bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Binding of Monoclonal IgM Rheumatoid Factor to Streptococci via the Antibody Combining Site
Authors: Schröder A.K. , Gharavi A.E. , Steinitz M. , Johansson P.J.H. , Christensen P.
Published: August 2009

Radiolabelled monoclonal IgM rheumatoid factors, four from patients with type II essential cryoglobulinaemia and one originating from a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, were tested for binding to group A, B, C and G streptococci and Escherichia coli Two of the preparations exhibited different binding patterns for the streptococci, whereas the remaining three were not reactive. The binding of one of the factors to group A streptococci type 15 was inhibited by F(ab′)2-fragments of anti-idiotypic antibodies but not anti-IgM Fc or F(ab′)2 of normal rabbit IgG, indicating that the reaction was mediated via the antibody combining sites.
Alterations in the Proliferative Responses of T Cells from Aged and Chimeric Mice
Authors: Iwashima Makio , Nakayama Toshinori , Kubo Masato , Asano Yoshihiro , Tada Tomio
Published: August 2009

Factors involved in the nonspecific and specific proliferative responses of T cells were examined in the A/J strain of mice that were physiologically aged in the specific pathogen-free condition. In aged A/J mice, the production of IL-1 and IL-2 from optimally stimulated peritoneal macrophages and splenic T cells was significantly decreased, while the production of IL-3 by T cells was increased. T cells from old mice showed a higher threshold for concanavalin A stimulation for the induction of IL-2 receptors. The same T cells responded only slightly in the mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) stimulated by allogeneic class II antigens, while they showed a high background stimulation without stimulators. The addition of syngeneic accessory cells did not increase the proliferative response of T cells from aged animals. T cells from bone marrow chimeras constituted by transferring stem cells from young A/J into irradiated old B10.A mice (young A/J → old B10.A chimeras) showed a pattern very similar to that of old A/J T cells, whereas those from the old A/J → young B10.A chimeras exhibited a response pattern comparable to that of normal young A/J cells. These results indicated that the proliferative responses in aged animals are abnormal, partially due to the alterations in the interleukin cascade. Some changes are probably due to the effect of environment where T cells undergo early differentiation, because bone marrow stem cells from aged mice can generate T cells with normal functions when differentiated in the young environment.
Influence of xid on Anti-Azophenylarsonate (Ar) Antibody Responses of (CBA/N × A/J)F1 Mice: Differential Idotype Expression Induced by Only One of Two Ar Antigens
Authors: Conger John D.
Published: August 2009

The influence of an X chromosome-linked immune deficiency gene (xid) on several properties of the anti-azophenylarsonate (Ar) antibody responses of (CBA/N × A/J)F1 (NAF1) mice was examined. With respect to response magnitude, it was found that male, xid-expressing NAF1 mice showed about 1/3 the concentration of serum anti-Ar antibody as normal female NAF1 mice in hyperimmune responses to Brucella abortus (BA)-Ar. In responses induced by keyhole limpet hemoycanin (KLH)-Ar, males showed responses of about 1/8 to 1/2 the female levels, depending on the assay time point. The kinetics of the latter response were identical in mice of the two sexes. No significant difference could be detected in the time-dependent avidity maturation of the anti-Ar antibody elicited by KLH-Ar in xid vs. normal mice. The isotype profile of the day 38 anti-Ar primary response elicited by KLH-Ar in male NAFi mice differed from that of the female mice in two ways: (1) IgG2a levels were depressed, and (2) a significantly lower number of the male mice demonstrated detectable IgG3 anti-Ar antibody production. The primary focus of this work was to determine the effect of xid on the expression of the major cross-reactive idiotype – CRIA – of A strain mice. It was found that while a significantly higher proportion of the female mice could be classified as high CRU producers in responses to BA-Ar, no difference could be demonstrated if the inducing antigen was KLH-Ar. It is proposed that the difference observed with the two antigens may be due to the more selective activation by KLH-Ar of a small subset of high affinity Ar-specific clones – which may be enriched for CRIA + precursors – in both normal and immune defective mice. In contrast, BA-Ar may ‘sample’ more of the total anti-Ar repertoire and thus reveal within it an xid-determined depression in the proportion of CRIA + clones. Finally, it is noted that the influence of xid appears to be largely of a stochastic, and not an absolute character.
Detection of Antigliadin Antibodies in Bullous Diseases and Their Recognition of Similar Antigenic Polypeptides
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Jain Naresh , Beutner Ernst H. , Chorzelski Tadeusz P.
Published: August 2009

The presence of antigliadin antibodies (AGA) in dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) has been associated with gluten-sensitive enteropathy. Because of the discrepancies in the specificity of AGA, we examined the sera of patients with DH, pemphigus and pemphigoid for AGA both by enzyme immunoassay and by immunofluorescence. Approximately 80–90% of sera of patients with DH had AGA. AGA were not disease-specific, they also occurred in about 40–80% of patients with pemphigus and pemphigoid depending on the method employed. In addition, AGA were also present in normal subjects. The incidence of AGA increased with age. AGA from patients with various bullous diseases recognized the same polypeptides thus suggesting that the presence of AGA cannot be regarded as a serological marker of DH.
T Cell Activation Surface Markers and Autologous Mixed Lymphocyte Reaction Do Not Differ in True and Pseudo Food Allergy
Authors: Dirienzo Walter , Ciprandi Giorgio , Caria Maria , Scordamaglia Antonio , Bagnasco Marcello , Canonica Giorgio Walter , Fudenberg Hugh
Published: August 2009

