bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mast Cell Heterogeneity in Response to Cholinergic Stimulation
Authors: Masini E. , Fantozzi R. , Conti A. , Blandina P. , Brunelleschi S. , Mannaioni P.F.
Published: August 2009

Mast cell heterogeneity in response to acetylcholine has been evidentiated by the virtual lack of sensitivity or by the full reaction to nanomolar concentrations of acetylcholine, observed in samples of serosal mast cells isolated from the same animal species. The incubation with IgE of isolated rat mast cells renders the originally heterogeneous response homogeneous, the release of histamine evoked by acetylcholine being proportional to the IgE concentration. The histamine release induced by acetylcholine is due to the activation of muscarinic receptors, since it is blocked by atropine, not reproduced by acetylthiocholine and potentiated by exposure of the cells to the specific antigen.
Isotypic and Idiotypic Characterization of Anti-Bee Venom Phospholipase A2 Antibodies
Authors: Wetterwald A. , Skvaril F. , Müller U. , Blaser K.
Published: August 2009

It was shown that anti-bee venom phospholipase A2 antibodies (anti-PLA) of bee keepers belong mainly to the IgG4 class. Furthermore anti-PLA of different individuals are idiotypically related to each other. This was shown by the binding of heterologous antiidiotypic antibodies, produced against anti-PLA IgG from single donors, to anti-PLA F(ab′)2 of different individuals. Therefore, the anti-PLA response provides a human model to study the idiotypic regulation of isotypes in a defined system.
Improved Sensitivity and Specificity of Sandwich, Competitive and Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays for Allergen-Specific Antibodies
Authors: Kemeny D.M. , Urbanek R. , Samuel D. , Richards D.
Published: August 2009

Indirect ELISA is widely used to detect specific antibodies but can suffer from high non-specific binding – particularly of IgG. The use of affinity-purified rabbit antibody-coated microtitre plates to bind antigen greatly increases sensitivity without a significant increase in non-specific binding of IgG. Capture, competitive and sandwich assay procedures gave comparable results for IgG antibodies; but only the sandwich assay was suitable for detection of IgE antibodies.
Insect Sting Allergy in Children: What Is the Real Cost of the Disease?
Authors: Mickalide Angela D. , Valentine Martin D. , Dear Margaret R. , Schuberth Kenneth C. , Kwiterovich Kathleen A.
Published: August 2009

The impact of insect sting allergies on the quality of life of 118 children and their parents is assessed using attitudinal and psychometric questionnaires. Children, ranging in age from 7–15 years, manifested more anxiety in the clinical setting (state anxiety) than usual (trait anxiety), whereas for parents the trend was reversed. Most children believed that they could control being stung, and restrictions imposed by two-thirds of the parents assisted in preventing stinging episodes. Parents perceived their child’s academic achievement, social abilities and extracurricular involvement as superior to that of their peers and closest aged siblings.
Genetic Control of in vivo IgE Antibody Production Specific to Dermatophagoides farinae
Authors: Ishikawa Takeru , Kitao Yukoh
Published: August 2009

HLA population and family study were performed in individuals allergic to Dermatophagoides farinae. Manifestation of allergic symptoms and IgE production to D. farinae are possibly regulated in an autorecessive HLA-linked hereditary manner. This regulation may be focused on a lack of IgE Is gene. IgG and IgG4 antibody production to D. farinae may be regulated in the same manner as symptoms and IgE antibody production.
Donor Sensitivity to Basophil Activation by Eosinophil Granule Major Basic Protein
Authors: Zheutlin L.M. , Ackerman S.J. , Gleich G.J. , Thomas L.L.
Published: August 2009

Leukocytes of 22 individuals were incubated with a suboptimal concentration of eosinophil granule major basic protein and the amount of histamine release was determined. Cells from 20 of the 22 donors had a histamine release of ≥ 15%. The use of selected donors on repeated occasions revealed significant variability in individual donor responsiveness. The findings support a role for major basic protein activation of human basophils in allergic reactions.
Indomethacin Enhances in vitro Histamine Release Induced by Anti-IgE and Ca-Ionophore but Inhibits C5a-Induced Release Reactions from Basophils of Atopies and Normals
Authors: Ring Johannes , Walz Ulrike
Published: August 2009

Preincubation of peripheral leukocytes from atopies and normals significantly enhanced histamine release induced by anti-IgE and calcium ionophore. On the other hand, there was a significant inhibition (ca. 40%) of C5a-induced histamine release by indomethacin both in atopies and controls. In the group of patients with atopic eczema, anti-IgE-induced histamine release was significantly higher than in controls both without and with indomethacin.
Tissue Localization of Human Eosinophil Cationic Proteins in Allergic Diseases
Authors: Spry C.J.F. , Tai Po-Chun , Barkans Julia
Published: August 2009

Mouse monoclonal antibodies were raised to the storage and secreted forms of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and were used to study the presence of activated eosinophils and secreted ECP in the tissues of patients with a variety of allergic diseases. Immunocytochemical localization was shown with alkaline phosphatase-linked second antibodies, and fast-red substrate. Deposition of a red reaction product indicated sites in tissues where eosinophils had become activated, and where secreted ECP was present. Activated eosinophils and secreted ECP were found together in (1) skin lesions of patients with chronic urticaria, (2) gut lesions of patients with eosinophilic gastroenteritis and ulcerative colitis, and (3) tissues containing granulomas in patients with allergic granulomatosis and vasculitis – the Churg and Strauss syndrome. These results show the value of these techniques for determining the sites of eosinophil activation and secretion in allergic diseases. They support the suggestion that ECP may be involved in the development of these tissue lesions.
Bovine IgG and Human Immune Responses: Con A-Induced Mitogenesis of Human Mononuclear Cells Is Suppressed by Bovine IgG
Authors: Kulczycki, Jr. Anthony , MacDermott Richard.P.
Published: August 2009

