bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic Activation of Human Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity by Histamine and lnterleukin-2
Authors: Hellstrand Kristoffer , Hermodsson Svante
Published: August 2009

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is recognized as a major activating signal for human natural killer (NK) cells. The presence of monocytes alters NK cell responsiveness to IL-2. Thus, while IL-2 effectively augments NK cell cytotoxicity (NKCC) in monocyte-depleted NK effector cells, it is relatively ineffective or even suppressive for NK cells in monocyte-containing, NK-cell-enriched mononuclear cell fractions. Here we report that concomitant treatment with IL-2 and the biogenic amine histamine synergistically augmented NKCC against K562 and Daudi target cells of CD3––/CD16+ human NK cells in the presence but not in the absence of monocytes. Addition of peripheral-blood monocytes, recovered by countercurrent centrifugal elutriation, to purified NK cells abrogated IL-2 induced NK cell activation, reconstituted the synergistic, NK-activating effects of histamine and IL-2, and strongly reduced baseline NKCC. The effects of histamine on baseline NKCC and on NK cell responsiveness to IL-2 were related to counteraction of monocyte-mediated NK cell suppression. By contrast, histamine did not affect baseline or IL-2-induced NKCC in mixtures of NK cells and monocytes when the latter cells were recovered after adherence. The effect of histamine on NK cell responsiveness to IL-2 was mediated by H2-type histamine receptors, as judged by mimicry exerted by the specific H2 receptor agonist dimaprit, but not by an H2-receptor-inactive derivative of this compound, N-methyldimaprit, and blocking by the H2 receptor antagonist ranitidine. Experiments in which monocytes and nonadherent NK cells were separately pretreated with ranitidine prior to histamine treatment suggested that NK-regulatory effects of histamine were mediated by H2 receptors on monocytes. Our data suggest that histamine may provide an important signal in the regulation of NK cell responsiveness to IL-2.
Elevated Concentrations of Salivary Secretory Immunoglobulin A Anti-Cow’s Milk Protein in Newborns at Risk of Allergy
Authors: Renz H. , Vestner R. , Petzoldt S. , Brehler C. , Prinz H. , Rieger C.H.L.
Published: August 2009

Secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) anti-casein and SIgA anti-β-lactoglobulin (BLG) were determined in the saliva of 158 healthy mature infants at birth and in breast milk samples using a direct Elisa technique. IgG anti-casein and anti-BLG were measured in serum samples from mothers and newborns (cord blood). A high risk of allergy was defined in 66 infants who had cord blood (CB)-IgE levels ≥0.9 IU/ml and/or parents with atopic diseases. Thirty infants had CB levels <0.9 IU/ml and parents without clinical symptoms of atopy but with elevated serum IgE concentrations or type I skin reactions to common allergens (low risk). Sixty-two infants had CB-IgE levels <0.9 IU/ml and healthy parents (no risk). The groups were matched for social status, smoking and dietary habits. SIgA anti-casein and anti-BLG were detected in all newborns. SIgA anti-casein was significantly higher (p <0.05) in high risk infants (median 157; 50% confidence limits 45–270) than in no risk (48; 25–150) or low risk infants (43; 21–130). SIgA anti-casein values correlated with maternal allergy, maternal allergy plus CB-IgE, but not with paternal allergy. Breast milk SIgA anti-BLG was depressed (p <0.05) in mothers with manifest allergy compared to healthy mothers. Determination of salivary SIgA anti-casein may represent an additional screening method for early detection of infants with atopic disposition.
Protective Milk O Antibodies Induced in Guinea Pigs by Parenteral Shigella Ribosomal Vaccine
Authors: Chernokhvostova E.V. , Lyubinskaya M.M. , Belkin Z.P. , Levenson V.I.
Published: August 2009

IgG and IgA·antibodies were studied in milk and sera of guinea pigs subcutaneously immunized at various stages of pregnancy with Shigella ribosomal vaccines (SRV) from Shigella sonnei and Shigella flexneri. Both vaccines induced·antibodies in milk, the level of IgA antibodies being significantly higher than that of IgG antibodies. The immune milk provided a clear-cut protection against experimental Shigella-induced keratoconjunctivis. These results are consistent with the previously shown ability of parenteral SRV to stimulate gut-associated lymphoid tissue and confirm the involvement of secretory IgA·antibodies in the protection induced by the parenteral SRV. The high level of milk antibodies in vaccinated guinea pigs suggests the possibility to use the parenteral SRV for developing lactogenic immunity.
Pathogenesis of Thrombotic Microangiopathy: Insights from Animal Models
Authors: Richards Anna , Kavanagh David
Published: August 2009

Animal models are important experimental tools for investigating the molecular mechanisms, environmental and genetic susceptibilities underlying the development of thrombotic microangiopathies. Large mammal, small animal models, knockout, transgenic and conditional knockout mouse models are available to investigate haemolytic uraemic syndrome, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and vascular endothelial growth factor-associated thrombotic microangiopathy. These models have shown that it is possible to model the human conditions. However, differences in human and rodent physiology mean that caution is required when interpreting the findings. These models offer realistic prospects for identifying and testing novel therapeutic strategies in a range of thrombotic microangiopathies prior to human trials.
Immunodetection Methods for Grass Pollen Allergens on Western Blots
Authors: Ong E.K. , Suphioglu C. , Singh M.B. , Knox R.B.
Published: August 2009