Eighteen patients affected by itching, urticaria, eczema, angioedema, and asthma related to foodstuff intake were studied and classified in two groups (true food allergy and pseudoallergy) on the basis of clinical data, skin prick tests, total and specific IgE levels (PRIST and RAST) and double-blind challenge test. Autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction (AMLR) and T cell activation markers were thought to be tests possibly useful to discriminate between ‘true’ food allergy and ‘pseudoallergy’. The present study failed to show either a significant increase in T cell activation markers (MLR4, la) or a significant decrease in AMLR proliferation in such subjects as compared to normal controls. In addition, we found no differences between ‘true’ allergic and ‘pseudoallergic’ patients on the basis of the parameters evaluated. Although the AMLR defect was reported both in asthma and in dermatitis, and therefore was thought to be related to atopy, the present data do not confirm this hypothesis in ‘true’ food allergy.
The Effect of Rheumatoid Factor on the Clearance of Endogenous Immune Complexes Formed in Low-Affinity Mice during the Induction of Immune Complex Disease
Authors: Devey Madeleine E. , Hogben D.N.
Published: August 2009

Intravenous injection of rheumatoid factor (RF) had a marked effect on the clearance kinetics of immune complexes (IC) formed in vivo during induction of chronic immune complex disease in low-affinity mice. RF resulted in a significant increase in IC level and clearance time in 64% of mice with circulating IC after antigen injection, suggesting that RF may alter the handling of potentially pathogenic IC which localize in the renal capillaries causing glomerulonephritis.
Reactivity of Two Major Allergens Isolated from Schistosoma japonicum Eggs against IgE and IgG Antibodies in Human Serum
Authors: Owhashi Makoto , Horii Yoichiro , Ishii Akira , Nawa Yukifumi
Published: August 2009

Antigenicity and specificity of two major allergens termed J1 and J2, both of which had been purified from soluble egg antigen (SEA) preparation of Schistosoma japonicum, were examined against serum from schistosomiasis japonica patients. By using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, specific IgE or IgG levels to J1 or J2 in the patients’ sera correlated well with those to crude SEA, indicating that J1 and J2 are the major antigens in SEA binding human IgE and IgG antibodies. Binding inhibition studies using 125I-J1 and 125I-J2 clearly showed that cross-reactivity was not present between J1 and J2 in terms of their capacity to bind IgG or IgE antibody. When antibody levels of an individual patient to these two purified antigens were compared, a high degree of correlation was observed between them, regardless of the class of antibody. However, specific IgE antibody levels of individual serum to J1 or J2 were not correlated with IgG antibody levels to the respective antigen.
Tolerance to Orally Induced Anaphylactic Sensitisation to Cow’s Milk Proteins and Patency of the Intestinal Mucosa in the Neonatal Guinea Pig
Authors: Weaver L.T. , Koritz T.N. , Coombs R.R.A.
Published: August 2009

Guinea pigs fed cow’s milk within 2 days of birth may acquire tolerance to anaphylactic sensitisation to cow’s milk proteins. Appreciable amounts of beta-lactoglobulin may be detected in their blood, in contrast with animals receiving cow’s milk later than this age. Uptake of beta-lactoglobulin from the gut to circulation ceases after the 6th postnatal day. These findings could be relevant to cot death in the human infant should the anaphylactic hypothesis be substantiated.
Participation of Cell-Mediated Immunity in Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis
Authors: Slavin Raymond G. , Hutcheson Patricia S. , Knutsen Alan P.
Published: August 2009

While IgE and IgG antibodies are thought to play important pathogenetic roles in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABA), the microscopic lung picture would implicate cell-mediated immunity. Patients with ABA do not manifest delayed skin test reaction to Aspergillus fumigatus (AF). This has been attributed to inhibition of lymphokines by histamine locally released as a result of the immediate skin test reaction. We tested 5 ABA patients for delayed hypersensitivity to AF. An attempt was made to ablate the immediate skin test reaction to determine if a delayed reaction might be unmasked. At concentrations of AF previously shown to produce marked immediate skin test reactions, the combination of cimetidine by mouth and chlorpheniramine mixed with AF in the skin test syringe completely eliminated the immediate skin test reaction in all 5 patients. In no case did a delayed reaction appear. Eight ABA patients showed in vitro lymphocyte stimulation responses to AF that were comparable to those of asthmatics and rhinitics with positive immediate skin test reactions to AF and no clinical evidence of ABA. It thus appears that ‘peripheral’ cell-mediated immune responses, namely delayed skin reactivity and peripheral blood lymphocyte proliferation to AF, are not present in ABA.
α2-Macroglobulin-Kallikrein Potentiates Contact System Activity: Possible Effect in Asthma
Authors: Freyria Anne-Marie , Lasser Elliott C. , Lyon Sandra G. , Simon Ronald A.
Published: August 2009

Bradykinin release, an end product of contact system activation, is thought to play a significant role in the pathophysiology of asthma. We have found an increased level of native α2-macroglobulin-kallikrein (α2M-KK) in asthma plasmas, and have demonstrated increased levels of contact system activity in these plasmas under certain laboratory conditions. We investigated the possible role of α2M-KK as a modulator of the contact system activity. α2M-KK potentiated the factor XII activation on kaolin and the kallikrein production in a dextran-sulfate-mediated assay. This potentiation presumably involves a proteolytic effect of α2M-KK on high molecular weight kininogen.
Effect of Cocaine on the Immune Response and Host Resistance in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Havas Francis , Dellaria Marco , Schiffman Gerald , Geller Ellen B. , Adler Martin W.
Published: August 2009