Cow’s milk contains 0.6–0.9 mg/ml of IgG. Under certain circumstances humans might potentially absorb significant amounts of bovine IgG and/or large fragments of bovine IgG from their diets. Normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were cultured with bovine milk IgG and various mitogens to begin to investigate whether bovine IgG might influence human immunologic responses. Elsewhere we have shown that bovine milk IgG at concentrations of 300 μg/ml completely suppressed synthesis of IgG, IgA, and IgM (96–98% suppression) in pokeweed (PWM)-stimulated cultures. Suppression was dose dependent from 40 to 300 μg/ml. Milk-derived bovine IgG heated at 63 °C during 30 min was more potent in suppression than unheated IgG. IgG from goat’s milk also suppressed Ig synthesis. Bovine serum IgG and other xenogeneic serum immunoglobulins, even when heat-aggregated, had little effect on Ig synthesis. Preincubation of MNCs with bovine milk IgG and PWM for 1 day followed by washing and incubation with PWM for 14 days resulted in suppression of antibody secretion. In this study, Con A-stimulated cultures were pulsed after 3 or 4 days with 3H-thymidine for 4 h, and mitogenic responses were measured. Bovine IgG at concentrations as low as 300 μg/ml significantly suppressed the mitogenic response of human mononuclear cells. These studies suggest that ingested milk immunoglobulins may have the potential to modulate immune responses in humans.
Adenosine Receptors on Human Inflammatory Cells
Authors: Marone Gianni , Petracca Rosaria , Vigorita Sergio
Published: August 2009

Adenosine is a natural nucleoside that plays a physiological role in the modulation of human inflammatory cells. We have investigated the presence of adenosine A2/Ra and A1/Ri receptors and of the P-site on human inflammatory cells. Human B and T (OKT4+ and OKT8+) lymphocytes, polymorphonuclear leucocytes, monocytes, basophils and platelets possess a membrane adenosine A2/Ra receptor. The activation of adenosine A2/Ra receptor increases the intracellular level of cyclic AMP in these cells. Human lymphocytes and neutrophils possess also an inhibitory adenosine A1/Ri receptor and a P-site whose activation inhibits the effect of many adenylate cyclase agonists including isoproterenol, PGE1, histamine, adenosine, cholera toxin and forskolin.
Surface Membrane Traffic in Guinea Pig Basophils Exposed to Cationic Ferritin
Authors: Dvorak Ann M. , Dvorak Harold F. , Galli Stephen J.
Published: August 2009

Surface membrane traffic patterns can be influenced by a number of factors, including the functional state of the cell. We used transmission electron microscopy to investigate the fate of surface membrane in guinea pig basophils exposed to cationized ferritin (CF) in vitro. CF bound to the plasma membrane and was internalized on the membranes of vesicles and vacuoles, a process that was particularly prominent at the uropod of basophils exhibiting a polarized (‘motile’) configuration. The vesicles/vacuoles moved to the Golgi area, or, in the case of degranulating basophils, were observed in continuity with the degranulation sac, a structure formed largely by the fusion of individual cytoplasmic granule membranes. However, CF-positive vesicles were never observed to fuse directly with the membranes of intact cytoplasmic granules.
Functional Characteristics of Mucosal and Connective Tissue Mast Cells of Man, the Rat and Other Animals
Authors: Pearce F.L. , Ali H. , Barrett K.E. , Befus A.D. , Bienenstock J. , Brostoff J. , Ennis M. , Flint K.C. , Hudspith B. , Johnson N.M. , Leung K.B.P. , Peachell P.T.
Published: August 2009

Mast cells from different species and even from given tissues within a particular animal are shown to differ in their responsivity to histamine liberators and anti-allergic drugs. The significance of these findings is discussed.
Allergenic Cross-Reactivity among Pollens of Urticaceae
Authors: Corbí A.L. , Cortes C. , Bousquet J. , Basomba A. , Cistero A. , Garcia-Selles J. , d’Amato G. , Carreira J.
Published: August 2009

Common antigenic determinants have been observed between Parietaria and Urtica dioica pollen. The four Parietaria pollens selected (P. judaia, P. officinalis, P. lusitanica and P. mauritanica) are shown to possess a high allergenic homology. IgE-binding structures, homologous to the P.judaica main allergenic polypeptide (Pj10), were found in the other species by immunodetection. Monoclonal antibodies specific to the Pj10 olypeptide recognized proteins from the four Parietaria pollens. Skin prick test and RAST inhibition yielded results that also indicated a high allergenic cross-reactivity among these pollens, with homologous peptides bearing common antigenic and allergenic determinants. On the other hand, U. dioica pollen showed only a slight allergenic similarity to Parietaria. The potential allergenic activity of these pollens is discussed.
Nutrition and Immunity: The Immunoregulatory Effect of n-6 Essential Fatty Acids Is Mediated through Prostaglandin E
Authors: Mertin Jürgen , Stackpoole Arthur , Shumway Sara
Published: August 2009

