Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in the course of B-CLL.

PURPOSE: The study objective was to investigate the production of NO, cGMP and superoxide anion radical by neutrophils, and to examine alterations in serum or plasma total nitric oxide, MDA and cGMP levels in B-CLL patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PMNs were isolated from 20 patients with B-CLL. Total nitrite was measured in cell supernatants and serum by Griess method. The generation of superoxide anion radical by cells was estimated using cytochrom-c reduction test. The cGMP level in cell supernatants and plasma was assessed by ELISA kit whereas serum MDA level using a spectrophotometric assay by Guege and Aus. RESULTS: The PMNs in B-CLL patients were characterised by impaired NO generation and enhanced cGMP production. Contrary to the control group, no significant effect was found of rhlL-15 and rhIL-18 on the release of these mediators by PMNs. Superoxide anion radical release by PMNs was decrease. Serum MDA and plasma cGMP levels were elevated in B-CLL patients as compared to the controls. CONCLUSIONS: The reduced production of nitric oxide and superoxide anion radicals by PMNs in B-CLL may impair the cytotoxic effect of neutrophils on leukaemic B cells. Low secretion of nitric oxide by PMNs and high levels of cGMP in PMN supernatants suggest that activation of guanyl cyclase (sGC) in these patients may occur in the presence of agents other than nitric oxide. Moreover, the findings indicate the enhancement of lipid peroxidation with the progression of the neoplastic process in B-CLL patients.

Transverse ligament of the knee in human embryos aged 7 and 8 weeks.

The aim of the study was to trace the transverse ligament of the knee in staged human embryos. Investigations were carried out on 42 embryos of developmental stages 18-23 (44-56 postovulatory days) from the collection of the Department of Anatomy in Poznan. It was found that in embryos at stage 19 peripheral condensation of the mesenchymal interzone of knee joint, located anteriorly to the primordia of the cruciate ligaments, was recognizable. Clearly visible cellular primordium of the transverse ligament, connected with the medial and lateral menisci, was observed in stage 22. The primordium consisted of oval cells, arranged into densely packed parallel strands. The cells were greater than those forming the menisci. In embryos at stage 23 all intraarticular elements (articular surfaces, menisci and their ligaments, cruciate ligaments and transverse ligament) of the knee joint were clearly evident.

Early development of the cruciate ligaments in staged human embryos.

Investigations were carried out on 43 serially sectioned human embryos of developmental stages 18 to 23. The homogeneous interzone of the future knee joint is observed in embryos at stage 18. During stage 19 this interzone is differentiated into dense, intensively stained, peripheral parts, which are the primordia of menisci and the medial portion, in which the cruciate ligaments are formed. All structures of the interior of the knee joint are more clearly delineated during stage 20, and they are well developed during the last embryonic week (stages 21-23).

Variation in morphology of the biceps brachii and coracobrachialis muscles associated with abnormal course of blood vessels and nerves.

On the right upper limb, during laboratory dissection the low division of the common trunk of the musculocutaneous nerve and the lateral root of the median nerve, low fusion of two roots of the median nerve as well as accessory heads of the coracobrachialis and biceps brachii muscles were found. The axillary and brachial arteries showed abnormal course.

Immunochemical comparison of the glutamate dehydrogenase isoenzymes in yellow lupin root nodules.

Monospecific antisera against three glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) subunits of lupin root nodules were obtained. The use of sensitive mixed rocket immunoelectrophoresis enabled detection of seven GDH forms at the early stage of nodule development, thus providing evidence for the earlier hypothesized (L. Ratajczak et al., 1986, Physiol. Plant., 67, 685-689) random association of subunits 2g and 2a to form the remaining five GDH forms. All seven forms were localized in mitochondria. Immunological similarity was found between form 1 and plastid GDH.