This study focuses on the effect of varying regimens of cocaine administration on three parameters of the immune response: antibody production, resistance to infection by Streptococcus pneumoniae following immunization, and resistance to tumors. The effect of cocaine on antibody production of female and male BALB/c mice was investigated to both a T-independent (pneumococcal polysaccharide type III [SSS-III]) and a T-dependent antigen (the 2,4-dinitrophenyl ligand [DNP]). It was found that high doses of cocaine injected 3 times/day prior to SSS-III resulted in a small rise in antibody levels in male mice. Low doses given for 4 days prior to or subsequent to SSS-III injection had no effect on the antibody response nor on the susceptibility to infection by live S. pneumoniae. High dosages of cocaine administered 3–5 times/day had no effect on the anti-DNP immune response of male mice but resulted in an almost 2-fold increase of anti-DNP plaque-forming cells in female mice.
Recurrence of an Allergic Inflammation of Air-Pouch Type in Rats and Possible Participation of Prostaglandin E2
Authors: Watanabe Masako , Ohuchi Kazuo , Tsurufuji Susumu
Published: August 2009

The recurrence of allergic inflammation, as examined by exudate accumulation, infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes into the exudate, edema formation, vascular permeability and prostaglandin E2 levels in the exudate, was induced by injecting the antigen, azobenzene arsonate-conjugated acetyl bovine serum albumin, into the capsule of the proliferative granulation tissue which had been formed by the first-time antigenic challenge injection into an air pouch in the dorsum of the sensitized rat. The recurrence of the allergic inflammation 4 and 24 h after the antigenic challenge was inhibited dose-dependently by treatment with cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors, suggesting the possible participation of cyclooxygenase products, especially prostaglandin E2. The difference in the allergic inflammatory responses induced by the first-time antigenic challenge and the second-time antigenic challenge was discussed from the viewpoint of chemical mediators.
Selection and Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies against a Major Allergen in Dermatophagoidespteronyssinus
Authors: Horn Nina , Lind Peter
Published: August 2009

Hybridomas were produced after immunization with Der p I (Ag 42, P1). Specific anti-Der p I activity was detected in a reverse ELISA using immobilized anti-mouse Ig and highly purified Der p I labelled with horseradish peroxidase. Stable subclones from 6 parental hybridomas were obtained. The species specificities of the monoclonal antibodies (MABs) were classified: (1) by an overlayer technique analogous to the CRIE technique, and (2) by two competitive ELISA techniques. One MAB recognized an epitope specific for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. This MAB was successfully employed as a coating reagent in a species-specific ELISA for Der p I in house dust. The remaining antibodies reacted with epitopes shared to varying degrees by either of two other Dermatophagoides species. MABs recognizing epitopes common to all 3 species were not observed. Mutual cross-inhibition studies revealed four topographically distinct antibody binding sites on Der p I.
Defective Concanavalin A-Induced Suppression in Bancroftian Filariasis
Authors: Vanamala C.R. , Narayanan P.R.
Published: August 2009

A concanavalin-A-induced suppressor cell assay was carried out in 10 patients with chronic filarial disease, 13 asymptomatic microfilaria carriers and 7 healthy subjects. Both the chronic filarial patients and the asymptomatic microfilaria carriers showed statistically significant reduced suppression indices when compared with the control subjects. The reduction in suppression indices was greater in the microfilaria carriers than in the chronic filarial patients.
Studies on Immunity in Hybridoma-Bearing Mice A. Immune Response to Antigens
Authors: Yin Jin-Zhu , Furusawa Shuichi , Hirano Takao , Ovary Zoltan
Published: August 2009

When BALB/c mice, which had rejected the anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE-producing hybridoma B 53, were immunized with DNP proteins, they produced much less anti-DNP antibodies than control (normal) mice. The anti-DNP plaque-forming cell (PFC) number was much less when spleen cells from mice immunized with DNP proteins were treated with sera of mice which had rejected the hybridoma B 53 than the PFC number from the same spleen cells not treated by the sera. The sera of mice which had rejected the hybridoma B 53 contained an inhibitor which was adsorbed and eluted from an anti-mouse immunoglobulin column and also a mouse anti-DNP IgG2a column. The inhibition of PFC was hapten-reversible. In Western blotting the eluates from the anti-DNP IgG2a column reacted as well with the blotted anti-DNP IgE B 53 as an anti-idiotypic antibody to anti-DNP IgE B 53. These criteria establish that the inhibitor in the sera of the mice which had rejected the B 53 tumor was an anti-idiotypic antibody of the type which mimics the epitope (DNP) of the immunizing antigen.
Eosinophil- and Neutrophil-Mediated Injury of Human Lung Fibroblast Cells
Authors: Cook R.M. , Ashworth R.F. , Musgrove N.R.J.
Published: August 2009

