The Dictionary of Contact Allergens is a helpful guide for the reader to familiarize with the structures of chemicals implicated in contact dermatitis. Each molecule is described with its principal name for classification. The most important synonyms, the Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) Registry Number that characterizes the substance and its chemical structure and relevant literature references are also listed. Further, the reader will find a unique chapter on Patch Testing with the patient's own products. This guide is a 'must-have' for each physician involved with the diagnosis and treatment of patients with contact dermatitis and allergic skin disease.

'Do you suffer from bloating, digestive problems, migraines, asthma, eczema, sinusitis, joint aches and pains, constant fatigue or PMS?

Could cutting dairy products from your diet be the answer to your health problems?'

Dairy products are being increasingly linked to a whole range of health conditions, suggesting that a growing number of people are developing an intolerance to one of the nation's most common foods.

'The Dairy-free Detox Diet' is designed to help everyone look and feel their very best. In just 14 days your skin will improve, you will feel more energetic, lose excess weight, experience fewer headaches and – if you have a genuine intolerance – and other symptoms may simply disappear.

• Detailed questionnaires to identify dairy intolerance
• Why dairy products and lactose can cause health problems
• Two-week detox plan to cleanse the system
• How to ensure your get enough calcium
• Way to testing to know if and when it's OK to include dairy again
• 30 delicious and healthy dairy-free recipes

L'esigenza di chiarire i concetti attuali dell'atopia, che per troppo tempo hanno oscillato tra una primitiva visione squisitamente clinica ed una successiva unicamente immunologica, era matura da tempo. L'avere compreso che il ruolo delle immunoglobuline E non e esaustivo ed avere accettato la salomonica divisione tra atopia intrinseca ed estrinseca, sono stati i primi due passi fondamentali. Le recenti scoperte del ruolo dell'immunita innata, e quindi dei peptidi antimicrobici, hanno aperto dei fondamentali spazi di comprensione nell'atopia e non solo. Quello che ora appare chiaro e che l'atopia non e la malattia di un organo ma piuttosto un difetto delle membrane che delimitano il nostro "self." Il fatto che queste membrane si chiamino pelle, intestino, congiuntiva, bronchi o quant'altro ha artificialmente frammentato la comprensione ed il trattamento di un fenomeno unitario. Questo libro vuole cercare di fare una sintesi delle diverse esperienze ma soprattutto essere uno stimolo a far si che la medicina si focalizzi costruttivamente sullo stesso bersaglio. Se cosi sara, non assisteremo piu a"guerre di religione" tra scienziati e medici pratici o, peggio ancora, tra i differenti specialisti che si contendono il paziente. Se l'atopia, come noi crediamo, e un problema globale, esso puo essere adeguatamente affrontato solo in un contesto pluridisciplinare e in clima collaborativo, non solo tra medico e medico ma anche tra medico e paziente.

Many of us are affected by allergies, from the dreaded hayfever - the scourge of the summer - to much talked-about food allergies such as lactose and gluten. Dr Mike Dilkes, one of Harley Street's top Consultant ENT Surgeons, reveals his top tips for living with and treating an allergy. - Find out the difference between a sensitivity, an intolerance and an allergy - Discover how allergies affect your body and why - Learn how to see through the hype and take control of your own symptoms - Prevent attacks and treat outbreaks With a no-nonsense approach to this controversial topic, Stop Allergies from Ruining Your LIfe... The Easy Way provides a straightforward analysis ofthe latest scientific research, allowing you to live the life you want, whatever the season.

In November 1998 many of the key leaders of new drug discovery for inflammatory diseases gathered at Hershey, Pennsylvania for the 9th International Conference of the Inflammation Research Association. The Conference was held over a five day period and provided a stimulating environment for the open exchange of important advances in basic inflammation research as well as new drug discovery and development. This book encompasses some of the highlights of several presentations made at the Conference. It contains some of the latest and important developments in the field of inflammation research. Topics include the status of eotaxin and chemokines in asthma and allergy, signal transduction and regulation of diverse mediators such as the JNK group of MAP kinases, TNF and IL-1 signaling of NF-kB as well as regulators of AP-1, macrophage metalloproteinases, lymphotoxin and further insights into the role of MCP-1 in disease. Also discussed are drug targets in rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, fibrotic diseases,...

