Adenocarcinoma mucosecretante como complicación de la hidradenitis supurativa / Mucinous adenocarcinoma in association with hidradenitis suppurativa

El primer caso de adenocarcinoma mucosecretante asociado a una hidradenitis supurativa crónica, es presentado. La paciente posee una historia de 10 años de su hidradenitis; cuando esta se localiza en el área perineo-genital puede surgir un cáncer subyacente, siendo el carcinoma espinocelular el más frecuente. La enferma se sometió a una resección local amplia pero con un criterio paliativo. Se discute el tratamiento de la neoplasia, al igual que la incidencia de la misma bajo el tratamiento biológico, con adalimumab.

This is the first case in Argentina of Hidradenitis Suppurativa associated with a perianal mucinous carcinoma. Hidradenitis suppurativa is a common disorder, probably autoinflammatory in apocrine bearing skin. When the lesions are located in genital and perineal areas they may be associated with cancer, usually squamous cell carcinoma. We describe a case of a 46-year-woman who has a history of 10 years of hidradenitis suppurativa and developed a big mucinous adenocarcinoma. Treatment is discussed tough the gold standard is the resection abdominoperineal. Our case was treated with a palliative criterion with a wide local surgery. Adalimumab is an accepted treatment for the chronic inflammation in the hidradenitis suppurativa; we do not believe this drug cause or worse the outcome of the malignant neoplasia.

Gut-borne Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a promising candidate for the formulation of feed additives, modulates immune system and gut microbiota.

The aim was to evaluate the effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae RC016 on immune parameters and gut microbiota in healthy mice. Animals received S. cerevisiae RC016 for 10 days. Microbial translocation to liver and changes in some bacterial populations in caecum were determined. Immune stimulation was assessed at gut level (measure ofimmunoglobulin A (IgA)+ cells and luminal cytokine profile) and by evaluating the activity of peritoneal macrophages. Oral administration of S. cerevisiae RC016 did not induce microbial translocation to liver. Mice that received yeast increased the number of IgA+ cells in their intestines, the phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages and decreased tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels in the small intestine with increases of interleukin-10/TNF-αratio. Administration of S. cerevisiae RC016 caused the decline of a logarithmic unit for Enterobacteriaceae counts compared to the control. The immune and gut microbiota modulation observed demonstrates that S. cerevisiae RC016 is a promising candidate for the formulation of feed additives to improve animal productivity. The beneficial in vivo effects observed for the potential probiotic S. cerevisiae RC016 with previously reported mycotoxin-bindingproperties, demonstrated that this strain could be suitable to be included in a novel product to improve animalproductivity, with both probiotic and mycotoxin-binding properties. However, studies in the specific host will be necessary to confirm this potential.

Mixofibrosarcoma de bajo grado de la pared torácica / A low-grade myxofibrosarcoma of the chest wall

El mixofibrosarcoma es una neoplasia maligna infrecuente, que puede originarse en los tejidos blandos, se lo ha estadificado como de alto o bajo grado y la localización más frecuente son los miembros inferiores. El reconocimiento clínico del mismo es dificultoso, en primer lugar porque la clínica de otros sarcomas de partes blandas es similar y además semejan lipomas o aún quistes. La extirpación quirúrgica amplia es el tratamiento de elección, por la propensión de este sarcoma a la recidiva local. Los catalogados como de alto grado en un 30 % de los casos, pueden originar metástasis a distancia, especialmente a hueso, pulmón y ganglios linfáticos. La histopatología asegura el diagnóstico en la mayoría de los casos. Comunicamos el caso de un mixofibrosarcoma de bajo grado, en un hombre de 43 años, que a los tres años de control evolutivo, luego de la resección quirúrgica, no presenta recaída local ni distante.

