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Impulsivity increases the risk for obesity and weight gain. However, the precise role of impulsivity in the aetiology of overeating behavior and obesity is currently unknown. Here we examined the relationships between personality-related measures of impulsivity, Uncontrolled Eating, body mass index (BMI), and longitudinal weight changes. In addition, we analyzed the associations between general impulsivity domains and cortical thickness to elucidate brain vulnerability factors related to weight gain. Students (N = 2318) in their first year of university—a risky period for weight gain—completed questionnaire measures of impulsivity and eating behavior at the beginning of the school year. We also collected their weight at the end of the term (N = 1177). Impulsivity was divided into three factors: stress reactivity, reward sensitivity and lack of self-control. Using structural equation models, we tested a hierarchical relationship, in which impulsivity traits were associated with Uncontrolled Eating, which in turn predicted BMI and weight change. Seventy-one participants underwent T1-weighted MRI to investigate the correlation between impulsivity and cortical thickness. Impulsivity traits showed positive correlations with Uncontrolled Eating. Higher scores in Uncontrolled Eating were in turn associated with higher BMI. None of the impulsivity-related measurements nor Uncontrolled Eating were correlated with longitudinal weight gain. Higher stress sensitivity was associated with increased cortical thickness in the superior temporal gyrus. Lack of self-control was positively associated with increased thickness in the superior medial frontal gyrus. Finally, higher reward sensitivity was associated with lower thickness in the inferior frontal gyrus. The present study provides a comprehensive characterization of the relationships between different facets of impulsivity and obesity. We show that differences in impulsivity domains might be associated with BMI via Uncontrolled Eating. Our results might inform future clinical strategies aimed at fostering self-control abilities to prevent and/or treat unhealthy weight gain.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess, in a large sample of healthy young adults, sex differences in the binding potential of [11C]ABP688, a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer selective for the metabotropic glutamate type 5 (mGlu5) receptor. Methods High resolution [11C]ABP688 PET scans were acquired in 74 healthy volunteers (25 male, 49 female, mean age 20 ± 3.0). Mean binding potential (BPND = fND * (Bavail / KD)) values were calculated in the prefrontal cortex, striatum, and limbic regions using the simplified reference tissue model with cerebellar grey matter as the reference region. Results [11C]ABP688 BPND was significantly higher in men compared to women in the prefrontal cortex (p

To determine how the low-affinity (Z)-isomer of the radiotracer [High-resolution [Mean ± SD (E)-isomer content in [Even modest levels of (Z)-[

Introduction and objectives The reproducibility of the adverse reaction increases the suggestiveness of a history of food allergy. However, the positive predictive value (PPV) of multiple adverse reaction episodes for the diagnosis of IgE-mediated food allergy is not known. This evaluation was the objective of our study. Patients and methods We retrospectively studied 180 children with a history of non-anaphylactic adverse reactions after the ingestion of a food. All children had the prick test positive for the offending food and performed the oral food challenge (OFC) within 12 months after the last adverse reaction episode (ARE). We have evaluated whether increasing the number of ARE increased the probability that the OFC would be positive (failed). Results 93 patients (52%) presented one ARE, 49 (27%) presented two ARE, 24 (13%) presented three ARE, 14 (8%) patients presented ≥ four ARE. The OFC was positive in 94/180 (52%). The outcome of the OFC was found to be positively correlated with the number of ARE (OR = 1.56; 95% CI = 1.16–2.09; p = 0.003). A PPV = 100% was observed with a number of ARE ≥ five. Conclusions The number of ARE is an important predictor of the diagnosis of food allergy, although less than we would have imagined. The number of ARE could be used to increase the predictability of the diagnostic tests currently in use, to define clinical prediction rules alternative to OFC and easy to use in clinical practice.

