Nonlethal transfusion associated graft-versus-host disease in a severe combined immunodeficient patient

An X-linked severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) patient received a nonirradiated erythrocyte transfusion and developed transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (TAGVHD), which was controllable with high-dose corticosteroids. Haplo-identical SCT was performed, after a myeloablative conditioning regimen. At day +26, he developed GVHD. Chimerism studies revealed DNA of the erythrocyte transfusion donor (ETD) and recipient only. Because of early nonengraftment and the presence of alloreactive T cells of ETD origin, the patient was treated with an immunosuppressive conditioning regimen followed by a second SCT from the same donor. While tapering immunosuppression, he again developed mild GVHD, and DNA of ETD and bone marrow donor origin were both present. On cyclosporin, the ETD-DNA signal finally disappeared. High-resolution HLA typing revealed haplo-identity between BMD, ETD and the patient, which might have contributed to the relative mild course of the TAGVHD.

Long-term follow-up of autologous stem cell transplantation for refractory juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Since 1997, autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) had been applied to more than 40 children with polyarticular or systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). For this review, results of the follow-up are available from 25 children with systemic JIA and six with polyarticular JIA that were reported in detail from eight different pediatric European transplant centers. Before ASCT all children had progressive disease despite the use of corticosteroids, methotrexate (MTX) up to 1 mg/kg/week, cyclosporin (2.5 mg/kg/day) and/or anti-TNFalpha therapy. The clinical follow-up of these children ranges from 8 to 60 months (median 33 months).

Myeloid related protein 8 and 14 secretion reflects phagocyte activation and correlates with disease activity in juvenile idiopathic arthritis treated with autologous stem cell transplantation

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether myeloid related proteins (MRP8/MRP14), a complex of two S100 proteins related to neutrophil and monocyte activation, might be used as a marker for disease activity, and as an early indicator of relapse in juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A group of 12 patients who underwent an autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for refractory juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) were studied. MRP8/MRP14 serum concentrations were determined by a sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as described. Improvement from baseline was described by a definition of improvement employing a core set of criteria as detailed previously by Giannini.

RESULTS

After ASCT, MRP8/MRP14 serum concentrations in JIA showed a positive correlation with the Child Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ; r=0.80) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r=0.45), but not with the total leucocyte count (r=0.26). Mean MRP8/MRP14 serum concentrations dropped markedly in the first three months after ASCT (p=0.0039) and clinical parameters of disease activity such as CHAQ markedly improved (p=0.0039). During a transient relapse there was an increase in MRP8/MRP14.

CONCLUSIONS

MRP8/MRP14 serum concentration can be used as a marker for disease activity in patients who receive an ASCT for refractory JIA. This indicates a role of macrophage activation in the pathogenesis of JIA. The occurrence of MAS in three patients in this study was not preceded by significant changes in MRP8/MRP14 concentration.

Reduced perforin expression in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis is restored by autologous stem-cell transplantation

OBJECTIVES

Familial haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) is a disorder characterized by deficient cytotoxic T-cell function and activated macrophages, owing to a defect in the perforin gene and absent perforin expression. Because symptoms of patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) are sometimes clinically very similar to those with FHL, we studied whether perforin expression in sJIA patients would be reduced also.

METHODS

We determined the perforin expression levels on two subsets of CD8(+) cells (CD8(+)CD28(-)CD45RA(-) and CD8(+)CD28(-)CD45RA(+)) and natural killer (NK) cells from patients with sJIA under conventional treatment as well as before and after autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT).

RESULTS

CD45RA(-) cytotoxic effector cells of sJIA patients (n=13) express significantly lower levels of perforin than polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA, n=9) patients [sJIA mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) 34.6; pJIA MFI 98.0] or control donors (MFI 124.6, n=5). A similar pattern was seen in the CD45RA(+) subset. Also NK cells from sJIA patients expressed significantly less intracellular perforin (sJIA MFI 398.4; controls MFI 972.4). In four patients with sJIA who were treated with ASCT, a clear increase in perforin expression was found at 12 months after ASCT in both cytotoxic effector cell subsets (CD45RA(-) subset before ASCT MFI 13.2; 12 months after ASCT MFI 172.3).

