bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic unexplained anaemia in isolated autoimmune thyroid disease or associated with autoimmune related disorders
Authors: Sibilla Rosanna , Santaguida Maria Giulia , Virili Camilla , Gargano Lucilla , Nardo Serena , Guardia Michele Della , Viceconti Nicola , Franchi Antonella , Centanni Marco
Published: September 2007

Objective  The prevalence of chronic unexplained anaemia was analysed in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD).

Design  The presence of chronic unexplained anaemia, defined as anaemia not related to evident or occult bleeding and/or to erythropoietic disorders, was retrospectively assessed and compared in patients with nonautoimmune thyroid disease (NATD) and in patients with ATD.

Subjects and measurements  Biochemical and morphological parameters of anaemia were investigated and characterized in 1643 consecutive Caucasian outpatients with thyroid disease. In 991 patients, thyroid disease had a nonautoimmune origin. ATD was diagnosed in 652 patients (71 had Graves’ disease and 581 had Hashimoto's thyroiditis and its variants). In 145 patients ATD was associated with other autoimmune disorders.

Results  The presence of chronic unexplained anaemia was diagnosed in 123 patients (7·5%). Forty‐eight had a thalassaemic trait, representing 2·9% of the whole sample. A true chronic unexplained anaemia was recorded in 75/1643 (4·6%). The occurrence of unexplained anaemia was similar in patients with NATD (1·9%) and in those with isolated ATD (2·96%; P = NS) but increased in patients with ATD and autoimmune related disorders (ARD) compared to patients with isolated ATD and/or with NATD (28·3%; both P < 0·0001; RR = 9·56 and 14·75, respectively). Chronic unexplained anaemia was virtually absent in hyperthyroid patients and was more prevalent in hypothyroid than in euthyroid patients with ATD (P = 0·0047; RR = 2·104).

Conclusions  These results indicate that the increased frequency of chronic anaemia in patients with ATD is essentially due to the presence of concomitant autoimmune gastrointestinal diseases.
Is the management of thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid cancer in accordance with recent consensus guidelines? – Results of a national survey
Authors: Van den Bruel A. , Moreno‐Reyes R. , Bex M. , Daumerie C. , Glinoer D.
Published: September 2007

Objective  To assess approaches to patients with a potentially malignant thyroid nodule and patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma and compare them with the European Consensus and Guidelines by the American Thyroid Association.

Design   A survey of the 388 active members of the Belgian Thyroid Club.

Methods  A questionnaire addressing the management of an index case and four clinical variations (including variations in the size of the tumour and histological type). The index case was a 40‐year‐old euthyroid woman with a 3‐cm solitary thyroid nodule. Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cytology showed cellular aspirates with numerous follicular cells and no colloid.

Results  The overall response rate was 41%. For the index case, respondents favoured a right lobectomy. Variations in size and histopathology of the nodule altered the management. In the case of a papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) of 3 cm in diameter, a total thyroidectomy and prophylactic central lymph node dissection was preferred. After a lobectomy showing a 3·5‐cm follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC), completion surgery followed by radioiodine administration was the most frequent proposal. For the follow‐up of the index case with a low‐risk disease, determination of serum thyroglobulin (Tg) after recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) administration was considered by the majority of respondents. For the follow‐up of a clinical variation with residual disease, immediate planning of a new treatment was (mistakenly) not considered by a majority of respondents.

Conclusions  In most cases, respondents were in accordance with the guidelines, although there were some unexpected variations.
Cytological diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis, using Papanicolaou and May–Grünwald–Giemsa stained cutaneous tissue smear
Authors: Christensen E. , Bofin A. , Guðmundsdóttir I. , Skogvoll E.
Published: October 2007

Objective:  Cytology may become the diagnostic method of choice with the advent of new non‐invasive treatments for non‐melanoma skin cancer, as the sampling technique for cytology entails little tissue disfiguration. The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the diagnostic performance of scrape cytology using two different cytological staining techniques, and to evaluate additional touch imprint cytology, with that of histopathology of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and actinic keratosis (AK).

Methods:  We investigated 50 BCC and 28 AK histologically verified lesions, from 41 and 25 patients, respectively. Two separate skin scrape samples and one touch imprint sample were taken from each lesion. The smears were stained with Papanicolaou (Pap) or May–Grünwald–Giemsa (MGG) stains. All cytological specimens were examined in random order by pathologists without knowledge of the histology. Cytodiagnostic results were compared with the histopathological report.

Results:  Scrape cytodiagnosis agreed with histopathology in 48 (Pap) and 47 (MGG) of the 50 BCC cases, and in 26 of 28 (Pap) and 21 of 26 (MGG) AK cases, yielding sensitivities of 96%, 94%, 93% and 81%, respectively. No significant difference in sensitivity between the two staining methods was found but a trend towards higher Pap sensitivity for AK was noted (P = 0.10). Touch imprint cytology confirmed histopathology in 38 of the 77 cases of BCC and AK.

