A reproducible and simple grading system for classical chondrosarcomas. Analysis of 35 chondrosarcomas and 16 enchondromas with emphasis on recurrence rate and radiological and clinical data.

In the past, six histological grading systems for classical chondrosarcoma have been published. Due to the inhomogeneity and complexity of these classifications, the comparison of clinical data, survival rates and local failures has to be considered critically. In 1996, the author published a grading system that was simple to use and easily reproduced.

Characterization of a major modifier locus for polycystic kidney disease (Modpkdr1) in the Han:SPRD(cy/+) rat in a region conserved with a mouse modifier locus for Alport syndrome.

The genetic analysis of rodent disease models provides a powerful tool to investigate how modifier loci cause variation in the phenotypic expression of a disease. In order to test the existence of modifier loci influencing polycystic kidney disease (PKD) phenotypes, we derived a backcross between PKD susceptible Han:SPRD(cy/+) and control Brown Norway (BN) rats, and performed a whole-genome scan in 182 PKD affected hybrids showing different grades of disease severity. The genetic dissection of PKD in the cross allowed us to detect a modifier locus, Modpkdr1, on rat chromosome 8 that controls PKD severity, kidney mass and plasma urea concentration.