bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterologous Antiserum to Human Syncytiotrophoblast Membrane Is Cytotoxic to Retrovirus‐Producing Cells and to Some Cancer Cell Lines*
Authors: THIRY LISE , LOKE Y. W. , WHYTE A. , HARD R. C. , SPRECHER‐GOLDBERGER SUZANNE , BUEKENS P.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Antisera to some simian retroviruses were previously shown to react with human fetal cells. Conversely, it is demonstrated here that an antiserum to syncytialtro‐phoblast plasma membrane (TrPM antiserum) possesses complement‐dependent cytotoxic activity to five cell lines chronically producing either baboon endogenous virus (BeV) or Mason‐Pfizer virus (M‐PV), but not to eight virus‐free cell lines. However, TrPM antiserum also lysed the A204 and RAJI cells derived from tumors, as well as RSa cells, which are human fibroblasts transformed by SV40 and Rous sarcoma virus. This agrees with the previously described affinity of TrPM antiserum for some cancer tissues. Absorption of TrPM antiserum with A204 cells suppressed reaction with virus‐producing cells, indicating a common determinant. Yet, A204 determinants were not shed into culture medium, in contrast to viral antigens. Finally, a proportion of cord blood lymphocyte suspensions and of cultures from embryonic tissues were lysed by TrPM antiserum and the reaction correlated with sensitivity to antiviral sera.
The Molecular Weights and Molecular Weight Heterodispersion of Some Antigens From the Trichloroacetic Acid Soluble Fraction of Human Seminal Plasma
Authors: DE CEREZO JOSEFINA M. SCACCIATI , CEREZO ALBERTO S.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The antigens isolated from the trichloroacetic acid soluble fraction of human seminal plasma show a polymodal molecular weight heterodispersion. The molecular weights corresponding to the modes of the distribution have limiting values of 2,500‐57,000.

Previous results obtained by polyacrylamide gel and cellogel electrophoresis, immunodiffusion and Immunoelectrophoresis, and ultracentrifugation analysis, which suggested homogeneity, were explained by the formation of molecular aggregates, which would also explain why the smaller fragments were not lost during the dialysis carried out in the preparation and purification of the samples.

The average molecular weight of the antigens, determined by gel permeation chromatography and using the equation of Svedberg, is in the range of 10,000–40,000.

It is suggested that the polymodal heterodispersion together with the associating‐dissociating properties of these products is used to control their immunological behavior.
Absence of T Cell‐Mediated Cytotoxicity in Breast Cancer Patients Against A Breast Cancer‐Derived Target Cell
Authors: ILIESCU VIRGINIA , FITZHARRIS PENNY , KNIGHT R.A. , SOUHAMI R.L. , ENGLAND P.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Fresh E‐rosette positive lymphocytes from normal donors are not cytotoxic for the breast cancer‐derived target cell MDA‐157, although they do lyse other suspension and monolayer targets. E‐rosette positive cells from breast cancer patients in different stages of disease and from patients with benign breast disease also do not lyse MDA‐157. This remains true even when an HLA‐A or ‐B locus antigen is shared by effector and target cell. These data therefore provide no evidence for T cell sensitization in breast cancer patients.
Preparation and Formulation of a Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Antifertility Vaccine: Selection of a Peptide Immunogen*
Authors: STEVENS VERNON C. , CINADER B. , POWELL JOHN E. , LEE ARTHUR C. , KOH S. W.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Peptides representing the amino acid sequence of the carboxy‐terminal of the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) beta subunit were used in studies to determine whether an immunogen could be prepared that would be suitable for an HCG antifertility vaccine. Peptides of varying length were conjugated to several macro‐molecular carriers, in varying peptide‐carrier ratios, via an N‐ or C‐terminal group, with and without amino acid spacers. Antibody levels to peptides and intact HCG were used as the criteria for conjugate utility. Immunizations with a peptide of 37 amino acid residues elicited the highest antibody levels to HCG. No differences were found between N‐ or C‐terminal conjugates, but peptides with amino acid spacers elicited higher responses than peptides without spacer. Conjugates with a peptide:carrier ratio greater than 20 peptides/105 daltons carrier were more immunogenic than those with a lower ratio. Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids were consistently the most effective carriers for enhancing antibody responses to peptides. It was concluded that conjugates of β‐HCG peptide 109–145 coupled to a toxoid carrier via its N‐terminus in a ratio of 20–30 peptides per 105 daltons carrier was a suitable immunogen for further studies for the development of an anti‐fertility vaccine.
Preparation and Formulation of a Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Antifertility Vaccine: Selection of Adjuvant and Vehicle*
Authors: STEVENS VERNON C. , CINADER B. , POWELL JOHN E. , LEE ARTHUR C. , KOH S. W.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Peptides representing sequences of the beta subunit of HCG (Cys‐(Pro)6‐111–145 and 109–145) were coupled to tetanus toxoid (TT) and the resultant conjugates used to test the ability of eight experimental adjuvants and six different vehicles for enhancing antibody responses to the peptides in inbred strains of mice (C3H/He, C57BL/6, DBA/1, and SJL) and outbred rabbits. Antibody levels reactive to both 125I‐peptides and 125I‐HCG were used as criteria of efficacy of these adjuvants and vehicles. In most experiments, groups of animals were immunized with conjugates in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) for comparison. Two hydrophilic adjuvants‐NAc‐nor‐Mur‐L.ala‐D.isoGln, CGP 11,637 and NGlycol‐nor‐Mur‐L.α‐abu‐D.isoGln, DT‐1‐were consistently the most effective in stimulating antibody production to both peptides and HCG. An emulsion containing squalene‐water stabilized with arlacel A proved to be superior to other vehicles tested for administering conjugates and adjuvants to animals. Antibody levels produced by animals with different genetic backgrounds were shown to be polymorphic with respect to experimental adjuvants, but responses among groups using the same adjuvant and different vehicles were more consistent. Data were obtained suggesting that the coupling of a peptide antigen and a peptide adjuvant to the same carrier holds promise as a model for vaccine development.
Lymphocyte Specificity to Protein Antigens. IV. In Vivo and In Vitro Activation of Cytochrome‐Specific T Cells Is Dependent on Protein Conformation*
Authors: CORRADIN GIAMPIETRO , CHILLER JACQUES M. , ENGERS HOWARD D. , BRON CLAUDE , BÜCHMULLER YOLANDE
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Data are presented that suggest that the activation of cytochrome c‐specific T lymphocytes is dependent on the integrity of the three‐dimensional structure of the protein antigen. These results were obtained both at the population level and at the clonal level. The capacity of the native and denatured forms of cytochrome c to activate a different set of T cell clones was observed both in vivo and in vitro. These results could be explained by the differential capacity of macrophages to process and/or present the two forms of cytochrome c.
Cellular Immunity in Normal Pregnancy and Abortion: Subpopulations of T Lymphocytes Bearing Fc Receptors for IgG and IgM
Authors: SUMIYOSHI YOSHIO , GORAI ITSUO , HIRAHARA FUMIKI , TANAKA KATSUAKI , MINAGUCHI HIROSHI
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Studies on the change of peripheral T and B lymphocytes and T cells bearing Fc receptors for IgG (Ig‐G•FcR+•T lymphocytes) and IgM (IgM•FcR+•T lymphocytes) in normal pregnant women and patients with threatened abortion were performed by using rosette‐formation tests. There was no significant difference in the proportion of T and B lymphocytes between pregnant and nonpregnant women.

