Association between stressful life events and exacerbation in multiple sclerosis: a meta-analysis

Objective To quantify the association between stressful life events and exacerbations of multiple sclerosis.Data sources PubMed, PsychInfo, and Psychological Abstracts searched for empirical papers from 1965 to February 2003 with terms “stress”, “trauma”, and “multiple sclerosis”.Review methods Three investigators independently reviewed papers for inclusion/exclusion criteria and extracted the relevant data, including methods, sample statistics, and outcomes.Results Of 20 studies identified, 14 were included. The meta-analysis showed a significant increase in risk of exacerbation in multiple sclerosis after stressful life events, with a weighted average effect size of d = 0.53 (95% confidence interval 0.40 to 0.65), P < 0.0001. The studies were homogenous, Q = 16.62, P = 0.22, I² = 21.8%. Neither sampling nor study methods had any effect on study outcomes.Conclusions There is a consistent association between stressful life events and subsequent exacerbation in multiple sclerosis. However these data do not allow the linking of specific stressors to exacerbations nor should they be used to infer that patients are responsible for their exacerbations. Investigation of the psychological, neuroendocrine, and immune mediators of stressful life events on exacerbation may lead to new behavioural and pharmacological strategies targeting potential links between stress and exacerbation.     

Dynamics of concentrations and nutrient fluxes in the xylem of Ricinus communis– diurnal course, impact of nutrient availability and nutrient uptake

Diurnal courses of nutrient transport in the xylem and their response to external availability of nutrients were studied. In soil culture, maximal concentrations in all analysed substances were observed during night‐time. Over experimental periods of up to 20 d, concentrations of some ions increased, most by accumulation in the soil. Stringent nutrient conditions were established in a novel pressure chamber. An aeroponic nutrient delivery system inside allows the sampling of xylem sap from intact plants under full control of the nutrient conditions at the root. Analysis of xylem transport under these highly defined conditions established that (1) diurnal variations in concentrations and fluxes in the xylem are dominated by plant‐internal processes; (2) concentrations of nutrients in the xylem sap are highly but specifically correlated with each other; (3) nitrate uptake and nitrate flux to the shoot are largely uncoupled; and (4) in continuous light, diurnal variations of xylem sap concentrations vanish. Step changes in nitrate concentrations of the nutrient solution established that (5) the concomitant increase in nitrate concentration and flux in the xylem is delayed by 2–3 h and is only transient. Diurnal variations of xylem sap composition and use of the new technique to elucidate xylem‐transport mechanisms are discussed.     

Development of intracytoplasmic lumina in diethylnitrosamine-induced tracheal papillomas of Syrian golden hamster

Tracheal papillomas in the Syrian golden hamster were induced with diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Intracytoplasmic lumina filled with mucus were studied by light and electron microscopy. The sequence of lumen genesis is described ultrastructurally. Mucus substances in the center of intracytoplasmic lumen are presumed to be condensations of cell coat macromolecules. The intracytoplasmic lumen is discussed as a common feature of the adenoid component in epithelial neoplasms.     

Die Bedeutung des Phytochroms für die Entwicklung der Kapazität für Photophosphorylierung

Die Entwicklung der Kapazität für Photophosphorylierung in den epi-gäischen Kotyledonen des Senfkeimlings wird durch Phytochrom (P_fr) reguliert. Wird der P_fr-Gehalt sehr niedrig gehalten, bildet sich keine Kapazität für Photophosphorylierung aus, auch wenn sich die Bildung von Chlorophyll normal vollzieht. Phytochrom (P_fr) kann die Kapazität für Photophosphorylierung nur dann ?induzieren”, wenn die Kotyledonen mit dem oberen Teil des Hypokotyls (Haken) verbunden sind. Hingegen ist die Chlorophyllbildung der Kotyledonen mit und ohne Haken gleich. Während sich der Effekt des P_fr auf die Kapazität für Photophosphorylierung relativ schnell (innerhalb von 15 min) ausprägt, ist der Effekt des P_fr auf die Chlorophyllbildung langsam. Er manifestiert sich erst etwa 2 h nach Lichtbeginn. Es wird der Schluß gezogen, daß die multiple Kontrolle von Piastidenfunktionen durch Phytochrom (P_fr) auf verschiedene, voneinander unabhängige Primärwirkungen des Phytochroms zurückzuführen ist. Mit Unterstützung der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB 46). Wir danken Dr. E. Schäfer für die Bestimmung der Photogleichgewichte des Phytochromsystems bei Dichromatbestrahlung und Frau I. Schneider für gewissenhafte technische Mitarbeit.     

Lipid storage in cultured articular chondrocytes due to prostanoid precursors and a prostanoid synthesis inhibitor

Lapine articular chondrocytes were subcultured in the presence or absence of the prostanoid precursors, arachidonic acid or dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, and the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin. Lipid storage was studied microscopically using the Sudan black staining method. Control chondrocyte cultures showed a weakly positive staining reaction until confluence was reached, at which point the intra-cytoplasmic lipid content decreased. Both arachidonic acid and dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid at 100 mumol/l caused a marked increase in lipid storage which continued even after confluence was achieved. 1 mumol/l concentrations were indistinguishable from controls, whereas 10 mumol/l concentrations elicited a slight increase in lipid storage compared with controls. The prostaglandin cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin did not affect chondrocyte lipid storage. However, administration of a prostanoid precursor in the presence of indomethacin caused a massive increase in intra-cytoplasmic storage of lipid, eventually leading to cell death. A possible explanation is that indomethacin may alter chondrocyte lipid metabolism in the presence of substrate molecules by rechanneling lipid synthesis away from the prostaglandin pathway to other lipid synthetic pathways.     

Identity of the polymorphisms for esterase D and S-formylglutathione hydrolase in red blood cells

Summary The S-formylglutathione hydrolase (FGH) polymorphism of human red blood cells was studied in unrelated individuals, both by isoelectric focusing and starch gel electrophoresis, and with the substrates S-acetylglutathione and 4-methylumbelliferyl-acetate (the standard substrate for esterase D (ESD)). With both separation techniques the two substrates consistently gave similar and identically located zymograms. Thus, FGH (E.C.3.1.2.12) appears to be identical to ESD (E.C.3.1.1.1).