bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyclic AMP-Mediated Modulation of the Production of the Second Component of Human Complement by Monocytes
Authors: Lappin D. , Whaley K.
Published: July 2009

The production of the second complement component (C2) by human monocytes in culture was inhibited by increasing their intracellular concentrations of cAMP following the addition to the culture medium of dibutyryl-cyclic AMP, 8-bromo-cyclic AMP, theophylline, isobutylmethylxanthine, cholera toxin or adenosine. The effects were not due to cytotoxicity or loss of cells from the monolayers, and therefore must reflect a decreased synthesis or secretion of C2. Although dibutyryl-cyclic GMP enhanced C2 production, 8-bromo-cyclic GMP, ascorbic acid and sodium nitroprusside did not have this effect. These observations suggest that the action of dibutyryl-cyclic GMP is not due to elevation of cyclic GMP levels and that cyclic GMP levels do not play a major role in C2 production by monocytes.
Influence of the Alternative Protein A Interaction on the Precipitation between Human Monoclonal Immunoglobulins and Protein A from Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Inganäs M. , Johansson S.G.O.
Published: July 2009

A quantitative nephelometric test system was used to evaluate the prerequisites for occurrence of precipitation between human immunoglobulins and protein A from Staphylococcus aureus. Purified human monoclonal IgG, IgA, and IgM with varying expressions of the alternative Fab-related protein A reactivity and F(ab′)2γ, Εcγ, and F(ab′)2α fragments from the myeloma proteins were tested for their precipitation reaction with protein A and for their ability to induce coprecipitation with protein A and to inhibit the precipitation between human polyclonal IgG and protein A. The results indicate that both the classical Fcγ and the alternative F(ab’)2ε equivalent protein A interactions are needed to obtain precipitation between protein A and IgG. Fcγ fragments from three IgG myeloma proteins inhibited the precipitation between human polyclonal IgG and protein A in the same way, indicating that the Fcγ fragment is monovalent in its reaction with protein A. In contrast, polyclonal F(ab′)2α fragments precipitated protein A in the presence of nonprecipitating rabbit IgG, suggesting that the alternative protein A reactivity is bivalently expressed in human immunoglobulins.
Serum and Salivary Antibody Responses and the Development of Oral Tolerance after Oral and Intragastric Antigen Administration
Authors: Matthews J.B. , Fivaz B.H. , Sewell H.F.
Published: July 2009

Repeated administration of human serum albumin to female Wistar rats via stomach tube or dropwise into the oral cavity resulted in simultaneous induction of serum and salivary antibody together with a state of specific systemic hyporesponsiveness. The induction of the hyporesponsive state was found to be related to the level and class of serum antibody elicited by ingested antigen. Rats dosed intragastrically produced low levels of serum antibody, predominantly of the IgM class; some of the rats dosed orally responded similarly, and both groups were hyporesponsive on subsequent parenteral immunisation with human serum albumin. However, other rats dosed orally produced IgG serum antibody and were not hyporesponsive, except when assayed for cross-reacting antibodies to bovine serum albumin. The kinetics of the immune response after parenteral challenge was similar in experimental and control rats over the 5-week test period.
Depression of Neutrophil Chemotaxis in Atopic Individuals
Authors: Radermecker M. , Maldague M.-P.
Published: July 2009