First published in 1993, this book provides a concise, critical account of the mental health aspects of HIV infection as it affected patients, their partners and families, health professionals and other carers in the early 1990s. The author, whose research, teaching and practice were conducted in an academic department of psychiatry, offers a considered and objective overview of the information on psychological and behavioural aspects of AIDS and HIV, challenging a number of ill-founded attitudes and opinions. Prefaced by clear explanations of the biological and neurological effects of infection, the particular and often very complex problems encountered by patients and health workers are explored in this volume. The author provides an informed assessment of reports and studies from around the world, including, where available, data from developing countries. He also contributes case histories, insights and practical advice for a wide readership in the mental health field and beyond.

Allergic skin diseases belong to the most common dermatoses. This book deals with fundamental (in particular immunological aspects) as well as clinical symptoms and therapeutic strategies of the allergic skin diseases. Cells involved in the pathomechanisms of allergic skin disease are described in individual chapters. The allergic skin diseases which will be discussed are atopic dermatitis, being the chronic inflammatory skin disease with the highest prevalence, allergic contact dermatitis with special focus on contact dermatitis from cosmetics, being the most frequent cause of contact dermatitis and occupational contact dermatitis. The broad ethiology of urticaria and the value of several therapeutic strategies will be explained. The chapter on drug allergy will deal with the variety of symptoms and the difficulties concerning in vitro and in vivo diagnosis. The book is of great interest to clinicians working in the field of dermatology, allergology, pediatrics and even general practitioners...

Two decades have passed since the mechanisms of protein synthesis became well enough understood to permit the genetic modification oforganisms. An impressive amount of new knowledge has emerged from the new technology, but much ofthe promise of20years ago has notyet been fulfilled. In biotechnology, efforts to increase the yields of commercially valuable metabolites have been less successful than ex pected, and when they have succeeded it has often been as much from selective breeding as from new methods. The cell is more complicated than what is presented in the classical teaching of biochemistry, it contains more structure than was dreamed of 20 years ago, and the behaviour ofany systemofenzymes is more elaborate than can be explained in terms ofa single supposedly rate-limiting enzyme. Even if classical enzymology and meta bolism may have seemed rather unfashionable during the rise ofmolecular biology, they remain central to any modification ofthe metabolic behaviour oforganisms. As such modification is essential in much ofbiotechnology and drug development, bio technologists can only ignore these topics at their peril."

The traditional Vienna Asthma Forum was held in early June 1996 and th was the 6 in a biennial mode within 10 years. This time it was dedicated to the long-acting beta-2-agonists, which were registered (or just about to be) in most European countries. The introduction of this therapeutic principle into routine praxis of asthma therapy was so successful that a closer view on the subject from a scientific point was warranted. Salmeterol, shortly afterwards formo- terol are the drugs available for the inhalative route, while bambuterol serves as an oral agent. The scientists particularly involved in the design and pharma- cokinetics of these drugs were invited, and we were lucky that Malcolm Johnson (Glaxo), Leif Svensson (Astra) and Gary Anderson (Ciba- Geigy) delivered fascinating contributions. However, drug therapy of this kind can only be effective if based on a thorough understanding of the molecular biology of cells and receptors, which was superbly covered by Sheila Collins (Durham) and Ian M. Adcock (London). The pediatric indications for beta-2-agonists were commented by Manfred G6tz (Vienna), and a large spectrum of clinical studies, reported by G. Boyd (Glasgow), A.P. Greening (Edinburgh), M.

This is the fourth of a series of Symposia in Immunology which were organized to bring important new information on the expanding field of immunology to practicing physicians interested in the field. Highly renowned basic scientists share their results with physicians conducting clinical research and those experienced in the treatment of the respective diseases. This series of symposia is planned to cover different areas of immunology and will help to close the gap between special achievements of scientists and practicing physicians.

