BACKGROUND: Murine IL-2-induced lymphokine-activated killers can be divided into two mutually exclusive subset:NK1.1'CD8 and NK1.1 CD8+. However, there is a strong evidence that NK cell may belong to T cell lineage. Recently novel lymphocyte subsets, present in the adult murine thymus, CD3+NK1.1'TCRap(TNK) cell is readily identifiable in fresh obtained murine adult CD4 CD8 thymocytes. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We sorted out CD4 and CD8 (double negative.' DN) cells and CD8+ cells from murine spleen and cultivated these cells with IL-2. And the surface B220, CD8, NK1. 1 and cytopasmic NK1.1 was analysed simultaneously to see whether these cells can be switched to the other subtype of cells. RESULT: Purified DN cells were switched to several subtype of cells'. CD8'B220+(LAK cells), NK1.1'B220+(LAK cells), CD8 B220, cytoplasmic NK1.1+B220 cells. Purified CD8 cells were switched to CD8+B220' LAK cells and cytoplasmic NK1.1+ CD8+ B220+ and cytoplasmic NK1.1' CD8 B220 cells. In addition, the CD8' cells originated from DN cells do not express the cytoplasmic NK1.1 in contrary to the sorted CD8 cells. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that these will be useful models to investigating CD8 precursor potentials in populations of CD4 CD8 (doble negative) cells and relationship of NK1.1 These results also supports the hypothesis that T cells and NK cells have same ontogeny and CD8 effector functions are potentially diverse and could be exploited by various conditions that switch off host protected cytolytic response. These model offer a way to study the molecular regulation of CD8 gene expression.
Adult ; Cell Lineage ; Cytoplasm ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Interleukin-2* ; Interleukins* ; Killer Cells, Lymphokine-Activated ; Killer Cells, Natural ; Lymphocyte Subsets ; Spleen ; T-Lymphocytes ; Thymocytes ; Thymus Gland

BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor-beta(TGF-beta) has multiple regulatory effects on cells of the immune system, and it has been suggested that differentiation of lymphoid cells is influenced by low concentra tions of this cytokine. OBJECTIVES: The aim or this study was to investigate the role of TGF-beta in regulation of T cell growth and differentiation, and to compare this effect with that of other cell signals known to be important in T cell ontogeny. METHODS: We used the CTLL-2 cell line in the presence of IL-2. Surface phenotype expression was analysed to see whether these cells could be switched to the other subtype of cells. RESULT: Treatment of CTLL-2 cells with TGF-beta resulted in dose dependent growth inhibition and morphological changes. Curing routine passage, less than 5% of cells were CD8alpha positive, whereas 38% of cells expressed CD8alpha when treated with IL-2 plus TGF-beta. However, TPA plus calcium ionophore, IFN-gamma, or TNF-alpha caused no significant changes in the proportion of CD8 cells. CONCLUSION: Our results show that this experiment can be a useful model for investigating CD8 precursor potentials in populations of CD4-CD8-(double negative) cells, and such a model may offer a way to study the molecular regulation of CD8 gene expression.
Calcium ; Cell Line* ; Gene Expression ; Immune System ; Interleukin-2 ; Lymphocytes ; Phenotype ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

We present 9 cases of plexiform schwannoma examined at Severance hospital from January, 1980 to September, 1987. The predilection sites of plexiform schwannoma included head and neck including oral cavity. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 32 years. The difference of sex ratio was not apparent. Histopathological findings revealed multiple round to oval nodules encapsulated by thin fibroconnective tissue with nuclear palisading and Verocay body in each nodule. There was mild to moderate cellular atypia in some area, but mitotic figure was not found. The Bielschowsky's silver stain did not demonstrate any axon within or outside of the nodule. The thin capsule was positive with reticulin stain.

Takayasu's arteritis is a chronic vasculitic disease of the aorta, its major branches and the pulmonary arteries, resulting in stenosing, occlusive or aneurysmal lesion. While the precise etiology of Takayasu's disease is unknown, an autoimmune mechanism or active tuberculous inflammation have been suggested. It is more common in young oriental women but has a rare incidence in children. We experienced a case of Takayasu arteritis type IV in an 8years old girl. The diagnosis was made by physial examination and digital substraction aortography(DSA) which showed narrowing of left common carotid artery, right subclavin artery and left renal artery. The perfusion defect at posterior segment of right upper lobe was noted in lung perfusion scan. Medical treatment and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty(PTA) were performed. In addition to case report, a brief review of literature was added.
Aneurysm ; Angioplasty* ; Aorta ; Arteries ; Carotid Artery, Common ; Child ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Inflammation ; Lung ; Perfusion ; Pulmonary Artery ; Renal Artery ; Takayasu Arteritis*

No abstract available.
Antibodies* ; Borrelia burgdorferi* ; Borrelia* ; Immunoblotting* ; Lyme Disease*