The percentage change of T cells of the patients in threatened abortion with good prognosis was significantly decreased and that of B cells of the patients in threatened abortion was significantly increased compared with that of normal pregnant women.

The percentage of IgG•FcR+•T lymphocytes in the T lymphocytes increased in the various stages of pregnant and postpartum women as compared with that in nonpregnant women, and in the case of the patients with threatened abortion it also increased significantly from that of normal pregnant women. On the contrary, the percentage of IgM•FcR+•T in the T lymphocytes decreased in normal pregnant and postpartum women.
Genetic Control of Autoantibody Production to Spermatozoa in Vasectomized Rats*
Authors: TAKAMI TSUYOSHI , KUNZ HEINZ W. , GILL THOMAS J. , BIGAZZI PIERLUIGI E.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Previous studies from our laboratory using vasectomized rats of different inbred strains have suggested that MHC‐linked genes do not play a major role in the formation of autoantibodies to spermatozoa. In the present paper, we demonstrate that sperm autoantibody production is not influenced by genes in the major histocompatibility complex, using vasectomized congenic rats and various crosses between high and low responder strains. We also show that autoimmune responses to spermatozoa are not influenced by genes on the Y‐chromo‐some.
Oral Contraception, Circulating Immune Complexes, Antiethinylestradiol Antibodies, and Thrombosis*
Authors: BEAUMONT VIOLETTE , LEMORT NICOLE , BEAUMONT JEAN‐LOUIS
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Circulating immune complexes were detected in women on oral contraceptives (OC) by a simple antigen nonspecific method using precipitation of serum in 25% saturated ammonium sulfate (CIC‐AS). A significant correlation was found between the presence of CIC‐AS and the OC vascular risk.

A radioimmunoassay with tritiated ethinylestradiol indicated that CIC‐AS contained antiethinylestradiol antibodies (anti‐EE Ab) in a number of OC users, but indicated also that 1) anti‐EE Ab may be found in cases with no detectable CIC‐AS, 2) CIC‐AS containing no anti‐EE Ab are found in nonusers, and 3) even in OC users the CIC‐AS may contain antibodies to other ligands than EE.

The study demonstrated also that, in OC users with a vascular complication, anti‐EE Ab were more frequently detected (78% of cases) than CIC‐AS (60%). Moreover, among OC users with CIC‐AS, anti‐EE Ab were found in 95% of women with a vascular complication and only 37% of current healthy users.

