Comparison of the efficiency of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger or Na+/H+ exchanger inhibition and their combination in reducing coronary reperfusion-induced arrhythmias.

During ischaemia/reperfusion, the rise in [Na(+)](i), induced by simultaneous depression of the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and activation of the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE), shifts the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) into reverse transport mode, resulting in Ca(2+)(i)overload, which is a critical factor in enhancing the liability to cardiac arrhythmias. The inhibition of NHE, and recently NCX has been suggested to effectively protect the heart from reperfusion-induced arrhythmias. In this study, we investigated and compared the efficacy of individual or the simultaneous inhibition of the NHE and NCX against reperfusion-induced arrhythmias in Langendorff-perfused rat hearts by applying a commonly used regional ischaemia-reperfusion protocol. The NHE and NCX were inhibited by cariporide and SEA0400 or the novel, more selective ORM-10103, respectively. Arrhythmia diagrams calculated for the reperfusion period were analysed for the incidence and duration of extrasystoles (ESs), ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF). NHE inhibition by cariporide was highly efficient in reducing the recorded reperfusion-induced arrhythmias. Following the application of SEA0400 or ORM-10103, the number and duration of arrhythmic periods were efficiently or moderately decreased. While both NCX inhibitors effectively reduced ESs, the most frequently triggered arrhythmias, they exerted limited or no effect on VTs and VFs. Of the NCX inhibitors, ORM-10103 was more effective. Surprisingly, the simultaneous inhibition of the NCX and NHE failed to significantly improve the antiarrhythmic efficacy reached by NCX blockade alone. In conclusion, although principal simultaneous NHE+NCX inhibition should be highly effective against all types of the recorded reperfusion-induced arrhythmias, NCX inhibitors, alone or in combination with cariporide, seem to be moderately suitable to provide satisfactory cardioprotection - at least in the present arrhythmia model. Since ORM-10103 and SEA0400 are known to effectively inhibit after-depolarisations, it is suggested that their efficacy and that of other NCX inhibitors may be higher and more pronounced in the predominantly Ca(2+)(i)-dependent triggered arrhythmias.

DOC-2/hDab2, a candidate tumor suppressor gene involved in the development of gestational trophoblastic diseases.

Gestational trophoblastic diseases comprise a spectrum of interrelated diseases including partial mole, complete mole and gestational choriocarcinoma. Using reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) analysis, we identified higher levels of DOC-2/hDab2 expression in the normal trophoblast cells in culture than in choriocarcinoma cell lines. Subsequent study using immunohistochemistry showed high levels of DOC-2/hDab2 protein expression in normal trophoblast tissues but significantly lower levels of expression in gestational trophoblastic disease tissues, particularly in complete mole and choriocarcinoma. When DOC-2/hDab2 was transfected into the choriocarcinoma cell lines, Jar, JEG and BeWo, the stable transfectants showed significantly reduced growth rate in culture. These data suggest that down regulation of DOC-2/hDab2 may play an important role in the development of gestational trophoblastic diseases.

[Detection of gamma-interferon mRNA in JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cell line by means of polymerase chain reaction]. / A gamma-interferon mRNS kimutatása JEG-3 choriocarcinoma sejtvonalban polimeráz láncreakcióval.

To investigate the pathogenesis of choriocarcinoma the authors employed a newly developed gene amplification method by reverse polymerase chain reaction for the detection of gamma-interferon messenger RNA in JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cell line. Polymerase chain reaction products were analysed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Using 1 Kb DNA ladder as a marker, 84 base-pair fragment was selectively amplified correlating with published gamma-interferon gene fragment length. Because cDNA contains a virtually complete copy of the mRNA this method provides an evidence for the expression of gamma-interferon gene in JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cell line. Based on these results a potential autocrine mechanism may be present in JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cell line.

[The effect of breach presentation on the development of the hips]. / A medencevégü fekvés hatása a csípök fejlödésére.

Authors examined, using sonographic methods in 100 children with breech-presentation, which of the intrauterine postures means a major danger in the development of hip dysplasia. It was found that acetabular alterations, requiring therapy or not, develop more frequently in groups in which the hips were in total flexion, the knees in semiflexion and the lower extremities in major external rotation. Based on their results they state that not the simple breech position is the greatest danger in the development of dysplasia and dislocation in babies born with breech presentation.

[Results of sonographic hip examination of infants in a risk group]. / Rizikó-csoportú csecsemök sonographiás csípövizsgálatának eredményei.

During sonographic examination of 770 newborns and infants the diagnostic value and the possibility of valuation of singular risk factors were investigated. According our data an acetabular dysplasia, requiring treatment can be found most frequently in the background of a limitation of abduction motion. Pathologic alterations may be found less frequently in groups with familiar anamnesis and with breech presentation. It could be stated that the aspecific click is a clinical symptom of significance and cannot be neglected whereas we could not prove connections between asymmetry of the folds and the sonographic data. Our results prove that the anamnesis and the clinical symptoms alone do not make a perfect recognition of the dysplasia possible; in consequence it is suggested that sonography should be used as a screening.

Tetraploidy in human placenta. A dilemma in molar and non-molar pregnancies.

17 cases of partial molar pregnancy were analysed cytogenetically by the direct-preparation method. Eight partial moles were triploid, 7 diploid/tetraploid mosaic, and 2 tetraploid. In the course of prenatal cytogenetic screening, out of 1,263 chorionic villus samplings, 2 tetraploid and 1 diploid/tetraploid cases were found. These cases of partial moles do not fit into the usual patterns of triploid partial moles. The findings presented here suggest that different causative factors may be involved in the origin of molar degenerations. These results also call to attention that tetraploidy is an existent and relatively common abnormality.