A revised and updated version of the definitive peanut allergy book. Since the second edition of The Peanut Allergy Answer Book was published in 2006, much additional research has been published in the field of peanut allergy and anaphylaxis, including new diagnostic tests and new vaccines and therapies, including oral desensitization and human trials for Chinese herbal medication. New information has emerged on the risk factors for the development of peanut allergy during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in infant diets, which has led to a paradigm shift in how we think about what to eat and what to avoid. National guidelines for the management of food allergies from the National Institutes of Health were published in 2010. In addition, there has been a great increase in public awareness of the societal impact of peanut allergy such as in schools and childcare facilities, in restaurants, and the food industry. This has led to the publication of national guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for school management of food allergies and anaphylaxis, The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2011, School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act, and legislation for restaurant guidelines for food-allergic consumers. The incidence of peanut allergies has tripled in the past ten years and continues to increase, yet the present management of peanut allergy remains largely preventive through avoidance and education. The Peanut Allergy Answer Book, 3rd Edition, contains more than 50% new material, including new chapters such as "Is Early Avoidance of Peanut Good or Bad?"; "Should the Sibling of a Child with Peanut Allergy Avoid Peanuts?"; "Should I Avoid Eating Peanuts and Other Allergenic Foods while Breastfeeding?"; and "At What Age Should Peanuts and Nuts Be Introduced into the Child's Diet?"

The Austrian Pneumological Society held its 33th Workshop on "Clinical Respiratory Physiology" at Graz, November 1 st -3rd, 1990. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness has been known nearly as long as asthma bronchia Ie itself. During the last two decades while exploring the inflammatory nature of asthma bronchiale we have learned a lot about measuring and modifying this phenomenon. Because of the practical relevance and owing to the high competence of the authors we hope that the lectures and discussions we had at Graz will inform and enjoy the interested reader. I want to express my deep gratitude to all the authors for providing us with the manuscripts and graphs. Finally I am especially grateful to Mrs. H. Weber for her secreterial work and to Mrs. Mag. A. Lahrmann-Ramharter for correcting the written version of the speeches and preparing a manuscript that was ready for the press. Prim. Dr. Hartmut Zwick Contents Barnes P. : Cellular and Biochemical Aspects of Airway Hyperresponsiveness. . . . . . . . . . 1 Hargreave F. E. : Airway Hyperresponsiveness and Asthma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Ingram R. H. : Physiologic Correlates of Increased Airway Responsiveness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 K errebijn K F. : Bronchial Provocation Testing in Children -Methods and Clinical Relevance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Tattersfield A. E. : Bronchial Provocation Testing in Adults -Is There Clinical Relevance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Kummer F. : Principles and Approaches in Asthma Therapy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Die j{hrlichen H{mophilie-Symposien befassen sich mit neuen Erkenntnissen aus der Grundlagenforschung und Klinik der H{- mophilie, verwandter angeborener und erworbener Blutungs- krankheiten und thrombophiler Diathesen. Diese Veranstaltun- gen verfolgen das Ziel, unter Mitwirkung kompetenter Modera- toren und Referenten aller involvierten Fachdisziplinen, [rzten und Wissenschaftler aus dem zentraleurop{ischen Raum aktuelle Erkenntnisse und Erfahrungen zu vermitteln und eine stetige Verbesserung der Krankenversorgung zu bewirken. Die Hauptthemen des vorliegenden Bandes sind auf therapiebe- dingte Gef{hrdungendurch Virusinfektionen und nicht-infek- ti|se Nebenwirkungen gerinnungsaktiver Plasmapr{parate ge- richtet. Im Vordergrund stehen dabei H{ufigkeit, Verlauf, Verh}tung und Therapie der HIV-Infektion, H{ufigkeit und Verh}tung der Hepatitis B- und C-Infektion sowie Behand- lungswege der Hemmk|rperh{mophilie. In weiteren Hauptthemen werden angeborene bzw. heredit{re thrombophile Diathesen, insbesondere Protein C- und Antithrombin III-Mangelzust{nde sowie neue, vor allem molekularbiologische Fortschritte in der h{mostaseologischen Diagnostik verhandelt. Den Abschlu~ bildet eine Serie freier Vortr{ge }ber spezielle klinische Probleme bei angeborenenund erworbenen H{mostasest|rungen.

