Selection of T cell receptor expression mutants through the functionally linked Ly-6A.

Ly-6A is a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored molecule that participates in murine T cell activation. Activation of T cell hybridomas with anti-Ly-6A monoclonal antibody (mAb) leads to production of interleukin-2 (IL-2), but also to a paradoxical growth inhibition, which was used to select for signaling mutants. Fifteen subclones derived from two independent mutageneses and anti-Ly-6A selection were characterized.

Longitudinal study of clinical and radiological progression in psoriatic arthritis.

Our aim was to document the progression of psoriatic arthritis in 126 patients prospectively evaluated for a minimum of 5 years. Clinical and laboratory variables and radiographs of the hands and feet, recorded at first and last assessment, were compared to document change in the degree of joint inflammation and damage. During followup there was a significant increase in the use of a number of therapeutic modalities, in particular, gold, PUVA, retinoids and intraarticular glucocorticoid injections.

Defective signal transduction in CD4-CD8- T cells of lpr mice.

Mice homozygous for the lpr gene develop a lymphoproliferative disorder due to expansion of a subset of CD4-CD8- T cells. Triggering of the T-cell receptor in these lpr T cells does not lead to translocation of protein kinase C or phosphorylation of CD3, interleukin-2 production, or proliferation, whereas a combination of phorbol ester and calcium ionophore does. Stimulation with concanavalin A or anti-CD3 induces phosphoinositide hydrolysis.

Lupus retinopathy. Patterns, associations, and prognosis.

In a prospective study of 550 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 41 were found to have retinopathy. Lupus retinopathy in the majority of cases consisted of a microangiopathy, with an excellent prognosis for vision. Five patients developed other complications that resulted in loss of visual acuity.

Successful pregnancy in systemic lupus erythematosus with an untreated lupus anticoagulant.

A lupus anticoagulant in pregnancy has almost always been associated with an adverse outcome. In previous reports of successful pregnancy in patients with a lupus anticoagulant, whether treated or untreated, all were complicated by premature delivery, and many were complicated by preeclampsia or placental insufficiency. Four patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and an untreated lupus anticoagulant, had an uncomplicated pregnancy that resulted in a live birth at term.

Advanced scleroderma bowel: complications and management.

Severe intestinal hypomotility in scleroderma is an uncommon but difficult management problem. We present a case of advanced scleroderma bowel complicated by colonic pseudo-obstruction, which was dramatically improved by subtotal colectomy. Benign pneumoperitoneum due to pneumatosis cystoides intestinales later developed.