bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Substance P and Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide: Effects on Mast Cells and in Human Skin
Authors: Foreman J.C.
Published: August 2009

Mast cells are found in close association with blood vessels, and histamine is known to be a potent vasodilator in humans. It is now clear that mast cells form neuroeffector junctions and that one of the types of nerve involved is the peptide-containing primary afferent neurone (C fibre). Nerve stimulation produces vasodilation which is blocked by antihistamines or by depletion of mast cell histamine with compound 48/80. Nerve stimulation also releases histamine and degranulates mast cells. Substance P and other neuropeptides release histamine from isolated rat and human skin mast cells. The actions of substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide in human skin are compatible with a role for these two peptides in neurogenic inflammation. The inflammatory effects of substance P in human skin are inhibited by antihistamines. The possible role of the mast cell in neurogenic inflammation is discussed.
T Cell Factors Involved in the Regulation of the IgE Synthesis
Authors: Ishizaka Kimishige , Jardieu Paula , Akasaki Moriaki , Iwata Makoto
Published: August 2009

The IgE-potentiating and IgE-suppressive factors share a common structural gene and therefore a common polypeptide chain, and their biologic activities are decided by a post-translational glycosylation process. Under physiological conditions, this process is controlled by two T cell factors, i.e., the glycosylation-enhancing factor (GEF) and glycosylation-inhibiting factor (GIF). GIF is a fragment of phosphorylated lipocortin and has immunosuppressive effects. Repeated injections of this lymphokine into antigen-primed mice switched their T cells from the formation of IgE-potentiating factor to the formation of IgE-suppressive factor and facilitated the generation of antigen-specific suppressor T cells, which form antigen-specific GIF upon antigenic stimulation. The antigen-specific GIF suppressed the antibody response in a carrier-specific manner and has properties similar to antigen-specific suppressor T cell factors.
Recombinant Human IgE
Authors: Gould H.J. , Helm B.A. , Marsh P.J. , Geha R.S.
Published: August 2009

The gene for a human epsilon chain Fc fragment has been cloned and expressed at a high level in Escherichia coli, and its biological activity in binding to the high-affinity receptors on mast cells and basophils and mediating histamine release has been examined in a variety of assays, including the inhibition of passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in human skin, which was induced by ragweed immunoglobulin IgE antibody and antigen. The positive results obtained in these assays encouraged us to try to analyse the binding site on IgE by site-directed mutagenesis. We describe deletion mutants here that narrow down the binding site on IgE for the mast cell receptor to a stretch of 76 amino acids (residues 301–376 on the ND epsilon chain) spanning the CH2 and CH3 domains. This peptide displays activity in the human skin test indistinguishable from that of a myeloma IgE.
Functional Heterogeneity within the Human Peripheral Blood B Cell Pool Engaged in IgE Synthesis
Authors: Turner K.J. , Holt B.J. , Cameron K.J. , Holt P.G.
Published: August 2009

Fractionation of human peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) B cells by differential sedimentation on percoll gradients separates B cell subpopulations which vary markedly in rates of spontaneous IgE synthesis, in their response to identical populations of autologous T cells and in their response to soluble T cell factors. This B cell fractionation technique often reveals the presence of active IgE-secreting cells which are totally suppressed within unfractionated PBL B cell preparations and greatly improves the efficiency of detection of T cell-responsive, IgE-producing B cells in PBL of atopies.
Synthesis and Regulation of the IgE Receptor on B Lymphocyte Cell Lines
Authors: Conrad Daniel H. , Keegan Achsah , Rao Mangala , Lee William T.
Published: August 2009

The synthesis and ligand-dependent regulation of the lymphocyte receptor for IgE (FcεR) has been studied. Using murine FcεR+ cell lines, a 44-kilodalton 35S-methionine-labeled FcεR precursor was isolated by immunoaffinity chromatography. In contrast to the final processed 49-kilodalton FcεR, this precursor cannot be isolated from IgE affinity columns, indicating the importance of this processing in the function of the FcεR. The IgE-mediated FcεR upregulation was also studied and it was demonstrated that the degradation rate of the FcεR was dramatically slowed by ligand occupation of the FcεR. This degradation involves the cell surface-mediated release of a 38-kilodalton FcεR fragment that can be isolated using monoclonal anti-FcεR antibodies. Thus, these results demonstrate that posttranslational processing is required for the lymphocyte receptor to gain significant IgE-binding capacity; once acquired its degradation is slowed by occupation of the FcεR with ligand. At least in the rodent model system, this slowing of the degradation helps explain the increased FcεR levels seen in the presence of high IgE levels.
Generation of Cell-Derived Factors in vitro Which Modulate IgE Synthesis
Authors: Pfeiffer P. , Rauschen I. , Bujanowski J. , König W.
Published: August 2009

Generation of IgE-specific suppressor factors in vitro upon stimulation of murine lymphocytes with IgE was studied. High-molecular weight factors (>50 kilodalton) suppressed in vivo IgE response as well as de novo IgE synthesis in vitro. Further, suppression of IgE synthesis in vitro by fractions of low molecular weight supernatants absorbed with IgE-Sepharose was obtained, suggesting a potent role for IgE binding factors in IgE synthesis.
In vitro IgE Synthesis Induced by Human T Cell Clones in Normal B Cells and Its Suppression by Heterogenous T Cell Populations
Authors: Romagnani S. , Del Prete G.F. , Maggi E. , Ricci M.
Published: August 2009

