Changes of 6-keto PGF1 alpha concentration in plasma and vessel wall and TxB2 in plasma of whole-body irradiated rats in the early stage of irradiation.

The aim of this work was to monitor concentrations of prostanoids affecting platelet aggregation, namely prostacyclin and thromboxane A2, in the plasma and prostacyclin in the endothelium of vessel wall after whole-body irradiation of rats by the doses 5, 10, 50, 100 and 250 Gy (source 60Co) in the early stage of irradiation up to 24 hours. Stable metabolites of the prostanoids - 6-keto PGF1 alpha and TxB2 were determined by a RIA technique. The 6-keto PGF1 alpha plasma concentration increased after irradiation by the 50 Gy dose between 3rd and 24th hours and at all sampling times after the 100 and 250 Gy doses. A rise in prostanoid concentrations was noted after low doses of irradiation in the first sampling intervals only. The TxB2 level increased after the same doses (5 and 10 Gy) up to the 6th hour and then decreased. The thromboxane concentration increased after 50 Gy at the 90th minute, 12th and 24th hours, after 100 Gy at the 24th hour and after 250 Gy at the 90th minute, 3rd and 24th hours.

Ferritin-bearing lymphocytes in Hodgkin's disease.

In view of the reported association of Hodgkin's disease (HD) and ferritin, ferritin-bearing lymphocytes were followed during 2-year period in 79 HD patients. Indirect immunofluorescent method was used to evaluate the percentage of ferritin positive cells. In 22 untreated patients a high percentage of ferritin-bearing circulating lymphocytes (mean value 37.3%) was found. In regard to the extent of the disease higher values were found in clinical stage III and IV (mean value 40.6%) as compared to the stage I and II (mean value 26.2%). Similarly, 17 patients in relapse and with disease progression had mean values 41%. These proportions of cells were significantly lower in 44 patients in complete remission with mean value of 8.7% (60 examinations). In 30 healthy controls the mean value was 1.4%. Repeatedly performed examinations of ferritin-bearing lymphocytes during the follow-up period in 17 patients showed to be an important prognostic tool. A negative correlation of ferritin-bearing lymphocytes with E-rosette-forming cells was found. Iron content in peripheral blood lymphocytes was confirmed cytochemically after pre-incubation with antiferritin antibody. The results support the presumed role of ferritin in impaired cellular immunity in HD and suggest diagnostic and prognostic value of the examination of ferritin-bearing lymphocytes in HD.

Effect of continuous, long-term administrations of acetylsalicylic acid on hematological and hemocoagulation changes in the rat.

Acetylsalicylic acid is currently being widely used either itself or in combination with the other substances for the prevention of thromboembolic events. Its effect is particularly given by the inhibition of the cyclooxygenase enzyme participating in the metabolism of eicosanoids. The recommended doses of acetylsalicylic acid as well as frequency of administrations are very different. The present work is aimed at estimating the effect of the continuous administration of acetylsalicylic acid for 28 days on hematological and hemocoagulation changes in the rat. The experimental results suggest that long-term administrations of acetylsalicylic acid should be used cautiously in human medicine. They signalize the need of long-term, aimed clinical studies of hematological parameters of patients preventively treated with acetylsalicylic acid, also with respect to the producer of this substance. It is also impossible to neglect regular controls of necessary parameters for the estimation of the efficiency of the given therapy in each patient with respect to individual reactions. The dosage should also be adjusted with respect to the age, sex and individual sensitivity of the organism.

Individual changes of DNA catabolite excretion in the course of antitumor therapy of Hodgkin's disease.

In patients with morbus Hodgkin, treated primarily by the actino- and chemotherapy, the excretion was followed of DNA catabolites (deoxycytidine, deoxyuridine, thymidine and their sum) in the course of the therapy. The dynamics was studied of changes in the time interval of interest and attention was paid to its relation to the clinical and histological type of disease and to the successful character of the therapy defined by reaching a complete remission. The group of patients as a whole was characterized by an increased excretion of catabolites in the time interval of interest. No dependence was demonstrated between the catabolite excretion and extent of the disease similarly as between the excretion and successful character of the therapy. The dynamics of the changes in the time intervals of interest was neither remarkably nor continuously increased or decreased. The test of the excretion of pyrimidine deoxyribonucleosides possesses sufficient sensitivity for demonstrating laws in relation to the therapy during group evaluation. With respect to individual variability of values of particular patients and to the absence of the relations mentioned above the test is not suitable to indicate the individual response to the anticancer therapy.