N-Acetyl-Beta-Glucosaminidase of Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes in Patients with Cancer of the Larynx

In 20 men, age 35 to 55 years, with cancer of the larynx, activity of N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase in peripheral blood lymphocytes was determined cytochemically according to Hayashi's method. Numbers of enzyme-positive cells were counted with regard to the type of cytochemical reaction (granular, granular-diffuse, or diffuse), and to the number of enzyme-positive lysosomal granules within a single cell. In comparison to 20 healthy men, age 20 to 30 years, the following changes were noted in the patients: 1) the decrease of the total count of enzyme-negative lymphocytes; 2) the decrease of the total count of lymphocytes with granular type of reaction; 3) the increase of the counts of lymphocytes with granular-diffuse and diffuse type of reaction. The authors suggest that these changes could be related to the immune reaction of specific tumor antigens.

Gene expression profile analysis in laryngeal cancer by high-density oligonucleotide microarrays

The assessment of gene expression profile in laryngeal cancer shall allow to implement molecular biology methods in diagnostics, as well as in prognosis of the course of disease. Thus, it may influence the choice of the most optimal decisions in regards to the method of treatment, extent of surgical procedure, or the necessity of adding post-operative radiotherapy. The aim of the project was to analyse the gene expression profile of laryngeal cancer using oligonucleotide microarrays, aiming to derive novel molecular markers for that carcinoma. The study comprised a group of 14 patients (12 males and 2 females) with squamous cell laryngeal carcinoma, diagnosed and surgically treated between 2005 - 2007 in the ENT Department of the Silesian Medical University in Katowice, Poland. RNA was isolated from frozen tissue fragments. To assess gene expression profile, high density oligonucleotide microarrays (Affymetrix U 133 Plus 2.0) were applied, with over 54 thousand probesets for over 47 thousand transcripts. Four genes, previously not assesed in diagnostic context in laryngeal carcinoma, seemed to be valuable markers of that neoplasm. These are: metalloproteinase ADAM12, cycline-dependent kinase 2 - CDK2, kinesine 14 - KIF14, suppressor 1 of checkpoint - CHES1.

[Laryngeal chondromas: review of the literature and report of three cases]

The authors present three cases of laryngeal chondroma. One of them was localized on the thyroid cartilage and on the cricoid cartilage in two cases. Direct laryngoscopy and biopsy make diagnosis. But it is not always easy to obtain an adequate biopsy sample from cartilaginous tumors because of their submucosal location and consistency. The radiological findings turned out to be very helpful in chondroma of the larynx. All our patients were treated surgically, one of them performed a partial laryngectomy, and two required a total laryngectomy. Laryngeal chondromas are very rare. As well a brief review of the literature is presented.

[Vascular compression syndrome of the vestibulocochlear nerve--otolaryngologic and radiologic diagnosis]

Vascular compression syndrome is the term used to classify a group of conditions though to be caused by the compression of cranial nerve by vessel. In the most cases the contact of vascular loop formed by the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) with the eight and facial nerve correlated with unilateral auditory symptoms or hemifacial spasms. The vascular compression syndrome of vestibulocochlear nerve in 8 patients treated in I ENT Clinic of Silesian Academy and MRI Department in Katowice was observed. All patients were otologic findings such as a tone audiometry, ENG, ABR and radiological diagnostics included MRI and angio MRI. The prospective analysis was performed. The results suggest that the unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, vestibular disorders and positive findings on magnetic resonance imaging are the most reliable evidence for the presence neurovascular compression syndrome of the eight cranial nerve. The MRI and otologic studies provided quite detailed information about topography of relationship between the blood vessels and cranial nerves in the crebellopontine cistern.

[Use of argon coagulation in laryngology--personal experience]

In order to remove or destroy pathological changes of mucosa or control of bleeding in upper respiratory tract or in upper part of alimentary tract there are used various surgical technics including: electrocoaggulation, cryotherapy, laser-therapy. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) makes a new operative technique which is based on physical phenomenon of high frequency electric current flow through ionized argon plasma. There are several advantages of APC i.e.: no contact between applicator and tissue, no carbonization effect, possibility to control the application, large surface treatment. Authors present their own research in APC usage at 42 patients (age average 38.2, women 16, men 26). Estimating preliminary results of treatment APC can be described as an advantageous treatment method of nasal concha hypertrophy, nose bleeding (including Osler disease), nasal cavity polyps and pappilomas removal.

