Restriction analysis of the structural alpha-L-fucosidase gene and its linkage to fucosidosis

Human alpha-L-fucosidase is a lysosomal enzyme responsible for hydrolysis of alpha-L-fucoside linkages in fucoglycoconjugates. A single gene, FUCA 1, located on chromosome 1p34.1-1p36.1 encodes for alpha-L-fucosidase activity. To gain insight into the nature of the molecular defects leading to fucosidosis, we have characterized the genomic structure of FUCA 1. Restriction-endonuclease analysis suggests that at least seven exons dispersed over 22 kb are present in genomic FUCA 1. Two restriction-fragment-length polymorphisms (RFLPs) have been identified in the Caucasian population. The PvuII and BglI RFLPs each have two codominant alleles in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Allele frequencies for the PvuII RFLP are .70/.30, and those for the BglI RFLP .63/.37. Both RFLPs are in strong linkage disequilibrium with each other, with a correlation coefficient of .94. The polymorphism information content (PIC) of the combined DNA markers is .38, high enough to be useful in the prenatal diagnosis of fucosidosis. The combined lod score for linkage between the fucosidosis mutation and FUCA 1 markers in two families was significant at a recombination fraction of 0. This suggests that the fucosidosis mutation resides in FUCA 1.

Two new esterase D (ESD) variants revealed by isoelectric focusing in agarose gel

Using isoelectric focusing in thin-layer agarose gel (AGIF) with the narrow pH range of 4.5-5.4, a high resolution of esterase D (ESD) isozyme banding patterns has been achieved. Some variant phenotypes which could not be distinguished from common ESD types by conventional electrophoresis have shown different patterns after AGIF. The IEF method permitted the distinction of two further variants in the ESD system, tentatively named ESD Rehren and ESD Ravensburg. We recommend, therefore, that for the classification of ESD phenotypes a high resolution IEF technique should be used.

Comparison of different X-ray films for 32P-autoradiography using various intensifying screens at -20 degrees C and -70 degrees C

The amplifier effect of different intensifying screens on commercially available X-ray films was tested in autoradiography with 32P at -20 degrees C and -70 degrees C. For the films X-Omat AR, RX and HR-G in combination with the screens G 12 and Lgy-S 600, there was no significant enhancement of blackening at -70 degrees C compared with -20 degrees C. Therefore exposure at -20 degrees C is generally feasible, if an appropriate film-screen combination is used.

"New" phenotypes in the human red cell isozyme system ADA

Two rare ADA phenotypes were observed in a German mother and her child. These phenotypes may be due to the allele ADA *9 previously found in Bulgaria.

Extended polymorphism of the human esterase D isozyme system: description of a "new" allele EsD*11

Using "new" techniques (malic acid thin layer agarose gel electrophoresis and/or isoelectric focusing), the polymorphism of the human red cell isozyme system esterase D (ESD) was shown to be extended. We report the gene frequencies observed among 312 unrelated Caucasian individuals living in the Düsseldorf area. The finding of a "new" allele at the ESD locus is also described.

A reliable method for localizing deep intracranial sources of the EEG

We have demonstrated the reliability of a noninvasive method for successfully localizing the intracranial origin of the EEG. The dipole localization method (DLM) is a computer-assisted, mathematical method based on electrical field theory and is similar to localization methods currently used by electrocardiologists. In 12 patients with intractable epilepsy who were being evaluated for surgery, a known current source was introduced between two adjacent depth electrodes. Using scalp-recorded EEG only, DLM accurately and reliably localized the source to within 2 cm of the known origin in all instances where a discrete source was present. We conclude that DLM is a valid and reliable noninvasive method for localizing the intracranial source of some scalp-recorded EEG potentials, and that in some patients, use of this method may obviate the need for depth electrode implantation.

Failure to detect antihuman-immunoglobulinallotype-active antibodies in diagnostic sera directed against some enterobacteria

Diagnostic sera to determine antigenic properties of bacteria were tested to clarify the question whether these sera also contain antibodies being active against human immunoglobulin allotypes. Sera directed against various strains of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Shigella were found to be negative for anti-Ig-allotype activity.

