No abstract

CD14 expression and the capacity of mononuclear cells (MC) from preterm and term neonates to secrete the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL) 1β, tumor necrosis factor α and IL-6 in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was investigated and compared to that of adults. MC were incubated with various doses of LPS, and the cytokine level in the supernatants was tested. CD14 receptors on MC and the intensity of their expression were analyzed. MC of preterm and term neonates and adults responded to LPS with low, medium and high proinflammatory cytokine production, respectively. CD14 expression was lowest in preterm infants, intermediate in term infants and highest in adults. The difference between term and preterm neonates for both parameters was significant. The results suggest a possible correlation between the lower expression of CD14 receptor on neonatal cells and the reduced secretion of proinflammatory cytokines by these cells. This decreased production may possibly contribute to the low ability of neonates to develop fever.

Two adult women with idiopathic acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) whose presenting symptom was anterior uveitis are described. On histologic examination of the renal biopsy, eosinophilic infiltrates and mononuclear cells were found. Immunofluorescence was negative. Immunological evaluation showed a slight decrease in the number of T cells with a normal subpopulation ratio. AIN responded to steroid treatment.

Sialic acid was determined in newborn and maternal lymphocytes as well as in newborn and maternal serum immediately after normal deliveries. A significant increase in sialic acid in newborn as compared to maternal lymphocytes was found. Sialic acid concentration seems to be sex-dependent for newborn lymphocytes only, and higher concentrations of sialic acid were observed in male as compared to female newborn lymphocytes. No differences between the sialic acid concentration in maternal and control lymphocytes could be found. In newborn serum, sialic acid was significantly reduced as compared to maternal or control serum. No sex-linked differences were observed. No differences between the concentration of maternal and control serum were detected.