Summary Insufficient responses to hypocaloric diets have been attributed to hormonal adaptations that override self-control of food intake. We tested this hypothesis by measuring circulating energy-balance hormones and brain functional magnetic resonance imaging reactivity to food cues in 24 overweight/obese participants before, and 1 and 3 months after starting a calorie restriction diet. Increased activity and functional connectivity in prefrontal regions at month 1 correlated with weight loss at months 1 and 3. Weight loss was also correlated with increased plasma ghrelin and decreased leptin, and these changes were associated with food cue reactivity in reward-related brain regions. However, the reduction in leptin did not counteract weight loss; indeed, it was correlated with further weight loss at month 3. Activation in prefrontal regions associated with self-control could contribute to successful weight loss and maintenance. This work supports the role of higher-level cognitive brain function in body-weight regulation in humans.

The frequency of diurnal clenching and/or grinding and nail-biting habits was assessed in patients affected by temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and in healthy controls in order to investigate the possible association between these oral parafunctions and different diagnostic subgroups of TMDs. The case group included 557 patients (127 men, mean age +/- SD = 34.5 +/- 15.4 years; 430 women, mean age +/- SD = 32.9 +/- 14.1 years) affected by myofascial pain or disc displacement or arthralgia/arthritis/arthrosis. The control group included 111 healthy subjects (55 men, mean age +/- SD = 37 +/- 15.2 years; 56 women, mean age +/- SD = 38.2 +/- 13.8 years). Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between oral parafunctions and TMDs, after adjusting for age and gender. Daytime clenching/grinding was a significant risk factor for myofascial pain (odds ratio (OR) = 4.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.0-7.8) and for disc displacement (OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.4-4.3), nail biting was not associated to any of the subgroups investigated. Female gender was a significant risk factor for myofascial pain (OR = 3.8; 95% CI: 2.4-6.1), whereas the risk factor for developing disc displacement decreased with ageing. No association was found between gender, age and arthralgia/arthritis/arthrosis.

1998).Since the lingual papillae of the domestic ruminant show an extreme variety of shape, webelieved it interesting to extend the study to innervation of the lingual papillae of the waterbuffalo, analyzing the morphological, structural, and immunohistochemical characteristicsof the gustatory papillae.MATERIALS AND METHODSThe study was performed on 25 water buffalo fetuses of both sexes, from 5 to 60cm inlength, and originating from a local slaughter-house. The fetus length, from the sinciput tothe tail root, was utilized as a development index. The fetuses were subdivided into fivegroups in relation to their length (5–7cm; 10–15cm; 20–25cm; 30–35cm; 40–60cm). Foreach group samples were prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmissionelectron microscopy (TEM), light microscopy (LM), and the simple immunohistochemicalmethod.The TEM samples were treated by the usual techniques.

We describe 2 cases of food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) caused by cow's milk (CM) passed through breast milk. The onset in both cases was characterized by chronic symptoms (regurgitation, colic, diarrhea, failure to thrive); in one patient, two acute episodes due to the direct consumption of CM formula by the infant were also reported. The diagnosis of FPIES through breast milk can be easily overlooked, especially in milder cases. We also discuss some important issues concerning the general management of the disease. In conclusion, (1) the diagnosis of chronic FPIES should be taken into account even in exclusively breast-fed infants who present suggestive symptoms such as persistent regurgitation, small amounts of vomiting, lethargy, failure to thrive, dehydration, diarrhea (sometimes bloody) and abdominal distention. A 2-week maternal elimination diet should be considered even in apparently mild cases. (2) CM seems to be the most frequently reported culprit food. (3) In those cases in which acute FPIES is elicited by the direct consumption of the culprit food in breast-fed infants, maternal diet may be unrestricted.

