Erythrocyte agglutination in microgravity.

This experiment tested a self-contained blood grouping device under microgravity as well as the possibility that gravity could affect the blood grouping reaction. The experiment tested Rh, ABO, and Coombs-sensitized human erythrocytes against their appropriate antisera and diluents. A self-contained device was built which accomplished the agglutination and collected the agglutinates on filter paper. This was flown on the Columbia Space Shuttle on Jan. 12, 1986. The device produced blood agglutinates to several blood groups and the agglutinates were held on filter paper until returned to us by NASA as soon as practical after landing. Both the Rh test and Rh control systems failed because of crystallization within the tubing. The remaining three systems functioned as expected. After comparing these results to similar experiments conducted under full gravity, we conclude that ABO and Coombs-sensitized blood grouping tests do occur under micro-gravity, although the agglutinates formed may be smaller. The use of a closed system for clinical laboratory examination in space is demonstrated.

Studies on a radioassay for intrinsic factor antibody: comparison of methods and false positive results due to elevated serum B12 levels.

Availability of a kit method (Corning Immo Phase IFAB) for intrinsic factor antibody (IFAB) has made it possible for a routine radioimmunoassay (RIA) laboratory to test for the antibody, thereby providing another aid in diagnosing pernicious anemia. Comparison of data from a charcoal method with the kit method was favorable, each method detecting 35 (74%) positives and 12 (26%) negatives of 47 pernicious anemia patients. Compared with a charcoal method study the kit method had fewer false positives due to elevated serum B12. False positive results occurred for only 24 hours after a 1-mg injection of B12, and results remained negative the following seven days. The authors' studies supported the manufacturer's statement that results are unreliable when the serum B12 level exceeds 3,500 pg/ml. Clinical experience with the Corning Immo Phase IFAB test and false positive results is summarized.

Transventricular revascularization by laser.

Transventricular acupuncture or revascularization by the method of producing channels between the ventricular cavity and the ischemic myocardium has challenged several investigators. The concept of producing these channels using high-energy CO2 laser was based on the finding that the laser beam could produce small channels devoid of debris, and fibrosis would not occur. Four groups of mongrel dogs with six animals in each group were studied. In three groups the left anterior descending (LAD) branch of the coronary arteries was ligated above the first diagonal, and channels were made in the myocardium according to the protocol for each group. The fourth group was the control, the LAD was ligated but the myocardium was not exposed to laser treatment. In the control group all animals died within 20 minutes of LAD ligation. Animals in the other groups survived ligation with laser, and were subsequently sacrificed at varying intervals. At autopsy the epicardial component of the channels was visible. Penetration through the myocardium could be demonstrated. Microscopically the channels were patent and endothelialized. Further investigations are in process, but we believe laser channels protect and nourish the ischemic myocardium.

Laser therapy of rheumatoid arthritis.

Thirty people with classical or definite rheumatoid arthritis received laser exposure to a Q-switch neodymium laser that operated at 1.06 micrometer with an output of 15 joules/cm2 for 30 nsec. One hand was lased at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and metacarpal phalangeal (MCP) joints, whereas the other hand was sham lased. The patient, physician, and occupational therapy evaluators did not know which hand was being lased. Twenty-one patients noted improvement of both their MCP and PIP joints of both hands during laser therapy. Twenty-seven noted improvement of their PIP joints and 26 noted improvement of the MCP joints during therapy. Heat, erythema, pain, swelling, and tenderness all improved with time in both hands, but the lased hand had more significant improvement in erythema and pain. There was also significant improvement in grasp and tip pressure on the lased side. The level of circulating immune complexes as measured by platelet aggregation decreased during lasing. The improvement may be related to laser exposure. The exact role that laser radiation has upon rheumatoid arthritis and its mechanism of action remain to be elucidated.

Increased serum folate-binding capacity: a familial trait.

This report describes increased folate-binding capacity (FABC) in the serum of 7 of 10 family members. Genetically controlled elevation of FABC in normal subjects needs to be distinguished from the acquired increase in bindings capacity which has been described in a number of disorders.