Pure populations of human basophilic granulocytes were obtained from chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) blood by negative selection using a mixture of monoclonal antibodies and complement. '25Iradiolabeled recombinant human interleukin 3 (rhIL-3) bound to purified basophils in a specific manner. Quantitative binding studies and Scatchard plot analyses performed on samples from two donors revealed the presence of a single class of high-affinity IL-3 binding sites (500 and 2100 sites per cell; dissociation constant at equilibrium, 230 and 160 pmol/liter, respectively). Purified CML basophils maintained in suspension in the presence of rhIL-3 (100 units/ml) incorporated up to 12 times more [Hlthymidine than basophils in control cultures. Furthermore, after preincubation in vitro with rhIL-3 (100 units/mi) for 30 min, normal blood basophils released 2-to 3-fold more histamine than basophils pretreated with control medium when exposed to various concentrations ofan anti-IgE antibody. Together, these results show that rhIL-3 binds to a specific receptor on blood basophils and is a regulator of basophil function.

Recently, we were able to establish the immunologic surface marker profile of human basophils and mast cells. In the present study, the characterization of these cell types was extended by the use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to hemopoietic differentiation antigens. Basophils and mast cells were enriched by mAbs and complement from chronic myeloid leukemia blood (n = 5) and dispersed lung tissue (n = 4), respectively. A panel of 80 mAbs was tested for being reactive with purified cell populations using flow cytometry and/or a combined toluidine blue-immunofluorescence staining procedure. In addition to previous findings, basophils were found to react with mAbs directed against the 126-kilodalton dipeptidylpeptidase IV (CD26), platelet glycoprotein IIa (CD31), CD40 antigen known to share sequence homology with nerve growth factor receptor, leukosialin (CD43), CD44 antigen, the ICAM-1 antigen (CD54) and VIM2-reactive gangliosides involving the sialofucooligosaccharide sequence (CDw65L). Bsp-1 was found to be a specific marker for human basophils, whereas mast cells were not stained by this reagent. Basophils apparently lack CD22 antigen, gangliosides detected by CDw65 mAbs (except CDw65L) and CD71 antigen (transferrin receptor). Mast cells were found to express CD43 and CD44 antigen. In contrast, mast cells lack CD22, CD26, CD31, CD40 and CDw65 antigen. These results provide further evidence that both blood basophils and mast cells express a unique immunologic surface marker profile including binding sites for a variety of immunomodulating ligands and adhesion molecules.

Our standard diagnostic procedure consists of establishing diagnosis by Doppler color flow sonography, angiography for detailing the vascularization of the tumor, and selective embolization to enable safer surgery with less bleeding. Early surgery is recommended to minimize major risks.

Summary:The so-called pinch-off syndrome is observed in up to 1% of all central venous catheters (CVCs), and is a valuable warning prior to fragmentation, which occurs in approximately 40% of the respective cases. As long-term indwelling CVCs are used with increasing frequency, this paper describes the necessity of pinch-off monitoring following the experiences of a case study and a review of the current literature on this specific topic in order to point out preventive practice guidelines.Besides easy preventive practices such as a high level of suspicion and adequate X-ray controls, findings give strong evidence that the most important specific factor might be the adequate approach.In our hands, the supraclavicular technique has provided the best results with regards to percutaneous introduction of large bore CVCs. Central venous catheters (CVCs) are useful therapeutic and diagnostic devices for administration of fluids, chemotherapeutic agents, parenteral nutrition and for central venous pressure monitoring, for vascular access, for extracorporal treatment regimens, and bone marrow transplantation. [1][2][3] As with most invasive procedures, central venous catheterization is associated with numerous potential complications, both during placement and later in long-term maintenance. Pneumothorax, infection, bleeding, arrhythmias, malposition, and thrombosis are well-known complications. 3,4 A rare but serious complication is catheter fragmentation with subsequent embolization through the heart into the pulmonary artery occurring in approximately 40% of patients who develop the possible precursor warnings of catheter fragmentation, the so-called pinchoff sign described by Aitken and Minton in 1984. [5][6][7] As long-term indwelling, CVCs have often become the patient's lifeline and are used with increasing frequency worldwide, we report a representative case of our own experience and summarize the current literature on this specific topic in order to emphasize preventive practice guidelines. Case reportA 35-year-old female presented with acute lymphatic leukemia in 1988. After treatment with standard chemotherapy she achieved complete remission. After 4 years, she relapsed and required reinduction. Prior to reinduction a port-a-cath was inserted by surgical cut-down technique. After chemotherapy the patient was scheduled for autologous bone marrow transplantation. Since the treating physicians considered an additional long-term device necessary for autologous bone marrow transplantation a double-lumen Hickman-catheter (Bard 12.0 Fr, Round Dual Lumen; Cranston, RI, USA) was inserted by surgical cut-down to access the contralateral subclavian vein. The procedure was performed by the surgeons without complications. The slight kinking of the line on the postprocedural chest radiograph was accepted because the catheter lines were functioning, the catheter tip was positioned correctly and the lumina of both catheter lines were inconspicious.Conditioning chemotherapy was administered and was followed by bone marrow tra...