The effect of culturing purified rat peritoneal neutrophils and eosinophils with the human foetal lung fibroblast cell line, MRC-5, was studied. Target cell damage was measured by the failure of the MRC-5 cells to form confluent monolayers during a 6-day incubation period. Neutrophils were more effective at inhibiting cell growth than were eosinophils with >50% inhibition being recorded at initial effector: target cell ratios of 5:1 using neutrophils and 40:1 using eosinophils. Following stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), one quarter the number of eosinophils was required to give 50% inhibition of cell growth. The addition of either catalase or superoxide dismutase partly reduced the activity of PM A-stimulated eosinophils, although only with catalase did this reach significance. PMA-stimulated neutrophils did not show any enhanced activity against the MRC-5 cells. Addition of the bacterial analogue f-Met-Leu-Phe (10––7M) was unable to increase the cytotoxic activity of eosinophils. Disrupted eosinophil suspensions were as effective as intact cells at inhibiting the growth of target cells whereas some loss in effectiveness was seen with disrupted neutrophils. Membrane-free supernatants from both eosinophils and neutrophils were inactive. The results suggest that although eosinophils and neutrophils are both capable of damaging lung fibroblast cells in culture, the latter is more effective, eosinophils appearing to require an additional stimulation in vitro. Possible mechanisms of cytotoxicity are discussed.
IgA Class and Subclass Thyroid Auto-Antibodies in Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Authors: Weetman A.P.
Published: August 2009

The reported prevalence of IgA class thyroid antibodies in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is variable and the IgA subclass distribution in unknown, despite recent reports of IgG subclass restriction in the thyroid auto-antibody response. Using an ELISA, IgA class antibodies were found against thyroglobulin (Tg) and micro-somes (Mic) in 40–52% of patients with Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and, against thyroglobulin, they were detected in the absence of IgG antibodies in 10% of the cases. Both IgA1 and IgA2 subclasses were detected in all patients with IgA class antibodies, although a significantly higher proportion of IgA2 relative to IgA1 was found in microsomal compared with thyroglobulin antibodies. In view of the high turnover rate and unique complement-fixing properties of IgA2 antibodies, this class of thyroid auto-antibody may play an important role in determining the response in thyroid auto-immunity.
Irrelevant IgE Binding to Cellulose Discs in RAST
Authors: van Toorenenbergen A.W. , van Wijk Gerth , Dieges P.H. , Leijnse B.
Published: August 2009

This study describes two sera that showed irrelevant IgE binding to all allergen-coated cellulose discs tested. This irrelevant IgE binding was not observed when allergen extracts were coupled to agarose beads. Such irrelevant IgE binding can be detected using human serum albumin-coated discs.
Parasitic Modulation of Host Immune Mechanisms in Schistosomiasis
Authors: Attallah A.M. , Abdul-Aal G.M. , Urritia-Shaw A. , Murrell K.D. , Fleisher T.A. , Vannier W.E.
Published: August 2009

Antigen antibody complexes are suspected to play a role in the pathogenesis of some of the lesions that result from schistosomiasis. To examine the effect of immune complexes on the immune system of mice experimentally infected with Schistosoma mansoni, we measured antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-mediated serum hemolysis in normal and infected animals. ADCC activity in infected mice was depressed compared to control mice. However, preincubation of spleen cells for 24 h in medium followed by washing restored ADCC activity. This suggested that a soluble factor(s), presumably immune complexes, was bound to the Fc receptors with resultant block in ADCC activity and this was removed in vitro during the 24-hour preincubation. Furthermore, the complement activity of mouse serum was markedly depressed in mice infected for 3 or 6 weeks. Again, the presence of immune complexes could explain this depression since immune complexes bind complement. We attempted to confirm and extend these findings with an immunoperoxidase-staining technique using antibody to S. mansoni antigen. Most of the granuloma formations identified in portal tracts and intestinal mucosa were composed of macrophages and epithelial cells surrounding a central nidus of schistosome egg. In addition, schistosome antigen was seen diffusely bound to some of the lymphoid elements in the lamina propria and many of these cells appeared plasmacytoid. Furthermore, large amounts of schistosome antigen were sequestered in the medullary cords of the mesenteric lymph nodes and in the Billroth cords of the spleen. This suggests that the antigen is conveyed to the lymph nodes and the spleen through the systemic circulation. Taken together, these findings suggest the circulating immune complexes are a feature of schistosomiasis and may well contribute to the associated immunopathology.
Immunological Monitoring and Early Prediction of Rejection in Renal Allograft Recipients
Authors: Attallah Abdelfattah M. , Abdelghaffar Hassan , Alghraoui Fadi , Fawzy Ahmad , Alijani Mohamad R. , Mahmoud Lutfy A. , Ghoneim Mohamed A. , Helfrich Baird
Published: August 2009

Graft rejection remains the major problem complicating renal allograft transplantation. A reliable posttransplant predictor of impending rejection will be valuable to help maintain better graft function. We monitored 47 patients with end-stage renal disease treated by renal allograft starting 1 day pretransplantation and continuing for up to 90 days postgrafting. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from both patients and 71 healthy subjects were compared for: (1) DNA synthesis in T and B lymphocytes in response to mitogens; (2) interleukin-2 (IL-2) production; (3) natural killer (NK) and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytoxic (ADCC) activities; (4) induced augmentation of NK and ADCC activities by the biological response modifiers (BRM), lymphoblastoid interferon, recombinant alpha-2-interferon, gamma-interferon and recombinant IL-2. During the 2 weeks preceding rejection we found lower than normal levels of IL-2 production (p < 0.0005) and DNA synthesis (p < 0.01) in concanavalin A-stimulated PBMC. IL-2 yield reached its lowest level on the day of rejection and increased sharply the following week after antirejection therapy was started. Mitogen-stimulated DNA synthesis rose in parallel with increasing levels of IL-2 production. Both NK and ADCC activities increased during rejection (p < 0.05). The ADCC response to BRM activation measured during the first 2 weeks postgrafting was found to correlate with the stability of the graft. Recipients whose graft function remained stable had a minimal ADCC response to BRM. In contrast, recipients experiencing early latent rejection, i.e. prior to any clinical or biochemical sign of rejection, had a sustained and significant increase in ADCC response to BRM (p < 0.01). We concluded that the ADCC response to BRM may be used in the postgrafting period for the early immunological prediction of impending renal allograft rejection.
Evidence for an Activated Subpopulation of T8-Bearing Cells in Male Homosexuals with Lymphadenopathy
Authors: Hillman Janice , Russo Carlo , Weksler Marc E. , Siskind Gregory W.
Published: August 2009

