[Are the products of CD44 exons v5 and v6 markers for metastasis of laryngeal carcinomas?]. / Sind die Produkte der Exons v5 und v6 von CD44 Marker für die Metastasierung von Larynxkarzinomen?

BACKGROUND: The transmembrane glycoprotein CD44 is referred to by many names, which are related to the polymorphism of this molecule. There are at least 10 different versions of the CD44 molecule. This polymorphism results from the insertion of extra domains into the extracellular part of the molecule and from different glycolization. These extra domains are coded by variable exons in the gene of CD44, which can be alternatively spliced. Some authors have postulated a link between expression of whole CD44 or some special molecule versions (often with the product of exon v6) on carcinoma cells and the potential of metastatic spread. The aim of our investigation was to look for this connection in larynx carcinomas. METHOD: We have tested 28 larynx carcinomas without metastases, 26 with metastases, and 20 lymph node metastases from larynx carcinomas with antibodies against the products of exon v5 and v6 in immunohistochemical studies of paraffin sections. RESULTS: In all cases we observed nearly the same staining intensity of exon v5 and v6 products. There was no significant difference between carcinomas with and without metastases or the lymph node metastases. However, a strong difference of reaction was found between the carcinoma cells of the outer proliferative tumor areas and the inner tumor areas, which were cornified in parts. Whereas the first mentioned cells generally stained very intensively, the latter showed only a slight reaction or none at all. CONCLUSIONS: In our opinion, CD44 v5 and v6 appear to be valuable markers of proliferation although we could not establish a strong connection to metastatic behavior.

[Puerperal and non-puerperal mastitis]. / Puerperale und non-puerperale Mastitis.

Report about 82 women with inflammatory breast diseases, who were hospitalized during january 1988 and december 1993. 37 women had a puerperal mastitis, 39 women a non-puerperal mastitis and 6 had perimamillary abscesses. In 35 (42.7%) of the 82 patients abscesses occurred. The different etiology and bacteriology as well as resulting treatment guidelines are discussed. In the treatment of puerperal mastitis, staphylococcus effective penicillins keep the first place. The therapy of non-puerperal mastitis consists in prolactin inhibiting drugs and broad spectrum antibiotics. In abscesses and fistulas surgical treatment is necessary, the same in recurrences. If the process is suspicious for breast cancer diagnostic excision is to perform.

The role of the matrix calcium level in the enhancement of mitochondrial pyruvate carboxylation by glucagon pretreatment.

The effect of Ca2+ on the rate of pyruvate carboxylation was studied in liver mitochondria from control and glucagon-treated rats, prepared under conditions that maintain low Ca2+ levels (1-3 nmol/mg of protein). When the matrix-free [Ca2+] was low (less than 100 nM), the rate of pyruvate carboxylation was not significantly different in mitochondria from control and glucagon-treated rats. Accumulation of 5-8 nmol of Ca2+/mg, which increased the matrix [Ca2+] to 2-5 microM in both preparations, significantly enhanced pyruvate carboxylase flux by 20-30% in the mitochondria from glucagon-treated rats, but had little effect in control preparations. Higher levels of Ca2+ (up to 75 nmol/mg) inhibited pyruvate carboxylation in both preparations, but the difference between the mitochondria from control and glucagon-treated animals was maintained. The enhancement of pyruvate dehydrogenase flux by mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake was also significantly greater in mitochondria from glucagon-treated rats. These differential effects of Ca2+ uptake on enzyme fluxes did not correlate with changes in the mitochondrial ATP/ADP ratio, the pyrophosphate level, or the matrix volume. Arsenite completely prevented 14CO2 incorporation when pyruvate was the only substrate, but caused only partial inhibition when succinate and acetyl carnitine were present as alternative sources of energy and acetyl-CoA. Under these conditions, mitochondria from glucagon-treated rats were less sensitive to arsenite than the control preparations, even at low Ca2+ levels. We conclude that the Ca(2+)-dependent enhancement of pyruvate carboxylation in mitochondria from glucagon-treated rats is a secondary consequence of pyruvate dehydrogenase activation; glucagon treatment is suggested to affect the conditions in the mitochondria that change the sensitivity of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex to dephosphorylation by the Ca(2+)-sensitive pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase.

