HBcAg identification in the placental cytotypes of symptom-free HBsAg-carrier mothers: a study with the immunoperoxidase method.

In this study the presence of HBcAg in placental tissue of symptom-free HBsAg-carrier mothers has been determined by the immunoperoxidase technique. The presence of HBcAg in the major placental cytotypes was mostly limited to the trophoblastic lineage. Moreover the activated macrophages with their strong cytoplasmic reaction to the antigen phagocytosis play a remarkable role in the immune response. Because there are continuous channels that link the human amnion through the trophoblastic lineage, including the endovascular trophoblast with maternal decidual vessels, a functional exchange system may be considered valid. This would influence the transmission of infection.

Immunocytochemical HBsAg evidence in placentas of asymptomatic carrier mothers.

We report three chronic asymptomatic HBsAg carrier mothers. We studied their placentas via application of the immunohistochemical method to identify HBsAg by peroxidase-antiperoxidase techniques. All three placental specimens showed a positive HBsAg reaction. Due to the strong cytoplasmatic reactivity of the cytotypes, we deduced their active participation in the infection, proving that virosis occurs via transplacental circulation.

Prediction of ovulation with the assessment of LH and the E1G/P2G ratio in urinary samples.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of two immuno-enzymatic urinary tests (Clearpan for LH secretion and Oveia for E1 G/P2G ratio) in the study of the oophorogenous function, in the prediction of ovulation, and in the recognition of the period of fertility. Both tests are very promising for a retrospective evaluation of the oophorogenous function; for the prediction of ovulation in spontaneous cycle, the Clearpan test is certainly preferable; in the monitoring of the ovulation in the cycles stimulated with post-menopausal gonadotropins, the Oveia test finds better application when accompanied by ultrasonographic evaluation; in the recognition of the fertile period, both tests shown a certain degree of doubt, so they cannot be used with surety.

PIP: This study evaluates 2 immunoenzyme urinalysis technics for the determination of ovulation. The Clearplan test detects urinary luteinizing hormone by means of an immunoenzyme sandwich technic using 2 monoclonal antibodies. When an insoluble complex forms, it turns blue, indicating the presence of luteinizing hormone. The Oveia system measures the urinary ratio of estrone-3-glucuronide to pregnanediol-3-glucuronide by means of monoclonal antibodies specific for each. The identification of peak luteinizing hormone levels by the Clearplan test was verified by ultrasonic measurement of the follicle, indicating that the test is a good predictor of ovulation in spontaneous cycles. The Oveia system, when accompanied by ultrasonic detection, was a better monitor of ovulation in cycles stimulated by postmenopausal gonadotropins. Both tests were doubtful in enough cases to show that they cannot be relied upon with certainty.