[The case of a large orbital foreign body evacuated by lateral orbitotomy using the Kronlein-Reese-Berk method]

The authors describe a case of patient with orbital large foreign body (glass) treated using Kronlein lateral orbitotomy.

[Alloplastic valve vocal prosthesis to serve for rehabilitation speech after total laryngectomy]

The authors have presented structure and method of implantation of alloplastical valve vocal prosthesis to serve for rehabilitation speech after total laryngectomy.

[Antioxidant enzymes activity in patients suffering from laryngeal cancer]

The adequate activity of SOD, GPX and GR is a significant factor in oxidoreductation homeostasis maintaining. The attempt was made to estimate SOD, GPX, GR activity in full blood of 14 male patients suffering from laryngeal cancer (T2N0M0-T4N2M0). The studies were made before and in 8 and 16 week after the operation using RANDOX Company tests. The analysis of results proved that there were remarkable disorders of GR activity in comparison to a control group.

[A rare case of multiple neoplasms of parotid gland: adenolymphoma and squamous cell carcinoma]

The authors have presented a very rare case of multiple primary neoplasms of parotid gland: adenolymphoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Primary multiple neoplasms and multifocal neoplasms are a very complex problem and therefore have been a topic of many articles. The authors describe mechanism of origin, frequency of occurrence, possibilities of diagnostics. The main reason of these neoplasms origin are simultaneously exposure of the tissue to damaging factors and special tissue sensitivity.

[A rare case of the thyroid tissue in the right carotid triangle]

Authors have described a rare case of split of the thyroid tissue in the right carotid triangle in 41 years-old-man. They lay stress on difficulty with making right preoperative diagnosis. A growth in the right carotid triangle was surgically excised, and the microscopic examination of the specimen revealed thyroid tissue with collide goiter. Because this entity cannot be clinically distinguished from the others neck tumors, split of the thyroid tissue should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

[A contribution to the etiology of objective tinnitus: the case of arteriovenous fistula between the superficial artery and external jugular vein]

The authors have presented a very rare case of vascular anomaly in 51-years old female with an arteriovenous fistula between the frontal branch and parietal branch of superficial temporal artery and external jugular vein with simultaneously haemangioma cavernosum of temporal region. The clinical manifestation and the diagnosis of this anomaly are discussed with particular stress laid on the role of carotid arteriography which demonstrated the presence of this abnormal arterio-venous communication. Surgical treatment and its results are discussed also. The results of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures were compared with cases described in the literature.

[Histological and clinical analysis of mesenchymal malignant neoplasms (soft tissue sarcomas) of head and neck region in the data of I ENT Department of Silesian Medical Academy]

Between the years 19890-1998 in I ENT Department of Silesian Medical Academy were treated surgically 15 patients suffering from soft tissue sarcomas of head and neck region. Patomorphological examination showed: fibrosarcoma (4 cases), haemangioendothelioma malignum (2 cases), rhabdomyosarcoma (2 cases), schwannoma malignum (2 cases), fibrohistiocytoma malignum (2 cases), tumor mixtus mesenchymalis (1 case), haemangiopericytoma malignum (1 case), extrasceletal osteosarcoma (1 case). Sarcomas were localised in paranasal sinuses (7 cases), orbita (5 cases), parapharyngeal space (1 case), parotid gland (1 case) and bucca (1 case). All those patients were treated surgically and most of them were irradiated postoperatively. The authors have presented the diagnostic and methods of treatment of soft tissue sarcomas. According to our experience and data of the literature the method of choice in treatment soft tissue sarcomas should consist of surgery and radiation therapy postoperatively.

[Prosthesis to reconstruction of transmissive system in the middle ear]

Authors have described prothesis to reconstruction of transmissive system in middle ear, which has received using patent no PL 54142 Y1.

[Air conduction threshold values in expanded range of frequencies (250 Hz-18 kHz) in otologically normal persons as assessment of mobility hearing organ in presbycusis]

High-frequency hearing loss is most significant for the organ of hearing aging. Air conduction threshold measurements were taken in 4 groups (aged 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70 years) of otologically normal persons in expanded range of frequencies (250-18,000 Hz). The threshold of air conduction increase parallel to age and to pure tone frequency was stated.