Conclusion:  Cytological diagnosis with either Pap or MGG stain for BCC and AK is reliable, and differentiates well between BCC and AK. Imprint cytology proved to be non‐diagnostic in half of the examined cases.
Intraluminal plugs in idiopathic and secondary organizing pneumonia: repair or remodelling?
Authors: Ranzani O T , Parra E R , De Morais Fernezlian S , Capelozzi V L
Published: October 2007

Aims:  Organizing pneumonia (OP) is an inflammatory lung disease characterized histologically by intraluminal plugs involving alveolar ducts and alveoli. The aim was to examine extracellular matrix repair and remodelling in 12 cases of idiopathic OP and compare these with 11 cases of secondary OP.

Methods and results:  Collagen/elastic fibre density, myofibroblast proliferation, microvascular density and endothelial activity in the intraluminal plugs were evaluated by histochemistry, immunohistochemistry and morphometry. The density of the collagen system fibres was greater in plugs of idiopathic OP when compared with secondary OP (P < 0.001). Quantification of myofibroblastic cells confirmed differences observed in patterns of immunoexpression; when compared with secondary OP, idiopathic OP contained fewer myofibroblastic cells in intraluminal plugs (P = 0.01). Microvascular density (CD34) and endothelial activity (vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 and E‐selectin) were significantly greater in secondary OP (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  Idiopathic and secondary OP show significant variation in morphological features that may represent different responses to injury. Increased collagen synthesis, low myofibroblast proliferation, poor microvascularization and minimal endothelial activity found in idiopathic OP may be more of a remodelling process than secondary OP repair.
Evaluation of the radiopacity of calcium hydroxide‐ and glass‐ionomer‐based root canal sealers
Authors: Tanomaru‐Filho M. , Jorge E.G , Tanomaru J.M.G. , Gonçalves M.
Published: October 2007

Aim  To evaluate the radiopacity of calcium hydroxide‐based root canal sealers (Acroseal, Sealapex and Sealer 26), a glass‐ionomer‐based sealer (Activ GP Sealer) and a zinc oxide and eugenol‐based sealer (Intrafill).

Methodology  Five disc‐shaped specimens (10 × 1 mm) were fabricated from each material, according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 6876/2001 standard. After setting of the materials, radiographs were taken using occlusal films and a graduated aluminum step‐wedge varying from 2 to 16 mm in thickness. The dental X‐ray unit (GE1000) was set at 50 Kvp, 10 mA, 18 pulses s−1 and distance of 33.5 cm. The radiographs were digitized and the radiopacity compared with that of the aluminum step‐wedge, using WIXWIN‐2000 software (Gendex). Data (mm Al) were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey test.

Results  Intrafill was the most radiopaque material (7.67 mm Al) followed by Sealer 26 (6.33 mm Al), Sealapex (6.05 mm Al) and Acroseal (4.03 mm Al). Activ GP was the least radiopaque material (1.95 mm Al, P < 0.05).

Conclusions  The sealers evaluated in this study had different radiopacities. However, except for the glass‐ionomer‐based sealer, all materials had radiopacity values above the minimum recommended by the ISO standard.
Protection of mice against Babesia microti with cord factor, COAM, zymosan, glucan, Salmonella and Listeria
Authors: CLARK I.A.
Published: October 2007

Summary Cord factor (trehalose 6–6′ dimycolate), COAM (chlorite‐oxidized oxyamylose), zymosan, glucan, Salmonella enteritidis IIRX and Listeria monocytogenes were found to protect mice against subsequent infection with Babesia microti, an intra‐erythrocytic protozoan parasite. This protection was not observed after injection of Staphylococcus epidermidis, a viridans group Streptococcus, thioglycollate, or colloidal carbon. All the agents which protect against B. microti have also been reported to induce non‐specific protection against experimental tumours. The parasites appear to die inside circulating red cells. This implies that these agents can exert non‐specific protection against this parasite through the mediation of a soluble factor.
The development of resistance in different inbred strains of mice to infection with Nematospiroides dubius
Authors: PROWSE S.J. , MITCHELL G.F. , EY P. L. , JENKIN C.R.
Published: October 2007

Summary Infection by the intestinal nematode parasite Nematospiroides dubius was studied in seven different inbred mouse strains. Although there was some minor variation in the susceptibility of the different strains to a primary infection there were marked differences in their ability to develop resistance to infection following repeated exposure to infective larvae. The strains of mice which developed the best resistance also expelled adult worms arising from the previous infections. The adult worms resulting from a primary infection were slowly eliminated in two inbred strains studied whereas no loss occurred from outbred LACA mice. Although males and females of two strains, C3H/HeJand CBA/H were equally susceptible to a primary infection, the females developed better resistance than the male mice following two oral administrations of third stage larvae. Infected mice of every strain and both sexes contained high levels of IgG1, in the serum.
Phagosome/lysosome fusion: a possible prerequisite for the enhancement of antibody responses in vitro by BCG, Mycobacterium leprae and Corynebacterium parvum
Authors: BROWN CAROLYN A. , BROWN I.N.
Published: October 2007

