23 REDUCTION OF MITOCHONDRIAL FUNCTION, PROLIFERATION, AND GENE EXPRESSION IN FIBROBLAST DONOR CELLS FOR USE IN SOMATIC CELL NUCLEAR TRANSFER BY CPI-613 AND PS48

The morphology (spherical and without cristae) and metabolism (lowly functional) of mitochondria in early embryos and other rapidly proliferating cells exhibit a Warburg effect (WE)-like metabolism. A hallmark of the WE is the predominate use of glycolysis for energy production as opposed to the tricarboxylic acid cycle used by differentiated cells. Additionally, increased signalling of the PI3K pathway is correlated with an increase in glucose metabolism within cancer cells and is consistent with the WE. PS48 stimulates the PI3K pathway, and CPI-613 inhibits pyruvate dehydrogenase. The goal was to achieve a WE-like effect in donor cells before NT. Day 35 porcine fetal fibroblasts were treated as controls (CON, 0 μM) or with CPI (25, 50, or 100 μM) or PS48 (1, 5, 10 μM) for 7 days. Cytometry data were processed using SUMMIT software and analysed via GLM procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA); all variables were analysed for the main effect of drug concentration. Trypan blue cell viability measures were analysed using GLM. For each collection day (i.e. Day 3, 5, and 7), all variables were analysed for the main effect of treatment, duration of culture, and their interaction. All mRNA expression as measured via the ΔΔ-ct method by qPCR was analysed using CT values in GLM for the main effect of drug treatment. Total number of cells and live cells at 120 h was decreased (P ≤ 0.03) in all PS48 treatments compared with CON cells (total cells: CON = 8.95 × 106 v. PS48 treatments ≤6.98 × 106; live cells: CON = 8.39 × 106 v. PS48 treatments ≤6.50 × 106). While the percentage live cells in CPI and CON cells did not differ (P ≥ 0.09), 100 μM decreased the number of total cells and live cells from that of CON for every time point by ~50% (P ≤ 0.02), whereas the other CPI treatments 25 and 50 μM were intermediate. Expression of PDK2 was reduced with 10 μM PS48 treatment compared with CON, and 50 and 100 μM CPI treated cells (P < 0.001; PS48 10 μM: 0.335 v. ≤1.012 other treatments). The CPI 100 μM and 10 μM PS48 concentrations decreased PKM M1 variant expression compared with CON and 50 μM CPI cells (P < 0.001; CPI 100 μM and PS48 10 μM <0.44; CPI 50 μM and CON >0.68). To determine the mitochondrial membrane potential, JC-10 was used. The percentage of cells with high mitochondrial membrane potential decreased (P = 0.04) with PS48 treatment (PS48 treatments ≤19.6%, control = 25.6%). Treatment with CPI also decreased (P ≤ 0.01) membrane potential and the percentages of cells (high function: CPI treatments ≤12.7 v. 25.6% in control; low function: CPI treatments ≥80.3 v. 74.3%). Because PS48 or CPI decrease mitochondrial membrane potential and the abundance of PKM M1, the metabolism of these potential donor cells may be more blastomere like. Experiments are underway to determine whether cells treated with PS48 or CPI will result in better development after somatic cell NT. This study was funded by Food for the 21st Century and NIH R01HD080636.

Acute blockade by endothelin-1 of haemodynamic insulin action in rats

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Plasma levels of endothelin-1 are frequently elevated in patients with hypertension, obesity and type 2 diabetes. We hypothesise that this vasoconstrictor may prevent full perfusion of muscle, thereby limiting delivery of insulin and glucose and contributing to insulin resistance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The acute effects of endothelin-1 on insulin-mediated haemodynamic and metabolic effects were examined in rats in vivo. Endothelin-1 (50 pmol min(-1) kg(-1) for 2.5 h) was infused alone, or 30 min prior to a hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic insulin clamp (10 mU min(-1) kg(-1) for 2 h). Insulin clamps (10 or 15 mU min(-1) kg(-1)) were performed after 30 min of saline infusion.