[Detection of steroid hormone receptors in patients with mastopathies and fibroadenomas]. / Der Nachweis von Steroidhormonrezeptoren bei Patientinnen mit Mastopathien und Fibroadenomen.

Estradiol and progesterone receptors have been determined in 74 women with mastopathy and 33 women with fibroadenomas in the period from 1986-1988. Mastopathy was classified according to Prechtel (stage I-III). A negative steroid-hormon-receptorstatus (less than 10 fmol/mg protein) was predominant in the group with Prechtel I and II. In our study the progesterone receptor was detectable more frequently than the estradiol receptor in patients with mastopathy or fibroadenomas.

Pressure-volume characteristics of aortas of harbor and Weddell seals.

The mechanical properties of the radially enlarged proximal segment of the aorta of diving marine mammals was studied on 15 excised aortas of harbor seals and five aortas of Weddell seals. This was done by recording static pressure-volume relationships for the whole thoracic aorta, the aortic bulb, and the descending thoracic aorta and passive length-tension measurements of aortic strips. Aortic bulb volume distensibility was found to be much greater than that of the descending thoracic aorta or of an equivalent aortic segment of terrestrial mammals. The consequences were that the total potential energy and volume that may be stored within the aortic bulb is very large, with a capacity for storage of the stroke work of more than two normal heart beats and a volume of more than three times normal stroke volume. The aortic bulb has an average radius and wall thickness twice that of the descending aorta, but at any level of distension the wall stress (g/cm2) is the same throughout. The static mechanical properties of aortic strips from the bulb and descending thoracic aortas were not markedly different, so that the differences in the pressure-volume relationships are explained by differences in geometry of the two sections. The expanded aortic bulb functions through energy and volume storage actions and through uncoupling actions to maintain arterial pressures and stroke volume at near predive levels during a dive.

Geometric similarity of aorta, venae cavae, and certain of their branches in mammals.

The diameters of the aorta and venae cavae at various points throughout their lengths, the diameters of their major branches, and the lengths of various aortic and vena caval segments were measured in plastic corrosion casts of the arterial and venous systems of the normal adult mouse, rat, rabbit, dog, goat, horse, and cow, extending over a body weight range of 38,000-fold (arterial) and 1,100-fold (venous). It is shown that the diameters and lengths of these vessels are described by power-law equations relating the particular diameter or length to body weight (BW) raised to a particular diameter or length to body weight (BW) raised to a particular power, i.e., diameter = a BWb. Equations for the diameters and lengths of the vessels are given for slightly distended vessels and for vessels distended in the physiological range.

Functional consequences of expanded aortic bulb: a model study.

An investigation of the mechanical effects and physiological functions of the dilated ascending aorta of diving mammals was undertaken with mathematic modeling methods. A mathematical model of a prototype (canine) arterial system was constructed and was evaluated by comparing model-predicted pressure and flow wave forms at four vascular locations with published accounts of experimental measurements. The prototype model was modified to serve as a model of the diving mammal arterial system by changing peripheral vascular parameters and by changing the dimensions of the ascending aorta section of the model. This modified model gave a very good simulation of pressure and flow behavior in diving mammal arteries during a dive. Various distribution patterns of compliance addition to the prototype aortic pattern were evaluated as to the effect of these patterns on aortic input properties. It was concluded that the geometric distribution pattern found in diving mammal arteries was optimal with respect to reducing aortic impedance and peak systolic pressure development and thus favored the function of the left ventricle. This mechanical function could represent an important part of the total picture of adaptation to prolonged ischemia.

Responses of domestic fowl to repeated +Gz acceleration.

The responses of domestic fowl to repeated exposures of 4 min to +6Gz (8 times daily, 5 d weekly) are reported. Survivorship curves for the test group of 48 birds divided into three response categories: mode I, highly susceptible, with all individuals dying on the first day; mode II, more tolerant, with mortality occurring within the first 20 d of treatment; and mode III, highly tolerant, with mortality occurring only after 20 d of treatment. Observations of lymphocyte frequency, an index of systemic stress, and postmortem observations indicate that this heterogeniety has a biological basis.

