Loss of insulin binding and insulin receptor mRNA in a transformed human fetal fibroblast cell line.

Insulin binding and insulin receptor gene expression have been assessed in cultured fetal (WI38) and SV40 transformed fetal (WI38/VA13) human fibroblasts to determine whether transformation influences the expression of insulin receptors. The transformed cell line had virtually no insulin binding and extremely low levels of insulin receptor mRNA. No apparent gene deletion or rearrangement was detected and therefore the marked decrease in insulin receptor gene expression seen in WI38/VA13 cells is an important example of negative regulation of insulin receptor gene expression.

Increased numbers of T lymphocytes with gamma delta-positive antigen receptors in a subgroup of individuals with pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Individuals with sarcoidosis were evaluated for preferential usage of T cells with the gamma delta-positive (+) type of T cell antigen receptor. Compared with normal subjects (n = 19), the group with sarcoidosis had increased numbers of CD3+ alpha beta-negative (-) T cells in the blood (normal, 58 +/- 12 cells/microliters; sarcoid, 192 +/- 45 cells/microliters, P less than 0.05) and in the epithelial lining fluid of the lung (normal, 78 14 cells/microliters; sarcoid, 240 +/- 60 cells/microliters, P less than 0.

[A diagnostic expert system].

The introduction of new technologies in the field of electronics has influenced the development of technical equipment over the last few years. The progressive miniaturization of integrated circuits makes possible an expansion of the spectrum of functions offered by this equipment. This also applies to medical technology.

Arteriographic ablation of cervical parathyroid adenomas.

In some cases of primary hyperparathyroidism, in particular where neck exploration has been unsuccessful, an alternative to surgical therapy may be desirable. We studied the acute and chronic metabolic effects of attempted angiographic destruction by angiographic contrast infusion of solitary parathyroid adenomas in 18 patients with symptomatic disease. Fourteen patients had failed prior surgery; 4 patients had not undergone prior surgery but were extremely high surgical risks.

Normal insulin-receptor cDNA sequence in Pima Indians with NIDDM.

Pima Indians have served as a model of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Within this population, inherited insulin resistance is a primary determinant of abnormal glucose metabolism. The insulin receptor is regarded as a "candidate gene" that could potentially be defective in Pima Indians or other populations with NIDDM.

Tissue-specific expression of two alternatively spliced insulin receptor mRNAs in man.

Two previously reported insulin receptor cDNA sequences differ by 36 base pairs (bp) in the distal alpha-subunit, suggesting that alternative mRNA splicing within the coding region may occur (two insulin receptor isoforms). We developed a quantitative modification of the polymerase chain reaction technique in order to detect and characterize differential mRNA splicing at this site within the distal alpha-subunit. Using RNA derived from a variety of human cell types, we detected two polymerase chain reaction-amplified cDNA species reflecting the presence or absence of the above 36 nucleotides.

Coordinate regulation of glucose transporter function, number, and gene expression by insulin and sulfonylureas in L6 rat skeletal muscle cells.

The extrapancreatic actions of sulfonylureas on the glucose transport system were studied in the L6 line of cultured rat skeletal muscle cells. Insulin (10(-7) M) increased 2-deoxyglucose uptake in differentiated L6 myotubes by 30-40% after 8 h of incubation. The sulfonylurea tolazamide (0.

[Computer-assisted measurement of biomechanical values exemplified by the renovascular system].

The high innovation in electronics and measuring techniques has influenced the development of medical equipment. The progressive miniaturization of integrated circuits yields in an increased possibility of functions with the respective technical equipments. Therewith also in medical technology more universal equipments are available.

[A stress-dependent pulsatile cardiovascular model as the basis for regulating artificial hearts].

The development and simulation of closed-loop control of blood pumps requires a pulsatile model of the cardiovascular system that takes into account the natural mechanisms of adaptation during exercise. In this article, a model is described which takes account of the baroreceptor reflex, the change in heart rate, contractility of the heart, and the peripheral resistance during exercise, as well as venous tone, and the nonlinearity of vessel compliance. In addition, a model of the artificial heart is presented, in which the nonlinear limitation of the stroke volume is taken into account, and the concept of a pulse frequency modulated (PFM) control system for the circulation with an artificial heart is described.

Electrical analogs for monitoring vascular properties in artificial heart studies.

The problem of choosing parametric descriptions of the systemic vascular bed suitable for monitoring beat-to-beat changes in peripheral vascular properties is considered. Three simple models with two, three, and five elements are compared, essentially exploiting the Akaike information criterion combined with reasonable requirements for estimate accuracy. Analysis of pressure data, which are either simulated by the five-element model or measured on a mock circulatory system during abrupt changes in peripheral resistance, suggests guidelines for model selection.

Octreotide suppresses both growth hormone (GH) and GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) in acromegaly due to ectopic GHRH secretion.