Neutrophil chemotaxis was compared in normal and atopic individuals using a modified Boyden chamber with as chemotactant, autologous serum either unactivated or activated by zymosan or an endotoxin-containing house dust preparation. A high incidence of defective leukotaxis was found in atopies when cells were opposed to activated serum. The cause of this abnormality is not intrinsic to the leukocytes since random migration and chemotaxis towards unactivated serum were comparable in normal and atopic subjects. The defect persisted when atopic leukocytes were opposed to activated normal serum and the chemotactic response of normal neutrophils was not impaired when tested against activated atopic serum. Leukotaxis was significantly depressed by incubating atopic leukocytes with allergen to which they were sensitized, suggesting an inhibitory effect of mediators of anaphylaxis. Histamine inhibited in vitro neutrophil chemotaxis in normal and atopic subjects. This inhibition was dose-related and significantly more pronounced in atopies. Incubation of atopic leukocytes with an H2 antagonist, cimetidine, was capable of enhancing their chemotactic responsiveness towards activated autologous serum to levels observed in normal controls. In the same conditions, an H1 blocker, promethazine, was without effect. These data indicate that the leukotactic dysfunction of atopic individuals results from an abnormal sensitivity of these leukocytes to histamine which, in the chemotactic chamber, may be released from basophils by products of complement activation and, in some experimental conditions, by antigen to which cells are sensititized.
Early and Late Reactions in Contact Sensitivity in the Mouse
Authors: MacKenzie A.R. , Pattison J. , Hillier M.A.
Published: July 2009

Several phases of plasma extravasation have been identified during the course of a contact sensitivity challenge reaction in mice. An early reaction at 1 h is seen which may be mast cell mediated. This is followed by the main phase of extravasation at 3–4 h. This phase is not seen in mice sensitized for less than 5 days and is transferable passively by serum. Between 8 and 15 h there is a prolonged period of moderately intense extravasation which represents the delayed hypersensitivity component of the reaction. Beyond 15 h there is virtually no further extravasation.
Immune Responses to Lipoteichoic Acid: Comparison of Antibody Responses in Rabbits and Mice
Authors: Jackson Dianne E. , Wicken A.J. , Jackson G.D.F.
Published: July 2009

Humoral immune responses to lipoteichoic acid (LTA) as a surface antigen of Lactobacillus jermentum were assessed in rabbits and mice. Intravenous injection of rabbits with whole bacteria was effective, over a wide range of doses (104 to 1010 cells), in eliciting antibodies to LTA. In mice, significant levels of anti-LTA antibodies were induced only following intraperitoneal injection of 108 to 109L. fermentum cells. Rabbit antibodies to LTA were predominantly of the IgM class and were specific for the polyglycerol phosphate and carbohydrate moieties of the LTA. In contrast, both IgM and IgG anti-LTA antibodies were produced in the mouse, and antibody specificity was restricted to the polyglycerol phosphate sequence.
Effects of Basic Proteins on Spontaneous Rosette Formation between Human Lymphocytes and Xenogeneic Erythrocytes
Authors: Hokland Peter , Heron Iver , Larsen Børge
Published: July 2009

Two basic proteins (methylated human serum albumin, MHSA, and protamine sulphate, PS) were investigated for their modulatory capacities on a panel of human lymphocyte surface markers. MHSA and PS enhanced the spontaneous rosettes with mouse, sheep and horse erythrocytes, but did not affect the number of rosettes with zymosan particles coated with human complement, or with sheep erythrocytes sensitized with rabbit anti-sheep IgG antibody. Whereas the standard sheep (E) rosette test was not influenced by the negatively charged glycoprotein ceruloplasmin, this compound could, however, abolish the MHSA- and PS-induced enhancements of the number of sheep rosettes. By double marker studies it was furthermore demonstrated that a subset of B cells was induced by MHSA to form E rosettes, and that the same agent increased the number of B cells forming mouse rosettes, so that nearly all B cells were made positive for this marker.
Development of Cell-Mediated Hypersensitivity in Guinea Pigs following Infection with Nocardia asteroides
Authors: Hiramine Chiharu , Hojo Kenji , Yano Ikuya
Published: July 2009