The detection of anti‐EE Ab appears to be more predictive, with regard to the vascular risk of OC, than the detection of CIC‐AS.
Immunoglobulin Classes, Secretory Component, and Sperm Agglutinins in Semen After Vasovasostomy*
Authors: LINNET LARS , FOGH‐ANDERSEN POUL , HJORT TAGE , MØLLER NIELS PETER HUNDAHL
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The immunoglobulin classes of the sperm‐agglutinating antibodies in the seminal fluid and serum from four vasovasostomized men, as well as in operatively obtained testis‐epididymis fluid from two of them, were investigated by specific solid‐phase absorption of IgG, IgM, and IgA. In two patients the major part of the seminal agglutinins was IgA, and in one IgG, indicating that both local production and diffusion of sperm agglutinins from serum to the testis‐epididymis compartment may take place. The total levels of immunoglobulins in seminal fluid generally increased after the operation, and IgM was present in two postvasovasostomy samples. This suggests a pathotopic potentiation effect of the vasectomy on the epithelial lining of the testis‐epididymis compartment. Comparison of the results of solid‐phase absorption with anti‐IgA and antisecretory component (SO pointed to the presence of “free” SC in postvasovasostomy seminal fluid.
Modulation of Endometrial Lymphocyte Response in Menstrual Cycle of Fertile Women*
Authors: SOFFER YIGAL , CASPI ELIAHU , PELLER SHOSHANA , WEINSTEIN YACOB
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Endometrial lymphocytes were isolated in two groups of fertile women, 17 of them normal and seven with various clinical problems. In order to study their immunological properties, endometrial and blood lymphocytes were cultured with either phytohemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (Con A), pokeweed (PW), or purified protein derivative (PPD). Lymphocyte response was assayed by tritiated thymidine incorporation. The percent of T cells was estimated by E‐rosette formation. In the normal fertile group, endometrial lymphocyte response to PHA and to Con A was found to correlate with the days of menstrual cycle, rising in a linear fashion between days 9 and 24. In the group with clinical problems, no correlation was noted. In neither group were endometrial lymphocyte responses to PW or PPD or percent of endometrial lymphocyte rosette formation influenced by the menstrual cycle. The modulation of endometrial lymphocyte response to PHA or to Con A stimulation in normal fertile women during the menstrual cycle seems unrelated to the number of T cells.
Morphologic Correlates of Host Response in Endometrial Carcinoma*
Authors: DELIGDISCH LIANE
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Cases of endometrial carcinoma reviewed for this study were divided into two groups: 1) Premenopausal, perimenopausal and postmenopausal patients in whom a history of anovulation, obesity, ovarian hyperthecosis (including Stein‐Leventhal syndrome) or feminizing tumors, and/or exogenous estrogen intake were found; and 2) postmenopausal, elderly patients, without known hormonal or metabolic disturbances and without any history of estrogen therapy. In the first group, frequent associated findings were precursor stages of endometrial carcinoma, such as adenomatous and atypical hyperplasia. In the majority of cases, the cancer was confined to the endometrium, rarely infiltrating the myometrium. In the second group, the cancer was associated most often with an inactive, atrophic endometrium and frequently diffusely infiltrated through the myometrium, with lymphatic and vascular involvement. The lymphatic and plasma‐cell infiltrate was evaluated in both groups. It was found to be more abundant in the first group, both at the tumor‐host interface and perivascularly, than in the second.

As reported in other malignancies of the female reproductive system, the presence or absence of a lymphocytic infiltrate as a morphological expression of local cellular immune response of the host correlates well with the biological behavior of the tumor. A challenging question is the relationship, if any, between hormonal factors and immune mechanisms in tumors arising in tissues such as the endometrium that, even normally, are targets of hormonal stimulation.
Partial Inhibition of Cell‐Mediated Immunity (CMI) by Niridazole: Effect Upon Development of Autoimmune Aspermatogenic Orchitis (AIAO) in Guinea Pigs*
Authors: Nemirovsky M.S.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The effects of Niridazole upon the development of autoimmune aspermatogenic orchitis (AIAO) was studied in guinea pigs.

Niridazole administration before, during, or three days after alloimmunization with sperm cells emulsified in Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) produced slight changes in some correlates of cell‐mediated immunity. No significant changes in humoral immunity or testicular histopathology can be observed at these periods.

When Niridazole was administered ten days after alloimmunization, a significant inhibition of all manifestations of cell‐mediated immunity against spermatozoa was observed. Thirty days after alloimmunization, half of the animals studied failed to develop significant histopathological changes in testis or epididymis. However, the titer of cytotoxic antibodies to testicular cells increased from threefold to fourfold, when compared to those of alloimmunized animals not receiving Niridazole.

The critical period for cell interactions concerned with the full expression of AIAO was found to be between ten and fifteen days after alloimmunization.
Allogeneic Responses In Vitro Induced by Fetomaternal Alloimmunization*
Authors: GENETET N. , GENETET B. , AMICE V. , FAUCHET R.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The present study was undertaken in order to determine what type(s) of pregnancy‐induced allogeneic reaction could alter MLC (mixed lymphocyte culture) reactivity in routine HLA‐D typing of lymphocytes in multi‐parous women (MW) possessing antibodies against paternal HLA‐DR antigens.

Unresponsiveness to homozygous typing cells (HTC) representing a paternal and probably fetal HLA‐DR determinant was frequently observed.

Kinetics experiments ruled out an early secondary proliferative response to HTC representing the paternal HLA‐D determinant, which would be missed in a classical long‐term mixed lymphocyte culture. Direct cytotoxicity against paternal or panel target cells was not always associated with inhibition of proliferative response to the same stimulator cell. Specific anti‐HLA‐DR blocking activity (antibodies?) in the supernates of restimulation reactions of lymphocytes from MW could be responsible for this inhibitory effect.

Moreover, the study points to the existence of suppressor cells in the immunized MW acting independently of specific restimulation.