Effect of choriocarcinoma supernatant on natural killer and lymphokine-activated killer cell activity.

The effect of JEG-3 choriocarcinoma supernatant on human natural killer cell and lymphokine-activated killer cell activity was investigated. Choriocarcinoma supernatants from JEG-3 cell lines were obtained at the time of their optimal growth. K562 erythroblastoid cells were used as target cells for natural killer and lymphokine-activated killer cell mediated lysis in a 51Cr release assay. The choriocarcinoma supernatants had a significant dose-dependent suppressive effect on natural killer and lymphokine-activated killer cell activity. This suppression was more expressed at high effector: target cell ratios. Therefore, choriocarcinoma supernatants appear to have potent inhibitory effects on many aspects of cellular immunity, although, additional studies should be performed to further characterize and identify immunoregulatory molecule(s) in choriocarcinoma supernatants.

[Value of ultrasonic diagnosis in transient coxitis]. / Az ultrahangvizsgálat jelentösége a transitoricus coxitis diagnózisában.

In this paper the method of ultrasound examination of the hip and the results in 38 cases with acute and subacute hip complaints, suspect of transitory arthritis of the hip, are described. We could state that the increase of joint synovial fluid, causing typical complaints and clinical symptoms can be demonstrated with this method and its measure can be determined. The possibility to follow with objective method the whole time of regression of the process is also given. Based on our results we suggest the use of this method in the examination of cases suspect of the transitory arthritis of the hip as a supplement of the methods used until now.

[Significance of the determination of estrogen and progesterone receptors in trophoblast diseases]. / Die Bedeutung der Bestimmung von Estrogen- und Progesteronrezeptoren bei Trophoblasterkrankungen.

Binding capacity (Bmax) and affinity (Kd) of cytoplasmatic estradiol and progesteron receptors were determined in trophoblastic tissue and in decidual endometrium by the authors. Results in normal and pathological endometrium and in mature placenta tissue were compared. Both estrogen and progesteron receptors were proved to exist in the decidual endometrium nearest to the molar tissue. Their binding parameters are similar to those in normal endometrium. No progesterone receptors were found in the molar tissue. Binding capacity of estrogens were found to be similar to that of the normal mature placenta. The lack of progesterone receptors might be an etiological factor in the pathogenesis of trophoblast diseases.

[Assessment, reproducibility and sources of error in sonographic examination of the hip]. / A sonographiás csípövizsgálat értékelhetösége reprodukálhatósága, hibaforrásai.

To the sonographic examination of the hip middle-category devices with real-time working and 5 MHz linear probing heads are necessary. Special laying and documentation is suggested to the rapid and easy execution and assessment of the examinations. If the examination is carried out in a standard plane the points of orientation characterising the acetabulum are represented unequivocally and clearly, the results gained can be reproduced and compared.

[Ultrasonic examination of the hip joint in neonates and infants]. / Ujszülöttek és csecsemök csípöízületének ultrahangos vizsgálata.

Sonography is a new procedure in the examination of the hip of newborns and infants. With this harmless, objective, image producing method, that can be used immediately after birth, the cartilaginous and bony development of the acetabulum, the intraarticular position of the femoral head, its coverage and its beginning decentralization, luxation can be investigated. With the use of this method such informations may be gained by the reproducible and image representation of the non osseous constituents of the joint that can otherwise be hoped previously only from invasive X-ray methods, meaning also radiological loading. This method must be considered of having great significance not only in the very early detection of dysplasias, but in the choice of the time and period of treatment and in the following of its effectiveness.

[Partial mole with lung metastases and multiple abnormalities of the fetus]. / Partielle Mole mit Lungenmetastasen und multiplen Missbildungen des Feten.

The authors report on a patient with partial mole, multiple malformations and lung metastases requiring chemotherapy. This case shows that the partial hydatidiform mole must therefore be carefully monitored by serial beta-hCG titres following evacuation to ensure the achievement of complete sustained remission.

Direct chromosomal preparation for studying hydatidiform moles.

This report describes a simple direct method to obtain chromosomes from hydatidiform moles. Of 24 moles, 20 have been successfully karyotyped by this method. Of the 20 cases, 14 were complete and six were partial. The karyotype of complete moles was invariably diploid. Three of the partial moles were triploid (69,XXX), but three showed diploid/tetraploid mosaicism.

[Modern treatment of hydatidiform mole]. / Die moderne Behandlung der Blasenmole.

Authors describe their experiences in forty seven cases of molar pregnancy. Modern techniques (hCG beta-subunit radioimmunoassay, computerized tomography, pelvic angiography, ultrasonography, prophylactic chemotherapy) are described with regard to diagnosis and treatment of hydatidiform mole. The advantages of trophoblastic disease centers are emphasized.

Protection of cartilage in chemical synovectomy by perfusion.

The authors examined the effect of osmium tetroxide (OsO4) on the synovial membrane and cartilage of the rat knee joints by light-, polarization-, and electron microscope. They found that the synovial membrane undergoes severe damage after a 10 min exposure to OsO4. Removing the OsO4 from the joint cavity by perfusion after the 10 min exposure, there was no concomitant damage to the cartilage. Based on experimental results, the authors recommend in human therapy the exposure of the joints to OsO4 for no longer than 10 min and complete removal by exhaustive perfusion.