BACKGROUND: Polymerase chain reaction(PCR) has brought an oppotunity for rapid detection of Mycobacterium leprae in clinical pecimens for the diagnosis of leprosy. Th DNA segment specific to M. leprae was detectable in a matteir of hours and DNA from one orgnisa appeared positive by PCR. However, the PCR tool has not been evaluated using elinical specimeriis from leprosy patients and controls. OBJECTIVE & METHODS: The primers amplifying 372bp segment of rebetitive sequence of M. leprae DNA were used in PCR. Skin biopsy specimens from 102 leprosy patient, and controls were examined for the presence of M. leprae by PCR and the results were aomared with microscopic and histopathologic findings. RESULTS: 1. As a result, of PCR after DNA preparation of M. leprae, six other mycobacteria, ten other bacteria, and skin from leprosy with five other skin biopsy tissues, 372bp DNA fragment was specifically amplified from M. leprae. 2. Dot blot, hybridization of PCR products showed that the 372bp DNA from skin biopsy specimens were derived from M. leprae. 3. As a result of PCR after DNA preparation of 10-fold diluted M. legrae from mouse footpad, PCR gave a positive result as low as one organism. 4. Of 87 specimens in which acid-fast bacilli were found under microcopic examinations 97% had positive PCR results. 5. Of 97 specimens which hadihistopathologic evidences of leprosy 95% had positive PCR results. 6. Of 15 specimens in which acid-fast bacilli were not found under n!icroscopic examinations 73% had positive PCR results. In three of five cases which had neither histopathologic nor microscopic evidences of leprosy had positive PCR results. CONCLUSION: PCR method amplifying 372bp fragment of repetitive seqi,ence was highly sensitive and specific in detecting M. leprae DNA in skin biopsy specimens, thus may be a useful tool as an additive diagnostic method, espcially for cases where microscopic antihystopathologic findings are not definite.
Animals ; Bacteria ; Biopsy* ; Diagnosis ; DNA ; Humans ; Leprosy* ; Mice ; Mycobacterium leprae* ; Mycobacterium* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction* ; Skin*

Brown's syndrome is a clinical entity which shows restriction of elevation in the adducted position of the affected eye and in which the forced duction test for elevation in adduction is positive. The syndrome has been found to be bilateral in 10% of the cases. The authors experienced Brown's syndrome of both eyes associated with exophoria-tropia and both superior oblique overaction(SOOA OU) in an 18-year-old girl. We performed tenotomy of the superior oblique muscles in both eyes and 8mm recession of left lateral rectus muscle. After operation, orthophoria was achieved in primary, up and downgaze and SOOA of both eyes disappeared and there is only mild restriction of elevation in adduction in each eyes. The same findings were shown in follow up of 6 month after operation.
Adolescent ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Muscles ; Tenotomy

BACKGROUND: Generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP) is a destructive periodontal disease that can develop in young age. Only a few cases of full mouth rehabilitation, using dental implants, have been reported in a patient with aggressive periodontitis. CASE DESCRIPTION: This clinical report describes the treatment procedures and results of full mouth rehabilitation in a patient with aggressive periodontitis. After all teeth were extracted, 6 implants were placed in the maxilla and mandible, respectively. Fixed detachable implant prostheses were made. The patient was satisfied with the final results. She was followed for 10 months postloading. CLINICAL IMPLICATION: For a long-term success, continuous maintenance care is critical, as the contributing factors of the disease (such as immune factors or periodontal pathogens) may not be controlled adequately.
Aggressive Periodontitis ; Dental Implants ; Humans ; Immunologic Factors ; Mandible ; Maxilla ; Mouth ; Mouth Rehabilitation ; Periodontal Diseases ; Prostheses and Implants ; Tooth

CD44 is a hyaluronic acid receptor that exists as a standard 90-kd form (CD44H) as well as several CD44 variants isoforms are produced through alternative splicing. Alternatively spliced variants of the CD44 molecule have been found to be associated with invasive and metastatic potential of cancer cells and poor prognosis in several types of carcinoma. The purpose of the present study is to define the expression of CD44H and CD44v6 in ovarian tumors and to investigate whether the expression of these molecules is associated with adverse prognosis. We evaluated the expression of CD44 isoforms in 58 ovarian tumors by means of immunohistochemistry, and correlated between CD44 expression and the histologic types, tumor grade, peritoneal implants, pseudomyxoma peritonei and FIGO stage. While the CD44H was commonly expressed in ovarian tumors, the CD44v6 was expressed in a minor proportion of serous tumors in comparison with frequent expression of v6 isoform in mucinous tumors. The CD44H expression was significantly higher in stage I/II than in stage III. However, there was no correlation between the expression of CD44 and the presence of peritoneal implants or pseudomyxoma peritonei. These results suggest that CD44H could play an important role in the adhesive function in the lower stage of the ovarian tumor and reduced expression in the higher stage might be related to the metastasis and widespread invasion of ovarian carcinoma cells.
Adhesives ; Alternative Splicing ; Female ; Hyaluronic Acid ; Immunohistochemistry ; Mucins ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Ovary ; Prognosis ; Protein Isoforms ; Pseudomyxoma Peritonei

A 19-year-old man noticed a very slowly spreading erythematous macular lesion on his cheek when he was 5 years old. This asymptomatic and well circumscribed patch was covered with fine scales. He sought first medical attention at the age of 12 years and diagnosis was cutaneous tuberculosis was made by skin biopsy. Seven years after the second biopsy was made and it revealed a few spores within giant cells in the upper dermis. By mycologic study, it was identified as Paecilomyces lilacinus. The patient was put on the treatment of topical and oral antifungal agents. The skin lesion showed signs of improvement after 12 weeks of treatment.
Antifungal Agents ; Biopsy ; Cheek ; Child, Preschool ; Dermis ; Diagnosis ; Giant Cells ; Humans ; Paecilomyces* ; Skin ; Spores ; Tuberculosis, Cutaneous ; Weights and Measures ; Young Adult