Exploring the Incidence, Implications, and Relevance of Metal Allergy to Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Introduction: Allergic reactions to metal implants are increasingly recognized, but its relevance to the orthopaedic surgeon remains unclear. We evaluate the prevalence of metal allergies in a subset of the population and review the significance through a survey of the current literature.

Methods: Preoperative and postoperative patients referred for metal allergy testing were divided into two groups; those with a history of dermatitis and those without.

Differential expression and function of L-selectin on CD56bright and CD56dim natural killer cell subsets.

NK cells are the first line of defense against foreign cells, virally infected cells, and tumors. The mechanisms whereby NK cells accumulate in extralymphoid sites in response to pathogenic stimuli are not well understood. The L-selectin adhesion molecule (CD62L) plays a primary role in mediating the initial interaction of leukocytes with vascular endothelium, a crucial step in the extravasation of immune effector cells into tissues.

Acetylcholine-activated chloride current in the T-84 colonic cell line.

The stimulation of epithelial chloride secretion by hormones and neurotransmitters involves the activation of apical membrane chloride channels. The regulation of chloride current by acetylcholine in the T-84 colonic cell line was investigated using single-channel patch-clamp techniques. Treatment with carbachol resulted in the stimulation of transient chloride currents in 18 of 32 previously quiescent patches.