A naturally occurring mutation in Fc gamma RIIA: a Q to K127 change confers unique IgG binding properties to the R131 allelic form of the receptor

Fc gamma RIIa is widely expressed on hematopoietic cells. There are two known allelic polymorphic forms of Fc gamma RIIa, Fc gamma RIIa-R131 and Fc gamma RIIa-H131, which differ in the amino acid at position 131 in the second lg-like domain. In contrast to Fc gamma RIIa-R131, Fc gamma RIIa-H131 binds hlgG2 but not mIgG1, and this differential binding has clinical implications for host defense, autoimmune disease, immunohematologic disease, and response to therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. We identified a novel Fc gamma RIIA genotype in a healthy individual homozygous for Fc gamma RIIA R/R131 in whom a C to A substitution at codon 127 changes glutamine (Q) to lysine (K) in one of the two Fc gamma RIIA genes. This individual's homozygosity for Fc gamma RIIA-R/R131 leads to the prediction that the receptors on her cells would not bind hIgG2. Monocyte and neutrophil phagocytosis of hIgG2-opsonized erythrocytes was significantly higher (P < .05) for cells from this K/Q127, R/R131 individual than for Q/Q127, R/R131 donors. Platelet aggregation stimulated by an mIgG1 anti-CD9 antibody in this individual was significantly different (P < .05) from Q/Q127, H/R131 and Q/Q127, H/H131 donors and similar to Q/Q127, R/R131. Our data show that the K127/R131 receptors have a unique phenotype, binding both hIgG2 and mIgG1. Further functionally significant mutations in human Fc gamma receptors and possible novel mechanisms for inherited differences in disease susceptibility should be sought with unbiased screening methods.     

Inhibitory effects of Estracyt on R-3327 rat prostatic carcinoma

Estracyt (estramustine phosphate) injected intraperitoneally, 100 mg, per Kg. three days a week for four weeks, retarded growth of the R-3327 tumor in intact rats and in orchiectomized rats given androgen. The growth inhibition was accomplished by reduction of tumor deoxyribonucleic acid concentration and of the activities of acid phosphatase, leucine aminopeptidase, and other hydrolases. Histologic examination revealed cellular necrosis particularly prominent in the orchiectomized, androgen-treated rats. Estracyt did not affect the uptake of 65-Zn in the tumors but markedly reduced the high uptake in the dorsolateral prostate. There was no accumulation of 3H or 14C in the tumors after intravenous administration of 3H, 14C-labeled Estracyt, but the isotope concentrations decreased much in the same way as they decreased in the dorsolateral prostate. The isotopes were retained in the ventral prostate, where their concentrations were approximately twenty times higher than those in the muscle four hours after injection. The results demonstrate the value of the R-3327 tumor in the evaluation of drugs of potential clinical use for the treatment of prostatic cancer. The results also show that Estracyt has an antitumor effect which is not dependent on the antigonadotropic action of the drug.     

Memory, emotion, and REM sleep.

Explored the manner in which REM sleep deprivation might affect various aspects of memory processing. A series of tests, including S. Sternberg's (see record 1966-10810-001) test of scanning of immediate memory, past personal and nonpersonal memory, and past emotional memories, was administered to 8 college students after baseline, control-awakening, and REM-deprivation nights. Results show that only past, emotionally important memories may have been affected by REM deprivation; access to the emotion connected with the memories was decreased. This finding is discussed in relation to a possible function of REM sleep and to the effects of REM deprivation on depression. (10 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Parallel compilation: A design and its application to SIMULA 67

A design for a separate compilation facility for the SIMULA 67 programming language is presented. The paper explores the problems with existing separate compilation schemes, and proposes a new scheme that allows top-down, bottom-up, or even parallel development and integration of program modules. An evaluation of the proposal and a discussion of its applicability to other languages are then given.     

Readability of self-report depression inventories.

Reading grade levels were obtained for 10 depression scales (e.g., Beck Depression Inventory) using 2 empirically based readability formulae, one by R. Gunning (1952) and the other by R. F. Flesch (1949). Results suggest that most of the scales are appropriate for use with both adolescents and adult patients who have attained 9th-grade-level reading skills. The limitations of empirical estimates of readability are discussed, and it is noted that comprehension could be influenced by contextual variables such as scale format. (13 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)