The reticular groove mucosa of adult cattle, buffalo and sheep was investigated by histochemical and immunocytochemical techniques. Intense NADPH-d staining was observed in the folds of the epithelium mucosa and at the bottom of the reticular groove in all domestic ruminants studied. The NADPH-d staining showed that the innervations of the tunica muscularis of the reticular groove lip were composed of nerve corpuscles, nerve fibres and nerve cells of the mucosa epithelium. SEM analysis showed an intense nitric oxide synthase (NOS) I immunoreactivity in deep and medium cellular layers. It is interesting to note that the same morphologies were observed in samples of the mucosa epithelium, and of the tunica muscularis processed by NADPH-d and in those processed by immunogold techniques. This study has demonstrated that nitric oxide (NO) is involved in the rumination activity and that it plays a double role in this activity in the reticular groove of all domestic ruminants studied: (1) NO plays a role similar to the one it has in the mucosa epithelium of all the other compartments of the ruminant forestomach, (2) The lip sections of the reticular groove has shown abundant innervations that may indirectly coordinate and control the forestomach motility through the direct activation of the nitrergic (nitroxidergic) nerve cells and nerve fibres.

The forestomach plays an important role in the digestion physiology of ruminants. The aim of this study is to clarify the morpho-functional role of the mucosa in each of the three compartments of the forestomach in three domestic ruminants species, viz cattle, buffalo and sheep, by means of structural, histochemical and immunocytochemical methods, including transmission electron microscopy, light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. These methods were chosen to demonstrate the indirect evidence for the presence of nitric oxide (NO) employing NADPHd and nitric oxide synthase I (NOS I). The various cell layers of the forestomach epithelium are described and illustrated in detail. An intense NADPHd staining was observed in the granulosa, spinosa and basal layers of the epithelium, in particular in the cytoplasm over the nucleus. NOS I immunoreactivity was found in all specimens of the forestomach mucosa. The results of this study might reflect a possible role of NO in delaying the onset of cellular apoptosis in the forestomach mucosa of the domestic ruminants, by playing a role in the production of cell energy.

Background: The safety and tolerability of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has been documented in allergic patients both in the build-up phase as well as during maintenance, but only two studies have evaluated the occurrence of adverse reactions with an ultra-rush regimen of SLIT induction in a mixed paediatric/adult population. Moreover one of these two studies used a chemically modified extract (allergoid). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the occurrence of immediate or late adverse reactions in allergic children after a very fast (40 min) ultra-rush SLIT induction with two different allergen extract solutions. Methods: We studied 100 children (64 boys, mean age of 9.6 years, range 3.5–16.8), with a history of intermittent/persistent rhinitis and/or intermittent/mild persistent asthma due to inhalant allergens. The ultra-rush build-up phase involved the administration, every 10 min, of increasing doses of the highest-concentration vial of SLIT of two different manufacturers (Anallergo and Stallergènes). Results: All patients completed the treatment, side-effects have been recorded in 19% of the cases: 10% within 1 h after the build-up phase, 7% within 48 h and 2% mixed. A major difference (p = 0.0001) was recorded between Anallergo (6 patients, 8.7%) and Staloral (13 patients, 41.9%), but all the reactions were mild: principally oral symptoms, in 1 case rhinorrhoea and cough, and delayed abdominal pain and diarrhoea in another patient. Conclusions: No severe adverse reactions were observed with this ultra-rush SLIT induction also in the paediatric age; statistical differences have been documented between the two different extracts.

The microcirculation of the foetal kidney was studied in the buffalo using light (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The primordial glomerules originated from the peripheral zone of the metanephros at the stage of 8 cm CRT. The glomerular capillaries started to differentiate at the stage of 10-15 cm CRT. They were sparse and showed a few primordial pores. In addition, they began to make contacts with primordial podocytes. At the stage of 40-60 cm CRT, the renal microcirculation showed a complex and almost completely organized morphology.