The in vitro suppression appeared to be selective, restricted to cells sharing HLA‐D linked structures with the suppressor cells, and suggests that auto‐regulator mechanisms could be induced in pregnancy in order to modulate antibody production.
Thymic Hormone‐Induced Accelerated Development of Antibody Responsiveness to Sheep Red Blood Cells in the Newborn Mouse*
Authors: TEODORCZYK‐INJEYAN JULITA , POTWOROWSKI E.F. , BIANKI S. , FALK R.E.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The influence of thymic preparations on the kinetics of the development of PFC response to sheep erythrocytes was tested in mice 0 to 4 weeks old. Soluble thymic factor (STF) or thymic epithelial culture supernatant (TES) was prepared from the thymuses of C57B1/6 mice. STF was injected to gravid mice on day 13 or on day 18 of gestation. A marked acceleration in the appearance of PFC to SRBC was noted only in the offspring from those mothers having received STF on day 18. The ability to generate anti‐SRBC response in vitro by splenocytes from 1‐to 4‐week‐old mice was significantly improved in the presence of TES. The accelerated appearance of the response to a T‐dependent antigen is attributed to increase in the ratio of T helper/T suppressor cells resulting from differentiation and/or clonal expansion under the influence of STF crossing of the placental barrier in the materno‐fetal direction.
Serum Complement Activity in Pre‐Term Pregnancies: Relationship to Duration of Ruptured Membranes and Clinical Infection
Authors: LEVY DONALD L. , COX ADRIENNE , LEFFELL MARY SUE , WILDS PRESTON LEA
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Physiologic changes occurring during the latent period of prematurely ruptured membranes (PRM) are poorly understood. Indicators predicting maternal and neonatal infectious morbidity do not correlate well with clinical outcomes. A previous report suggested that in vivo complement consumption occurred in response to the event of membrane rupture. In this prospective study, complement activity was measured serially throughout the latent period in cases of preterm PRM. In addition to total hemolytic complement activity (CH50), C3‐proactivator (C3PA), a primary component of the alternate complement pathway, was measured in maternal and cord sera. As with CH50, cord serum C3PA levels are significantly less than those in matched maternal samples. Neither maternal nor cord serum complement activity correlated with either the duration of the latent period or maternal‐neonatal infection.
Major Histocompatibility Genes in Egg‐Laying Hens*
Authors: SIMONSEN MORTEN , KOLSTAD NILS , EDFORS‐LILJA INGER , LILJEDAHL LARS‐ERIK , SØRENSEN POUL
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: A common base population of White Leghorn was “synthesized” for a joint project on the genetics of egglaying, undertaken by animal breeding geneticists in 4 Scandinavian countries. After 6 to 7 generations of line selection for various egg‐laying parameters, MHC typing was undertaken of both the selection lines in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden and the respective control lines representing the common base population. Ten MHC haplotypes were defined which jointly accounted for about 95% of the MHC gene pool of the base population. The 2 haplotypes which were predominant in the base population, B15 and B19, responded very differently to the selection pressures applied.
Problems in the Measurement of Putative Serum Immune Complexes by the Method of Beaumont
Authors: GOLDZIEHER JOSEPH W. , GREENE NATHAN D. , WILLIAMS MARY C.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: A methodological investigation of the procedure used by Beaumont et al for measuring a “serum immune complex” precipitated by 25% ammonium sulfate and alleged to contain an ethynyl‐estradiol binding immunoglobulin has found major problems with reproducibility and with the correlation of total protein as measured by the Lowry method and the IgG content as determined by a specific nephelometric procedure.
Partial Characterization of Serum Suppressor Factors in Patients With Cervical Squamous Carcinoma
Authors: DINI MORTEZA M. , FAIFERMAN ISIDORO
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: A cell‐mediated cytotoxicity system was used to characterize the suppressor factors in sera from patients with invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

The immunoglobulin‐M fraction of the sera of 17 patients with different stages of invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, separated by Sephadex gel filtration, were tested. All showed marked cytotoxic suppressor activity, including two cases in which sera showed only mild activity.

The immunoglobulin‐G fraction of sera from 13 patients with invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix was separated by ion exchange chromatography. The cytotoxic suppressor activity of the immunoglobulin‐G fraction proved to be comparable in effect to that of the whole sera.

By using increasing dilutions of IgG and IgM fractions, it could be demonstrated that IgM fraction retained its activity at 0.01 ± 0.005 mg/ml whereas IgG fraction was devoid of activity at this concentration, suggesting that these two immunoglobulin fractions act independently.

It is suggested that the cytotoxic suppressor activity in sera from patients with invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix resides in the gamma globulin fraction and that both immunoglobulin‐M and immunoglobulin‐G of their sera manifest the cytotoxic suppressor activity independently.
Monoclonal Antibodies Against Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): I. Production, Specificity, and Intramolecular Binding Sites*
Authors: KOFLER REINHARD , BERGER PETER , WICK GEORG
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Thirty‐nine monoclonal antibody (MCA) producing hybridoma cell lines derived from fusions of mouse myeloma cells with spleen cells from mice immunized with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) have been established. Their products have been tested in radioimmunoassays using 125I‐labeled hCG, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), the alpha (α) and beta (β) subunits of hCG and LH, and the C‐terminal peptide 109–145 (CTP) of CG. All MCA were, in addition, tested in indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) on paraffin sections of human pituitary glands.