Partially purified protein antigen which was prepared from cells of Nocardia asteroides was used to assess the immune responsiveness of guinea pigs inoculated subcutaneously with living N. asteroides. Cell-mediated reactivity, as measured by in vitro lymphocyte transformation of and blastogenic factor production by lymph node cells as well as a delayed skin reaction, appeared clearly at 1 week after N. asteroides infection, when an early abscess was formed at the inoculated site. The in vitro proliferative response of lymph node cells reached a maximum at 2 weeks at which time the lesion of the inoculated site showed central suppuration surrounded by epithelioid and giant cells. The lymphocyte transformation response then declined rapidly but a significant response continued until 6 weeks after infection. The production of blastogenic factor was maximum at 3 weeks, but continued till 6 weeks. A high level of skin reactivity was maintained until 6 weeks. By 6 weeks after infection the lesion at the inoculated site usually resolved and disappeared. Thus, enhancement of cell-mediated reactivity coincided with the time of granulomatous conversion of an early suppurative abscess at the site of inoculation of Nocardia organisms. In studies on the lymphocyte proliferative response in vitro of N. asteroides-infected animals, purified lymph node T cell populations failed to respond to Nocardia antigen, but they could be induced to proliferate in the presence of autologous macrophages or B cells. Purified B lymphocytes, though unresponsive to Nocardia antigen by themselves or following the addition of macrophages, were stimulated by Nocardia antigen in the presence of T cells. The proliferative response of lymph node cells to Nocardia antigen seems to be the result of a collaborative event that occurs between T cells and macrophages or T and B cells.
Skin Tests in a Primate Model of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis
Authors: Slavin Raymond G. , Fischer Vernon W. , Hutcheson Patricia S. , Tsai Cheng C.
Published: July 2009

We have previously reported producing a primate model of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in which monkey precipitating IgG and transfused human IgE antibodies against Aspergillus fumigatus (AF) combined with aerosolized AF to produce an inflammatory response in the lung. In this study we attempt to demonstrate similar changes in the skin. Immunized and unimmunized monkeys with and without IgG precipitating antibody to AF were injected at multiple sites intradermally with normal human serum or human serum rich in IgE against AF. 1 day later each site was injected with AF. Serial skin biopsies were taken at intervals of 15min and 1, 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h and light microscopic, immunofluorescent, and electron microscopic studies were performed. The most profound changes were associated with simian antibody (IgG) and human antibody (IgE) directed against AF and consisted of perivascular and interstitial neutrophilic infiltration at 2 h, eosinophils at 6 h, and mononuclar cells at 24 h. Immunofluorescent staining for fibrin-fibrinogen, IgM, and C3 was present and diapedesis of cells to extra-vascular dermal areas was evident. The skin does appear to mirror the inflammatory changes seen in the lung in this primate model of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and should afford a useful model for further studies.
Role of Aerobic Conditions in the Control of Cell Proliferation
Authors: Karlberg Inger , Lindahl-Kiessling Kerstin , Löw Hans , Mattsson Anita
Published: July 2009

Our experiments demonstrate that proliferation of human lymphocytes as well as fibroblasts is inhibited by oxygen. It is not a toxic effect and it has not been possible to find an intermediary link in intracellular glycolysis, oxidative metabolism, or macromolecule synthesis. Accessory cells may reduce the inhibitory action of oxygen, thereby exerting an influence on the growth rate. In view of recent hypotheses on the mediation of hormone effects via a membrane dehydrogenase system our results may indicate that also the mitotic activation is dependent on the redox state of the membrane for the function of a proton gradient across the plasma membrane itself, delivering energy for glucos and amino acid transport.
Studies on the K Antibody Response in Rabbits Immunized with a Pool of Five Different K Antigen-Containing Escherichia coli
Authors: Kaijser B.
Published: July 2009

The Escherichia coli K antibody response in rabbits which were immunized with a mixture of E. coli O1K1H7, O6K2a2cHl, O4K12, O6K13H1 and O6K53, or with only one of these strains, was analyzed using indirect hemagglutination. Some K antigens gave generally high antibody response, while others did not. There was no statistically significant difference concerning K antibody response for each of the K antigens when the rabbits were immunized with one strain or a mixture of strains. The information is important for the composition of a future E. coli vaccine containing several K antigens.
IgE-Mediated Histamine Release from Human Basophils: Differences between Antigen E- and Anti-IgE-Induced Secretion
Authors: Marone Gianni , Kagey-Sobotka Anne , Lichtenstein Lawrence M.
Published: July 2009