Tetranychus urticae is a phytophagous, macroscopic mite ubiquitous to warm climates, which causes occupational allergic symptoms in farm workers.This study was designed to investigate the cause and mechanisms of an otherwise "undetermined" recurrent and occupational dermatitis on the hands of farm workers and to obtain a better diagnostic profile of the urticaria that many farm workers who are allergic to T. urticae experience.Fifty-six farm workers with occupational cutaneous and/or respiratory symptoms and 10 healthy farm workers underwent in vivo and in vitro diagnostic trials by skin prick testing, serum-specific IgE determination, and three different types of epicutaneous tests.Four of the 10 patients with recurrent dermatitis had a positive IgE reaction to T. urticae, and five of the 10 had a positive patch test response. The percentage of positive patch test responses between subjects with positive T. urticae IgE and those with negative T. urticae IgE was similar. The diagnostic trial allowed the diagnosis of immune-mediated contact dermatitis in seven of the 10 patients with recurrent occupational dermatitis on the hands. The result of the epicutaneous open test on healthy skin with no history of eczema was positive in almost all patients with IgE to T. urticae and episodes of occupational urticaria.Urticaria frequently occurring in farm workers allergic to T. urticae is an allergic contact urticaria. T. urticae is also directly responsible for recurrent dermatitis, caused by a different immune-mediated mechanism, in farm workers.

Several controlled clinical trials have shown that specific immunotherapy (SIT) using incremental injections of allergens can be effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Nevertheless, the risk of side effects have led to some recommended limitations of SIT. Enzyme-potentiated desensitization (EPD) is a proposed method for immunotherapy with very low doses of mixed allergens plus beta-glucuronidase enzyme, for which irrelevant or no side effects have been claimed. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical efficacy of EPD in the treatment of pollinosis. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of EPD among 20 patients sensitive to Parietaria and grass pollen was performed. All patients recorded daily symptom scores for nine months following a single intradermal injection of EPD or buffered saline received in February. Symptoms recorded were nasal itching and obstruction, sneezing, rhinorrhea, itchy eyes and excessive tear production. Moreover, total and specific lgE were measured and CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ peripheral blood lymphocytes were counted at different times. In the same period, ten additional subjects, with an allergic clinical profile similar to the subjects admitted to the double-blind trial, were studied in an open clinical trial in order to evaluate the effects of EPD without enzyme using a mixture of allergens. Symptom scores were higher in the placebo group (p0.001), with a similar level of significance for both global symptom score and for each individual symptom. Active-treated patients had a significant post-treatment increase in the mean percentage of T-CD8+ peripheral blood cells and a significant post-seasonal decrease in the mean percentage of Parietaria specific lgE. On the contrary, placebo-treated patients had a borderline significant post-seasonal decrease in the mean percentage of CD8+ circulating cells and a significant seasonal increase in the mean percentage of Parietaria specific lgE with no significant post-seasonal decrease. Finally, clinical results of the mixture of allergens injection were similar to those of the placebo in the double-blind trial. EPD injection caused only an asymptomatic, local wheal and flare lasting about two hours. Two patients (20%) in the active-treated group experienced a delayed, mild, unusual headache lasting about two days. In conclusion, EPD is clinically effective in the treatment of pollinosis. Some immunological modifications observed in the EPD-treated patients suggest an EPD-induced enhancement of tolerogenic mechanisms like "immune deviation."

The morpho-functional and topographical features of the lingual papillae situated on the dorsal surface of the bovine tongue, were studied utilizing LM and SEM techniques. In the bovine species, the functional differentiation of the lingual papillae in their gustatory and mechanical modes, seems to be related to the position of the papillae rather than to their morphological features. The gustatory function predominates over the mechanical one on the caudal tract of the tongue body (lateral to the lingual torus and associated with circumvallate papillae). The gustatory function also involves the conical papillae situated on the caudal tract of the tongue body. This gustatory function is aided by additional anatomical structures: 1. The grooves situated on the rostro-lateral side of the conical papillae; 2. The microcraters located on the top of the fungiform papillae; and 3. The furrows of the circumvallatae papillae vallum. The contact between saliva soluble food particles and taste buds is aided and made more efficient by these structures. Furthermore, a large variety of conical papillae were observed, whereas no filiform papillae were noted.

The Morpho-structural characteristics of the vallate papillae of the bovine tongue were studied utilizing LM, SEM and TEM techniques. In the bovine, the vallate papillae are numerous and different in size. They have a prominent vallum papillae which surrounds a deep sulcus papillae. The sulcus has many elongated taste buds on its inner wall. Nervous fibers enter the taste bud and sometimes have rosary shaped axons. The gustative sensitivity of these animals may be instrumental, in their choice of food and avoidance of noxious plants.