CONCLUSION

We conclude that perforin expression can be severely reduced in sJIA. This finding may implicate defective cytotoxicity and haemophagocytosis and could thus explain why sJIA may be complicated by macrophage activation syndrome. ASCT leads to a reconstitution of the (T cell) immune system with a normal expression of perforin.

[Children with fever peaks and bone and joint pain: systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis or acute lymphoblastic leukemia after all?]

In two 3-year-old infants, a girl and a boy, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis was suspected because of daily fever peaks, signs of polyarthritis and general malaise. Drug treatment was unsuccessful, and after extensive laboratory investigation acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) was diagnosed and treated adequately. ALL is the most common malignancy in childhood. About one-third of the patients present with joint or bone pain and fever. In this group of children, it can be difficult to identify ALL because it may mimic the clinical picture of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis and because of the possibility of a normal blood count at presentation. ALL should always be considered in the differential diagnosis in children with musculoskeletal pain and fever, even in the face of a normal blood count. In any case, a bone-marrow examination should be done before steroid treatment is given.

[Pneumonia due to Legionella pneumophila in an immunocompromised child]

A one-year-and-seven-months-old boy was hospitalised because of fever, cough and general malaise. A diagnosed tonsillitis and pneumonia were treated with intravenous antibiotics. His clinical condition worsened despite antibiotic therapy. After immunologic investigations revealed both a cellular and a humoral immune disorder, a broncho-alveolar lavage was performed. The culture revealed Legionella pneumophila. Antibiotic treatment was then changed to erythromycin in combination with rifampicin, with a good response. Although rarely described in childhood, one should consider L. pneumophila as a possible pathogen in immunocompromised children presenting with pneumonia.

Collection of hematopoietic stem cells from patients with autoimmune diseases

We reviewed data from 24 transplant centers in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America to determine the outcomes of stem cell collection including methods used, cell yields, effects on disease activity, and complications in patients with autoimmune diseases. Twenty-one unprimed bone marrow harvests and 174 peripheral blood stem cell mobilizations were performed on 187 patients. Disease indications were multiple sclerosis (76 patients), rheumatoid arthritis (37 patients), scleroderma (26 patients), systemic lupus erythematosus (19 patients), juvenile chronic arthritis (13 patients), idiopathic autoimmune thrombocytopenia (8 patients), Behcet's disease (3 patients), undifferentiated vasculitis (3 patients), polychondritis (1 patient) and polymyositis (1 patient). Bone marrow harvests were used in the Peoples Republic of China and preferred worldwide for children. PBSC mobilization was the preferred technique for adult stem cell collection in America, Australia, and Europe. Methods of PBSC mobilization included G-CSF (5, 10, or 16 microg/kg/day) or cyclophosphamide (2 or 4 g/m2) with either G-CSF (5 or 10 microg/kg/day) or GM-CSF (5 microg/kg/day). Bone marrow harvests were without complications and did not affect disease activity. A combination of cyclophosphamide and G-CSF was more likely to ameliorate disease activity than G-CSF alone (P < 0.001). g-csf alone was more likely to cause disease exacerbation than the combination of cyclophosphamide and g-csf (P = 0.003). Three patients died as a result of cyclophosphamide-based stem cell collection (2.6% of patients mobilized with cyclophosphamide). When corrected for patient weight and apheresis volume, progenitor cell yields tended to vary by underlying disease, prior medication history and mobilization regimen. Trends in the approaches to, and results of, progenitor cell mobilization are suggested by this survey. While cytokine-based mobilization appears less toxic, it is more likely to result in disease reactivation. Optimization with regard to cell yields and safety are likely to be disease-specific and prospective disease-specific studies of mobilization procedures appear warranted.