Thirty-four out of 119 human T cell clones established from tonsillar or peripheral blood T cell suspensions of 3 nonallergic individuals were able to induce normal B cells to synthesize remarkable amounts of IgE in vitro. The activity of these clones was apparently mediated by triggering of the monomorphic molecular complex CD3 immediately before or during their incubation with the target B cells. The addition to the cultures of mitogen-stimulated autologous unfractionated T cells inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion, the T cell clone induced IgE, but not IgG, synthesis.
A Mechanism for the Suppression of Ongoing IgE Synthesis
Authors: Sherr Elliott H. , Saxon Andrew
Published: August 2009

IgE synthesis from the human plasmacytoma U266/AF-10 was suppressed by addition of IgE immune complexes (IgE-IC). This suppression was isotype-specific as synthesis from other B cell lines was unaffected. Using IgE-IC constructed with a monoclonal antibody that recognizes PS protein-IgE and not ND IgE (the IgE protein made by U266/AF-10), we have shown that this suppression was mediated through the cross-linking of the Fc epsilon receptor.
Effects of Cyclophosphamide Treatment and Gamma Irradiation of SJL Mice on the IgE Antibody Response and the Nature of IgE-Binding Factors
Authors: Akasaki Moriaki , Ishizaka Kimishige
Published: August 2009

Immunization with alum-absorbed ovalbumin (OA) failed to induce IgE antibody responses in SJL mice, while mice pretreated with either cyclophosphamide (CY) or γ-irradiation prior to immunization transiently formed IgE antibodies. Spleen cells of OA-primed SJL mice formed IgE-suppressive factors upon incubation with OA. In contrast, spleen cells of the CY-treated or irradiated mice formed IgE-potentiating factors. It was found that CY treatment diminished the formation of glycosylation inhibiting factor (GIF) and enhanced the formation of glycosylation enhancing factor (GEF). The results suggest that the enhancement of the IgE antibody response by CY treatment is due not only to elimination of suppressor T cells but also to the activation of GEF-forming lymphocytes.
Essential Fatty Acids in Serum Lecithin of Children with Atopic Dermatitis and in Umbilical Cord Serum of Infants with High or Low IgE Levels
Authors: Strannegård Inga-Lisa , Svennerholm Lars , Strannegård Örjan
Published: August 2009

The fatty acid composition of serum lecithin from children with atopic dermatitis (AD) was found to be abnormal, characterized by significantly increased proportion of linoleic acid and reduced levels of metabolites of this fatty acid. The levels of linoleic acid in umbilical cord serum lecithin were significantly higher in babies with high serum IgE than in those with low or non-demonstrable serum IgE. Since elevated cord serum IgE is strongly associated with development of atopic disease the results suggest that fatty acid changes may be a basic feature of AD. Immunologic dysfunction in patients with AD may possibly partly be a consequence of the fatty acid abnormality.
Some Studies on Human Pulmonary Mast Cells Obtained by Bronchoalveolar Lavage and by Enzymic Dissociation of Whole Lung Tissue
Authors: Pearce F.L. , Flint K.C. , Leung K.B.P. , Hudspith B.N. , Seager K. , Hammond M.D. , Brostoff J. , Geraint-James D. , Johnson N.McI.
Published: August 2009

Human pulmonary mast cells were obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and by enzymic dissociation of whole lung. The cells released histamine on immunological stimulation or on exposure to a hyperosmolar environment. Cell suspensions similarly released newly generated products of arachidonic acid metabolism. Increased numbers of mast cells were recovered by BAL of asthmatic subjects and patients suffering from sarcoidosis and these cells were hyperresponsive to immunological challenge. Mast cells recovered by BAL and enzymic dissociation were differentially inhibited by antiasthmatic drugs. These data emphasize the potential role of BAL mast cells in pulmonary diseases of diverse origin.
Human Interleukin-3-Like Activity, Basophil and Eosinophil Growth Promoting Activities and Colony Stimulating Factor Derived from Several Cell Lines
Authors: Tanno Yasuo , Stadler Beda , Denburg Judah A.
Published: August 2009

Human IL-3-like activity, colony stimulating factor (CSF) and basophil/eosinophil growth promoting activity (Ba/Eo GPA) in serum-free conditioned media (CM) derived from various cell lines of human origin were examined. Squamous cell carcinoma (Colo-16), osteogenic sarcoma (R97KL4) and human placental (HP) cells produced 10–20% IL-3 activity present in supernatants from a mouse myelomonocytic cell line (WEHI-3BCM) when assayed using a murine IL-3 dependent cell line (32Dcl/H4). The human T-cell leukemic cell line (Mo) and several neuroblastoma cell lines did not produce IL-3-like activity, nor did purified human erythroid potentiating activity (EPA) from Mo contain IL-3. CSF and Ba/Eo GPA were detected in CMs from Mo, HP, Colo-16 but not from R97KL4. No IL-2 activity was detected in any of these CMs. These observations point to the existence of diverse sources of human IL-3-like activity and to the probable distinctiveness of human IL-3, basophil or eosinophil GPA, and EPA. Analogies drawn between human and murine hemopoietic activities need to be made with caution.
Effect of Schistosome-Derived Inhibitory Factor on the Cell Cycle of T Lymphocytes
Authors: Mazingue Christine , Walker Christoph , Domzig Wolfgang , Capron André , De Weck Alain , Stadler Beda M.
Published: August 2009