Suppression of cell-mediated immune responses by essential fatty acids (EFA) was demonstrated in mice maintained on a standard laboratory diet for rodents. Daily oral administration of EFA at doses ranging from 125 to 750 mg/kg body weight significantly suppressed local host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host reactions as measured by popliteal lymph node assay. Studies employing immune sera directed against E-type prostaglandin demonstrated that n-6 EFA-induced suppression was mediated through prostaglandin E1 In titration experiments the effect of n-6 EFA on the reactions was dose dependent with enhancement of the responses at low concentrations and suppression at high concentrations.
Effects of Corticosteroid and 1,24R-Dihydroxy-Vitamin D3 Administration on Lymphoproliferation and Autoimmune Disease in MRL/MP-lpr/lpr Mice
Authors: Koizumi Tamio , Nakao Yoshinobu , Matsui Toshimitsu , Nakagawa Toshitaro , Matsuda Shuichi , Komoriya Keiji , Kanai Yoshiyuki , Fujita Takuo
Published: August 2009

The pharmacological effects of prolonged administration of a corticosteroid, betamethasone, and active vitamin D3 [1,24R–(OH)2D3] on lymphoproliferation and autoimmune disease of MRL/MP-lpr/lpr (MRL/l) mice were examined. Relatively high doses of betamethasone (0.25 mg/kg/day) prevented lymphoproliferation, reduced serum levels of anti-dsDNA, anti-ssDNA, and anti-poly (ADP-ribose) antibodies, and brought about clinical improvement, such as reduced proteinuria and diminution of skin lesions. It is noteworthy that not only did prevention of lymphoproliferation occur, but also recovery of the Lyt-2+ T cell subset in the thymus and the spleen was observed. The administration of 1,24R–(OH)2D3 (0.1 μg/kg/day) similarly prevented proteinuria, and produced recovery of a Lyt-2+ subset in the thymus.
Adjuvant Activity of Saponin: Antigen Localization Studies
Authors: Scott M.T. , Goss-Sampson M. , Bomford R.
Published: August 2009

The adjuvant saponin potentiates the antibody response of mice to the antigen keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). Studies using 125I-labelled KLH show that saponin significantly prolongs the retention of antigen at the subcutaneous injection site and also increases the amount reaching the spleen. Both these phenomena were associated with the inflammatory response to saponin and were markedly reduced following abolition of the inflammatory action of saponin by addition of cholesterol-containing liposomes. The adjuvant action of saponin was not modified by this treatment. Further evidence that neither antigen retention nor splenic localization is implicated in the adjuvant action of saponin for KLH is the demonstration that digitonin, which shares hemolytic and cholesterol binding activity with saponin, caused similar antigen retention and splenic localization but was not adjuvant active.
Regulatory Effect of Hydrocortisone on the in vitro Synthesis of IgE by Human Lymphocytes
Authors: Levo Yoram , Harbeck Ronald J. , Kirkpatrick Charles H.
Published: August 2009

The effect of different concentrations of hydrocortisone (HC) on the in vitro, pokeweed mitogendriven synthesis of IgG and IgE by human lymphocytes was studied. HC had the same modulatory action on the production of both immunoglobulins. Two different effects were observed: the first is enhancement of Ig synthesis by low concentrations of HC (10––7–10––4M), and the second is inhibition of synthesis by higher concentrations due to lymphocytoxic effect.
Immunoglobulin E Antibodies against Budgerigar and Canary Feathers
Authors: van Toorenenbergen A.W. , van Wijk Gerth , van Dooremalen G. , Dieges P.H.
Published: August 2009

In 212 sera from budgerigar and canary fanciers with symptoms of rhinitis and/or bronchial asthma, IgE antibodies against budgerigar feathers (Budf) or canary feathers (Canf) were determined. In 25 of 98 Canf-specific IgE antibody measurements, and in 28 of 154 Budf-specific IgE antibody measurements, a significant (6% or more binding of 125I-anti-IgE) level of specific IgE was found. In 3 sera with the highest levels of Canf- or Budf-specific IgE, IgE antibodies against sera from both birds were present. It is concluded that IgE antibodies against canary and/or budgerigar feathers are present in about 20% of canary and budgerigar fanciers with symptoms of atopic disease. Canary and budgerigar feathers contain IgE-binding antigens that are not present in the corresponding bird sera and droppings.
Inhibition of Allergic Histamine Release by Azelastine and Selected Antiallergic Drugs from Rabbit Leukocytes
Authors: Chand Naresh , Pillar John , Diamantis William , Sofia Duane
Published: August 2009

The ability of azelastine to inhibit allergic histamine release from rabbit mixed leukocytes was studied and compared with selected antiallergic drugs. Azelastine, ketotifen, diphenhydramine, theophylline and disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) produced concentration-dependent inhibition of allergic histamine release from rabbit basophils. The concentrations inhibiting histamine release by 50% (IC50; μM)were as follows: azelastine = 4.5; ketotifen = 9.5; diphenhydramine = 18.9; theophylline = 56.9; DSCG = >1,000. DSCG was added to the cells immediately prior to antigen challenge. All other drugs were preincubated for a period of 10 min prior to antigen challenge. At the IC50 level, azelastine is about 2, 4, 13 and >200 times as effective as ketotifen, diphenhydramine, theophylline and DSCG, respectively. The IC50 of azelastine following 0, 10 and 30 min preincubation were 2.4, 1.9 and 3.5 μM, respectively. These observations showed: (1) azelastine is capable of acting rapidly on basophils and of inhibiting allergic histamine secretion, and (2) the prolongation of the preincubation time of azelastine up to 30 min with rabbit leukocytes did not exhibit any sign of tachyphylaxis (loss of activity). In conclusion, azelastine is a potent inhibitor of allergic histamine secretion from the leukocytes of ragweed-sensitized rabbits.
Cross Reactivity Studies with Platinum Group Metal Salts in Platinum-Sensitised Rats
Authors: Murdoch R.D. , Pepys J.
Published: August 2009