Myxofibrosarcoma is an uncommon soft tissue sarcoma that is grading as low or high malignancy. The principal sites of involvement are the lower limbs. Clinical recognition is difficult since it resembles a cyst, a lipoma, other soft tissue sarcoma or even benign conditions as panniculitis. The wide surgical excision is the main therapeutic approach because local recurrence is frequent. The high grade variant is associated in 30 % of the cases with distant metastasis, especially to the lung, bone and lymph nodes. The histopathological features allow an accurate diagnosis in most cases. A 43 year-old man with a myxofibrosarcoma of the chest wall is reported with a follow-up of two years without recurrence.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus RC007 intended for feed additive: immune-stimulatory properties and ameliorating effects on TNBS-induced colitis.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus RC007 is a potential probiotic bacterium that can exert beneficial effects as supplement for animal feed, by improving the immune status in healthy host, and by providing therapeutic benefits to infected/inflamed animals. The aim of the present work was to evaluate in vivo the beneficial properties of L. rhamnosus RC007, intended for animal feed, when administered to healthy and trinitro-benzene-sulfonic-acid (TNBS) colitis induced BALB/c mice. The administration of L. rhamnosus RC007 to healthy mice during 10 days increased the phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages and the number of immunoglobulin A+ cells in the lamina proper of the small intestine. Significant increases of monocyte chemotactic protein 1, interleukin (IL)-10 and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) concentrations, and in the ratio between anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10/TNF-α) were observed in intestinal fluids after administration of bacteria. In the inflammation model, less body weight loss, macroscopic and histological damages in the large intestine were accompanied by increased IL-10/TNF-α ratio in the intestinal fluids of mice from the L. rhamnosus-TNBS group when compared to the TNBS group. In a healthy host, the oral administration of L. rhamnosus RC007 kept the gut immune system stimulated allowing a faster response to noxious stimulus. Mice that received L. rhamnosus RC007 also decreased the severity of the intestinal inflammation.

Effect of breast feeding time on physiological, immunological and microbial parameters of weaned piglets in an intensive breeding farm.

The aim of this work was to study the long-lasting consequences of different weaning age on physiological, immunological and microbiological parameters of weaned piglets. Piglets were weaned at 14 days (14W) or 21 days (21W). Blood samples were taken for IgG and cortisol determination on preweaning day and at 4; 20 and 40 post-weaning days. Three animals of each group were sacrificed. Small intestines for morphometric studies and secretory-IgA determination in fluid were taken. The cecum was obtained for enterobacteria, lactobacilli and total anaerobes enumeration. A significant decrease in piglet's plasma IgG concentrations was observed immediately after weaning and no differences were found between 14W and 21W. An increase in intestinal S-IgA was observed according to piglet's age. This increase was significantly higher in piglets 14W compared to piglets 21W. Animals from 14W group showed a decrease in villus length and in the number of goblet cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes. Other parameters were not affected by the weaning age. A short-term increase in cortisol was observed after weaning in both experimental groups. Enterobacteria decreased significantly after weaning in both groups, reaching values of weaning after 40 days. Lactobacilli counts decreased in both groups after weaning; however their counts were always higher than those obtained for enterobacteria. No differences were observed between 14W and 21W with regards to counts of anaerobes. The shortening of breast feeding time would favor an early synthesis of intestinal S-IgA after weaning. The changes observed in the microbiota could decrease postweaning enteric infections. However, early weaning induced negative effects on the cells of gut innate immunity and villi atrophy. This work provides knowledge about advantages and disadvantages at different weaning and long-lasting consequences on pig health. It is critical that swine producers become aware of the biological impacts of weaning age, so as to be able to decide the appropriate management strategies according to their facilities and rearing environment.

Hidradenitis supurativa / Hidradenitis suppurativa

Se comunican tres casos de hidradenitis supurativa, que respondieron con relativo éxito al adalimumab sub-cutáneo. Revisamos el tema y proponemos la hipótesis de su futura inclusión, en el amplio espectro de las enfermedades autoinflamatorias.(AU)

Three cases of hidradenitis suppurativa with a relative good response to the adalimumab sub cutaneous, are reported. A comprehensive review of the subject is made. The hypothesis of hidradenitis suppurativa as an autoinflammatory diseases, is proposed.(AU)

Hidradenitis supurativa / Hidradenitis suppurativa

Se comunican tres casos de hidradenitis supurativa, que respondieron con relativo éxito al adalimumab sub-cutáneo. Revisamos el tema y proponemos la hipótesis de su futura inclusión, en el amplio espectro de las enfermedades autoinflamatorias.

Three cases of hidradenitis suppurativa with a relative good response to the adalimumab sub cutaneous, are reported. A comprehensive review of the subject is made. The hypothesis of hidradenitis suppurativa as an autoinflammatory diseases, is proposed.