Effects of sulfasalazine treatment on serum immunoglobulin levels in children with juvenile chronic arthritis

This article describes the effects of sulfasalazine (SSZ) treatment on serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels in 6 children with oligoarticular- or polyarticular onset juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA). None of the children who developed dysimmunoglobulinemia during treatment showed clinical symptoms of this adverse event, in particular none developed severe infections. All patients regained normal immunoglobulin levels after discontinuing SSZ treatment. One patient with a partial IgA deficiency at the start of SSZ treatment showed a slow increase in the IgA level during treatment. During follow-up (4-6 years), one patient spontaneously developed a dysimmunoglobulinemia and one patient developed diabetes mellitus. Based on these case reports and review of the literature we advocate monitoring of serum immunoglobulin levels while on SSZ treatment.

[Immunology in the medical practice.XXXII. Transplantation of autologous hematopoietic stem cells for treatment of refractory auto-immune diseases; preliminary favorable results with 35 patients]

The objective of this study was to document the experiences in the first Dutch pilot studies of the effect of transplantation of autologous haematopoietic stem cells in patients with therapy-resistant autoimmune disease. The first results in 21 adults and 14 children are promising: remission of the disease was achieved in 13 patients, while in the others a significant reduction of disease activity was seen with a corresponding improvement of the quality of life. Infectious complications were frequently observed. Two children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis developed a fatal infection-associated macrophage activation syndrome. Multicentre randomised studies are necessary to study the effects of autologous stem cell transplantation and modifications such as T-cell depletion.

Autologous hemopoietic stem-cell transplantation for children with refractory autoimmune disease

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has been proposed as a possible treatment for severe autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). To date, more than 250 patients with various autoimmune disorders have undergone an ASCT since 1996. Among them, there is a very limited number of children. This review summarizes the experience with ASCT for pediatric rheumatic diseases. Most reported cases concern juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Experience with ASCT for childhood SLE, Scleroderma, or Dermatomyositis is very limited. To date, 12 children with severe systemic or polyarticular JIA, all with progressive disease activity despite the use of corticosteroids, MTX, CsA, or Cyclophosphamide were treated in our center with ASCT. Rheumatologic follow-up at 3-month intervals up to 36 months showed a marked decrease in arthritis severity as expressed by the core-set criteria for juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) activity. However, these children remain at risk for severe viral infections due to the prolonged lymfopenia. ASCT in this severely ill patient group induces a very significant and drug-free remission of the disease, but carries a significantly risk of developing fatal MAS.

Identification of six novel WASP gene mutations in patients suffering from Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome

Mutation in the gene encoding the Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome protein (WASP) has been identified as the genetic defect responsible for WAS, an X-linked primary immunodeficiency disease characterized by eczema, thrombocytopenia, and recurrent infections. In this study, the WASP gene of 7 unrelated patients with classical WAS of Dutch descent was examined by single-strand conformation polymorphism and sequence analysis. We have identified 6 novel mutations that involve nonsense mutations (196C-->A, 344C-->T), or small deletions (553delG, 768del19, IVS8+1delGTGA, 911delT), all of which result in predicted truncation of WASP protein synthesis.

Myeloid-related proteins 8 and 14 are specifically secreted during interaction of phagocytes and activated endothelium and are useful markers for monitoring disease activity in pauciarticular-onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To analyze which physiologic stimuli induce secretion of myeloid-related protein 8 (MRP8) and MRP14, two S100 proteins expressed in neutrophils and monocytes, and to determine whether serum concentrations of these proteins are reliable parameters for monitoring inflammatory activity in pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA).