Summary Primary in vitro antibody responses to SRBC were suppressed in cultures prepared from the spleens of CBA mice injected i.v. ays previously with 108live BCG. In contrast, cultures prepared from mice ed with dead BCG showed enhanced responses. In vitro spleen cell responses the mice had returned to normal levels 4–6 weeks after their injection, but if ad BCG, M. leprae or C. parvum was added to the cultures, res anced. The enhancing effect of the added bacteria could be removed suramin, a drug known to inhibit in vitro fusion of lysosomes with phagosomes. It is suggested that the different in vivo effects of live and dead BCG may relate to differences in their handling by macrophages and more especially that the enhanced antibody forming cell response seen in the restimulated cultures of spleen cells from BCG primed mice, depends upon efficient intracellular fusion of lysosomes with the phagosomes containing the added dead bacteria.
Differences in susceptibility of various mouse strains to haemoprotozoan infections: possible correlation with natural killer activity
Authors: EUGUI ELSIE M. , ALLISON A.C.
Published: October 2007

Summary Striking differences in the susceptibility to P. chabaudi and B. microti infections among different strains of mice are described. In most of the strains, both parasites induce a moderate, transient parasitaemia, followed by recovery. However, in the A strain P. chabaudi is rapidly lethal and B. microti induces a parasitaemia which persists for life in most animals. In contrast, B10.A mice, which have the same H‐2a haplotype as the A strain, recover from both infections. In first crosses (A x B10.A)F1 mice are uniformly resistant. Among other correlates, NK cell activity may be relevant. This activity is known to be high in strain of mice which are resistant to both of the parasites studied, such as C57B1 and CBA mice, and low in the susceptible A strain. We have examined the spleen weight, total cell number and NK activity at different times after infection. In the resistant strains there is a rapid increase in size and cell number, which is still more marked during recovery. NK activity increases greatly during the infection; this is especially remarkable considering the dilution of nucleated cells with erythrocyte precursors. In contrast, in A mice cell numbers and NK activity remain almost unchanged. Thus, marked activation of NK cells occur, in resistant strains but not in susceptible ones. Possible mechanisms of activation of these cells and their effect in haemoprotozoan infections are discussed.
Immune responses of rats to live Vibrio cholerae: antibodies in serum and intestinal secretions
Authors: COOPER G.N. , JACKSON G.D.F.
Published: October 2007

Following injection of live Vibrio cholerae into the small intestine of rats, antibodies appear in the serum and mucus secretions associated with the intestinal surfaces. In contrast to oral immunization, single pulses given by this route cause primary and secondary agglutinating and vibriocidal antibody responses; they are slower to develop but similar to those induced by intravenous injection of 10‐fold lower doses of the organisms. However, the intestinal route of injection appears to favour local formation of agglutinating antibodies that are directly transferred to the mucus secretions; it is likely that these are of the sIgA class. Evidence has also been presented which suggests that intestinal injection causes formation of antibodies which inhibit agglutination of V. cholerae by type‐specific antiserum; these inhibitory effects are eliminated if the reaction is carried out in the presence of diluted normal rabbit serum rather than saline.
Transfer of immunity to Nematospiroides dubius: co‐operation between lymphoid cells and antibodies in mediating worm expulsion
Authors: BEHNKE J.M. , PARISH HEATHER A.
Published: October 2007

The effect of transferring immune serum (IS) and immune mesenteric lymph node cells (IMLNC) either alone or in combination was studied in NIH mice infected with partially radiation attenuated (5 krad) N. dubius. It was demonstrated that immunity to N. dubius could be transferred with IS and with IMLNC. However, considerably greater protection was transferred to recipient mice when they received both IS + IMLNC. Animals treated in this way had fewer worms than either of the other groups from as early as day 9 onwards, suggesting that a substantial proportion of the worms in mice given IS + IMLNC was retained in the intestinal tissues. The few surviving worms which completed the tissue phase of their development were then rejected by the fourth week of infection. Dose response data showed that as few as 1 × 107 IMLNC could cause a significant reduction in worm numbers when given in combination with IS. These experiments indicate that both antibodies (IS) and sensitized lymphoid cells (IMLNC) are required for effective resistance to N. dubius.
Alternative pathway activation of complement in fetal lamb serum by Trichostrongylus vitrinus larvae
Authors: STANKIEWICZ M. , JONAS W. , ELLIOTT D.
Published: October 2007

Fetal lamb serum (FLS) complement activated by incubation with Trichostrongylus vitrinus larvae was deposited on the larval surface and its presence was demonstrated by leucocyte and erythrocyte adherence reactions and by analysis of antisera from guinea‐pig immunized with the larvae. The complement activation proceeded in the apparent absence of antibody and in the presence of ethylene glycol tetracetic acid (EGTA) or Mg++‐EGTA but not ethylenediamine tetracetic acid (EDTA). FLS heated to 50°C for 30 min was inactive, but activity was restored by addition of FLS factor B alone or factor B plus Mg++‐EGTA. FLS treated with zymosan or inulin was inactive. These results suggest that this non‐immune activation of sheep complement by T. vitrinus takes place via the alternative pathway.
Morphological studies on the killing of schistosomula of Schistosoma mansoni by human eosinophil and neutrophil cationic proteins in vitro
Authors: McLAREN DIANE J. , McKEAN J. R. , OLSSON I. , VENGE P. , KAY A.B.
Published: October 2007

