Thyroid function and antimicrosomal antibody during the course of silent thyroiditis

The thyroid function and antithyroidal antibody were studied in 17 patients with silent thyroiditis unrelated to pregnancy. The antimicrosomal hemagglutination antibody (MCHA) was negative in ten of them (group I) and was positive in seven (group II). At one month after the thyrotoxicosis, thyroid function became normal in both groups. At two months after the onset of thyrotoxicosis, in group I T4 (8.1 +/- 1.8 micrograms/dl, Mean +/- SD), T3 (113 +/- 25 ng/dl) and TSH were normal. At that time T4 (2.8 +/- 2.2 micrograms/dl) was significantly decreased (p less than 0.001) compared with those of group I and the levels of TSH were strikingly increased in 6 patients in group II. The level of T3 (96 +/- 29 ng/dl) in group II was not different from that of group I. Therefore MCHA was negative in patients who did not develop hypothyroidism and MCHA was positive in patients who developed hypothyroidism. The development of hypothyroidism two months after thyrotoxicosis and positive MCHA are correlated. The Tg was elevated in 7 out of 13 patients (54%) with negative antithyroglobulin hemagglutination antibody and in the remainder was normal during thyrotoxicosis. The discrepancy between the level of Tg and thyroid hormones was discussed.     

Persisting antibody reaction in paragonimiasis after praziquantel treatment is elicited mainly by egg antigens

Antibody responses in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from patients with active and chronic paragonimiasis and in sera from patients on whom follow-up studies were done after praziquantel treatment were analyzed using antigens of Paragonimus westermani prepared from eggs, metacercariae, juveniles of 4- and 7-week old, adult worms and recombinant protein of 28 kDa cruzipain-like cysteine protease (rPw28CCP). The patient sera/CSFs of active and chronic paragonimiasis revealed strong antibody reactions against the crude extracts of 4- and 7-week old juveniles as well as against those from egg and adult. rPw28CCP also showed specific reaction to the sera with active paragonimiasis. After the treatment, levels of specific antibodies in the sera gradually decreased to negative range in most patients. In some cases with persisting high antibody levels, however, the reactions at 27 kDa egg protein were sustained throughout the observation period of 34 months. The reactions at 35 and 32 kDa in adult extract and rPw28CCP disappeared rapidly after the treatment. Persistent antibody reactions even after successful treatment are provoked by continuous antigenic challenge from eggs which were not resolved by treatment.     

Development and validation of chemiluminescent immunoassay for vitellogenin in five salmonid species.

A highly sensitive and specific chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) was developed for quantification of vitellogenin (Vg) in five salmonids. The CLIA for salmon Vg was performed using the two-site method, with anti-masu salmon beta'-component as primary antibody and chemiluminescent acridinium-labeled anti-rainbow trout lipovitellin F(ab)'(2) as the second antibody. Using cutthroat trout Vg as the standard, the working range of the CLIA was from 60 pg to 500 ng Vg/ml. Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation ranged from 3.04 to 6.67% and 3.23 to 5.86%, respectively. For the various salmonid species, serially diluted samples of serum from vitellogenic fish ran parallel to their purified Vg standard curve in the CLIA. In male cutthroat trout maturing during the 4 months before spawning, serum Vg levels ranged from 1.56 to 8000 ng/ml. High levels of Vg in some individuals may have resulted from temporary elevation of estradiol-17beta levels in the same fish during December or January (1-2 months before spawning). This is the first report on changes in serum Vg levels in maturing male trout using CLIA, the most sensitive assay for Vg yet developed.     

Presence and gradual disappearance of filaria-specific urinary IgG4 in babies born to antibody-positive mothers: a 2-year follow-up study

A total of 14 Sri Lankan pregnant women, who were anti-Brugia pahangi urinary IgG4 positive, and their 14 newborn babies were followed up for the urinary antibody for 2 years by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Eight babies showed positive IgG4 reaction, at least once within 4 months after birth. Urinary antibody titers of mothers and their babies measured around the perinatal period showed a significant positive correlation, suggesting that baby's IgG4 was transferred from the mother through the placenta. The IgG4 decreased gradually and became negative in all positive babies by day 339.3 after birth. The present result provides a basis to judge if a positive urine ELISA test among babies is due to a new filarial infection.     