METHODS

Secretion of MRP8 and MRP14 was analyzed using a coculture system of endothelial cells and monocytes. Concentrations of MRP8/MRP14 in the serum and synovial fluid of JRA patients or culture medium were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of MRP8 and MRP14 by leukocytes in synovial tissue or fluid was investigated using immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

MRP8 and MRP14 were specifically released during interaction of activated monocytes with tumor necrosis factor-stimulated endothelial cells. Secretion was mediated via an increase in intracellular calcium levels in monocytes. In contrast, contact with resting endothelium inhibited protein kinase C-induced secretion of the proteins by monocytes. In JRA patients, MRP8 and MRP14 were strongly expressed in infiltrating neutrophils and monocytes within the inflamed joints and could be found in significantly higher concentrations in synovial fluid (mean 42,800 ng/ml) compared with serum (2,060 ng/ml). Concentrations of MRP8/MRP14 in serum correlated well with those in synovial fluid (r = 0.78) and showed a strong correlation with disease activity (r = 0.62). After intraarticular triamcinolone therapy, the serum concentrations of MRP8/MRP14 decreased significantly in therapy responders, whereas no differences were found in patients who showed no clinical benefit.

CONCLUSION

MRP8 and MRP14 are specifically released during the interaction of monocytes with inflammatory activated endothelium, probably at sites of local inflammation. Their serum concentrations represent a useful marker for monitoring local inflammation in JRA.

The depletion of T cells from haematopoietic stem cell transplants

OBJECTIVE

In our laboratory, we have developed an immunorosette technique for the depletion of T cells from bone marrow transplants. Tetrameric complexes of monoclonal antibodies are able to form very stable immunorosettes, which are efficiently depleted with the aid of a blood cell separator. Major improvements over the original sheep red blood cell depletion are the use of human (patient or donor derived) erythrocytes instead of sheep-derived cells, and the possibility of using a closed system for separation in a cell separator. In contrast to bone marrow, mobilized haematopoietic stem cell transplants obtained after leucocytapheresis contain higher numbers of T cells. Therefore, a different approach is necessary.

METHOD

We have used two CD34 selection systems (Isolex 300SA and the Clinimacs) to perform T-cell depletions from peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplants.

RESULTS

Immunorosette T-cell depletion, with CD2/CD3 tetrameric complexes, of bone marrow transplants resulted in a mean 2.5 log depletion of T cells with a yield of 50% of the CD34+ cell population. Stem cell selection of PBSC transplants using one of the CD34 selection procedures resulted in a 4.5 log depiction of T cells for both systems, but with different results for the recovery of CD34+ cells. An increased yield of CD34+ cells was obtained with the Clinimacs procedure (57.9+/-9.0%) in comparison to the Isolex procedure (40.1+/-12.5%).

CONCLUSION

Our own immunorosette depletion technique and the two tested CD34 selection methods for stem cell transplants both resulted in a very efficient T-cell depletion with the recovery of 40-60% of the CD34 haematopoietic stem cells present in the transplant.

Autologous stem cell transplantation: a possible treatment for refractory juvenile chronic arthritis?

OBJECTIVE

In adults, autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has been described recently as a possible treatment for severe autoimmune disease refractory to conventional treatment. We report here the four first children with severe forms of juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) treated with ASCT.

METHODS

We studied three children with systemic JCA and one child with polyarticular JCA. Unprimed bone marrow was harvested 1 month prior to ASCT. T-cell depletion of the graft was performed with CD2 and CD3 antibodies. We used a preparative regimen of antithymocyte globulin (ATG; 20 mg/kg), cyclophosphamide (Cy; 200 mg/kg) and low-dose total body irradiation (TBI; 4 Gy). Methotrexate (MTX) and cyclosporin A (CsA) were stopped before ASCT; prednisone was tapered after 2 months.

RESULTS

After ASCT, our patients showed an anti-inflammatory-drug-free follow-up of 6-18 months with a marked decrease in joint swelling, pain and morning stiffness. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and haemoglobin (Hb) returned to near-normal values within 6 weeks. Despite T-cell depletion, there was a very rapid immune reconstitution. Two patients developed a limited varicella zoster virus (VZV) eruption which was treated by acyclovir.