Data are presented that male homosexuals with chronic lymphadenopathy and reduced numbers of T4-antigen-bearing cells have an increased incidence of activated T8-antigen-bearing cells. Evidence suggesting an increase in activated T cells in these subjects includes an increase in incidence of T10-antigen-bearing cells, an increase in la-bearing T cells and an increase in the intensity of staining of a fraction of the T8-antigen-bearing cells with fluorescein-labeled OKT8 monoclonal antibody. It was shown by double staining that most of the la-bearing T cells also bore the T8 marker. The heterogeneity of the la, assayed by reactivity with several monoclonal anti-la antibodies which detect different epitopes on the la molecule, was comparable in lymphadenopathy subjects and controls.
Abnormality in Actin Polymerization Associated with Defective Chemotaxis in Neutrophils from Neonates
Authors: Sacchi Fulvio , Augustine Nancy Hogan , Coello Mary M. , Morris Elizabeth Z. , Hill Harry R.
Published: August 2009

In an attempt to determine the mechanism of the profound defect in chemotaxis observed in the neutrophils of human neonates, we have examined the generation of polymerized or filamentous actin (F actin) following stimulation of the cells with chemotactic factors. We have also examined the changes in the intracellular levels of free calcium in neonatal neutrophils and compared the results with those in adult neutrophils. Following exposure to formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) or zymosan-activated serum (ZyAS), neutrophils from adult donors showed an increase in intracellular free calcium, as determined by Quin 2/AM fluorescence, and in actin polymerization (45–55%), as measured by nitrobenzoxadiazole phallicidin fluorescence. These responses were abolished by preincubation with the calcium antagonist verapamil (0.1 mM), which inhibits both calcium influx and release from intracellular stores. In marked contrast to the results obtained with neutrophils from adults, neutrophils from newborn infants, which have defective chemotactic responses, failed to generate F actin following FMLP or ZyAS stimulation and developed significantly lower levels of free intracellular calcium.
Effects of Aerosol Antigen Challenge in vivo on Responsiveness of Guinea Pig Tracheal and Parenchymal Strips in vitro to Contractile Agonists
Authors: Compton Mark R. , Seale Paul , Shaw John
Published: August 2009

Guinea pigs sensitized to produce IgG-like antibodies were challenged with aerosol antigen in vivo. The following day responses in vitro to histamine and carbachol of tracheal and lung parenchymal strips (LPS) from challenged animals and unchallenged controls were compared. Responses of LPS to both histamine and carbachol were increased in challenged animals but tracheal strips from challenged guinea pigs did not display increased sensitivity to histamine or carbachol compared with controls. Moreover, the sensitivity of tracheal strips to carbachol decreased in challenged animals. The increased sensitivity of LPS from challenged animals may be due to the release of chemical mediators and down regulation of postsynaptic muscarinic receptors may account for the decreased sensitivity of tracheal strips.
Oral Hyposensitisation with Enteric-Coated Allergens as Extension Therapy following a Basic Subcutaneous Course of Injections
Authors: Horak F. , Wheeler A.W.
Published: August 2009

We investigated in grass-pollen-sensitive adults the efficacy and safety of a therapeutic hyposensitisation regimen consisting of a basic pre-seasonal course of tyrosine-adsorbed glutaraldehyde-modified grass pollen extract (Pollinex), followed by oral extension treatment using encapsulated, particulate, enteric-coated grass pollen allergen. The daily recorded symptom scores both of these patients and of others treated with complete basic and extension courses of Pollinex indicated that both sets of patients had fared better during the grass pollen season than control patients who had received only the basic Pollinex injections.
Induction of Human Immunoglobulin Synthesis (IgG, IgA) by the Novel, T Cell Independent Mitogen Cytophaga allerginae Endotoxin
Authors: Alevy Yael G. , Compas Mary Beth
Published: August 2009

Cytophaga allerginae endotoxin (CAE) has been purified from C. allerginae, a newly discovered bacterial species isolated from a chilled water spray humidification system. The present study was undertaken in order to determine whether CAE can induce immunoglobulin synthesis by human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) in culture. To this end, human PBL were purified and cultured with either pokeweed mitogen at 5 μg/ml, or CAE (at varying concentrations) for 6 days. The levels of IgG and IgA in the supernatants were determined by the particle concentration fluorescence immunoassay and the IgE levels were determined by the avidin-biotin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our results indicate that CAE added to cultures in vitro induces IgG and IgA synthesis. CAE is a T cell independent mitogen inasmuch as ciclosporin A does not inhibit CAE-stimulated immunoglobulin synthesis but does inhibit PWM-stimulated immunoglobulin synthesis. In addition, CAE causes human B cell differentiation through the B1 and the DR determinants. In summary CAE is a novel mitogen which can be used to induce human IgG and IgA synthesis in a T cell independent manner.
Calcium Channels and Histamine Release from Mast Cells
Authors: West G.B.
Published: August 2009