A comparison is made of eight different methods to detect allergenic proteins in Western blots of rye-grass pollen extracts. Horseradish peroxidase-based enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) provides a sensitive method for the detection of allergenic proteins. The method has been modified to use more dilute solutions of ECL substrate to reduce the background, can be applied to a standard nitrocellulose membrane, and used with Kodak X-ray film. The assays can be performed rapidly, replacing use of radiolabelled probes. Increased resolution is obtained. This makes the method suitable for detection of cDNA clones on plaque lifts, and for rapid and specific purification of proteins following immunodetection on nitrocellulose membranes.
Role of Immunoglobulins G1 and G2 in Anaphylactic Shock in the Guinea Pig
Authors: Desquand S. , Rothhut B. , Vargaftig B.B.
Published: August 2009

Heating serum from actively sensitised guinea pigs did not remove its ability to sensitise recipient animals in vivo and parenchymal lung strips in vitro to anaphylaxis. Thermoresistant antibodies should thus account for the transferable sensitising effect, which persists for at least 9 days. IgG1 and IgG2, contained in the serum, were separated by affinity chromatography to determine the importance and the participation of these subclasses in passive anaphylactic shock. IgG1, present in smaller amounts than IgG2, was more effective in sensitising isolated lung strips. The intravenous administration of ovalbumin to guinea pigs, which had been injected with 0.8 mg/kg of IgG1 or 2 mg/kg of IgG2 9 days beforehand, induced an intense bronchoconstriction with leucopenia and moderate thrombopenia, suggesting an as yet undescribed role for IgG2 in passive tissue sensitisation. The use of mepyramine, an antagonist of the histamine H1 receptor, WEB 2086, an antagonist of platelet-activating factor, and nordihydroguaiaretic acid, a dual inhibitor of cyclooxygenase and lipooxygenase, alone or associated, demonstrated that the anaphylactic contraction of lung strips from guinea pigs sensitised by IgG1 is mediated by histamine and arachidonate derivatives, whereas that of lung strips from guinea pigs sensitised with IgG2 is mostly mediated by histamine. In addition, the association of the three potential antagonists slightly reduced the anaphylactic contraction of lung strips provided by guinea pigs sensitised by serum. Our results, using a sensitisation procedure considered until now to involve exclusively IgE antibodies, indicate that IgG1 and IgG2 are in fact the essential antibodies for passive anaphylactic shock in the guinea pig.
Regulation of in vivo Expression of Fc Receptors for IgE (FcεR) on Murine Lymphocytes
Authors: Kiniwa Mamoru , Yanagihara Yukiyoshi , Tasaka Kenji
Published: August 2009

The induction of Fc receptors for IgE (FcεR) and its regulation were studied in BALB/c, SJL/J, and nude mice by a flow cytometric assay with the use of homologous monomeric IgE. Immunization of BALB/c mice with alum-absorbed antigen induced a remarkable increase in the expression of FcεR on spleen cells, whereas no enhancement of the FcεR expression was observed in SJL/J and nude mice after immunization. This increase was correlated with the elevation of serum IgE levels. However, the IgG antibody response, which is inducible even in SJL/J mice, was not associated with the induction of FcεR. The enhanced expression of FcεR in BALB/c mice observed in the primary or secondary IgE antibody response was detected in B cells with B220, surface IgM, and IgD, but not in T cells. The induction of FcεR in immunized BALB/c mice was inhibited by suppressive factor of allergy isolated from ascites fluids of SJL/J mice inoculated with complete Freund’s adjuvant. In addition, both cyclophosphamide and prednisolone had an inhibitory effect on the induction of FcεR. These results suggest that the FcεR induction is inhibited not only by suppressive factor of allergy, which is effective in inhibiting the IgE antibody response selectively, but also by some immunosuppressive agents which are capable of suppressing all isotypes.
Involvement of Type I Hypersensitivity in Rapid Rejection of Trichinella spiralis from Adult Rats
Authors: Zhang Sui , Castro Gilbert A.
Published: August 2009

The role of type I hypersensitivity in the rapid rejection of Trichinella spiralis from actively, and passively immunized rats was examined. Net intestinal fluid secretion, which occurs during the rejection of the parasites, was used to verify the expression of local anaphylaxis and was examined for its possible role in the rejection process. Worm establishment in the small intestine 30 min after intraduodenal inoculation was significantly reduced in rats that were passively immunized with immune serum containing anti- Trichinella IgE as compared with recipients of normal serum. Worm-induced fluid secretion in immune rats was completely inhibited by the combined action of indomethacin and diphenhydramine. However, worm rejection was not affected. L-651,392, a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, also failed to prevent rejection. Ketanserin (a serotonin S2 receptor antagonist) and MDL-72222 (a serotonin S3 receptor antagonist) together blunted the rapid rejection response and reduced fluid secretion. Furthermore, intra-arterial perfusion of serotonin into nonimmune rats caused fluid secretion and reduced worm establishment. In nonimmune rats prostaglandin E2, cholera toxin, and hypertonic Krebs-mannitol solution were used to evoke the same level of intestinal fluid secretion as that induced by reinfection in immune rats or by serotonin in nonimmune hosts. When larvae were inoculated into the secreting gut, their infectivity was unaffected. The results suggest that anaphylaxis is involved in the rapid rejection of T. spiralis in immune rats and that serotonin is a possible chemical mediator of worm rejection. Although the mode of action of serotonin in the rejection process remains unknown, its possible involvement through fluid secretion can be ruled out.
Intracellular Mechanisms Regulating Exocytotic Secretion in Mast Cells
Authors: Gomperts B.D. , Churcher Y. , Koffer A. , Lillie T.H.W. , Tatham P.E.R. , Whalley T.D.
Published: August 2009