Influence of C4 null genes on infection with human immunodeficiency virus

The hypothesis that complement is important in the host response to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was tested. Complement C4 and Bf allotypes were determined in 26 patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for persistent generalised lymphadenopathy due to HIV, 72 homosexuals who were negative for antibody to HIV, and 185 control subjects drawn from the local population. HLA-A, B, and DR were also typed and the phenotypes examined for the presence of supratypes and C4BQ0. Eleven patients (42%) had C4B null alleles compared with only 13 (18%) homosexuals who were negative for antibody and 28 (15%) controls. From estimates of gene frequencies the difference between the patients with lymphadenopathy and the controls was significant after conservative correction. In the patients only a minority (six) of the C4B null alleles were contained within ancestral haplotypes. Together with the fact that C4 null alleles result in partial deficiency of C4, this finding suggests that products of complement genes are important in infection with HIV or its consequences, or both. A role is proposed for complement and Fc receptors.     

Disappearance of factor VIII antibodies upon frequent administration of factor VIII.

20 haemophilia patients known to have antibodies against F VIII for at least more than three years were treated on a regular base with 25 U/kg b.w. F VIII every other day. All 5 patients with previous maximal anti F VIII antibody levels between 5 and 60 BU/ml showed a decrease of antibody level and normal F VIII recovery within 1-2 months. From 12 patients with previous antibody levels above 60 BU/ml, 8 showed a disappearance of antibodies within 2-26 months. In 3 patients in whom no previous highest inhibitor level was known, one was treated successfully. Another group of 6 young patients in whom an inhibitor against F VIII had just (less than 3 months) developed, was treated with F VIII as soon as an inhibitor was detected. The dose infused was 25 U/kg b.w. F VIII twice weekly. In 5 patients this regimen was successful within 1-7 months. In the 6th patient the dosage was increased to every other day. One year after the beginning of therapy no inhibitor was detectable. So our results show that regular administration of F VIII in intermediate or low dose can lead to rapid disappearance of anti F VIII antibodies especially in patients with moderate inhibitor levels.     

Intraocular and intraorbital compartment pressure changes following orbital bone grafting: a clinical and laboratory study

Visual loss is an uncommon but catastrophic complication after intraorbital bone grafting for the reconstruction of acute traumatic defects or long-standing enophthalmos. Increased intraocular or intraorbital compartment pressure may be pathogenic in this setting. A two-part study was designed to test the null hypothesis that intraocular and intraorbital compartment pressure values remain constant despite orbital volume reduction with graft material. Laboratory study: Intraocular and intraorbital compartment pressures were measured during sequential orbital volume reduction in New Zealand White rabbits that had been randomized to one of three groups: intact orbits (n = 10), acute orbital wall defects (n = 8), and chronic (3 months) orbital wall defects (n = 11). Intraocular pressure was significantly (p<0.05) elevated in all three groups of orbits undergoing orbital volume reduction compared with control, nonoperated orbits. Intraorbital compartment pressure values did not change significantly from control levels throughout the grafting sequence. Although no significant differences existed between groups in the maximum levels of intraocular pressure attained, the chronic group demonstrated a greater rate of rise and slower rate of decline. Clinical study: Using applanation tonometry, intraocular pressure was measured before and serially after orbital floor exploration and intraorbital placement of split calvarial bone grafts in 19 patients who presented with orbital-zygomatic complex fractures that required surgery. A separate group of 16 patients with orbital-zygomatic complex fractures that required exploration of the orbital floor but not bone grafting was used for comparison. A significant (p<0.05) elevation of intraocular pressure was observed immediately after bone grafting compared with nongrafted orbits, but values returned to normal within 30 minutes and remained stable through the third postoperative day. There were no cases of visual impairment in any patients in either group as the result of surgical treatment. These data indicate that orbital volume reduction with graft material results in significant, temporary elevation of intraocular pressure. No significant elevations of intraorbital compartment pressure were detected in the rabbit orbits. Data from this study may have direct relevance in defining guidelines for "tolerable" changes in orbital tissue and globe pressures after surgery.     