[Possible common partial antigens in human Ig allotype structure and ubiquitous bacteria, studied with the example of Escherichia coli]

As can be learned from the literature, bovine serum may contain antibodies directed against human immunoglobulin allotypes. This gave rise to the question of what the origin of those antibodies is. We tested bacteria (E. coli) by means of the haemagglutination inhibition assay, which is used to type either Gm or Km factors. Anti-G1m(2) and anti-G3m(10)-specific antibodies were inhibited by the bacteria in a clear-cut manner, as was anti-Km(1), albeit less significantly. In contrast, the bacteria tested almost totally failed to inhibit anti-G3m(21) serum. The results lead to the assumption that E. coli may carry both Gm- and Km-like antigenic structures, which are presumably the antigenic material leading to immunization of cattle. Furthermore, new attention is drawn to a mechanism for immunization which is discussed regarding the genesis of either AB0 isoagglutinins in man or other "naturally occurring" antibodies.

Immunoglobulin allotypes in a Chinese population: comparison of haplotype frequencies with other Asian groups

Two groups of Chinese individuals of the city of Wuhan in the People's Republic of China, consisting of 98 blood bank donors and 278 workers in a steel factory, respectively, have been typed for G1m, G2m, G3m, A2m and Km allotypes. The Gm-A2m haplotype frequencies as well as the Km gene frequencies appeared to be quite similar in these two groups of people, the main haplotypes being Gmaf;n;b A2m2 and Gmza;..;g A2m1. After joining the data of the two groups, the frequencies of the main Gm haplotypes and the A2m and Km gene frequencies have been compared with those of six other Asian populations. In Asia, going from the south to the north, an increasing frequency of Gmza;..;g and a decreasing frequency of Gmaf;n;b were observed. The frequencies found in the investigated Chinese population lie between the frequencies found in the Chinese from Taiwan and the Japanese.

Evidence for a "new" allele at the phosphoglycolate phosphatase locus

An obviously new phosphoglycolate phosphatase (PGP) gene product (PGP Sumatra) was detected by use of horizontal starch gel electrophoresis (SGE). The observed phenotype PGP (1-Sumatra) can be distinguished from any known PGP type.

DNA polymorphism of the major histocompatibility class I genes and their association with serologically defined haplotypes

DNA of unrelated persons as well as members of families that were totally or partially homozygous or completely heterozygous on the loci of the major histocompatibility class I genes has been isolated from peripheral blood lymphocytes and blot hybridized with the class I pseudogene pHLA 12.4 probe. The autoradiographic DNA patterns were discussed and compared with well-defined serological features. Positive associations with serologically typed alleles had been demonstrated for HLA-A1,11; -A2; -A3; -B7; -B14; -B35; -Bw41; and -Cw5.

[Gm and Km allotype determination in fresh and putrefied dilute stomach extracts]

The authors were able to determine reliably Gm and Km allotypes in extracts of fresh human stomach. The results achieved in extracts of putrefied material, however, had a significantly increased rate of errors. Possibilities for those errors are discussed. A description for preparing the organs is given.

[Forensic application of gamma glutamyltransferase in case work: quantitative studies of the activity of gamma-GT in sperm]

The activity of the enzyme gamma-glutamyltransferase was determined in 26 normal ejaculates by means of a commercially available kit. The activities concerned ranged between 3800 and 12 500 U/l at 25 degrees C.

[Unusual Gm-haplotypes possibly due to crossing over]

Four cases are introduced with unusual Gm-haplotypes. Their possible origin is discussed as being either intra- and intergenic or unequal cross over. The last case shows deletions of either y1 or y3 -cistrons due to unequal cross over.

Evidence for a "new" allele at the esterase D (E.C. 3.1.1.1.) locus

An apparently new EsD gene product (EsD*Düsseldorf) was detected by use of horizontal agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE), starch gel electrophoresis (SGE), and isoelectric focusing (IEF). The observed phenotype EsD (1-Düsseldorf) can be distinguished from any known EsD type.

