Because of their localization and function as phagocytes, alveolar macrophages could take part in the catabolism of surfactant, including surfactants used for treatment. Conditions of the ingestion of the surfactant preparation AWD 56-02 by alveolar macrophages in vitro are described in this paper. The surfactant was labeled with rhodaminyl phosphatidylethanolamine and incubated with alveolar macrophages lavaged from rat lungs. Membrane binding and phagocytosis were evaluated by fluorescence microscopy and quantified fluorimetrically after extraction of the dye. The surfactant was phagocytosed only in the presence of rat serum. The opsonins in the serum are related to complement and Fc receptors as demonstrated by the heat lability of the factor and the inhibition by aggregated gamma-globulins. Furthermore, the phagocytosis depends on calcium and on a factor in the surfactant preparation. Experiments with inhibitors and competition with unlabeled surfactant show that the phagocytosis is a specific and energy-dependent process. Catabolism by alveolar macrophages might be an important step in the metabolism of surfactant, especially when administered in pathological conditions characterized by the presence of serum in the airspaces.

In neonates, herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections can lead to severe diseases associated with high mortality. We report a 6-day-old girl who developed clinical signs of fulminant hepatic failure accompanied by infectious-toxic shock and disseminated coagulopathy secondary to HSV type 1 (HSV-1) infection. The diagnosis was performed postmortem by demonstration of HSV-1 DNA in liver tissue as well as by retrospective detection of HSV-specific antibodies.

SummaryChanges in the clotting system, as well as morphological and functional alterations corresponding to that of the pathologic phenomenon of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or consumption coagulopathy, were produced by thrombin infusion (550 NIH U × kg−1 × h−1) in rats and simultaneous inhibition of fibrinolysis by PAMBA (100 mg/kg).Changes in the fibrinogen level and platelet count as well as the appearance of fibrin monomers and the formation of microthrombi in several organs were evaluated. Simultaneously, the function of the respiratory system was investigated by continuous measurement of oxygen consumption as well as elasticity and water content of the lung. From the time course of the alterations in the several parameters, conclusions can be drawn for the pathogenesis and the possible therapeutic influence on DIC.

Odontogenic fibromyxomas are extremely rare, benign odontogenic tumours, found preferentially in the second and third decades of life. They have a preference for the mandible. The present case report describes a 25-year-old patient with an odontogenic fibromyxoma in the lower jaw. Differential diagnosis, histology and therapy of this neoplasm are described.

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