Activation-dependent carboxyl methylation of neutrophil G-protein gamma subunit.

The gamma subunits of heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory (G) proteins (G gamma) are post-translationally processed at their C termini by prenylation, proteolysis, and carboxyl methylation. Whereas prenylation of G gamma is required for membrane association of G proteins, the role of carboxyl methylation is unknown. Here we show that human neutrophils express G gamma 2 but not G gamma 3 or G gamma 7 and that carboxyl methylation of G gamma 2 is associated with signal transduction.

Epitopes on proteinase-3 recognized by antibodies from patients with Wegener's granulomatosis.

The 228 amino acid primary sequence of proteinase-3 (PR3) was studied for antigenic epitopes, which react with IgG Ab in sera of patients with Wegener's granulomatosis, by synthesizing overlapping 7 mers of PR3 linear sequence on pins. Main regions of linear sequence reactivity included GHEAQPH (at residues 4-10), QPHSRPY (8-14), TQEPTQQ (65-71), ATVQLPQ (108-114), QLPQQDQ (111-117), PVPHGTQ (118-124), RVGAHDP (132-138), FCRPHNI (154-160), PRRKAGI (165-171), FGDSGGP (173-179), and IDSFVIW (189-195). All of these regions were surface accessible and seemed to be on the outside of the molecule.

[Subjective stress factors and dyspnea in asthma patients over time].

The share of psychological factors involved in the disease pattern of asthma bronchiale is considered to be about one to two thirds, according to the literature. It is only rarely that a distinction is made between causative psychogenetic factors and such factors that exercise an influence on the course of the pattern of symptoms. The aim of the present study was to cover prospectively the possible--including the psychological--parameters influencing the pattern of symptoms of asthma in relation to time.

Carboxyl methylation of Ras-related proteins during signal transduction in neutrophils.

In human neutrophils, as in other cell types, Ras-related guanosine triphosphate-binding proteins are directed toward their regulatory targets in membranes by a series of posttranslational modifications that include methyl esterification of a carboxyl-terminal prenylcysteine residue. In intact cells and in a reconstituted in vitro system, the amount of carboxyl methylation of Ras-related proteins increased in response to the chemoattractant N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP). Activation of Ras-related proteins by guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) had a similar effect and induced translocation of p22rac2 from cytosol to plasma membrane.

[Pulmonary risks caused by exposure to glass fiber dust].

We observed two patients who, after inhaling glass fibre dust for 14 and 16 years, respectively, developed a cough and dyspnoea on exertion. Our investigation of transbronchially obtained lung tissue with the aid of light microscopy, electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray micro-analysis revealed fibrosis of mild extension in immediate topographical relationship to phagocytosed fragments of glass fibre. We conclude from these findings that inhaled glass fibre dust can develop a fibrogenic effect.

[Effect of calcitonin on the transmural gastric potential difference (author's transl)].

The effect of calcitonin (salmon-calcitonin) on PD taken from the gastric juice was measured in 19 volunteers and compared with controls given saline solution (n = 14). The PD measurements in the gastric juice were done under fluoroscopic or under endoscopic control. After bolus injection of calcitonin (100 MRCU) a rapid and significant (p less than 0.

[Significance of the correction of aspirated volumes for the results of the secretin-pancreozymin test (author's transl)].

A group of 123 patients without manifestation of an impaired pancreatic function was studied with the secretin-pancreozymin test (group I). In 54 patients (group II) the correction of aspirated volumes during the secretin-pancreozymin test was performed with polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG) as a marker substance. The mean values of volume-, bicarbonate- and enzyme secretion showed higher levels in 7 of 9 parameters in group II.

[alpha 1-antitrypsin determination in children with obstructive lung disease (author's transl)].

In 184 children and juvenile with type I respiratory allergies the AAT-content in serum was measured by the rocket technique. The results do show neither disease--nor agedependant changes. The mean of the total was 283 mg%.

Histopathological Examinations of nasal polyps of different etiology.

A safe differentiation between allergic and non-allergic polyps appears impossible by means of light or electron microscopical examination of polyp tissue. There are some indications, however, which point to the allergic or non-allergic origin and it seems that the relationship between eosinophils and plasma cells with a low index is characteristic for polyps of allergic origin. Eosinophils and round-cell infiltrations are present in all types of polyps.

[Effect of pirenzepine and atropine on the transmural gastric mucosal potential difference (author's transl)].

The transmural gastric mucosal potential difference (PD) measured by endoscopy has proved to be a good parameter in evaluating dose dependent effects of drugs. In 43 volunteers the maximum increases of the PD taken from the gastric juice were found after 30 mg pirenzepine and 0,5 and I mg atropin within 16 minutes. There was a significant difference between 20 and 30 mg pirenzepin.

Recovery of pituitary-adrenal axis after withdrawal or reduction of systemic corticosteroids in patients with bronchial asthma.

In 36 patients with bronchial asthma a new inhalable corticosteroid (Fluocortin-butyl-ester) was administered to reduce systemic steroids and especially to study the recovery of pituitary-adrenal function. On the basis of the present results, it can be said that patients with the least degree of emphysema and obstruction and with good coughing dynamics and productive expectoration are most suitable for therapy with inhalable corticosteroids. If the systemic steroid reduction is adequate, the recovery phase of the pituitary-adrenocortical system begins after about 5 months and the response to ACTH appraoches normal values after about 8-9 months.

The significance of nasal protease inhibitor concentrations in house dust allergy.

In 57 patients with house dust allergy and 20 controls protease inhibitor concentrations in nasal secretions were measured before and after antigen challenge. A correlation was found between low inhibitor levels and long duration of disease. Furthermore, significant differences of inhibitor concentrations could be demonstrated between patients with strong or moderate reactions to antigen provocation, and between patients with isolated rhinitis or a combination of rhinitis and bronchial asthma.

Semi-depot hyposensitization in severe hay fever: its clinical effectiveness and the therapeutic problems. (A four year study using intranasal challenge testing to monitor success).

Hyposensitization treatment for at least two years using pyridine-extracted alum precipitated (PEAP) extracts was carried out on 332 cases of severe hay fever, some of which were steroid dependent. Subjective self-assessment and weekly average use of additional medication were recorded, nasal challenge tests were conducted before and during treatment and related to the clinical picture. Successful treatment was unrelated to age, though distinctly limited where there was a history of more 15 years illness.

[Contribution to the problem of Arthrogryposis multiplex (author's transl)].

A case of Arthrogryposis multiplex appearing after birth and of no characteristical course is described. It is shown that in respect to existing works for diagnosis of Arthrogryposis multiplex the insufficiency of the hitherto existing valid diagnostic criterions is obvious. This especially because the pathogenesis of Arthrogryposis multiplex is unknown.

[The symptomatic treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (author's transl)].

The aetiology, pathophysiology and symptomatology of seasonal rhinitis are briefly presented. Symptomatic therapy with antihistamines, nasal decongestants and local and systemic corticosteroids is critically discussed. The results of a trial with Disodium cromoglycate are reported.

The nasal application of beclomethasone diproprionate (Beconase) in allergic rhinitis.

The therapeutic effect of nasally applied Beconase (beclomethasone diproprionate) was investigated by a double blind trial of 32 patients with clinically manifest grass pollen rhinitis. A daily protocol showed a considerable improvement of the nasal symptoms and the general condition of the patient. The requirement of supplementary antihistamines decreased considerably whereas the conjunctival symptoms remained unaffected.