Robert M. Greendyke

Studies of the Effects of Administration of ACTH and Adrenal Corticosteroids on Erythrophagocytosis

Phagocytosis of effete erythrocytes or red cell fragments by reticuloendothelial cells appears to play some role in normal red cell destruction, although the details of the process are poorly understood. The marked increase in erythrophagocytosis occurring in several types of hemolytic anemia, especially in acquired hemolytic disease and in some examples of transfusion reactions and erythroblastosis fetalis, indicates the possible importance of this process as a mechanism of red cell destruction. The rapid, often dramatic, suppression of erythrocyte destruction in patients with acquired hemolytic disease frequently produced by therapeutic adrenal corticosteroids suggests that these compounds may exert a specific effect on phagocytosis of these abnormal erythrocytes, apart from possible suppression of production of antibody-like proteins. The present study extends preliminary observations (1) on the suppression of the in vitro erythrophagocytic capabilities of peripheral blood leukocytes obtained from patients receiving ACTH or adrenal corticosteroids.

Radiation nephritis: Report of a fatal case

Abstract A case of progressive and ultimately fatal renal insufficiency following abdominal x-ray radiation is described and the pertinent literature on the subject briefly reviewed. The natural history and prognosis of a given neoplasm, and the probable efficacy of radiation therapy, should be weighed against the danger of delivering bilateral renal radiation of potentially lethal degree.

Chronic histoplasmosis; report of a patient successfully treated with amphotericin B.

Abstract 1.1. A case is presented of chronic histoplasmosis involving parotid gland, larynx, tongue, lung and probably kidneys, spleen and abdominal lymph nodes successfully treated with a new antifungal agent, amphotericin B. 2.2. Further clinical trial of amphotericin B in the treatment of histoplasmosis is indicated.

Congenital refractory normoblastic anemia with jaundice and ineffective erythropoiesis

Abstract A case of congenital, partially compensated, therapeutically refractory, normoblastic anemia is presented. The patients disease is characterized by jaundice, marked ineffective erythropoiesis and absence of siderosis. The differential diagnosis is discussed.

The Effects of Administration of ACTH and Adrenal Corticosteroids on Erythrophagocytosis (EP).

Excerpt Experiments were conducted to assess the effects of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and certain adrenal corticosteroids on the in vitro phagocytic capability of human peripheral blood l...

Fatal systemic fat embolism

Summary A case is presented of massive post-traumatic systemic fat embolism with significant embolic lesions demonstrated at autopsy in the brain, heart, and lungs. Attention is called to the need for consideration of the phenomenon of fat embolization in the post-trauma patient showing unexplained central nervous system, cardiac, and/or pulmonary symptoms, especially in the presence of skin petechiae.