Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy has been used in an attempt to observe free radicals which may be connected to the aging processes. Isolated lipofuscin particles from the human brain, which may act as traps for reactive ESR centers, have been studied. The lipopigments exhibit ESR signals which were attributed to metal ions. Both high-spin ferric iron and copper (II) complexes were observed. The copper resonance showed axial symmetry and the observed ESR parameters (A parallel = 185 gauss, g parallel = 2.25 and g perpendicular = 2.066) indicate that the copper ions are of the "non-blue" type (so-called "type 2"). The data suggest that the copper ions might be ligated to two nitrogen and two oxygen atoms. Ceroid particles from the brains of dogs with end-stage "canine ceroid lipofuscinosis" yield similar resonances involving metal complexes. The concentration of the copper ions in the lipopigments seems to increase slightly towards the end stage of life. Retinal pigment epithelial cells from the eyes of dogs with canine ceroid lipofuscinosis were grown in vitro and examined with ESR when the cells reached confluency and then after being maintained confluent for 2 weeks. The spectra indicate an accumulation of metal ions due to this "aging". Phase-contrast microscopy reveals an increase in perinuclear dense bodies during the time in confluency. A weak ESR signal, compatible with an "oxygen-centered" radical, was also found to increase slightly during the "aging" period.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Enhanced macrophage degradation of biologically modified low density lipoprotein.

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) conditioned by incubation in the presence of rabbit aortic or human umbilical vein endothelial cells (endothelial cell-modified LDL) was degraded by macrophages three to five times more rapidly than LDL incubated in the absence of cells (control LDL). This enhanced degradation occurred mostly via a high affinity, saturable pathway related to the pathway for macrophage uptake of acetylated LDL. Conditioning LDL with cultured aortic smooth muscle cells had a qualitatively similar but smaller effect; conditioning with fibroblasts had no effect. Conditioning very low density lipoproteins or high density lipoproteins with endothelial cells did not affect subsequent metabolism of these lipoproteins by macrophages. Endothelial cell-modified LDL, while degraded more rapidly than control LDL by macrophages, was degraded more slowly by cultured smooth muscle cells and by human skin fibroblasts. Degradation of endothelial cell-modified LDL by macrophages was accompanied by stimulation of cholesterol esterification, inhibition of cholesterol synthesis, and a net increment in total cellular cholesterol content. Thus, a biologically generated modification of LDL is described that markedly alters cholesterol metabolism of macrophages and, consequently, may play a role in foam cell formation during atherogenesis.

Acetylation↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Lethal acute gamma radiation accident at Kjeller, Norway. Report of a case.

On September 2, 1982, a 64-year-old man accidently received a heavy dose of gamma radiation in a plant for sterilization by radiation. He developed an acute radiation syndrome. The leukocyte count rapidly diminished to low values, and extensive chromosome injuries could be demonstrated in cultured lymphocytes. He was hospitalized in an isolated room, and received large doses of antibiotics, and transfusions of leukocytes, platelets and blood. He died anuric on the 13th day. From spectroscopic analyses of electron-spin resonance in irradiated material the mean dose in the whole body was estimated to be 22.5 +/- 2 Gy. The course of the illness and the findings at autopsy are briefly described.

Accidents, Occupational↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Preliminary experience with embryo intrafallopian transfer (EIFT).

Embryo intrafallopian transfer was accomplished in 10 patients. Approximately 48 hours after oocyte retrieval, the embryonic cleavage stage was evaluated and from two to six embryos were transferred to the fallopian tubes at the 2- to 8-cell stage using a laparoscopic technique. Five clinical pregnancies resulted; four patients have given birth to five healthy babies (one set of twins) and one had a miscarriage. These results are encouraging, and we believe that transfer of embryos to the fallopian tubes may be an alternative to GIFT or IVF treatment in selected groups of patients.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Case reports.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a serious complication of ovulation induction. It is most often associated with the administration of human menopausal gonadotropins (hMG) or purified preparation of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), but has also been reported after clomiphene (CC) and in patients with hydatiform mole and chorioepithelioma. Moreover, OHSS has been observed in cases of multiple pregnancy unrelated to the use of fertility drugs. In recent years, the hormonal induction of ovulation has been practised to an increasing degree, partly due to the extended use in vitro fertilization (IVF) and gamete intra fallopian transfer (GIFT) techniques in the treatment of infertility. This trend will undoubtedly result in a growing number of patients with OHSS: For this reason, it is important to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for trigging this condition and discuss the treatment possibilities once it has arisen. We will present three patients who developed OHSS after different attempts at ovulation induction. Interestingly, aspiration of the follicles, which was carried out in two of the cases, did not influence the progress of the condition.

Adult↗