[Cases of pleomorphic adenoma originating in the minor salivary glands]

The authors present 6 cases of adenoma pleomorphum localized out of salivary glands-2 of them on palate, 1 in external auditory canal, 1 in larynx, 1 in lacrimal gland and 1 in parapharyngeal space. All patients were treated surgically.

[The assessment of lateral orbitotomy by Krönlein-Reese-Berke in surgical treatment of primary non-malignant orbital tumors]

AIM

The assessment of lateral orbitotomy by Krönlein-Reese-Berke was made to evaluate the possibility of radical removal of primary orbital tumors, function of visual system and cosmetic effect after lateral orbitotomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The authors analysed a group of 14 patients treated for primary non-malignant orbital tumors. They were treated in I ENT Clinic of Silesian Medical Academy in Katowice surgically by Krönlein-Reese-Berke lateral orbitotomy. A control examination (after 3 years) performed in all 14 patients did not show recurrence of tumor, the motility of the eye ball and visual function was normal, cosmetic effect was good.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that in the cases of primary non-malignant tumors localised in the lateral part of the orbita, orbitotomy by Krönlein-Reese-Berke is the optimal surgical approach.

[Hearing status after stapedectomy with preservation or cutting of stapedius tendon]

The authors analysed the influence of preservation or cutting of stapedius tendon during stapedotomy on postoperative hearing improvement. The material analysed was 110 operated ears, which were divided into two egual groups considering preservation or cutting of stapedius tendon. All operations were performed by the same surgeon using stapedotomy with tarflen prothesis. In all cases before and after operation there was performed tonal audiometry within a range from 0.5 to 4.0 kHz, speech audiometry with indication of speech reception threshold using mono-syllable test. The comparison of operation results did not show significant statistical differences between the studied groups of operated ears.

[The assessment of beta 2-microglobulin concentration in blood serum in patients with radiotherapy-treated laryngeal carcinoma]

The authors present estimation of beta 2-microglobulin concentration in blood serum in patients suffering from laryngeal cancer treated with radiotherapy in the course of treatment and 3 years after. The initial concentration of beta 2-microglobulin in the blood serum was statistically significantly higher in comparison with the control group. A significantly higher initial concentration of beta 2-microglobulin was observed in the group of patients with the recurrence of cancer in relation to the group of patients without the recurrence of cancer both immediately and 3 years after radiotherapy.

[Laryngeal carcinoma distant metastasis to the occipital bone: a case report]

The authors present a case of laryngeal carcinoma with rare metastasis to the occipital bone.

[A case of laryngeal mucoepidermoid carcinoma]

The authors present a very rare case of laryngeal mucoepidermoid cancer. Well separated and encysted tumor was totaly removed with Kleinsasser method.

[Primary orbital tumors treated surgically in ENT department of Silesian Medical Academy in Katowice]

Primary tumours of orbital cavity are a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic problem from a borderline of ophthalmology, laryngology and neurosurgery. Particular anatomical relations of orbital cavity surrounded by paranasal sinuses, cranial cavity cause that it has become an interdisciplinary region and the best method of therapy is multispecialistic surgical treatment ("team approach"). In this article the classification and general symptomatology of orbital cavity primary tumours were presented. 37 patients suffering from primary orbital tumours were treated surgically in the ENT Department of Silesian Medical Academy in Katowice. The patients were aged from 23 (woman with neurosarcoma) to 73 (man with melanoma). All patients were treated surgically: 15 of them by orbital exenteration, 10 by lateral orbitotomy m. Kronlein-Reese-Berk, and 12 by canthotomy. Special attention was paid to possible postoperative complications.

[The use of the temporal fascia pedicle flap for the reconstruction of the posterior wall in the external auditory meatus and osteovit obliteration of the mastoid process in the surgical treatment of chronic cholesteatoma in otitis media]

The authors present the results of the treatment of 34 patients with chronic cholesteatomatous otitis media in whom the posterior wall of the external auditory meatus was reconstructed by remodelling the pedicel flap of the temporal fascia and by obliterating the mastoid process with Osteovit. The results of the operation were estimated with reference to the time of the postoperative cavity getting dry and compared with the control group of individuals in whom radical conservative operation was performed. The results proved that the epithelialization time was distinctly shorter and neither granulation nor otorrhea appeared during 24 months' observation.