The release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells occurs by a regulated exocytotic process. We have been able to study the intracellular events in this pathway by permeabilising the plasma membrane of rat peritoneal mast cells and stimulating exocytosis by providing both Ca2+ and a guanine nucleotide. By this approach we have obtained evidence for the participation of at least two guanine nucleotide binding proteins in the control of exocytosis. We have also shown that ATP is unnecessary for the final events, but that it does have a number of modulatory functions, for instance in the control of the effective affinity of the proteins that bind Ca2+ and GTP. There is also evidence for a protein dephosphorylation in the later stages of the control pathway.
The High-Affinity Receptor for Immunoglobulin E: A Target for Therapy of Allergic Diseases
Authors: Kinet J.-P. , Blank U. , Brini A. , Jouvin M.-H. , Küster H. , Mejan O. , Ra C.
Published: August 2009

The high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcεRI) on mast cells and basophils is a tetrameric complex, αβγ2·Here we summarize the latest developments on the structure and function of this receptor. By genetic transfer, we have engineered a cell line secreting substantial amounts of a peptide containing exclusively the extracellular domain of the α-subunit. This domain by itself is sufficient to mediate high-affinity binding of IgE. Glycosylation and the presence of the other subunits are not necessary for the binding function. The γ-subunit of FcεRI is part of other receptors such as FcγRIII and the T cell receptor, and therefore is likely to play an important although still undefined functional role. A detailed knowledge of how the receptor interacts with IgE and induces cellular degranulation may lead to the design of new therapeutic approaches to allergic diseases. The potential strategies are discussed.
Regulation of IgE Responses to Inhaled Antigens: Cellular Mechanisms Underlying Allergic Sensitization versus Tolerance Induction
Authors: McMenamin C. , Schon-Hegrad M. , Oliver J. , Girn B. , Holt P.G.
Published: August 2009

Previous research from our laboratory has established that the natural response of the respiratory mucosal immune system to inhaled allergens involves initial ‘recognition’ accompanied by transient low-level IgE production, followed by the development of protective immunological tolerance. Recent studies indicate that the crucial cellular events in this process occur at the level of the upper respiratory mucosa and in the local draining lymph nodes. Salient findings from ongoing studies, detailed below, include identification of a highly developed network of dendritic antigen-presenting cells within the airway epithelium which trap inhaled antigen, and definition of the surface phenotype of the suppressor T cells mediating tolerance as TcRγ+δ+.
Regulation of Immune Responses by T Cells with Different Cytokine Secretion Phenotypes: Role of a New Cytokine, Cytokine Synthesis Inhibitory Factor (IL10)
Authors: Mosmann Tim R.
Published: August 2009

Subsets of T cells, defined by the patterns of cytokines that they secrete, show important functional differences, and appear to be at least partly responsible for the different immune responses induced by various pathogens. Two very distinct subsets, TH1 and TH2, are mutually inhibitory, and a newly discovered cytokine, ILI0, is one of the mediators of this cross-regulation. IL10 inhibits the synthesis of cytokines by TH1 cells but not TH2 cells. Since TH2 cells produce IL4 and IL5, which lead to some of the major manifestations of allergy, it is likely that IL10 production biases an immune response towards allergy.
Mast Cell Heterogeneity: Protein Composition, Biosynthesis and mRNA Characterization
Authors: Benyon R.C. , Imai T. , Abe T. , Befus D.
Published: August 2009

Proteins of rat peritoneal mast cells (PMC), rat intestinal mast cells (IMMC) and human skin mast cells (SMC) were compared by two-dimensional electrophoresis. PMC and IMMC had many similarities in distribution of their neutral/acidic proteins but marked differences in the more abundant, granule-associated basic proteins. SMC proteins showed a unique distribution. Distributions of the products of in vitro translation of PMC and IMMC RNA were different from those of proteins isolated directly from these cells which, together with results of pulse-chase labelling experiments, shows evidence for processing of certain mast cell proteins including rat mast cell proteases I and II.
Evaluation of Immune Parameters in HIV+ Subjects Reporting Adverse Reactions to Sulfamethoxazole
Authors: O’Neil C.E. , Reed M.A. , Lopez M. , Hyslop N. , Gutierrez E. , Salvaggio J.
Published: August 2009

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is frequently used in human immunodeficiency virus (HΙV)-infected patients (HIV+) for treatment or prophylaxis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). Up to 80% of those patients report adverse reactions to that drug combination. To test the hypothesis that these reactions are immunologically mediated, we quantitated specific IgG and IgE SMX-human serum albumin (HSA) antibodies and immune complexes (IC) in HIV+ patients and in HIV controls. Patients with mild HIV disease had elevated specific SMX-HSA IgG and IC levels compared with those having severe disease or with controls. Conversely, patients with severe HIV disease had statistically elevated levels of specific IgE when compared with patients having milder disease or with controls. There were no differences in either specific antibody or IC levels between patients reporting adverse reactions and those who did not. Results suggest that there are increased levels of SMX-HSA-specific antibodies in some HIV+ patients. The presence of these antibodies appears to be related to severity of disease, rather than clinically significant drug sensitivity.
T Cells and Asthma
Authors: Walker Christoph , Virchow, Jr. Johann-Christian , Bruijnzeel Pieter L.B. , Blaser Kurt
Published: August 2009

