Selective migration of the human helper/inducer T-cell subset CD4+ in BCG induced arthritis

SMs were stained with a panel of monoclonal antibodies [mAbs] directed against mononuclear cellular infiltrates [MNC] and HLA DR expressing ce11s. A large number of T-cells, particularly CD4 helper/inducer subset, was detected in the perivascular areas. Mature macrophages were observed mainly in the lining layer. B-cells were detected in a small percentage in perivascular aggregate and occasional cells in connective tissue areas. Moreover, HLA-DR expressing cells were detected in a large number in perivascular and connective tissue areas. In conclusion, BCG-induced arthritis is an immune-mediated process. T-cells, especially CD4+ helper/inducer subset which showed a selective migration to SMs, are likely to have the main role immediating this type of arthritis which is regulated by HLA-DR expression

HLA-DR expression in synovial memberane of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis versus osteoarthritis

The objective of this study is to compare, by immunohistochemistry, the HLA-DR expressing cells in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis [JRA] and the early osteoarthritis [OA] synovial membranes [SMs]. Synovium was obtained by blind needle biopsy from knee joints of 13 patients with JRA and 15 with early OA. Synovial membranes were stained with a RDFR2 and ML30 monoclonal antibodies [mAbs]to assess the intensity of HLA-DR expressing cells. Significantly greater percentages of HLA-DR expressing cells were detected in rheumatoid SMs when compared with osteoarthritic SMs

toxic effects of pyrimethamine in albino rats

Pyrimethamine has a marked effect in malaria, but is also useful in toxoplasmosis, cutaneous Ieishmaniasis and polycythaemia vera. In the present study, the acute toxicity, LD and subchronic toxicity of the drug were determined in albino rats. Sublethal doses given to the animals daily for 2 weeks, produced marked changes in the blood picture, bone marrow, liver and kidneys. There was a significant elevation of serum alanine amino transferases, alkaline phosphatases, GGT, marked pancytopenia and depression in reticulocyte response. The bone marrow was acutely hypocellular. The hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects appeared in the form of clowdy swelling, congestion and tissue necrosis. It was concluded that the drug should not be prescribed unless indicated and should be given under medical observations regarding blood picture and liver function

Spurious poison level in human blood due to bacterial contamination

A considerable variation was noticed in poison concentration in the blood and the expected level according to the used dose. Bacterial contamination was one of the suggested causes. To prove this, digoxin was chosen for this study, its level in the serum was determined before and after bacterial inoculation by: Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staph ylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coIi, and Bacillus subtilis. After the drug concentration had been measured, 2 hours, 1 week and 2 weeks after bacterial contamination, it was found that after 2 weeks, the reduction in the mean concentrations reached from 7.8% to 30.3% according to the type of organism