Polymorphism of the human phosphoglycolate phosphatase in Northrhine-Westphalia (F.R.G.) and its application to paternity testing

Blood samples from 563 unrelated German and from 110 Turkish individuals living in the Düsseldorf area were studied for phosphoglycolate phosphatase polymorphism. The distribution of the observed phenotypes in the population genetic study did not diverge from the expected values according to Hardy-Weinberg law. In our series, the gene frequencies were calculated as follows: (a) Germans: PGP1 = 0.851, PGP2 = 0.118, PGP3 = 0.031, (b) Turks: PGP1 = 0.973, PGP2 = 0.018, PGP3 = 0.009. The assumed autosomal codominant mode of inheritance was confirmed by the examination of 109 mother-child pairs and by analysis of 70 cases of disputed paternity. The plausibility to exclude German non-fathers from paternity is 12.78%.

Further data on the development of red blood cell antigens Lua, Lub, and Cob

One hundred and fifty-five cord cells were tested for the red blood cell antigens Lua, Lub and Cob in order to collect data on the early postnatal expression of these markers. Additionally, dosage studies were carried out in 8 - 10-month-old heterozygous children. Antigens Lua and Lub revealed to be significantly less expressed in children of both ages compared with those of their mothers, whereas no such differences could be demonstrated in the expression of the antigen Cob.

[Detection of Gm, Km, and EsD phenotypes in the dental pulp of human cadavers ]

Dental pulps of human cadavers (some of them putrefied) were investigated to determine the immunoglobulin markers G1m(1,2,3), G3m(5,10,21), Km(1), and the isozyme EsD. Reliable results were obtained in the Gm and Km typings, also in putrefied or skeletonized cadavers. EsD typings revealed that the phenotypes EsD(1) and EsD(2-1) are expressed in the dental pulp and can also be detected there in putrefied cadavers.

PGM1a subtyping in Western Germany (Düsseldorf region)

Phosphoglucomutase (PGM1a) subtypes were determined by isoelectric focusing on samples of 496 unrelated individuals. Ten phenotypes were observed as gene products of four alleles at the PGM1 locus, with the following gene frequencies: PGM1a1 = 0.631, PGM1a2 = 0.194, PGM1a3 = 0.126, and PGM1a4 = 0.049. A rare phenotype PGM1(8-a2) was observed.

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis in a brother and sister. Therapeutic trial of fibroblast interferon

This paper describes the very rare occurrence of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) in two siblings: a Turkish boy and his younger sister. The clinical picture was characteristic, and the diagnosis was confirmed in both cases by appropriate laboratory examination. The interval between the occurrence of the first neurological symptoms in the boy, and subsequently in the girl was four years. Study of HLA- and 27 other polymorphic marker-systems did not reveal linkage to one of the systems tested. Therapeutic trials in the girl included intravenous and intraventricular application of a total of 87 X 10(6) U human fibroblast interferon (Hu INF-beta) over 21 days. However, up to 3 months after the end of interferon administration there were no significant changes in the girl's condition.

Experimental studies on the kinetics of early postmortem decay of the lymphocyte membrane. Remarks about its application to forensic hemogenetics and to cornea transplantation

Tests on human and animal cadavers were carried out to investigate the early postmortem decay of the lymphocyte membrane HLA-typing of cool-kept human cadavers can be performed within the first 36 h after death. Hereby, a possibility is obtained to determine HLA-ABC antigens of the deceased for hemogenetic or cornea transplantation purposes. The data obtained from animal experiments give evidence that the decay of the lymphocyte membrane follows a function of the Verhult's type. Using this function, it is possible to estimate the rate constant as a function of temperature.