Neuere Entwicklungen in der Molekulargenetik sowie die Notwendigkeit, unanfechtbare Beweise zu liefern, haben zu immer schnelleren Fortschritten auf dem Gebiet der H{mogenetik in der Gerichtsmedizin gef}hrt. Dieser Band enth{lt die Beitr{ge mit neuesten Erkenntnissen, die hierzu auf dem Kongre im September 1991 in Mainz vorgetragen wurden. Im Zentrum steht die Frage der forensischen Anwendung bzw. Andwendbarkeit der DNS-technologischen Forschung. Einige Artikel befassen sich mit Standardisierungs-, Artefakt- und Identifikationsproblemen bez}glich menschlicher ]berreste. Auch ethische und juristische Gesichtspunkte werden diskutiert.

Many people experience, or believe they experience, a physical reaction to some sorts of food. These may range from allergies to psychologically based aversions. Frequently difficult to diagnose, they present particular problems for medical practitioners and health care workers, and they impinge on the food supply system as a whole. This book sets out to cover the whole question of food reactions and intolerance in a sympathetic, impartial and understanding way. It starts by placing the question in context, with a look at overall questions of nutrition, attitudes to food, and the position of food within society and within "alternative" medical practice. The physiology of digestion is then covered, together with food intolerance, clinical manifestations and testing methods. Reactions to food additives, milk and gluten are considered in detail. The book concludes with a chapter dealing with the dilemma faced by patients with reactions to food. Anybody with an interest in this subject should find this book useful. It may be of particular interest to allergy specialists, family doctors, dietitians and those likely to encounter food intolerance professionally. It should also prove valuable to agriculturalists, food manufacturers and retailers, legislators and consumer groups.

The third volume of "Advances in Forensic Haemogenetics" contains the th scientific contributions presented at the 13 Congress of the International Society for Forensic Haemogenetics, held on October 19-21, 1989 in New Orleans, USA. The conference was organized and chaired by Dr. Herbert Polesky from Minneapolis. He and the local organizing committee which consisted of our friends and colleagues (J. Soubrada, L.R.Bryant, Dale D.Dykes, Ch.Harrison, P.Newall and R. Walker) deserve the thanks of our Society for a very successful meeting. Herb Polesky has also contributed a great deal to the preparation of this book. The contributions to the conference covered all fields of forensic haemo genetics, but an outstanding highlight of this conference was the application ofDNA-polymorphisms to paternity and to the identification of stains. This included basic lectures on biostatistical approaches as well as on molecular biology and many new technical approaches to our general and special aims. Forensic haemogenetics has now merged into a new discipline without having lost its original identity. On behalf of the Executive Committee of our Society I would like to extend my thanks to the authors of the articles contained in this book and to Springer-Verlag for having made such a quick publication possible. The volume should give the reader a picture of the state of the art and a survey of the most recent developments in the field of forensic and general haemo genetics.

The 1st International Workshop in the Molecular and Cell Biology of Autoan tibodies and Autoimmunity is convened at a time when recombinant DNA tech niques have yielded the first set of data providing initial glimpses of epitopes recognized by autoantibodies. It's aim is to bring together cell and molecular biologists with clinical scien tists to discuss the broad spectrum of questions concerning the relationship be tween clinical symptoms and the specificity of autoantibodies. The response to the call for abstracts was overwhelming: Nearly one hundred abstracts were received from many laboratories throughout the world. The topics covered by them are representative of the current research efforts going on to study cause and effect of autoimmune diseases. One of the aims of this workshop is to bring the rapid advances in the elucidation of the molecular structure of auto antigens to the attention of immunologists, cell biologists and clinical scien tists and also to make molecular biologists bei6ple aware of the difficulties lying ahead in trying to understand the cellular and molecular basis of rheumatic dis eases. The organisers wish to thank NIH, BMFT and the Japanese Educational Foundation for financial support, the Heidelberg Academy for the Humanities and Sciences for hosting the workshop, Springer Verlag for their generous cooperation in including late abstracts in this volume, and, last not least, Ms. Simone KRAMBS for untiring secretarial help."

