Antibody-dependent lymphocyte cytotoxicity against basic protein of myelin in multiple sclerosis.

An antibody was demonstrated in the serum of 166 out of 200 patients with MS which enabled normal lymphocytes to develop a cytotoxic (ADLC) reaction against MBP. The ADLC correlated with the stage of the process and was positive in 94% of those with active and in 62% of those with inactive disease independent of the type--relapsing or chronic progressive--and of the severity of the disease. Control studies in 200 patients with other organic nervous complaints gave positive findings in patients with carcinoma (7.5%), in rheumatoid arthritis (10-15%) and in syphilis (30%). On the ground of its good specificity and the frequency of positive findings, the reaction may be of diagnostic significance. In 55 of 57 CSF samples investigated in MS, the ADLC was positive. The intensity of the cytotoxicity in serum and CSF is practically identical. This finding supports the pathogenetic significance of the ADLC against MBP although it has no validity as a primary aetiological factor.

[The development of vaccination as demonstrated on the development of the Bavarian State Vaccination Institute in the 19th and 20th centuries]. / Zur Entwicklung der Schutzimpfung aufgezeigt an der Entwicklung der Bayerischen Landesimpfanstalt im 19. und 20. Jahrhundert

In 1801 the smallpox vaccination has been introduced in Bavaria by order of the Duke Franz Joseph. He appointed a Medical Superintendent, responsible for smallpox vaccinations for the whole country. This was the hour of birth for the Institute, too. The Institute developed quickly to a point of crystallization in the field of prophylactic medicine, research on infectious diseases and social pediatrics. By this Institute the "Retrovaccine" against smallpox was introduced 1856. 1967 -- 1976 an attenuated life smallpox-vaccine (MVA) has been developed. Some years ago the activities of the Institute had been focussed into research of complications after vaccinations and up to date, on the pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis. A historical review demonstrates the development of the Institute in the past up to modern activities in research, teaching students and postgraduate education and in medical practice.

[Cellular immunity in poxvirus infections. Demonstration, significance and cellular cross reactivity with brain matter]. / Die zelluläre Immunität bei Pox-Virus-Infektionen Nachweis, Bedeutung und zelluläre Kreuzreaktivität mit Hirnsubstanz

Its proof, significance, and the cellular cross reactivity to basic encephalitogenic protein of vaccinia-stimulated T-cells. Vaccination against smallpox induces both, a cellular allergy and immunity, and the production of humoral antibodies. Of greater importance for the defense of the organism against infections by orthopox viruses is the cellular immunity. New methods for the proof of cellular immunity and an in vitro-technique for its examination by challange with variola vera virus are described. In close connection with induction of cellular allergy by vaccination an immunological cell-bound reactivity of isolated lymphocytes develops against the basic encephalitogenic protein. In this antigen-stimulated resp.-irritated stage isolated lymphocytes show an enhanced rate of chromosomal aberrations and a high rate of spontaneous transformations. Lymphocytes of patients with Multiple Sclerosis demonstrate a high stimulation rate (3H- resp. 14C-Thymidine-inlay) after challenge with antigen of vaccinia virus. The T cell-mediated cross reactivity between vaccinia and myelin extracts is discussed as an hypothetic pathogenic factor of CNS complications after primary smallpox vaccination.

[Unspecific vaccination]. / Die unspezifische Impfung.

All vaccines have--besides their specific effect on the immune response--more or less pronounced side effects on the organism and particularly on the immune system. The latter effects deserve special interest, whenever they increase the host defence against infectious diseases. Desirable paraspecific effects of vaccines are the induction of interferon, the enhancement of phagocytic function and the activation of lysosomal enzymes. Some vaccines exert different effects: attenuated live measles vaccine induces interferon, pertussis vaccine activates lysosomal enzymes of macrophages. Some clinical observations illustrate how paraspecific effects of vaccines can be utilized for therapeutic purposes.

[Environmental effects on the immune system]. / Umweltwirkungen auf das Immunsystem.

Functions of humoral and cellular immunity indicate sensitively stimulating and suppressing influences from environment, as poisoning agents, stress and interactions of human behaviour. Examples are shown.

[Vaccinations in pregnancy]. / Impfungen in der Schwangerschaft.

None of the presently common live vaccines--not even rubella vaccine--cause damage to the foetus. Vaccinations given inadvertently are therefore no indication for abortion. Essential vaccinations should nevertheless be completed before pregnancy, mainly for juridical reasons. Because of the danger of abortion vaccinations with provocative character (for example, against cholera, typhoid fever, paratyphus A and B by parenteral route) should be avoided. Homologous immunoglobulin can be given during pregnancy.

[The influence of the environment on the human immune system]. / Einfluss der Umwelt auf das Immunsystem des Menschen.

Different conditions in the human biotop and behavior are investigated and described regarding their influence on resistance and immune reactions: There is a big variety of interactions between the human biotop and immune reactions. Knowing the correlations and the dependences between both, it should be possible to arrive at a new level of optimations in human live.

[Will Salk's polio vaccination be used again?]. / Wird die Salk-Impfung gegen Kinderlhmung wider aktuell?

The value and special problems of application of killed and life polio vaccines are compared and discussed. The vaccination with life polio vaccine will be continued generally. Killed polio vaccine may be useful in children with immunodeficiency only.

[Injury to the immune system by food contaminated by environmental toxins]. / Schädigung des Immunsystems über kontaminierte Nahrung durch Umweltgifte.

Immunity may be used as bioindicator for environmental toxic substances: Low level concentration of Pb, Cd, nitrosamines, Benzopyrene, nicotine and saturated fatty acids in food lead after application over months to a reduction of cellular and humoral immune response. After challenge by different infectious agents mortality was higher in the experimental group of mice. Up to date, investigations with low level doses of toxic agents in food running over a longer time had not been performed.

[The third generation vaccines]. / Impfstoffe der dritten Generation.

The introduction of a new Hepatitis B-vaccine as the first licensed vaccine which is manufactored by gentechnological methods has encouraged generally to discuss advantages and problems of vaccines of the "Third Generation".

[UV spectrum of natural light and tanning equipment. How can physical damage be prevented?]. / UV-Spektrum des natürlichen Lichts und von Bräunungsgeräten. Wie lassen sich Gesundheitsschäden vermeiden?

Health-related problems of cosmetic tanning are presented and discussed on the basis of our own studies and the latest state of our knowledge in this field. Whenever tanning lamps are employed for cosmetic tanning with UV light, a controlled light spectrum ranging from 340 to 440 nm should be applied.

[Traveling with children--what should be considered?]. / Kinder auf Reisen--Was ist zu beachten?

A holiday shared by parents and children can be a delightful experience, provided the parents give due attention to the needs of their children dictated by age, mind, psychology and physique. If this is done, the children are more likely to look back on the holiday with pleasure rather than finding it a harrowing experience best forgotten. In particular in the case of very young and pre-school children, long journeys with young children are not a good idea, and may be associated with numerous disadvantages and health risks. The psychological and physical situation in to tropical and subtropical regions are discussed with respect to the planning of a suitable holiday.