Arjeh J. Wysenbeek

Immunologic alterations in xeroderma pigmentosum patients

Nine xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) patients were investigated. In comparison to a normal control group the XP patients had a reduced OKT‐4 lymphocyte subpopulation, reduced response of lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin in autologous serum, and diminished delayed hypersensitivity skin reaction. The possible contribution of ultraviolet irradiation to the observed immunologic alterations, and the link of these alterations to the susceptibility of patients for malignant transformation is discussed. Cancer 58:219–221, 1986.

A study of the clinical differences between women and men with hyperprolactinemia

A group of 64 women and 14 men with hyperprolactinemia were followed up in an endocrine service center for a mean of 43 months. The various parameters in each sex were compared. The mean age at first visit was 49 years in the men and 36 years in the women (p < 0.001). The peak prolactin index levels were 13.7 in the men and 5.5 in the women (p < 0.002). Macroprolactinomas were significantly more prevalent in the men (p < 0.002). The women complained significantly more about headache (p < 0.02), malaise (p < 0.02), restlessness (p < 0.03) and fatigue (p < 0.04). These symptoms had no correlation with the prolactin level. Thus, in the men the clinical manifestations of hyperprolactinemia came to attention at an older age and had a connection with a higher prevalence of macroprolactinoma. The possible mechanisms are discussed. Vague complaints, reported more often by the women, do not seem to correlate with the prolactin level.

Prospective Evaluation of Liver Function Tests in Patients Treated with Aminoglycosides

We investigated the relationship between therapy with aminoglycoside antibiotics and alterations in serum liver enzymes and bilirubin. One hundred fourteen patients treated with aminoglycosides and 96 treated with other antibiotics were assessed prospectively during eight days. No elevation in serum alanine aminotransferase, lactic dehydrogenase, or bilirubin was detected in the aminoglycoside and control groups. Alkaline phosphatase increased significantly in the aminoglycoside group (average elevation of 28 ± 16 units/L on day 6), but no patient had an elevation greater than twice the upper limit of the normal range. We conclude that the abnormality in liver enzymes during aminoglycoside therapy is a mild elevation in alkaline phosphatase, probably with no clinical significance.

Immunologic alterations in MRL/lpr mice after chronic dimethyl sulfoxide administration

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in 1 and 2% concentration was added to the drinking water of 30-100 day MRL/lpr mice. In comparison to control mice, the DMSO treated mice had a 78% increase in their response to exogenous IL-2 and a 64% increase in production of IL-2. Con A stimulated cells had a net help effect in the untreated mice, which was suppressed from 82-26% after DMSO treatment. There was no marked change in Thy 1.2, Lyt 1 and Lyt 2 percentages after treatment. The anti-DNA decreased from 29.0 +/- 17.0% to 13.2 +/- 7.8% after DMSO treatment. We conclude that chronic DMSO administration to MRL/lpr mice can induce immunologic alterations with possible clinical implications.

Nailfold Capillary Microscopy in Essential Mixed Cryoglobulinemia: A Report of Several Cases

Nailfold capillaries were examined in eight patients with essential mixed cry oglobulinemia. Two patients disclosed marked abnormality. These patients had no Raynaud phenomenon. Four patients with Raynaud phenomenon disclosed normal capillary patterns. Thus, microvascular pathology in essential mixed cryoglobulinemia is not related to Raynaud phenomenon.

The influence of thymic humoral factor on systemic lupus erythematosus lymphocyte function

The influence of thymic humoral factor, THF, on systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE, lymphocyte function was investigated. Increasing numbers of SLE T-cells, rosetted at 4 degrees C or 37 degrees C, were cultured with allogeneic normal B-cells and the change in IgM synthesis was assessed. Lymphocytes of some SLE patients showed improved suppression with THF when rosetted at 37 degrees C. Normal control lymphocytes did not show a net change in suppression with THF. The subgroup of SLE patients that showed improved suppression with THF in vitro might be a more appropriate group for in vivo therapeutic trials with thymic hormone, TH, than SLE patients in general.