bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Studies on Tree-Pollen Allergens
Authors: Vik H. , Elsayed S. , Apold J. , Paulsen B.S.
Published: July 2009

Gel permeation chromatography of Betula verrucosa (BV) crude pollenextract and pooling of the fractions after their fused rocket immunoelectrophoresis antigenic profile allowed the isolation of a purified major allergen designated BV45. This fraction was shown to be a glycoprotein with a tentative molecular weight of 10,000 daltons. The estimated molecular weight differed by approximately factor 2 from the previously reported values of birch pollen major allergens. This fraction was further purified by polyacrylamide gel chromatography (P-10), high performance liquid chomatography (HPLC) silica-base column and high-volt electrophoresis at different dimensions. The purified proteins revealed an immunochemical identity with the initial material. BV45 and the previously isolated pI 5.18, though different otherwise, demonstrated a reaction of complete antigenic identity illustrated by tandem-crossed immunoelectrophoresis. Both the amino acid and carbohydrate compositions of BV45 were calculated on the basis of the tentative molecular weight obtained. BV45 showed a total carbohydrate concentration of 20% of the dry weight, corresponding to 13–14 residues per mol protein. The amino acid composition obtained reflected structural diversity between the BV45 and pI 5.18. N-terminal analysis followed by HPLC quantitation of the DNS-amino acids for BV45 and the further purification products gave two peaks having retention times corresponding to DNS-Cya and DNS-Asp. Fraction BV45 was demonstrated to be a major allergen of birch pollen as assessed by RAST inhibition of 7 out of 10 reaginic sera and the specific radiostaining in crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis of all omitt nine crossed immunoelectrophoresis plates used. RAST inhibition titration of BV45 and BV crude showed qualitative identity of the allergenic determinants of both materials. The question about one or several major allergen(s) in birch pollen extract has so far been unsolved as no structural mapping of BV45 and pI 5.18 has been readily available.
Modulation of Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Chemiluminescent Response to the Chemoattractant f-Met-Leu-Phe
Authors: Dahlgren C. , Magnusson K.-E. , Stendahl O. , Sundqvist T.
Published: July 2009

Upon the interaction between polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) and soluble or particulate matter, the cells become metabolically activated and produce chemiluminescence. To respond with chemiluminescence to the chemotactic peptide formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (f-Met-Leu-Phe), the PMNL required conditioning of the cells at 22 °C or higher temperature prior to stimulus addition. This was not required when phorbolmyristate acetate or opsonized yeast particles were used as stimulus. When cell samples were obtained from PMNL suspensions during 240 min from preparation, the chemiluminescence signal triggered by f-Met-Leu-Phe progressively increased. Scatchard plot analysis of the chemiluminescence data indicated that storage of the cells resulted in modulation of both the number of functional receptors and the affinity for the receptor. The importance of receptor function control in the inflammatory process is discussed.
Differential Cyst(e)ine Requirements in Human T and B Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines
Authors: Kamatani Naoyuki , Carson Dennis A.
Published: July 2009

In an effort to find exploitable metabolic differences between human T and B lymphoblasts, we have compared the ability of lymphocytes of varying phenotype to grow in cystine-deficient medium. Only 6 of 12 human lymphoblastoid cell lines tested were able to utilize homocysteine thiolactone or cystathionine in place of cystine for growth. This difference in growth requirements was unrelated to the rate of cell division, the presence of Epstein-Barr viral genetic material, or whether or not the cell lines derived from benign or malignant tissues. Rather, all B lymphoblastoid cell lines grew in homocysteine thiolactone- or cystathionine-containing medium, while the T and non-T, non-B lymphoblastoid cell lines did not. Normal human peripheral blood T and B lymphoblasts did not respond to mitogens in the homocysteine thiolactone or cystathionine medium, but developed the ability to utilize these cysteine precursors after stimulation with concanavalin A, protein A, or Epstein-Barr virus. The differences in cysteine requirements among T and B cell lines may reflect a fundamental difference in de novo protein-synthesizing capacity of the two cell types.
Evidence for the Carter Effect in Atopy
Authors: Happle R. , Schnyder U.W.
Published: July 2009

In atopy, the sex ratio deviates markedly from unity when the specific organ manifestations are considered separately. In atopic asthma, the male to female ratio is about 2:1. In the children of patients affected with atopic asthma, we determined the incidence of atopic dermatitis, atopic asthma and atopic rhinitis. Among children of women affected with atopic asthma, we found more often atopic manifestations than among children of men affected with atopic asthma (44 vs. 25.5%). This phenomenon, called the Carter effect, can be explained by the multifactorial mode of inheritance. A certain number of genes is necessary for clinical signs of atopy to become manifest. Women with atopic asthma have a higher threshold and therefore transmit more predisposing genes to their children. This demonstration of the Carter effect is a further argument in favor of polygenic inheritance of atopy.
Subthreshold and Suboptimal Desensitization of Human Basophils
Authors: Mendoza Guillermo R. , Minagawa Kiminobu
Published: July 2009

The kinetics of desensitization in normal calcium buffer was studied in leukocytes resuspended at a maximum concentration of 50,000 basophils/ml (total available histamine, < 5 × 10––7M). The time constant of desensitization, k, ranged between 0.01 and 0.02 under subthreshold preincubation conditions (50% inactivation; t½ = 60––120 min). Fractional addition of antigen reduced preincubation histamine release. The degree of IgE bridging required for virtually complete desensitization was complete within the first seconds of incubation of cells with anti-IgE. Hence the slow development of subthreshold and suboptimal desensitization in the presence of calcium must be related to events which occur after IgE cross-linking.
The increase of a Normally Occurring K Cell Population during Progressive Tumor Growth in Mice
Authors: Gadol Nancy , Saluk P.H.
Published: July 2009

