Release of soluble transferrin receptor from the surface of human leukemic HL60 cells

Information regarding transferrin (Tf) receptor degradation is largely incomplete. HL60 cells were shown to release to their growth medium a Tf-binding protein which could be immunoprecipitated by anti-Tf receptor monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) B3/25 and OKT9. Soluble Tf receptor was detected in the medium within one hour of replating of cells, and its release was inhibited at 4 degrees C. The affinity of Tf for the soluble receptor released by cells (kd = 2.3 x 10(-10) mol/L) was slightly lower than its affinity for the detergent-solubilized cellular receptor (kd = 1.2 x 10(-10) mol/L). 125I-Tf internalized and released by cells subsequently bound to Tf receptor released by the same cells, and soluble Tf receptor in the conditioned medium (CM) inhibited 125I-Tf binding to intact cells. The soluble Tf receptor isolated from the CM was smaller (78,000 daltons) than the cell surface receptor (94,000 daltons) when analyzed by gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions. Isolated cell membranes readily released soluble receptor; however, this release could be blocked by protease inhibitors. The soluble Tf receptor may represent the extracytoplasmic domain of the cellular Tf receptor released from the surface of HL60 cells through proteolytic cleavage by a membrane-based protease.     

Quantification of motor deficit in Parkinson's disease with a motor performance test series

Summary It was the purpose of the present study to quantify the expected motor deficit in parkinsonian patients with the computer assisted Motor Performance Test Series (MPS), version 05.87 by Schuhfried (1987) and to examine which of the motor test variables found correlate at a significance level of p<0.01 with items of motor examination recorded at neurological examination and activities of daily living of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), version 3.0.38 patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) stages I–IV according to Hoehn and Yahr, aged 41 to 73 years were studied. The study design, i.e. initial rating by the physician followed immediately by testing of motor function with MPS was strictly adhered to in each patient.Physician's rating of rigor and the scores of the semiquantitative tests (finger taps, hand movements and alternating movements) as expression of hypokinesia and the activities of daily living correlated with the 3 factors of the Motor Performance Test Series at a highly significant level independent of disease stage. Tremor is only partly and never significantly reflected in the motor data measured. Stages I–II and II–IV (Hoehn and Yahr) differ significantly in the representative data of the Motor Performance Test Series.The results of the study support the assumption that MPS is a valid instrument for quantitative measurement of the motor deficit in parkinsonian patients, but that only some subtests are pathognomonic.     

Localization of a gene for otosclerosis to chromosome 15q25-q26

Among white adults otosclerosis is the single most common cause of hearing impairment. Although the genetics of this disease are controversial, the majority of studies indicate autosomal dominant inheritance with reduced penetrance. We studied a large multi- generational family in which otosclerosis has been inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. Five of16 affected persons have surgically confirmed otosclerosis; the remaining nine have a conductive hearing loss but have not undergone corrective surgery. To locate the disease- causing gene we completed genetic linkage analysis using short tandem repeat polymorphisms (STRPs) distributed over the entire genome. Multipoint linkage analysis showed that only one genomic region, on chromosome 15q, generated a lod score >2.0. Additional STRPs were typed in this area, resulting in a lod score of 3.4. STRPs FES (centromeric) and D15S657 (telomeric) flank the 14. 5 cM region that contains an otosclerosis gene.      

Peritoneal fluid concentrations of interleukin-8 in women with endometriosis: relationship to stage of disease

There is increasing evidence that immunological mechanisms play a role in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of endometriosis. It was therefore of interest to study interleukin-8 (IL-8), a chemokine, in the peritoneal fluid and peripheral blood of women undergoing laparoscopic procedures. The presence and concentrations of IL-8 in relation to endometriosis, infertility and abdominal pain were evaluated. Samples of peritoneal fluid (n = 49) and peripheral blood (n = 50) were obtained from 50 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for various gynaecological indications (abdominal pain, infertility, sterilization). IL-8 was present in the peritoneal fluid of most women (87%). The concentration of IL-8 in the peritoneal fluid was higher in women with endometriosis compared to women without (P = 0.02). This difference was more pronounced in early (stage 1) endometriosis (P = 0.001). IL-8 concentrations in the peritoneal fluid were also higher in women with early endometriosis compared to women with later stages of the disease (P = 0.003). Peripheral blood concentrations did not correlate with peritoneal fluid concentrations of IL-8 and/or the presence of endometriosis. We conclude that IL-8 is an important factor that may contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis possibly by promoting neovascularization. This information can be a guide in the development of new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of endometriosis.      

Lymphocytic Hypophysitis Presenting as a Pituitary Tumor in a 63-Year-Old Man

This report describes a case of lymphocytic hypophysitis in a 63-year-old man who presented with symptoms of a pituitary mass lesion associated with hypothyroidism and hypogonadism. Postoperative endocrinological testing demonstrated gonadotropic, thyrotropic, and corticotropic hypopituitarism, and the patient was commenced on replacement therapy with hydrocortisone and levothyroxine. Histological examination of the pituitary tissue obtained by transsphenoidal surgery revealed lymphocytic hypophysitis without evidence of a pituitary adenoma. The vast majority of patients with lymphocytic hypophysitis are women particularly during pregnancy and the puerperium. Until recently only four men were reported in the literature. The pathogenesis of lymphocytic hypophysitis is uncertain but autoimmune mechanisms are possibly involved.