Relative value of peripheral blood, secretion and tissue eosinophilia in the diagnosis of different patterns of allergic rhinitis

Eosinophil count in peripheral blood, nasal secretion and nasal mucosa were studied in 20 controls and 38 patients with different patterns of allergic rhinits. Secretion and tissue eosinophilia were pathologically high in a greater number of patients than peripheral blood eosinophilia. This trend was seen in all patterns of allergic rhinitis but was more evident in seasonal allergic rhinitis. The conclusion was reached that examination of local site and local secretions for eosinophilia is helpful in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of allergic rhinitis.     

Genetic and cytogenetic marking of the neurological quaking mutation (qk) in laboratory mice

A new genetically balanced breeding system with a low recombination rate is offered for purposes of maintenance and early identification of mice with the recessive autosomal qk mutation. Dominant T mutation (Brachyury) and recessive t12 mutation of T locus were chosen as genetical markers and Robertsonian translocation Rb (8.17) 1 Iem served as a cytogenetical marker of the qk mutation. As shown by the results, none of genetical mutations studied (qk, T or t12) can be distinguished on differentially stained chromosomal preparations. Hybrid mice of the +T/qk+ genetic compound have a high rate (44%) of homozygous qk/qk offspring. The latter can be identified with the high probability (96%) in foetuses and newborns, according to their tail length, well before the typical neurological symptoms are evident. In the offspring of the F1 hybrids+Rb 1 Iem/qk+ the frequency of qk/qk mice is near 20% and they can be identified with the probability 95% at any stage of the development by means of chromosomal analysis. Hybrids of the +t12/qk genotype are very convenient for prolonged maintenance of the qk gene in a balanced heterozygous condition. Some features of functional similarities between the qk gene and recessive mutations of T locus are discussed. Genetical and cytogenetical markers used in this work provide some novel approaches for experimental analysis of the qk gene expression at early stages of the development.