The goat choroid plexus angioarchitecture of the lateral ventricles was studied under the SEM using the method of "microvascular corrosion casts". The whole plexus is semilunar shaped and directed in an antero-posterior, latero-median fashion. In the plexus the lateral extremity is larger than the median one. All the components of the vascular bed (arteries, veins and capillaries) of the choroid plexus have interesting morpho-structural features. In particular, the capillaries are more developed than the other components and they are variously located on both sides of the plexus. The capillary network has a various organization in different zones of each side of the plexus.

We describe the eosinophil granulocyte's immunobiology and pediatric management implications. Moreover, we review our results about eosinophil count in newborn as a predictive marker of atopy.

The morphostructural characteristics of lingual papillae in 30 adult buffaloes were studied by SEM. In this species, dorsal lingual surface papillae shows different shape so that their classification is complicated. Topography and morphology of conical and vallate papillae presents significant aspects. Particularly, the conical papillae have a different morphological organization when they are localized over the side of the tongue apex or over dorso-lateral tract of the tongue body. The functional aspects are discussed.

It has been demonstrated that: a) part of the inhalant allergenic particles we normally breath, adhere to the oropharyngeal mucosa, and eventually progress to the gastrointestinal tract; b) digestive tract mucosa is able to produce specific IgE against aeroallergens even before than respiratory tract mucosa. The case is described of a 5-year-old girl who presented a daily vomiting since she was 6 months. All clinical instrumental and laboratory findings had been unable to reach a definite diagnosis. SPT (inhalants and foods): Dermatoph. pteronyssinus: + (confirmed by RAST). The patient had an immediate, complete recover just following the clinician's instruction for HDM domestic prevention. Symptoms appeared again in response to a NPT performed with Dermatophagoides extract. The positivity of the exclusion-re-exposure test confirmed the diagnosis of HDM-induced gastrointestinal allergic syndrome, so far not described in literature (to my knowledge). Immunological considerations: since it is known that patients allergic to HDM do not usually present a specific IgE-mediated gastrointestinal allergic syndrome, it is suspectable that an immunological tolerance can be instaured toward inhalant allergens as it normally happens toward food allergens. In atopic individuals there is a high expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and other adhesion molecules on the surface of HEV at BALT level. Adhesion molecules expression and immunocompetent cells activation are modulated by several mechanisms among which the cytokine network plays a major role. The author speculates that sensitized lymphocytes may migrate from intestinal to bronchial mucosa, via lymphocytic immunoallergic competence. In the described clinical case this mechanism did not work.

The innervation of the Syrinx was studied in 15 female Peking Ducks of 10 to 12 months old by using L.M. and E.M. In this organ a nervous plexiform net is present located in the connective below the epithelium along the membrana tympaniformis medialis. This net-work is made of the nervous trunks which repeatedly anastomise among themselves and display during their course acapsulate ganglions. However, no specialized contact device were encountered at the periphery.

We evaluated the tolerance to NIM in patients with adverse reactions to NSAIDs, expressed by urticaria-angioedema, bronchial asthma or erythema polymorphous on 92 patients among which 32 atopics affected by asthma, rhinitis or contact dermatitis. Challenge test has been performed with increasing amounts of NIM per os every 2 hrs to a maximum of 100 mg/dose. The last dosage was repeated every 12 hrs for 4 times more. No reactions were observed in 86 patients (93.4%). Moreover we evaluated the efficacy of NIM in modulating pomphoid cutaneous reaction to histamine (HIS) and codeine (COD). Three subjects were prick tested with HIS and COD solutions at different concentrations (0.1 to 10 mg/ml), before and after a 5 days therapy with NIM at different dosages/kg/die. At NIM dosages of 3.7 and 2.7 mg/kg/die we observed a strong reduction of pomphoid activity of both HIS and COD. No clear effects were detected at 2.2 mg/kg/die dosage. We assume a dose-related in vivo inhibitory effect of NIM on cutaneous mast cells releasability or a direct anti-histaminic effect. We point out the possible therapeutic role of NIM in the treatment of allergic flogosis at steroid and cromon's side.