K cell activity of the spleen cells from normal and tumor-bearing mice was compared using an antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity assay. The K cell activity increased with progressive tumor growth (syngeneic) compared to the K cell activity of normal mice. The increase in K cell activity most likely reflected an increase in the numbers of K cells normally present in nontumor-bearing mice rather than the emergence of a distinct population of K cells induced by the growing tumor.
Characterization of the Carbohydrate Moiety in a Purified Allergen Preparation from the Mite Dermatophagoides Farinae and Its Importance for Allergenic Activity as Tested by the RAST-Inhibition Method
Authors: Wolden B. , Paulsen Smestad , Wold J.K. , Grimmer Ø.
Published: July 2009

The monosaccharide composition of a purified mite allergen preparation was mainly found to be: mannose, galactose, glucose, N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylgalactosamine quantitated to 15% of dry material by means of methanolysis and GLC of trimethylsilylated methyl glycosides. Protein content was found to be 65%, determined by the Lowry method. Methylation analysis and periodate oxidation indicated the main polysaccharide material to be built of 1,6-linked hexosamine, with side chains having mainly galactose end groups. Attempts to obtain separate carbohydrate fractions by ion exchange chromatography of the extract on CM-Sephadex and DEAE-Sephadex columns were not successful. The RAST-inhibition test showed a lower IgE binding capacity for periodate-treated mite preparation, where sugars containing vicinal diols have been oxidized, compared to an untreated mite preparation.
The Appearance of Specific Helper Cells in Lymph of Immunized Sheep
Authors: Heron Iver , Cahill Ross , Trnka Zdenek
Published: July 2009

Culture conditions which support the induction by antigen of plaque-forming cells (PFCs) in cell suspensions made from lymph nodes from sheep do not support the induction of PFCs in suspensions of non-primed lymphocytes obtained from the efferent lymph of a lymph node. The lymphocytes in the efferent lymph of a node after immunization with heterologous erythrocyte antigen, via an afferent lymphatic vessel, however, respond in vitro to the specific antigen with the generation of PFCs. Immune responses were confined to single lymph nodes, and the lymphocytes of the efferent lymph issuing from these were added to nonimmunized efferent lymph cells of other nodes in the same sheep. It was found that the addition of low numbers of immunized T lymphocytes to saturating numbers of nonimmune lymphocytes, either unseparated, or the B cell fraction only, gave rise in cultures stimulated with the specific antigen to PFCs in numbers comparable to those induced in cultures containing only saturating amounts of immunized lymph node lymphocytes. Immunized B cells were not capable of providing help. The specific helper T cells required were found to be recirculating between blood and lymph for several months after immunization. Irradiated T cells were not capable of providing sufficient help. The number of lymphocytes forming rosettes with chicken red blood cells or horse red blood cells in efferent lymph increases after immunization of a sheep lymph node through an afferent lymphatic vessel with specific antigens. Rosette-forming cells (RFCs) were removed by Ficoll-Isopaque flotation and the properties of the RFCs were determined in the culture system. It was found that specific B precursor cells were antigen binding because the response in vitro was abolished after these rosette-forming B cells had been removed. Helper T cells appearing in the efferent lymph subsequent to immunization were found not to be antigen binding because T cells issuing from immunized lymph nodes, after removal of RFCs, were still capable of providing specific help to a nonimmunized B cell population.
Enhancement of E Rosette Formation by Incubation of Lymphocytes in Cerebrospinal Fluid Dilutions
Authors: Næss Are
Published: July 2009

Lymphocytes from normal donors were incubated for 4 h at 37 °C in dilutions of normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in Hanks’ balanced salt solution (HBSS), before being tested for ‘active’ and ‘total’ sheep erythrocyte rosette-forming cells (E-RFC). Incubation in CSF dilutions caused an increase in the percentage of both ‘active’ and ‘total’ E-RFC compared to incubation in HBSS. Incubation in HBSS caused a decrease in ‘total’ but not in ‘active’ E-RFC percentages. CSF thus effects an increase in the ability to form E-RFC under sub-optimal conditions. No mitogenic effect of CSF was observed in lymphocyte culture experiments.
The Mechanism of Ketotifen-Induced Histamine Release from Human Peripheral Leucocytes
Authors: Moodley I. , Davies R.J.
Published: July 2009

Ketotifen-induced histamine release from human leucocytes is independent of extracellular calcium and does not require metabolic energy. Furthermore, histamine release is accompanied by a loss of cellular cytoplasmic contents. This suggests that the mechanism of ketotifen-induced histamine release at high concentrations is non-specific and is similar to that of clemastine, a typical H1 antagonist.
Enhancement of the Anaphylactoid Reaction in Rats by Salicylates
Authors: West G.B.
Published: July 2009

Low doses of sodium or copper salicylate, administered at the same time as agents producing the anaphylactoid reaction in rats, significantly enhanced the onset, height and duration of the responses. The enhancement occurred after intraperitoneal or local administration. Enhanced transport of the high molecular weight agents into the bloodstream is suggested. However, the salicylates did not enhance histamine release from isolated peritoneal mast cells of rats induced by dextran and phosphatidyl serine.
A Possible Link between the Ability of Rat Isolated Peritoneal Mast Cells to Release Histamine when Challenged with Dextran and the Proteins in Their Plasma Membranes
Authors: Ludowyke R.I. , West G.B. , Harris J.R. , Hanahoe T.H.P.
Published: July 2009