Tolerance of domestic fowl to high sustained +Gz.

A system is described for the acceleration treatment of domestic fowl. A reasonable endpoint for acceleration tolerance is provided by a bradycardia which occurs fairly close to the lethal limit. In a group of 61 male Rhode Island Red chickens exposed to 6 Gz, the mean tolerance (+/- S.D.) was 11.1 +/- 10.6 min. Among individuals, the acceleration tolerance is inversely related to both body size and age, and positively to pre-treatment heart rate.

Influence of the ambient acceleration field upon acute acceleration tolerance in chickens.

It has been demonstrated both in the Russian and in the American space programs that there is a progressive deconditioning of the circulatory system with exposure to weightlessness. Astronauts and cosmonauts returned to Earth have a significantly reduced orthostatic tolerance which will persist for a few days. We have measured the acceleration tolerance of domestic fowl, acutely exposed to a 6 g+z field, as the time over which a normal heart rate can be maintained. This period of circulatory accommodation ends abruptly with a marked bradycardia, which with continued treatment is terminal. For animals which have been previously chronically accelerated (e.g., physiologically adapted to a 2.5 g field) the acute acceleration tolerance is greatly increased. It appears that the influence of the ambient acceleration field in conditioning the responsiveness of the circulatory system is a general phenomenon.

Analysis of myocardial and total body integral extraction ratios of rubidium-86.

Coronary blood flow (QM) measurement with radiorubidium (Rb) assumes that Rb distributes to the myocardium in proportion to flow. This assumption is correct if the integral myocardial Rb extraction ratio (ERM) equals total body extraction (ERTB). A right-heart-bypass preparation was employed to test the hypothesis that ERM = ERTB and to examine the determinants of Rb extraction. Dogs were anesthetized with pentobarbital, and arterial, coronary venous, and total body venous Rb concentrations were continuously measured for 4 min after injection. We found that ERM (0.56 +/- 0.01) was significantly less than ERTB (0.70 +/- 0.01), P less than 0.01 (n = 29) and concluded that Rb did not distribute in proportion to flow. We do not recommend this method for clinical use. ERM is flow dependent and ERRB is a function of the total cardiac output and the distribution of cardiac output. Before employing Rb in animal experiments, it is recommended that a preliminary study be performed comparing flow measured with Rb to an independent measure of blood flow.

[Cytological finding in the pre- and early stages of cervix carcinoma--a contribution to the evaluation of Papanicolau III]. / Der zytologische Befund bei Vor- und Frühstadien des Zervixkarzinoms--ein Beitrag zur Wertung des Papanicolaou III.

Cytologic findings and the histologic diagnosis are compared in 326 cervical cones. We have found following ratio of the groups Papanicolaou (Pap) III: Pap IV--in dysplasia 1: 1: 1, in "more dysplasia than carcinoma in situ (CIS)" 1:2:2. The Pap IV dominates in "pure" CIS and in cones with "more CIS than dysplasia". We take out of the Pap III ("with cytologic control") cases named "Pap III with necessity for histologic diagnosis". We have found in this subgroup of Pap III prestages or early stages of cervical carcinoma.

Circulatory effects of halothane and halothane-nitrous oxide anesthesia in the dog: spontaneous ventilation.

The cardiovascular effects of equipotent (minimum alveolar concentration; MAC) doses of halothane versus halothane plus 25% N2O (H25N2O) in spontaneously breathing dogs do not differe except that nitrous oxide increased mean arterial pressure (AP) and decreased arterial oxygen partial pressure (PAO2). When 75% nitrous oxide was added to halothane anesthesia, AP, mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), heart rate (HR), cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), total peripheral resistance (TPR), and left ventricular work (LVW) increased and PAO2 and hemoglobin saturation decreased. Arterial oxygen tensions below 80 torr were common at moderate and deep anesthetic levels of halothane plus 75% N2O (H75N2O). The specific contribution of N2O, hypoxemia, hypercapnia, or temporal recovery (or a combination of these) in producing cardiovascular stimulation were not determined.