Purified eosinophil and neutrophil cationic proteins isolated from the lysosomal secretion granules of human granulocytes, evoke characteristic, dose‐dependent morphological changes in young schistosomula of S. mansoni. The first sign of damage is seen within 15–30 min of incubation and involves the formation of surface microvilli and blebs. Subsequently, tegumental evaginations of varying size are developed, but these appear to explode with rapidity, so that lengths of expanded tegumental outer membrane are deposited over the severely damaged surface of the parasite. Both types of granulocyte proteins are able to effect comparable damage at equimolar concentration. Other cationic proteins such as protamine and poly‐L‐arginine also damage the parasite surface but the pathological changes differ from those induced by the granulocyte proteins and they take longer to develop. In contrast, lysozyme‐treated parasites are virtually similar to control schistosomula incubated in medium alone. These findings are discussed in relation to published data concerning the interaction of intact granulocytes with young schistosomula both in vitro and in viva.
The reversal of the immunodepression phenomenon in trichinellosis and its effect on the life cycle of the parasite
Authors: FAUBERT G. M.
Published: October 2007

Summary Immunodepression phenomena in infections with protozoan and metazoan parasites have raised a great deal of interest because of the apparent lack of immunological control in a primary infection. Therefore, this phenomenon has been proposed as a working hypothesis to explain the successful association. However, the role that immunodepression can play in parasitic infections as a mechanism to assure an equilibrium between the host and its parasite has never been evaluated. The immunodepression to SRBC in Trichinella‐infected mice was removed by treating mice with low doses of cyclophosphamide (CY). The elimination of immunodepression resulted in a significantly lower number of encysted muscle larvae. In the absence of immunodepression, a higher number of circulating eosinophils was counted. The results of these experiments are discussed firstly with regard to the mechanisms which could explain immunodepression in trichinellosis and secondly, the role that immunodepression plays in the relationship between the host and the parasite during a primary infection.
Ablastin and the control of Trypanosoma musculi infections in mice
Authors: TRUDEL L. , DESBIENS C. , VIENS P. , TARGETT G. A. T.
Published: October 2007

Trypanosoma musculi parasites were grown in vitro in the presence of sera from intact or T‐cell‐deprived infected mice. Parasite division was not inhibited by the presence of the antisera, but the total number of young parasites produced was lower than expected as there was thus no evidence for the presence of ablastin in the sera, only a trypanocidal effect. The implications for in vivo control of the infection are discussed.
Macrophage requirement for host defence against experimental hepatic amoebiasis in the hamster
Authors: GHADIRIAN E. , MEEROVITCH E.
Published: October 2007

The role of macrophages in hepatic amoebiasis in hamsters has been investigated by means of their treatment with bacille Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) for activation, and with silica for elimination of these cells. Silica‐treated animals inoculated intrahepatically with 1 × 105 trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica developed amoebic abscesses in the liver and more metastases to other organs than control animals, and this effect was silica‐dose‐dependent. In contrast, BCG‐treated animals developed significantly smaller abscesses in the liver and fewer metastatic foci.
Trypanosoma brucei variable surface antigen is released by degenerating parasites but not by actively dividing parasites
Authors: BLACK S. J. , HEWETT ROSEMARY S. , SENDASHONGA* CYRIAQUE N.
Published: October 2007

Surface antigen biosynthesis and fate in monomorphic and pleomorphic Trypanosoma brucei was examined to assess how slender and stumpy form T. brucei parasites present their variant specific glycoprotein (VSG) to the host immune system. Monomorphic and pleomorphic T. brucei did not release recently synthesized VSG in vitro. Slender form T. brucei, either from monomorphic or pleomorphic populations, did not release VSG in vivo. Detection of free VSG in plasma from irradiated mice infected with pleomorphic parasites correlated with the appearance of stumpy form parasites and possibly arose as a result of degeneration of those parasites. The in vivo released VSG was found to react well with some but not all antibodies directed against VSG determinants. Monoclonal and monospecific antibodies which react with VSG on living trypanosomes did not react with the released VSG whereas VSG‐specific monoclonal antibodies which do not react with the surface of living T. brucei did react with the released VSG. It was unclear whether released VSG had lost a conformational determinant expressed on trypanosome‐attached VSG or whether antibodies which react strongly with VSG on living trypanosomes are of such low avidity that they fail to bind released VSG. The results suggest that trypanosome‐attached VSG is more important for stimulation of protective humoral responses than released VSG. The requirements for stimulation of protective anti‐VSG responses are reported elsewhere (Sendashonga & Black 1982).
Immunodepressive effects of trypanosomal infection in cattle immunized against contagious bovine pleuropneumonia
Authors: ILEMOBADE A. A. , ADEGBOYE D. S. , ONOVIRAN O. , CHIMA J. C.
Published: October 2007