The microvasculature of the lingual mucosa of the goat was studied by SEM using microvascular corrosion casts. A complex microcirculatory system was observed to supply the large number of papillae, which had a wide structural variety. Generally, the organization of the vascular network in the lingual papillae was found to be influenced by the nature of the microcirculation in the lamina propria. Another characteristic feature noted was the presence of numerous valves in the venules situated in the lamina propria. They were oriented toward the broader side of the venules and probably control the rapid outflow of blood. This in turn most probably leads to an increased mucosal blood supply, which might sustain both mechanical and gustatory functions.

Neural receptors of the porcine clitoris were examined using light and electron microscopy. Perfusion with ink allowed study of the unique vascular arrangement associated with the genital corpuscles. Sensory nerve-endings were generally rounded and formed a morphologically and structurally characteristic unit. They were composed of a network of primarily non-myelinated nerve fibers and flat cells. Between these structures, isolated small blood vessels were embedded amongst collagen fibers and amorphous material. An external capsule of variable thickness always surrounded the structures. A complex arrangement of vessels in the center of the capsule was formed by a subpapillary mesh. The same arrangement was seen in the morphologically comparable penile genital corpuscles of the same species. Based on the particular arrangement of blood vessels and nerve fibers in the genital corpuscles, some authors postulate the presence of a neuro-vascular glomerulus.

The structural organization of the epithelium lining the clavicular air sac in Duck was studied by light and electron microscopic. This epithelium consists of two types of pavement like cells. The first flat types of cells are numerous with large mitochondria containing cytoplasm and elongated nuclei. The second short and dumpy cells are few in number and are after seen near the ostium. They could have long microvilli like pseudopod on their apical surface ready to engulf inhaled foreign particles. Desmosomal bridges too are found between contiguous cells.

The morphological and structural features of the vascular component of the bursa of Fabricius in the duck are described. By means of an intravasal perfusion of suitably colored neoprene Latex or Microscopaque, or a perfusion of Indian ink, it was possible to follow visually the routes of arteries, veins and the microcirculation; this last represents a major characteristic of the bursal follicle in the duck. The microcirculation has its origins in several roots arising from the follicular arterioles, which in the region of the cortex constitute an open vascular layer. From these pre-capillary arterioles, adjacent to the limiting layer between cortex and medulla, a dense capillary network is formed. With the aid of an electron microscope the presence of a cortico-medullary barrier of an epithelio-reticular nature was revealed; close to it there are the terminal branches of the intrafollicular network. The barrier appears to be structurally more compact than that of the cortical capillaries of the mammalian thymus.

The arrangement and the blood of Thymus lobes were shown by intra-vasal injection of Indian ink or Neoprene Latex. The origin and the distribution of the arteries were studied within thymic lobe and until the final branches represented by endolobulare capillaries. These branches represent the origin of the vein of the thymic lobe.

The A.A. after briefly describing the epidemiology of B hepatitis in Italy, outline its particular incidence among all the leukemic children in Campania and stress its negative effects on the course and prognosis of the disease. A study on 50 children affected by Acute Leukemia shows that 30/50 appear to be constantly seronegative for HBV. Nine of them received vaccination against B Hepatitis (HB VAX, MSD) in order to reduce the risk of infection in the course of the chemotherapy. Among the vaccinated children, only two (22%) were found positive for HBsAb after the third inoculation. The fail in response is probably due to the light immunodepressed condition of most of these patients. The achieved results are not very encouraging, but further investigations are needed to decide whether the vaccination can be advisable for these children.