Sulfasalazine in the treatment of juvenile chronic arthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study. Dutch Juvenile Chronic Arthritis Study Group

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of sulfasalazine (SSZ) in the treatment of juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA).

METHODS

We conducted a 24-week randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter study of patients with active JCA of both oligoarticular and polyarticular onset. Patients were treated with a dosage of 50 mg/kg/day of SSZ (maximum 2,000 mg/day) or placebo. The efficacy variables were joint scores, physician's, parents', and patient's overall assessments, and laboratory parameters of inflammation.

RESULTS

Of the 69 patients enrolled, 52 (75%) completed the trial. Six patients (18%) withdrew from the placebo group, and 11 (31%) withdrew from the SSZ group (P = 0.18). In the intention-to-treat analysis of end point efficacy, between-group differences were significant for the overall articular severity score (P = 0.02), all global assessments (P = 0.01), and the laboratory parameters (P < 0.001). Adverse events occurred more frequently in the SSZ group and were the main reason for withdrawal (P < 0.001), but in all instances, these events were transient or reversible upon cessation of treatment.

CONCLUSION

The results of this first placebo-controlled study show that SSZ is effective and safe in the treatment of children with oligoarticular- and polyarticular-onset JCA, although it was not well tolerated in one-third of the patients.

Atypical juvenile generalized scleroderma presenting as polyarthritis and failure to thrive

In this Grand Round, two children are described with atypical generalized scleroderma and severe failure to thrive. Neither had Raynaud's phenomenon nor evidence of gastrointestinal (GI) disease. Treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, prednisone, D-penicillamine, alpha and gamma interferon was unsuccessful in reversing the sclerodermatous changes and growth arrest. Dietary intake analysis and extensive GI investigation were performed in both. In one case, resting energy expenditure (Ee) was repeatedly measured. His intake did not meet requirements for growth. Supplemental tube feeding (900 kcal in 6 h) was commenced, causing an increase in weight from 11 to 16 kg. The other patient refused supplementary tube feeding and no weight gain has been observed for 5 yr. In conclusion, early-onset generalized scleroderma in the absence of visceral involvement, but with growth failure, may represent an atypical form of systemic sclerosis. The response of the two patients to conventional therapy was disappointing. However, the rapid catch-up growth induced by tube feeding observed in one patient underlines the importance of adequate dietary management.

Hepatic GVHD after HLA-haploidentical bone marrow transplantation in children with severe combined immunodeficiency: the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid

We describe two children with a severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) with B cells. Following a T-cell-depleted haploidentical bone marrow transplantation (BMT), they both developed a chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) of the skin and a severe persisting hyperbilirubinaemia and elevated liver enzymes. The diagnosis of a vanishing bile duct syndrome was confirmed by liver biopsies. Because corticosteroids and cyclosporin A induced only a partial response, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) was added to their treatment schedule. Serum bilirubin and liver enzymes returned to normal within months. A control liver biopsy showed normal and proliferating bile ducts without cholestatic damage. We conclude that UDCA was well tolerated and may be of value as an additional treatment for hepatic GVHD in SCID.

Endocrine autoimmune diseases

A considerable proportion of endocrine disorders (Graves' disease, primary hypothyroidism, type 1 diabetes, Addison's disease, and some forms of ovarian failure) are due to aberrant reactions of the immune system, viz. exaggerated reactions towards self-structures (autoantigens). Autoreactive T-cells are mainly responsible for the elicitation of destructive inflammatory responses in the target endocrine glands. Autoantibodies play a minor role in such reactions, but are useful in clinical practice as markers of the disease. A special type of autoantibody is formed by those autoantibodies that have endocrine functional activity, viz. autoantibodies capable of stimulatory or blocking the hormone synthesis and/or the growth of endocrine cells. These autoantibodies interfere with receptors, e.g. the TSH receptor or the IGF-I receptor. Antibodies stimulating the TSH receptor are responsible for the hyperthyroidism of Graves' disease.