According to the intramolecular localization of the determinants recognized, three main groups of MCA can be distinguished: 1) MCA directed against epitopes on the β‐chain (α‐MCA), 2) MCA directed against (β‐chain determinants (β‐MCA), and 3) MCA reacting with a conformational determinant only present on the native hormone and not on either subunit (con‐formational‐MCA). All α‐MCA cross‐react with human LH, FSH, and TSH. The β‐MCA do not react with FSH or TSH, but do react to a varying degree with LH. The conformational‐MCA show no binding of labeled FSH or TSH and very little or no cross‐reactivity with LH.
The In Vitro Effect of a Calf Thymus Extract (Thymostimulin) on T Cell Phenotypes in Cord Blood Lymphocytes
Authors: VELARDI A. , GERLI R. , RAMBOTTI P. , SPINOZZI F. , CERNETTI C. , ANGELINI A. , MARTELLI M.F.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: An investigation was carried out on the in vitro effect of a calf thymus extract, thymostimulin, on the distribution of T cell phenotypes as defined by OKT3, OKT4, and OKT8 murine monoclonal antibodies and on E‐rosetting cells in human cord blood lymphocytes from healthy newborns. The percentages of E‐rosette‐forming lymphocytes and OKT3+ total T population were lower in newborns than in adults (E‐rosettes: 43.8% ± 13% vs 57.9% ± 7.9%, p < 0.01; OKT3+ cells: 53.3% ± 15.5% vs 79.9% ± 4.7%, p < 0.01), while the OKT4+/OKT8+ (helper/suppressor) cell ratio was normal in both (newborns: 3.40; adults: 2.44—NS). Thymostimulin increased the number of E‐rosette‐forming cells from 43.8% ± 13% to 49.9% ± 12.7% (p < 0.01), as well as the percentage of phenotypic T lymphocytes. The highest increases were observed in the OKT4+ cells (37.7% ± 14% to 49.1% ± 13.8%, p < 0.001), while smaller changes were observed in the OKT3+ cells (53.3% ± 15.5% to 58.1% ± 13.3%, p < 0.02) and OKT8+ cells (12.8% ± 6.4% to 16.6% ± 6.5%, p < 0.02). The results of the present study suggest that thymostimulin mainly provokes an increase in the helper T cell phenotype in cord blood lymphocytes.
Leydig Cells Nonspecifically Suppress Lymphoproliferation In Vitro: Implications for the Testis as an Immunologically Privileged Site*
Authors: BORN WILLI , WEKERLE HARTMUT
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: We have studied the influence of mouse testis cells on unstimulated lymphoproliferation; on allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction; and on concanavalin A‐stimulated, phytohemagglutinin‐stimulated, or lipopolysaccaride‐stimulated responses in vitro. Co—culture with highly enriched irradiated (2000 R) Leydig cells (LC) led in each case to a considerable reduction of 3H TdR uptake. Prolonged tissue graft survival times suggest that the testis is an immunologically privileged site. This may be explained by an immune—suppressive function of LC in vivo. LC are also capable of selectively binding lymphoid and myeloid cells to their surface. This capacity, accompanied by a suppression of immune reactivity in situ, may play a role in cases of testicular relapse observed in acute leukemia.
“Membrane‐Associated” Immunoglobulins in Cyst and Ascites Fluids of Ovarian Cancer Patients*
Authors: TAYLOR DOUGLAS D. , HOMESLEY HOWARD D. , DOELLGAST GEORGE J.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: A new column chromatography technique, utilizing peroxidase‐labeled antihuman immunoglobulins, is described, which can measure the binding of specific antibodies to membrane fragments containing relevant antigens. Using this assay, the presence of bound immunoglobulin is demonstrated on membrane fragments isolated from ascites fluids, but not from tumor tissues. In this study, two populations of immunoglobulins were examined: ‘free’ immunoglobulins and immunoglobulins bound to ascites fluid‐derived membrane fragments. Immunoglobulins eluted from membrane fragments of the ascites fluids were capable of binding to the tumor. These were specific for binding to tumor membrane preparations, in that there was two orders of magnitude greater binding of these immunoglobulins at a given concentration than ‘free’ immunoglobulins at the same concentration.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Congenital Listeriosis
Authors: Yarberry‐Allen Patricia , Abdel‐Latif Nagwa , Cederqvist Lars L.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: A case of congenital listeriosis presenting with premature labor at 24 weeks' gestation is described. Listeria monocytogenes were isolated from the amniotic fluid, which also had an increased concentration of IgA. The significance of amniotic fluid Ig levels and their potential value in the diagnosis of intrauterine infections as an adjunct to the isolation of the infectious agent is discussed.
Inhibition of Lymphocyte Activation by Antisera to Embryonic Antigens Shared With Human Placental Trophoblast*
Authors: KANTOR RAPHE R.S. , GALBRAITH ROBERT M. , EMERSON DAVID L. , GALBRAITH GILLIAN M.P.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: In order to further examine the inhibition of lymphocyte activation reported with conventional antisera to human trophoblast membranes, we studied their effects on cells stimulated by antigen in mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) and by the mitogen phytohemagglutinin. The results were compared with the effects of antisera known to recognize intrinsic membrane determinants on activated T cells (DR antigens and placental alkaline phosphatase) and with those of antisera to normal human serum components such as transferrin which may bind to the activated lymphocyte membrane. The results indicated that antibodies to placental alkaline phosphatase, which constitutes the predominant specificity of conventional trophoblast membrane antisera, caused inhibition both of MLC response and, to a lesser extent, of activation induced by mitogen. Similar inhibition was obtained with antisera to human DR antigens, while antisera to normal human serum and transferrin were not suppressive. These findings, together with time course studies and immunocytochemical studies of the homologous antigens, suggest that these antisera mediate their inhibitory effects in part through binding to antigens which appear on cells as they undergo activation.
Determination of Amniotic Fluid IgM and IgA by Hydroxyethylcellulose‐Agarose Gel Electroimmunodiffusion
Authors: CEDERQVIST LARS L. , ABDEL‐LATIF NAGWA , PICONE MARY ANN
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: An electroimmunodiffusion method on hydroxyethylcellulose‐agarose by which IgA and IgM concentrations down to 0.3 mg/dl can be measured in amniotic fluid is presented. Elevated Ig levels were found in both fetal infection and in congenital malformations. The potential value of Ig determination in amniotic fluid is discussed.
HLA‐DR Antigen on Human Trophoblast*
Authors: BRAMI CHARLES J. , SANYAL MRINAL K. , DWYER JOHN M. , JOHNSON CHALINE C. , KOHORN ERNEST I. , NAFTOLIN FREDERICK