Groups of cattle infected singly with Trypanosoma vivax and T. congolense and, with a combination of T. vivax and T. congolense, were vaccinated against contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) 6 weeks before or after infection. All animals were revaccinated 12 weeks after primary vaccination. The primary antibody responses in cattle vaccinated 6 weeks after infection with T. vivax and a combination of T. vivax plus T. congolense were slightly depressed in contrast to other groups which were similar in their response to the control group. Although secondary antibody responses developed in all infected groups, with a delay in those infected with T. congolense, they did not reach the levels of the controls. In spite of the slight depression in antibody responses, however, 50% of the vaccinated trypanosomal animals contracted CBPP on exposure to experimental infection while the vaccinated controls were immune. It is suggested that the protective immunity to CBPP engendered by vaccination is impaired during infection with African trypanosomes and that the level of antibody response to CBPP vaccination in trypanosomal animals does not reflect the degree of immunodepression. The importance of trypanosomiasis control in ensuring success of vaccination campaigns against CBPP is discussed.
Studies on the host—parasite relationship of Schistosoma japonicum in normal and immunosuppressed mice
Authors: MOLONEY N. A. , DOENHOFF M. J. , WEBBE G. , HINCHCLIFFE P.
Published: October 2007

Infections of Schistosoma japonicum were studied in mice which were immunosuppressed either by thymectomy and administration of antithymocyte serum or by treatment with hydrocortisone acetate. The relation of S. japonicum with the immunosuppressed host differed with that reported for Schistosoma mansoni. The pathogenesis of the S. japonicum infection in the immunosuppressed host was less severe than that caused by S. mansoni, with respect to survival of, and hepatocellular damage to, the host. In contrast with S. mansoni, S. japonicum did not have a reduced fecundity in immunosuppressed mice and there was no significant reduction in the numbers of faecal eggs excreted by these hosts.
Protection against experimental echinococcosis by non‐specifically stimulated peritoneal cells
Authors: REUBEN J. M. , TANNER C. E.
Published: October 2007

Summary Infection of cotton rats with Echinococcus multilocularis or vaccination with BCG, or its cell walls, activates peritoneal cells to kill the protoscolices of the parasite in vitro and protects laboratory animals against the cestode. To determine whether other ‘non‐specific’ stimuli would also protect against the parasite, cotton rat peritoneal cells were activated in vivo with PHA and transferred to recipients 3 days later. The recipients, controls and PHA‐treated animals were then inoculated with the parasite; 3 days after inoculation other untreated infected animals received cells activated in vivo with PHA. PHA‐activated cells, the PHA treatment itself and immunization with a homogenate of the parasite stimulated a leucocytosis and protected against infection by E. multilocularis; carrageenan abrogated protection in PHA‐treated animals. The results of this study confirm that protection against echinococcosis can be induced non‐specifically; these results suggest that immunity in hydatid disease may have an important component in the inflammatory reaction.
Selection, by major histocompatibility type (BoLA), of lymphoid cells derived from a bovine chimaera and transformed by Theileria parasites
Authors: TEALE A.J. , KEMP S.J. , YOUNG FIONA , SPOONER R.L.
Published: October 2007

Summary A means of selecting cells on the basis of histocompatibility type within bovine lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL's) infected with protozoan parasites of the genus Theileria is described. Using this technique it has been possible to demonstrate that T. parva may have a more restricted target cell population in the particular in vitro systems studied than T. annulata.
The cellular and humoral immune response in subjects vaccinated against cutaneous leishmaniasis using Leishmania tropica major promastigotes
Authors: GREEN M.S. , KARK J.D. , GREENBLATT C.L. , LONDNER M.V. , FRANKENBURG S. , JACOBSON R.L.
Published: October 2007

Summary In vitro lymphocyte transformation was studied in 24 subjects 12 months after vaccination with live Leishmania tropica major vaccine, in 10 normal control subjects and in three controls residing in an endemic area. The vaccines had lesions in various stages of clinical development. Lymphocytes from all the subjects were studied for their response to stimulation with L. tropica major promastigotes. Lymphocytes of vaccinated subjects responded to low concentrations of antigen whereas the lymphocyte response of the controls tended to be depressed by the same concentration of the antigen. Serum from each subject was subjected to a study of the humoral antibody titre against L. tropica major and L. donovani using indirect immunofluorescence. A humoral response to L. donovani was present in a majority of vaccinees who had developed a positive lesion whereas no such response was present in any of the controls. The data suggest that high humoral responses were accompanied by relatively low cell‐mediated responses and vice versa. No significant humoral response to L. tropica major could be demonstrated in any of the subjects. A combination of both the cell‐mediated and humoral mechanisms may participate in the immune response although their usefulness in the assessment of the protectivity of leishmania vaccines has not been established.
Antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity in chronic human Chagas disease
Authors: VOLTARELLI J.C. , FALCÅO R.P. , SILVA J. SANTANA DA
Published: October 2007

Summary Antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity mediated by granulocytes (ADGC) or lymphocytes (ADLC) was assessed in 23 patients with chronic Chagas disease. The results of ADGC against T. cruzi were normal. ADLC against chicken erythrocytes was significantly reduced in patients as compared with normal controls. Possible causes of this abnormality were investigated.
Deficiency of Con A‐induced suppressor cell activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from Thai adults naturally infected with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax
Authors: GILBREATH M.J. , MACDERMOTT R.P. , PAVANAND K. , PHISPHUMVITHI P. , KONGCHAREON S. , WIMONWATTRAWATEE T.
Published: October 2007