A schistosome-derived inhibitory factor (SDIF) with immunosuppressive properties has been investigated for its effect on human T cell proliferation. We show here that SDIF has no effect on the process of lymphocyte activation because peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) stimulated with lectin in the presence of SDIF increased normally their RNA content and showed normal acquisition of interleukin 2 (IL-2) and transferrin receptors. IL-2 production was not altered by SDIF but utilization of IL-2 was decreased, suggesting that SDIF blocked cells before or in the early s phase. Jurkat T cell line cells physically enriched for G1 cells were also more susceptible to SDIF inhibition. On the contrary, normal PBL or Jurkat cells which were already in the s phase were no more inhibited by SDIF. While SDIF has no effect on T lymphocyte activation and on production of regulatory lymphokines it selectively blocks T cell proliferation at G1 transition of the cell cycle.
Involvement of Serotonin in Intestinal Mastocytopoiesis and Inflammation during a Trichinella spiralis Infection in Mice
Authors: Parmentier Henk K. , de Vries Carolien , Ruitenberg E.J. , Van Loveren Henk
Published: August 2009

The involvement of serotonin in the regulation of intestinal mastocytopoiesis and inflammation has been investigated in mice infected with Trichinella spiralis. Two serotonin antagonists, methysergide and ketanserin, were examined for their ability to interfere with jejunal pathology comprising the influx of mucosal mast cells and other inflammatory cells during an infection with T. spiralis and with worm expulsion. In vitro analysis of the frequence of mast cell precursors in bone marrow, blood, spleen and intestinal tissue suggested that the mucosal mast cell response during a T. spiralis infection is probably due to invasion and local maturation in the gut of mast cell precursors, and may be mediated by T-cell-derived mast cell growth factors. Since both serotonin antagonists inhibited the mucosal mast cell response in T. spiralis-infected mice and diminished the influx of eosinophilic granulocytes, goblet cell hyperplasia, and villous atrophy, it was concluded that during a T. spiralis infection in mice release of serotonin may provide an environment that facilitates the local influx in the gut of inflammatory cells. Since worm expulsion was not affected by the serotonin antagonists, these results suggest that worm expulsion can occur without a mast cell and or eosinophilic granulocyte influx. The role of serotonin release by as yet unidentified serotonin-containing cells in the gut in relation with T cell regulation is discussed.
E-Rosetting of Guinea Pig Lymphocytes with Lyophilized Rabbit Red Cells after Treatment with Papain and Glutaraldehyde
Authors: Ota Fusao , Ono Miwako , Uegaki Kenji , Akiyama Yasuyuki , Satomi Yasuhiko , Fukui Komei
Published: August 2009

Guinea pig lymphoid cells were reacted to form spontaneous rosettes (E-rosettes) with rabbit red blood cells before and after treatment with papain or a very low concentration (0.01%) of glutaraldehyde alone or both. The papain-glutaraldehyde-treated cells showed as high ability as papain-treated cells to rosette with lymphoid cells prepared from thymus, spleen, lymph node and peripheral blood of guinea pigs. Moreover, papain-glutaraldehyde-treated red cells were lyophilized and stored for 1 year without any change in their ability to form E-rosettes with these lymphoid cells. Binding between lymphocytes and treated or nontreated red cells was completely inhibited by specific anti-guinea pig thymocyte serum. Furthermore, a lymphocyte population enriched for B cells from lymph nodes or leukemic cells of strain 2 guinea pigs (B cells) did not show any substantial E-rosettes with nontreated or treated red cells. Scanning electron microscopy revealed no surface alteration in the treated cells when compared to those in nontreated red cells.
Early Immunological Prediction of Renal Allograft Rejection
Authors: Attallah A.M. , Abdelghaffar H. , Fawzy A. , Alghraoui F. , Alijani M.R. , Mahmoud L.A. , Ghoneim M.A. , Helfrich G.B.
Published: August 2009

Reliable predictors of impending renal allograft rejection would be valuable for better patient management. To date, no available test has been shown to be consistently predictive and results have often been conflicting. We evaluated an effector of cell-mediated immunity, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) as well as the response of these cells to different biological response modifiers (BRM) in patients following renal allograft transplantation. The in vitro test used assayed monocytes as ADCC effector cells against antibody-sensitized chicken red blood cells. The effects of BRM were studied by preincubating the monocytes with lymphoblastoid IFN, recombinant α2-interferon or γ-interferon. A follow-up study was performed on 47 patients with end-stage renal disease treated with renal allograft transplantation. ADCC activity and its response to BRM were assayed prior to transplantation, 2, 4, and 9 weeks post transplantation. In the case of rejection, ADCC was then studied prior to initiation of antirejection therapy and for 2 months following treatment of rejection episode. We noted that in patients with stable grafts, the ADCC activity as well as its response to BRM declined gradually during the first 2 weeks post grafting and remained decreased up to 3 months after transplantation. In contrast, in recipients who experienced rejection episodes there was a sustained and significant increase in ADCC response to BRM during the first 3 weeks post grafting. By the time the diagnosis of rejection had been established the baseline ADCC activity had also increased. Following treatment and stabilization of the graft, ADCC activity and its response to BRM was decreased, similar to that in patients with stable grafts. Thus, by monitoring ADCC and the effect of different BRM on this activity we could predict rejection episodes in renal allograft recipients as early as 15 days in advance of any clinical or biochemical sign of rejection.
Direct Modulation of Human Neutrophil Adherence by Coaggregating Periodontopathic Bacteria
Authors: Seow W.K. , Seymour G.J. , Thong Y.H.
Published: August 2009

