Silvia H Langini

Hypothesis on the time course of antigen dependent changes in lymphoid organs proved by experimental data of depleted growing rats'mesenteric lymph nodes

The results described in this paper partially agree with the hypothesis that mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) of depleted growing rats recover their antigen specific determinants after the oral administration of 20% casein for 5-9 days following the time course of antigen dependent changes observed in virgin lymph nodes. With respect to the 39 days old control group, depleted MLN showed a highly diminished number of mature T cells (W3/13+) as well as surface and intracellular alpha heavy chain (alpha s and alpha cit). The oral administration of a 20% casein diet during 5 days tends to restore the appearance of these determinants; however, normal values were not attained even if refeeding was continued for 9 days. The discrepancy between the proposed hypothesis and the observed results might be ascribed to: a) defective migration of T cells from thymus; b) the diminished number of TH cells involved in terminal differentiation; c) inability of B cells to respond to T cell-derived factors.

Maternal Anemia at Delivery, Outcome of Pregnancy and Infant Birth Weight, in a Group of Low Socioeconomic Level, in Greater Buenos Aires

Iron deficiency anemia is prevalent among pregnant women, but its influence in maternal and neonatal health is still uncertain. Latin America shows a high prevalence of maternal and child morbidity, mortality and anemia, reflecting nutritional problems and socio-cultural behavioural factors. However, Argentina is an exception within Latin America due to its high meat consumption, even in the low socio-economic population. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 157 pregnant women assisted at delivery in a suburban hospital, between July and September/1998. Most of the women did not have a follow-up at the Hospital and they had not taken iron or vitamin supplements during pregnancy. Maternal venous fasting blood samples were collected with EDTA and Hematocrit (Htc), Red Blood Cell (RBC), Hemoglobin (Hb) and Mean Cell Volume (MCV) were determined by an electronic counter. Infant birth weight (IBW) and delivery gestational age (DGE) were recorded. The mean values, standard deviation and ranges (between brackets) were: RBC (X 10/μl): 3.75 + 0.53; Htc(%): 34.1 + 5.1 (52–21); MCV(fL): 92 + 7 (115–71); Hb (g/dL): 11.1 + 1.8 (16.9–7.1); (DGA) (weeks): 38.8 + 2.4 (26–41). Distribution of the population according to Hb (g/dL) was: 13.2: 12%. MCV(fL) was 100 in 5%. The percentage of preterm birth ( 12.0