D.C. Anderson

Canine distemper virus localised in bone cells of patients with Paget's disease

The technique of in situ hybridisation was applied using radioactively labelled riboprobes to examine for the presence of canine distemper (CDV) and measles (MV) RNA in Pagets disease of bone. The results indicate that in 41% of Pagets patients, CDV RNA could be detected in osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and osteocytes, but not in controls. In contrast, RNA to the measles virus was not detected. We suggest that CDV may in some cases play a role in the aetiology of Pagets disease.

An audit of oestradiol levels and implant frequency in women undergoing subcutaneous implant therapy

OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to review our long‐term use of subcutaneous oestradiol (E2) Implant therapy for the treatment of climacteric symptoms In post‐menopausal women. On the grounds that the aim Is to restore premenopausal serum E2 levels, our declared clinical policy Is not to repeat Implants even in the presence of symptoms If serum E2 levels are >400pmol/l. Therapy was with 50 mg E2 implants inserted subcutaneously In the lower abdominal wall.

Bone conditioned medium enhances cell aggregation, cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity in serum-deprived medium

The effect of medium conditioned by whole bone was examined on the activity of a heterogeneous population of rat calvarial cells grown under serum-deprived conditions. Conditioned medium (CM) had pronounced effects on the appearance of cultures within 24-48 hours of addition. This was characterized by the breakdown of the cell monolayer, rounding of cells and formation of alkaline phosphatase-positive aggregates. Cellular alkaline phosphatase activity was increased compared to controls while acid phosphatase levels were reduced. These aggregates grown in the presence of 10 mM beta-glycerophosphate did not show evidence of mineralization. These results show that soluble factors derived from calvarial bone are responsible for cell aggregation, cell proliferation and increase in alkaline phosphatase activity.