By dividing a Dutch reference collection into two subsamples of different ages, remarkable differences were found in the suture closure process in these subsamples. Spearman rank correlations demonstrated that mean endocranial closure stage is correlated (P < 0.001) with age in the ages below fifty but not in tEe ages above fifty. In the latter ages the closure stage of individual suture sections showed positive as well as negative correlations (0'001 ~< P < 0.05) with age at death. Therefore two different suture closure indices were introduced as age indicators, one for each subsample. Both indices are correlated (P < 0"001) with age within their subsample. It is supposed that the required division into subsamples may be realized with the help of other age indicators. As possible age indicator, especially when used together with others in "complex methods", suture closure has not yet served its turn.

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in the common marmoset, a nonhuman primate species (Callithrix jacchus), is a new model for multiple sclerosis. Given the close immunological relationship between marmosets and humans, it is an attractive model for investigating immunopathological pathways relevant to multiple sclerosis and to evaluate new treatments for the disease. Unlike in the originally documented model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis induced without the use of Bordetella pertussis led to a chronic disease of moderate severity. The clinical course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in the present model was mainly chronic and progressive, but periods of incomplete remission did occur. At the chronic stage of the disease, actively demyelinating lesions were found together with inactive demyelinated and remyelinated (shadow) plaques. Before immunization and during clinically active experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance brain images were obtained. Correlation of the data from the magnetic resonance images and the neuropathology analysis revealed that the hyperintense regions in T2-weighted images represented both active and inactive remyelinating lesions. Quantification showed that the number of lesions in T2-weighted magnetic resonance images equalled those found by pathological examination, and thus T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging can be used to discern the total lesion load. Extravasation of gadolinium-diethylenetriamine-penta-acetic acid (triple dose) was found only in lesions, which by histopathology were shown to be engaged in the process of active demyelination.

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