Hooded Lister rats were sensitised to the halide salt of platinum ammonium tetrachloroplati-nate(II) [(NH4)2PtCl4] in its conjugated form with ovalbumin. Sensitisation was achieved by intraperitoneal injection with Bordetella pertussis vaccine as adjuvant, followed 21 days later by a further injection in saline. The presence of specific anti-platinum IgE antibody was determined by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) and radioallergosorbent test (RAST) using the platinum halide salt conjugated to a heterologous carrier. Sera exhibiting positive reactions were pooled and PCA tests performed on the titrated pooled sera with 3 conjugated platinum group metal salts, 5 platinum group metals in their free salt form and 6 platinum salts with differing ligands. PCA challenges with these compounds resulted in significant cross reactivity between ammonium tetrachloroplatinate(II), ammonium hexachloroplatinate(IV) and the conjugated tetrachloroplatinate. There was very limited cross reactivity with other platinum or platinum group metal salts in either free or conjugated forms. Furthermore, these results were confirmed by RAST inhibition studies.
Stimulating Effect of Gold Trichloride on DNA Synthesis of Human Lymphoid Cells
Authors: Nordlind K.
Published: August 2009

The effect of gold trichloride on DNA synthesis of human thymocytes and peripheral blood lymphocytes was tested. A stimulation was obtained in both cell types with a concentration of 6–50 μg/ml. Gold trichloride may thus not be used in a lymphocyte transformation test for the diagnosis of contact allergy.
Stimulating Effect of Zinc Chloride on DNA Synthesis of Human Thymocytes
Authors: Nordlind K.
Published: August 2009

Different concentrations of zinc chloride were tested regarding their effect on DNA synthesis of human thymocytes. A concentration of 1.8 × 10––4M resulted in an evident stimulation, while the highest concentration tested, 3.6 × 10––4M, inhibited the DNA synthesis.
Histamine and Mast Cell Distribution in the Gastrointestinal Wall of the Rat: Comparison between Germ-Free and Conventional Rats
Authors: Wal J.M. , Meslin J.C. , Weyer Anne , David B.
Published: August 2009

The distributions of histamine and mast cells in the intestinal mucosa have been studied in conventional (CV) and germ-free (GF) rats. Both distributions do not appear to be uniform throughout the gastrointestinal tract. The presence of digestive microflora influences these distributions: more histamine and mucosal mast cells are present in the small intestine of CV than in GF rats. Paradoxically the opposite is observed in the large intestine. Differences in mast cell counts in the crypt area of the small intestine (higher in CV than in GF rats) confirm the role of microflora on crypt cell proliferation due to a mild chronic inflammation. In the large intestine, however, the microflora appears to have a more complex influence and could act indirectly on histamine turnover.
Induction of Antibodies in Rats to a Rat Carcinoembryonic Antigen
Authors: Wilhelm Sally A. , Abeyounis John , Milgrom Felix
Published: August 2009

In a previous communication, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) of rat, which is an analogue to human CEA, was demonstrated in gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas induced in inbred Fischer rats by injection of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine. Antibodies detectable by enzyme immunoassay were elicited in Fischer rats by immunization with a perchloric acid extract of the CEA-containing rat tumor, RCA-1, incorporated into Freund’s complete adjuvant. Specificity studies showed that activity of the rat antisera could be virtually abolished by inhibition with the tumor extract used at a concentration of 25 μg/ml. Inhibition by newborn rat tissues required extract at a concentration of 250 μg/ml. Extracts of normal adult tissues did not inhibit at these concentrations, but did inhibit at a concentration of 2,500 μg/ml. The results showed that rat CEA, though present in low concentration in normal adult rat tissue, is capable of eliciting an immune response in rats.
Immunological Studies on Tartrazine and Its Metabolites
Authors: Safford R.J. , Goodwin B.F.J.
Published: August 2009

Tartrazine is occasionally associated with some clinical changes which have been attributed to allergy. In tests on laboratory animals with tartrazine and its metabolites by methods which should have detected potential to induce antibody formation, no antibodies were detected except by methods which are artificial in terms of human exposure. Similarly, laboratory methods have shown that the metabolites of tartrazine, and in some cases tartrazine itself, can induce contact sensitization in guinea pigs, although there is little evidence that tartrazine can induce similar changes in man.
The Effect of Thermal Treatment of Immunoglobulin E as Measured with Competitive and Noncompetitive Assays: Is Circulating Immunoglobulin E Serologically Heterogenous?
Authors: Popa Valentin
Published: August 2009

Using two-double antibody assays (DA) and a noncompetitive assay (PRIST), we measured in 20 atopic and 10 normal sera the total IgE before and after its heating at 56°C for 30–120 min. After heating the sera or radiolabeled IgE, DA detects a reproducible increase in total IgE associated with a large intersubject variability of the inhibition curves. On the contrary, heated total IgE measured with PRIST decreases and there is no intersubject difference in the observed change. In conclusion, DA assays of IgE reveal a heterogenous response to heating which might be related to interindividual differences in the tertiary/quarternary structure of the DΣ2 domain of FcΣ
Administration of Adenosine Diphosphate-Ribosyl Transferase Antagonist Allows in vivo Control of Anti-Dinitrophenyl Response
Authors: Broomhead Christopher , Hudson Leslie
Published: August 2009