You see things, and sa)' why? But I dream 1hings that never were, and I say, 11'hy 110t? George Bernhard Shaw Far ahead of his time, June 1st, 1909, Alexander Maximov communicated in a lecture, given in the Charite in Berlin, the fundamental knowledge, that there exists a lymphoid hemopoetic stem cell. Alexander Friedenstein explained that during the following years, Maximov also showed that the idea of interaction between hemopoetic cells and their stroma to be one of the most significant experiences. Monoclonal antibodies, recombinant DNA technics and the improvement of tissue culture models are the major developments to improve our possibilities to clarify growth and differentiation functions of hemopoetic cells. During the last two decades it was shown that soluble products, released from T cells, were not only involved in inducing B cells to produce specific immunoglobulin secretion after antigen stimulation. Furthermore, lymphokines together with other cytokines regulate the growth and differentiation of hemopoetic cells. As I have learned from Dick Gershon, our knowledge of the cellular basis for immunoregulation has come a long way since 450 B.C. Thucydides comments on the possible role of immune response in controlling the Black Death. Dick Gershon speculated that no scientific interest for these interesting observations was put forth at that time. Perhaps the problems, the Athenians were having with the Spartans, converted money from basis research into the military budget.

Investigative Immunotoxicology provides a critical evaluation of proposed experimental animal models and approaches, and discusses the contribution that immunotoxicity can make to the overall assessment of chemical-induced adverse health effects on humans and the ecosystem. Following a review of general concepts in immunotoxicology, the book discusses emerging methodologies at the cellular and molecular levels, and describes advances in and requirements for animal model development in testing the allergenicity of foods and genetically modified products. It presents animal models of autoimmunity associated with chemical exposure, includes recommendations for the selection of sentinel species in ecotoxicology, and presents an in-depth review of immunotoxicology as it relates to a variety of wildlife species. Finally, the book explains the role of immunotoxicology in human health risk assessment and the regulatory process. Outlining the potential chemical hazards facing human and ecosystem health, this is a valuable reference for professionals and researchers in immunotoxicology and risk assessment. It also deserves the attention of the pharmaceutical industry and environmental toxicologists who are concerned about the effects of xenobiotics on ecosystems.

Publication of papers presented at the 12th International Meeting for Forensic Haemogentics Wien 1987. Topics covered included: Formal genetics, population genetics, biochemistry and serology of nearly all hereditary blood group poly- morphisms. Also several reviews of e.g. enzyme polymor- phisms; problems and aspects of the application for paternity testing; extensive articles on forensic stain information with numerous new methods and description of artifacts; polymorphisms in body fluids; quality control methods; use of biostatistics in forensic haemogentics.