RESULTS

Endothelin-1 infusion alone increased plasma endothelin-1 11-fold (p < 0.05) and blood pressure by 20% (p < 0.05). Endothelin-1 alone had no effect on femoral blood flow, capillary recruitment or glucose uptake, but endothelin-1 with 10 mU min(-1) kg(-1) insulin caused a decrease in insulin clearance from 0.35 +/- 0.6 to 0.19 +/- 0.02 ml/min (p = 0.02), resulting in significantly higher plasma insulin levels (10 mU min(-1) kg(-1) insulin: 2,120 +/- 190 pmol/l; endothelin-1 + 10 mU min(-1)kg(-1) insulin: 4,740 +/- 910 pmol/l), equivalent to 15 mU min(-1) kg(-1) insulin alone (4,920 +/- 190 pmol/l). The stimulatory effects of equivalent doses of insulin on femoral blood flow, capillary recruitment and glucose uptake were blocked by endothelin-1.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Endothelin-1 blocks insulin's haemodynamic effects, particularly capillary recruitment, and is associated with decreased muscle glucose uptake and glucose infusion rate. These findings suggest that elevated endothelin-1 levels may contribute to insulin resistance of muscle by increasing vascular resistance and limiting insulin and glucose delivery.

Effects of dissolved carbon dioxide on the physiology and behavior of fish in artificial streams

A new technology for treating waters contaminated with acid mine drainage involves the dissolution of limestone particles using carbon dioxide at pressures above ambient. Because of the fish health risks associated with episodes of high carbon dioxide levels in treated waters, we subjected three species of fish, brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus), and blacknose dace (Rhinichthys atratulus), to 24 h exposures of elevated dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2) at three levels, ranging from 1.0 (low) to 6.3 (high)%, under laboratory conditions. We measured blood physiological variables as well as behavior, including feeding responses, before, during, and after exposure. Physiological responses differed by species, but all species had elevated hematocrits after 1 h of exposure. Brook trout hematocritis were higher at medium and high levels of CO2 than in a control group (0.0% CO2) after 24 h of exposure. Slimy sculpin hematocrits were higher in medium- and high-level exposure groups than in controls after 1 h, but not after 24 h, of exposure. Blacknose dace hematocrits were higher in all three exposure groups than in controls after 1 h but only in medium-level exposure groups after 24 h. Brook trout plasma glucose was significantly higher in medium- and high-level exposure groups after 1 h, and in the high-level group after 24 h, than in controls. Slimy sculpin plasma glucose was not significantly different in elevated CO2 exposure groups from that of controls throughout exposure. Branchial ventilation was significantly greater in all species at elevated CO2 during exposure, indicating stress; however, no difference was observed between treatment and control groups of blacknose dace after 24 h, indicating acclimation. Pectoral fin beats and cough rates were not consistently related to CO2 exposure throughout the study. Brook trout had the longest lasting reaction to stress at lower levels of CO2 among the three species tested. Many of the 11 observed behavioral variables, related to swimming, feeding, social, and illness factors, were affected by elevations of dissolved CO2. Two to seven behavioral variables (18-64% of those measured) were affected by treatment level of dissolved CO2 with a trend by species for the number of variables affected: brook trout > blacknose dace > slimy sculpin. However, behavioral sensitivity to treatment level was greatest in blacknose dace. Recovery to pre-treatment activity rates for most behavior patterns (including feeding) was observed 24 h after cessation of exposure in all three species. Recovery was independent of treatment level, was most rapid in blacknose dace, and was slowest in brook trout. Overall, slimy sculpin was least affected behaviorally by elevated CO2. Although all three species showed stress response and changes in behavior at moderate levels of CO2 (> or = 2%), brook trout and blacknose dace showed evidence of ability to avoid harmful CO2 levels by swimming out of affected waters, whereas the slimy sculpin showed minimal behavioral changes despite remaining in place during exposure. Thus, predation risk and other sources of mortality seem minimal in the event of technological malfunction at a stream treatment site involving the use of CO2 under pressure.