3-Methoxybenzamide (3MB) is one of a series of chemical inhibitors of the nuclear enzyme adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribosyl transferase (ADPRT), which has been shown to inhibit cell differentiation in vitro, but has no effect on differentiation independent proliferation. Treatment of mice with an optimal concentration of 3MB (20 mg/kg body weight) at or 1 day after dinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet haemocyanin (DNP-KLH) immunisation reduced anti-DNP plaque-forming cell (PFC) numbers to less than 10% of those of control animals. The period for maximum PFC suppression showed a narrow time window relative to immunisation, suggesting that in vivo, as in vitro, 3MB was acting only on those lymphocytes differentiating in response to antigen. Experimental findings showed that it was possible to select for PFC derived from different populations of DNP-responsive lymphocytes by adjusting the time of 3MB treatment relative to immunisation. When 3MB was used with antigen priming, the residual PFC showed a lower average affinity than PFC in mice treated with 3MB 3 days after priming, suggesting a differential selection of those lymphocytes responding either ‘early’ or ‘late’ in the primary immune response.
Prevention of Anaphylactoid Reactions after Radiographic Contrast Media Infusion by Combined Histamine H1- and H2-Receptor Antagonists: Results of a Prospective Controlled Trial
Authors: Ring Johannes , Rothenberger Karl-Heinz , Clauss Wolfram
Published: August 2009

In a prospective randomized trial, 800 patients undergoing intravenous urography were pretreated with either intravenous prednisolone (group I), the H1-antagonist clemastin (group II), a combination of clemastin and the H1-antagonist cimetidine (group III) or 0.9% saline (group IV). There was an overall incidence of 18–19% side reactions, when subjective and objective symptoms were regarded together. There was no significant difference between the four groups in the total incidence. The same applies when considering subjective side effects including the symptom ‘heat sensation’ that occurred in 10–12% of all patients. However, when side effects excluding the symptom ‘heat sensation’ were regarded and the individual groups were compared, there was a significant difference in frequency between the control group (12%) and the combined H1/H2 group (6%). Prednisolone and clemastin did not produce a significant reduction of side effects. The combined application of histamine H1- and H2-antagonists might be useful in prophylaxis of radiographic contrast media-induced adverse reactions.
Lymphocyte Transformation Test in Drug-Induced Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Authors: Roujeau Jean-Claude , Albengres Edith , Moritz Sylviane , Piacentino Annie , Cuny Michèle , Revuz Jean , Touraine René
Published: August 2009

Lymphocyte transformation tests (LTT) to drugs remain widely used in drug reactions, despite controversies about their real usefulness. We tested the lymphocytes of 12 patients recovering from a drug-induced Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). There was no difference between the amounts of thymidine incorporated when patients’ lymphocytes were cultivated with culprit or innocent drugs. In both situations the lymphocytes from patients reacted like the lymphocytes from controls cultivated with the same panel of drugs. These negative results do not exclude that a hypersensitivity reaction may play a role in the physiopathology of TEN. Anyhow, they clearly indicate that testing lymphocyte transformation to drugs has no practical value in the diagnosis of TEN.
Leukocyte Membrane Receptors in Meningitis and Other Bacterial Infections
Authors: Næss A. , Halstensen A.I. , Solberg C.O.
Published: August 2009

Blood leukocytes from 37 patients with acute bacterial infections, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) granulocytes from 12 patients with bacterial meningitis, were examined for the distribution of membrane receptors (R) for (1) untreated sheep erythrocytes (E), (2) the Fc portion of IgG (Fcγ), and (3) complement component C3b. We found a decreased percentage of granulocytes bearing Fcγ-R in the CSF from patients with meningitis, and in blood from patients with respiratory tract infections. This group also had a decreased percentage of C3b-R bearing granulocytes on admission, whereas meningitis patients had lower levels of C3b-R and Fcγ-R bearing granulocytes in the 2nd and 3rd week and even later. Several patients with meningitis and gastroenteritis had granulocytes bearing the E-R, previously considered specific for T lymphocytes. Such cells were also found in the CSF. Meningitis and respiratory tract infections were associated with a decreased percentage of ‘active’ T lymphocytes. The total percentage of T lymphocytes was also decreased in meningitis. Conversely the proportion of Fcγ-R bearing lymphocytes (consisting mostly of B lymphocytes) was increased in most infections. During the first 3 weeks of bacterial meningitis, the percentages of Fcγ- and C3b-R bearing granulocytes, and of Fcγ-R bearing lymphocytes, gradually decreased, while the T lymphocyte percentage increased from the initial low values.
Studies on Alternaria Allergens
Authors: Vijay H.M. , Young N.M. , Jackson G.E.D. , White G.P. , Bernstein I.L.
Published: August 2009

Six extracts were prepared from Alternaria tenuis isolates ATCC 6663, ATCC 16086 and DAOM (Agriculture Canada) 183905 grown separately on two synthetic media, revised tobacco and Czapek’s, and their biochemical and immunological properties were examined. High-performance liquid chromatography revealed considerable variations in UV absorbance and carbohydrate profiles among extracts from the different isolates. These differences were less marked among samples of the same isolate cultured on different media. Enzyme screening showed that all extracts contained large amounts of phosphatases and glucosidases and moderate quantities of esterases. Only the α-galactosidase activity showed any correlation with allergenic activity. No significant variation was observed in isoelectric focusing patterns. Extensive antigenic cross-reactivity even between the different isolates was found in precipitin studies. In mouse IgE passive cutaneous anaphylaxis tests, all extracts gave reactions of similar intensity. In direct RAST and RAST inhibition assays, ATCC 16086 grown on revised tobacco medium was found to be the most potent and approached the activity of an extract from a commercial material (B-I). DAOM 183905 grown on either medium was next in potency while ATCC 6663 samples were the least potent. The results indicate that it is possible to obtain extracts of high allergenic potency for standardization purposes from growth of selected A. tenuis isolates on a chemically defined medium.
Mechanism of the Action of Amoxanox (AA-673), an Orally Active Antiallergic Agent
Authors: Saijo T. , Kuriki H. , Ashida Y. , Makino H. , Maki Y.
Published: August 2009