In the present paper we report that the ROHA -9 cell line, an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed human B cell line with accessory cell capabilities, constitutively secretes a soluble factor with the biochemical and biological characteristics of human monocyte-derived IL-1. The IL-1 derived from ROHA -9 augmented murine thymocyte proliferation and enhanced the proliferative response of human T lymphocytes to concanavalin A (Con A). The ROHA -9-derived IL-1 activity eluted from Sephacryl S-200 in two peaks, at 15- 18K and 32- 35K mol wt, eluted from DEAE-Sephacel at 50-80 and 110-130 mM NaCl, and showed charge heterogeneity with peaks at pI 7.3, 6.1, and 4.1 on isoelectrofocusing (IEF). These findings suggest that B cells may elaborate an IL-1-like activity. During the logarithmic growth of ROHA -9 cells, a inhibitory factor that inhibited the response of mouse thymocytes to IL-1 was also produced. This factor had a mol wt of 95K on Sephacryl S-200, eluted at 150 mM NaCl on DEAE-Sephacel and showed a peak of pI 4.7 on preparative IEF. The inhibitory factor appeared to be selective in its effects on IL-1 responses, since it did not inhibit the activity of IL-2 on mouse thymocytes or on the growth of the IL-2-dependent CT6 cell line. This "contra-IL-1" inhibited the response of murine thymocytes to suboptimal (1 microgram/ml) but not optimal (10 micrograms/ml) doses of Con A and the response of human peripheral blood lymphocytes to streptolysin O ( SLO ) or to alloantigens. Moreover, the factor could be absorbed by mouse thymocytes but not by CT6 cells, and such thymocytes pretreated with contra-IL-1 failed to response to IL-1. Although this inhibitor is the product of a transformed B cell line, it may be representative of regulatory substances that normally control IL-1 activities either at the extracellular or intracellular level.

We studied the role of stimulant processing and presentation and of IL 1 in monocyte-mediated activation of human lymphoproliferative responses. The effects of two lysosomotropic agents, ammonium chloride and chloroquine, on the capacity of human monocytes to activate T lymphocyte responses to the soluble antigen streptolysin O (SLO) and to the polyclonal stimulant S. aureus protein A (SpA) were investigated. These agents inhibited the presentation of SLO and SpA by human monocytes in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition occurred if monocytes were treated with ammonium chloride and chloroquine for 1.5 hr, starting only 30 min after exposure to the stimulants, whereas only minimal inhibition occurred when monocytes were treated with the two lysosomotropic compounds 2 hr after pulsing with SLO or SpA. In contrast, cell membrane alloantigen presentation by monocytes in the MLR was not affected by ammonium chloride or chloroquine treatment. Thus, these reversible inhibitors of monocyte phagosome-lysosome functions presumably interfere with intracellular processing of the stimulants but do not seem to interfere with alloantigen presentation at the cell surface. Furthermore, we investigated whether gently fixed monocytes were still capable of passively presenting stimulant or whether active metabolic processes as well as IL 1 were required. We observed that only monocytes treated with paraformaldehyde after SLO or SpA pulsing stimulated a proliferative response by T lymphocytes, provided 50 U/ml of partially purified human IL 1 were added back to cultures. In contrast, monocytes fixed before exposure to SLO or SpA were not able to stimulate T lymphocytes even if supplemented by IL 1. Taken together these data suggest that a finite incubation period is required for human monocytes to become able to present SLO or SpA to T lymphocytes. During this time the soluble stimulants presumably undergo some metabolic process in viable macrophages perhaps at the phagosome-lysosome level, to become recognizable by T lymphocytes.

The morphostructural features of the lymphatic circle of swine visceral pleura were investigated by means of vital dye injection in the pleural cavity. In the animals treated as mentioned previously it was possible to observe that in the visceral pleura the superficial lymphatic network had formed the very thick mesh, while the underlying pulmonary parenchyma was not interested. This behaviour lets us suppose that the drainage of the visceral pleura is mainly a direct one.