The mechanism of the IgE-mediated release of histamine from human basophils differs when the process is initiated by antigen as compared to anti-IgE (a-IgE). Antigen causes release from the basophils of different individuals over a wide range of concentrations, while release to a-IgE occurs over a limited concentration range; antigen excess inhibition is also relatively slight as compared to that observed with a-IgE. Release by antigen occurs with a shorter lag period and a more rapid rate than seen with a-IgE· Agonists which inhibit release by acting through adenylate cyclase (dimaprit, adenosine, isoproterenol) are significantly more potent with respect to antigen than to a-IgE-induced release. Other agonists (3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, dibutyryl cyclic AMP) which increase cyclic AMP by different mechanisms are equally effective against antigen and a-IgE, suggesting that the receptor-adenylate cyclase interactions differ between the two stimuli. The cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin, consistently enhances antigen- but not a-IgE-induced release while cytochalasin B, which acts in part on microfilaments, enhances both processes equally. These data indicate that cross-linking of surface antibody IgE by antigen initiates a release process different from that caused by a-IgE, perhaps because the former is a multivalent ligand and the latter is functionally bivalent.
Antibodies to Canine Helminth Parasites in Asthmatic and Nonasthmatic Children
Authors: Desowitz Robert S. , Rudoy Raoul , Barnwell John W.
Published: July 2009

We studied the prevalence of IgE and IgG antibodies to Toxocara canis and Dirojilaria immitis, helminth parasites of dogs, in asthmatic and nonasthmatic children born and raised in Hawaii. The serologic pattern of the two groups was found to differ significantly. Of the 80 asthmatic subjects, 45.0% had IgE antibody and 17.5% IgG-precipitating antibody to one or both parasites. In contrast, of the 96 nonasthmatic children studied 7.5% were positive for IgE antibody and 31.3% positive for IgG antibody.
Isolation and Partial Characterization of Allergen C from Kentucky Blue Grass Pollen
Authors: Chakrabarty S. , Ekramoddoullah A.K.M. , Kisil F.T. , Sehon A.H.
Published: July 2009

An allergenic component, designated as Allergen C, was isolated from the retentate (R) of the aqueous extract of defatted Kentucky blue grass (KBG) pollen by a combination of preparative isoelectrofocussing and gel filtration. Allergen C was found to be a glycoprotein with molecular size of the order of 11,000 daltons and had a pI value of ∼9.7. It possessed all the allergenic determinants collectively present in R. The allergenic activity was found to be associated with the protein moiety of the molecule. Allergen C was one of the 15 antigenic components detectable in R by crossed immunoelectrophoresis with a hyperimmune sheep antiserum to R. Observations based on enzymatic degradation of the molecule suggested that the determinants recognized by murine IgE antibodies were different from those which combined with rabbit precipitating antibodies.
Adjuvant Effect of Nonionic Block Polymer Surfactants in Humoral and Cellular Immunity
Authors: Snippe H. , De Reuver M.J. , Strickland Faith , Willers J.M.N. , Hunter R.L.
Published: July 2009