Zoledronic Acid Therapy of Patients With Paget Disease of Bone Resistant to or With Unsustained Remission Following Prior Bisphosphonate Therapy

Objective: To evaluate the effect of zoledronic acid (ZA) in patients with Paget disease (PD) who had not had a biochemical remission with prior bisphosphonate therapy or had a remission ≤12 months.Methods: The effects of ZA therapy were studied in 14 patients aged 54 to 90. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were elevated to at least 40% above the normal reference range, and glomerular filtration rates (GFRs) were ≥40 mL/minute. ZA (5 mg) was infused over 15 minutes. ALP and urine N-telopeptide/creatinine (NTx/Cr) were obtained before therapy and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, and thereafter at 4-month intervals.Results: At baseline, ALP ranged from 141 to 1,009 U/L. In 13 patients, ALP fell to normal following ZA administration. Remissions occurred in 9 patients who had not previously had a remission. Remissions varied from 12 to 60 months and were more prolonged in 4 patients with prior remissions ≤12 months. ZA failed to induce a remission in 1 patient. Ten to 12 days after therapy in 3 asymptomatic patients, serum calcium levels fell to 7.9, 8, and 8.3 mg/dL. Other than flu-like symptoms in 3 patients after ZA infusion, there were no other adverse effects.Conclusion: Therapy with ZA induced remissions in 13/14 patients and induced more prolonged remissions in patients who previously had remissions ≤12 months. The lack of remission in 1 patient despite 2 courses of therapy is evidence of a continuing therapeutic challenge for some patients with a more resistant form of PD.Abbreviations: ALP = alkaline phosphatase Cr = creatinine NTx = N-telopeptide 25-OHD = 25-hydroxyvitamin D PD = Paget disease ZA = zoledronic acid     

Serial circulating immune complex values and development of metastatic disease in breast cancer and malignant melanoma patients

Summary A polyethylene glycol precipitation technique was used to determine the levels of circulating immune complexes (CIC) in breast cancer and melanoma patients. All patients in the study had undergone surgery and were free of distant metastatic disease. CIC were measured at two to four time intervals, of 3 to 6 months each, over an average follow-up period of 13.5 months (range 7–20 months). In both groups of patients, metastatic disease developed with a higher frequency in patients who had undetectable CIC levels throughout the follow-up period or had become negative at the time metastases were discovered.     

Clinical Relevance of Serum Aquaporin-4 Antibody Levels in Neuromyelitis Optica

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory disease that selectively affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. The discovery of NMO-IgG targeting aquaporin-4 (AQP4) in NMO patients suggested that NMO is a distinct entity, with a fundamentally different etiology from that of multiple sclerosis (MS). Although NMO usually leads to grave disability because of the more severe tissue destruction compared with classical MS, there have been several reports describing a benign form of NMO over a long disease term. NMO-IgG/AQP4 antibodies show high specificity but medium sensitivity for NMO, while the clinical relevance of AQP4 antibody titers remains to be determined. We aimed to clarify the clinical relevance of AQP4 antibody levels determined by a bridging enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 38 patients with NMO or NMO spectrum disorder. The AQP4 antibody levels were higher in patients with optic neuritis (ON) than in those without ON (p = 0.0164). Among the 12 patients examined in a longitudinal study, four showed an increase in the ELISA values during some relapses, and eight showed no clear correlation between the ELISA values and relapse. Of the four patients who demonstrated a steady rise in the antibody levels over time, two patients had no concomitant relapses, despite elevation of the AQP4 antibody levels. We conclude that high AQP4 antibody levels are associated with the occurrence of ON, but that the antibody levels themselves are not closely correlated with the onset of relapse.     

Prognostic value of serial determinations of circulating immune complex levels in malignant melanoma

Summary A total of 50 melanoma patients free of distant metastatic disease and 54 healthy controls were analyzed for circulating immune complexes (cIC) and complement split product (C3d), using solid-phase C1q-anti-IgG radio-immunoassay (RIA), C1q-protein A RIA, and anti-C3d anti-IgG RIA for cIC detection. No significant differences in cIC and C3d levels could be demonstrated between the controls and the 31 patients with primary malignant melanoma analyzed before surgery. To evaluate the prognostic value of serial measurements, samples from the 50 patients were taken at regular intervals for 4 to 27 months (median, 20 months). Surgery was the only treatment given. Significant changes in the cIC and C3d levels were defined by reference to the changes that occured in 23 of the 54 healthy controls observed for a period of 6 to 55 months (median, 23 months). During the period of serial sampling, recurrent disease developed in 8 of the patients. In only 3 of these 8 patients (versus 10 of 42 patients without recurrence) did significant changes occur, and the changes occurred either at the same time or after the clinical diagnosis of recurrence. During the entire clinical observation period of 6 years, a total of 11 patients developed recurrences. Significant changes were only observed in 4 of these 11 patients versus 8 of 37 patients without recurrence. In conclusion, changes in cIC and/or C3d levels were not found to be indicative of early or long-term recurrence of malignant melanoma.     