Deficiency of the beta subunit of the eighth component of complement presenting as arthritis and exanthem

A 13-year-old boy presented with juvenile chronic arthritis of 6 months' duration. Antinuclear antibodies, anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies, and rheumatoid factor were not detected. Western blotting showed a deficiency of the beta subunit of the eighth component of complement. The same deficiency was present in the patient's sister. C8 beta deficiency is usually detected in individuals who survive meningococcal disease. There was no such history in this family. Juvenile chronic arthritis has not previously been described in patients with C8 beta deficiency.

Prevalence of circulating immune complexes in patients with cystic fibrosis and arthritis

We report the clinical and laboratory characteristics of eight patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and arthropathy. Five patients had frequently relapsing, episodic arthritis; one had chronic arthritis with high titers of rheumatoid factors that could not be distinguished from juvenile chronic arthritis. In two patients the arthropathy did not relapse. Forty-six patients with CF but without arthropathy, seen during the same 1-year period, served as control subjects. Results of lung function tests and sputum cultures were similar in both groups. The sera of six of the eight patients with CF-arthropathy had high levels of circulating immune complexes, measured both by C1q-binding and the indirect granulocyte phagocytosis test, whereas only 1 of 12 control patients tested had positive C1q binding (p < 0.023). Serum complement levels were normal in both groups. Synovial biopsies, performed in three patients, showed only scanty lymphocytic infiltrates; immunofluorescent staining showed deposits of IgM, IgG, and components of complement C1q, C3, and C4. These findings suggest that the arthropathy found in CF is an immune-mediated phenomenon.

Failure to thrive is an early symptom of the imerslund Gräsbeck syndrome

PURPOSE

The Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome (IGS) is a rare inherited disorder characterized by a megaloblastic anemia due to a selective vitamin B12 malabsorption in association with a mild proteinuria. Usually recurrent infections, gastrointestinal complaints, and pallor are presenting symptoms. We report two cases of IGS with an unusual presentation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two girls are described with the Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome who had a failure to thrive as a presenting symptom without infections or gastrointestinal complaints. The diagnosis of IGS was based on marked macrocytic anemia, very low serum vitamin B12 levels, abnormal Schilling urinary excretion test results, and mild proteinuria. When parenteral vitamin B12 was started, a rapid catch-up growth was seen in both girls.

CONCLUSIONS

The absence of well-known causes of failure to thrive, such as recurrent infections and gastrointestinal complaints, favors the concept that the metabolic disturbances caused by an isolated cobalamin deficiency as seen in IGS causes a failure to thrive.

[Erroneous diagnosis 'neonatal hypoglycemia' due to incorrect preservation of blood samples]

The high frequency of neonatal hypoglycaemia found in the St. Catherine's Hospital, Eindhoven [corrected], (8.2% of all newborn infants had values of 1.8 mmol/l glucose or less) promoted us to test the effects of the different conditions of blood preservation before measuring in a consecutive series of 18 newborn infants at risk for hypoglycaemia. When blood was preserved in microtest tubes coated with sodium fluoride (NaF) and measured after 1 hour at room temperature, the glucose level decreased by 7 to 36%. Storage on melting ice for one hour prevented this decline completely. In our hospital sodium fluoride coated microtest tubes are used. They were found to contain various concentrations of NaF, ranging from 0.85 to 2.65 mg/ml. In a 2nd experiment with cord blood from 8 patients, we proved that a concentration of 16 mg/ml sodium fluoride was necessary to inhibit glycolysis and to prevent a fall of plasma glucose. The rapid determination of blood glucose values, i.e. within 10 minutes after the blood sample is taken, decreased, as expected, the frequency of hypoglycaemia in the newborn at risk.