Summary Con A‐pretreated mononuclear (MNC) cells from Thai adults with naturally acquired P. falciparum or P. vivax malaria were significantly less effective in suppressing the responsiveness of autologous or normal allogeneic responder cells to mitogenic lectins or allogenic stimulator cells than pretreated cells from healthy donors. Serial studies of three patients demonstrated that reduced suppressor cell activity was present early in malaria infection but returned to normal soon after treatment. These studies demonstrate that the loss of T cells previously observed in patients with malaria, in part may functionally represent a loss of suppressor T cells.
A high molecular weight antigen in Plasmodium falciparum recognized by inhibitory monoclonal antibodies
Authors: SAUL A. , SCHOFIELD L. , KIDSON C. , MYLER P.
Published: October 2007

Summary Inhibitory monoclonal antibodies which bind to some isolates of Plasmodium falciparum from Papua New Guinea, but not from other areas, bound to a 220 kD antigen. By immunofluorescence microscopy this antigen was shown to be located both within the schizont cytoplasm and also within the schizont infected erythrocyte, but external to the schizont itself. Even at antibody concentrations which caused > 70% inhibition of parasite multiplication, accumulation of schizont stages or aggregates of merozoites were not seen, consistent with inhibition occurring at a point after the release of merozoites. While this suggests that the antigen may be present on merozoites, the quantity was below the limit of detection. It is suggested that the large amount of antigen released by rupturing schizonts may be a mechanism used by the parasite to evade immunological attack.
Genetic‐linked variation in susceptibility of mice to Schistosomiasis mansoni
Authors: FANNING MARY M. , KAZURA J.W.
Published: October 2007

Summary Genetic dependence of susceptibility to primary infection with Schistosoma mansoni was studied in inbred strains of mice. Eight weeks after the subcutaneous injection of 30 cercariae, C3H/HeJ (H‐2k), DBA/1J (H‐2q) and BALB/cJ (H‐2d) had the highest number of adult worms per animal (8–0–9–8); DBA/2J (H‐2d) and 129/J (H‐2b) had an intermediate number (6–2–6–4); C57BL/6J (H‐2b), BUB/BnJ (H‐2q) and CBA/CaJ (H‐2k) had the lowest number (3–4–4–0). Studies in congenic mice further suggested that genes within the major histocompatibility complex do not have a major influence on determining the ability of schistosomes to develop into mature adult worms. Results of experiments in which adult worm loads in the F| generation of C57BL/6J x BALB/cJ were compared with F, x C57BL/6J and F, x BALB/cJ backcrosses are consistent with homozygosity for a polygenic phenomenon controlling susceptibility to primary S. mansoni infection. Strain associated differences in parasite development appeared to be related to host defense processes directed against maturing adult worms.
Increased activity of macrophages from mice infected with Brugia pahangi‘. in vitro adherence to microfilariae
Authors: OXENHAM SHEREE L. , MACKENZIE C.D. , DENHAM D.A.
Published: October 2007

Summary After the inoculation of infective larvae of Brugia pahangi into the peritoneal cavities of CBA/Ca mice adult worms developed, but by 12 weeks post‐infection the parasites were usually dead and surrounded by granulomatous tissue. Macrophages were the most common cell type in these granulomas and were also found in increasing numbers free in the peritoneal cavity. We have investigated the ability of macrophages to damage microfilariae in vitro, in a system where microfilariae were cultured together with cells and serum taken from either uninfected female CBA/Ca mice or at various intervals after infection. Macrophages adhered to and killed microfilariae in this system and there was an increase in in vitro adherence of these cells during the course of infection. The peak level of in vitro activity of these cells coincided with the phase of parasite killing in vivo. The presence of serum also affected the degree of macrophage adherence and subsequent death of the parasite. Analysis of serum components using EGTA, zymosan or heat inactivation suggested that complement and possibly heat labile antibody were involved. Immunoglobulins were shown by immunofluorescence to be present on the surface of microfilariae cultured in serum from infected mice. It is concluded from this study that macrophages are actively involved in the termination of murine filarisis.
Induction by specific T lymphocytes of intracellular destruction of Leishmania major in infected murine macrophages
Authors: COUTINHO S.G. , LOUIS J.A. , MAUEL J. , ENGERS H.D.
Published: October 2007

Summary The following cell populations derived from lymph nodes of mice primed in vivo with living Leishmania major promastigotes were tested for their capacity to induce parasiticidal activity in L. major‐infected macrophages: a L. major‐primed lymph node cells, draining lymph node cells from mice primed by a subcutaneous injection of living L. major in Freund's Complete Adjuvant; b L. major‐specific T blasts, i.e. blast T cells resulting from in vitro challenge of primed lymph node cells with L. major, c propagated L. major specific T blasts, i.e. blast T cells after propagation in vitro in antigen‐free medium containing interleukin‐2. Results indicate that cocultivation of these L. major specific lymphocyte populations with infected peritoneal exudate macrophages induced progressive destruction of intracellular L. major. This effect was antigen specific since similar populations obtained from mice primed either with ovalbumin or bovine serum albumin did not induce significant parasite killing. The various lymphocyte populations examined did not express cytolytic activity for syngeneic macrophages infected with L. major when tested in a short‐term 51Cr release assay. These negative results could not be attributed to an inability of infected macrophages to be lysed by cytolytic lymphocytes since cytolytic T lymphocytes directed to H‐2 alloantigens present on macrophages were perfectly capable of lysing these infected macrophages as revealed in a 4 h 5lCr release assay. Interestingly, infected macrophages from either BALB/c (H‐2d), NZB (H‐2d) or CBA (H‐2k) mice were lysed by cytolytic T lymphocytes specific for their respective H‐2 alloantigens as well as uninfected macrophages. These results suggest that H‐2 expression on the surface of infected macrophages from either L. major susceptible or resistant mouse strains is sufficient to be detected by allogeneic cytoloytic T lymphocytes.
Interrelationship of eosinophilia and IgE antibody production to larval ES antigen in Toxocara canis infected mice
Authors: SUGANE K. , OSHIMA T.
Published: October 2007