Peripheral blood eosinophilia of both allergic and nonallergic asthmatics was found to correlate with blood T cell activation and lymphokine production. A close correlation was shown between the increase of IL-2 receptor expressing T cells and the number of eosinophils. These in vivo activated T cells spontaneously released factors that prolonged eosinophil survival in vitro. The T cell derived lymphokines IL-5, GM-CSF and IL-3 were demonstrated to be responsible for prolonged eosinophil survival in vitro, and were identified in T cell supernatants and sera from asthmatics. In summary, T cell derived cytokines play an important regulatory function towards eosinophils in asthma.
Airway Inflammation and Atopic Asthma: A Comparative Bronchoscopic Investigation
Authors: Howarth P.H. , Wilson J. , Djukanovic R. , Wilson S. , Britten K. , Walls A. , Roche W.R. , Holgate S.T.
Published: August 2009

Flexible fibre-optic bronchoscopy under local anaesthesia has been used to investigate the cellular airway events in atopic asthma. The findings have been compared to those from atopic individuals without asthma and non-atopic healthy controls, in an attempt to discern those changes relevant to clinical disease expression. Immunohistochemical and electron-microscopic analyses of airway biopsies identified that an atopic diathesis is associated with tissue eosinophil infiltration and mast cell degranulation. The eosinophilia was greatest in those atopic individuals with asthma. Flow-cytometric analysis of airway lavage revealed significantly enhanced T lymphocyte activation in clinical asthma. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that T lymphocyte activation, through cytokine release, amplifies the tissue eosinophilia in asthma and that this combination is associated with clinical disease expression.
CD4 T Lymphocyte Activation in Acute Severe Asthma
Authors: Corrigan C.J. , Kay A.B.
Published: August 2009

The expression of activation molecules on peripheral-blood CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes and the serum concentrations of two products of activated T lymphocytes [interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R)] were measured in patients with acute severe asthma (ASA) and controls. Significantly higher percentages of CD4+ cells from patients with ASA expressed IL-2R, HLA-DR and VLA-1 as compared to controls (p <0.01). In contrast, CD8+ cells from both asthmatics and controls did not express IL-2R and VLA-1, and their expression of HLA-DR in asthmatics was not increased. Serum concentrations of IFN-γ and sIL-2R were significantly elevated in patients with ASA as compared to control groups (p <0.01). Concentrations decreased as the patients improved clinically following therapy. Significant correlations were observed between the improvements in airways obstruction and (1) the decreases in the percentages of peripheral-blood IL-2R+ T lymphocytes and (2) the decreases in serum concentrations of sIL-2R. These observations suggest that CD4 T lymphocyte activation is important in the pathogenesis of ASA.
Ragweed-Specific IgA in Nasal Lavage Fluid of Ragweed-Sensitive Allergic Rhinitis Patients: Increase during the Pollen Season
Authors: Reed C.E. , Bubak M. , Dunnette S. , Blomgren J. , Pfenning M. , Wentz-Murtha P. , Wallen N. , Keating M. , Gleich G.J.
Published: August 2009

Because the secretions of asthma and rhinitis contain toxic eosinophil granule proteins and because secretory IgA is the most potent immunoglobulin stimulus for eosinophil degranulation, we measured eosinophil-derived neurotoxin and ragweed-specific IgA and IgE antibodies in nasal lavage before and during the ragweed pollen season in 44 hay fever patients. We found IgA antibody in nanogram/milliliter concentrations before the season and rising 20-fold by the end of the season. IgE antibody was present in picogram/milliliter concentrations and did not change. Eosinophils and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin also increased. We conclude that IgA is the predominant antibody in allergic nasal secretions and increases with allergen exposure. The hypothesis that secretory IgA antibody-allergen complexes contributes to allergic inflammation by stimulating eosinophil degranulation warrants further study.
Comparison of Dermal and Systemic Application of Glucocorticoids on the RM 3/1+ Macrophage in Human Blood
Authors: Zwadlo-Klarwasser Gabriele , Bent S. , Schmutzler W.
Published: August 2009

Dermal administration of either hydrocortisone or fluprednidene to healthy skin causes only a weak and short-lasting increase of the proportion of the anti-inflammatory macrophage RM 3/1 in the blood compared to the effect of the systemic application of glucocorticoids on this cell subtype. On the other hand, a rather permanent increase of these macrophages could be observed in untreated patients suffering from certain skin diseases, e.g. urticaria, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis.
Inhibition of Allergen-Induced Bronchoconstriction in Sensitized Guinea Pigs by Orally Administered Allergen
Authors: Ishii Akira , Ino Yoshitaka , Haida Michiko , Dohi Makoto , Suko Matsunobu , Morita Yutaka , Ito Koji , Okudaira Hirokazu
Published: August 2009

