Synthetic human calcitonin (Cibacalcin, Ciba-Geigy): use for radioimmunoassay and bioassay.

Two batches of synthetic human calcitonin batch A = delivered until 1976, and batch B = distributed since 1977 from Ciba-Geigy, have been tested and compared biologically and radioimmunologically. In the biossay B is almost twice as active as A when compared ampoule content and exerts a biological activity of 188 IU per mg pure hCT. In the radioimmunoassay there is no difference from each other in radioiodination and purification, but using them as standard and again comparing them on declared ampoule content, B contains twice as much immunological activity as A. For those, who are using hCT for analytic or biological purposes it is of importance to consider the increased hormone content of batch B with a twofold biological and immunological activity, in comparison to the preparations delivered before 1977.

[Clinical, endocrinological, and computerized tomography scans for symmetrical calcification of the basal ganglia (author's transl)]. / Klinische, endokrinologische und computertomographische Untersuchungen zur symmetrischen Stammganglienverkalkung (M. Fahr).

Symmetrical calcification of the basal ganglia was found in 2% of 8000 computerized tomography (CT) scans. Of 19 cases, only 2 were detectable on conventional skull films. The less prominent calcifications were most often found in the region of the pallidum, the knee of the internal capsule. Also, the lesions were generally symmetrical. Thus these factors must be considered basic morphological characteristics of the pathophysiological process. Additional neurological disorders were present in 6 patients. Neurological symptoms in the remaining 13, when present, depended on the extent of the lesion. The most common finding was tremor, although disturbances of fine motor control, transient lateralizing signs, and seizures were also noted. No particular constellation of symptoms or signs permitted accurate clinical localization of the lesions. The patients could be divided into three groups on the basis of clinical findings: (1) young people with marked cerebral calcinosis ('idiopathic' calcification of basal ganglia), (2) patients with hypoparathyroidism, and (3) older patients with relatively little calcification. Most patients with calcific lesions will be included in the third group. Any calcification of basal ganglia detected by CT scans demands careful evaluation of calcium metabolism.

Radioimmunoassay for human parathyroid hormone for differentiation between patients with hypoparathyroidism, hyperparathyroidism and normals.

A RIA system for human PTH is presented using a goat antibody (Code name 017-spring-78) against C-terminal hPTH fragments, as well as a human PTH standard from hemodiafiltration of a hyperparathyroid patient. It proved to be useful for the differentiation not only between hyperparathyroid patients and normals, but even within the normal range and hypoparathyroid states.