Identification of a mutation cluster in mevalonate kinase deficiency, including a new mutation in a patient of Mennonite ancestry

Mevalonate kinase (MKase) deficiency (MKD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder in the pathway of cholesterol and nonsterol isoprenoid biosynthesis. Thus far, two disease-causing missense alleles have been identified, N301T and A334T. We report four additional mutations associated with MKD: L264F, T243I, L265P, and I268T, the last found in a patient of Mennonite ancestry. Electrophoretic analysis of bacterially expressed wild-type and mutant MKase indicated that I268T and T243I mutants produced normal or somewhat reduced amounts of MKase protein; conversely, L264F and L265P mutations resulted in considerably decreased, or absent, MKase protein. Immunoblot analysis of MKase from all patients suggested that the MKase polypeptide was grossly intact and produced in amounts comparable to control levels. Three mutations resulted in significantly diminished MKase enzyme activity (<2%), whereas the I268T allele yielded approximately 20% residual enzyme activity. Our results should allow more-accurate identification of carriers and indicate a mutation "cluster" within amino acids 240-270 of the mature MKase polypeptide.

A BMP homolog acts as a dose-dependent regulator of body size and male tail patterning in Caenorhabditis elegans

We cloned the dbl-1 gene, a C. elegans homolog of Drosophila decapentaplegic and vertebrate BMP genes. Loss-of-function mutations in dbl-1 cause markedly reduced body size and defective male copulatory structures. Conversely, dbl-1 overexpression causes markedly increased body size and partly complementary male tail phenotypes, indicating that DBL-1 acts as a dose-dependent regulator of these processes. Evidence from genetic interactions indicates that these effects are mediated by a Smad signaling pathway, for which DBL-1 is a previously unidentified ligand. Our study of the dbl-1 expression pattern suggests a role for neuronal cells in global size regulation as well as male tail patterning.

An effect of magnesium on neuromuscular function in parturients

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of magnesium sulfate on neuromuscular transmission in parturients.

DESIGN

Open-label, clinical study.

SETTING

Preeclamptic patients at a university-affiliated hospital.

PATIENTS

12 pregnant patients, ages 18 to 40 years, with preeclampsia or entering preterm labor.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were treated with magnesium sulfate. Train-of-four (TOF) recordings of the adductor pollicis muscle were obtained before and 30 minutes after the magnesium sulfate infusion.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Each contractile response in the control TOF showed an increase in the tension developed in response to supramaximal stimulation. The TOF responses after magnesium sulfate did not demonstrate this phenomenon, but rather developed fade. The T4/T1 ratios ranged from 0.72 to 0.92.

CONCLUSIONS

In this patient population, clinically relevant infusions of magnesium sulfate produced significant changes in neuromuscular transmission as manifested by loss of treppe phenomenon and diminished TOF response to ulnar nerve stimulation.

Methods and limitations of assessing functional work capacity objectively

This paper examined the methods and issues of assessing objectively the functional capacity of workers. The primary emphasis was on aerobic capacity (VO2max ) and repetitive lifting. While the direct measurement of expired gases during exhausting exercise is the most valid method of assessing the VO2max  of workers, it is rarely done outside research or medical settings. The methods more commonly used are: maximal exercise tests; submaximal exercise tests; and non-exercise tests. Maximal tests are accurate, but require medical monitoring when testing workers at medical risk. Submaximal tests are less accurate, but are safer and faster than a maximal test. Submaximal tests use heart rate response to submaximal power output to estimate VO2max ; thus, any factor that alters heart rate response reduces the accuracy of the test. Non-exercise tests are as accurate as sub maximal tests, but require a self-report rating. The physiological criteria used to help define the recommended repetitive lift loads of the revised NIOSH equation included baseline aerobic capacity and energy expenditure values. While the goal is to reduce the risk of injury, the baseline aerobic capacity (≈ 25 ml/kg/min) and energy expenditure levels are so low (≤3.5 METs) that they may have an adverse effect on public health. Normative VO2max  data on industrial cohorts suggest that 44% of male and 79% of female industrial workers are at a health risk of low aerobic fitness. Data are presented that suggests that repetitive lifting tasks are more of a function of strength and fat-free weight than aerobic capacity. While aerobic capacity, strength, and fat-free weight are objective methods to assess functional capacity, worker motivation and reaction to chronic pain can affect test results.

The differential regulation of the circulating levels of the insulin-like growth factors and their binding proteins (IGFBP) 1, 2 and 3 after elective abdominal surgery

OBJECTIVES

Patients undergoing abdominal surgery often suffer from morbidity associated with increased protein catabolism. Therapeutic recombinant human insulin-like growth factor (rhIGF)-I has been proposed as a means of reversing this process. As IGFBPs modulate the bioavailability of the IGFs, we have studied the changes in the circulating levels of these peptides during surgery.

