Arthritis-related B cell epitopes in collagen II are conformation-dependent and sterically privileged in accessible sites of cartilage collagen fibrils.

In collagen-induced arthritis, a murine autoimmune model for rheumatoid arthritis, immunization with native but not heat-denatured cartilage-specific collagen type II (CII) induces a B cell response that largely contributes to arthritogenicity. Previously, we have shown that monoclonal antibodies established from arthritis prone DBA/1 mice require the triple-helical conformation of their epitopes for antigen recognition. Here, we present a novel approach to characterize arthritis-related conformational epitopes by preparing a panel of 130 chimeric collagen X/CII molecules.

[Immunosuppression after heart and lung transplantation].

In the last two decades heart and lung transplantation have evolved to an accepted treatment of endstage heart and lung failure. A differentiated immuno-suppressive regimen is the long term basis of successful transplantation and must be adopted to the individual patient. Rejection and immunosuppression with potential side effects must be balanced to achieve optimal outcome in each patient.

[Risk factors in endoscopic manometry for suspected dysfunction of Oddi's sphincter].

Objective: An increased incidence of pancreatitis having been reported after endoscopic manometry (EM) of the sphincter of Oddi, its incidence and severity as well as potential risk factors were investigated prospectively.

Patients And Methods: Between June 1988 and June 1996, standardised manometry was performed in 207 patients with suspected biliary and 23 with suspected pancreatic sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD). All patients had been observed in hospital for at least 24 hours before the test.