The adjuvant activities of four chemically similar, but physicochemically different nonionic surface-active agents called pluronic polyols F 68, L 31, L 101 and L 121 were studied. These four agents were tested in mice using an experimental model developed for studying the adjuvant activity of the cationic surface-active agent dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium bromide (DDA). L 121 and DDA enhanced the primary antibody response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) while F 68, L 31 and L 101 suppressed this response. The secondary humoral response to SRBC was enhanced by the polyol L 121 while the secondary response to dinitrophenylated bovine serum albumin (DNP22-BSA) was enhanced by both L 121 and L 101. DDA and the polyol L 101 were very effective adjuvants for induction of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) to SRBC and DNP22-BSA after intracutaneous immunization of mice with a mixture of antigen and adjuvant. Since the four pluronic polyols were composed of identical chemical constituents, we proposed that difference in their activities as adjuvants were due to variation in their physicochemical properties. A correlation was found between a physicochemical parameter, the hydrophilelipophile balance (HLB), and the adjuvant activities of the pluronic polyols and several other types of nonionic surface-active agents. The agents which were strong adjuvants all had HLB values within a narrow range which classified them as spreading agents.
Imbalances of T Cell Subpopulations in Primary Immunodeficiencies and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Pandolfi F. , Quinti Isabella , Sirianni Maria-Caterina , Fiorilli M. , Zolla Silvana , Aiuti F.
Published: July 2009

In the present report we describe a recently proposed technique for the enumeration of T lymphocyte subpopulations. The study was performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of 21 patients with primary immunodeficiencies and 10 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). With this methodology, sheep rosettes are evaluated before and after preincubation with theophylline. Previous reports have shown that cells rosetting after the preincubation (T-res) contain most of the percentages of the helper activity, whereas sensitive cells (T-sens) exert suppression. T-res and T-sens cells were compared to several clinical and immunological parameters, including the detection of lymphocytes with Fc IgM and IgG receptors. We demonstrated a significant positive correlation between T-res and and EAox IgM cells and between T-sens and EAoxIgG cells. In addition, patients with Ig defects demonstrated heterogeneity regarding alterations in the proportions of T-res and T-sens cells. On the contrary, in 8 patients with SLE, there was a markedly reduced proportion of T-sens cells. Variations in the balance of subpopulations were observed after treatment with thymic hormones and levamisole. We may conclude that theophylline rosettes represent an easy technique that can be profitably used in the evaluation of T cell subpopulations in immunological diseases.
Studies on Alternaria Allergens
Authors: Vijay H.M. , Huang H. , Lavergne G. , Young N.M. , Bernstein I.L.
Published: July 2009

Earlier, it was reported that most of the allergenic activity of Alternariatenuis seemed to reside in the last Sεphadex G-100 fraction (G3, molecular weight ∼ 20,000). These conclusions were based on results obtained by the in vitro techniques of radioallergosorbent tests (RAST) and RAST inhibition. In the present studies, the allergenic activity of A. tenuis fractions was measured in vivo. It was found that fraction G3 was neither capable of inducing reaginic (IgE) antibodies in rats nor eliciting a skin reaction in rats sensitized with reagins against A. tenuis non-dialyzable fraction (MW > 12,000). On the other hand, subtractions G2D3 and G2D4 obtained from the middle fraction of G-100 (G2, MW ∼ 30,000–40,000) followed by ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, showed the greatest allergenic activity in vivo, giving high titered reaginic antibodies in rats. When compared by RAST inhibition, the activities of fractions G2D3 and G2D4 were slightly lower than that of G3. Fraction G3 was immunogenic in rabbits. In immunodiffusion tests, G2D3, G2D4 and G3 appeared to be identical and they were cross-inhibiting in RAST inhibition tests. It was concluded that the sizes and multivalent properties of G2 and G3 antigens exerted a strong influence on their allergenic activities in rats (IgE antibody production) but this factor was of little importance for their antigenic activity in rabbits (precipitin antibody production) and their behaviour in the in vitro tests.
Modulation of the Eosinophil Chemotactic Factor (ECF) Release from Various Cells and Their Subcellular Components by Phospholipids
Authors: König W. , Kroegel C. , Pfeiffer P. , Tesch H.
Published: July 2009

