Requests for prenatal diagnosis from parents of children with cystic fibrosis

The request for prenatal diagnosis of cystic fibrosis has been evaluated by an interview during a visit at a cystic fibrosis clinic among 32 couples whose one or several children are affected. Six couples resorted to the procedure between June 1984 and October 1985. In all the cases, in these families the only child (or children) alive was affected. The diagnosis of the disease in the first affected child reduces the number of children planned by the family. The significant use of the test, since its availability points to the existence of a real demand from the parents.     

Phylogenic distribution of human renal antigens defined by monoclonal antibodies

The preparation fo five monoclonal antibodies specific of important human renal histologic structures both functionally and organogenetically has permitted to identify the repartition of the corresponding antigens in the vertebrate phylum. For three of them, appeared a clear cut histologic identity in intensity and localization between the mammals studied and man. For the two others a phylogenic and histologic dispersion was observed. It may be supposed, in the latter case, that the evolution and the biotope have acted in different manners on renal function and organogenesis according to the vertebrate classes or species investigated.     

Prenatal exclusion of congenital erythropoietic porphyria (Günther's disease) in a fetus at risk

Summary Amniotic fluid porphyrins, biosynthesis of porphyrins by amniotic cells, and uroporphyrinogen III cosynthetase were studied after the 17th week of a pregnancy at risk for congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP)¹. Only coproporphyrin was found in amniotic fluid. A diagnosis of CEP was ruled out by the demonstration of normal cosynthetase activity; biosynthesis of porphyrins was identical, not only in the propositus and in control amniotic cells, but also in patients with CEP and in control skin fibroblasts.     

HLA-A,B, C,DR alleles in congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Summary HLA markers (A, B, C, DR loci) were determined for the members of 52 unrelated families with at least one child suffering from congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21 hydroxylase deficiency, permitting genotyping.The gene frequencies of the 52 index cases were compared with those obtained from the parents' normal haplotypes and with those of a control reference panel.No significant differences were observed, except a clear decrease in the frequency of HLA-B8 among the haplotypes that carry the gene for congenital adrenal hyperplasia.     

Hydrogen peroxide induced reproductive and interphase death in two strains of L5178Y murine lymphoma differing in radiation sensitivity

Summary L5178Y-R (LY-R) and L5178Y-S (LY-S) cells, differing in radiation sensitivity and susceptibility to the radiosensitizing effect of benzamide (Bz) were examined for susceptibility to hydrogen peroxide. Survival and chromatid aberration frequency indicated that LY-R cells were considerably more sensitive to H₂O₂ than LY-S cells. So, LY strains were found to be inversely crosssensitive to X/ rays and H₂O₂. The relative resistance to H₂O₂ corresponded with the previously found twofold difference in catalase activity (Jaworska et al. 1987). At higher concentrations H₂O₂ treatment caused interphase death, that was delayed by benzamide (Bz, 2 mM), an inhibitor of po1y(ADP-ribosylation), to a lesser extent in the more resistant cell subline (LY-S). From the examination of the H₂O₂ induced increase in the free Ca²⁺ concentration (with or without 2 mM Bz treatment) with the use of Fura-2 it followed, that the cells responded to the oxidative stress by Ca²⁺ release. The Ca²⁺ concentration increase was neither directly related to the killing effect of H₂O₂ treatment, nor did it correspond with the twofold difference in catalase activity in LY strains.     

Inhibition of rat liver tryptophan pyrrolase activity and elevation of brain tryptophan concentration by administration of DL-alpha-amino-beta-pyridinepropanoic acid (pyridylalanine) analogs

Single doses of DL-alpha-amino-beta-(2-pyridine)propanoic acid (2-PA, 100 mg/kg) significantly decreased the holoenzyme and apoenzyme activities of rat liver tryptophan pyrrolase (TP) and increased brain tryptophan, serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindole-3-ylacetic acid concentrations. 2-PA had no inhibitory effect on either of the enzyme activities in vitro, but its expected metabolites were effective. Single doses of DL-alpha-amino-beta-(3-pyridine)propanoic acid (3-PA, 100 mg/kg) decreased only the holoenzyme activity and elevated brain tryptophan and its metabolites levels in rats. 3-PA and its metabolite, 3-pyridylpyruvate, inhibited only the holoenzyme activity in vitro. DL-alpha-Amino-beta-(4-pyridine)propanoic acid (4-PA) caused significant changes in liver TP (holo- and apoenzyme forms) activity and brain tryptophan concentration only after repeated administration (100 mg/kg/day). 4-PA was a weak inhibitor of the holoenzyme, but its metabolites apparently inhibited the holo- and apoenzyme activities in vitro. These findings suggest that PA analogs (and/or their metabolites) increased brain tryptophan (and hence 5-HT synthesis) by directly inhibiting liver TP activity.