The plasma membranes of peritoneal mast cells from rats specifically bred for resistance to the dextran anaphylactoid reaction contain a polypeptide of molecular weight about 74,000 daltons which is deficient in those from rats which show the reaction. It is suggested that this polypeptide modifies the dextran receptor in the resistant rats so that histamine release cannot be induced when their mast cells are challenged with dextran.
Low Levels of Antibodies to Surface Antigens of Group B Streptococci in Commercial IgG Preparations
Authors: Lindén Viveka , Christensen Karen Kvist , Christensen Poul
Published: July 2009

53 different batches of commercial IgG were tested for antibodies to group B streptococci (GBS) types Ia, Ib, II and III. The levels of antibodies varied widely. Comparison of the anti-GBS antibody levels in these preparations with those found in normal blood donor sera showed that the commercial IgG contained approximatively 2.6 times less type-specific antibodies. We conclude that the commercial IgG now available is not optimal for passive immunization against GBS infections in neonates.
Immunologic Cross-Reactivity between Spinal Cord Protein and Myelin Basic Protein
Authors: Ramshaw I.A. , Welter D. , MacPherson C.F.C.
Published: July 2009

Myelin basic protein-induced experimental allergic encephalitis is prevented or suppressed by pretreating guinea pigs with spinal cord protein. Although myelin basic protein and spinal cord protein do not cross-react at the antibody level, significant cross-stimulation was demonstrated in an antigen-induced lymphocyte proliferation assay. The antigen-sensitive cells were characterized as T lymphocytes in that they were immunoglobulin-negative (Ig––ve) and responded to concanavalin A. However, the level of proliferation observed in the Ig––ve population was much greater than that of undepleted cells. This suggested that there existed an immunoglobulin-bearing suppressor cell population. It was unclear whether T or B lymphocytes were responsible for this suppression in that the Ig+ve cells also responded, to some extent, to concanavalin A, indicating the presence of T cells. Nonetheless, these results suggest that a possible mechanism whereby spinal cord protein protects animals against experimental allergic encephalitis is through the induction of a population of suppressor cells which are sensitized to cross-reactive determinants.
Role of C4-Binding Protein in the Defective Lysis of Sensitized Sheep Erythrocytes by Mouse Complement
Authors: van Amerongen Aart , van Dijk Hans , Willers Jan M.N.
Published: July 2009

Passage of mouse EDTA-plasma over an anti-C4-binding protein (anti-C4-bp) affinity column reduced the C4-bp level by an average of 34% and increased the classical C pathway activity as measured with sensitized normal and desialylated sheep erythrocytes, but not versus sensitized rabbit erythrocytes. This suggests that C-regulation by C4-bp is independent of membrane sialic acid and provides evidence for the presence of a hitherto unknown preferential site for mouse C4-bp on sheep erythrocytes. The absence of both this site and sialic acid on their membranes makes sensitized rabbit erythrocytes useful target cells for assay of mouse classical C pathway activity.
A Micromethod for the Detection of TG and TM Cells. Technical Aspects for the Enumeration of Human T-Cell Subpopulations
Authors: Jensen J.R.
Published: July 2009

A rosette technique for the detection of human T-lymphocyte subpopulations with Fc receptors for IgG (TG cells) or IgM (Tm cells) has been worked out using minimal amounts of IgG and IgM antibodies. Antibody-coated ox red blood cells (EA) were used as indicator cells. Optimal conditions for rosette enumerations required intimate T-cell-EA contact and incubation of cell mixtures for 3 h at 4°C. The TM-cell level increased after culture of T cells, and TM-cell rosettes were found to be more fragile. The rosette assay was found to be reproducible and thus useful in clinical immunology.
Total Body Irradiation Allows Reinduction of Allergic Encephalomyelitis in Convalescent Lewis Rats
Authors: Willenborg David O.
Published: July 2009

The ability of total body irradiation to alter recovery from and development of acquired resistance to allergic encephalomyelitis has been studied in Lewis rats. Irradiation before sensitization inhibits disease production, whereas irradiation after sensitization has no effect. In the latter situation animals recover from disease in a normal fashion. The generation of resistance to reinduction of disease is not affected by irradiation given either before or after the primary sensitization. However, irradiation given after both the primary and secondary challenges allows the development of a secondary disease episode. Studies on antibodies against basic protein in such treated animals suggest that antibodies play a role in resistance to reinduction of disease.
Assessment of Murine Lymph Node Lymphocyte Priming with the Tetrasialoganglioside GQ1b
Authors: Sela Ben-Ami
Published: July 2009

In vivo priming of lymphocytes by gangliosides was tested following active immunization of mice with the tetrasialoganglioside GQ1b coupled to a copolymer of L-lysine and DL-alanine. Lymphocytes derived from popliteal lymph nodes 17 days after immunization were triggered to incorporate tritiated thymidine after a 4-day incubation in polypropylene tubes precoated with GQ1b,. Non-primed lymph node lymphocytes, primed lymphocytes incubated in non-coated tubes, and, more interestingly, primed lymphocytes incubated with the soluble ganglioside did not undergo mitogenic stimulation. The data suggest that the evaluation of the extent of in vivo priming of lymphocytes by gangliosides can be achieved only if these glycosphingolipids are bound to the substratum, whereas when applied to primed cells in soluble form they inhibit mitogenic activation.
Serum and Salivary IgA Levels in Normal Subjects: Comparison between Tonsillectomized and Non-Tonsillectomized Subjects
Authors: D’Amelio R. , Palmisano L. , Le Moli S. , Seminara R. , Aiuti F.
Published: July 2009