Summary In order to elucidate the relationship between eosinophilia and IgE antibody production in parasitic infection, the degree of eosinophilia and IgE antibody levels to larval ES antigen of Toxocara canis were investigated in eight inbred strains of mice after infection with T. canis. Eosinophilia was far higher in degree in SJL mice than in the other inbred strains. However, IgE antibody levels to larval ES antigen in SJL mice were the lowest among those inbred strains. Similarly, the degree of eosinophilia in AKR mice was slightly higher than those in the other strains except SJL mice, but IgE antibody levels to larval ES antigen in AKR mice was as low as that in SJL mice. Consequently, high responders for eosinophilia were not always high responders for IgE antibody production to larval ES antigen. Inheritance of the two traits, marked eosinophilia and poor IgE antibody production to larval ES antigen in T. canis infected SJL mice, were investigated using Fi hybrid and back‐cross mice. The former was regulated by more than one gene, while the latter was a recessive trait. The degree of eosinophilia after infection showed no relationship with the total numbers of larvae recovered from T. canis infected inbred mice.
Immunoglobulin interactions with surfaces of sheathed and unsheathed microfilariae
Authors: HAMMERBERG B. , RIKIHISA Y. , KING MARGARET W.
Published: October 2007

Summary The sheath surface of Brugia pahangi microfilariae (mf) and the cuticle surface of Dirofilaria immitis mf were compared with regard to the ultrastructural arrangement of neutral and charged polysaccharides and binding of immunoglobulins from dog sera. Brugia pahangi: mf demonstrated large amounts of neutral sugar and negatively charged sugars just above the sheath surface, projecting some distance from the surface, in addition to a dense layer of sulphated material on the sheath surface. Microfilariae from high microfilaremic dogs showed no innately bound IgG or IgM when examined fresh from serum nor did they bind IgG or IgM from normal (NDS) or infected (IDS) dog sera after 48 h maintenance in RPMI1640. Many of these mf did bind IgG and IgM from hyperimmune dog serum (ImDS) and these immunoglobulins were found binding at a distance from the sheath similar to that of the sugars. Dirofilaria immitis mf demonstrated much less neutral sugar at the cuticle surface, no negatively charged sugars and a diffuse, rather than dense, distribution of sulfated material extending from the cuticle. The majority of these mf showed innately bound IgG and IgM. After 48 h maintenance in RPMI 1640 D. immitis mf bound and shed IgG and IgM from NDS, high microfilaremia D. immitis IDS and D. immitis mf ImDS at distinctly different rates.
Protective immune response to Plasmodium chabaudi, developed by mice after drug controlled infection or vaccination with parasite extracts: analysis of stage specific antigens from the asexual blood cycle
Authors: FALANGA P. B. , SILVEIRA J. F. FRANCO DA , SILVA L. PEREIRA DA
Published: October 2007

Summary The protective immune response to asexual blood infection by Plasmodium chabaudi was studied in mice immunized either by drug controlled infection or by vaccination with preparations of merozoïtes or free parasites at different stages of development. Animals immunized by the first method developed a sterile immunity. The passive transfer of their serum protected naive recipients from the lethal development of the infection, but affected only moderately the initial course of the parastiaemia. Animals immunized with either ring, schizont or merozoi'te preparations exhibited a limited but significant resistance to infection: when challenged with 106 parasites of the homologous strain they exhibited a reduced parasitaemia as compared to control mice, and in addition, 50% of them recovered from the infection. Immunochemical analysis of parasite antigens showed that a family of high molecular weight proteins synthesized essentially at the schizont stage and conserved in the merozoites are important immunogens. Quantitative rather than qualitative differences were observed in the pattern of parasite proteins immunoprecipitated by serum of animals exhibiting sterile immunity or moderate protective immunity. A schizont specific polypeptide of mol. wt 82 Kd which is found in the surface of the merozoite is preferentially immunoprecipited by serum from animals exhibiting sterile immunity.
Involvement of suppressor cells induced with membrane fractions of trypanosomes in immunosuppression of trypanosomiasis
Authors: YAMAMOTO K. , ONODERA M. , KATO K. , KAKINUMA M. , KIMURA T. , RICHARDS F. F.
Published: October 2007

