Undifferentiated cell transplant techniques appear effective in treating leg ulcers, vitiligo

Article Abstract:

A description is presented of efforts by Miriam M. Brysk, a researcher, to grow a type of skin cell for use in patients with burns and persistent skin ulcers. The cells may also help people with vitiligo, a disfiguring disease in which white patches appear on the skin. The epidermal graft system, which Brysk has patented, solves some problems that have limited the use of skin grafts. A medical journal report described the use of this method in the healing of seven of eight leg ulcers that had resisted treatment. Undifferentiated skin cells (skin cells that have not developed into distinctive types) are grown in tissue culture, then transplanted using a special surgical dressing. The sample is taken from a small area on the patient's upper arm, then grown under conditions that keep the cells from maturing. After 7 days, the cells have multiplied to cover an area as much as 90 times greater than the original patch. The method of transplantation is described. In five cases, the technique led to cessation, within 48 hours, of the moderate to severe ulcer pain experienced by the patients. Four weeks later, four of the eight ulcers were almost completely healed, including one that had persisted for 18 years. Similar techniques have been used to transplant pigmented skin to patients with vitiligo. This method will also help burn victims by speeding up the rate of growth of cells from unburned parts of their bodies for subsequent transplantation. Using Brysk's approach, blood products are not needed for transplantation, reducing the risk of disease transmission. The researcher is currently at work developing ways of growing fibroblasts (connective tissue cells) for transplantation and ways of growing basal carcinoma (skin cancer) cells for studying this most common of all malignancies. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Methods, Ulcers, Skin-grafting, Skin grafts, Burns and scalds, Burn therapy

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Mew MRI techniques allow noninvasive peek inside the thinking human brain

Article Abstract:

Scientists are exploring the use of new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to image brain activity. MRI is a radiological technique that has been used to image the anatomy of the brain and other organs of the body. New techniques have been developed to measure changes in blood volume, flow and oxygen levels. These parameters are used to plot a map of the human brain and study changes that occur during different types of human brain activity. Other radiological techniques that have been used to map brain activity include positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon computer tomography (SPECT). The main drawback of these methods is that they involve the injection of a radioactive dye into the patient. MRI is a noninvasive technique that does not involve any dangerous substances. The use of MRI techniques to image brain activity may lead to better understanding of brain function, both in health and in disease.

Usage, Brain, Magnetic resonance imaging, Thought and thinking, Thinking

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New insights and new therapies in vitiligo

Article Abstract:

The psychological effects of vitiligo are influenced and exacerbated by societal perceptions of skin disfigurement and irregularities in skin color. Vitiligo is a common acquired pigmentary disorder characterized by areas of depigmented skin resulting from loss of epidermal melanocytes.

United States, Diagnosis, Pigmentation disorders

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