Altered response to and production of TGF-beta by B cells from autoimmune NZB mice.

New Zealand Black (NZB) mice spontaneously develop immune dysfunction manifested as autoimmune hemolytic anemia and systemic lupus erythematosus. In later life, a subset of these mice develop clonal CD5+ B cell tumors analogous to human chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). NZB disease is marked by B cell hyperactivity characterized by spontaneous immunoglobulin secretion and proliferation.

A simplified method for the coordinate examination of apoptosis and surface phenotype of murine lymphocytes.

Murine lymphocytes readily undergo spontaneous and glucocortocoid-induced apoptosis in vitro. It has been previously demonstrated that during apoptosis, many cell types including lymphocytes, enzymatically cleave their DNA, thus demonstrating a sub-G0 DNA peak when stained with propidium iodide and analyzed by flow cytometry. In a mixed population, it is often desirable to phenotypically identify distinct populations or subsets undergoing apoptosis, thus requiring multiparameter analysis of surface phenotype and DNA content.

Use of fiberoptic endoscopy in diagnosis and therapy of upper gastrointestinal disorders.

The future role of therapeutic endoscopy appears bright and depends on the possibilities of technology and the ingenuity of those performing the procedures. New techniques are being devised, and the therapeutic applications are being evaluated continually. Such issues as appropriate indications, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness remain important considerations for the practitioner dealing with gastrointestinal disorders.

Esophagogastric polyps: radiographic and endoscopic findings.

Radiographic, endoscopic, and pathological findings were correlated in 20 patients with polypoid esophagogastric lesions. In 16 patients, pathological examination showed chronic inflammatory change and epithelial hyperplasia; the polyp was located on the gastric side of the squamocolumnar junction, usually in association with a prominent gastric fold, and probably represented a localized form of gastritis. In the other 4 patients, the lesion was adenocarcinoma.