Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is considered to be the quintessential autoimmune disease. It has not been possible to induce SLE in animal models by DNA immunization or by challenge with anti-DNA antibodies. We herewith report a murine model of SLE-like disease induced by immunization of C3H.SW female mice with a common human monoclonal anti-DNA idiotype (16/6 idiotype). Following a booster injection with the 16/6 idiotype, high levels of murine anti-16/6 and anti-anti-16/6 antibodies (associated with anti-

No abstract

Four cases of pure squamous cell carcinoma and two cases of mixed squamous cell and glandular carcinoma are reported. Obviously, there is a possibility that squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid gland develops from the existing squamous cells or as a result of metaplasia of follicular cells. Metastases and direct extension of squamous cell carcinoma in the thyroid gland are much more frequent and must be excluded before the diagnosis can be established. Although the gross and microscopic pathology of these lesions presents no unusual features, follicles lined by metaplastic squamous cells offer strong presumptive evidence of a primary thyroid neoplasm. These tumors are comparatively radioresistant and biologically highly malignant. The treatment of choice is radical surgical resection, and these neoplasms must be treated more aggressively in the initial stage.

Summary Two female siblings with cutis laxa are reported. Both these infants showed marked intrauterine growth retardation, hyperlaxity of the joints, with congenital dislocation of the hip. Four similar female infants have been reported in the literature. The mode of inheritance appears to be as an autosomal recessive gene. The marked degree of intrauterine growth retardation may be indicative of a more severe form of the disease, which might be lethal in the male foetus.