The gp200-MR6 molecule which is functionally associated with the IL-4 receptor modulates B cell phenotype and is a novel member of the human macrophage mannose receptor family

The human gp200-MR6 molecule has previously been shown to have either an antagonistic or agonistic effect on IL-4 function, demonstrated by inhibition of IL-4-induced proliferation of T cells or mimicking of IL-4-induced maturation of epithelium, respectively. We now show that gp200-MR6 ligation can also mimic IL-4 and have an anti-proliferative pro-maturational influence within the immune system, causing up-regulation of co-stimulatory molecules on B lymphocytes. Biochemical analysis and cDNA cloning reveal that gp200-MR6 belongs to the human macrophage mannose receptor family of multidomain molecules. It comprises 1722 amino acids in toto (mature protein, 1695 amino acids; signal sequence, 27 amino acids) organized into 12 external domains (an N-terminal cysteine-rich domain, a fibronectin type II domain and 10 C-type carbohydrate recognition domains), a transmembrane region and a small cytoplasmic C terminus (31 amino acids) containing a single tyrosine residue (Y1679), but no obvious kinase domain. Strong amino acid sequence identity (77%) suggests that gp200-MR6 is the human homologue of the murine DEC-205, indicating that this molecule has much wider functional activity than its classical endocytic role. We also show that the gp200-MR6 molecule is closely associated with tyrosine kinase activity; the link between gp200-MR6 and the IL-4 receptor may therefore be via intracellular signaling pathways, with multifunctionality residing in its extracellular multidomain structure.     

Status of cerebral circulation in patients with hemiplegia of vascular and traumatic origin treated with decimeter therapy and an alternating magnetic field

Results of treating 181 patients for hemiparesis after a cerebral stroke or a craniocerebral injury by local exposure of the pathological focus to decimeter electromagnetic waves (DW) and alternating magnetic field (AMF) are presented. It is shown that these treatment methods improve the cerebral circulation and contribute to earlier restoration of the motor functions, especially, if used in combination with sulfide baths, therapeutic physical exercises and massage. The therapeutic effectiveness of the DW- and AMF-therapy is confirmed objectively by so informative examination methods, as rheoencephalography, ultrasonic dopplerography, and thermography.     

Topography of wound canals and possibilities of collateral blood circulation

By complexed structural and functional study performed in 76 dogs in acute, subacute and chronic experiments, destruction of muscles of the extremity, intraorganic vascular bed of which does not participate in collateral blood circulation was shown not to be an impairing factor in vascular trauma. If the wound canal localization directly relates to the topography of most important collaterals pronounced structural and functional disorders of ischemic genesis develop in the organism and in the extremity within the next day. In case of primary adhesion of the soft tissue wound in the zone of collateral pathways or distinctly limited foci of purulent wound infection in any topography of wound canal acute arterial insufficiency is compensated due to mobilization of all vascular reserves. These are primarily arteries of remaining muscles and nerves, cutaneofascial vessels and arterial bed of the opposite extremity as well. On contrary, wound suppuration sharply suppresses vessel plastic properties, promotes tissue necrosis, including ischemic gangrene of the extremity distant segments. Basic dogma of anatomic experimental studies were supported by clinico-physiological evaluation of collateral circulation in the 16 wounded with vascular disturbances.     

Factors affecting the outcome of foetal hydrocephaly

In this study, the authors attempt to provide an account of the factors that affect the outcome of hydrocephaly in 26 foetuses. The hydrocephalus was related to a myelomeningocele in 35% of patients. Sixty-two percent of foetuses showed intra-uterine progression of their hydrocephalus and 50% were shunted postnatally. At a mean follow up of 2 years, the outcome was considered "fair" in 54% of patients. Our findings demonstrate that in foetal hydrocephaly a more favourable outcome is expected in patients with hydrocephalus which does not progress in utero, in whom the labour is not induced before 36 weeks of gestation, who are delivered vaginally weighing more than 2.5 kg and have a head circumference below the 95th centile and a CT cortical mantle thickness of 2 cm and more and who are treated by CSF shunting. The diagnosis of the foetal hydrocephaly at or before 28 weeks of gestation and the presence of a myelomeningocele did not affect the outcome significantly. Neurosurgeons are reminded to keep an open mind for infants with foetal hydrocephaly and to offer active treatment to patients with a potentially favourable outcome.     

The uptake of 3-deoxy-3-fluoro-D-glucose by synaptosomes from rat brain cortex

D-[3-3H]-3-deoxy-3-fluoroglucose was synthesized chemically and shown to be transported into rat brain synaptosomes by a saturable process with a Km 6.2 x 10(-4) M and a Vmax 2.8 nmole x mg protein-1. After an initial, rapid period of transport, further uptake of the fluorosugar is restricted by the rate of its phosphorylation. Both D-glucose and cytochalasin B are competitive inhibitors of 3-deoxy-3-fluoro-D-glucose transport with Ki values of 93 micron and 6.0 x 10(-7) M, respectively. Phloretin, N-ethylmaleimide and p-chloromercuribenzoate also inhibit the fluorosugar uptake, whereas ouabain and changes in K+, Na+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions have only a small effect. The recorded 3-deoxy-3-fluoro-D-glucose influx is slightly reduced by potassium cyanide, antimycin A, 2,4-dinitrophenol, and rotenone. The uptake reduction caused by these four reagents is relieved by the addition of exogenous ATP. The possible influence of hexokinse activity on the uptake process is discussed.