Direct interaction between Fusobacterium nucleatum and PMNs produced consistent enhancement of PMN adherence. In contrast, consistent suppression of PMN adherence was observed after direct interactions between PMNs and Bacteroides gingivalis or Actinomyces viscosus. The modulatory effects of these periodontopathic bacteria on PMN function could be seen as early as 2 min after interaction. The effects were abrogated by alteration of bacterial structural integrity with heat, formalin or ultrasonic disruption. Carbohydrate or glycoprotein receptors on PMNs may be involved because the effects were blocked by monosaccharides in the medium. Coaggregation experiments showed that permutations involving F. nucleatum always resulted in enhancerrtent of PMN adherence, and that this can be blocked by D-galactose. These findings may have implications in the initiation and sustenance of chronic inflammatory tissue damage in periodontitis.
Isolation of Two Immunogenically Different Allergens from Schistosoma japonicum Eggs
Authors: Owhashi M. , Horii Y. , Ishii A. , Nawa Y.
Published: August 2009

Two allergenic components, termed J1 and J2, were isolated from a soluble egg antigen preparation (SEA) of Schistosoma japonicum by anion-exchange chromatography on DE52 and gel chromatography on Sephacryl S-200. The apparent molecular weights of J1 and J2 were 260,000 and 46,000, respectively, by gel chromatography on Sephadex G-150. By SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, both J1 and J2 showed apparent homogenicity and their estimated molecular weights were 135,000 and 45,000, respectively. The isoelectric point of J1 (pI 4.9) was similar to that of J2 (pI 4.8). Both J1 and J2 bound to Con A-Sepharose 4B, indicating their glycoprotein nature. The amino acid compositions of J1 and J2 have some similarities. However, phenylalanine and leucine, which contain large hydrophobic groups, were dominant in J1, whereas serine and threonine, which contain a hydroxyl group, were dominant in J2. J1 was sensitive to heating or pronase treatment, whereas J2 was rather stable to these treatments. Both J1 and J2 were sensitive to 0.1 M periodate treatment. When mice were immunized with either J1 or J2 with Al(OH)3 as an adjuvant, anti-J1 or anti-J2 IgE antibody was highly specific to the respective antigens. Since S.japonicum-infected mouse serum has high PCA titer to J1 and J2, these two components are the major allergens of S. japonicum eggs.
Interleukin-2 Responses of MRL/lpr Mouse Splenocytes and Lymph Node Cells Induced by TPA and A23187
Authors: Katagiri Takuya , Tomiyama Hiroko , Kyuwa Shigeru , Kano Kyoichi
Published: August 2009

Treatment of splenocytes and lymph node cells of 5 month-old MRL/lpr mice with TPA induced IL-2-dependent proliferation of the cells in the presence of CA++. The induced response was inhibited completely by a monoclonal antibody to IL-2 receptor. The combination of TPA and A23187 in the Ipr cells induced both proliferation and production of IL-2 in a Ca++ – dependent fashion. The proliferative response of the Ipr cells was equivalent to that of congenic (MRL/+/+) or normal cells, but the quantity of IL-2 secreted from the Ipr cells was significantly less than that of the controls. Actinomycin D, but not mitomycin C, blocked IL-2 secretion from the treated Ipr cells indicating de novo synthesis of IL-2 mRNA in the cells. Thus the Ipr lymphocytes can be activated to proliferate in response to IL-2, yet they do not secrete IL-2 at a normal level even if activation signals are transmitted into the cells.
Interactions between Granulocytes and Platelets with the Guinea-Pig Lung in Passive Anaphylactic Shock. Correlations with PAF-Acether-Induced Lesions
Authors: Lellouch-Tubiana Arielle , Lefort Jean , Pfister A. , Vargaftig B.B.
Published: August 2009

To compare the bronchopulmonary effects of anaphylactic shock with those of platelet-activating factor (PAF-acether), antigen (ovalbumin) was administered intravenously to passively sensitized guinea-pigs. Subsequent lung alterations were assessed histologically. Within 1 min following ovalbumin, bronchial and arterial constrictions were observed, accompanied by platelet thrombi in the pulmonary microcirculation, intravascular leucocyte accumulation with diapedesis, disruption of endothelium and alterations of type II pneumocytes. Free eosinophilic granules were scattered in the bronchial submucosa. One h after the infusion of ovalbumin, platelet aggregates had disappeared, bronchoconstriction was over, and denudation of the bronchial epithelium was observed. These alterations resemble to those induced by intravenous PAF-acether, which led us to compare the effects of inhaled PAF-acether and antigen at bronchoconstrictor concentrations. In both cases, leucocytes were aggregated in the microcirculation within 2 min and persisted 1 h later. Massive infiltration of eosinophils and activation and clumping of alveolar macrophages were also noted. Our findings support the involvement of PAF-acether in acute anaphylaxis in the guinea-pig.
Induction of Antiphosphocholine Antibodies Utilizing Lambda Light Chains in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Hall Tony J.
Published: August 2009

BALB/c mice immunized with 1 or 100 μg of phosphocholine (PC)-keyhole-limpet hemocyanin absorbed on aluminum hydroxide gel (alum) produced up to 50% λ1-light-chain-containing anti-PC antibodies in their serum. Only 10% λ1 antibodies were seen when complete Freund’s adjuvant or bentonite were used as the adjuvant or if PC-bovine serum albumin was used with alum. Thus, the induction of large A-antibody responses to PC (a response usually dominated by κ-antibodies) was both adjuvant- and carrier-dependent.
Monitoring of Antibodies in Patients on Immunotherapy with Insect Venoms by Immunoblotting
Authors: Einarsson R.
Published: August 2009