Anetodermia secundaria a infección con moluscos contagiosos / Secondary anetoderma following molluscum contagiosum infection

Comunicamos un caso de anetodermia secundaria a la infección por moluscos contagiosos, en una niña de 12 años de edad, secuela infrecuente pero de difícil tratamiento.

A 12 years-old girl with many anetoderma scars following molluscum contagiosum infection was reported, this unusual dermatosis residual to molluscum contagiosum are difficult to treat.

Anetodermia secundaria a infección con moluscos contagiosos / Secondary anetoderma following molluscum contagiosum infection

Comunicamos un caso de anetodermia secundaria a la infección por moluscos contagiosos, en una niña de 12 años de edad, secuela infrecuente pero de difícil tratamiento.(AU)

A 12 years-old girl with many anetoderma scars following molluscum contagiosum infection was reported, this unusual dermatosis residual to molluscum contagiosum are difficult to treat.(AU)

Nevos de tejido conectivo / Connective tissue nevi

Comunicamos dos casos de nevo del tejido conectivo, el primero con patrón histológico mixto y el segundo con predominio de alteraciones en las fibras elásticas. No se constataron síndromes ni patología sistémica asociada. Un caso presentó disposición linear y un nevo acrómico asociado.(AU)

Two cases of connective tissue nevi are reported, one of them with a mixed histopatologic pattern and one with elastin fibers diminished. None of the patients had systemic involvement or associated syndromes. The mixed connective tissue nevi type showed a linear distribution and has associated an acromic nevi.(AU)

Nevos de tejido conectivo / Connective tissue nevi

Comunicamos dos casos de nevo del tejido conectivo, el primero con patrón histológico mixto y el segundo con predominio de alteraciones en las fibras elásticas. No se constataron síndromes ni patología sistémica asociada. Un caso presentó disposición linear y un nevo acrómico asociado.

Two cases of connective tissue nevi are reported, one of them with a mixed histopatologic pattern and one with elastin fibers diminished. None of the patients had systemic involvement or associated syndromes. The mixed connective tissue nevi type showed a linear distribution and has associated an acromic nevi.

Stroking parameters during continuous and intermittent exercise in regional-level competitive swimmers.

This study aimed to determine whether maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) represents a boundary above which not only physiological but also technical changes occur. On different days, 13 male swimmers (23 ± 9 years) performed the following tests: 1) a 400-m all-out swim, to determine maximal aerobic speed (S-400); 2) a series of 30-min sub-maximal swims, to determine continuous MLSS (MLSSc), and; 3) a series of 12×150 s sub-maximal swims, to determine intermittent MLSS (MLSSi). Stroke rate (SR), distance per stroke cycle (DS) and stroke index (SI) were analyzed at and above (102.5%) MLSSc and MLSSi. MLSSi (1.17 ± 0.09 m.s (- 1)) was significantly higher than MLSSc (1.13 ± 0.08 m.s (- 1)) while blood lactate concentration (mmol.L (- 1)) was similar between the 2 conditions (4.3 ± 1.1 and 4.4 ± 1.5, respectively). The increase in SR and decreases in DS and SI were significant during MLSSi, 102.5% MLSSc and 102.5% MLSSi. During MLSSc, DS also decreased significantly (- 3.6%) but with no change in SR or SI. Thus, stroking technique of regional-level competitive swimmers changes over time when they swim at or above MLSS. This is the case during both continuous and intermittent swimming, despite steady state blood lactate concentrations.

VO2 kinetics during heavy and severe exercise in swimming.