Serological Diagnosis of Human Melioidosis with Indirect Hemagglutination and Complement Fixation Tests

An indirect hemagglutination (IHA) test and a complement fixation (CF) test were evaluated from test results on sera from 212 human melioidosis patients of which 119 were culturally proved cases. Significant antibody titers (IHA titers of 1:40 or greater and CF titers of 1:4 or greater) were demonstrated with either test in all except five patients. IHA and CF titers ranged as high as 1:20,480 and 1:1,024, respectively. Antibodies were usually demonstrated by both tests 1 week after onset of disease. Transient seronegative reactions during the course of disease were seen in sera of approximately 19% of the patients with either IHA and CF but rarely with both tests. High titers in either test were obtained by the third week of disease and reached maximum levels in 4 to 5 months. Titers usually were detectable for 9 or more months. Antibodies were detected by IHA and CF tests in 80 to 100% of the sera obtained at various time intervals from 9 months to 2 or more years after disease onset. Antibody persistence occurred in patients who had a short disease course, as well as in patients with prolonged, complicated infections. The IHA test had excellent specificity when evaluated with normal human sera and diverse antimicrobial sera from hyperimmunized rabbits and human patients. The CF antigen appeared to contain common antigens with some but not all types of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The specificity of the CF antigen could be enhanced without appreciable effect on its sensitivity by use of a titer of 1:8 in lieu of 1:4 as a criterion for a significant reaction. Either test could be used advantageously for the laboratory diagnosis of melioidosis.     

Serological follow-up study on the antibody levels to Epstein-Barr virus-determined nuclear antigen (EBNA) patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after radiation therapy

Serological follow-up studies for up to 4 years on the levels of IgG antibody to EBV-determined nuclear antigen (EBNA) were carried out on 36 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The serum levels of IgA antibody specific to EBV capsid antigen (VCA) were also measured in some of the patients. The titers of EBNA antibody were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and those of IgA antibody to VCA were measured by the indirect immunofluorescence method. The EBNA antibody titers in most sera from the patients before radiation therapy were found to be at least 4 times the mean values in the sera of healthy control adults. Within 2 to 8 months after completion of therapy by 4-MV liniac X-ray irradiation with total doses of 60 to 80 Gy, the titers of EBNA antibody in the sera of 6 patients had returned to normal levels, and low levels of EBNA antibody were maintained for a long time after therapy. These serological data were associated with a good clinical prognosis without recurrence or metastases. But in 6 patients, the patterns of change in the EBNA antibody levels were different: the levels remained high after therapy or first decreased to the normal level and then rose to at least 4 times this level. These 6 patients showed recurrence or metastases. The patterns of change in the EBNA antibody levels were well correlated with those of change in the levels of IgA antibody specific to VCA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Initial experience with treatment of human B cell lymphoma with anti-CD19 monoclonal antibody

Summary Six patients with progressive B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma have been treated with an IgG2a mouse monoclonal antibody (mAb) against the B cell differentiation antigen CD19, with total doses varying from 225 mg to 1000 mg. Free mAb was detected in the serum after doses of 15–30 mg. After the mAb infusions the number of circulating tumour cells was temporarily reduced, but in some cases antibody-coated cells remained in the circulation for several days. mAb penetrated to extravascular tumour sites; in general higher doses were required to saturate cells in the lymph nodes than to sensitize tumour cells in the bone marrow. mAb doses of up to 250 mg were given i.v. over 4 h without major toxicity. One patient twice achieved a partial remission after two periods of mAb treatment with an 8-month interval; the second remission lasted for 9 months. One patient showed a minor response. None of the patients made antibodies against the mouse immunoglobulin. Serum immunoglobulin levels were followed as a measure of the function of the normal B cell compartment; no significant changes were seen up to 6 months after mAb treatment.Supported by the Dutch Cancer Society (grant NKI 84-14)     