[Estimation of the scintigraphy, sialography and fine needle aspiration biopsy use in the diagnosis of the benign parotid gland neoplasms]

The aim of this study was to estimate diagnostic value of the scintigraphy, sialography and fine needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis of parotid gland nonmalignant neoplasms. Evaluation was performed on a 116-patient group with parotid gland nonmalignant neoplasms treated in 1st Department of Laryngology, Silesian Medical University in Katowice, Poland, from 1989 to 1995.

[Plastic tracheostomy tube of Luer's type]

The authors describe a plastic tracheostomy tube which has been accepted as the registered model No: PL 54620 Y1. The presented tube is applied in patients in I ENT Department of the Silesian Medical Academy in Katowice. The authors presented advantages of plastic tracheostomy tube.

[A rare case of multiple primary malignant neoplasms of parotid gland: fibrosarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma]

Primary multiple malignant neoplasms and multifocal neoplasms are a very complex problem and therefore have been a topic of many articles. The mechanism of origin, frequency of occurrence, co-existence of neoplasms in functionally similar organs (uterus, mammary gland), heredity, a possibility of diagnostic and therapy are the most interesting aspects. Frequency of multiple primary malignant neoplasms occurrence is about 2-8% and still increases. Pathogenesis of multifocal and multiple neoplasms has rarely been a subject of articles. A simultaneous exposure of a tissue to damaging factors and special tissue sensitivity are the main reasons for neoplasms origin in this group. The authors present a rare case of parotid gland multiple neoplasm: fibrosarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma, as well as discuss the diagnostics, therapy, and prognosis of multiple neoplasms.

[Laryngocele]

Author present four cases of mixed laryngocoele. Planocellular carcinoma of larynx was recognized at one of the four patients after 17 months from the operation of laryngocoele. A rare case of bilateral laryngocoele described by the authors was found in a woman, who was operated on in 1981 because of the internal laryngocoele at the left side. She was reoperated in 1995 a mixed laryngocoele at the right side was removed.

[Rare primary malignant orbital neoplasms treated surgically in the I Clinic of Otolaryngology of the Silesian Medical Academy in Katowice in the years 1992-1995]

14 patients suffering from primary orbital tumours were treated surgically in the Otolaryngological Department in Silesian Medical Academy in Katowice in the years 1992-1995. The patients were aged from 23 (woman with neurosarcoma) to 67 (woman with haemangioma). All patients were treated surgically: 8 of them by lateral orbitotomy m. Krönlein-Reese-Berk, 3 of them by orbital exenteration, and 3 of them by canthotomy. The author analysed 3 very rare cases of primary orbital malignant neoplasms: neurosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and additionally I case with fibrosarcoma, osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma simultaneously.

[The accuracy of fine needle aspiration biopsy (BAC) for pathomorphological diagnosis of head and neck neoplasms]

The authors present the results of fine needle aspiration biopsy in 58 patients with tumors of head and neck. Cytological and pathomorphological correlation was evaluated in all patients. The highest accuracy of cyto-pathomorphological was obtained in parotid gland tumors, both benign and malign, and in lymph nodes of the neck. The lowest accuracy was obtained in tumors of the orbit.

[Primary multiple neoplasms of the head and neck region]

Considering rareness of primary multiple neoplasms of head and neck region, the authors present 5 cases of different histopathological structure. The authors refer to etiopathogenetic factors and to treatment problems connected with the fact that next recognized neoplasms are, generally, more clinically advanced.

[The concentration of ferritin in blood serum of patients with neoplasms of the larynx and the maxillary-ethmoidal complex]

The increased level of ferritin is known as a nonspecific marker of inflammatory processes and neoplasms. A purpose of the article was to indicate concentration of ferritin in blood serum before treatment of 33 patients with cancer of larynx and 16 patients with malignant neoplasms of maxillo-ethmoid complex. The patients with cancer of larynx were characterized by significantly high level of ferritin in comparison to patients with malignant neoplasms of maxillo-ethmoid complex (p < 0.05) and to healthy people (p < 0.05) (respectively 241.9 +/- 154.9; 106.9 +/- 45.4 and 125.0 +/- 30.4 ng/ml). Contrary to patients with cancer of larynx patients with malignant neoplasms of maxillo-ethmoid complex did not differ in significant level of ferritin from healthy people. The concentration of hemoglobin in blood in both groups of patients was similar and was characteristically lower than values obtained in healthy people. The results achieved suggest that indicating of ferritin can be helpful while making a differentiation between cancer of larynx and malignant neoplasms of maxillo-ethmoid complex.