The purpose of this study was to describe the VO2 kinetics above and below respiratory compensation point (RCP) during swimming. After determination of the gas-exchange threshold (GET), RCP and VO(2max), 9 well-trained swimmers (21.0 ± 7.1 year, VO(2max)=57.9 ± 5.1 ml.kg (- 1).min (- 1)), completed a series of "square-wave" swimming transitions to a speed corresponding to 2.5% below (S - 2.5%) and 2.5% above (S+2.5%) the speed observed at RCP for the determination of pulmonary VO2 kinetics. The trial below (~2.7%) and above RCP (~2%) was performed at 1.28 ± 0.05 m.s (- 1) (76.5 ± 6.3% VO(2max)) and 1.34 0.05 m.s (- 1) (91.3 ± 4.0% VO(2max)), respectively. The time constant of the primary component was not different between the trials below (17.8 ± 5.9 s) and above RCP (16.5 ± 5.1 s). The amplitude of the VO(2)slow component was similar between the exercise intensities performed around RCP (S - 2.5%=329.2 ± 152.6 ml.min (- 1) vs. S+2.5%=313.7 ± 285.2 ml.min (- 1)), but VO(2max) was attained only during trial performed above RCP (S-2.5%=91.4 ± 5.9% VO(2max) vs. S+2.5%=103.0 ± 8.2% VO(2max)). Thus, similar to the critical power during cycling exercise, the RCP appears to represent a physiological boundary that dictates whether VO(2) kinetics is characteristic of heavy- or severe-intensity exercise during swimming.

[Recidivant laryngeal leishmaniasis: an unusual case in an immunocompetent patient treated with corticosteroids]. / Leishmaniosis laríngea recidivante: un caso inusual en un paciente inmunocompetente tratado con corticoides.

Leishmaniosis is a chronic parasitic disease, which in Argentina is mainly caused by protozoa belonging to the Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis complex, leading to cutaneous and mucosal pathologies. We report a rare case of laryngeal leishmaniosis in a 29 year-old man from Jujuy province, Argentina, who had been misdiagnosed with other pathologies, carrying this infectious disease for about 20 years. During 2008, the patient was admitted with complaints of progressive hoarseness of the voice and dyspnea. He also reported having received tuberculostatics, antifungal and corticosteroids treatments since 2002. Different biopsies and direct laryngoscopic exams revealed inespecific granulomatous larynx, TBC-related laryngitis, laryngitis related to Histoplasma infection, extra-nodal Natural Killer-cell lymphoma. Finally, the patient was evaluated at the University Hospital and the final diagnosis was: granulomatous larynx, intra and extra-cytoplasmic Leishmania spp amastigotes, negative for TBC and Histoplasma cultures, and chronic laryngitis related to Leishmania infection, according to the laryngeal endoscopy, microbiological and histopathological exams, respectively. The patient received pentavalent antimonial treatment and his condition improved after 2 months of follow-up. Primary laryngeal leishmaniosis is rare and this localization does not belong to the most prevalent mucosal leishmaniosis. However, this parasitic disease warrants special concern, especially in patients who received prolonged corticosteroid treatments, in order to avoid a misdiagnosis of this disease.

Effects of strength training on running economy.

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of different strength training protocols added to endurance training on running economy (RE). Sixteen well-trained runners (27.4 +/- 4.4 years; 62.7 +/- 4.3 kg; 166.1 +/- 5.0 cm), were randomized into two groups: explosive strength training (EST) (n = 9) and heavy weight strength training (HWT) (n = 7) group. They performed the following tests before and after 4 weeks of training: 1) incremental treadmill test to exhaustion to determine of peak oxygen uptake and the velocity corresponding to 3.5 mM of blood lactate concentration; 2) submaximal constant-intensity test to determine RE; 3) maximal countermovement jump test and; 4) one repetition maximal strength test in leg press. After the training period, there was an improvement in RE only in the HWT group (HWT = 47.3 +/- 6.8 vs. 44.3 +/- 4.9 ml . kg (-1) . min (-1); EST = 46.4 +/- 4.1 vs. 45.5 +/- 4.1 ml . kg (-1) . min (-1)). In conclusion, a short period of traditional strength training can improve RE in well-trained runners, but this improvement can be dependent on the strength training characteristics. When comparing to explosive training performed in the same equipment, heavy weight training seems to be more efficient for the improvement of RE.

Effects of prolonged running performed at the intensity corresponding to the onset of blood lactate accumulation, on maximum isokinetic strength in active non-athletic individuals