Autoimmune involvement in Cushing syndrome due to primary adrenocortical nodular dysplasia

Cushing syndrome due to primary adrenocortical nodular dysplasia was diagnosed in two patients, aged 3 years 9 months and 9.5 years. Subsequently, adrenalectomy was performed and followed by steroid replacement. In both cases, the adrenals were normal or only slightly enlarged and showed adrenocortical nodular dysplasia histologically. Small lymphocytic infiltrates consisting of T-cells and class II MHC positive macrophages were present in adrenal specimens of both the patients. Samples of protein A sepharose purified serum immunoglobulins from both children stimulated adrenocortical DNA synthesis and cortisol production in cultured guinea-pig adrenal segments in vitro in a dose dependent fashion. Adrenal stimulating immunoglobulins were also demonstrated in serum specimens of both patients' mothers. However, none of them had overt signs of adrenal disease. Our data support the view that autoimmune mechanisms may be involved in primary adrenocortical nodular dysplasia.

Familial Cushing's syndrome due to nodular adrenocortical dysplasia is an inherited disease of immunological origin

Circulating immunoglobulins may be involved in the pathogenesis of familial Cushing's syndrome due to nodular adrenocortical dysplasia. The disease may also be part of a complex including cutaneous and cardiac myxomas, spotty pigmentation of the skin, and other signs of endocrine overactivity. In the present study of two sisters treated by complete adrenalectomy for Cushing's syndrome due to nodular adrenocortical dysplasia, and of their first-degree relatives, no evidence of associated disorders was present. However, the serum of both girls and of their mother contained immunoglobulins capable of stimulating adrenal DNA synthesis and cortisol production in vitro. The study supports the theory that familial Cushing's syndrome due to adrenocortical dysplasia is an inherited disease of immunological origin.

Immunoglobulins of patients with idiopathic Addison's disease block the in vitro action of adrenocorticotropin

The presence of serum immunoglobulins (Ig) blocking ACTH-induced adrenal DNA synthesis and/or cortisol production was studied in 25 patients with idiopathic Addison's disease. For this purpose guinea pig adrenal segments kept in organ culture were exposed to ACTH and graded concentrations of patient IgG. After a 5-h culture period the cortisol present in the culture fluid was measured by RIA, and DNA synthesis in the adrenal cells was measured using Feulgen densitometry on frozen sections of the cultured adrenal segments. Addition of ACTH alone in concentrations of 0.1-10 pmol/L to the culture system stimulated in vitro cortisol secretion; the maximal stimulation was 63 +/- 35% (+/- SD; n = 5) at a concentration 0.1 pmol/L. ACTH also increased (in concentrations of 1 fmol/L to 1 pmol/L) the percentage of fasciculata cells in S-phase from 0-4% (nonstimulated) to 5-12%. IgG preparations from all but 2 of the 25 patients with idiopathic Addison's disease blocked these in vitro ACTH-induced adrenal responses in a dose-dependent fashion. IgG from 2 patients with tuberculous adrenalitis, 1 patient with secondary adrenal insufficiency, and 7 normal subjects had no blocking activity. Among 5 non-Addisonian autoimmune endocrinopathy patients who had adrenal cytoplasmic autoantibodies, 4 had no ACTH-blocking IgGs. Two of 9 patients with miscellaneous adrenal disorders (Cushing's disease, pigmented adrenal micronodular dysplasia, and adrenal nodules) had ACTH-blocking activity. These results demonstrate the existence of IgGs blocking the in vitro effects of ACTH and suggest their involvement in the pathogenesis of idiopathic Addison's disease.

Immunoglobulins of patients with Cushing's syndrome due to pigmented adrenocortical micronodular dysplasia stimulate in vitro steroidogenesis