Clinical management of patients with invasive cervical cancer following a negative Pap smear

Among 535 patients with invasive cervical carcinoma seen between January 1975 and June 1986, 26 were found to have developed the disease within six months (65 percent), 35 within 12 months (88 percent), 37 within 13 months (93 percent), and three developed the disease within 17 months after a negative Pap smear. Eighty-eight percent of these 40 patients were under age 40 at diagnosis. Rapidly progressive cancers are highly resistant to radiation therapy. Seven stage IB patients treated only with radiation died within nine to 29 months after initial therapy. By contrast, 15 patients treated by radical hysterectomy and four by radical hysterectomy and post-surgical radiation were alive with no evidence of disease from six to 109 months after surgery (median, 30 months). Six of nine patients with stage II to IV disease treated with radiation have died; the remaining three are alive. One patient is well 14 months after therapy, but two others have developed metastases seven and 12 months after treatment. Surprisingly, 37 of 40 patients had symptoms of pain, bleeding, and discharge at the initial diagnosis, but their physicians had a false sense of security because of a recent negative Pap smear. Early biopsy diagnosis and radical hysterectomy with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy is the most effective management for this cancer.     

Four drug-HAART in primary HIV-1 infection: clinical benefits and virologic parameters

BACKGROUND: From a theoretical standpoint, primary HIV infection (PHI) represents a great chance to modify the natural history of the disease. In this study we purposed a four drugs regimen with zidovudine, lamivudine, ritonavir and saquinavir to treat aggressively the infection and achieve a complete immune reconstitution. METHODS: This is an Italian multicentric open label study. Adult patients with PHI were eligible for the study if they met at least one clinical criterion and one laboratory criterion of the following. Clinical criteria: Signs and symptoms of acute retroviral syndrome within the past 70 days, exposure to HIV-1 within the last 3 months, a preceding negative antibody test within the past 6 months. Laboratory criteria: Detectable p24 antigen with neutralization in serum; detectable HIV-RNA in plasma; indeterminate Western blot test with negative or low positive value HIV antibody in ELISA test. RESULTS: Since April 1997 to April 1999 40 patients with PHI have been enrolled; 80% of this cohort referred symptoms related to acute antiretroviral syndrome. Treatment has been withdrawn in 17 patients (12 for intolerance, 3 for toxicity and 2 for failure). At baseline the mean CD4+ T cells count and CD4/CD8 ratio were 537 (range 55-1287) and 0.58 (range 0.1-1.03) and the mean plasma HIV-RNA level was 5.9 log copies/ml (range 3-7.15). Plasmatic HIV-1 RNA levels of all patients dropped below 200 copies/ml in 68% of patients at week 12, 81% at week 24, 93% after 12 months and 100% after 18 months. Immunological parameters have been improved and have achieved normal range since 6th month. CONCLUSIONS: A rapid virologic suppression and immunological reconstitution are associated with PHI therapy. However early treatment should be weighted against the potential disadvantages such as immediate adverse events (intolerance and drug toxicity) and long term manifestation (metabolic disorders).     

Contraception in mares heteroimmunized with pig zonae pellucidae

Ten fertile feral mares and 6 domestic horses (4 fertile mares, 1 infertile mare, 1 gelding) were immunized with heat-solubilized pig zonae pellucidae by 4 injections equivalent to 2000 or 5000 zonae each at 2-4-week intervals and a booster injection of 20,000 zonae 6-10 months after the last of the initial inoculations. The immune response was reflected by high antibody levels as measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using immobilized pig zona antigen. In-vivo inhibition of fertility occurred in 12 (86%) of the 14 fertile mares studied and persisted for a minimum of 7 months. Repeated mating of the fertile domestic mares resulted in conception when anti-pig zona antibody concentrations had decreased from initial peak absorbance ratios (greater than 1.0) to relatively lower levels (0.64 or less with one exception). An indirect immunofluorescence assay, revealed a considerably lower cross-reactive antibody titre with horse oocytes as compared to pig oocytes. Clinical, endocrinological and histological analyses of the ovaries and their function following regained fertility after immunization revealed no abnormalities. One mare remained infertile.     