[The use of x-ray microanalysis and transmission microscopy in studies of the chemical composition and ultrastructure of the microregions of precancerous tissues of the larynx]

The authors have presented the results of studies concerning the changes of chemical composition and ultrastructure of tissue microregions at patients with laryngeal precancerous states. Microanalytical studies were made using X-ray JEOL JSM 35 microprobe analyser. The chemical composition of laryngeal precancerous tissue taken from the patients and a control group was estimated. The results of studies were verified using X-ray PHILIPS XL-30 microanalyser. Studies of tissue ultrastructure changes were conducted using JOEL JEM 100 XC transmission microscope. Some heavy metals like, lead, cadmium, nickel, iron, copper and caesium were found in the tissue from larynx precancerous state. Further more, in analysed biologic material there were noticed various degenerative changes within stratified squamous epithelium.

[Device for controlling hemorrhage in the nasal cavity]

Authors describe a controlling device in a nasal haemorrhage which has been accepted as the registered model No: PL 52469-Y1. The presented device has been applied in many cases of nasal haemorrhage in patients in First Department of Laryngology of the Silesian University School of Medicine in Katowice.

The trial of quantitative determination of the lead, chlorine, and sulfur content in the peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with cancer of the larynx using the X-ray microanalysis method

Using own modification of X-ray microanalysis method the authors evaluated the lead, chlorine, and sulfur content in the peripheral blood lymphocytes in 20 patients with laryngeal carcinoma in comparison with 20 healthy subjects of the control group. In patients with advanced clinical stages of that carcinoma the elevated lead and chlorine content has been stated in above cells whereas that of sulfur was decreased. According to the authors' opinion above changes reflect functional disturbances of lymphocytes in the patient with laryngeal carcinoma related to the decreased detoxicative properties, the intracellular electrolyte imbalance, and the enzymatic machinery alterations within that cells.

The surface structure of peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with laryngeal carcinoma evaluated by scanning electron microscopy

Using the scanning electron microscopic technique the surface structure of the peripheral blood lymphocytes has been studied in 20 men aged 46 to 62 years with the laryngeal carcinoma diagnosed clinically and histopathologically. The control group consisted of 20 healthy men aged 39 to 58 years. According to the international classification 15 of 20 patients studied showed the T3N0M0 stage of the disease and other five the T4N0M0 stage respectively. The peripheral blood lymphocytes of the patients showed significantly greater variability of the surface structure as compared with the controls. The characteristic pattern of the lymphocytes in patients with cancer of the larynx was quantitative increase in numbers of lymphocytes having smooth surface deprived of microvilli and significant decrease of cells exhibiting numerous surface microvilli; these cells may correspond to the T and the B cell series, respectively. Moreover, the patients showed significant, approximately threefold increase in number of lymphocytes having the intermediate surface morphology between above mentioned two basic lymphocyte topographical types. According to the authors opinion above differences between the lymphocytes of patients with cancer of the larynx and those from healthy subjects are associated with the antitumor response of the lymphocytes.

Adenosine deaminase and purine phosphorylase activities in lymphocytes and red blood cells of patients with carcinoma of the larynx

Lymphocytes from patients with cancer of the larynx have been characterized by the activity of two enzymes involved in purine metabolism--adenosine deaminase and purine nucleoside phosphorylase. It has been shown that purine nucleoside phosphorylase activity was 1.5-fold higher in lymphocytes of patients in comparison with a group of healthy individuals. Adenosine deaminase activity in lymphocytes was elevated three to four-fold. The authors suggest that especially the estimation of adenosine deaminase activity in lymphocytes would be a useful laboratory test in the study of immune responsiveness of patients with cancer of the larynx.

