[Intracranial forms of malignant lymphoma manifestations].

Approximately 10% of patients with malignant lymphoma will show neurological symptoms at some time during the course of their illness. In non-Hodgkin lymphoma, CNS involvement is more frequent than in Hodgkin's disease. Diffuse histiocytic and poorly differentiated lymphomas, bone marrow involvement, advanced tumor stage and hematogenous spread are particular risk factors.

Direct detection of the human papovavirus BK in urine of bone marrow transplant recipients: comparison of DNA hybridization with ELISA.

Urine specimens from bone marrow transplant (BMT) recipients and from controls were directly tested for BK virus (BKV) DNA sequences by dot hybridization and for BKV antigen by a double-antibody indirect ELISA. A total of 158 specimens from 55 BMT patients (57 collected prior to or at the time of transplantation and 101 in the posttransplant period) and single urines from 125 control subjects were examined by both methods. A molecularly cloned, 32P-labelled BKV probe was hybridized with urine sediments that were spotted directly on nitrocellulose filters and denatured in situ.

Genetic heterogeneity of the human papovaviruses BK and JC.

We have examined the structure and infectivity of BKV and JCV genomes from prototype strains after cell culture passage and of BKV genomes from primary isolates. Genomic structures were determined by restriction endonuclease analysis of molecularly cloned DNA. Infectivity was determined by transfection of the cloned genomes into urine-derived epithelial cells and assaying for viral proteins and virus production.

Wound fluid angiogenesis factor stimulates the directed migration of capillary endothelial cells.

During wound healing, new capillaries grow into the wound site. An angiogenesis factor isolated from wound fluid stimulates the movement of capillary endothelial cells in a filter migration assay. Experiments were carried out to determine whether the movement seen in the assay was chemokinetic or chemotactic.

HSV, CMV, and HPV in human neoplasia.

We are studying the role of sexually transmitted viruses in the development of human tumors. The persistence of herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, and human papillomavirus nucleic acid sequences has been examined using cloned viral DNA sequences as probes. The relationship of the viruses to various stages in the progression of neoplasia is examined, with particular reference to the role of viral and/or cellular genes in the initiation, promotion, and maintenance of the neoplastic phenotype.

Activation of chemotactic factors in serum and wound fluid by dextranomer.

Dextranomer (Debrisan), a frequently used wound-cleansing agent, was shown to cause activation of chemotactic factors in human serum and wound fluid. These factors attracted both polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and mononuclear leukocytes (MNs) in an agarose migration assay. When Debrisan-activated sera were used as the chemotactic stimulus, migration scores for PMNs and MNs were respectively 50% and 70% of the values obtained with zymosan-activated sera.

Propagation and primary isolation of JCV and BKV in urinary epithelial cell cultures.

Human papovavirus JC, previously passaged in amnion cells, produced a cytopathic effect in urine-derived epithelial cells, and virus-specific antigens were demonstrable by indirect immunofluorescence. The hemagglutinating titer of JCV purified from infected cell cultures was generally 100- to 1000-fold higher than the amount of viral hemagglutinin used to initiate infection. Amnion-passaged JCV was readily adapted to growth in urine-derived epithelial cells.

Propagation and primary isolation of papovavirus JC in epithelial cells derived from human urine.

Human papovavirus JC, previously passaged in amnion cells or in primary human fetal glial cells, replicated efficiently in urine-derived epithelial cells. Primary isolation of the virus from brain extracts was possible in urine-derived cells, but these cells were not as sensitive as primary human fetal glial cells for this purpose. Primary isolations of human papovavirus JC from urine sediments of renal transplant patients were made in urine-derived cells.

Production of acute pulmonary injury by leukocytes and activated complement.

The adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) frequently occurs after sepsis and major trauma. Since both sepsis and trauma may cause activation of the complement system, we have infused rabbits with complement-activated plasma (AP) and have studied the effects on leukocyte counts, respiratory rate, PaO2, and lung morphology. Sustained AP infusion caused: (1) early granulocytopenia, (2) progressive hypoxemia and tachypnea, and (3) pulmonary vascular plugging by aggregates of degenerating granulocytes with interstital edema and endothelial injury.