Crude mite extract (CME) was orally administered to guinea pigs sensitized to CME. It was shown that such treatment reduces the bronchoconstrictive response upon allergen provocation. Isolated tracheae taken from guinea pigs orally administered CME allergen showed less contraction in response to CME as compared to those obtained from sensitized but not orally treated animals. The oral administration of allergens seemed to attenuate the bronchial hyperresponsiveness of sensitized animals to a non-specific chemical stimulus (histamine). IgE antibodies titrated by 8 days passive cutaneous anaphylaxis, and IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies measured by ELISA were comparable in the sera obtained from animals before and after CME treatment.
Pharmacological Modulation of the Antigen-Induced Expression of the Low-Affinity IgE Receptor (FcεRII/CD23) on Rat Alveolar Macrophages
Authors: Mencia-Huerta Jean Michel , Dugas Bernard , Boichot Elisabeth , Petit-Frère Corinne , Paul-Eugène Nathalie , Lagente Vincent , Capron Monique , Liu Fu-Tong , Braquet Pierre
Published: August 2009

Brown-Norway (BN) rats were sensitized by 3 aerosol exposures to ovalbumin (OA; 10 mg/ml) at days 1, 3 and 14. At day 21, the rats were challenged with the antigen or vehicle by aerosol. Alveolar macrophages (AM) were obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage and the expression of FcεRII/CD23 was assessed by flow cytometry after staining with the BB10 monoclonal antibody. A maximum of 74% of the AM from sensitized and challenged BN rats expressed FCεRII/CD23 24 h after OA exposure, compared to 12% of the cells from rats exposed to vehicle. Sprague-Dawley rats were passively sensitized by intravenous injection of 0.1 or 0.05 ml/kg mouse ascitic fluid containing dinitrophenyl (DNP)-specific monoclonal IgE (2682–1) and after 24 h exposed to an aerosol of 5 mg/ml of DNP-bovine serum albumin for 30 min. In this case also, antigen exposure induced the expression of FcεRII/CD23 on 75% AM, compared to 17% AM from saline-challenged rats. Such an induction of FcεRII/CD23 on AM was, however, not observed when the animals were challenged with either histamine, serotonin or acetylcholine by aerosol. The antigen-induced expression of Fcε-RII/CD23 on AM was inhibited upon treatment of the rats with ketotifen or beclomethasone. In addition, oral or aerosol administration of respectively BN 50730 or BN 52021 (two structurally unrelated platelet-activating factor antagonists), inhibited the antigen-induced FcεRII/CD23 expression on AM, indicating the participation of this lipid mediator in this process.
Platelet-Activating Factor-Induced Immediate and Late Cutaneous Reactions
Authors: Rihoux J.-P. , Fadel R. , Juhlin L.
Published: August 2009

In atopic subjects, intradermal injection of platelet-activating factor (PAF), 40 and 400 ng, resulted in an immediate edema reaction markedly blocked by cetirizine, 10 mg twice a day. PAF challenge also induced a significant eosinophil accumulation evidenced by a skin window technique at 2, 4, 8 and 24 h. This inflammatory phenomenon was significantly inhibited by cetirizine. In patients with chronic urticaria, PAF, 100 μg intradermally, induced immediate and late cutaneous reactions (LCR) also blocked by cetirizine, 10 mg twice a day. These LCR were accompanied by an infiltration of the deep dermis by degranulated eosinophils. The pathophysiological mechanism of the PAF-induced skin reactions is discussed as well as the mechanism of action of cetirizine.
Neuropeptide-Induced Secretion from Human Skin Mast Cells
Authors: Church Martin K. , El-Lati Suhad , Caulfield John P.
Published: August 2009

Unlike human mast cells associated with mucosal surfaces such as lung, adenoids, tonsils and intestine, skin mast cells may be stimulated to release histamine by the neuropeptides substance P, vaso-active intestinal polypeptide and somatostatin or by other basic secretagogues such as morphine and compound 48/80. Release of histamine by neuropeptides is rapid and accompanied by minimal generation of the eicosanoids prostaglandin D2 and leukotriene C4. Transient elevations of intracellular calcium are associated with mediator secretion induced by both immunological and non-immunological stimulation, that induced by anti-IgE being derived from extracellular sources through channels in the plasma membrane while that stimulated by neuropeptides is mobilized intracellulary. Similarly, elevations of intracellular cyclic AMP induced by anti-IgE occur only in the presence of extracellular calcium, whereas with substance P elevations are apparent even in the absence of extracellular calcium. With the latter stimulus, histamine release is complete before the peak cyclic AMP is achieved. Despite these biochemical and temporal differences, degranulation induced by both secretagogues proceeds by compound exocytosis which is indistinguishable under the electron microscope. From these results we suggest that IgE-dependent and neuropeptide stimulation of human skin mast cells proceed by distinct biochemical pathways which eventually merge to produce exocytosis of their preformed granule-associated mediators.
The Possible Role of Substance P in the Allergic Reaction, Based on Two Different Provocation Models
Authors: Nieber K. , Baumgarten C. , Witzel A. , Rathsack R. , Oehme P. , Brunnee T. , Kleine-Tebbe J. , Kunkel G.
Published: August 2009