Using isolated peritoneal mast cells from two types of genetically different rats, histamine release induced by allergic stimuli was inhibited, in all cases except one, by significantly lower concentrations of an intracellular calcium antagonist than those required to inhibit release induced by a calcium ionophore. The exception related to inhibition of histamine release induced by clinical dextran in NR rats (which are relatively less sensitive to dextran than are control rats) as the concentrations required were of a similar order as those needed to inhibit release by ionophores. The data further support the suggestion that there are different calcium channels involved in the different release processes.
IgG Subclass Responses and Immediate Skin Sensitivity in Guinea-Pigs with Chronic Relapsing Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Walls A.F. , Suckling A.J. , Rumsby M.G.
Published: August 2009

In strain-13 guinea-pigs inoculated for chronic relapsing experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (CR-EAE), IgG1 and IgG2 subclass antibody responses were investigated using single radial immunodiffusion and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for IgG1 and IgG2 specific for whole cord, myelin, myelin basic protein and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The early acute stage revealed no increase in IgG1 but was associated with increased levels of IgG2 specific for neural and adjuvant components. Throughout the chronic phase of the disease, there were increased levels of IgG of both subclasses specific for the antigens tested but a preferential synthesis of IgG1. Levels of both IgG1 and IgG2 specific for neuroantigens were lowest in those guinea-pigs which did not develop signs of chronic disease. Immediate skin sensitivity against a wide range of neural antigens was not demonstrated though positive results may have been masked by the ability of myelin basic protein to induce non-specific mast cell degranulation and by altered histamine responsiveness in disease. Guinea-pigs with chronic paralysis had a lower skin sensitivity to histamine, compound 48/80 and M. tuberculosis than those in remission.
Allergic Reactivity of Parthenium hysterophorus (Santa Maria Feverfew) Pollen: An Unrecognized Allergen
Authors: Wedner James , Zenger Vincent E. , Lewis Walter H.
Published: August 2009

Parthenium hysterophorus (PH), a member of the Asteraceae, is a ubiquitous weed found in great profusion in the United States Gulf coast area. A plant survey carried out in Texas Gulf coast demonstrated that around Corpus Christi, PH is the most prevalent weed. We have studied known ragweed-sensitive patients living in Austin and Corpus Christi, by radioallergosorbent test (RAST) analysis for PH and Ambrosia psilostachya (AP; western ragweed). Nine often patients from Austin were RAST-positive to PH and AP; 8 of the 10 patients had positive scores to both pollen extracts. All of the 8 patients from Corpus Christi were positive to both PH and AP. The Austin group showed a significant correlation between AP and PH RAST scores while no correlation between RAST values was seen in the Corpus Christi group. RAST inhibition analysis in this highly selected population did reveal patients that had true sensitivity to PH pollen alone or who were sensitive to both PH and AP pollen. This suggests that in areas where it is highly prevalent PH pollen is an overlooked cause of allergic disease.
Inhibition of Interleukin 2 by Serum in Healthy Individuals and in Patients with Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Fukushima Toshiyuki , Kobayashi Kazuo , Kasama Tsuyoshi , Kasahara Keita , Tabata Minoru , Sekine Fusao , Negishi Masao , Ide Hirotsugu , Takahashi Terumi
Published: August 2009

To study the mechanisms that regulate the activity of interleukin 2 (IL 2) and possibly limit its activity, we have examined normal human serum for its ability to inhibit IL 2-mediated proliferation of a cloned IL 2-dependent cytotoxic T lymphocyte line (CTLL). Normal human serum contains a factor capable of inhibiting IL 2 dependent proliferation of CTLL cells. This factor is absorbed with the cells but not IL 2 molecules. The inhibitor is heat-labile and inactivated by trypsin treatment. The molecular weight of the inhibitor is 70,000––220,000. The imbalance of the inhibitor is observed in serum from patients with autoimmune disease including systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. These results suggest that the serum IL 2 inhibitor may play an important role in the in vivo regulatory mechanism of IL 2 activity and in aberrant immune functions in humans.
Plasma Levels of Leukotrienes C4 and D4 during Wheezing Attack in Asthmatic Patients
Authors: Ōkubo T. , Takahashi H. , Sumitomo M. , Shindoh K. , Suzuki S.
Published: August 2009

To study a role of leukotrienes (LTs) in bronchial asthma, we measured LTC4 and LTD4 in plasma of 16 asthmatics during wheezing attack and of 4 normal subjects. Plasma of arterial blood was processed by extraction using the SEP-PAK, followed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Fractions from HPLC with elution times which corresponded to synthetic LTC4 and LTD4 were used for quantification of LTs by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and bioassay. LTC4 was detected in 13 out of 16 asthmatics by RIA (mean ± SD, 410 ± 630 pg/ml) and in 5 by bioassay. LTD4 was detected in 10 out of 16 asthmatics by RIA (mean ± SD, 540 ± 290 pg/ml) and in 7 by bioassay. No LTs were detected by either method in the normal subjects. The present study shows that LTC4 and LTD4 play a role as chemical mediators during asthmatic attack.
Human Cytotoxic T-Cells against Measles Virus-Infected and Myelin Basic Protein-Coated Targets Are Cross-Reactive
Authors: Matossian-Rogers Arpi , Dos Santos Ana , Festenstein Hilliard
Published: August 2009