Amoxanox inhibited immunologically stimulated and LTD4-induced bronchoconstriction in laboratory animals. Amoxanox, like DSCG, inhibited rat IgE-mediated PCA and histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells, and suppressed immunologically stimulated or calcium ionophore A23187-induced SRS-A generation in rat peritoneal cavity and guinea pig lung fragments. This compound also reduced the contractile response of guinea pig lung parenchymal and ileal strips to LTD4, but did not significantly affect the response of the ileum to either histamine or acetylcholine. Therefore, the antiallergic action of amoxanox seems to be associated with inhibition of chemical mediator release and antagonistic activity on SRS-A.
Effects of Anti-ε on Total and Specific IgE Levels in Adult Mice
Authors: Bozelka Brian E. , McCants Marjorie L. , Salvaggio John E. , Lehrer Samuel B.
Published: August 2009

Adult (2- to 3-month-old) female CBA/J mice were injected intraperitoneally with heavy chain specific rabbit anti-IgE (anti-ε) to determine its effects on total and specific serum IgE. Animals receiving 10 × 250 μg injections over a 50-day period displayed significantly increased (10 × levels of serum IgE compared to rabbit gamma-globulin or untreated controls. If animals were immunized with castor allergen (CA) prior to anti-ε treatments their IgE anti-CA titers were significantly suppressed, although their total IgE levels were not significantly different compared to controls. In a second series of experiments, mice which received increased quantities (3 × more) of anti-ε had no detectable serum IgE (within 30 days post anti-ε treatment), significantly decreased titers of IgE antibody, and reduced numbers of IgE bearing spleen and mesenteric lymph node cells. These studies indicate that anti-ε injections in adult mice can significantly alter total and specific IgE levels.
Neutrophil and Monocyte Adherence in Diabetes mellitus, Alcoholic Cirrhosis, Uraemia and Elderly Patients
Authors: Kelly M.K. , Brown J.M. , Thong Y.H.
Published: August 2009

The neutrophil and monocyte adherence were assessed in patients with diseases which predispose them to increased risk of infections. Neutrophil adherence was found to be markedly impaired in diabetes mellitus, alcoholic cirrhosis and uraemia. Monocyte adherence was also depressed in patients with diabetes mellitus and alcoholic cirrhosis, but not in patients with uraemia. Thus, the increased susceptibility of these categories of patients to infection can be explained in part by a defect in adherence. In contrast, neutrophil and monocyte adherence in elderly patients were comparable to that in healthy young adults, which confirms previous observations that the age-dependent decline in immunological function affects mainly the T and B cell systems.
Glycoprotein Allergens in Pollen of Timothy
Authors: Haavik S. , Paulsen Smestad , Wold J.K.
Published: August 2009

On extraction of timothy pollen with aqueous buffer high molecular weight material (MW > 3,500) containing the sugars arabinose, fucose, xylose, mannose, galactose and glucose was rapidly released. When the allergen extract was subjected to crossed immunoaffinoelectrophoresis with lectins incorporated in the first- or second-dimension gel, some allergens were clearly retarded. A basic glycoprotein allergen, probably the one known as antigen 30, was bound to concanavalin A (Con A) and also to a lectin from Pisum sativum. This allergen was purified by a combination of Con A-Sepharose and CM-Sephadex chromatography, giving a product that contained the following sugars: arabinose (1.4%), fucose (traces), xylose (1.3%), mannose (2.0%), galactose (7.6%) and glucose (10.5%). The purified allergen appeared essentially homogeneous on isoelectric focusing and on gel permeation chromatography. The allergenic activity and acid phosphatase activity, which have been correlated by previous workers, were demonstrated to be entirely separable.
Thoughts on Mast Cells, Histamine Release and Immunoglobulin E
Authors: West G.B.
Published: August 2009

It is well known that the polysaccharide, dextran, stimulates rat mast cells to undergo histamine secretion, probably by interaction with cell-fixed IgE. Passive sensitisation with antigens greatly enhances histamine release induced in vitro by dextran, and removal of IgE from the cells by acid pH abolishes this release. The importance of IgE antibodies for histamine release from mast cells by agents other than dextran is also well recorded. For example, acetylcholine induces a non-immunological release which is potentiated by the presence of IgE. A link may also exist between cholinergic agents and substance P, a polypeptide which releases histamine by acting on specific receptors and not through interaction with cell-bound IgE. Attempts are made here to gather together some of the physiological and pathological processes involved.
Effect of Seasonal Ragweed Exposure on Immunoglobulin E Antiragweed Antibodies in Cultures of Peripheral Mononuclear Cells, Plasma and Nasal Secretions
Authors: Naclerio R.M. , Plaut M. , Adkinson N.F. , Norman, Jr. P.S.
Published: August 2009