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of prolonged continuous running performed at the intensity corresponding to the onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA), on the peak torque of the knee extensors, analyzed in relation to different types of contraction and movement velocities in active individuals. METHOD: Eight men (23.4 ± 2.1 years; 75.8 ± 8.7 kg; 171.1 ± 4.5 cm) participated in this study. First, the subjects performed an incremental test until volitional exhaustion to determine the velocity corresponding to OBLA. Then, the subjects returned to the laboratory on two occasions, separated by at least seven days, to perform five maximal isokinetic contractions of the knee extensors at two angular velocities (60 and 180º.s-1) under eccentric and concentric conditions. Eccentric peak torque (EPT) and Concentric peak torque (CPT) were measured at each velocity. One session was performed after a standardized warm-up period (5 min at 50 percent VO2max). The other session was performed after continuous running at OBLA until volitional exhaustion. These sessions were conducted in random order. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in CPT only at 60º.s-1 (259.0 ± 46.4 and 244.0 ± 41.4 N.m). However, the reduction in EPT was significant at 60º.s-1 (337.3 ± 43.2 and 321.7 ± 60.0 N.m) and 180º.s-1 (346.1 ± 38.0 and 319.7 ± 43.6 N.m). The relative strength losses after the running exercise were significant different between contraction types only at 180º.s-1. CONCLUSION: We can conclude that, in active individuals, the reduction in peak torque after prolonged continuous running at OBLA may be dependent on the type of contraction and angular velocity.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os efeitos da corrida contínua prolongada realizada na intensidade correspondente ao início do acúmulo do lactato no sangue (OBLA) sobre o torque máximo dos extensores do joelho analisado em diferentes tipos de contração e velocidade de movimento em indivíduos ativos. MÉTODO: Oito indivíduos do gênero masculino (23,4 ± 2,1 anos; 75,8 ± 8,7 kg; 171,1 ± 4,5 cm) participaram deste estudo. Primeiramente, os sujeitos realizaram um teste incremental até a exaustão voluntária para determinar a velocidade correspondente ao OBLA. Posteriormente, os sujeitos retornaram ao laboratório em duas ocasiões, separadas por pelo menos sete dias, para realizar 5 contrações isocinéticas máximas para os extensores do joelho em duas velocidades angulares (60 e 180º.s-1) sob as condições excêntrica (PTE) e concêntrica (PTC). Uma sessão foi realizada após um período de aquecimento padronizado (5 min a 50 por centoVO2max). A outra sessão foi realizada após uma corrida contínua no OBLA até a exaustão voluntária. Essas sessões foram executadas em ordem randômica. RESULTADOS: Houve redução significante do PTC somente a 60º.s-1 (259,0 ± 46,4 e 244,0 ± 41,4 N.m). Entretanto, a redução do PTE foi significante a 60º.s-1 (337,3 ± 43,2 e 321,7 ± 60,0 N.m) e 180º.s-1 (346,1 ± 38,0 e 319,7 ± 43,6 N.m). As reduções relativas da força após o exercício de corrida foram significantemente diferentes entre os tipos de contração somente a 180º.s-1. CONCLUSÃO: Podemos concluir que, em indivíduos ativos, a redução no torque máximo após uma corrida contínua prolongada no OBLA pode ser dependente do tipo de contração e da velocidade angular.

The lactate minimum test protocol provides valid measures of cycle ergometer VO(2)peak.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate the validity of the Lactate Minimum Test (LMT) for the determination of peak VO(2) on a cycle ergometer and to determine the submaximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)) and pulmonary ventilation (VE) responses in an incremental exercise test when it is preceded by high intensity exercise (i.e., during a LMT). METHODS: Ten trained male athletes (triathletes and cyclists) performed 2 exercise tests in random order on an electromagnetic cycle ergometer: 1). Control Test (CT): an incremental test with an initial work rate of 100 W, and with 25 W increments at 3-min intervals, until voluntary exhaustion; 2). LMT: an incremental test identical to the CT, except that it was preceded by 2 supramaximal bouts of 30-sec (approximately 120% VO(2)peak) with a 30-sec rest to induce lactic acidosis. This test started 8 min after the induction of acidosis. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in peak VO(2) (65.6+/-7.4 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1); 63.8 +/- 7.5 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) to CT and LMT, respectively). However, the maximal power output (POmax) reached was significantly higher in CT (300.6+/-15.7 W) than in the LMT (283.2+/-16.0 W). VO(2) and VE were significantly increased at initial power outputs in LMT. CONCLUSION: Although the LMT alters the submaximal physiological responses during the incremental phase (greater initial metabolic cost), this protocol is valid to evaluate peak VO(2), although the POmax reached is also reduced.

Blood lactate response and critical speed in swimmers aged 10-12 years of different standards.