An eosinophil chemotactic factor (ECF) can be released from human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), rat mononuclear and rat mast cells by the calcium ionophore (A23187), during phagocytosis, by arachidonic acid and phospholipase A2. It has been suggested that stimuli such as the ionophore and the phagocytic event lead to phospholipid turnover with the generation of arachidonic acid which is subsequently transformed by a lipoxygenase-like enzyme into ECF. Addition of phospholipids such as phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidvlinositol during ionophore stimulation of various cells increased the ECF release significantly. ECF activity is also enhanced in the presence of indomethacin at concentrations which inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. With bromphenylacylbromide and eicosatetraynoic acid, ECF generation as well as the chemotaxis of eosinophils is inhibited suggesting that the phospholipase A2-arachidonic acid pathway represents a common link for ECF release as well as for the chemotaxis of eosinophils. From the cytosol of human PMN an ECF-containing enzyme was obtained. Incubation of phospholipase A2 and phospholipids with the ECF-converting enzyme led to potent ECF indicating that addition of phospholipids provides the soluble ECF-generating system with an additional source of arachidonic acid. The data represent a molecular approach to analyze the mechanisms of ECF release from soluble components after immunological triggering of the cells.
IgG4 and Passive Sensitization of Basophil Leukocytes
Authors: van Toorenenbergen A.W. , Aalberse R.C.
Published: July 2009

In contrast to IgE, myeloma IgG4 did not block passive sensitization of basophil leukocytes by IgE antibody. Atopic sera, selected for a high level of mite-specific IgG4, lost their sensitizing activity after they had been heated at 56 °C. After incubation of leukocytes with myeloma IgG4 or with sera with high levels of specific IgG4, the cells did not become responsive towards anti-IgG4 antiserum. After incubation of leukocytes with fluorescein-labelled myeloma IgE, these cells released histamine with antifluorescein antiserum. In contrast, after incubation with fluorescein-labelled myeloma IgG4, a subsequent incubation with antifluorescein antiserum did not result in histamine release. Therefore, we cannot confirm the hypothesis of Vijay and Perelmutter that IgG4 can sensitize basophil leukocytes in vitro.
The Prickly Lettuce Agglutinin
Authors: Yen S.E. , Mansfield J.M. , Levine R.F. , Wallace J.H.
Published: July 2009

The prickly lettuce agglutinin (PLA), extracted from leaves of the plant Lactuca scariole, was tested for immunomodulatory effects on C57BL/6 mice. When administered with antigen in vivo, 50 μg PLA caused an enhancement of the primary splenic plaque-forming cell (PFC) response to the helper T cell-dependent antigens sheep red blood cells and trinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet hemocyanin; higher doses of PLA (200 μg) resulted in depressed responses to these antigens. Similarly, 50 μg PLA enhanced the B cell response to SIII, a helper T cell-independent antigen, but higher doses did not cause significant depression of the SIII-specific PFC response. When PLA (< 25 μg) was coincubated with spleen cells and antigen, sheep red blood cells or SIII, in vitro the primary PFC response was enhanced; higher doses of PLA (≥ 25 μg) depressed cell culture viability and also depressed the resultant PFC responses. In the in vitro studies, stimulatory doses of PLA were effective only when added to cultures before or with antigen. In tests for mitogenic effects of PLA on spleen cells, PLA was found to be nonstimulatory. On the basis of these observations, we suggest that PLA may modulate murine splenic primary B cell responses by providing a stimulatory signal to B cells. The nature of the suppressive effect in vivo is unknown but may be attributable to antigenic competition.
Early Rheumatoid-Like Lesions in Rabbits Injected with Foreign Serum
Authors: Oldham G. , Dallman M. , Barnes M. , Coombs R.R.A.
Published: July 2009

Intradermal injection of bovine articular type II collagen produced, as expected, joint lesions in rats. However, this collagen preparation failed (1) to produce joint lesions in rabbits or (2) to exacerbate joint lesions in rabbits formed in the serum sickness model. Collagen extracted from rabbit xiphoid cartilage failed to show arthritogenic properties on intradermal injection in either rats or rabbits. It also failed to exacerbate joint lesions in the serum sickness model.
Polyclonal B Cell Activator Associated with Alpha-2-Macroglobulin in the Serum of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Teodorescu Marius , Chang Jin-Lai , Skosey John L.
Published: July 2009