It was shown in two different provocation models (nasal and bronchial provocation) that substance P (SP) may play an important role in the neurogenic inflammatory response in upper and lower airway disease. (1) Pretreatment with SP augments the antigen challenge response of the nasal mucosa. (2) The baseline bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) concentrations of SP are elevated 8-fold in allergies (pollen asthma) as compared with normals, even outside of season. (3) The SP concentration in BAL increases significantly (p <0.05) after bronchial allergen provocation. These findings support a previous hypothesis of an abnormally elevated activity of nonadrenergic-noncholinergic excitatory nerves and are in accordance with the results of a decreased activity of neutral endopeptidase exaggerating neurogenic inflammatory responses in the airways, including bronchomotor tone hyperresponsiveness.
Allergen Profiles of Dog Hair and Dander, Body Fluids and Tissues as Defined by Immunoblotting
Authors: Spitzauer S. , Rumpold H. , Ebner Ch. , Schweiger Ch. , Valenta R. , Gabl F. , Anrather J. , Breitenbach M. , Scheiner O. , Kraft D.
Published: August 2009

The sera from 25 patients with clinical type I allergy against dogs were investigated by means of immunoblotting, using extracts of dog hair/dander, skin, hair, saliva, salivary gland, serum and liver. 96% of the patients’ sera showed IgE antibodies reactive with 19- and 23-kilodalton (kDa) proteins in the hair/dander extract. The 23-kDa IgE-binding protein was preferentially detected in the hair extract and saliva but not in skin, salivary gland, serum and liver extracts. The 19-kDa band was strongly expressed in skin, but not in hair, serum and liver. Inhibition experiments using the 23-kDa containing extract prepared from hair and the 19-kDa containing extract prepared from skin revealed that these two proteins are likely to be immunologically independent allergens.
Anaphylaxis to Muscle-Relaxant Drugs: Study of Cross-Reactivity by Skin Tests
Authors: Leynadier F. , Dry J.
Published: August 2009

Intradermal skin tests (two dilutions) carried out systematically with 5 muscle-relaxant drugs were used to study the cross-reactivity between these drugs in 131 patients who had suffered from anaphylaxis. The skin tests were positive for at least 2 drugs in 65.6% of the cases. We observed a significant concordance (positive-positive or negative-negative skin tests) between pancuronium and vecuronium (p <0.01) and a significant correlation between the skin test diameters obtained with these 2 drugs (p <0.02 for wheals and p <0.01 for flares). Conversely, the lack of concordance between pancuronium and suxamethonium was significant (p <0.05). When comparing all the concordances obtained with each pair of drugs, it appeared that the concordance between pancuronium and vecuronium was significantly higher than all others. For other concordances, 2 main factors seemed to play a role: the N+ of the ammonium ions included in a ring as in pancuronium and the presence of a ‘choline-like’ side chain as in suxamethonium. But there was no significant correlation between skin test diameters. Altogether, these results suggest that in vivo there is no ‘true’ cross-reactivity between the drugs except frequently between pancuronium and vecuronium. In all other cases, the patients have probably specific IgE antibodies for each drug, all these antibodies being able to recognize the ammonium determinant; this common property may be insufficient to induce a clinical allergy.
Synthesis of Biologically Active Recombinant Der f II
Authors: Yuuki Toshifumi , Okumura Yasushi , Ando Toru , Yamakawa Hiroshi , Suko Matsunobu , Haida Michiko , Dohi Makoto , Okudaira Hirokazu
Published: August 2009

A cDNA library corresponding to mite protein was screened employing anti-Der f ll antibody. Two possible clones containing plasmids pFLl and pFLl 1 were obtained. The two plasmids had insertions of about 500 basepairs. The DNA sequences of the two insertions were determined, from which the amino acid sequences were deduced. The amino acid sequence of the purified native Der f II protein could be determined to 45 residues from the N terminus. As a result of comparison, we concluded that the cDNAs prepared from live Dermatophαgoides fαrinae mite corresponded to the mite allergen Der f II. The recombinant Der f II was biologically active.
Inhalation Exposure of Mice to Trimellitic Anhydride Induces Both IgG and IgE Anti-Hapten Antibody
Authors: Dearman Rebecca J. , Hegarty Jeanette M. , Kimber Ian
Published: August 2009

The development of antibody responses resulting from inhalation exposure to chemical allergens has been studied in mice. Inhalation exposure of BALB/c mice to atmospheres containing approximately 5 mg/m3 of the respiratory allergen trimellitic anhydride (TMA) resulted in the appearance of both serum IgG and IgE anti-hapten antibody. IgE anti-TMA was first detectable 2–3 weeks following the initiation of exposure and was still present at 6 weeks. Under the same conditions of exposure, 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), a contact allergen which apparently lacks the capacity for respiratory sensitization, failed to elicit detectable amounts of anti-dinitrophenol (DNP) antibody. Exposure to increased concentrations of atmospheric DNCB (15 mg/m3) did, however, result in an IgG anti-DNP response but not in IgE antibody. These data demonstrate firstly, that atmospheres containing low molecular weight respiratory allergens can initiate specific IgE responses in mice, and secondly, that inhaled chemicals may differ in their ability to induce IgE antibody.
Change in Sensitivity to Lysophosphatidylserine of Mouse Bone Marrow-Derived Mast Cells during Cultivation with Fibroblasts
Authors: Murakami Makoto , Umeda Masato , Kudo Ichiro , Inoue Keizo
Published: August 2009