To determine the effects of seasonal ragweed exposure on in vitro IgE antibody production, the antiragweed IgE antibody content of 7-day cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was assessed in samples obtained before, during and after the ragweed season, in 4 ragweed-allergic and 11 nonallergic individuals. The levels of ragweed-specific IgE and total IgE in unstimulated culture supernatants were measured by solid phase radioimmunoassays. Antiragweed IgE antibody was apparently detectable in the 7-day culture supernatants of both allergic and nonallergic individuals, and the antibody concentrations increased after natural ragweed exposure. However, the bindable counts of IgE antibody in supernatants from allergic patients were inhibited by soluble ragweed antigen, while those from nonallergics were not inhibitable, suggesting that supernatants from nonallergics did not contain true ragweed-specific IgE antibody. Because, for most subjects, the quantity of IgE in culture supernatants from 7-day cultures of living cells was the same as that derived from cells which were either frozen and thawed prior to culture, or briefly exposed to pH 3.7 buffer, the majority of IgE antibody in supernatants from allergic subjects, and of total IgE in supernatants from all subjects, was apparently not newly synthesized, but was preformed, and appeared to be largely derived from the cell surface. IgE antiragweed antibody was detected in the nasal secretions and plasma of allergic, but not nonallergic individuals, and the levels of antibody in allergic subjects increased after seasonal exposure. The fraction of total IgE protein accounted for by IgE antiragweed antibody in nasal secretions collected postseasonally was higher than that in both culture supernatants and plasma, suggesting that ragweed-specific IgE antibody is synthesized locally in the nose.
Purification and Partial Characterization of the Allergen Ag-54 from Cladosporium herbarum
Authors: Swärd-Nordmo Marit , Wold Jens Kristian , Paulsen Berit Smestad , Aukrust Lars
Published: August 2009

One important allergen, Ag-54, was extracted from Cladosporium herbarum and purified by a combination of diafiltration, gel nitrations and isoelectric focusing. The allergen, when examined by gel electrophoresis and high-performance liquid chromatography, was found to be essentially homogeneous with a molecular weight of about 20,000 daltons. Ag-54 is of glycoprotein nature. It contained 19.5% protein, calculated from its amino acid composition and 80.2% carbohydrate, quantified by methanolysis, trimethylsilyl derivatization and gas-liquid chromatography. The carbohydrate moiety was composed only of mannose, galactose and glucose in the ratio 1.0:0.6:1.3. Frequently occurring amino sugars like glucosamine and galactosamine could not be detected. Mass spectrometry of trimethylsilyl-derivatized methylglycosides demonstrated that sialic acid was not present.
Purification and Characterization of a Major Allergen from Dactylis glomerata Pollen: The Ag Dg1
Authors: Mecheri S. , Peltre G. , David B.
Published: August 2009

We have isolated an allergen (Ag Dgl) from Dactylis glomerata pollen which is recognized by the serum of 95% of human patients sensitive to D. glomerata pollen, as has been shown by the nitrocellulose immunoprint technique. After two successive purifications by preparative isoelectric focusing (IEF), Dg1 was characterized as a single band in analytical agarose IEF with a pI of 5.9 and was found to display 3 bands by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel with the respective molecular weights: 21,000, 31,000 and 33,000 daltons. The high recognition frequency by IgE antibodies of Dgl in the sera of allergic patients and its ability to trigger histamine release from sensitized human basophils allow to consider that Ag Dg1 is the main major allergen extracted from D. glomerata pollen.
Modulation of the Host-versus-Graft Reaction of the Popliteal Lymph Node by Small Numbers of Dendritic Cells Injected at a Distant Site
Authors: Merlin Lesley A. , Mertin J.
Published: August 2009

This paper demonstrates that dendritic cells (DC) injected intraperitoneally into CBA mice can alter the popliteal lymph node response of the animals to semi-allogeneic spleen cells injected into the footpad. This effect is antigen specific, for both cell populations must share the same foreign antigenic determinants. The alteration is expressed as an augmentation of node swelling following injection of very low numbers of DC, whilst a slight increase in the numbers of DC leads to suppression of the host-versus-graft response. Therefore it would appear that, in addition to their role as antigen-presenting cells, DC are also capable of modulating the response to an allogeneic stimulus in an antigen-specific manner. It is postulated that such antigen-specific modulation arises from formation of complexes between prostaglandin E1 and antigen-presenting moieties, which then determine the direction of the immune response.
Induction of Class II MHC Antigens in Cultured Epithelial Cells from Rat Gut
Authors: Kilshaw P.J.
Published: August 2009

A long-lived culture line of epithelial cells producing low levels of secretory component was derived from rat gut. Treatment of the cells with culture supernatants from rat spleen cells that had been stimulated with concanavalin A induced expression of class II antigens of the major histocompatibility complex and inhibited DNA synthesis.
Subclasses of Human IgG Anti-Fab Antibodies: Parameters for Optimum Detection
Authors: Persselin Jay E. , Keld Birgitte , Fried Lisa , Stevens Ronald H.
Published: August 2009