Serum IgA and secretory IgA (SIgA) were determined in 1,000 apparently healthy subjects; 274 were tonsillectomized. Four groups were identified in this study: (1) 0.3% of subjects had no serum IgA and SIgA; (2) 1.6% of subjects showed partial serum and SIgA deficiency; (3) 27.4% of individuals were tonsillectomized and had partial serum IgA deficiency but normal SIgA, and (4) 71.4% were normal, both with respect to serum IgA and SIgA. These results stress the relatively high incidence of IgA deficiency in the normal population and confirm the role of the tonsils in maintaining serum IgA levels.
Potentiation of MIF Production by Lymphocytes of Trichinella spiralis-lnfected Mice
Authors: Blackwood Linda L. , Platt David , Molinari John A.
Published: July 2009

In order to further investigate the mechanism involved in the immunopotentiation following Trichinella spiralis infection, mice were injected intraperitoneally with either heat-killed or viable bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) 28 days after oral infection with 200 nematode larvae. Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) was assessed 28 days later by measuring levels of migration inhibitory factor (MIF) elicited by Old Tuberculin challenge. Sensitization with killed BCG produced only negligible amounts of MIF; however, prior T. spiralis infection resulted in significantly increased titers of MIF, reaching levels induced by viable BCG. The data indicated that a lymphokine component may be involved in addition to non-specific mechanisms previously proposed.
A Possible Role of Arachidonate Metabolism in Allergic Air Pouch Inflammation in Rats
Authors: Ohuchi Kazuo , Yoshino Shin , Kanaoka Keiko , Tsurufuji Susumu , Levine Lawrence
Published: July 2009

The effect of indomethacin and dexamethasone on an allergic inflammation in rats, a novel model of allergic inflammation of an air pouch type, was examined. Indomethacin and dexamethasone exerted a dose-dependent inhibition of both the accumulation of inflammatory exudate and the migration of leukocytes into the exudate. And although prostaglandin E2 levels in the exudate were lowered to the same extent by treatment with indomethacin and dexamethasone, inhibition of both exudate accumulation and leukocyte migration was more pronounced after treatment with dexamethasone. The differences in the effectiveness of indomethacin and dexamethasone in terms of inhibition of arachidonate metabolism in the allergic air pouch inflammation are discussed.
Comparative Studies on Tree Pollen Allergens
Authors: Vik H. , Florvaag E. , Apold J. , Paulsen B.S. , Elsayed S.
Published: July 2009

Two commercially available extracts of alder and birch pollen usually used in clinical allergy were evaluated and correlated to two corresponding reference extracts ‘S’ produced at the authors’ laboratory. The set of extracts produced by ALK, Denmark are referred to as ‘A’, while those produced by Nyco, Norway are referred to as ‘N’. The results of the CIE analysis demonstrated that, upon using the same antibodies, both the morphology and the intensity of the precipitates of the different extracts differed considerably. In the alder pollen extract, the ‘N’ preparation contained more immunoprecipitate lines than the two others. Extract ‘S’ contained the least number of antigenic lines. Only two of the antigenic lines bound specific IgE in CRIE and were represented in variable concentrations in the three extracts. These two allergenic precipitation lines were demonstrated to have an immunological reaction of identity as shown by tandem-CIE and tandem-CRIE systems, respectively. In the birch pollen system variable numbers of reproducable antigenic lines of precipitation were demonstrated. Preparation ‘A’ contained more antigens than the two other extracts. This extract lacked a cathodic antigen with slow electrophoretic mobility represented in ‘N’ and ‘S’. One dominant antigenic line was commonly present in the three extracts and could bind IgE antibodies in the CRIE system. A minor cathodic allergen was shown by CRIE in extracts ‘S’ and ‘N’, but not in extract ‘A’. The RAST and RAST-inhibition titration experiments in all extracts showed qualitative and quantitative similarities. The amino acid compositions and the carbohydrate analyses showed that extracts ‘S’ and ‘N’ were similar while extract ‘A’ contained higher concentrations of certain amino acids and carbohydrates. In both alder and birch pollen, the reference extract ‘S’ contained lower concentrations of the nonallergenic antigens and of the low molecular weight contaminants.
Differential Capacity of Macrophages from Various Sources to Act as Hapten-Specific Stimulator Cells in vitro
Authors: von Blomberg Mary , Scheper R.J. , Mullink H. , Polak L.
Published: July 2009

Lymphocytes from 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene, contact sensitized guinea pigs show increased DNA synthesis in vitro when stimulated by dinitrophenylated macrophages. In this study, macrophage-containing cell suspensions were isolated from various sources (spleen, lungs, peritoneal cavity) and from the peritoneal cavity also after different stimuli (oil, thioglycollate, starch, lymphokines). These cells were then haptenized and investigated on their capacity to act as stimulator cells in vitro. In addition, a possible relationship between Ia-positivity of the hapten-presenting cell suspensions and the induction of DNA synthesis was studied. The results demonstrate (1) that the hapten-presenting capacity of macrophages differs with respect to the source and the way of elicitation, (2) that oil-induced peritoneal exudate cells are the most suitable stimulator cells for in vitro assays in contact sensitivity, and (3) that the cellular expression of la antigens is in itself no warrant for hapten-presenting capacity.
Ethylenediamine Tetraacetic Acid and Histamine Release from Rat Mast Cells
Authors: West G.B.
Published: July 2009

