potential role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in house dust nasal allergy

The role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor [MIF] was studied in patients with house dust nasal allergy. Macrophage migration inhibition test [MIT] was done for 30 patients with house dust nasal allergy. In 43% of the patients; nasal allergy was associated with other atopic diseases as bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis and allergic conjunctivitis. Patients were clinically classified into: seasonal, perennial allergic rhinitis and perennial with seasonal exacerbation groups. 20 healthy subjects served as a control group. Eosinophilia was detected in all patients. 80% of the patients had positive MIT as compared to 60% in healthy individuals. The difference between the two groups was statistically insignificant [p > 0.05], while there was a significant difference in the mean value of MIT results between the two groups [p < 0.05]. In addition, there was significant association between the production of MIF and the severity of allergic manifestations and the presence of other atopic disease. On the other hand there was no significant association between the production of MIF and the type of nasal allergy. It is concluded that the production of MIF by allergen-stimulated T-Iymphocytes may be a useful laboratory parameter to comprehend the clinical course of the disease

Homograft teeth for ossicular reconstruction in tympanoplasty [experimental study]

Various materials have been used in ossiculoplasty but no single material have been found to be completely satisfactory. Homograft and autograft middle ear ossicles and even mastoid cortical bone have been widely used in tympanoplasty. Animal work was conduct to study the reaction to homograft teeth when implanted intratympanic and subcutaneously. There were no macroscopic changes or rejection with follow up for one month. Microscopic examination revealed moderate cellular inflammatory changes with some foreign body giant cells, but there was no fragmentation of the implanted material or engulfing by giant cell. Also, mild degenerative changes were observed in small areas of the teeth in some animals. These reactions are comparable with that of the bioinert aluminium oxide ceramic implanted intratympanic in experimental animals 1 to 3 months postoperatively. Thus, homograft teeth seem to satisfy the criteria of a material to be used in tympanoplasty. Besides, it is easily available, durable and costless. Larger series with longer follow up is recommended