Schonlein-Henoch purpura is a systemic, immunocomplex-mediated vasculitis which involves skin, joints, gastrointestinal and urinary system. This is a retrospective study on 60 S.H.S. admitted in our Division from 1978 to 1984. The most affected age range seems to be included between 2 and 7 years, with a maximum at 6. The Male/Female ratio is 35/25. Clinically we found skin (100%), joint (63%), abdominal (48%), and renal (25%) manifestations. Laboratory data are not characteristic: C3 and C4 are always in the normal range. 27% showed an elevation of IgA, 81% a rise of sedimentation rate and 45% a rise of Anti-O-Streptolysin Title. The main problem to face is prevention of glomerulonephritis. Salicylates, piridamol and cyproheptadine have been suggested to be effective. Prednisone is recommended in all cases with abdominal pain in order to prevent surgical complications. In our experience we could not demonstrate any difference between treated and not treated cases. It is important anyway to perform a correct follow-up of these children to early show a possible relapse or a renal complication.

In this study we report that the ROHA-9 cell line, an IL 1-secreting EBV-transformed human B cell line, exhibits an autocrine pathway of growth. In fact, ROHA-9 cells spontaneously secreted an autoregulatory growth factor that co-purified with the constitutively secreted IL 1-like molecules. Accordingly, monocyte-derived human IL 1, free of other known biological activities, also stimulated the growth of ROHA-9 cells in a dose-dependent way. Human recombinant interleukin 2, recombinant IFN-alpha or IFN-gamma and purified IFN-beta were ineffective when used at concentrations up to 1 X 10(3) U/ml. Furthermore, mouse recombinant IL 1, HPLC-purified multi-colony stimulating factor and partially purified preparations of BCGF were ineffective when assayed for growth-promoting activity on ROHA-9 cells. Moreover, a rabbit polyclonal antibody and a mouse monoclonal antibody to human IL 1 molecules blocked the growth of ROHA-9 cells induced by the autologous growth factor and by human IL 1. Lastly, purified human IL 1 increased the clonal efficiency of ROHA-9 cells seeded at a low cell concentration, allowing the isolation of the ROHA-9MC3 subclone, which showed similar growth response specificity and was particularly sensitive to the mitogenic activity of human IL 1.

Interleukin 1 (IL 1) production by normal human B lymphocytes was investigated. Normal human peripheral blood B lymphocytes were purified by sequential separation with the use of Ficoll-Hypaque gradient centrifugation, sheep red blood cell rosette formation, Percoll gradients, and treatment with monoclonal antibodies (anti-Leu-M1, B73.1, and T101) and complement. Both purified large B lymphocytes (BL) and small B lymphocytes (BS) produced IL 1-like (thymocyte co-mitogenic and fibroblast mitogenic) activities in response to lipopolysaccharide. Maximal production of IL 1 activity by both BL and BS occurred at 48 hr. The m.w. of IL 1 activities from both BL and BS were about 20,000 with high pressure liquid chromatography, and the major isoelectric point of BL- and BS-derived IL 1 activity was 7.0. A rabbit anti-human monocyte IL 1 antiserum inhibited the activity of B cell-derived IL 1, suggesting antigenic similarities of monocyte- and B lymphocyte-derived IL 1 moieties. These data suggest that normal B lymphocyte-derived IL 1 activity is biochemically and immunologically similar to monocyte-derived IL 1.

The innervation of the mucous membranes in the paranasal cavities of "ovis aries" appears homogeneous as regards the various nasal sinuses. It is represented by numerous nervous bundles which are in the deep and middle parts of the mucous membranes, and have sensory terminals and fibres assigned to the vessels and glandular adenomeres. In the subepithelial stratum can be noted a superficial plexus from which come off the fibres assigned to the epithelial elements of the mucous membranes.

The lymphatic component in the pharynx of Buffalo presents some peculiar characteristics of species above all as regards the palatine tonsil. This is characterized by the presence of numerous lobes, by the fast pigmentation of the mucosa in the sinus and sometimes by the crypts and by the wealth of glandular adenomeres. The lingual tonsil, the tonsil of the soft palate, the pharyngeal tonsil and the tubal tonsil are represented by lymphatic elements arranged in the lamina propria of the mucosa and only sometimes they are organized as follicles.