The action of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) on the release of histamine induced by clinical dextran, concanavalin A and compound 48/80 has been studied in rats after intraperitoneal and intrapedial injection as well as in tubes containing isolated peritoneal mast cells. Whereas large doses of EDTA were required for inhibiting histamine release in the whole animal, relatively much smaller concentrations were necessary when the inhibitor was injected locally into the paw or included in the incubation mixture with isolated cells. When dextran was used as the histamine releaser, EDTA was relatively much more effective an inhibitor in vitro than in vivo.
Quantitation of Nasal Secretory IgA by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Authors: Hamaguchi Yukiyoshi , Ohi Masuichi , Sakakura Yasuo , Mukojima Tatsu
Published: July 2009

A simple and sensitive technique, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for the quantitation of secretory IgA (sIgA) in order to study the synthesis and transport of sIgA in the nasal secretion from patients with chronic sinusitis. Rough-surface glass beads coated with antisecretory component antibody were employed as the solid phase. The minimal detectable concentration of sIgA was 50 ng/ml in this study. sIgA averaged 226.3 ± 217.4 mg/dl and total IgA averaged 302.0 ± 137.5 mg/dl.
Concanavalin-A-Induced Suppressor Cell Activity in Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy
Authors: Matsumoto Koichi , Osakabe Kotaro , Katayama Hisashi , Yoshizawa Nobuyuki , Seki Masato , Miyaji Hideano , Nagura Yuji , Ohi Hiroyuki , Hatano Michinobu
Published: July 2009

Suppressor cell activity (SCA) was analyzed in 8 patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (MN) and in 11 patients with chronic proliferative glomerulonephritis (CGN). We have assessed the ability of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) stimulated by concanavalin A (Con A) to inhibit the proliferative response of normal allogenic lymphocytes by both Con A and phytohemagglutinin (PHA). It was found that the MN patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS) had significantly increased levels of suppression index (SI) when compared to the values obtained with normal controls. In contrast, the mean suppression values in the PBL from MN patients in remission and CGN patients with or without NS, whether the mitogen used was Con A or PHA, were similar to those of the control subjects. Thus, the majority of MN patients with NS demonstrated an alteration in Con-A-induced SCA. The possible significance of these phenomena in the pathophysiology of MN is discussed.
Bronchopulmonary Torulopsosis
Authors: Patterson Roy , Samuels Bruce S. , Phair John J. , Roberts Mary
Published: July 2009

A patient had clinical and radiographic findings suggestive of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Further studies excluded this diagnosis but indicated that the patient’s respiratory disease was due to the yeast Torulopsis glabrata, usually nonpathogenic in normal human hosts. The patient had no evidence of invasive disease. Total serum IgE was elevated but IgE antibody against T. glabrata could not be demonstrated by skin test or radioimmunoassay. Demonstration of elevated IgG antibody against T. glabrata antigen by radioimmunoassay was of value in suggesting the diagnosis. The patient responded to prednisone therapy with clinical and radiographic improvement and with a sharp decline in total serum IgE, and a lesser degree of decline in total serum IgG and IgA. Bronchopulmonary torulopsosis may be rare but should be considered in cases where the diagnosis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis cannot be established. Because IgE antibody could not be incriminated in this disease the term allergic bronchopulmonary torulopsosis was not used in this case.
Reversibility of IgE-Mediated Rat Mast Cell Desensitization
Authors: Mendoza Guillermo R. , Orner Francine B.
Published: July 2009

Desensitization in normal rat peritoneal mast cells was induced by subthreshold and suboptimal levels of antirat IgE under normal calcium buffer conditions. Low doses of anti-IgE which triggered 0–10% net histamine release, initiated up to 100% desensitization. The rate of desensitization was highly variable in different rats, resulting in an irregular decay of releasability over the first 30 min. After 120–150 min of desensitization, rat mast cells in 3 of 5 experiments spontaneously regained releasability. We hypothesize that IgE-mediated desensitization in rat mast cells may represent a potentially reversible physiologic blockade in the degranulation process.
Multiple Clonally-Restricted Immunoglobulins in Human Sera: Disease Associations
Authors: Kelly R.H. , Hardy T.J.
Published: July 2009

Diseases associated with multiple clonally-restricted serum immunoglobulin (Ig) abnormalities present at levels which, in most cases, preclude detection by conventional immunoelectrophoresis, were studied using methods for detection and characterization of homogeneous Ig that are ≃40 times more sensitive than either cellulose acetate zone electrophoresis or immunoelectrophoresis. Patients with these Ig abnormalities had a high incidence of infectious disease (29% of total cases), malignancy (19%), connective tissue disease (14%) and liver disease (10%). The concentration of individual clonal products was found to wax and wane, but it could not be determined whether these clonally-restricted Ig species represent, wholly or in part, the products of dominant antibody-producing plasma cell clones involved in the patients’ response to their disease. We conclude that multipe homogeneous serum Ig abnormalities occur in clinical situations where heightened antigenic stimulation and/or immune reactivity are thought to occur (e.g., infections, malignancies and auto-immunity). Laboratory evaluation of these Ig abnormalities could be useful for diagnostic and/or therapeutic monitoring purposes in situations where the specificity of the clonally-restricted Ig species can be established.
Morphological Changes in Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes Induced by C3a in the Presence and Absence of Cytochalasin B
Authors: Showell Henry J. , Glovsky Michael , Ward Peter A.
Published: July 2009