A rapid nitrocellulose immunoblotting procedure based upon electrophoretic transfer has been used to monitor patient specific IgE and IgG antibodies before and after specific Hymenoptera insect venom therapy. The patients followed a conventional schedule for immunotherapy with Pharmalgen® bee and yellow jacket venoms. The allergenic profiles of the patients before and after treatment were qualitatively similar in many patients, but some showed decreased IgE binding after treatment. On the other hand, there was a significant increase in specific IgG antibodies directed towards phospholipase and hyaluronidase in the bee-venom-treated patients and towards antigen 5, phospholipase and hyaluronidase in the patients treated with yellow jacket venom. The immunoblotting is very useful for a rapid evaluation of patient specific antibody patterns without the prior isolation of allergens.
Inhibitory Effects of Oxatomide on Intracellular Ca Mobilization, Ca Uptake and Histamine Release, Using Rat Peritoneal Mast Cells
Authors: Tasaka Kenji , Akagi Masaaki , Mio Mitsunobu , Miyoshi Kazuhisa , Nakaya Naoki
Published: August 2009

Oxatomide at concentrations of 0.01––10 μM inhibited not only an increase in 45Ca uptake but also the intracellular Ca2+ release induced by compound 48/80 in rat peritoneal mast cells. At higher concentrations, ketotifen or other calcium antagonists caused similar inhibitory effects. However, the inhibitory effect of oxatomide on the 45Ca uptake into rat neonatal heart cells was much weaker than that of verapamil. Through image processing of quin 2-stained mast cells, it was revealed that oxatomide inhibited Ca2+ release from the intracellular store. Although oxatomide alone did not affect cAMP and cGMP contents in sensitized guinea pig lung samples, the drug effectively prevented changes in the nucleotide contents evoked by antigen challenge. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of oxatomide on histamine release may be caused by a combination of (1) prevention of Ca uptake, which is highly selective toward mast cells; (2) inhibition of Ca2+ release from the intracellular Ca store, and (3) elevation of the cAMP content in mast cells.
Immunogenicity in Guinea Pigs and Tolerance in Grass Pollen-Sensitive Volunteers of Enteric-Coated Grass Pollen Allergens
Authors: Wheeler A.W. , Henderson D.C. , Youlten L.J.F. , Al-Janabi I.I. , Hickman B.E. , Taylor I.H. , Moran D.M.
Published: August 2009

An acid-insoluble, methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate copolymer (Eudragit L-100) was used to give an enteric coating to a grass pollen extract in order to protect it against gastric degradation. Substantial protection against the degradative effects of simulated gastric secretion was demonstrated using this preparation which was well tolerated by grass pollen-allergic volunteers. The enteric-coated allergen induced a greater secondary antibody response than did an aqueous presentation when administered orally to guinea pigs which had been primed previously by subcutaneous injection. This result indicates that an effective hyposensitisation regimen could consist of a short series of initial parenteral injections, followed by an oral course of the protected allergen.
Botrytis cinerea: A Study of the Immunological Properties during Growth
Authors: Kauffman H.F. , van der Heide S. , de Vries K.
Published: August 2009

When growing Botrytis cinerea in Sabouraud medium, different phases of growth could be recognized using pH, mycelium yield, and culture filtrate antigens as parameters of growth. Immunological characteristics of the different phases (early, intermediate, and late) of growth were measured using IgE and IgG binding by enzyme allergosorbent test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively, and quantities of precipitating components (double immunodiffusion and rocket immunoelectrophoresis). The number of precipitating components was maximal in culture filtrate extracts during late phase (III) of growth. In contrast, both IgE and IgG binding were already maximal in the early phase of growth (9 days of cultivation). In a group of patients with elevated IgE antibodies against Aspergillus fumigatus, about half of them also showed elevated IgE antibodies against B. cinerea. This indicates that multiple exposition is a cause of multiple sensitization; however, cross-reactivity in some of these sera cannot be excluded.
Recovery Mechanisms from Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis in Rats: Analyses by Using Encephalitogenic T Cell Line
Authors: Namikawa Tadashi , Satoh Jun-ichi , Yamamura Takashi , Sakai Koichiro , Kunishita Tatsuhide , Tabira Takeshi
Published: August 2009

The recovery mechanism of acute experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) in Lewis rats was studied by using an encephalitogenic T cell line specific for myelin basic protein. Antigen-activated line cells were highly encephalitogenic, but unstimulated line cells were not encephalitogenic. The activated line cells returned to the unstimulated state in a few days in culture medium without antigen. This decline of proliferative and encephalitogenic activities of the activated line cells was also observed even if the activated line cells were continuously stimulated with the antigen. In addition, rats during the convalescent stage from acute EAE showed only mild clinical signs of EAE even by transfer of almost a lethal dose of activated line cells. Thus, self-limiting capacity of autoaggressive cells and attenuation of effector cell function during the convalescent stage seem to be involved in the recovery mechanism of EAE.
Effects of Clonidine on the Dermal Inflammatory Cell Response of Experimental Toxic and Allergic Contact Reactions and Intradermal Hypersensitivity
Authors: Anderson Chris D. , Lindgren Björn R. , Andersson Rolf G.G.
Published: August 2009