Summary We showed that infection with Trypanosoma congolense in mice led to suppression of listeria‐induced delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH). Mice were pre‐treated with irradiated T. congolense or T. eiansi, which caused rapid and effective suppression of DTH. A membrane fraction obtained by homogenizing T. eiansi variant in a hypotonic buffer solution and centrifuging it at 150,000g produced suppression of listeria‐induced DTH when injected i.p. into mice as early as 1 day before listeria immunization. Furthermore, we demonstrated by an adoptive transfer system that the suppressor cells involved in this suppression had developed in the spleen and that the activity of the splenic suppressor cells was due to the presence of a macrophage population.
Induction of a marked eosinophilia by cyclophosphamide in Toxocara canis infected SJL mice
Authors: SUGANE K. , OSHIMA T.
Published: October 2007

Summary Cyclophosphamide (Cy) is known to produce a marked eosinophilia in mice after antigen challenge. In this study, we studied the effect of Cy on eosinophilia in helminthic infection. Peripheral blood eosinophils were counted in SJL mice following a large dose of Cy injection, infection with Toxocara canis, and both Cy injection and T. canis infection simultaneously. Following the injection with Cy (150 mg/kg), the eosinophil counts fell sharply, then rose abruptly to six times the normal level followed by a decrease. Infection with T. canis induced eosinophilia in mice. However, when mice were both infected with T, canis and given Cy injection, the eosinophilia was markedly enhanced. The results suggest that the marked eosinophilia in mice induced by Cy is not only observed in antigen challenge but also in helminthic infection.
Immunopathology of Schistosoma japonicum infection in athymic mice
Authors: CHEEVER A. W. , BYRAM J. E. , VON LICHTENBERG F.
Published: October 2007

Summary Athymic (nu/nu) mice and heterozgous littermate controls (nu/+) were examined 7 and 10 weeks after infection with 10 cercariae of Schistosoma japonicum. Schistosome infection developed normally in both groups of mice and eggs were produced in normal numbers. Nu/nu mice developed small circumoval granulomas with minimal fibrosis while nu/+ mice developed large fibrotic granulomas. Unlike the mononuclear responses to S. mansoni eggs at 7 weeks, those to S. japonicum often were abscess like with narrow rims of liver cell necrosis or microvesicular fatty change. However, evolving granulomas in nu/+ mice were enriched with eosinophils, epithelioid macrophages, immature granulocytes and plasma cells, all scarce in the corresponding nu/nu lesions as were fibroblasts and collagen fibres, thus accounting for their smaller mean size and better healing. Our aggregate evidence shows that normal granuloma formation and cellularity in S. japonicum infection is controlled by T‐cells as is the case for S. mansoni, and not by antibodies or immune complexes.
The effect of splenectomy on resistance of mice to Entamoeba histolytica infection
Authors: GHADIRIAN E. , KONGSHAVN P. A. L.
Published: October 2007

Summary The role of the spleen in amoebic infection was examined in mice, using strains selected as being either genetically‐susceptible (C57BL/6) or genetically‐resistant (A/J) to amoebiasis. Splenectomized and sham‐operated animals were inoculated intracaecally with 2·5 × 105 polyxenic trophozoites of E. histolytica at 6. 12 and 15 days post‐splenectomy. The animals were killed 6 or 12 days after infection and the parasite burden was evaluated. Removal of the spleen in both susceptible and resistant mouse strains rendered these hosts extremely resistant to amoebic infection by this criterion. Gross examination of the caeca of non‐splenectomized, genetically‐susceptible mice showed numerous ulcers over the mucosal surface when compared to the splenectomized group which had superficial lesions or none. These observations suggest that the spleen plays a suppressive role in early anti‐amoebic resistance.
The effect of cyclosporin A on the course of murine infection by Schistosoma mansoni*
Authors: NILSSON L. ‐Å. , LINDBLAD R. , OLLING S. , OUCHTERLONY Ö.
Published: October 2007

Summary The effect of the immunomodulating substance cyclosporin A (CyA) has been evaluated in mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Administration of CyA at the time of infection or during the schistosomulum stage resulted in failure of the larvae to develop into adult worms. However, a serological response was noted. Administration of CyA during the establishment of the adult worm stage resulted in a reduction of the worm burden as compared to non‐treated mice. The established worm pairs, however, seemed to be sterile since no eggs were demonstrated in the liver. Infection of mice with cercariae which had been exposed to CyA in vitro resulted in only a slight reduction of the worm burden for the highest concentration of CyA tested (100 μg/ml). The results of the study show that administration of CyA in vivo affects the host‐parasite relationship in favour of the host.
Antigenic variation in Plasmodium chabaudi: analysis of parent and variant populations by cloning
Authors: MCLEAN S. A. , PEARSON C. D. , PHILLIPS R. S.
Published: October 2007

Summary Nineteen of 22 recrudescent populations of Plasmodium chabaudi AS strain were found to be significantly less sensitive to the protective activity of pools of immune serum, than the parent population from which they were derived. The immune sera were collected from donor mice which had been infected with the parent population and had just reduced the patent primary parasitaemia to subpatent levels. Clones prepared from the parent population (which had previously been cloned) and recrudescent variant populations were tested for their sensitivity to the immune sera. It was found that all the clones from the parent population were sensitive to the immune sera but some were more sensitive than others and that a recrudescent variant population could include both sensitive and insensitive parasites. Two insensitive clones of the recrudescent population were found to be different from each other