Treatment of human peripheral polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) with C3a leads to profound changes in cell morphology, along with the limited secretion of lysozyme. Simultaneous addition of C3a and cytochalasin B enhances the release of lysosomal enzymes and renders the cell morphology similar to that seen when either C5a or n-formyl peptides are added to PMNs in the presence of cytochalasin B. The morphological response of PMNs treated with C3a is considerably more heterogeneous than that induced by either C5a or n-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, indicating that some, but not all, PMNs have receptors for C3a.
Studies on the Inhibition of Rapid Expulsion of Trichinella spiralis in Rats
Authors: Bell R.G. , McGregor D.D. , Adams L.S.
Published: July 2009

A variety of inhibitors was examined for their ability to interfere with the expression of rapid expulsion (RE) of challenge Trichinella spiralis infections in rats. Inhibitors of immediate hypersensitivity, prostaglandin release, peristalsis, or complement function, did not impair RE when administered to immune rats. Induction of intestinal anaphylaxis against T. spiralis or ovalbumin by passive serum transfer to intestinally primed rats (prior infection with Heligmosomoides polygyrus) or administration of the histamine liberator 48/80 also failed to stimulate RE. In contrast, irradiation or cortisone treatment 1, 3 or 5 days before challenge inhibited RE. We conclude that immediate hypersensitivity is not the terminal mediator of RE and plays a minor role or none at all. The effects of cortisone and irradiation suggest a major involvement by lymphoid cells in the RE reaction.
Some Characteristics of Histamine Secretion from Mast Cells Treated with Ionomycin
Authors: Truneh A. , Ennis M. , Pearce F.L.
Published: July 2009

The ionophorous antibiotic ionomycin released histamine from rat peritoneal mast cells in both the presence and absence of added calcium ions. The response under the latter conditions was potentiated by brief pretreatment of the cells with chelating agents. The interaction between the ionophore and exogenous calcium was complex. Supramaximal concentrations of calcium potentiated the release induced by low levels of ionomycin but markedly inhibited the secretion evoked by larger amounts of the compound. Dispersed mesenteric mast cells of the rat and guinea pig also responded to ionomycin but were less reactive than the peritoneal cells.
Stimulation of Contact Sensitivity to Oxazolone by Disodium Cromoglycate
Authors: Griswold D.E. , Alessi S. , Walz D.T.
Published: July 2009

The subcutaneous administration of 0.01–10 mg/kg of the antiallergic agent disodium cromoglycate on day 0 30 min prior to sensitization of C57B1/6 male mice with 5% 2-phenyl-4-ethoxy-methylene oxazolone proved to cause a significant stimulation of the low-grade leg volume response as measured plethysmographically 24 h after challenge. The investigation of the mechanism favors the conclusion that histamine release is involved in the action of disodium cromoglycate as judged by the ability of the antihistaminics chlorpheniramine and metiamide to inhibit the disodium cromoglycate action and by the inhibitory effect of polymyxin B induced depletion of histamine.
L-Tyrosine as an Immunological Adjuvant
Authors: Wheeler A.W. , Moran D.M. , Robins B.E. , Driscoll A.
Published: July 2009

A series of experiments has been carried out to investigate the adjuvant properties of the amino acid L-tyrosine in laboratory animals. Adsorption of various allergenic materials to L-tyrosine was found to enhance the induction of IgG antibodies, but no unusual propensity to stimulate IgE antibody or delayed hypersensitivity was observed. Administration of the amino acid at a site remote from the allergen was found not to augment antibody production. This, together with evidence of reduced bioavailability of the tyrosine-adsorbed allergen, suggested that the adjuvant activity observed resulted from a short-term depot effect.
Regulation of Allergic Reaction by Aerobic Corynebacterium equi Extract, CEF
Authors: Furuichi Kiyoshi , Masuda Etsuko , Ezoe Hisanori , Takemoto Toshiyuki , Obara Tadashi
Published: July 2009

Effects of a water soluble fraction of Corynebacterium equi (CEF) on the histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) were investigated. The treatment of RPMC with CEF resulted in a significant inhibition of the histamine release from RPMC which was induced by IgE antibody-antigen interaction as well as nonimmunological histamine liberators. CEF was much more effective in inhibition of IgE-mediated histamine release and compound 48/80 or polymyxin B-induced histamine release when the mast cells were treated with CEF prior to the incubation with the antigen or the liberators. In contrast, CEF was equally effective in inhibition of the histamine release by concanavalin A with phosphatidyl serine when the mast cells were treated with CEF prior to or simultaneously with the liberator. Evidence was also presented that CEF inhibits degranulation of mesenteric mast cells induced by immunological as well as nonimmunological mechanisms.
Plaque-Forming Cells in Human Cord Blood: A Soluble Factor Suppressing Differentiation but Not Proliferation of B Cells
Authors: Ahmad Rafi , Zielinski Christoph C. , Mannhalter Josef W. , Zlabinger Gerhard , Rockenschaub Alfred , Eibl Martha M.
Published: July 2009