This series ofreviews focuses on recent developments in understandingbacterialpathogenesisthathavebeengained by studying the genetic control of the susceptibility to particular diseases. The topics of the reviews include a description ofbacterial genes that effect virulence and a studyofthe genetic susceptibilityofhumans to group A streptococci and to leprosy. The most versatile model system for studies of disease susceptibility is the inbred mouse. Although seven of the chapters deal with the geneticsoftheresistanceofmice to infection, allofthem point out general principles and, wherever possible, parallelswithappropriatehumandiseases. Genetic studies of the mechanisms of resistance and pathogenesishaveanadvantageoverotherapproaches. By utilizing animals ofappropriate genotypes, it is possible tostudytheinvivoconsequencesofvariationsinparticular hostdefensesinintactanimals.Someofthemoderngenetic approachesusedinmousegeneticsarealsodescribed. Allofthechaptersdealingwithmousegeneticsdescribe studieswithrecombinantinbredmice.Achapterhasbeen included thatdescribesapproaches for the useofmice in genetic studies of disease resistance. This chapter also describesrecombinantinbred miceandameans bywhich theycanbeusedtoexaminethelinkageofgenesaffecting diseaseresistance. Thebulkofthevolumefocusesonthegeneticregulation by three different murine loci: Ips, xid, and fty. fty was the first name given to a locusthatgoverns resistance to infections with leishmania, bacille Calmette-Guerin and salmonella. Different reviews describe the relationshipof thefty locusto thediseasescaused bytwoofthese three pathogens. Thesetwo reviewsalsoincludeadiscussionof other geneticfactors that affect the susceptibilityofmice toeachpathogen.TworeviewsaredevotedtotheX-linked immunodeficiency (xid) locus. One describes the pre sent state of immunological knowledge about the immunological deficits that have been shown to be VI Preface associatedwiththedefectivexidallele.Theotherdescribes theeffectoftheseimmunodeficienciesonthesusceptibility of mice to infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae. Anotherchapter describes the effectsofthe Ips locus on the immune system and the concomitant effects these changeshaveontheresistancetobacterialinfection.There is also a chapter describing genetic studies that examine the relationship between the genetic control of certain macrophage properties and the susceptibility to Listeria infection."

1m Rahmen der 28. Jahrestagung der deutschen Gesellschaft fur Haematologie und Onkologie im Herbst 1983 in MUnster fand ein Symposion Uber Tumor-Immunolo- gie statl. Eine Reihe von Arbeitsgruppen trug dabei aktuelle Ergebnisse von Unter- suchungen vor, die sich schwerpunktmaBig mit Fragen der Wechselwirkung Tumor/ Immunsystem, der Immun-Typisierung von Malignomzellen, sowie der Immunthe- rapie von Tumorerkrankungen befaBten. Nicht zuletzt durch die zunehmende Verfugbarkeit monoklonaler Antikorper ist der klinische und/oder wissenschaftlich tatige Haematologe/Onkologe in vermehrtem MaBe auch mit immunologischen Fragestellungen konfrontiert - wenn auch bisher meist nur im diagnostischen Bereich. Dieser Tatbestand ist AnlaB zur Publikation der Symposions-Beitrage in der vorliegenden Form. Die Herausgeber v Liste der Beitragsautoren U. Abel Medizinische UniversiUitsklinik, Bergheimer Str. 58, D-6900 Heidelberg, FRG H. Arnholt Pathologisches Institut der Universitat Munchen, Thalkirchner Str. 36, D-8000 Munchen 2, FRG R. Becher Medizinische Universitatsklinik, Bergheimer Str. 58, D-6900 Heidelberg, FRG K. J. Bross Medizinische Klinik der Albert-Ludwigs-Universitat, Hugstetter Str. 55, D-7800 Freiburg, FRG Th. Buchner Medizinische Klinik der Universitat Munster, Abteilung Innere Medizin A, Albert-Schweitzer-Str. 33, D-4400 Munster, FRG F. W Busch Immunology Laboratory, Medizinische Universitatsklinik, Otfried-Muller-Str. 10, D-7400 Tubingen, FRG P. Drings Krankenhaus Rohrbach, Klinik fur Thoraxerkrankungen der LVA Baden, Amalienstr. 5, D-6900 Heidelberg-Rohrbach, FRG L. Edler Medizinische Universitatsklinik, Bergheimer Str. 58, D-6900 Heidelberg, FRG 1. Fiedorowicz-Fabrycy Hamatologische Klinik der Pommerschen Medizinischen Akademie in Szczecin, UL Czorsztywska 3412, 71-162 Szczecin, Poland M. Fink Medizinische Klinik III, Klinikum GroBhadern, Marchioninistr. 15, D-8000 Munchen 70, FRG D. Fritze Medizinische Universitatsklinik, Bergheimer Str. 58, D-6900 Heidelberg, FRG G.