It has previously been shown that measurement of the critical speed is a non-invasive method of estimating the blood lactate response during exercise. However, its validity in children has yet to be demonstrated. The aims of this study were: (1) to verify if the critical speed determined in accordance with the protocol of Wakayoshi et al. is a non-invasive means of estimating the swimming speed equivalent to a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol x l(-1) in children aged 10-12 years; and (2) to establish whether standard of performance has an effect on its determination. Sixteen swimmers were divided into two groups: beginners and trained. They initially completed a protocol for determination of speed equivalent to a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol x l(-1). Later, during training sessions, maximum efforts were swum over distances of 50, 100 and 200 m for the calculation of the critical speed. The speeds equivalent to a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol x l(-1) (beginners = 0.82 +/- 0.09 m x s(-1), trained = 1.19 +/- 0.11 m x s(-1); mean +/- s) were significantly faster than the critical speeds (beginners = 0.78 +/- 0.25 m x s(-1), trained = 1.08 +/- 0.04 m x s(-1)) in both groups. There was a high correlation between speed at a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol x l(-1) and the critical speed for the beginners (r= 0.96, P < 0.001), but not for the trained group (r= 0.60, P> 0.05). The blood lactate concentration corresponding to the critical speed was 2.7 +/- 1.1 and 3.1 +/- 0.4 mmol x l(-1) for the beginners and trained group respectively. The percent difference between speed at a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol x l(-1) and the critical speed was not significantly different between the two groups. At all distances studied, swimming performance was significantly faster in the trained group. Our results suggest that the critical speed underestimates swimming intensity corresponding to a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol x l(-1) in children aged 10-12 years and that standard of performance does not affect the determination of the critical speed.

The effects of wet suits on physiological and biomechanical indices during swimming.

The objectives of this study were to verify the effects of wet suits (WS) on the performance during 1500m swimming (V1500), on the velocity corresponding to the anaerobic threshold (VAT) and on the drag force (AD) as well as its coefficient (Cx). 19 swimmers randomly completed the following protocols on different days (with and without WS): 1) maximal performance of 1500m swimming; 2) VAT in field test, with fixed concentration of blood lactate (4 mM) and 3) determination of hydrodynamic indices (AD and Cx). The results demonstrated significant differences (p < 0.05) in the VAT (1.27 +/- 0.09; 1.21 +/- 0.06 m.s-1), and in the V1500 (1.21 +/- 0.08; 1.17 +/- 0.08 m.s-1), with and without WS, respectively. However the AD, and its Cx did not present significant differences (p>0.05) for the respective maximal speeds of swimming. In summary, we can conclude that WS allows swimmers to reach greater speeds in both, long- and short-course swims. This improvement can be related to the decrease of the AD, since with higher speeds (with WS) the subjects presented the same resistance, as they did when compared to speeds without a WS. Moreover, these data suggest that the methodology used in this study to determine the Cx is unable to detect the improvement caused by WS.

Different responses of lymphocyte to human placenta conditioned medium in vitro.

Several cytokines appear to be implicated in peri-implantation events and in maternal-fetal interaction. The majority of these molecules appear in supernatants or in extracts of placental origin. The purpose of this study was to investigate the action of human placenta conditioned medium (HPCM) on peripheral lymphocytes in vitro. Peripheral lymphocytes of women with different numbers of deliveries, of nulliparous and pregnant women, as well as of men, were cultivated in their own plasma with and without HPCM at 5%, 10% and 20%. The index of lymphocyte blast transformation (ILBT) was determined (values of > or = 0.5 indicated stimulation). In women who had had children, the highest lymphocyte blastogenesis was observed with HPCM at 10%, this finding being correlated to the numbers of deliveries (r = 0.828). In pregnant women, even though the highest answer was also obtained with HPCM at 10%, the addition of suboptimal concentration of HPCM (5%) produced blastic transformation (IBLT: x = 0.54 +/- 0.05), which was not observed in women who had had children. Lymphocytes of men and nulliparous women did not respond to any of the HPCM concentrations tested. In conclusion, HPCM at 10% was still the best concentration to produce lymphocyte blastogenesis. In addition, in the plasma of pregnant women, there may be some substance that enhanced the action in vitro of the extract, thus permitting threshold reduction necessary for lymphocyte stimulation.