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) which recognized measles virus antigens were generated by in vitro sensitization of peripheral blood lymphocytes from normal volunteers against autologous measles virus-infected lymphocytes. Cytotoxicity of measles virus-infected targets by these effectors was considerably enhanced when the effector-target cell mixtures were incubated in presence of 10 or 100 ng myelin basic protein (MBP) for the 3-hour duration of the 51Cr release assay. In most experiments, specific release of radioisotope was doubled or tripled. Bovine serum albumin caused only slight increases in cytotoxicity. The killing of allogeneic target cells by alloimmune CTL was not affected by either of these reagents. Measles-specific CTL were also able to kill target cells that were cultured overnight in presence of MBP but washed prior to the assay. Conversely, CTL generated by culturing lymphocytes in presence of MBP for 6 days were able to kill MBP-coated and measles virus-infected target cells. The implications of these findings in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis are discussed.
Crawfish and Lobster Allergens: Identification and Structural Similarities with Other Crustacea
Authors: Halmepuro L. , Salvaggio J.E. , Lehrer S.B.
Published: August 2009

Antigenic and allergenic components in crawfish and lobster extracts were studied using crossed immunoelectrophoretic techniques. Crossed immunoelectrophoresis with rabbit antisera revealed 23 antigens in crawfish and 17 antigens in lobster extracts. Both extracts exhibited structural similarities in antigens mutually and with other Crustacea in crossed-line immunoelectrophoresis. Crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis (CRIE) demonstrated 6 crawfish and 4 lobster allergens when individual or pooled sera from radioallergosorbent test (RAST)-positive crustacea-sensitive subjects were used. Since radiostaining was also observed with sera from RAST-negative nonsensitive subjects, specificity of IgE binding was tested using CRIE-inhibition. Preincubation of RAST-positive sera with crawfish or lobster extract decreased radiostaining in CRIE, while no changes occurred when using control sera. These results confirmed the presence of IgE-mediated mechanisms in seafood allergy and demonstrated a number of shared antigenic determinants among Crustacea allergens.
Kidney Mast Cells, IgE and Release of Inflammatory Mediators Capable of Altering Renal Haemodynamics
Authors: Assem E.S.K. , Abdullah Azizan , Cowie A.G.A.
Published: August 2009

Collagenase-dispersed human, guinea pig and rat kidney cells, actively or passively sensitized with IgE or IgG subclasses, released histamine, leukotriene C4 and thromboxane B2 on challenge with the specific antigen or antisera to mast-cell-sensitizing immunoglobulins. A similar reaction occurred in the isolated perfused kidney of sensitized guinea pigs, which additionally showed vasoconstriction. Mast cells were identified in cell suspensions and tissue sections. These findings provide support for the possible role of IgE and mast cells in renal pathophysiology.
Interferon and β2-Microglobulin in Patients with Common Variable Immunodeficiency or Selective IgA Deficiency
Authors: Strannegård Ö. , Björkander J. , Hellstrand K. , Pacsa A. , Hermodsson S. , Hanson L.Å.
Published: August 2009

The production of interf eron (IFN) after stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with Sendai virus or phytohemagglutinin was studied in patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) or selective IgA deficiency. Cells from CVID patients produced significantly more Sendai virus-induced (a) and mitogen-induced (γ) IFN than cells from healthy control subjects. By contrast, some patients with selective IgA deficiency produced subnormal amounts of IFN-α. Neither IFN-α nor IFN-γ was detectable in sera from the two categories of patients using radioimmunoassays with sensitivity limits of 5–10 international units per milliliter. With the aid of a more sensitive bioimmunoassay, however, antiviral activity was detected more frequently in sera from patients with CVID than in sera from control individuals. Acid treatment and absorption with anti-IFN-α and anti-IFN-β sera indicated that the antiviral activity was due to IFN, with no preponderance of any particular IFN type. Determination of beta-2-microglobulin (β2M) concentrations revealed that CVID patients had markedly, and IgA-deficient patients moderately increased serum levels of this substance, as compared to healthy blood donors. Since IFN enhances the synthesis of β2M the finding of increased levels of this substance in CVID would be consistent with the observed hyperproduction of IFN. The present findings are concordant with earlier observations of increased natural killer cell activity in at least some forms of CVID and suggest that increased activity of the IFN/natural killer cell system provides a mechanism which may compensate for the defective B cell function in these patients. It cannot be excluded, however, that hyperproduction of IFN plays a role in the pathogenesis of certain forms of CVID.
Allergenic Cross-Reactivity of Egg-White and Egg-Yolk Proteins
Authors: Walsh B.J. , Elliott C. , Baker R.S. , Barnett D. , Burley R.W. , Hill D.J. , Howden M.E.H.
Published: August 2009

The radioallergosorbent test (RAST) and RAST inhibition test were used to examine cross-allergenicity amongst the major hen’s egg-white and egg-yolk proteins. Using ovalbumin as a reference allergen to compare cross-reactivity, it was apparent that the proteins conalbumin, ovomucoid and lysozyme substantially inhibited binding to ovalbumin discs of IgE in the sera of patients clinically hypersensitive to egg. The converse situation with conalbumin, ovomucoid and lysozyme on the discs and ovalbumin as the inhibitor also resulted in significantly decreased levels of IgE binding to the proteins on the discs. It was also demonstrated that cross-reactions occurred between ovalbumin and the yolk protein, apovitellenin I. Cross-reaction was also observed surprisingly when egg lysozyme was on the disc and the milk protein allergen alpha-lactalbumin was used as the inhibitor. The demonstration of cross-reaction between all of these proteins may signify that there are a number of common allergenic determinants on these egg proteins, thus providing a molecular basis for the phenomenon of cross-reactivity.
Anti-Idiotypic Antibody as a Mirror Image of the Paratope of the Original Antibody
Authors: Furusawa Shuichi , Okitsu-Negishi Shoko , Yoshino Kazuya , Mizoguchi Masako , Noguchi Yoshikuni
Published: August 2009