Post-treatment follow-up study of abdominal cystic echinococcosis in tibetan communities of northwest Sichuan Province, China

Background

Human cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus, with the liver as the most frequently affected organ, is known to be highly endemic in Tibetan communities of northwest Sichuan Province. Antiparasitic treatment with albendazole remains the primary choice for the great majority of patients in this resource-poor remote area, though surgery is the most common approach for CE therapy that has the potential to remove cysts and lead to complete cure. The current prospective study aimed to assess the effectiveness of community based use of cyclic albendazole treatment in Tibetan CE cases, and concurrently monitor the changes of serum specific antibody levels during treatment.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Ultrasonography was applied for diagnosis and follow-up of CE cases after cyclic albendazole treatment in Tibetan communities of Sichuan Province during 2006 to 2008, and serum specific IgG antibody levels against Echinococcus granulosus recombinant antigen B in ELISA was concurrently monitored in these cases. A total of 196 CE cases were identified by ultrasound, of which 37 (18.9%) showed evidence of spontaneous healing/involution of hepatic cyst(s) with CE4 or CE5 presentations. Of 49 enrolled CE cases for treatment follow-up, 32.7% (16) were considered to be cured based on B-ultrasound after 6 months to 30 months regular albendazole treatment, 49.0% (24) were improved, 14.3% (7) remained unchanged, and 4.1% (2) became aggravated. In general, patients with CE2 type cysts (daughter cysts present) needed a longer treatment course for cure (26.4 months), compared to cases with CE1 (univesicular cysts) (20.4 months) or CE3 type (detached cyst membrane or partial degeneration of daughter cysts) (9 months). In addition, the curative duration was longer in patients with large (>10 cm) cysts (22.3 months), compared to cases with medium (5–10 cm) cysts (17.3 months) or patients with small (<5 cm) cysts (6 months). At diagnosis, seven (53.8%) of 13 cases with CE1 type cysts without any previous intervention showed negative specific IgG antibody response to E. granulosus recombinant antigen B (rAgB). However, following 3 months to 18 months albendazole therapy, six of these 7 initially seronegative CE1 cases sero-converted to be specific IgG antibody positive, and concurrently ultrasound scan showed that cysts changed to CE3a from CE1 type in all the six CE cases. Two major profiles of serum specific IgG antibody dynamics during albendazole treatment were apparent in CE cases: (i) presenting as initial elevation followed by subsequent decline, or (ii) a persistent decline. Despite a decline, however, specific antibody levels remained positive in most improved or cured CE cases.

Conclusions

This was the first attempt to follow up community-screened cystic echinococcosis patients after albendazole therapy using ultrasonography and serology in an endemic Tibetan region. Cyclic albendazole treatment proved to be effective in the great majority of CE cases in this resource-poor area, but periodic abdominal ultrasound examination was necessary to guide appropriate treatment. Oral albendazole for over 18 months was more likely to result in CE cure. Poor drug compliance resulted in less good outcomes. Serology with recombinant antigen B could provide additional limited information about the effectiveness of albendazole in CE cases. Post-treatment positive specific IgG antibody seroconversion, in initially seronegative, CE1 patients was considered a good indication for positive therapeutic efficacy of albendazole.     

Non-human primate (baboon) anti-gross cystic disease fluid protein-15 antibody infusion in four women with metastatic breast carcinoma

Summary Four women with metastatic breast carcinoma and elevated plasma levels of human breast gross cystic disease fluid protein of 15,000 dalton monomer size (GCDFP-15) were treated IV with non-human primate (baboon) anti-GCDFP-15 antibody. Three patients were given a single IV infusion of antibody, while the fourth patient received four sequential IV infusions. Antibody dosage patients, after antibody infusion the plasma level of GCDFP-15 decreased to 0 ng/ml and remained there as long as free circulating anti-GCDFP-15 antibody was present. The plasma half-life of the antibody ranged between 1 and 40 h and the duration of detectable free antibody ranged from 6 to 240 h. No toxicity was observed for the dosage range of antibody tested. No anti-baboon antibody response was detected. In the patient who received four sequential infusions of antibody partial regression of subcutaneous metastatic nodules occurred. The other three patients showed no clinically detectable changes from the antibody infusion.Funded in part by a grant from the William J. Matheson Foundation