Detection of sarcolectin-specific receptors like the cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor in rheumatoid nodules.

The objective of this study was the evaluation of the relation between the N-acetyl-neuraminic acid-binding endogenous lectin sarcolectin and the cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) during development of rheumatoid nodules (RN) in seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Sarcolectin was purified and biotinylated. The binding patterns of this probe were analyzed in RN from patients with RA (n = 23) and compared with the distribution of antibodies with specificity for MIF, fibrin, fibronectin. In early RN, all areas of the inflammatory tissue displayed presence of receptors for sarcolectin. Macrophages were especially positive. In mature rheumatoid nodules binding of sarcolectin was restricted to the periphery of necrotic areas, to endothelial cells and perivascular connective tissue of marginal zones. Distribution patterns of MIF were similar but not identical. The histological staining characteristics demonstrate sarcolectin-binding receptors in RN that are altered upon disease progression. The finding suggests that specific interactions between this endogenous lectin and MIF may be involved in the course of RA.

[Critical considerations of the pathogenesis of "soft tissue rheumatism" (fibromyalgia) and its therapeutic consequences]. / Kritische Uberlegungen zur Pathogenese des "Weichteilrheumatismus" (Fibromyalgie) und ihre therapeutischen Konsequenzen.

The term "fibrositis" for generalized tendomyopathia that can still be found in Anglo-American literature is obsolete. The term implies that the disease has inflammatory qualities and can be treated by antiphlogistic means. Using light or electron microscopy we could find no evidence for an inflammatory process in the either tendon or muscle tissues. The term fibromyalgia makes clear that two totally different tissues are affected: 1. the bradytrophic collagenous connective tissue that requires little oxygen 2. the highly active skeletal muscles, made up of muscle cells that require a high amount of oxygen. The way these two tissues react to disorders therefore is also totally different: The collagenous tendon and capsular tissue react to lack of oxygen and overstrain by excessive formation of fibroblasts and dissolution of collagen fibres. Muscle tissue reacts to nerval irritations by pathological muscle tone in extensive areas of human body. This indurative myoitis does not lead to muscle damage, because the increased demand for oxygen is compensated by an increased supply. In the case of excessive focal contracture in myogelosis the tissue-pO2 sinks below the level vital to the muscle cells. By means of electron microscopy we could detect severe damage to, even dissolution of, myofilaments. Therapy for "muscular rheumatism" thus requires normalisation of the pathological tone with the help of antitonic substances or physiotherapy.

Life sciences: microorganisms in the space environment.

Preliminary results of the Spacelab 1 experiment on the response of Bacillus subtilis spores to conditions of free space are presented. Exposure to the vacuum of space on the Spacelab pallet reduced viability counts about 50 percent and increased mutation frequencies by a factor of about 10. Interpretation of apparent differences in the photobiological and photochemical data between flight and ground simulation experiments will require more statistical analyses and data from actual fluence measurements.

Microorganisms and biomolecules in space environment experiment ES 029 on Spacelab-1.

Bacterial spores are proper test organisms for studying problems of space biology and exobiology. During the Spacelab 1 mission, studies on the limiting factors for survival of Bacillus subtilis spores in free space have been performed. An exposure tray on the pallet of Spacelab 1 accomodated 316 samples of dry spores for treatment with space vacuum and/or the following selected wavelengths of solar UV: > 170 nm, 220 nm, 240nm, 260nm and 280 nm. After recovery, inactivation, mutation induction, reparability, and photochemical damages in DNA and protein have been studied. The results contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms of increased UV sensitivity of bacterial spores in vacuo and to a better assessment of the chance of survival of resistant forms in space and of interplanetary transfer of life.

Photobiology in space: an experiment on Spacelab I.

The joint European/US Spacelab Mission I, scheduled for October 1983 for a 9 day lasting Earth-orbiting flight, provides a laboratory system for various disciplines of science, including exobiology. On the pallet, in the experiment ES 029 "Microorganisms and Biomolecules in Space Hard Environment" 316 dry samples of Bacillus subtilis spores will be exposed to space vacuum and/or selected wavelenghs of solar UV radiation. After recovery action spectra of inactivation, mutation induction, reparability and photochemical damage in DNA and protein will be determined. The results will contribute to the understanding of the mechanism of the increased UV sensitivity of bacterial spores in vacuo and to a better assessment of the chance of survival of resistant life forms in space and of interplanetary transfer of life.