Immunization with 2,4-dinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet hemocyanin (DNP-KLH) produced antibodies with combining sites (paratope) which could accomodate not only the 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl (TNP) antigen but also the 4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl (NP) and 4-hydroxy-5-iodo-3-nitrophenyl (NIP) antigens, while immunization with NIP-KLH or TNP-KLH produced antibodies with combining sites which could accomodate only the homologous antigens. Utilizing these cross-reacting anti-hapten antibodies mentioned above, an anti-idiotypic antibody was investigated and characterized. Anti-DNP antibodies (Ab1) cross-reacted with the epitopes TNP, NP or NIP. It was also shown that heterologous anti-anti-DNP antibodies (Ab2) recognized not only the antibody which was produced by immunization with DNP-KLH, but also the antibodies produced by immunization with NIP-KLH, NP-KLH or TNP-KLH. The guinea pig anti-idiotypic antibody which we obtained using murine anti-DNP antibodies (Ab1) as antigen is therefore better defined not as an internal image of the antigen but as a mirror image of the paratope of the immunizing Ab1.
A Specific Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Definition of the IgG Antibody Response to Disulphide-Conjugated D-Penicillamine in the Rabbit
Authors: Foster Amanda L. , Park B.K. , Coleman J.W.
Published: August 2009

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been developed for unambiguous detection of antibodies against the sulphydryl drug D-penicillamine (PA) and its disulphide-conjugated metabolites. Disulphide-linked PA human serum albumin (PA-HSA) conjugates for use as coating antigens were prepared by a range of procedures employing oxidation with either potassium ferricyanide (0.1 M) or cupric sulphate (5 ppm). A satisfactory degree of conjugation was achieved by both oxidative procedures. Hapten density and antigenicity were increased when urea-denatured rather than non-denatured HSA was used. In 2 out of 3 rabbits, a specific IgG anti-PA response was detected following monthly injection of PA keyhole limpet haemocyanin (PA-KLH) in Freund’s complete adjuvant. In the third rabbit, any anti-PA activity was obscured by a high level of binding to HSA. The anti-PA response was slow to develop in the 2 responder rabbits (requiring four injections) and was of low intensity (antibody titres < 6,000). In contrast, the IgG antibody response to the structurally related drug captopril (CP), administered under identical conditions, was rapid in onset and of greater intensity (titres > 6,000 after one injection of CP-KLH). The hapten specificity of the IgG anti-PA-HSA antisera was defined by ELISA inhibition assays. Binding of IgG to PA-HSA was inhibited by PA, PA disulphide, PA cysteine and disulphide-linked PA-HSA conjugates, but not by PA acetone (thiazolidine ring-linked PA), CP, or unconjugated HSA. The inhibitory preparations were inactive in unrelated ELISAs. We conclude that PA in disulphide-linked form is immunogenic, albeit weakly, and that ELISA offers a useful method for definition of antibody specificity for chemically defined forms of PA.
Drugs as Allergens: The Molecular Basis of IgE Binding to Thiopentone
Authors: Harle D.G. , Baldo B.A. , Smal M.A. , Fisher M.M.
Published: August 2009

Using an immunoassay developed for the detection of thiopentone-reactive IgE antibodies, the combining site specificities of such antibodies found in sera of patients who experienced life-threatening anaphylactic reactions to the drug were studied. The antibody combining sites from one patient were complementary to the region of the thiopentone molecule containing a thio group at position 2 of the barbiturate ring. The allergenic determinant recognized by IgE antibodies from another patient encompassed a secondary pentyl group and an ethyl group attached to position 5 on the other side of the barbiturate ring. Thus, it is already clear that there is more than one allergenic determinant on the thiopentone molecule with the capacity to provoke IgE formation and drug-induced allergic reactions.
Effects of Antigen Challenge on Intestinal Permeability and Morphology in Rats Immunized with Gliadin or Ovalbumin
Authors: Sjölander Anita , Magnusson Karl-Eric
Published: August 2009

In this study we have investigated the possible effects of a local immune response on the intestinal permeability and morphology in rats. The animals were immunized subcutaneously by small doses of gliadin or ovalbumin. Immunization with gliadin led to small but significantly increased levels of IgA and IgM antibodies, similar to those reported for patients with coeliac disease. Immunization with ovalbumin gave significantly increased antibody levels of IgE, IgG, IgA and IgM. Subsequent antigen provocations by oral administration of gliadin (1 mg), together with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled dextran (molecular weight 3,000 daltons) as permeability marker, resulted in an increased intestinal permeability for this marker. This alteration of the intestinal permeability was qualitatively similar to that previously reported for patients with coeliac disease. Antigen provocation with ovalbumin caused a decreased permeability for both dextran and different-sized polyethylene glycols, but first at a dose of 40 mg. Direct antigen administration (gliadin or ovalbumin) into a ligated part of the ileum gave qualitatively similar but less pronounced permeability changes when compared with the effects obtained after oral administration of the respective antigen. However, neither gliadin nor ovalbumin challenge led to any ultrastructural changes of the intestinal wall. In summary, we have been successful in inducing specific antibody responses towards gliadin in rats and increased intestinal permeability upon gliadin provocation without any coexisting morphological alterations.