DESIGN

Patients undergoing elective intestinal surgery were recruited prospectively. Blood samples were taken before, during and after surgery. Standard anaesthetic techniques were used.

METHODS

Twelve adults (aged 30-70 years; 9 female, 3 male) undergoing surgery were studied. Serum was taken before premedication (preop), end of surgery (end surg), 2 h, 6 h post surgery, on days 1-4, 7, 10 and 14, and on recovery at 6 weeks.

MEASUREMENTS

Serum IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-3, insulin and C-peptide were measured by radioimmunoassay. IGFBP profiles were also assessed by Western ligand blot (WLB). Samples taken preop and at 2 days were separated by fast-phase liquid chromatography (FPLC) using a Superose 12 column under neutral conditions (pH 7.4), and the fractions were analysed subsequently by WLB and immunoblot using a specific IGFBP-3 antiserum.

RESULTS

IGF-I fell rapidly during surgery from 170 +/- 21 (preop) to 133 +/- 14 micrograms/l (end surg) (P < 0.05). The magnitude of this fall could not be explained by haemodilution. IGF-I levels then fell further to a nadir of 103 +/- 10 micrograms/l at day 4 (P < 0.05). IGF-II fell from 580 +/- 46 (preop) to 397 +/- 38 micrograms/l (day 2). Both IGF-I and IGF-II recovered to preop levels at 6 weeks (205 +/- 14 micrograms/l and 623 +/- 30 micrograms/l respectively). IGFBP-3 levels fell similarly from 4.46 +/- 0.45 to 3.2 +/- 0.3 mg/l (end surg) and to a nadir of 2.66 +/- 0.19 mg/l at day 2. There was a close correlation between IGFBP-3 levels and the sum of IGF-I and IGF-II levels before surgery (r = 0.9, P < 0.01) and this was maintained throughout the post-operative period (mean correlation coefficient of 0.86 +/- 0.02, P < 0.05). On days 2 and 3 there was a small but significant increase in the ratio between serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels compared with the preop ratio (P < 0.05 and < 0.005, respectively). WLB demonstrated almost complete absence of IGFBP-3 by day 2. This discrepancy between RIA and WLB analysis of IGFBP-3 suggested the presence of IGFBP-3 protease activity between days 1 and 4. This was confirmed by WLB and immunoblot analyses of samples taken 2 days after surgery. The decrease in IGFBP-3 on WLB was shown to be associated with an increase in the proteolytically cleaved fragments of IGFBP-3. These fragments following FPLC were detected in the high molecular weight fractions, suggesting that the fragments were still able to form the high molecular weight IGFBP-3/ALS complex which is thought to form only when IGF is bound by IGFBP-3. IGFBP-1 levels rose during surgery (mean duration of surgery was 125 minute) from 18 +/- 3 (preop) to 51 +/- 12 micrograms/l (end surg) (P < 0.05). This rise in IGFBP-1 paralleled increases in insulin from 7.3 +/- 1.0 to 20.8 +/- 7.5 mU/l and glucose from 4.6 +/- 0.3 to 8.7 +/- 1.2 mmol/l. IGFBP-1 levels then fell to basal values by 6 hours. IGFBP-2, in contrast, fell slightly during surgery from 636 +/- 14 to 599 +/- 96 mg/l and then returned to basal levels by 6 hours.

CONCLUSION

After major surgery there are complex and diverse changes in the IGFs and IGFBPs. The effect of these changes on IGF bioavailability may significantly affect the therapeutic potential of IGF-I in this setting.

Cardiac enzymes in patients undergoing caesarean section

Some of the changes reported in the ECG of parturients undergoing Caesarean section are suggestive of myocardial ischaemia. This study determined serum CK total and the isoenzyme CK-MB levels in 21 patients during and after Caesarean section under epidural anaesthesia. Twenty patients complained of chest pain, discomfort and pressure, while 12 had ST segmental depression. Although the total CK activity in ten patients was elevated, CK-MB activity in all patients was negative. The electrocardiographic changes were rate-related and occurred at the time pressure was placed upon the upper abdomen and lower thoracic cage by the surgeon to facilitate Caesarean delivery. The data from this study demonstrate that no myocardial injury as measured by CK-MB activity occurs in parturients undergoing Caesarean delivery despite the complaint of chest pain, discomfort and pressure, and ST changes in the ECG.

