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A B S T R A C T S

Increased biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycans by scleroderma fibroblasts in culture

Bashey RI, Millan A, Jimenez SA: Arthritis Rheum 27:1040-1045, 1984

From the University of Pennsylvania comes this report of fibroblasts in culture, some from sclerodermatous skin, some from normal skin. Overproduction of glycosaminoglycans was demonstrated, mostly hyaluronates. Interpretation is dif- ficult.

P.C.A.

Accurate use of laboratory tests in rheumatic diseases

Blotzer JW: Geriatrics 39:63-64, 69, 71-73, 1984

A plea is voiced to recognize the limitations of rheuma- tologic tests, to use clinical information, and to avoid "blind allegiance" of any sort to any laboratory value.

P.C.A.

Release of platelet factor 4 into the blood after cold challenge of patients with cold urticaria

Wasserman SI, Ginsberg MH: J Allergy Clin Immunol 74:275-279, 1984

Platelets are important in mediating diseases. In patients with cold urticaria the elaboration of platelet factor 4 (PF-4) may be distinctive and important.

P.C.A.

Prostaglandin 12 is not a major metabolite of arachidonic acid in cultured endothelial cells from human foreskin microvesseis

Charo IF, Shak S, Karasek MA, et al: J Clin Inves t 74:914-919, 1984

In large blood vessels prostaglandin I2 is important, mostly to prevent adherence of cells on the surface of the endothe- lium. In small vessels in skin, however, this mechanism may not be important, according to these experiments.

P . C . A .

Neurocutaneous melanosis with extensive intracerebral and spinal cord involvement. Report of two cases

Faillace WJ, Okawara SH, McDonald JV: J Neurosurg 61:782-785, 1984

Two cases of children with giant pelt-type melanocytic nevi are presented; both had severe neurologic disorders o f the brain and spinal cord, and one developed melanoma, Some component of this nevoid disease may be hidden in the ner- vous system rather frequently.

P . C . A .