Expression of CD44 and major histocompatibility complex class II antigens correlate with renal scarring in primary and systemic renal diseases.

Objective: Phenotypical changes in the tubular epithelial cells (TEC) seem to be important in the progression of renal diseases. The present study was designed to identify the relation between the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigens and CD44 by TEC, with parameters of renal scarring in primary and systemic renal diseases.

Material And Methods: Expression of MHC class II and CD44 antigens was determined immunohistochemically in 71 renal biopsies and eight nephrectomy specimens with chronic pyelonephritis (CP).

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression in laryngeal preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions.

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), a member of gelatinases, is particularly important in the digestion of nonfibrillary and denaturated collagens; thus, it may play a role in tissue remodeling and in the invasion of malignant cells. The expression of MMP-2 has not yet been described in preneoplastic lesions of the larynx thus far. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the expression of MMP-2 plays a role in early laryngeal carcinogenesis.

Use of technetium-99m HMPAO scintigraphy for the detection of amiodarone lung toxicity in a rabbit model.

Amiodarone (AD) is a very effective anti-arrhythmic drug, but its use is often associated with serious pulmonary complications such as pneumonitis and interstitial pulmonary disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the amount of amiodarone intake (and the related development of lung toxicity) and the lung uptake of technetium-99m labelled D,L-hexamethylpropylene amine oxime (HMPAO). Eighteen white female New Zealand rabbits were divided into three groups and fed AD by gavage at doses of 10 (group A), 50 (group B) or 150 (group C) mg/kg daily.