Changes in aerobic power of men, ages 25-70 yr

This study quantified and compared the cross-sectional and longitudinal influence of age, self-report physical activity (SR-PA), and body composition (%fat) on the decline of maximal aerobic power (VO2peak). The cross-sectional sample consisted of 1,499 healthy men ages 25-70 yr. The 156 men of the longitudinal sample were from the same population and examined twice, the mean time between tests was 4.1 (+/- 1.2) yr. Peak oxygen uptake was determined by indirect calorimetry during a maximal treadmill exercise test. The zero-order correlations between VO2peak and %fat (r = -0.62) and SR-PA (r = 0.58) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher that the age correlation (r = -0.45). Linear regression defined the cross-sectional age-related decline in VO2peak at 0.46 ml.kg-1.min-1.yr-1. Multiple regression analysis (R = 0.79) showed that nearly 50% of this cross-sectional decline was due to %fat and SR-PA, adding these lifestyle variables to the multiple regression model reduced the age regression weight to -0.26 ml.kg-1.min-1.yr-1. Statistically controlling for time differences between tests, general linear models analysis showed that longitudinal changes in aerobic power were due to independent changes in %fat and SR-PA, confirming the cross-sectional results.

Prediction of functional aerobic capacity without exercise testing

The purpose of this study was to develop functional aerobic capacity prediction models without using exercise tests (N-Ex) and to compare the accuracy with Astrand single-stage submaximal prediction methods. The data of 2,009 subjects (9.7% female) were randomly divided into validation (N = 1,543) and cross-validation (N = 466) samples. The validation sample was used to develop two N-Ex models to estimate VO2peak. Gender, age, body composition, and self-report activity were used to develop two N-Ex prediction models. One model estimated percent fat from skinfolds (N-Ex %fat) and the other used body mass index (N-Ex BMI) to represent body composition. The multiple correlations for the developed models were R = 0.81 (SE = 5.3 ml.kg-1.min-1) and R = 0.78 (SE = 5.6 ml.kg-1.min-1). This accuracy was confirmed when applied to the cross-validation sample. The N-Ex models were more accurate than what was obtained from VO2peak estimated from the Astrand prediction models. The SEs of the Astrand models ranged from 5.5-9.7 ml.kg-1.min-1. The N-Ex models were cross-validated on 59 men on hypertensive medication and 71 men who were found to have a positive exercise ECG. The SEs of the N-Ex models ranged from 4.6-5.4 ml.kg-1.min-1 with these subjects.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Fat embolism after liposuction

We present a case of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after extensive liposuction. On the basis of fever, tachypnea, hypoxia, and ARDS occurring within 48 hours after surgery without evidence of cardiogenic pulmonary edema or sepsis, the etiology is believed to be fat embolism. Although liposuction is generally an effective and safe procedure, awareness of this life-threatening complication is important in order to institute prompt and appropriate treatment. Fat embolism must be differentiated from thromboembolism, as the treatment is different, and heparin is not indicated. It is recommended that training standards and guidelines be devised in order to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this procedure.

Measurement of plasma prostaglandin F2 alpha using capillary gas chromatography negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry

A stable isotope dilution gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method for the measurement of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) in plasma has been developed. The linearity of the method was 0 to 250 pg per ml, day-to-day precision of five percent at a level of 80 pg per ml, and a limit of detection of one pg per ml. Evaluation of the absolute recovery of PGF2 alpha through the sample clean-up steps using tritium labelled PGF2 alpha gave recoveries of 68 +/- 5 percent. A preliminary reference range estimated a mean plasma PGF2 alpha level of 83 +/- 13 pg per ml (n = 7) with a range of 62 to 103 pg per ml in healthy adults. The major application of this method will be in research protocols studying changes of PGF2 alpha in toxemia of pregnancy.

Limitation of deuterium labelled methoximes as internal standards in the mass spectral analysis of prostaglandins

A reported method for the preparation of d3-methoxime derivatives as internal standards for prostaglandin assays by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was evaluated. Sample derivatization resulted in 1.5-86% exchange of the d3-methoxime in a series of prostaglandins. Exchange was minimal when the methoxime was on the 5-membered ring; whereas, acyclic methoximes exhibited extensive exchange. Induced strain energy due to the steric interaction of the hydroxyl group and the C13-C20 alkyl side chain with the gem-dimethoxylamine transition state is offered as an explanation for the unusual stability of PGE2. The use of 18O exchange of the carboxylic acid function is presented as an alternative for the preparation of unavailable labelled eicosanoids.