Cord blood-derived T cells have been shown to suppress differentiation of B cells into immunoglobulin-secreting cells and proliferation of mononuclear cells (MNC). We report about a soluble factor present in the supernatant of pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-stimulated cord blood MNC which was able to suppress significantly the number of plaque-forming cells (PFC) in adult MNC populations, but had no effect upon proliferation of adult MNC in response to PWM and allogeneic MNC. The number of PFC was not suppressed by supernatant from unstimulated cord blood MNC or by PWM-stimulated adult MNC.
Immunological Characterization of Mononuclear Cells in Thyroid Gland and Blood in Graves’ Disease, Multinodular Goiter and Papillary Carcinoma
Authors: Aanderud Sylvi , Matre Roald , Varhaug Jan Erik
Published: July 2009

Mononuclear cell infiltrates in thyroid gland tissue sections from patients with drug-treated Graves’ disease (n = 5), non-toxic nodular goiter (n = 12) and papillary carcinoma (n = 5) were characterized by immunological membrane receptors. T lymphocytes were identified using 2-aminoethylisothiouronium bromide hydrobromide (AET)-treated sheep erythrocytes (E) (E-AET). E sensitized with rabbit IgM antibodies (A) and human complement (C) (EAC) were used to detect receptors for C3b (B lymphocytes and monocytes) or C3d (B lymphocytes). E sensitized with rabbit IgG antibodies were used to detect receptors for the Fc portion of IgG (FcR; lymphocytes and monocytes). The results indicate that T and B lymphocytes infiltrate the thyroid gland in Graves’ disease as well as in nodular goiter. T lymphocytes seemed to predominate in both disorders. In thyroid papillary carcinoma the number of B and T lymphocytes was negligible. However, EA absorbed strongly to sections from 3 of the 5 tumors studied, indicating the presence of FcR on tumor cells or infiltrating host cells. The percentage of active and total T lymphocytes in peripheral blood from the patients with drug-treated Graves’ disease was markedly reduced (9 ± 5 and 28 ± 11%, controls 22 ± 9 and 68 ± 11%; p <0.01 and <0.001). In patients with nodular goiter the percentage of total T lymphocytes was slightly, but significantly decreased (p <0.05). We suggest that the marked decrease in blood T lymphocytes observed in Graves’ disease might be caused by the drug therapy. In nodular goiter the predominance of T lymphocyte infiltration together with a slight decrease in blood T lymphocytes suggest that autoimmune mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis.
Lymphocyte Kinetics in Acute Uremia: Redistribution of Circulating Lymphocytes to the Bone Marrow
Authors: Slavin Raymond G. , Hutcheson Patricia S. , Rohrer Shirley D.
Published: July 2009

The mechanism(s) responsible for the peripheral blood lymphocytopenia found in uremia was investigated. Inbred Magnum guinea pigs were made uremic by ureteral ligation, and 1 day later injected with chromium (Cr)51-labeled syngeneic lymphocytes intravenously. 1 day later, the animals were sacrificed and organs counted for radioactivity. Sham-operated animals served as controls. Radioactivity in the lung and liver was the same or greater in the sham-operated animals than in uremic animals. In the blood and spleen, radioactivity was slightly higher in the uremic animals, while in the long bones this was significantly higher. In uremia therefore, there appears to be a redistribution of circulating lymphocytes to the bone marrow. The resultant lymphocytopenia may play a role in the immunologic incompetence seen in uremia.
Antiallergic Activity of Tiaramide (RHC 2592-A)
Authors: Khandwala A. , Coutts S. , Weinryb I.
Published: July 2009

Tiaramide (RHC 2592-A) is an analgesic agent with antiallergic activity in vivo. We have investigated the antianaphylactic properties of tiaramide and its metabolites in three in vitro models of anaphylaxis; namely, IgE-induced release of histamine from rat mast cells and human basophils, and IgG1-induced release of histamine from guinea pig lung slices. Tiaramide and one of the metabolites, desethanol tiaramide (DETR), were found to inhibit immunologic release of histamine in all three of these in vitro models. Although tiaramide and DETR were less potent than disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) and/or proxicromil as inhibitors of mediator release, they were not cross-tachyphylactic to DSCG in the rat mast cell model. These data indicate that tiaramide is a unique inhibitor of histamine release whose mechanism of action differs from that of DSCG, and which in vivo is converted to a more potent metabolite.
Effect of Bordetella pertussis on α1and β-Adrenergic and Cholinergic Muscarinic Receptors in Guinea Pig Lung Membranes
Authors: Mita Haruhisa , Yui Yasuo , Suzuki Muneo , Yasueda Hiroshi , Shida Takao
Published: July 2009

After intraperitoneal injection of Bordetella pertussis vaccine to guinea pigs, the α1- and β-adrenergic and cholinergic muscarinic receptors of the whole lung were measured by binding assays with the radioisotope-labeled antagonists, 3H-prazosin, 1-3H-dihydroalprenolol and 1-3H-quinuclidinyl benzilate, respectively. Injection of guinea pigs with pertussis vaccine resulted in an increase in the maximum binding (Bmax) of 3H-prazosin, while there was about a 30% reduction in 1-3H-dihydroalprenolol binding to β-adrenergic receptors. No difference was observed in the dissociation constant (KD) for binding of each ligand to α1- and β-adrenergic receptors. 1-3H-quinuclidinyl benzilate binding indicated that the Bmax and KD for cholinergic muscarinic receptor in pertussis-sensitized guinea pigs were not significantly different from those normal control animals.
Plasma Carboxypeptidase Activity and Intolerance to Acetylsalicylic Acid
Authors: Gerhardt W. , Kallós P. , Lundquist A.
Published: July 2009