In previous studies, the α2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine has been shown to suppress the wheal and flare reaction in guinea pigs sensitized to ovalbumin. This phenomenon has been further studied with special reference to effects on the dermal inflammatory cell infiltrate and mast cells. Clonidine lessens the degranulation of mast cells seen in control untreated immediate hypersensitivity reactions. Less neutrophils and eosinophils arrive to the treated reactions. Basophils and mononuclear cells (chiefly lymphocytes) which characterize the late phase of the wheal and flare reaction were not influenced by clonidine. Clonidine had a possible minimal effect on allergic contact (delayed hypersensitivity) reactions. The toxic contact reaction to croton oil (nonspecific cutaneous inflammation) was not affected.
In vitro Translation of Messenger RNA from the House Dust Mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
Authors: Stewart G.A. , Thomas W.R.
Published: August 2009

RNA was extracted from the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and a polyadenylated [poly(A)+] and non-polyadenylated [poly(A)––] mRNA isolated by oligothymidylic acid-cellulose chromatography. Both preparations were translated in vitro using a cell-free rabbit reticulocyte system. The relative incorporation of 35S-methionine into trichloroacetic acid-precipitable translation products obtained using poly(A)+ and poly(A)–– mRNA was 21- and 1.3-fold, respectively, when compared with control translations performed without added mRNA. Sodium dodecylsulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis of the translation products in combination with autoradiography showed that many proteins with apparent molecular weights in the range 14,000 – >67,000 daltons were synthesized. Immunoprecipitation studies performed using a sheep anti-whole mite antiserum showed that several of the synthesized proteins corresponded with mite antigens. These findings were confirmed by coprecipitation studies using crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CIE). A comparison of the CIE data with those obtained with crossed radio-immunoelectrophoresis showed that 6 of the 9 allergens previously described in our laboratory were synthesized, namely Derp I, Dpt 1, 3, 4, 8 and 17. The allergenicity of the lysates was also confirmed by immunoprecipitation studies using a specific anti-human IgE reagent.
Effect of Whole-Body Irradiation on Precursor Frequency of Autoantibody-Secreting Cells and Plaque-Forming Cells Specific for Bromelain-Modified Erythrocytes
Authors: Errington S.L. , Cox K.O.
Published: August 2009

Murine spleen cells and peritoneal cells were assayed for autoantibody production against bromelain-modified mouse erythrocytes (mouse brom-RBC) after whole-body irradiation at a dose of 5 Gy. Spleens were taken directly from mice 3 days after irradiation, or cultured for 3 days 24 h after irradiation, and assayed. Cells taken directly from irradiated mice had a higher number of plaque-forming cells (PFC) against mouse brom-RBC, compared with unirradiated mice, when the data were expressed as PFC/106 viable cells. This apparent increase can be accounted for by the reduced number of cells in the spleens from irradiated mice. In both spleen cells and peritoneal cells cultured in high cell densities, no difference was observed in the number of PFC in cells from irradiated or unirradiated mice. The detected precursor frequency of autoimmune B cells in both cell populations cultured in limiting dilution was found to be lower in cells from irradiated mice. In contrast to other published data, it was concluded from these investigations that whole-body irradiation, at a dose of 5 Gy, does not augment autoantibody production against mouse brom-RBC. It is proposed that the reason for this is the presence of a regulatory cell that is relatively radioresistant and, hence, not removed after whole-body irradiation at a dose of 5 Gy.
Activity of Rat Peritoneal Eosinophils following Induction by Different Methods
Authors: Cook R.M. , Musgrove N.R.J. , Ashworth R.F.
Published: August 2009

The numbers and proportions of eosinophils in peritoneal washings taken from rats were increased by giving one or three injections of Sephadex G200 intravenously or physiological saline intraperitoneally or by infection with Mesocestoides corn. Purified eosinophils were morphologically similar and contained similar levels of lactate dehydrogenase and peroxidase. They were equally efficient at releasing peroxidase when stimulated with complement-coated particles. Eosinophils from infected rats and from animals given repeated injections of Sephadex showed enhanced chemiluminescent and cytotoxic responses to phorbol myristate acetate compared with cells obtained from rats given a single injection of Sephadex or saline. Sephadex-induced cells displayed more activity in antibody-dependent cell cytotoxic assays and formed a greater proportion of rosettes with antibody-treated sheep erythrocytes than did eosinophils from saline-treated or M. corti-infected rats. Only eosinophils from parasitized rats were stimulated with f-Met-Leu-Phe to lyse chick red blood cells. It is concluded that the method used to recruit eosinophils in the rat can have a marked effect on their responses in vitro and this needs to be considered in studies of functional activity.
Allergens in Hymenoptera Venom
Authors: Hoffman Donald R. , Jacobson Robert S. , Zerboni R.
Published: August 2009

The European hornet, Vespa crabro, is a very large insect native to much of Europe and Asia and introduced into eastern North America. Four cases of allergic reactions to V. crabro stings are presented, one of which was fatal. V. crabro venom contains 2% protein and peptide. There are three major proteins: Phospholipase AB, antigen 5 and hyaluronidase. These proteins are structurally and antigenically related to those from other vespid wasps, especially Vespula yellow jackets. IgE antibodies from patients allergic to Vespula usually cross-react with V. crabro venom. In three of the four patients with known reactions to V. crabro venom antigen 5 appeared to be the most important allergen. Serum from one patient was most reactive with hyaluronidase. Phospholipase had relatively little IgE-binding activity, although it was the major protein in the venom. V. crabro venom is at least as closely related to Vespula venoms as Dolichovespula venoms are.
Transient Elevation of Serum IgE after Allogeneic Bone-Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Korver Kees , Schellekens Peter T.A. , Dooren Leo J. , Vossen Jaak M.
Published: August 2009