Delayed life-threatening hemothorax associated with rib fractures

We present two cases of delayed, massive, life-threatening hemothorax due to intercostal hemorrhage in association with fractured ribs and severe blunt chest trauma (SBCT), a combination we have not seen described in the literature. Blunt chest trauma is not benign. Significant intrathoracic injuries are frequent although usually not life threatening. However, associated extrathoracic injuries are also common and much more lethal. Most cases of hemo- and pneumothorax associated with SBCT can be treated without thoracotomy. However, rapid blood loss requires immediate open thoracotomy and surgical attention. Several days of observation in hospital may be required for patients with SBCT and fractured ribs even without any other obvious intra- or extra-thoracic injuries. Vigorous activity or chest physical therapy may be dangerous during the first several days after the injury.

The use of growth hormone-releasing hormone in the diagnosis and treatment of short stature

We have assessed the role of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) as a diagnostic test in 40 children and young adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD), principally using the GHRH(1-29)NH2 analogue. Following 200 micrograms GHRH as an acute intravenous bolus, serum GH rose to normal or just subnormal levels in 13 out of 17 children with structural lesions, and in 8 of 14 patients with idiopathic GHD or panhypopituitarism. Of 9 children (mean age 12 years) with GHD following treatment with cranial irradiation for nonendocrine tumours, all responded acutely to GHRH. 12- and 24-hour infusions with GHRH(1-29)NH2, and 1- and 2-week treatments with twice-daily subcutaneous GHRH(1-29)NH2, showed persistent stimulation of GH release. It is concluded that many children with GHD of diverse aetiology will respond both acutely and chronically to treatment with GHRH.

Sex Change in a Coral-Reef Fish: Dependence of Stimulation and Inhibition on Relative Size

The removal of a single dominant individual has been shown to trigger a sex change in some coral-reeffish. In the saddleback wrasse (Thalassoma duperrey), however, female-to-male sex change requires visual stimulation from smaller conspecifics. This change is not dependent on the sex or color of the stimulus fish and can be inhibited by larger conspecifics. On the reef, a female probably changes sex when the relative numbers of larger and smaller conspecifics change within her home range.

Measurement of plasma prostaglandin E2 using capillary gas chromatography negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry

A stable isotope dilution assay for the measurement of plasma prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) employing capillary column gas chromatography-negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry (GC-NICIMS) is described. PGE2 was extracted from plasma using C18 and silica SEP-PAKS. Further purification and separation was accomplished by thin layer chromatography. The prostaglandin was analyzed as its pentafluorobenzyl ester-methoxime-trimethyl-silyl ether, using fragment ions at m/e 524 (protium) and m/e 528 (deuterium) for quantitation. The mean plasma concentration of PGE2 determined in 8 healthy volunteers was 2.8 +/- 2.0 pg/ml.

Hepatic dysfunction secondary to heart failure

The case reports of five patients who manifested severe hepatocellular injury secondary to heart failure are presented. All had evidence of severe left ventricular dysfunction and low cardiac output state. The clinical findings of right heart failure were variable and not always present. Liver histology, when obtained, revealed evidence of centrilobular necrosis (CLN). Rapid normalization of the biochemical abnormalities occurred in all patients, irrespective of clinical improvement of their cardiac status.

Anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia with transient hypogammaglobulinemia

An 8-month-old white boy with anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (AED) who was referred to the North Carolina Baptist Hospital because of recurrent respiratory infections and hypogammaglobulinemia is presented. His mother had partial expression of AED suggesting x-linked recessive inheritance in this family. She was incidentally given oral glucocorticoids during pregnancy for the treatment of chronic urticaria. The patient's serum immunoglobulins G, A and M were low at 8 months but normal by 15 months of age, and immunologic evaluation failed to show a defect in antibody production or cell-mediated immunity. Although rare, the diagnosis of AED must be considered in infant boys with recurrent fever and respiratory infections. The diagnostic features of the disease may be subtle in young child prior to the eruption of the characteristic peg-shaped teeth.