Jens Wæver Rasmussen

Infection-Induced Transient Remission of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

In 2 cases of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura a transient increase in platelet count was observed during and following infectious episodes. This association which is in contrast to the previously reported aggravating effect of infection on immune thrombocytopenia may be of rather frequent occurrence, being overlooked, however, because of lack of relevant clinical manifestations.

The Migrating Motor Complex and the Enterohepatic Circulation of Bile Acids: A Scintigraphic Study Using 75Se-HCAT

The relationship between the migrating motor complex (MMC) and the enterohepatic circulation was studied in 16 healthy young male volunteers using a combined technique of continuous pressure recording from the gastroduodenal region and scintigraphy with 75Se‐homo‐cholic‐acid‐taurine (75Se‐HCAT). In nine subjects (group 1) the radioactive marker was instilled in the duodenum immediately before a phase III complex of the MMC, and in seven subjects (group 2) in early phase II. In group 1, the gallbladder was visualized by scintigraphy at a median time of 45 (27–90) minutes after instillation of 75Se‐HCAT. Median time for peak radioactivity in distal small intestine and in peripheral blood was 63 (36–144) minutes and 90 (63–135) minutes, respectively. The corresponding figures in group 2 were 108 (81–117), 117 (81–162), and 153 (117–180) minutes. The differences between the median values in the two groups were significant (p < 0.05). The present results demonstrate the importance of phase III in the transport of bile through the small intestine. In addition, they support the contention of jejunal absorption of cholic‐acid‐taurine.

Function and Morphology of 111In-Labelled Platelets

111In-labelled human platelets were aggregated with ADP and subjected to ultrastructural morphometric analysis. In addition, the hemostatic function in vivo and the ultrastructural morphology ex vivo of rabbit platelets were examined. The platelet isolation and labelling procedures exerted no certain influence on the aggregation response, and platelet surface/volume calculations did not indicate that platelet activation had taken place. Bleeding time experiments in rabbits indicated that the hemostatic effectiveness of the labelled platelets was unimpaired. Transfused 111In-labelled platelets isolated from the recipient rabbits exhibited fewer electromicroscopic signs of platelet activation than the same platelets prior to transfusion. Our results indicate that the described procedure for isolation and 111In-labelling of platelets induces only insignificant damage to the platelets.

Acute Platelet Activation Induced by Smoking Cigarettes: In Vivo and Ex Vivo Studies in Humans

The epidemiological and pathological evidence for a relationship between cigarette smoking and atherosclerosis is considerable (1). In particular, a strong correlation between cigarette smoking and acute cardiac events in those with an already compromised coronary circulation is evident (2). As platelets seem to play a central role for the development of atherosclerosis and its thromboembolic complications (3), it is natural that a vivid interest has been taken in the effects of cigarette smoking on platelet function.

Is 111In-Leucocyte Scintigraphy Useful in the Evaluation of Patients with Prolonged Fever of Unknown Origin?

A substantial proportion of the patients referred for 111In white blood cell scanning (111In WBCS) have been febrile for prolonged periods with no or only vague symptoms or signs to suggest the cause of the fever. The paucity of 111In WBCS-data in this clinical setting thus seems surprising.