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: To assess the presence of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) on first trimester human trophoblast cells, frozen sections of villous trophoblast and monolayer cultures of isolated cells from placental villi were prepared and exposed to a mouse monoclonal antibody directed against HLA‐DR and then incubated with fluorescein‐conjugated goat anti‐mouse antibodies. Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that HLA‐DR antigens were present on only the small polygonal epithelioid cells of the monolayer culture. The crescentic staining pattern was consistent with widespread distribution of antigen on the cell membrane. There was no staining over giant multinucleated structures or on fibroblasts of such cell cultures. No HLA‐DR was detected when this indirect immunofluorescent technique was applied to tissue sections of villous trophoblast. Existence of high concentrations of hCG in culture supernatants and coincident localization of both hCG and HLA‐DR using antibodies conjugated with rhodamine or fluorescein on the polygonal epithelioid cells indicate the trophoblastic origin and expression of HLA‐DR antigen under in vitro monolayer culture conditions.
Studies by Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) of Antiplatelet Antibody and Transient Neonatal Thrombocytopenic Purpura*
Authors: ROTE NEAL S. , NIELSEN KAREN G. , NEILSON VAN D. , HILL HARRY R. , SCOTT JAMES R.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (ATP) is an antibody‐mediated autoimmune disease of platelets. Transplacental passage of the antibody during pregnancy can result in transient neonatal thrombocytopenia, but it is not known why some infants of antibody‐positive, thrombocytopenic mothers are not affected. We have developed a competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure circulating antiplatelet antibody and have used this technique to investigate the influence of maternal titers on the occurrence of neonatal thrombocytopenia. The assay is sensitive over a range of 12.5 to 800 ng of immunoglobulin G (IgG) per microtiter well and closely correlates with the complement lysis inhibition assay (CLIA) for antiplatelet antibody (correlation coefficient = 0.726). In many instances, the level of circulating antiplatelet antibody in maternal and cord bloods reflected the degree of maternal and neonatal thrombocytopenia, but several important exceptions were observed. We suggest that levels of antiplatelet antibody in the maternal blood and cord blood are not always predictive of the degree of neonatal thrombocytopenia.
Identification of Human Sperm Antigens to Antisperm Antibodies*
Authors: LEE CHI‐YU GREGORY , LUM VINCENT , WONG ERIC , MENGE ALAN C. , HUANG YUAN‐SHEN
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: We have successfully applied SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) gel/protein blot radioimmunobinding method to identify the molecular size of sperm antigens that elicit antisperm antibodies from patients with unexplained infertility. Following the transfer of renatured proteins from SDS gel of human sperm extract onto nitrocellulose strips, the radioimmunobinding was performed by incubating the strips with patients' sera at 1:100 dilution and then with relabeled goat antihuman immunoglobulin G (IgG) or protein A as detecting probes. Unique sperm antigens that reacted with some patients' sera were identified following the autoradiography of the incubated paper strips. Among the fifty‐nine standard serum samples from the Reference Bank of the World Health Organization, about one‐fourth of them were found to react predominantly with a sperm protein band having the reference value (Rf value) of 0.2 and the approximate molecular weight of 90,000 dalton. A similar analysis was also performed with serum samples from vasectomized patients. Some of them also revealed a specific binding with the sperm antigen(s) of similar molecular weight. The results of this analysis were also compared with those of conventional tests for sperm antibodies as well as those of microplate radioimmunoassays and enzyme‐linked immunoassays. This study suggests that SDS gel/protein blot radioimmunobinding method can be a useful tool for the molecular identification of unique human sperm antigen(s) that elicit naturally occurring antisperm antibodies in patients with unexplained infertility.
Inhibition of Leukocyte Adherence by Potassium Chloride Extract of Allogeneic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Human Uterine Cervix
Authors: DINI MORTEZA M. , LENZI LAURA , FAIFERMAN ISIDORO
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Leukocyte adherence inhibition (LAI) assay was used to evaluate cell‐mediated immunity in patients with invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. The reactivity of the peripheral blood leukocytes of these patients was evaluated after incubation with pooled extracts of allogeneic squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. One hundred sixty‐seven sets of LAI assays were performed on 54 individuals, including 23 patients with Stage I squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, 9 patients with other stages of this tumor, 9 patients with unrelated tumors and 13 normal healthy volunteers. A protein concentration of one milligram per milliliter in the tumor extract and 10% fetal bovine serum in the feeding media gave the best results. Eighty‐seven percent (28/32) of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix showed marked specific reactivity. No difference was found in the LAI indices of different stages of the disease.
Strong Suppression by Mononuclear Leukocytes From Cord Blood of Human Newborns on Maternal Leukocytes Associated With Differences in Sensitivity to Prostaglandin E2*
Authors: JOHNSEN SVEND‐AAGE , OLOFSSON AGNETHA , GRÉEN KRISTER , OLDING LARS B.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: We have tested peripheral mononuclear leukocytes (PML) from the cord blood of newborns, from sera of their mothers, and from sera of nonrelated nonpregnant adult women for sensitivity to suppressive exogenous prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Endogenous PG production was simultaneously inhibited by indomethacin 2.8 μM. The phytohemagglutinin‐stimulated (PHA‐stimulated) uptake of tritiated thymidine (3H‐TdR) by PML from the mothers and the nonpregnant women was suppressed by the exogenous PGE2 at a concentration of 1.4 × 10−8 M, 100 times less than the one required to suppress the PML from newborns (1.4 × 10−6 M). In addition, 1.4 × 10−7 M or less of PGE2 reversed the suppression of neonatal PML to stimulation. The maternal PML were reversed into stimulation at 1.4 × 10−9 of exogenous PGE2. The amount of endogenous PGE2 synthesized by 1 × 106 fresh, nonstimulated neonatal PML according to gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry assay was 5 ng (1.4 × 10−8 M). The synthesis increased to 27 ng/106 cells after 18 hours' incubation. These concentrations are similar to the ones of exogenous PGE2 at which neonatal PML were slightly stimulated but the maternal cells were still suppressed. Preincubation for 18 h at 37°C decreased the PGE2‐induced suppression of the adult PML but did not change the response of the neonatal PML.
The Antigenic Mucin‐Like Glycoproteins of Human Seminal Plasma*
Authors: TORTORELLA HELEN , JOSEFINA M. , DE CEREZO SCACCIATI , MAZZINI MARÍA N. , CEREZO ALBERTO S.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Immunodiffusion, immunoelectrophoresis, SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, ultracentrifugation analysis, and gel permeation chromatography in chaotropic and detergent mediums showed that the human seminal plasma obtained and stored in the usual way is mainly composed by heterodispersed glycoproteins of low molecular weight.

