Lipoxygenase products in human saliva: patients with oral cancer compared to controls.

Lipoxygenase products were quantified in human mixed saliva and in saliva fractions obtained from a parotid or submandibular gland using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and stable isotope dilution. In glandular saliva, only linoleic acid was detected at levels of 20-30 ng/ml. In contrast, mixed saliva showed a linoleic acid concentration of around 300 ng/ml, arachidonic acid levels of around 30 ng/ml, hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (HODE) levels between 5 and 10 ng/ml, and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) levels up to 25 ng/ml. By far the most abundant HETE was 12-HETE, and incubation experiments with arachidonic acid showed the presence of a substantial 12-lipoxygenase activity in human mixed saliva, but not in saliva fractions. This activity was identified as 12(S)-lipoxygenase activity by chiral analysis of the reaction product. Investigating mixed saliva and glandular saliva of patients with squamous cell carcinoma in the upper aerodigestive tract and of controls, most patients showed elevated levels of free arachidonic acid and elevated HETE levels. Besides a moderate increase in 12-HETE levels, markedly elevated concentrations of 5-HETE and 15-HETE were observed for the carcinoma patients. The level of free arachidonic acid and the quantitative HETE profile appear to be good markers for the inflammatory processes occurring in the oral mucosa and in saliva in response to the development of squamous cell carcinoma.

[The use of autologous keratinocytes in ear surgery]. / Der Einsatz von autologen Keratinozyten in der Ohrchirurgie.

To date autologous keratinocyte grafts have been used successfully to treat second- or third-degree burn wounds. This method allows a thin epithelialization of surfaces to take place but has been rarely used in otologic surgery until now. This technique has two possible indications in surgery of the external ear canal and the middle ear. We have currently used this method to cover a wound bed after resection of external ear canal stenosis and to treat large mastoid cavities with chronic secretion. Various aspects of the method as well as initial results of clinical use are shown.

Different effects of cyclophosphamide in vivo and phosphamide mustard in vitro on two cell clones of chemically induced mammary carcinoma of the rat.

Two cell clones of a methylnitrosourea-induced rat mammary carcinoma, a hyperdiploid (44 chromosomes, clone A) and a hypertetraploid clone (88 chromosomes, clone B) were cultured and transplanted subcutaneously into three groups of eight rats. Group 1 was treated with 62.6 mg cyclophosphamide/kg, group 2 with 41.8 mg/kg once weekly for 3 weeks. The volume of tumors derived from clone B cells was diminished by the administration of the agent, whereas clone A cell tumors did not respond. Incubation of cells of both clones with phosphamide mustard in vitro showed that cells of clone B are much more sensitive to the activated cyclophosphamide, especially after incubation in low concentrations of 40 microM and 20 microM, than those of clone A. It is concluded that the initial success of cyclophosphamide therapy on chemically induced tumors is due to the different sensitivities of the tumor cell populations.

A simple approach to blepharoplasty using the Angres II blepharopigmentation lid clamp.

Surgeons who perform blepharopigmentation will experience increased demand for blepharoplasty. Both procedures can be combined easily. A simple technique using the Angres II lid clamp is outlined.

Changes of the elastin compartment in the human meniscus.

We report on the elastin, collagen and ground substance compartments in the human meniscus and their interrelationships. Elastin is found in neonates and shows both an arrangement parallel to the collagen fibre and into net-like structures. Branching, caliber inconstancy, rupture and the phenomenon of the "rubber band" are findings within the different forms of the meniscopathy. The function of the elastin compartment cannot be visualised without suggesting "puncta fixa". The morphology of the collagen-elastin-junctions has been described and their possible mode of function is discussed with the help of a model.

Blepharopigmentation and eyebrow enhancement techniques for maximum cosmetic results.

Cosmetic enhancement of the upper and lower eyelids by implantation of various colored pigments is one of the fastest growing procedures in ophthalmic practice. A new procedure, called Natural Brows, involves implantation of pigment in the brow line with a brush stroke technique in order to simulate brow hair. This procedure is particularly useful in patients with sparse brow hair caused by "overplucking." Burn victims and patients suffering from scarring after basal cell carcinoma removal will benefit from the camouflaging effect of the procedure. To achieve optimum cosmetic results, certain guidelines must be followed, and a complete evaluation of the patient's ocular morphology must be undertaken before surgery. A "paint-by-number" approach to the blepharopigmentation procedure is presented that is designed to reduce the risk of patient dissatisfaction.