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Background: Cyclin D1 expression is central to mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) biology. The cyclin D1 gene produces two forms of mRNA: long (D1L) and short (D1S) versions. Aims: To study the relationship between histology, cyclin D1 mRNA (transcript) levels, cyclin D1 transcript type, cyclin D1 protein expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and proliferation (Ki-67%). Methods: 17 MCLs were initially studied for: levels of expression of cyclin D1 transcripts and for cyclin D1 transcript type by reverse-transcriptase PCR; intensity and percentage cyclin D1 protein expression by IHC; and Ki-67% by IHC. The relationship between cyclin D1 protein expression and proliferation was further validated on an independent set of 23 MCLs. Results: MCLs expressed variable levels of cyclin D1 at both transcript and protein levels. Furthermore, D1L and D1S were the predominant transcripts in 69% and 31% of cases, respectively. While only 9% of cases with dominance of D1L had blastoid histology, 60% of the cases with dominance of the D1S had blastoid features. Furthermore, the levels of D1L showed direct correlation with cyclin D1 protein expression and Ki-67%. Among these cases, and in the independent set of MCLs (n = 40), the level of cyclin D1 protein expression directly correlated with Ki-67%. Conclusions: MCLs express variable levels of cyclin D1 transcripts and protein, and have variable proliferation (Ki-67%). Cases with dominance of D1S transcripts are more likely to be of blastoid morphology. There is correlation between D1L transcripts levels, cyclin D1 protein expression and Ki-67%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low serum IgA levels were found in patients taking phenytoin, together with evidence of depressed T cell function. There was no correlation between the dose or the serum level. A correlation was found, however, with HL-A status, patients with a low IgA showing increased frequency of HL-A2. It is suggested that epileptic patients with HL-A2 status are likely to develop IgA deficiency when given phenytoin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two cases are described in which inversion of the quadriceps jerk was observed. It is suggested that the finding of an inverted quadriceps jerk is evidence of a spinal cord lesion at 12, 3, 4 segmental level and has for the lumbar cord the same localising value as the inverted supinator jerk for the cervical cord. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explores the reaction of a genetic disorder cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis to cholesterol synthesis regulation. Manifestation of the disease; Reduction of cholesterol levels after administration of mevinolin; Processes in the formation of cholestanol.