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Biomedical subjects

W Gebhart

Publications and source records attributed to W Gebhart.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Immunohistochemical demonstration of immunoglobulin A in human sebaceous and sweat glands.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) mediated humoral defense mechanisms have been detected on all mucous membrane surfaces. There are only a few papers about the presence of IgA in human skin. In order to demonstrate the occurrence of IgA in sebaceous and sweat glands, biopsies of normal human skin were investigated and compared to intestinal mucosa. Two different commercially available anti-IgA antibodies were used. For light microscopy peroxidase-anti-peroxidase (PAP) or avidin-biotin complex (ABC) staining was used, and for electron microscopy protein-A-gold (PAG) labeling was performed on tissue sections. Specifically decorated IgA was found in sebaceous glands as well as in various portions of eccrine glands. In sebaceous glands, the maximum of IgA concentration was seen near the mouth of pilosebaceous ducts. Sweat ducts exhibited a continuous coat of IgA, whereas secretory portions contained only singular scattered IgA positive cells. Immunoelectron microscopy suggests endocytotic uptake and processing of IgA in the glandular cells. These results indicate strongly that IgA are secreted by normal human sebaceous and sweat glands. Because it is well known that IgA plays an important role in inactivation of invading viruses, bacteria, and other antigenic structures on mucous membranes, it appears that IgA in sebum and sweat fulfil a similar function on the outer body surface.

Adolescent↗

Giant arteriovenous hemangioma (cirsoid aneurysm) of the nose.

We describe a 97-year-old woman who presented to our clinic with an unusually large pendulous asymptomatic soft tumor on the left side of her nose. History revealed a 40-year course, with accelerated growth in the last 9 years. Histology of this 7 x 3-cm large tumor revealed vascular structures composed of densely aggregated thick- and thin-walled vessels, separated by fibrous tissue. These features are characteristic for an arteriovenous hemangioma, also called cirsoid aneurysm. The distal part of the tumor showed nearly total fibrosis and at the proximal end of the tumor signs of incipient basal cell carcinoma were observed. In spite of the accelerated growth, unusual size, and the presence of a basal cell carcinoma at the base of this tumor, giant cirsoid aneurysms appear to be of a benign nature and thus conservative, nonradical surgical treatment can be performed. The tumor was removed by argon laser surgery with excellent results and no sign of recurrence after 1 year.

Aged↗

Secretory immunoglobulin A in sweat gland tumors.

The presence of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and secretory component (SC) was investigated in normal human skin and in cutaneous neoplasms including a variety of sweat gland tumors. Immunohistochemistry in normal sweat glands revealed the occurrence of secretory IgA (sIgA) as indicated by reactivity for IgA and SC in serial sections. The majority of 28 cases of sweat gland tumors could be demonstrated to retain their ability to produce IgA and SC. In normal as well as in neoplastic sweat glands heaviest staining for sIgA could be found in the lumina and at the surface of lining epithelia. This is comparable with the presence of sIgA in breast or intestinal neoplasms. In contrast other epidermal cysts or solid tumors were not labelled. In view of recent immunohistochemical studies the demonstration of IgA and SC may be of differentiating value in cutaneous glandular neoplasms.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Fibrous hamartoma of infancy--infantile subcutaneous myofibroblastoma.

This paper presents light and electron microscopic findings in a case of fibrous hamartoma of infancy. Histological examination revealed different tissue components: irregular trabecular collagen fibers among mature adipose tissue, and mesenchymal cells at the border of fibrocollagenous trabeculae as well as around blood vessels. Ultrastructurally most of the tumor cells represented myofibroblasts. According to the predominance of a distinct cell type, fibrous hamartoma of infancy cannot be regarded as a hamartomatous lesion but should be included in the group of juvenile fibromatoses under the term 'infantile subcutaneous myofibroblastoma'.

Child, Preschool↗

[Psychopathology of patients with delusions of ectoparasitic infestation].

This paper presents a literature review as well as a study in 13 patients suffering from delusion of infestation. Symptoms found in MMPI are related to clinical experience. Our results suggest the distinction of three different groups of these patients: 1. Patients with predominantly hypochondric traits, with a distinct conviction to suffer from a severe, physical illness that is often looked at as incurable (hypochondriacal delusion of parasitosis). 2. Patients with paranoid symptoms and without hypochondric apprehensions. These patients usually hopelessly fight against their parasites, that impair their sphere of existence. Physical illness is denied. ("delusion of infestation"). 3. Patients with signs of both, hypochondrical as well as paranoid delusions ("hypochondriacal delusion of infestation").