The putative stimulation of adrenal steroid production by immunoglobulins (Igs) of five patients with pigmented adrenocortical micronodular dysplasia and clinical Cushing's syndrome was investigated. Ascorbate depletion, a process linked to steroid production, was measured by a cyto-chemical bioassay employing guinea pig adrenal explants in organ culture and exposed to IgG from the patients and normal subjects. We also measured cortisol production by these segments during a 5-h culture period using a RIA. For positive reference values we studied the effects of ACTH-(1-39), ACTH-(1-24), ACTH-(11-24), and ACTH-(18-39) on in vitro ascorbate depletion and cortisol production. Both ACTH-(1-39) and ACTH-(1-24) depleted ascorbate and stimulated cortisol production in adrenal cells. The dose-response kinetics of the peptides were bell-shaped; maximal responses were reached in both instances at 1 fmol/L to 10 pmol/L. In all tests, stimulation of in vitro cortisol production was paralleled by ascorbate depletion. ACTH-(18-39) also stimulated ascorbate depletion and cortisol production, but at one concentration only (100 fmol/L), and TSH and LH had no effect. Protein-A-Sepharose-purified IgG preparations of the five patients stimulated ascorbate depletion and/or cortisol production in a dose-dependent fashion; however, the responses occurred over a narrow concentration range (15-150 micrograms IgG/mL culture fluid). These observations support the hypothesis that the hypercortisolism of the syndrome of pigmented adrenocortical micronodular dysplasia is due to circulating Igs that stimulate adrenal steroidogenesis.

Effects of ACTH and ACTH fragments on DNA synthesis in guinea-pig adrenal segments kept in organ culture

Stimulation of adrenal DNA synthesis by ACTH and its fragments ACTH (Synacthen) and ACTH was investigated. Synthesis of DNA was measured as the increase in the percentage of cells in S-phase (Feulgen densitometry) in guinea-pig adrenal explants kept in organ culture and exposed to the peptides for 5 h at 37 degrees C. ACTH and its C-terminal fragment ACTH (corticotrophin-like intermediate lobe peptide) were found to be potent stimulators of in-vitro adrenal DNA synthesis. The dose-response kinetics were biphasic and optimal responsiveness was reached in both instances at 1 fmol/1-10 pmol/1 (this biological effect of ACTH has hitherto not been described). The N-terminal fragment ACTH gave only minimal responses. Thyrotrophin and LH, tested as controls, did not induce adrenal DNA synthesis. Epidermal growth factor was a potent stimulator of adrenal DNA synthesis in vitro. Our data suggest a trophic action of the C-terminal part of the corticotrophic molecule. Clear trophic effects were also found for the N-terminal part of the pro-opiomelanocortin molecule N-POC (optimum 0.1 nmol/l) and N-POC(51-62) (optimum 0.1 pmol/l). The latter observations support earlier concepts that this part of the pro-opiomelanocortin molecule has a stimulatory effect on adrenal DNA synthesis.

Frequency and coordination of ciliary beat after cryopreservation of respiratory epithelium

The effect of cryopreservation on human nasal mucosal biopsies was evaluated by determining the frequency and coordination of the ciliary beat. Samples were cryopreserved in a medium containing 80% Gey's balanced salt solution, 10% dimethyl sulfoxide, and 10% fetal calf serum. After thawing, the samples were put in a solution of 90% Gey's balanced salt solution and 10% fetal calf serum. Video recordings of the samples before and after cryopreservation were compared using a semiquantitative method. All the frequencies and coordination patterns seen before cryopreservation could be found in the sample after cryopreservation. It is concluded that ciliated epithelial biopsies can be stored in liquid nitrogen with the maintenance of ciliary beat frequency. In the recorded ciliated cells the ciliary beat coordination was slightly reduced; a lack of coordination was present in 20% of cells after cryopreservation as compared to 10% before cryopreservation.

Bone marrow mitotic index: a methodological study

The mitotic index (MI) of bone marrow specimens is assessed in 3 different ways: method I determines the number of mitotic figures per 1,000 nucleated cells; method II counts the number of mitoses seen per 1,000 nucleated cells belonging to the proliferative pool, and method III is the same as method I, but excludes all lymphoid cells. 30 Giemsa-stained bone marrow smears from 6 children were screened by 3 independent investigators. MI of method II is found to be approximately twice as high as the MI of method I. The results of method III indicate that the size of the lymphoid population introduces a bias, which renders method I less reliable. It is concluded that method II is the method of choice for a reliable assessment of bone marrow MI.