Prognosis in primary biliary cirrhosis: Model for decision making

E. Rolland Dickson, Patricia M. Grambsch, Thomas R. Fleming, Lloyd D. Fisher, Alice Langworthy – 1 July 1989 – The ideal mathematical model for predicting survival for individual patients with primary biliary cirrhosis should be based on a small number of inexpensive, noninvasive measurements that are universally available. Such a model would be useful in medical management by aiding in the selection of patients for and timing of orthotopic liver transplantation. This paper describes the development, testing and use of a mathematical model for predicting survival.

Treatment of chronic type B hepatitis with recombinant α‐interferon induces autoantibodies not specific for autoimmune chronic hepatitis

Werner‐J. Mayet, Georg Hess, Guido Gerken, Siegbert Rossol, Rita Voth, Michael Manns, Karl‐Hermann Meyer ZumBüschenfelde – 1 July 1989 – Recombinant human α‐interferon is now under intensive investigation as therapy for chronic Type B hepatitis. Recent reports have suggested that prolonged α‐interferon therapy may induce autoimmune reactions. We have evaluated the problem of autoimmunity related to α‐interferon therapy by testing for 15 different antibodies in the sera of 31 patients treated with α‐interferon.

Effect of vasodilators on hepatic microcirculation in cirrhosis: A study in the isolated perfused rat liver

Philippe Marteau, François Ballet, Olivier Chazouillères, Yves Chrétien, Colette Rey, Danielle Petit, Raoul Poupon – 1 June 1989 – We studied the effects of a series of vasodilators on intrahepatic vascular resistance of isolated perfused cirrhotic rat livers in basal conditions and during norepinephrine‐induced vasoconstriction. Cirrhosis was induced by repeated intraperitoneal injections of carbon tetrachloride.

Localization of adrenergic and neuropeptide tyrosine‐containing nerves in the mammalian liver

Alastair D. Burt, Dina Tiniakos, Roderick N. M. MacSween, Maureen R. Griffiths, Eddie Wisse, Julia M. Polak – 1 June 1989 – The distribution of adrenergic nerves in guinea pig and rat liver was studied by the immunolocalization of fibers containing tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine β‐hydroxylase, enzymes involved in the synthesis of catecholamines. In both species, adrenergic fibers were identified within portal tracts, often in close proximity hepatic artery branches.

Bile acid metabolism in human hyperthyroidism

Jürgen Pauletzki, Frans Stellaard, Gustav Paumgartner – 1 June 1989 – Decreased levels of serum cholesterol are a well‐recognized finding in hyperthyroidism. Since the conversion to bile acids is an important pathway for the elimination of cholesterol, we studied primary bile acid kinetics in seven hyperthyroid patients before and after medical treatment. Pool sizes, fractional turnover and synthesis rates of cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid were determined after oral administration of 50 mg [13C]cholic acid and 50 mg [13C]chenodeoxycholic acid.

Animal models for alcoholic liver disease

Esteban Mezey – 1 June 1989 – The baboon is the only animal in which alcoholic fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver has been produced with a nutritionally adequate diet. Zinc deficiency is associated with alcoholic liver disease and may contribute to liver damage. We have therefore investigated whether zinc supplementation would reduce liver damage in ten baboons receiving ethanol and an adequate diet. Eight received ethanol at up to 25 g/kg/day (70% of calories) for up to 60 months (four were supplemented with 50 mg zinc/day).

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