Two patients with acromegaly secondary to ectopic GHRH secretion by metastatic carcinoid tumors were studied before and during therapy with the somatostatin analog octreotide (SMS 201-995). GH and GHRH secretory patterns were assessed during intermittent sc administration, continuous sc infusion (CSI), and continuous iv infusion of octreotide. Octreotide reduced serum GH and plasma GHRH levels in the two patients, although there was differential sensitivity of GH and GHRH.

Bias toward use of a specific T cell receptor beta-chain variable region in a subgroup of individuals with sarcoidosis.

To evaluate the concept that biases in the usage of T cell antigen receptor beta variable (V) regions may be manifested in T lymphocytes that accumulate in nonmalignant, T cell-mediated human disorders, a V beta 8-specific antibody (anti-Ti3A, 5REX9H5) was used to evaluate lung and blood T cells in pulmonary sarcoidosis, a chronic granulomatous disorder of unknown etiology. Whereas normal patients had less than 5% Ti3A+ lung (n = 7) and/or blood (n = 9) lymphocytes, strikingly, a subgroup (8 of 21) with active pulmonary sarcoidosis had greater than 7% Ti3A+ lung and/or blood T cells and a higher proportion of Ti3A+ lymphocytes in the lung compared with blood. Dual-color flow cytometry demonstrated compartmentalization of Ti3A+ CD4+ lymphocytes to lung and Ti3A+ CD8+ lymphocytes to blood.

Spontaneous expression of the interleukin 2 receptor gene and presence of functional interleukin 2 receptors on T lymphocytes in the blood of individuals with active pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Current concepts of the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis suggest that the expanded numbers of activated T-helper/inducer cells at sites of disease activity result, at least in part, from their proliferation in the local milieu. Normal clonal proliferation of T cells involves activation and expression of the IL 2 receptor (IL 2R) gene. Thus, knowing that IL 2R mRNA transcripts are relatively long lived, we hypothesized that sarcoid blood T cells may contain IL 2R mRNA transcripts and express functional surface IL 2R, although the cells are probably activated elsewhere.

Pulmonary and immunologic evaluation of foundry workers exposed to methylene diphenyldiisocyanate (MDI).

A cross-sectional evaluation was performed of workers in a steel foundry in which methylene diphenyldiisocyanate (MDI) was used as a component of a binder system used to make cores and molds. Preshift and postshift spirometry and clinical evaluations were performed on 26 currently exposed (group I), on six formerly exposed (group II), and on 14 nonexposed workers to MDI (group III). Serum samples were assayed for total antibody binding, specific IgG by ELISA, and specific IgE by the RAST method to MDI-human serum albumin (HSA).

Autoantibodies to the insulin receptor as a cause of autoimmune hypoglycemia in systemic lupus erythematosus.

A 52-year-old black woman presented with clinical features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and severe fasting hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia was secondary to autoantibodies to the insulin receptor that were detected in the patient's serum. There were no anti-insulin antibodies, and other causes of hypoglycemia were excluded.

Clinical and immunologic studies among egg-processing workers with occupational asthma.

Twenty-five workers in an egg-processing factory were evaluated for respiratory sensitization to inhaled egg proteins by a physician evaluation, serial peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measurements for a 1-week period, and immunologic tests. Immunologic studies included skin prick tests, serum-specific IgE (RAST), and specific IgG (ELISA) to solutions prepared from commercial food allergens: factory-powdered egg white and yolk products and purified egg white fractions, including ovalbumin, ovomucoid, lysozyme, and conalbumin. Six workers had significant daily PEFR lability (greater than 20%) of whom five had associated cutaneous reactivity to at least one egg allergen.

Hemarthrosis and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Spontaneous hemarthrosis in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is rare. We report a patient with ITP who presented with spontaneous hemarthrosis as the only clinical feature of recurrent disease.

Chronic asthma due to toluene diisocyanate.

Twelve subjects were studied with inhalation challenge testing to toluene diisocyanate (TDI) because of suspected TDI asthma based on a consistent clinical and occupational history. In seven cases, TDI asthma was documented by a positive inhalation challenge to low levels of TDI. Six of the seven TDI reactors had persistent respiratory symptoms and required daily treatment even though they had been removed from isocyanate exposure for intervals as long as 12 years (mean 4.

Persistent airways disease caused by toluene diisocyanate.

The natural history of isocyanate-induced asthma is not well documented. We evaluated a patient who developed persistent shortness of breath, wheezing, and cough after a massive exposure to toluene diisocyanate (TDI). Despite no further occupational exposures to isocyanates, he continued to have symptoms of asthma and variable airway obstruction 12 yr later.

Delayed anaphylactoid reaction in a worker exposed to chromium.

A 29-year-old male welder reported systemic reactions after exposure to chromium. Inhalation challenge testing to 29 micrograms/m3 of sodium chromate aerosol resulted in late appearing systemic urticaria, angioedema, and severe bronchospasm that occurred at the same time as a threefold rise in plasma histamine. A direct leukocyte inhibitory factor test to 5.