The glycoprotein components of the human seminal plasma which do not interact specifically with concanavalin A (con A) were separated by column chromatography on Con A‐Sepharose according to nonspecificion exchange and hydrophobic interactions with the protein.

The carbohydrate composition of the glycoproteins and the existence of the N‐acetylgalactosaminylserine (or threonine) linkage, as well as their aggregation properties show that they are mucin‐type glycoproteins.

They resulted “immunologically pure’ although the carbohydrate chains show the structural heterodispersion usually found in mucins.

The glycoproteins have a common structural pattern for the terminal nonreducing, determinant‐bearing sequences oftheir oligosaccharide chains which, together with the low molecular weights and the known fact that mucus secretions of normal cells contain only one or two types of glycoproteins, suggest that they are fragments produced by endogenous proteolytic degradation of a native mucin.
Diminished Capping of Lymphocytes From Pregnant Women
Authors: KOSOWER NECHAMA S. , SHOMRAT RUTH
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The capping of lymphocytes from normal pregnant women is diminished. Decreased capping is observed for both anti‐Ig and for Con A receptors. The altered capping response appears between the tenth and the twelfth week of pregnancy. The diminution in capping persists until about 2 weeks after delivery. The possible association between the decreased capping response and the altered immune responses known to occur during pregnancy is discussed. The factors underlying the altered capping response in pregnancy may be related to the factors responsible for the parallel phenomenon in pathological conditions.
Immunological Specificity of Beta‐Glucuronidase From Human Seminal Plasma and its Immunolocalization in the Human Reproductive Tract*
Authors: GUPTA G.S. , SINGH GURPREET
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Beta‐glucuronidase (β‐glucuronidase) in human seminal plasma consists of two forms of isozymes (major and minor forms). Antiserum prepared against the purified major form of β‐glucuronidase in rabbits was used for studies of immunological specificity and immunohistochemical localization of β‐glucuronidase in the human male reproductive tract. By ouchterlony immunodiffusion technique, anti‐β‐glucuronidase serum showed reaction of identity with human tissue extracts such as liver, spleen, lungs, testis, epididymis, prostate, and seminal vesicles. Though monkey testis and epididymis extracts completely reacted with human seminal β‐glucuronidase antiserum, no cross‐reaction was observed with mouse and rat tissue extracts. Immunofluorescent studies revealed that β‐glucuronidase is localized in the early stages of spermatogenesis in testis, in columnar cells of the epididymis, and in glandular cells of the prostate and seminal vesicles. Consistent absence of fluorescence in the lumens of testis and epididymis as well as negative cross‐reaction between antiserum and sperm extracts suggested that major form of β‐glucuronidase in human seminal plasma is not immunologically identical with human spermatozoa. It is concluded that major form of β‐glucuronidase in seminal plasma is not tissue‐specific although it appears to have limited species specificity.
Progesterone‐Prostaglandin Balance Influences Lymphocyte Function in Relation to Pregnancy
Authors: SZEKERES‐BARTHÓ JULIA , CSERNUS V. , HADNAGY J. , PACSA A.S.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The effect of progesterone and prostglandin F2α on cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes was investigated. Thirty‐three pregnant women with a clinical diagnosis of threatened premature labour were treated with the prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor acetylsalicylic acid (2.7 gm/day) for 1 week. Cytotoxic activity of the lymphocytes significantly decreased while their progesterone binding capacity increased by the end of the treatment. Ten healthy pregnant women received a single 15 mg dose of prostaglandin F2α for pregnancy termination. One day after prostaglandin administration lymphocytes showed significantly higher cytotoxic activity and lower progesterone binding capacity than before. Lymphocytes of 44 healthy nonpregnant volunteers were preincubated with prostaglandin F2α and/or progesterone. Prostaglandin F2α (8 nmole) significantly decreased cytotoxic activity of 4 × 106 lymphocytes. In the presence of progesterone prostaglandin F2α failed to stimulate lymphocytes.
Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion in Human Pregnancy: Results of Immunogenetical, Cellular, and Humoral Studies
Authors: McINTYRE JOHN A. , FAUL W. PAGE
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: We have confirmed that many women who suffer from recurrent spontaneous abortions have an increased incidence of histocompatibility (HLA‐A, HLA‐B, HLA‐C, and HLA‐DR) antigen‐sharing with their husbands. We also found abortion‐prone women who did not share HLA with their mates; however, they failed to respond or responded suboptimally to their husbands when compared to third‐party controls in the mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) reactions. Some aborting patients manifested a husband‐specific MLC blocking factor in their plasma which was not present in their serum. In contrast, nonpregnant childbearing wives did not share as many of their husbands' HLA antigens as frequently, had normal or heightened MLC responses to their husbands, and showed no evidence of humoral blocking factors. We propose that HLA typing, MLC reactions, and blocking factor studies will serve as useful laboratory indices in future clinical studies of immunogenetical disorders associated with idiopathic habitual abortion.
