Normal lipid composition of fibroblasts from a case of type II achondrogenesis

Effect of hormones on phospholipid metabolism in human cultured fibroblasts

The effect of hormones on phospholipid metabolism, pool size, 32P labeling and changes in fatty acid of human adult fibroblasts was determined. Simultaneously the change in membrane fluidity of single cells was recorded via fluorescence recovery after photobleaching under the influence of hormones. From all substances tested (isoproterenol, phenylephrine, adrenalin, histamine, angiotensin II, dansylcadaverine, propranolol) only isoproterenol and adrenalin slightly decreased total amount of phosphatidylcholine (PC). The amount of the other phospholipids analyzed remained unchanged. The 32P incorporation rate into phospholipids (PC, phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE)) was affected basicly different analyzing either PC, PI or PE. Histamine and propranolol provoked the highest incorporation of 32P (240% increase in PI labeling). Isoproterenol and adrenalin decreased PC labeling (45% and 18%) whereas isoproterenol decreased 32P incorporation into PI (18%), and adrenalin led to an increase (37%). PE labeling showed no or a slight increase in 32P incorporation applying the other agonists or antagonists. The fatty acid pattern of the respective phospholipids changed only to a minor extend. A decrease in hexadecanoic acid content of PI was found after administration of either isoproterenol, adrenalin or histamine. Parallel determination of membrane fluidity of single cells by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching showed an increase in the diffusion coefficient of a fluorescent lipid probe sticking in the membrane, following administration of isoproterenol and adrenalin, other substances tested exerted no effect. A relationship to changes in phospholipid metabolism became obvious. These results are discussed considering known mechanisms of receptor coupling and change in phospholipid metabolism and fluidity.

Hypochondrogenesis; an additional case

In a case of hypochondrogenesis, abnormal fat deposits were found in the chondrocytes, by anatomopathological and by ultrastructural examination. In the cultured fibroblast we were unable to demonstrate abnormal lipid loading. Our case could be isolated from other types of lethal congenital chondrodysplasias--especially the lethal type of spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita--by microscopic and ultrastructural investigations.

Achondrogenesis: a review with special consideration of achondrogenesis type II (Langer-Saldino)

We describe two dwarfed infants with large head, short neck and chest, prominent abdomen, and short limbs. Both died neonatally. Radiographic and morphologic characteristics identified the Langer-Saldino form of achondrogenesis (type II). Review of type II achondrogenesis documented distinctive clinical and anthropometric manifestations (fewer stillbirths, longer survival time and gestation period, larger size of the baby, longer limbs, and characteristic craniofacial features) as compared with type I achondrogenesis (Parenti-Fraccaro).