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Biomedical subjects

R H Whitehead

Publications and source records attributed to R H Whitehead.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1975

Immunoglobulin E in rectal mucosa of patients with proctitis.

Rectal-biopsy specimens were obtained from a group of patients with proctitis in different stages of activity. Large numbers of brightly fluorescent IgE-producing cells were demonstrated in rectal-biopsy specimens taken from these patients during disease activity and clinical remission. An immediate hypersensitivity reaction is suggested as one of the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of proctitis.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1975

Tissue culture studies of malignant effusions.

This study reports attempts to culture tumour cells from 51 malignant effusions using standard tissue culture techniques. Cultures proliferating for more than one month were derived from 42 effusions including 24/32 from breast cancer patients and 5/6 from colon carcinomata. The morphology of these cells and their culture characteristics were compared with that of cells derived from a benign effusion. A common cell type--believed to be of mesothelial origin--was found in all cultures. In addition, fibroblastic cells were common and smaller pleomorphic cells, possibly tumour cells, were found in many effusions. The mesothelial cells were often multinucleated and grew for long periods. Although the tumour cells grew in conjunction with the mesothelial cells, all attempts at separation have failed. These studies indicate that cells derived from malignant effusions may be largely of mesothelial origin although tumour cells may also be present. The use of short-term cultures of malignant effusions as the source of cells for use as target cells in cytotoxicity tests and in chemotherapy assays is disscussed.

Ascitic Fluid↗
PubMed1974

The immune competence of patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Previous investigations of immune function in patients with Crohn's disease have yielded conflicting results. A comprehensive study of immune competence-peripheral lymphocyte count, serum immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgA and IgM), lymphocyte response to PHA, Mantoux test, and DNCB response-has been performed in a large number of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. A total of 52 patients with Crohn's disease, 20 patients with ulcerative colitis, and 46 control patients with benign gastrointestinal disease were investigated. The patient groups were subdivided into ;well' and ;ill' in view of the differing clinical states of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Some of the Crohn's and colitis patients were receiving steroid therapy. The peripheral blood lymphocyte count and lymphocyte response to PHA were similar in all patient groups. Serum IgA levels were elevated in Crohn's disease but fell significantly in ;ill' Crohn's patients following excisional surgery. Serum IgM levels rose significantly in ;ill' Crohn's patients after surgery. Steroid therapy was associated with diminution of both Mantoux and DNCB responses in the ;ill' Crohn's patients. There was no evidence of impairment of immune competence in either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1973

Fluorescent antibody studies in malignant melanoma.

Sera from 57 patients with malignant melanoma and 39 control patients were tested by immunofluorescence techniques against 6 melanoma cell lines. Thirty-two per cent of tests with sera from melanoma patients showed fluorescence with these cell lines whereas only 17% of tests with control sera were positive. Reactions occurred in 21% of tests with sera from patients with primary melanoma compared with 40% with secondary melanomata and 54% with "cured" melanomata. The cell lines varied in antigenicity but this did not correlate with either pigmentation or length of time in culture. The cell lines which were most reactive with sera from melanoma patients were also most reactive with control sera.

Antibodies, Neoplasm↗