Enzymatic deficiencies of the immune system cells in patients with cancer of the larynx and other malignancies

Activity of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase, beta-glucuronidase, and acid phosphatase and myeloperoxidase was determined in neutrophils and lymphocytes of patients with cancer of the larynx and precancerous states of the larynx as well as--for comparative reasons--in patients with malignant tumors of female generation organs, breast carcinoma, cancer of the stomach and endometriosis. The main result of investigations performed was in fact that intracellular deficiency of beta-glucuronidase within the neutrophils characterizes patients with cancer and precancerous states of the larynx. Patients with cancer of the larynx show additionally a deficiency of neutrophil myeloperoxidase. Deficiency of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase occurs, in contrast, in patients with malignancies of female generation organ. Activity of myeloperoxidase in neutrophils from patients with gastric carcinoma is slightly elevated.

The intracellular enzymatic response of neutrophils and lymphocytes in patients with precancerous states and cancer of the larynx

In patients with precancerous states and cancer of the larynx prior to and after radiotherapy exhibit the decreased activity of neutrophil beta-glucuronidase. Moreover patients treated by radiotherapy before the age of 6 to 9 years demonstrate deficiency of N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase in the above cells. The main finding in lymphocytes of the patients studied was in the appearance by diffusion of the above enzymes and of acid phosphatase in the cytoplasm, reflecting their release from lysosomes and immunological mobilization of these cells. The authors discuss the possible role of neutrophil enzymatic deficiency in lowering the antitumour cytotoxic effect of these cells.

Lymphocytes, neutrophils and serum immunoglobulins in patients with precancerous states of the larynx

In 24 men aged 32 to 58 years with precancerous states of the larynx, i.e., leukoplakia, papillomas and pachydermia the peripheral blood lymphocytes were cytochemically stained for N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase, beta-glucuronidase, acid phosphatase and glycogen; and the neutrophils were stained for alkaline phosphatase, myeloperoxidase and lipids. The results were expressed in terms of the absolute counts of reaction-positive cells and of the activity index score. The serum immunoglobulins IgG, IgA and IgM were also determined by Mancini's method. The results obtained were compared with those in 20 healthy men aged 20 to 30 years. The patients exhibited elevated numbers of N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase and beta-glucuronidase-positive lymphocytes. A characteristic feature was an increase in the absolute counts of lymphocytes with diffuse and granular-diffuse types of cytochemical reaction for all enzymes studied. The number of cells with the granular type of enzymatic reaction (intact enzyme-positive lysosomes) was significantly diminished. These cytochemical alterations were accompanied by a significant increase in the serum IgA level. These results are discussed with reference to the lymphoid system response to tissues of precancerous lesions of the larynx. So far as the neutrophils are concerned the patients exhibited significant intracellular deficiency of beta-glucuronidase and decrease in the lipid content as well as an elevated alkaline phosphatase activity. The possible significance of the beta-glucuronidase deficiency in neutrophils for the diminished cytotoxic response of these cells against the tumor and precancerous lesion cells is discussed.

Long-term effect of radiotherapy on the lymphocyte lysosomal enzymes and serum immunoglobulins in patients with cancer of the larynx

Thirty male patients ranging in age from 40 to 70 years, investigated 6--9 years after radiotherapy for cancer of the larynx, showed various alterations of the lysosomal apparatus of peripheral blood lymphocytes. These changes, consisting of diffusion of the lysosomal enzymes within the cytoplasm and disappearance of normal lysosomal granules, were related to a greater extent to the beta-glucuronidase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase positive-lysosomes than to the acid phosphatase-positive ones. Determination of the enzymatic activities was achieved by cytochemical techniques. The increased immunological reactivity of the patients was reflected in the frequently elevated immunoglobulin levels, particularly that of IgA, in the serum and an increase of the enzyme-positive lymphocyte count in the blood.

The enzymatic equipment of neutrophils in patients with precancerous states of the larynx

Cytochemical investigations performed in 24 men with precancerous states of the larynx, i.e. leukoplakia, papillomas and pachydermia, indicated that the peripheral blood neutrophils from these patients exhibit a significant intracellular deficiency of beta-glucuronidase activity and of total lipids, as well as an increased alkaline phosphatase activity. Acid phosphatase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase activities did not differ significantly between patients and normal controls. In the authors' opinion, the neutrophil beta-glucuronidase deficiency might be a specific disturbance of neutrophils in the precancerous states and the cancer of the larynx. The possible significance of this disturbance and the subsequent decrease of antitumor immune reactivity are discussed.