Search

Fas is a protein that plays a major role in the apoptotic mechanism of several cell types, including white blood cells (WBC). Mutations of the Fas gene in humans are known to lead to autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS). Glucocorticoids or cytostatic drugs are sometimes used to treat the lymphoproliferation in these patients. When treated with the anti-malaria drug Fansidar®, a patient with ALPS showed a marked shrinkage of the lymph node masses, decrease in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and an increase in neutrophil numbers. In addition, an increased Fas expression was seen on all types of leucocytes.

A 14-month-old boy with neurofibromatosis and skin xanthomas associated with normal lipemia is described. Acute lymphocytic leukemia complication and its connection with the cutaneous disease are discussed.

The discovery of cyclic AMP as an intracellular messenger for many hormonally-controlled functions and more generally of its involvement in the regulation of cell response to exogenous effectors led to the hypothesis that the adenylate cyclase-cyclic AMP system might also have a role in the regulation of cell division. Indeed, starting or stopping growth, increasing or decreasing growth velocity are among the most important adaptive responses to a changing environment. The ubiquitous character of cyclic AMP in all animal cells made of this substance a good candidate for a universal growth regulator.