Interactions of HIV-1 with antigen-presenting cells.

There is currently much interest in the numerical and functional loss of antigen-presenting cells (APC) in HIV-1 disease and the contribution that this may make to HIV-1 pathology. The HIV-1 virus can interfere with the normal function of APC in a number of ways involving inappropriate signalling. These include changes in cytokine balance, cell-surface molecule expression and intracellular signalling pathways. This review examines how HIV-1 is able to disregulate APC function and discusses possible outcomes for the function of the immune system.     

Perinatal deaths: analysis by clinical cause to assess value of induction of labour.

Over the 10 years 1966-75 the rate of induction of labour in the Glasgow Royal Maternity Hospital has increased from 16-3% of all births. During the same period perinatal mortality fell from 33 to 22 per 1000, mainly because of significantly fewer deaths due to antepartum haemorrhage; trauma; maternal diseases; and unknown causes in mature babies. The reduction in the number of deaths of unknown causes in mature fetuses was achieved by preventing deaths occurring after 40 weeks and was recorded in all age and parity groups. The results suggested that increased use of induction of labour has contributed to the improved perinatal mortality rate.     

Release of oxytocin and prolactin in response to suckling.

The oxytocin and prolactin responses to suckling were measured in 10 women in early (n = 5) and established lactation (n = 5). Oxytocin was released in a pulsatile manner during suckling in all women, but the response was not related to milk volume, prolactin response, or parity of the mother. In all 10 women plasma oxytocin concentrations increased three to 10 minutes before suckling began. In five women this occurred in response to the baby crying, in three it coincided with the baby becoming restless in expectation of the feed, while in two it corresponded with the mother preparing for the feed. There was no prolactin response to stimuli other than stimulation of the nipple associated with suckling. These results clearly indicate that the milk ejection reflex, with release of oxytocin, occurs in most women before the tactile stimulus of suckling. A second release of oxytocin follows in response to the suckling stimulus itself. Thus it is important that care is taken to protect breast feeding mothers from stress not only during suckling but also immediately before nursing, when conditioned releases of oxytocin will occur.