Serum IgE levels were followed longitudinally twice a week for up to 100 days in 60 children treated for leukemia, severe aplastic anemia or severe combined immunodeficiency: 52 underwent allogeneic bone-marrow transplantation and 8 immunosuppressive treatment. In 55 of 58 treatment periods which could be analyzed (95%), a transient sharp increase of serum IgE was detected, irrespective of the initial diagnosis and mode of treatment. A second IgE peak was recorded in 16% of evaluable treatment periods. In the transplanted leukemia and aplastic anemia patients, the rise of serum IgE levels occurred at the same time, i.e. at a mean of 14 days after transplantation; it occurred significantly later in children grafted for severe combined immunodeficiency. In children who received immunosuppression for the treatment of severe aplastic anemia, IgE elevations were always seen within 2 weeks after institution of therapy. No relation was found between either the occurrence of clinically acute graft-versus-host disease or infections after treatment, and the time of onset of IgE elevations. It is suggested that the phenomenon of IgE peaks in the population of patients investigated was due to disturbance of T-cell regulation, i.e. a temporary impairment of T-suppressor cell activity.
Antigenic/Allergenic Analysis of Basidiomycete Cap, Mycelia, and Spore Extracts
Authors: Weissman David N. , Halmepuro Liisa , Salvaggio John E. , Lehrer Samuel B.
Published: August 2009

Since airborne basidiospores may be important inducers of respiratory allergy, extracts of spores, caps and mycelia from Pleurotus ostreatus were studied by immunologic techniques. Crossed immunoelectrophoresis of the Pleurotus spore extract showed it to be a complex mixture containing at least 27 precipitating antigens. Crossed-line immunoelectrophoresis comparing Pleurotus spore extract with extracts of Pleurotus cap or mycelia demonstrated both common antigens and antigens unique to the spore extract. Inhibition of Pleurotus spore RAST by extracts of Pleurotus spore, cap, and mycelia suggested that these extracts contained common allergenic components. However, wheal and flare skin reactivity of allergic patients to extracts of P. ostreatus or Cantharellus cibarius demonstrated little correlation between reactivity to cap and spores. These results demonstrate that basidiomycete spore extracts are the best diagnostic reagents to use in clinical studies, although cap and mycelia extracts may provide useful material for further allergen analysis.
Canine Unilateral Lung Transplantation: Effect of Ciclosporin A on the Frequency of Donor-Lytic Lymphocytes
Authors: Kirby John A. , Reader Jayne A.R. , Corbishley Catherine M. , Pepper John R. , Hudson Leslie
Published: August 2009

Limiting dilution analysis showed that the frequency of precursor donor-lytic cytolytic lymphocytes increased dramatically within the leucocyte population recovered by broncho-alveolar lavage in dogs after unilateral lung transplantation. The increases for animals experiencing acute pulmonary rejection (11.5–24.8 times pre-operative level) and for those receiving long-term ciclosporin A therapy (5.4–17.6 times pre-operative level) were similar. Therefore, it appears that ciclosporin A does not prevent the sequestration of precursor donor-lytic cytotoxic cells within lung allograft tissue.
T Cell Reactivity of Conjugates of N-Formyl-Methionyl-Leucyl-Phenylalanine and Rye-Grass Pollen Allergens
Authors: Wheeler A.W. , Whittall N. , Cook R.M. , Spackman V.M. , Moran D.M.
Published: August 2009

Conjugates of rye-grass pollen extract and N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine were prepared using an activated form of the tripeptide. Introduction of the peptide into the extract brought about an extensive reduction of reactivity with grass-pollen-specific IgE, as measured by RAST inhibition. Despite this loss, guinea pig alveolar macrophages and murine splenic macrophages readily presented the conjugates to T lymphocytes specific for grass pollen allergens and caused their proliferation in vitro.
Effect of Glycoprotein-Processing Inhibitors on the Mouse IgE Binding Capacity of Rat Basophilic Leukemia Cells
Authors: Gavériaux Claire , Loor Francis
Published: August 2009

The basophile surface high affinity receptors for IgE (FcεR) are heavily glycosylated glycoproteins like the IgE Fc itself. Their functional expression in their physiological environment can be studied with the help of a recently developed CELISA (ELISA on cell) methodology. The relevance of the IgE and FcεR glycans for their interaction in situ has been probed using inhibitors of discrete trimming steps of N-linked carbohydrate processing. The IgE produced by mouse hybridoma cells in the presence of deoxynojirimycin (dNM), a glucosidase I inhibitor, keeps intact both its antigen and FcεR-binding capacities. Rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cells cultured in presence of dNM or of another glucosidase I inhibitor, castanospermine (Cs), show marked decreases in their capacity to bind mouse monoclonal IgE. In contrast, their culture in the presence of either deoxymannojirimycin (dMM) or swainsonine (Sw) either does not affect or even slightly increases the membranous expression of FcεR capable to bind mouse IgE.
Toluene Diisocyanate Respiratory Reactions
Authors: Patterson Roy , Hargreave Frederick E. , Grammer Leslie C. , Harris Kathleen E. , Dolovich Jerry
Published: August 2009

