0000000000237078
AUTHOR
W. Sonntag
D-penicillamine in Wilson's disease presenting as acute liver failure with hemolysis.
Wilson's disease in a young woman presenting with an acute course is described. The clinical manifestations were fulminant hepatic failure associated with marked intravascular hemolysis. Immediate D-penicillamine and high-dose steroid therapy did not influence the course of the disease. Necropsy revealed an increased hepatic copper content and cirrhosis with extensive necrosis of the liver.
Cell fusion as a mechanism for the formation of giant cells (Langhans’ type)
The formation of multinuclear giant cells of the Langhans' type in tubulo-interstitial auto-immune nephritis in the rat has been investigated by means of autoradiography. While in the majority of giant cells all nuclei were radiolabeled, in a few both labeled and unlabeled nuclei were present. This latter finding represents strong evidence in favour of the hypothesis that giant cells do not form by endomitotic processes but rather through fusion of certain precursor cells. According to previous studies this precursor cell population consists mainly of epitheloid cells, i.e. modified monocytes.
Influence of Perioperative cis-Platinum on Breaking Strength of Bowel Anastomoses in Rats
Adjuvant and perioperative chemotherapy is increasingly being used in the treatment of malignant disease. Therefore, the influence of cytostatic drugs is of interest and is being investigated experimentally. The influence of various drugs is well known and has been described elsewhere (Shamberger et al. 1981). Recently, cis-platinum, an inorganic complex that inhibits DNA synthesis by cross-linking DNA strands, has been introduced. In urology it has shown a surprisingly good effect on testicular tumors and has been used in bladder cancer for palliative treatment, being one of the most potent drugs for this purpose (Yagoda 1979). It is now being combined with cystectomy for curative therapy …