On recent observations in the rhesus blood group system. I. A weak expression of the Rh antigen e. II. Finding of the rare Rh antigen Cx

Upon testing blood samples for medico-legal purpose, an exceptionally weak expression of the Rhesus antigen e was observed. There is evidence for the phenotype Rh2rh which is rather unusual in white people. Apart from this, the low incidence antigen Cx has been found in two cases. Its mode of reaction with anti-C and anti-c sera is described.

The forensic application of the blood group antigens Lua and Lub

Blood samples from 507 unrelated persons in Northrhine-Westphalia and from 254 paternity cases were tested for the Lutheran blood group antigens Lua and Lub. The gene frequencies were found to be 0.03 (= Lua) and 0.969 (= Lub).

[Another example of N2 showing a negative direct antihuman globulin test (author's transl)]

Upon testing of a blood sample for medico-legal purpose, the red blood cells of a man produced exceptionally weak reactions with all available anti-N-sera. Extensive studies revealed that the cells of this donor are of the same type as P. Tan.'s cells in an earlier paper of Metaxas et al. [5].

The blood group antigen Cob (Colton) in a German population

A group of 300 unrelated and healthy individuals of Northrhine-Westphalia were screened for the red cell antigen Cob. The phenotype frequency of Co(b+) was found to be 7.3%.

The blood group antigen Doa (Dombrock) in a German population sample

Blood samples from 300 unrelated persons in Northrhine-Westphalia (F.R.G.) have been tested for the Doa (Dombrock) blood group antigen. 199 blood samples (66.3%) were found to be Do(a+).

A comparison of the N-terminal amino acid sequences of early and late pools of anti-DNP and anti-DNP-p-aminobenzoylglutamate antibody light chains

The N-terminal amino acid sequences of early and late pools of anti-DNP and anti-DNP-p-aminobenzoylglutamate (DNP-ABG) antibody light chains were quantitatively determined and compared. The amino acid composition at each locus of the N-terminal 20 amino acid residues of each light chain preparation was determined using automatic sequencing techniques coupled with high-pressure liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. The sequence data obtained for the light chains corresponding to antibodies isolated early in the immune response (3-4 weeks) were essentially the same as those for light chains from antibodies isolated late in the response (12-14 weeks). In addition, it was observed that the sequence data obtained for the anti-DNP antibody light chain preparation were almost identical to those found for two anti-DNP-ABG antibody light "hain preparations. The sequence data obtained in the present study were compared with those obtained for normal rabbit light chains and with the composite sequence data published for other rabbit anti-hapten light chains.

[Haptoglobin- and group-specific component-phenotypes in healthy carriers of antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (author's transl)]

No significant differences could be observed when the haptoglobine and group-specific component phenotypes of 51 unrelated, healthy carriers of antibodies to Hepatitis B surface antigen were compared with normal controls. These findings are contradictory to the suggestion of Prokop [2].

[Cross reactions of anti-E sera with the Rh antigens E and Ew]

Tests with 12 different trade anti-E sera have proven that half of them contain anti-Ew components. Therefore, according to the results of the tests, it must be concluded that, by immunizations with the antigen E, antibodies with the specificity anti-EEw are often be formed.

The differential effects of plasma from two groups of clinically similar schizophrenic patients on learning behavior in rats

The effects of plasma from normal subjects and chronic schizophrenic patients were determined on the rate of learning a pole jump response in rats. The animals were trained to a buzzer CS and electroshock US. Mean trials to a 90 per cent avoidance criterion were determined using a 100 trial cut off. Plasma and other control solutions were given intraperitoneally in the morning and the procedure repeated in the afternoon with separate groups of rats. Test trials were initiated five minutes after injection. It was found that all plasma, in contrast to saline, produced an increase in the number of trials to learn the avoidance response. No difference in behavioral effects was noted comparing the plasma of all chronic schizophrenics to normals. However, within the chronic schizophrenic population there are subgroups whose plasma was differentially effective in reducing rate of learning. These results are preliminary and subject to continued experimentation. They are presented here to make others aware of the needto consider the existence of possible biologic subgroupings of schizophrenia in future investigations of the plasma-behavior interaction.