha-MSH basic values which were significantly increased 1 hour after UV-A irradiation; in contrast, more pigmented volunteers (skin type III or VI) showed far higher basic values but only little increase after UV-A irradiation.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

The relationship between alpha-MSH level and coat color in white Camarque horses.

White horses are subject to age-dependent coat depigmentation. They are dark gray or black at birth and lose their coloring between their second and fourth year. Beginning at about age 10 their coat takes on a characteristic silver-gray coloring. The purpose of this paper was to find out to what extent the endogenic alpha-MSH level changes with the change in pigmentation. alpha-MSH plasma levels were determined by radioimmunologic analysis in 3 age groups of white Camarque horses: age group 1 consisted of dark horses with a mean age of 1.2 years and a mean alpha-MSH level of 106.4 pg/ml +/- 18.2, age group 2 consisted of gray horses with a mean age of 7.5 years and with a mean alpha-MSH level of 73.6 pg/ml +/- 4.8, and age group 3 consisted of silver-gray horses with a mean age of 13.5 years and a mean alpha-MSH level of 65.0 pg/ml +/- 5.3. Highly significant differences (p less than 0.001) were found between the means of age group 1 and age group 2 and between the means of age group 1 and age group 3. Determination of the ACTH plasma levels in this breed of horses showed no statistically significant differences between the various age groups. Determination of alpha-MSH and ACTH levels in a control group (n = 56) of other breeds of horses (10 black, 28 brown, and 18 sorrel) resulted in no significant differences for either hormone with regard to age or coat color. On the basis of these results it may be concluded that the degree of coat pigmentation in white Camarque horses correlates directly with the alpha-MSH plasma level.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1984

Effect of dexamethasone on nuclear envelope nucleoside triphosphatase in fibroblasts 3T3 and melanoma cells MMLI.

Glucocorticoids are known to influence DNA and RNA synthesis in skin fibroblasts. In a novel approach to study this effect, we investigated the influence of the hormone analogue dexamethasone on the activity of nuclear envelope-associated nucleoside triphosphatase (NTPase) in intact cell systems (3T3 fibroblasts and MMLI melanoma cells). The NTPase is thought to be responsible for regulation of nucleocytoplasmic transport of mRNA. [3H]Dexamethasone was found to bind to nuclear ghosts at a density comparable with that of nuclear pores in this cellular fraction. Incubation of the cells for 48 h in the presence of different concentrations of dexamethasone resulted in a marked decrease of NTPase activity. Already concentrations as low as 0.1 ng/ml (3T3) or 1 ng/ml (MMLI) reduced the NTPase activity by approximately 50%. These results suggest that nuclear envelope NTPase is a site at which glucocorticoids regulate gene expression.

Animals↗