In this study we have defined the parameters needed for the optimum detection of anti-Fab antibodies in the serum of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We have found that the majority of the anti-Fab antibodies are of the IgG3 and IgG4 subclasses which were not optimally detected using polyclonal heterologous anti-human IgG antisera; subclass-specific antibodies instead were needed. Additionally we determined that dissociation of circulating immune complexes by dialysis against urea for 3–7 days was also needed for the detection of these antibodies. Lastly we have shown that the dissociated complexes can recombine with their target Fab molecules, and therefore separation of the anti-Fab antibodies from the other immunoglobulins by chromatofocusing may enhance the detection of these antibodies. When the above conditions were fulfilled it was determined that IgG anti-Fab antibodies could be detected in rheumatoid arthritis and normal sera and that acidic IgG3 and IgG4 subclasses predominated. However, IgG3 levels were 10.5-fold higher in rheumatoid arthritis sera (p <0.05) and IgG4 levels 5-fold higher (p <0.01) than in normal sera.
Tumour-Induced Suppression of Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity in the Mouse: Independence of Cyclophosphamide-Sensitive Suppressor Cells
Authors: McIntosh L.C. , Pugh-Humphrey R.G.P. , Thomson A.W.
Published: August 2009

Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses to sheep red blood cells and ovalbumin were markedly reduced in mice receiving viable Landschütz ascites tumour cells at the time of immunization. Similar inhibitory effects were observed in control immunized animals when cell-free ascitic fluid or tumour bearer serum was administered together with antigen at the challenge site. Normal mouse serum exhibited much less pronounced inhibitory activity over the range of concentrations tested. High-dose cyclophosphamide (Cy) prior to immunization enhanced DTH responses to both antigens in normal mice. However, in animals also given tumour or soluble tumour-associated material, the immunosuppressive effect which had been observed in non-Cy-treated controls was preserved. It is concluded that the observed suppression of DTH is not dependent on Cy-sensitive T suppressor cells or on the presence of immunosuppressive factors during induction of the immune response.
Polyclonal Activation of Guinea Pig Spleen Lymphocytes
Authors: Neveu P.J. , Perdoux D.
Published: August 2009

The incorporation of 3H-thymidine in newly formed DNA was studied in guinea pig spleen cells stimulated by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and/or concanavalin A (Con A). In spleen cells stimulated by PHA, two peaks of thymidine uptake were observed for two different doses of lectin whatever the number of cultured cells. Furthermore, thymidine uptake is proportional to the number of the cultured cells. During Con A-induced mitogenesis, two peaks were also observed but only when using a great concentration of cells. Maximal thymidine incorporation depended on both the cell number and the concentration of Con A. When cells were stimulated by both PHA and Con A, thymidine uptake was strongly depressed as compared to the one observed using PHA or Con A alone. On the other hand, supernatants from unstimulated spleen cells had opposite effects on blastogenesis induced by Con A or by PHA; they depressed PHA-induced blastogenesis while enhancing the one induced by Con A. These results suggest that, in guinea pigs, both PHA and Con A induce thymidine incorporation in at least two lymphocyte populations through different mechanisms. This heterogeneity of lectin-induced T cell mitogenesis has to be taken in account when studying the mechanisms by which the immunomodulators are active at the T cell level.
Release of Leukotriene C4 from Human Eosinophils and its Relation to the Cell Density
Authors: Kajita Toshiyuki , Yui Yasuo , Mita Haruhisa , Taniguchi Noboru , Saito Hiroshi , Mishima Takeshi , Shida Takao
Published: August 2009

Human eosinophils and neutrophils were isolated from 20 ml of peripheral blood by dextran sedimentation, centrifugation with lymphoprep, and density gradient centrifugation with Percoil. The incubation of neutrophils of purity higher than 99% (density: 1.080–1.085 g/ml) with calcium ionophore A23187 for 20 min resulted in the release of a little amount of leukotriene C4 (2.3 ± 0.6 ng/106 cells) as measured with a commercial radioimmunoassay kit. On the other hand, the release from eosinophils was over 10 times that from neutrophils. When the releasability of leukotriene C4 from eosinophils was examined in relation to the cell density, the eosinophils with lower density were observed to produce greater amounts of leukotriene C4.
Comparison of Measurements of Serum Venom-Specific IgG by Radioimmunoassay and Enzyme Immunoassay
Authors: Wypych John I. , Abeyounis John , Reisman Robert E.
Published: August 2009

Honeybee venom (BV)-, yellow jacket venom (YJV)- and honeybee venom phospholipase A (PLA)-specific IgG were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and enzyme immunoassay (RIA) in 54 sera of insect-allergic patients. In the majority of sera, results of the two tests were similar. Discordant results were found in 1 of 21 sera in tests with PLA, 4 of 23 sera in tests with BV, and 1 of 16 sera in tests with YJV. The RIA measured higher antibody titers in 5 of these ‘outlier’ sera. The results suggest that with a few exceptions, the two assays are similar for detection of venom- and PLA-specific IgG.
Isolation of Schistosoma japonicum Egg-Derived Neutrophil Stimulating Factor: Its Role on Eosinophil Chemotactic Factor Release from Neutrophils
Authors: Owhashi M. , Horii Y. , Ishii A.
Published: August 2009

Neutrophil stimulating factor (NSF), which can stimulate polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) to release eosinophil chemotactic factor (ECF), was isolated from Schistosoma japonicum soluble egg extract (SEA). The release of ECF from PMNs began as early as 5 min after stimulation and reached a peak at 40 min, and was dependent on the concentration of SEA. After Sephadex G150 gel filtration, toluene extraction, Sephadex G25 gel filtration and Dowex 1 × 8 anion exchange chromatography, NSF was identified as a hydrophilic and negatively charged component with a molecular weight of about 1,000 daltons. It was heat-stable at 100oC for 60 min. NSF was easily separable from SEA-derived neutrophil chemotactic factor or from SEA-derived ECF. PMNs are suggested to be one of the sources of ECF in the eosinophil accumulation of granulomatous lesions around the deposited eggs in schistosomiasis japonica.