Interferon beta mediated intracellular signalling traffic in human lymphocytes.

The early molecular mechanisms activated by the treatment of human lymphocytes with human interferon beta have been studied. These identify an early increase with respect to control, in diacylglycerol (DG) levels as response to interferon treatment. Such a DG production was derived from the rapid and sequential activation of phosphoinositide specific phospholipase C and phospholipase D pathway.

Phosphoinositide signalling enzymes in human T lymphocytes: modulation of phosphoinositidase C isoform gamma 1 upon interferon treatment.

In human T lymphocytes immunoblotting analysis of phosphoinositidase C (PIC) isoforms has shown that gamma 1 is the most represented isoform both at the cytoplasmic and nuclear level, and that interferon beta produces, within 90 min of treatment, an increase of its expression. These results, also supported by immunoelectronmicroscopic investigation, strongly suggest the involvement of PIC gamma 1 in the cascade of molecular events generated by the interaction between interferon and its cell surface receptors.

[Synchronous carcinomas of the large intestine].

The incidence of synchronous carcinoma of the colon and rectum is rising and ranges from 0.6 to 11% in the international literature. We present a study on 410 patients with colorectal cancer; 10 patients (2.

[Spontaneous rupture of the esophagus].

The authors relate upon the so-called Boerhaave's syndrome or spontaneous perforation of the esophagus illustrating 2 cases recently observed. On the basis of their experience and of what has been reported by the literature on this subject the etiopathogenetic and pathophysiologic problems as well as the adequate treatment are debated. Particularly the nature of the lesion, which is a barotrauma lesion, the urgency of the surgical treatment, and the severity of the prognosis are pointed out.

Estrogen and progesterone receptors in human colorectal tumour cells (study of 70 cases).

Estrogen and progesterone receptors were studied in 70 cases of human colorectal cancer by a cytochemical technique. 28.5% of the cases were estrogen-receptor positive and 42.

[Determination of carcinoembryonic antigen in urine and in gastric secretions].

The diagnostic significance of the identification of carcinoembryonic antigens in the serum, urine and gastric secretions of patients with malignant neoplasms is considered. In the subjects tested, CEA levels in the serum and gastric secretion were certainly diagnostically indicative. Increases in urinary CEA levels were however minimal, even lower than those encountered during urinary inflammations.

[Carcinoma of the convergence of the hepatic ducts. A case treated with extended hepatic resection].

The case of a patient with carcinoma of the convergence of the hepatic ducts successfully treated with more extensive hepatic resection is reported. Stress is laid on the problems of exact preoperative diagnosis and of treatment. Most operations are in fact purely palliative and the literature contains very few cases of hepatic resection for neoplasia of the convergence.