Lysophosphatidylserine (lysoPS) is known to enhance IgE-mediated activation of rodent connective tissue mast cells (CTMCs). In the present study, we investigated the effect of lysoPS on degranulation of interleukin-3-dependent mouse bone marrow-derived mucosal mast cells (BMMCs) and of their CTMC-like differentiated cells. In the absence of lysoPS, BMMCs released approximately 20% of their histamine when sensitized with anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE and challenged with DNP-conjugated antigen. When stimulated in the presence of lysoPS, no appreciable enhancement was observed. On the other hand, histamine release from BMMCs, which had differentiated to CTMC-like cells by co-culture with 3T3 fibroblasts, was enhanced 2-to 3-fold by the addition of lysoPS. The maximum potentiation was observed at 5 × 10––6M lysoPS. These results suggest that mast cells might acquire their dependence on exogenous lysoPS during differentiation from mucosal mast cells to CTMC-like cells.
Trigeminal Dermatome Distribution in Patients with Glaucoma and Facial Port Wine Stain
Authors: Mehta Manisha , Hernandez Salas Adriana , Fay Aaron
Published: August 2009

Purpose: The importance of glaucoma screening in patients with upper eyelid involvement of facial port wine stain (PWS) is well known. This study questions the validity of this concept and reports the cutaneous patterns of PWS in 66 patients known to have glaucoma. Methods: Clinical records of 66 patients with glaucoma were reviewed, and the pattern of facial PWS involvement of the dermatomes of the trigeminal nerve was catalogued. The Pearson χ2 test was applied. The literature supporting previous conclusions was reviewed. Results: 39 cases had ipsilateral and 27 had bilateral PWS; 9.3% had isolated ophthalmic branch (V1) involvement, 30.2% had ophthalmic and maxillary branch (V1V2) involvement, 5.8% had maxillary and mandibular branch (V2V3) involvement, and 52.3% had all 3 branches (V1V2V3) involved. Conclusions: Patients demonstrated to have glaucoma and facial PWS are approximately 7 times more likely to have multiple dermatomes of the trigeminal nerve involved (88.3%) in contrast to isolated V1 involvement (9.3%). PWS patterns did not correlate with embryological segments of facial development. A review of the relevant literature resolves conflicting concepts and emphasizes the importance of glaucoma screening in all patients with trigeminal dermatome involvement of the PWS.
Plasma Amyloid-β Peptide Levels Correlate with Adipocyte Amyloid Precursor Protein Gene Expression in Obese Individuals
Authors: Lee Yong-Ho , Martin Julie M. , Maple Rhonda L. , Tharp William G. , Pratley Richard E.
Published: August 2009

Background/Aims: Several studies have demonstrated that midlife obesity increases the risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, plasma 42-amino-acid amyloid-β (Aβ42) levels appear to correlate with BMI. We recently demonstrated that adipocyte amyloid precursor protein (APP) expression is upregulated in obesity and correlates with insulin resistance and adipose tissue inflammation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relation between adipocyte APP expression and plasma Aβ peptide levels. Methods: We conducted a pilot study in which we measured adipocyte APP gene expression and the circulating plasma levels of Aβ40 in 10 obese individuals before and after a 6-month behaviorally based weight loss intervention. Subjects had an oral glucose tolerance test with measurement of insulin levels, Aβ40 levels measured by ELISA and transcript levels of APP in subcutaneous abdominal adipocytes measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Results: At baseline, adipocyte APP expression correlated significantly with plasma Aβ40 levels and with 2-hour insulin concentrations. Following the 6-month weight loss intervention, body weight and BMI decreased significantly. Fasting plasma concentrations of glucose and insulin were improved. Adipocyte APP expression was significantly decreased (p < 0.001) after weight loss. Changes in adipocyte APP expression correlated with changes in plasma Aβ40 levels (R = 0.74, p = 0.01) and changes in 2-hour insulin (R = 0.75, p = 0.01). Conclusion: The results of this pilot study suggest that increased circulating plasma levels of Aβ peptides in obesity may be due to increased adipocyte APP gene expression. While these results suggest a possible mechanism linking midlife obesity with the later development of Alzheimer’s disease, further research is necessary to elucidate the regulation and functional significance of APP in adipocytes.
Platelet Kainate Receptor Signaling Promotes Thrombosis by Stimulating Cyclooxygenase Activation
Authors: Sun Henry , Swaim AnneMarie , Herrera Jesus Enrique , Becker Diane , Becker Lewis , Srivastava Kalyan , Thompson Laura E. , Shero Michelle R. , Perez-Tamayo Alita , Suktitipat Bhoom , Mathias Rasika , Contractor Anis , Faraday Nauder , Morrell Craig N.
Published: August 2009

Rationale:

Glutamate is a major signaling molecule that binds to glutamate receptors including the ionotropic glutamate receptors; kainate (KA) receptor (KAR), the
N
-methyl-
d
-aspartate receptor, and the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor. Each is well characterized in the central nervous system, but glutamate has important signaling roles in peripheral tissues as well, including a role in regulating platelet function.

Objective:

Our previous work has demonstrated that glutamate is released by platelets in high concentrations within a developing thrombus and increases platelet activation and thrombosis. We now show that platelets express a functional KAR that drives increased agonist induced platelet activation.

Methods and Results:

KAR induced increase in platelet activation is in part the result of activation of platelet cyclooxygenase in a mitogen-activated protein kinase–dependent manner. Platelets derived from KAR subunit knockout mice (GluR6
−/−
) are resistant to KA effects and have a prolonged time to thrombosis in vivo. Importantly, we have also identified polymorphisms in KAR subunits that are associated with phenotypic changes in platelet function in a large group of whites and blacks.

