Limited pattern of TCR delta chain gene rearrangement on the RNA level in multiple sclerosis.

Susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS) is most likely affected by a number of genes, including HLA and T-cell receptor (TCR) genes. T cells expressing gamma/delta receptors seem to contribute to autoagression in MS, as evidenced by their localization in the MS plaques in the brain. The aim of this study was to analyse the TCRdelta chain gene rearrangement at the RNA (cDNA) level and compare to the DNA pattern rearrangement. TCRdelta gene rearrangement was analysed in MS patients and healthy individuals with the use of primers specific for Vdelta1-6 and Jdelta1 genes (at the DNA level) and specific for Vdelta1-6 and Cdelta1 genes (at the cDNA level). The size of PCR products was analysed on agarose gel and by ALF-Express (Pharmacia). Additionally, the lymphocyte surface immunophenotype was studied with specific monoclonal antibodies. At the DNA level a restricted pattern of Vdelta3-Jdelta1 and Vdelta5-Jdelta1 was found only in MS patients. Contrary to DNA, mono-, oligoclonal RNA (cDNA) rearrangements were limited to Vdelta1-Cdelta1, Vdelta2-Cdelta1 and Vdelta3-Cdelta1 only in MS patients as well. Surface immunophenotype analysis revealed in MS a much higher frequency of activated gamma/delta T lymphocytes, i.e. expressing HLA-DR and CD25. An elevated level of CD56 positive cells in MS was recorded. Mono-oligoclonal pattern of TCRdelta gene rearrangement at the RNA level, along with increase in activated gamma/delta T cells, strongly argue for a significant role of gamma/delta T lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of MS.

[Knowledge of stroke problems among adults in Poland]. / Znajomosc problematyki udarowej wsród osób doroslych w Polsce.

An inquiry questionnaire was given to 180 adults without a history of stroke. The questions concerned the problem of stroke. The responders were aged from 15 to 82 years (mean 48 years). They were asked about risk factors for stroke, symptoms preceding stroke, behaviour of stroke witnesses. A correct definition of stroke was given by 86.7% of the responders. Only a small proportion of them knew risk factors for stroke (27.8% knew that one of them was hypertension, 6.1% gave smoking, 4.4% diabetes as risk factors). Although 93.9% knew that in face of stroke physician or ambulance service should be called, 6.1% thought that it would be sufficient to lie down or take paracetamol. The inquiry showed that the knowledge of risk factors for stroke is insufficient in the Polish adult population who not yet had cerebrovascular disturbances. It seems advisable to deliver an education programme in mass media on stroke prevention and its management in case of its development.

Screening for presenilin-1 gene mutations by PCR-SSCP analysis in patients with early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

The majority of early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) has been associated with mutations in a novel gene on chromosome 14 which has been termed presenilin-1 gene. We screened for mutations within the presenilin-1 gene in twenty patients with EOAD using a PCR-SSCP analysis. We found three aberrant (mutant?) band patterns for exons 4 and 7 in three unrelated patients.

[Multiple sclerosis: its prevalence and incidence in the population of western Poland]. / Stwardnienie rozsiane--rozpowszechnienie i zapadalnosc wsród ludnosci miejscowej w zachodniej Polsce.

In five provinces of Western Poland the incidence and prevalence of multiple sclerosis was analyzed in patients living at the place of birth and in patients who had changed their place of residence in these provinces. The results showed that the occurrence of multiple sclerosis in geographic foci is more evident if all patients living in a given area are considered, both those born there and those who had come from other localities.

Contribution to the epidemiology of multiple sclerosis in Poland.

An epidemiological survey of multiple sclerosis was carried out in western Poland. Uneven local distribution of MS was found within 198 communes making up the territory. The disease was less frequent in 1981 than in 1965. A marked increase of population in age classes under 20 during the last decade may account for the observed differences in the prevalence rate. In the town of Gniezno, a new MS cluster was discovered.

Epidemiology of multiple sclerosis in western Poland--a comparison between prevalence rates in 1965 and 1981.

An epidemiological survey of multiple sclerosis was carried out in the western part of Poland. The estimated prevalence rate on December 31, 1981 was compared with that established on the same territory on January 1, 1965. The disease was less frequent in 1981. The prevalence rate for definite cases was only 42.87 versus 51.19. A marked increase of population in the younger age groups (those under 20) during the last decade may account for the observed differences in the prevalence rate. In the town of Gniezno, a new MS cluster with a prevalence rate of 118.10 per 100,000 population was discovered.

The clustering of multiple sclerosis in various administrative subunits of western Poland.

A survey of multiple sclerosis was made in the western part of Poland, with special attention being paid to the distribution of the disease in various administrative subunits. The prevalence of MS for the 35 counties (mean 45.08 per 100,000 for definite and possible cases taken together) revealed significant differences between particular regions, with clusters of high prevalence rates occurring in two towns (Leszno, 130,97; Gniezno, 122.83). Local uneven distribution of multiple sclerosis was also found within 198 communes covering the territory of the 35 counties. There were four clusters in eight neighbouring towns and communes with a high prevalence ranging from 74.37 to 141.54, and several with a very low prevalence.