Adult↗

[Ichthyosiform scaling in alpha-1,4-glucosidase deficiency].

In two patients suffering from infantile and juvenile types of alpha-1,4 glucosidase deficiency (Pompe's disease, glycogen storage disease types 2a and 2b) with typical lysosomal glycogen storage, widespread dry "ichthyosiform" scaling skin was observed. The clinical and microscopical findings resembled those of ichthyosis vulgaris. Even in the cytoplasm of keratinocytes vacuolar glycogen accumulation was demonstrated, suggesting a correlation between this pathological storage process and the symptom of "scaling". Therefore, ichthyosiform scaling conditions should be investigated not only for disorders of lipid metabolism but also for a possible disturbance of the carbohydrate-digesting enzymes.

Adult↗

[Pigmented neurofibroma].

In a 24-year-old male melanin synthesis was demonstrated in a neurofibroma by light and electron microscopy. Although it is unclear whether the tumor cells are pigment-synthesizing Schwann cells or whether they originate from a coexisting melanocytic tumor, this tumor again demonstrates the close relationship between peripheral nerve sheath tumors and melanocytic malformations, as for example cellular blue nevi.

Adult↗

Netilmicin: new approach to treating gonorrhoea.

Resistance and side effects to antibiotics or other chemotherapeutic agents are the main limiting factors in the treatment of gonorrhoea. As no such side effects have been reported with a new aminoglycoside, netilmicin, the therapeutic efficiency of this substance was evaluated in 1200 patients (690 women, 510 men) with uncomplicated gonorrhoea, who each received a single dose of 300 mg netilmicin by intramuscular injection. Efficacy of treatment was assessed by smear microscopy and culture, which gave results in all 1200 patients. No serious side effects were reported. These results indicate that netilmicin is an extraordinarily safe and efficient agent for treating uncomplicated gonorrhoea.

Female↗

Anthrenus sp. The paraffin block eater bug.

Review of several years-old, paraffin-embedded specimens showed unusual damage, especially of the sectioned surface of hyperkeratotic lesions. The larva of Anthrenus sp., feeding on the embedded material, was identified as the causative agent. Normally found in birds' nests, this species prefers keratin for nutrition, and can therefore damage histopathology collections.

Animals↗

[Sweat glands in pseudohypoaldosteronism].

Pseudohypoaldosteronism is a rare syndrome occurring during early infancy, which is mainly characterized by salt-depletion crises. Sodium chloride is lost via the kidneys resulting in a reduced sodium level and raised potassium level in the serum, leading to life-threatening disturbances of water and acid-base concentration. The excessive sodium loss seems to be caused by an unresponsiveness of the renal tubules to endogenous and exogenous mineralocorticoids. The colon, salivary and sweat glands, which are also involved in sodium reabsorption, may likewise be affected by the disease. We describe skin changes in two siblings suffering from pseudohypoaldosteronism, who developed seborrheic dermatitis, folliculitis or miliaria rubra-like lesions during salt-depletion crises. Biochemical analysis revealed a highly increased sodium-chloride concentration in the sweat, saliva, urine and stool of both patients. Destructive inflammatory reactions could be demonstrated histologically within and around the dermal sweat glands, thus indicating the important role of the sweat system in the pathogenesis of skin lesions in pseudohypoaldosteronism.

Child, Preschool↗

[Immunoglobulin A in the sebaceous glands. Light and electron microscopy immunomorphologic detection].

This paper presents evidence for the presence of immunoglobulin A in human sebaceous glands. Light- and electron-microscopic immune cytochemistry techniques revealed secretory IgA in normal sebocytes and within pilosebaceous ducts. The secretory process corresponds to the well-established production of IgA at the site of other internal body surfaces. Basal and suprabasal sebocytes contain IgA in linear extracellular, as well as aggregated intracellular patterns. However, maximal diffuse concentrations are present at the opening of the pilosebaceous duct. This distribution pattern indicates an antimicrobial protective character of IgA, corresponding to similar functions on mucous membrane surfaces. Thus, another important humoral factor contributing to the complex system of skin-associated lymphoid tissue is postulated.

Acne Vulgaris↗