ABSTRACT
Enterochromaffin (EC) cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa are the main source of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)) in the body. 5-HT is implicated in the pathophysiology of many GI disorders including functional and inflammatory bowel disorders. Herein we studied the role of interleukin 13 (IL-13) in EC cell biology by utilizing IL-13-deficient (IL-13-/-) mice and BON cells (a model for human EC cells). The numbers of EC cells and 5-HT amount were significantly lower in enteric parasite, Trichuris muris-infected IL-13-/- mice compared with the wild-type mice. This was accompanied with increased parasite burden in IL-13-/- mice. Treatment of naive and infected IL-13-/- mice with IL-13 increased EC cell numbers and 5-HT amount. BON cells expressed IL-13 receptor and in response to IL-13 produced more 5-HT. These results provide novel information on IL-13-mediated immunological control of 5-HT in the gut, which may ultimately lead to improved therapeutic opportunities in various GI disorders.
Subject(s)
Enterochromaffin Cells/metabolism , Enterochromaffin Cells/pathology , Gastrointestinal Tract/metabolism , Gastrointestinal Tract/pathology , Interleukin-13/metabolism , Animals , Cell Line , Enterochromaffin Cells/immunology , Gastrointestinal Tract/immunology , Humans , Hyperplasia , Interleukin-13/deficiency , Interleukin-13/genetics , Male , Mice , Mice, Knockout , Mucous Membrane/immunology , Mucous Membrane/metabolism , Mucous Membrane/pathology , Serotonin/biosynthesis , Trichuriasis/genetics , Trichuriasis/immunology , Trichuriasis/pathology , Trichuris/immunology , Tryptophan Hydroxylase/genetics , Tryptophan Hydroxylase/metabolismABSTRACT
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an important experimental tool and therapeutic modality. Its efficacy and toxicity are both linked to a GvH reaction that is initiated by donor T cells recognizing recipient APC, of which DC are the most potent. In most tissues recipient DC are replaced after transplantation because they turnover rapidly from BM-derived precursors. However, in a number of sites, notably the skin, recipient DC may persist and even self-renew for many months after transplantation. Understanding the homeostasis of different APC populations and how they are related to the induction of alloreactivity may help to improve the therapeutic benefit of transplantation.
Subject(s)
Dendritic Cells/physiology , Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Homeostasis , Animals , Antigen-Presenting Cells/cytology , Graft vs Host Reaction , HumansABSTRACT
We present 15 patients with megakaryocytic (Mk) blast crisis (BC) of a Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome positive CML confirmed by immunophenotype analysis between 1989-2000. The primary aim of this study is to define clinical, immunological, cytogenetic and laboratory characteristics of Mk BC in Ph positive CML. We have done retrospective analysis regarding basic clinical findings, immunologic phenotype, cytogenetic studies and platelet functions. All patients had significant expression of CD61 (14/14) and CD34 (13/13) antigens, and a high frequency of expression of CD13 (9/12), CD33 (10/12) and CD11b (9/11). The BC in 6/15 patients was presented with thrombocytosis, 7/15 had a normal platelet count and two patients had thrombocytopenia. A grade IV myelofibrosis was present in 8/10 patients. Six patients evolved additional karyotypic abnormalities. Two patients had extramedullary BC. The serum activity of LDH (med. 1095.6) was elevated in all patients. A platelet dysfunction was documented in 4/5 patient tested. There are no clinical and hematological characteristics specific for Mk BC of CML. Normal or elevated platelet count (med. 427.4 x 109/L) in BC of CML with prominent expression of CD34 and CD61 antigens, and significant myelofibrosis (grade IV) are the most consistent clinical findings.
ABSTRACT
A 17-year-old girl with haemolytic anaemia, parenchymal livel disease and gallbladder calculi, is reported. Kayser-Fleischer rings, transaminasaemia, deficiency of ceruloplasmin, increased cupriuria, and nodular cirrhosis of the liver, confirmed the diagnosis of Wilson's disease. Penicillamine therapy had to be interrupted a short time after it was started, because of penicillamine-induces acute psychotic episode. Zinc-sulphate has controlled Wilson's disease in the patient.
Subject(s)
Hepatolenticular Degeneration , Adolescent , Female , Hepatolenticular Degeneration/diagnosis , Hepatolenticular Degeneration/therapy , HumansABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to establish the influence of age and sex on the kinetic and morphometric parameters of calcium metabolism. Normal values of kinetic parameters were determined in normal adult rats of different ages (4--20 months) and both sexes. Urinary hydrophyline excretion was also assessed and morphometric measurements of the femur were performed. Kinetic parameters expressed as rate constants showed a lowering of calcium turnover (kr) in the rapidly exchangeable calcium compartment until the age of 12 months and urinary and fecal rate constants (ku and kf) showed a small increase. Males exhibited a lower calcium turnover (kT) as well as lower urinary and fecal rate constants. Hydroxyproline excretion diminished with age in both sexes. Lower values were recorded in males. Morphometric parameters of femurs showed no bone loss within the examined age. The results show that differences between the sexes exist in the sense of a faster calcium turnover, higher calcium excretion rate constants, higher collagen degradation and higher bone density in adult female rats.