Activation of the complement system gives rise to a number of molecular species which can interact with host-derived cells and regulate their function. This interaction is mediated through distinct cell surface complement receptors, and receptor engagement produces biologic responses which can either modulate host defense reactions or enhance inflammation. Although the first complement receptor was recognized more than 30 years ago [80J, detailed biochemical information concerning the receptors has only recently become available. Currently, eight distinct complement receptors are recognized. Five receptors (CRl, CR2, CR3, C3a receptor, and C3e receptor) react with various regions on C3 while the other receptors display specificity for Clq, C5a, or Factor H. This chapter focusses on the chemistry of the various ligands and receptors and discusses the biologic activities which arise as a result of receptor-ligand interaction. II. CIQ Receptor A. The Ligand Clq is the recognition molecule of the classical complement pathway [reviewed in 20, 130]. In serum, it is part of a calcium-dependent penta molecular complex containing one molecule ofClq and two molecules each of the pro enzymes Clr and CIs. During classical pathway activation, the macromolecular complex becomes associated with the activator through the Clq subcomponent. Bound Clq undergoes a conformational change and induces the proteolytic autoactivation of Clr which in turn effects the proteolytic activation of CIs. This process is controlled by the Cl inhibitor (ClINH) which binds irreversibly to activated Clr and CIs, and inhibits their enzymatic activities.

Peter A. Miescher The skin has always been one of the major targets to clinicians interested in immunology. Initially, the main focus was centred on allergic conditions such as contact hypersensitivity and urticeria. Gradually, the spectrum of immunological conditions involving the skin increased, encompassing diseases such as Dermatitis Herpetiformis, Erythema Muitiforme, Cutaneous Bullous Disorders and Photo toxic Reactions. It has been the intention of the editors of Springer Seminars in Immu nopathology to cover the broad spectrum of immune phenomena encountered in dermatological diseases with special emphasis to newer developments in Immunopathology. Dr. 1. N. Gigli has managed to assemble a series of important contributions within two issues of the Journal which are of such an interest to dermatologists that we decided to publish this topic as a separate volume for all dermatologists who do not have access to Seminars in Immunopathology. 3 Immunologically Mediated Epidermal Cell Injury Richard D. Sontheimer* and James N. Gilliam Division of Dermatology, University of Texas Health Science Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75235, USA Introduction The epidermis is a functional unit of different cell types that has the critical role of protecting man from his environment. The three major cell types that make up the epidermis (keratinocytes, melanocytes, and Langerhans cells) serve different protective functions. The vast majority of epidermal cells are keratinocytes (Fig. 1)."

Howard C. Thomas In normal subjects the regulatory apparatus of the immune system permits responses to foreign antigens but suppresses those directed to "self' components. Autoimmune disease occurs as a failure ofthis system either as a result of a primary defect in the regulatory apparatus (primary autoimmunization) or because of a change in the antigenicity of the tissues (secondary autoimmunization). Autoaggressive reactions are characterised by the presence of autoantibodies. When these are directed to membrane displayed antigens (Fig. 1) they are probably of importance in the lysis of hepatocytes. Those directed to cytoplasmic antigens may be useful diagnostically but are of unknown pathogenic significance. When no extrinsic aetiological factor can be identified, the process is assumed to be the result of a failure ofthe regulatory system, allowing the spontaneous expansion of a clone of autoreactive lymphocytes. The defect may be generalised or specific to certain groups of self-antigens and thus the autoimmune disease may be either multi- or unisystemic. The recent development of techniques to enumerate and measure the functional activity of the suppressor lymphocytes which control the effector limbs of the immune system has enabled investigators to test whether the various purported autoimmune diseases do have as their basis a generalised defect in immunoregu lation. Assessment of antigen-specific immunoregulatory function is, however, not yet readily available. liver Membrane I Antigen (LIM) I Liver I HLA, A, B, C, Sensitisation to Specific -;::!IIIL. .