Interleukin 2 induction of interferon-gamma mRNA synthesis.

Interleukin 2 (IL 2) induces specific mRNA synthesis and secretion of an important immunoregulatory molecule, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). We have observed that treatment of an IL 2 independent murine T cell line, BUD-27, with IL 2, calcium ionophore A23187, or agents that activate phospholipid/Ca2+-dependent protein kinase C results in increased IFN-gamma mRNA transcription and release of anti-viral activity. These same agents each induced the subcellular redistribution of protein kinase C from cytosol to plasma membrane in both the BUD-27 cell line and its IL 2-dependent parent, CT6. Ionophore concentrations greater than 1 micron exhibited the most significant induction of IFN-gamma mRNA, which also correlated with the dose of ionophore, inducing translocation of protein kinase C. This correlation between increased mRNA levels and protein kinase C translocation suggests that a calcium-dependent event is involved in induction of IFN-gamma mRNA synthesis. Furthermore, the magnitude of the translocation of protein kinase C from cytosol to plasma membrane corresponded to the physiologic IL 2 dose-response for IFN-gamma secretion. The data suggest that the activation of protein kinase C and/or coordinate elevation of intracellular calcium may provide at least one mechanism of signal transduction for the regulation of IFN-gamma gene transcription.

Milk and lactation: some social and developmental correlates among 1,000 infants.

Breast-feeding and artificial feeding practices in a developing country were examined and related to some social and developmental factors. This was done during the course of a transverse-type growth study of 1,000 infants from birth to 26 months of age. Three types of feeding were identified: breast, mixed, and artificial. The families were divided into three social categories. To give time for the effects of the type of feeding, groups of children at 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 months of age were studied. In view of the lack of data on feeding effects upon large samples, the study was performed to assess the relative effects of feeding on early childhood development (Bayley Motor and Mental Scales), body length and weight, disease prevalence, clinical signs of allergies, and number of children in the family. Results showed that within the underprivileged group, there was evidence that breast-feeding promoted physical growth, sensory motor development, and resistance to infection. In mothers of both male and female infants who breast-fed, there was a protective effect against subsequent pregnancy up to ten months. Therefore, among the underprivileged in developing countries, every effort should be made to prolong breast-feeding and to assist mothers with health and nutrition education.

Hormonal aspects of suction drainage after thyroidectomy.

Suction drainage, after thyroidectomy, for a variety of conditions, varied between zero and 92.5 milliliters. The levels of thyroxine in this fluid were greater than those in the serum, at the same time being an average of 14.0 micrograms per 100 milliliters. The loss of thyroxine for 24 hours could represent up to 11.6 per cent of the total serum thyroxine pool. The serum thyroxine level, after initial fluctuation in either direction settled down, or up, to an average euthyroid level of 6.09 micrograms per 100 milliliters by the 21st day after operation. Possible factors influencing these changes have been considered and discussed. Such changes did not outweigh the advantages most surgeons found in drainage but could be eliminated if the ideal of no drainage could be attained. There was no evidence of exfoliated acinar cells in the drainage fluid.