Conclusions:

Our data demonstrate that glutamate regulation of platelet activation is in part cyclooxygenase-dependent and suggest that the KAR is a novel antithrombotic target.
Political Shocks and Social Movements
Authors: Rohlinger Deana A.
Published: August 2009

This special issue of American Behavioral Scientist, “Activism After 9/11,” addresses a void in the social movement research literature and illuminates the practical implications of political shocks, or dramatic changes to international and/or national systems that fundamentally alter the processes, relationships, and expectations that drive political interactions, on social movements and democratic processes. The nine original research articles in this volume examine how political shocks shape state response and, in turn, how these responses—represented in both policy and rhetoric—affect movement trajectories, opportunities for democratic expansion, democratic participation and protest, and coalition building. The work in this issue highlights the need for social scientists and citizens alike to understand how political shocks like 9/11 affect consensus, dissent, state transparency, and democratic processes more generally.
Ideological Consistency and Contextual Adaptation
Authors: Maney Gregory M. , Woehrle Lynne M. , Coy Patrick G.
Published: August 2009

The authors examine how the U.S. peace movement responded to the Bush administration’s attempts to generate and capitalize on a heightened sense of threat after the 9/11 attacks. Longitudinal analysis of statements by U.S. peace movement organizations issued before and after 9/11 indicates that the movement’s discourse is both ideologically consistent and contextually adaptive. In each period, movement discourse highlighted the U.S. government as a source of threat and people living outside of the United States as the targets of that threat. Nonetheless, the movement’s discourse changed significantly in the exacerbated climate of fear in the first 4 months after the 9/11 attacks and then began to revert to pre-9/11 patterns during the Iraq War when the salience of threat declined. This research significantly advances knowledge of social movement discourse by establishing that ideological consistency and contextual adaptation are not mutually exclusive, by highlighting the contextual and dialogical factors that encourage certain types of movement responses to dominant discourses, and by explaining the role of emotional work in mobilizing dissent.
Nested Institutions, Political Opportunity, and the Decline of the Iranian Reform Movement Post 9/11
Authors: Poulson Stephen C.
Published: August 2009

Using the recent Iranian reform movement (1997-2003) as an example, this article demonstrates how social movement activism in the Middle East is often constrained by U.S. foreign policy and rhetoric. Directly after the 9/11 attacks, there was a remarkable confluence of shared interests between Iranian reformers and U.S. policy makers. Despite common goals and interests—and an explicit desire by many in the Iranian reform movement to normalize relations with the United States—Iranian reformers were forced to abandon the possibility of cooperating with U.S. policy makers in 2002. Moreover, hostile American policies and rhetoric during 2002 contributed to the decline of the Iranian reform movement and strengthened conservative factions in the Iranian government. The Iranian case demonstrates the degree to which social movement opportunities in the Middle East are “nested” within the context of international relations.
Teacher Knowledge, Instructional Expertise, and the Development of Reading Proficiency
Authors: Reid Lyon G. , Weiser Beverly
Published: August 2009

Teacher knowledge and instructional expertise have been found in correlational and pre- and posttest studies to be related to student reading achievement. This article summarizes data presented in this special issue and additional research to address four questions: (a) What do expert reading teachers know? (b) Why do teachers need to acquire this knowledge? (c) Do teachers believe they have this knowledge? and (d) Are teachers being adequately prepared to teach reading? Well-designed studies relevant to this topic have been sparse with a noticeable lack of attention given to identifying specific causal links between teacher knowledge, teaching expertise, and student reading achievement. Until the appropriate research designs and methodologies are applied to address the question of causal effects, conclusions about the specific content that teachers must know and the instructional practices that are most beneficial in presenting this content are preliminary at best. Future studies of the effect of essential reading content knowledge must be extended beyond word-level skills to vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing.
Modeling the Fatigue Behavior of Plain Woven Fabrics Constructed from Textured Polyester Yarn
Authors: Asayesh Azita , Jeddi Ali A. A. , Ghadimi Parviz
Published: August 2009

This study focused on the prediction of fatigue behavior of plain woven fabrics using the yarn fatigue property and the structural-mechanical parameters of the fabric. For this purpose, the Eyring viscoelastic model was developed as a theoretical analysis to predict the fabric elongation while subjected to a constant cyclic load. It was suggested that the elongation of the fabric under constant cyclic load consists of three parts: fabric decrimping arising from yarn slippage in the fabric, yarn decrimping, and finally yarn elongation. Comparison between the theoretical and experimental results for different weave densities of fabric revealed a reasonable agreement between them. It was concluded that an increase in weave density leads to decrease in fabric fatigue.
Application of Contact Angle Measurement to the Manufacture of Textiles Containing Microcapsules
Authors: Salaün Fabien , Devaux Eric , Bourbigot Serge , Rumeau Pascal
Published: August 2009

The efficiency of a binder to link microcapsules on a textile surface depends on the compatibility of the different interfaces of the products involved in the coating process. The choice of a binder adapted to the microcapsules was determined in this study by the comparison of the surface energy components induced by the contact angle measurement method and washing tests. It was found that a polyurethane-based binder was the most suitable to link melamine formaldehyde microcapsules. Furthermore, the adhesion of microcapsules was closely dependent on the chemical nature and structure of the textile support.