A series of workers with exposure to and respiratory symptoms from toluene diisocyanate (TDI) was compared with a group of exposed, asymptomatic workers and with normal controls using immunologic and clinical evaluations. Improved understanding of TDI-induced respiratory disease may best be achieved by categorizing the symptomatic workers into at least 3 and possibly 4 groups: immunologic TDI asthma; pre-existing chronic respiratory disease exacerbated or unaffected by TDI; asthma coincidental with TDI exposure, and possibly TDI respiratory disease secondary to toxic or inflammatory mechanisms.
Are Macrophages the Target of Antigenic Competition between Different Epitopes of a Hapten-Carrier Conjugate?
Authors: Neveu P.J.
Published: August 2009

The inverse relationship between antibody synthesis and cell-mediated immunity has already been explained by the activities of antibodies and/or regulator lymphocytes. Studying the modulation of the immune response to a hapten-carrier conjugate in the guinea pig, we present experimental data which demonstrate the existence of an antigenic competition between hapten and carrier epitopes for antibody synthesis to the hapten and delayed hypersensitivity reactions to the carrier. This antigenic competition responsible for the inverse relationship between antibody synthesis and cellular immunity appears to occur during the beginning of the immune response at the macrophage level.
Nasal Mucosal Mast Cells and Histamine in Hay Fever
Authors: Pipkorn Ulf , Enerbäck Lennart
Published: August 2009

Symptomatic seasonal allergic rhinitis has previously been found to be associated with a redistribution of mast cells from the subepithelial stroma to the epithelial lining and the surface of the nasal mucosa. The present study was designed in order to elucidate the interaction between topical glucocorticosteroids, effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, and the migration of mast cells described earlier. Six patients treated prophylactically in the nose with budesonide were studied. Imprints and biopsies from the nasal mucosa were taken 2–3 weeks before and 2–3 weeks into the birch pollen season. The biopsies were used for light microscopy and tissue histamine determination. The morphologic studies showed, also in the actively treated patients, an increased number of metachromatically stained cells on the nasal mucosal surface of the same order of magnitude as previously reported for untreated patients. We did, however, find a decrease in the histamine content of the nasal mucosa, which was not associated with a decrease in the number of mast cells. Together with similar previous findings in the unstimulated allergic nasal mucosa these results suggest that glucocorticosteroids induce a decrease in the mast cell histamine pool, possibly due to an inhibition of the intracellular synthesis of histamine. This effect might contribute to the clinically beneficial effect of topical glucocorticosteroids in the treatment of hay fever.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Orally-Administered Saponins and Nonspecific Resistance against Rabies Infection
Authors: Chavali Rao , Campbell James B.
Published: August 2009

We present evidence that orally fed Quillaja saponins offer nonspecific resistance to mice against rabies viral infection. Adoptive transfer of spleen cells and thymocytes from animals preconditioned with saponin (SAP), inactivated rabies antigen (AG), or a mixture of AG+SAP has offered significant protection against an intracerebral challenge with live rabies virus. Levels of serum rabies-neutralizing antibodies in the different groups of recipient animals did not correlate with the respective survival rates. Culture supernatants of concanavalin A-stimulated spleen cells from animals fed SAP or AG+SAP induced marked T cell and B cell proliferation, and also greatly enhanced the plaque-forming cell activity of unprimed spleen B cells. Irrespective of the presence or absence of rabies-specific antibodies, sera from animals fed a mixture of AG+SAP induced significant levels of cell proliferation and augmented phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced responsiveness of spleen lymphocytes in vitro. The addition of sera from animals fed AG alone resulted in inhibition of cell proliferation and suppressed PH A-induced responses.
Macrophage Activation by Micropolyspora faeni Does Not Suppress Anamnestic Pulmonary Immunologic Reactivity
Authors: Schuyler M.R. , Pensky J.
Published: August 2009

Determinants of lung immunologic response to antigens are not known, but could include alveolar macrophage (AM) activation. We tested the ability of AM activation to modify the anamnestic response by administering bovine serum albumin (BSA) intratracheally, activating AM (by intratracheal Micropolyspora faeni), and then exposing rabbits again to intratracheal BSA. We compared the results from 4 groups of animals: intratracheal administration of either 50 mg M. faeni or normal saline and later administration of either intratracheal or intramuscular BSA. M. faeni administered intratracheally increased the number of AM. These AM were activated (increased phagocytosis of IgG-coated particles). We found no difference in the amount of antibody in either lavage fluid or serum or in antigen-induced pulmonary parenchymal and hilar node lymphocyte proliferation among these 4 groups.
Modulating Effects of Heparin Preparations on the DNA Synthesis Response of Human Peripheral Blood T Lymphocytes Activated by Mercuric Chloride and Nickel Sulfate
Authors: Nordlind K.
Published: August 2009

The effect of unfractionated heparin and a low molecular weight heparin fragment was tested on the DNA synthesis response of human peripheral blood T lymphocytes from nickel-allergic patients, activated by mercuric chloride and nickel sulfate. An inhibition was found with unfractionated heparin at a concentration of 1.1 mg/ml, when added at 1 h after mercuric chloride and nickel sulfate and with the same concentration of the heparin fragment, when added at 1 h after nickel sulfate, no effect was seen after addition at 72 h after the salts. Both heparin preparations in concentrations of 0.0001–0.11 mg/ml stimulated the response to nickel sulfate and in concentrations of 0.001–0.11 mg/ml stimulated the response to mercuric chloride. Thus the heparin preparations seem to have different modulating effects on both nickel and mercury activation of lymphocytes dependent on both heparin concentration and the point of time when it was added in the course of the activation process.