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The distribution of alpha-interferon in human placental tissue was investigated by immunocytochemical study of paraffin wax-embedded tissue sections using a sheep alpha-interferon antiserum. Fifty-eight placentas of gestational ages from 8 to 40 weeks were examined. alpha-Interferon was present in the syncytiotrophoblast of the chorionic villi of all placentas and was also in macrophages in 28 cases. The appearances suggest production of interferon in human placental trophoblast and, in view of its diverse biological effects, support the concept of a role for alpha-interferon in the complex series of events required for successful gestation.

Compared with normal subjects, patients with IPAA have significantly lower plasma concentrations of lipophyllic antioxidants alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and lycopene and higher free radical activity suggesting increased oxidative stress. These differences do not appear to be related to diet and do not correlate with histological severity of pouch inflammation.

Three variants of closed duodenal loop models of experimental acute pancreatitis in the rat have been analysed histologically and bacteriologically. Histological studies showed that the resulting pancreatitis was usually mild to moderate, being severe only in association with sepsis. Furthermore the duodenal wall became necrotic in most animals. Bacteriological studies revealed gross infection as a major complication. Peritoneal fluid and blood cultures taken at the time of animal sacrifice consistently demonstrated large numbers of bacteria. It is concluded that although these models undoubtedly cause acute pancreatitis, other more severe pathological events occur. Deductions regarding acute pancreatitis drawn from this type of model are therefore not relevant to the human disease.