Mixed Lymphocyte Reaction in Hydatidiform Mole
Authors: HO P.C. , WONG L.C. , LAWTON J.W.M. , MA H.K.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: One‐way wife‐husband and wife‐donor mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLR) were performed in ten patients with hydatidiform moles and ten age‐ and maturity‐matched pregnant controls. The MLR response in patients with hydatidiform moles was similar to that of normal pregnant subjects and the maternal plasma did not affect the response. In the two patients who subsequently required chemotherapy because of persistent elevation of serum human chorionic gonadotrophin, the maternal plasma taken just before chemotherapy suppressed the maternal MLR response to paternal lymphocytes but not that to unrelated donors' lymphocytes.
Complement‐Inhibiting Activity of Seminal Plasma
Authors: TARTER THOMAS H. , ALEXANDER NANCY J.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Human seminal plasma has an anticomplement effect that can be measured by a standard immune hemolytic assay. We found that about 20% of samples lack complement‐inhibiting activity. To determine the anatomical origin of a complement inhibitor, inhibition of hemolysis was measured in seminal plasma samples that were primarily of prostatic, vesicular, or epididymal/testicular origin, as well as in seminal plasma from vasectomized men. All samples contained complement‐inhibiting activity, although epididymal fluid showed nearly twice the amount. Therefore, the factor (or factors) is ubiquitous in secretions of the male reproductive tract. Complement‐inhibiting activity is eluted in two high‐molecular‐weight peaks upon gel filtration. We found evidence that the inhibitory factor is not lactoferrin, a proteinase, or one of the proteinase inhibitors known to be present in human seminal plasma. It seems likely that the complement inhibitor in seminal plasma protects gametes and reproductive tissues from complement‐mediated damage.
Immunologic Aspects of Human Endometriosis
Authors: STEELE RUSSELL W. , DMOWSKI W.P. , MARMER DANIEL J.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: General and specific immune function were examined in women with endometriosis. Nonspecific parameters included total leukocyte and differential counts, quantitative immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, and IgM) determinations, total hemolytic complement, C3, C4, mitogen‐induced lymphocyte stimulation, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing; no differences were observed when data were compared to age‐matched controls without endometriosis. In contrast, the specific immune response T‐lymphocyte‐mediated cytotoxicity to autologous endometrial cells was significantly reduced (P <0.01) in women with endometriosis. When results from patients were analyzed according to clinical severity of endometriosis, even more striking immunologic alterations were delineated. In addition, lymphocyte stimulation responses to autologous endometrial antigen were lower in patients with severe or moderate disease, approaching statistical significance (P = 0.18 and 0.12, respectively). These studies suggest an immunologic basis for development of endometriosis.
Experimental Immune Oophoritis As a Model for Studying the Thymus‐Ovary Interaction: 1. Morphological Studies
Authors: IVANOVA MARIA , BOURNEVA VIOLETA , GITSOV LUDMIL , ANGELOVA ZORKA
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The experimental immune oophoritis (EIO) model was used to study the functional relationship between the ovary and organs of the immune system. EIO was developed in Balb/c mice by twofold subcutaneous injection of saline ovarian extract in complete Freund's adjuvant. The ovary, thymus, and spleen were investigated histologically, histoautoradiographically, and electromicroscopically on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 after immunization. EIO was manifested by massive atresia of follicles and perivascular mononuclear cell infiltration. The appearance of the germinal center like structures in the thymus and increased T cell mitotic activity and B cell stimulation in the spleen pointed out that EIO is mediated both by T and B cells.
Placental Products Induce Suppressor Cells of Graft Versus Host Reaction
Authors: Chaouat Gerard , Chaffaux Stephane
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Cells from mice alloimmunized in the presence of placental extract were coinjected with cells from mice conventionally alloimmunized in the footpad of virgin female recipients. The contralateral footpad received a control twice the dose of cells from alloimmunized mice. Cells from the popliteal lymph nodes were harvested on day 3, and pulsed in vitro for measurement of proliferative capacity with 3H thymidine. The response of lymph nodes was compared (homo‐ vs contralateral). The cells from mice alloimmunized with placental extract in conjunction with alloantigens displayed a marked suppressive capacity of the local graft versus host (GVH) potential of cells from mice conventionally alloimmunized. It is suggested that this local GVH assay represents a quick, objective assay for suppressor‐cell induction by placental products.