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Biomedical subjects

R E Gay

Publications and source records attributed to R E Gay.

133 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed1980

Autoantibodies to basement membrane collagen: epidermolysis bullosa simplex versus bullous pemphigoid.

As judged by passive hemagglutination and hemagglutination-inhibition assays, sera from six patients in one family with dominant epidermolysis bullosa contain clearly demonstrable titers of antibodies against the collagen C chain which is derived from basement membrane structures. Moreover, the circulating antibodies observed in these patients are apparently specific for the C chain as no titers were observed when using four additional well-characterized collagen chains in the indicated assays. In contrast to the results with sera from epidermolysis bullosa patients, sera from a series of age- and sex-matched healthy controls, as well as from a group of patients with bullous pemphigoid, did not contain antibodies to any of the test antigens. These results thus clearly differentiate the autoimmune response to basement membranes observed in bullous pemphigoid from that observed in epidermolysis bullosa simplex.

Autoantibodies↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The expression of cyclooxygenase-1, cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-lipoxygenase in inflammatory muscle tissue of patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) expression in muscle tissue in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) - dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM) and to find out if any differences between affected and non-affected muscles detected by MRI exist. METHODS: Samples of muscle tissue from 7 patients with dermatomyositis (DM) and from 4 with polymyositis (PM) were obtained by needle biopsy from affected and non-affected sites distinguished by magnetic resonance imaging. In situ hybridization with antisense mRNA probes was employed to detect COX-1, COX-2 and 5-LOX mRNA. RESULTS: Expression of COX-1, COX-2, and 5-LOX mRNA was found in all samples - in the muscle cells, inflammatory cells and in vessels. COX-1 mRNA expression predominated in the inflammatory cells and vessels and was higher in affected than in non-affected sites detected by MRI (mean intensity 3.22+/-0.67 vs. 2.0+/-0.87; p = 0.0006). The expression of COX-2 mRNA was high mainly in inflammatory cells and/or vessels and was increased in MRI-detected affected tissues (3.5+/-0.88; 1.9+/-1.1; p = 0.003), as was the expression of COX-2 mRNA in muscle cells (2.1+/-1.0 vs. 1.3+/-1.0; p = 0.021). 5-LOX mRNA was largely expressed in muscle cells from MRI-detected affected sites and the signal intensity was higher in comparison with samples taken from non-affected tissues detected by MRI (3.22+/-0.7 vs. 1.67+/-0.7; p = 0.0007). CONCLUSION: Expression of COX-1, COX-2 and 5-LOX mRNA was observed for the first time in muscle tissues from IIM patients. This expression was increased in affected tissues detected by MRI, which may suggest a role of COX-1, COX-2, and 5-LOX in the pathogenesis of IIM.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The curve of the cervical spine: variations and significance.

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature regarding the curve of the cervical spine in normal and injured persons, emphasizing common variations in cervical curvature and their possible clinical significance. DATA SOURCE: A MEDLINE literature search of the English-language, human literature was performed using multiple search strategies relevant to radiography, posture, lordosis, injury, diagnosis and prognosis of the cervical spine (MESH: cervical vertebrae). Additionally, article bibliographies were searched for further relevant articles. No publication time limit was imposed. STUDY SELECTION: Articles were identified by the author as being directly relevant to the objective and scope of this review. DATA EXTRACTION: Data was extracted as presented in each original article. DATA SYNTHESIS: The articles reviewed indicate that a wide range of normal exists in the posture and configuration of the cervical spine. Although kyphotic angulation and straightening or reversal of cervical lordosis are commonly seen following trauma, they may be normal variants. Muscle spasm is a widely used explanation for these variations when seen in patients with pain or trauma. Kyphotic angulation is often associated with posterior ligamentous injury of a motion segment. Prognostic significance of these variations is claimed by some authors. CONCLUSION: There is little evidence to support the contention that altered cervical curvatures are of prognostic significance. Although kyphotic angulation is associated with anterior subluxation (hyperflexion sprain), it is not a reliable diagnostic criterion for that condition. It is reasonable to assume that straightening or reversal of a previously lordotic cervical curve is the result of muscular spasm, but more specific interpretation is not supported by the literature. More study is needed to characterize the specific dynamics and etiologies involved in the determination of cervical spine configuration.

Cervical Vertebrae↗