Carboxypeptidase N (EC 3.4.17.3, arginine carboxypeptidase, kininase, anaphylatoxin inactiva-tor) activity was determined in human sera with the method of Erdös by differential spectrometry at 254 nm and 37°C, using hippuryl-L-argininic acid (HLAa) as a substrate. Day-to-day imprecision (CV) of the assay was 6.5%. The reference value, as determined in 15 healthy blood donors, was 3,082 ± 432 IU/l. The mean value in a pool of sera from 12 healthy pregnant women, 4,500 ± 294 IU/l, was higher, in accordance with earlier findings by Erdös et al. Sera from 53 patients with chronic asthma or chronic urticaria, without known acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) intolerance, gave the mean value of 3,583 ± 768 IU/l, and those from 17 patients with chronic asthma or chronic urticaria and ASA intolerance 3,379 ± 575 IU/l. Thus, the carboxypeptidase-N activity in the blood of ASA-intolerant asthmatics and urticaria patients was unimpaired. A 16-year-old boy with asthma and without ASA intolerance showed an unusually low value of 2,056 IU/l.
Characterization of Human Lysozyme (Muramidase)-Releasing Cells
Authors: Smith Edvard , Hammarström Lennart
Published: July 2009

Using a modification of the protein A plaque assay, human lysozyme-releasing cells were detected as plaque-forming cells (PFC). Blood and bone marrow contained higher numbers of muramidase secretors compared to adenoid and tonsil cell suspensions. Human peripheral blood cell cultures were found to contain cells detected as PFC in the presence of antimuramidase immunoglobulin as a developing agent. Lysozyme-producing cells were also found in human bone marrow cultures. High cell densities and a short culture period were optimal conditions for lysozyme release in bone marrow cell cultures. Addition of the activating ligand lipopolysaccharide directly into the plaque assay altered the number of muramidase-secreting cells.
A Comparative Evaluation of Receptor Reactivities for C3b, iC3b, and C3d on Raji Lymphoblastoid Cells
Authors: Scheiner O. , Hammann K.P. , Schmid H.-U. , Schulz T. , Alsenz J. , Dierich M.P.
Published: July 2009

Raji cells were described to carry receptors for iC3b, C3d, C3b-β1H and β1H. Controversial opinions, however, exist whether or not these cells carry also receptors for C3b. Using highly purified C3, definitely devoid of β1H and C5, for preparation of C3b intermediates, it could be shown that Raji cells bound to C3b cells. Furthermore, Raji cells reacted with monoclonal antibodies that interfered with binding of C3b to human erythrocytes, lymphocytes and renal cells. The receptor for C3b on Raji cell, however, exhibited some special properties and, therefore, required some distinct experimental conditions for its detection: (1) The origin of the erythrocytes used for preparation of the C3b intermediates seemed to be important; this was not the case when iC3b and C3d receptor reactivity was assessed. (2) Rosettes already formed between Raji cells and EAC 1423b showed the tendency to disintegrate within the first 30 min after the rosette formation assay. Again, this effect could not be observed with iC3b- and C3d-dependent rosette formation. (3) Incubation of the Raji cells at 37 °C as well as at 4°C before rosette formation resulted in a rhythmic loss and reappearance of C3b receptor reactivity. At room temperature (19–22°C) this effect was much less expressed. There was no influence of preincubation at 4 and 37 °C, respectively, on the iC3b and C3d receptor reactivity of Raji cells. (4) Diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) present during rosette formation enhanced, within a certain range of concentration, the percentage of C3b-dependent rosette formation. iC3b and C3d receptor reactivity was not influenced. A similar reaction pattern was observed with pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-stimulated tonsil lymphocytes. In the concentrations tested, DFP showed no effect on the rosette formation between C3b, iC3b, and C3d cells, respectively, and unstimulated tonsil lymphocytes.The data presented suggest that C3b receptors on Raji cells undergo some special metabolism, possibly controlled by fluid phase or cell-bound proteases. This might be a common property of C3b receptors on blast-like and transformed cells, differing from that of unstimulated small lymphocytes.
Auto-Antibodies in Infectious Mononucleosis, as Determined by ELISA
Authors: Halbert Seymour , Anken Milton
Published: July 2009

An increased incidence of abnormal values for anti-DNA, anti-deoxyribonucleoprotein (NP) and rheumatoid factor (RF) were found in heterophil antibody-positive infectious mononucleosis (IM). These positive auto-immune reactions were mostly at low levels. Those IM sera which revealed these auto-antibodies in the normal range showed mean values which were significantly higher than the mean values seen in normal sera. No correlation was found between the IM heterophil antibody levels and the concentrations of RF, anti-DNA or anti-NP. In the majority of cases, the anti-DNA and anti-NP responses in IM were predominantly of the IgM class.
Subthreshold and Suboptimal Desensitization of Human Basophils
Authors: Mendoza Guillermo R. , Minagawa Kiminobu
Published: July 2009

Desensitization in human basophils was induced by suboptimal levels of antihuman IgE or antigen under normal calcium buffer conditions. Low doses of anti-IgE triggered only 0–12% histamine release during a 3-hour preincubation, yet initiated up to 100% desensitization upon rechallenge. After 24–27 h preincubation with allergena, the cells did not regain releasability when rechallenged with either allergena, allergenb or anti-IgE. Low dose, IgE-mediated desensitization in human basophils may lead to an irreversible and nonspecific inhibition of degranulation.