We investigated whether patients with rheumatoid arthritis have a polyclonal B cell activator (PBA) in their serum by using three methods: (1) the ability of any PBA to maintain the surface Ig of rabbit or human B cells in vitro; (2) the induction of blast transformation in human B lymphocyte cultures, and (3) stimulation of nude mouse spleen cells in vitro. All three methods indicated that a PBA is present in the serum of patients with rheumatoid arthritis but not in normal individuals or in patients with arthritis in which autoimmune phenomena have not been demonstrated. The entire PBA activity in rheumatoid arthritis patient serum was found associated with the macroglobulin fraction obtained by Sephadex G-200 chromatography and was precipitated by rabbit anti-human α2-macroglobulin, but not by rabbit anti-Ig antibody. When α2-macroglobulin was purified from patient serum the entire PBA activity was recovered in this fraction. Normal α2-macroglobulin prepared by the same procedure had no PBA activity. Thus, the existence of a PBA associated with α2-macroglobulin was demonstrated in serum of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Nonimmune Complexes of Pregnancy-Specific β1-Glycoprotein Explain Its Heterogeneity
Authors: Tamsen L. , Inganäs M. , Johansson S.G.O. , Karlsson T.
Published: July 2009

Nonimmune complexes of pregnancy-specific β1-glycoprotein (SP1) explain its heterogeneity. Two proteins reacting with antisera specific to pregnancy-specific β1-glycoprotein (SP1) have previously been detected in serum from pregnant women by use of crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CIE). The major SP1-reactive protein, SP1β, has a molecular weight of about 90,000 and the minor, antigenically deficient protein, SP1α, about 200,000. In this study, gel filtration of serum on Ultrogel AcA 34 and Sephacryl S-300 has revealed that classical radioimmunoassay (RIA) techniques of two types only measure SP1. With RIAs specially designed to detect complexed SP1 two higher molecular weight, SP1-containing complexes could be identified. CIE of serum or fractions from gel nitrations revealed a loss of the anodal part of the SP1 precipitate. However, when 4% polyethylene glycol (PEG) was incorporated in the anti-SP1-containing gel an antigenically deficient precipitate developed in the α-region. Incorporation of antialbumin in an intermediate gel in CIE reduced the anodal loss of the SP1, precipitate in anti-SP1 containing gels without PEG which resulted in a homogenous peak. In addition, in anti-SP1-containing gels with PEG the anodal precipitate was reduced. This SP1-albumin complex fulfills all criteria for the previously described SP1α. For measuring low levels of SP1 RIAs can be used. For higher values nephelometry is preferable. Although the amount of complexed SP1 is small in comparison with the amount of native SP1 methods employing electrophoresis are not recommended. In such tests SP1 complexed to fast-moving proteins like albumin might influence the results.
Pregnancy-Associated Alpha-2-Glycoprotein in Recurrent Oral Ulceration and Behçet’s Syndrome
Authors: Thomson A.W. , Lehner T. , Adinolfi M. , Horne C.H.W.
Published: July 2009

Estimation of the serum concentration of pregnancy-associated α2-glycoprotein (α2-PAG) in male patients with recurrent oral ulcers (ROU) and Behçet’s syndrome (BS) revealed significant increases in both groups of patients. The concentrations of α2-PAG in 24 control subjects were less than 10μg/ml, whereas 11/26 (42%; p < 0.001) of patients with ROU and 20/33 (61%; p < 0.0005) with BS had concentrations greater than 10 μg/ml. Indirect immunofluorescence staining for α2-PAG on the surface membrane of blood mononuclear cells suggests that there is an increase in the number of α2-PAG-positive cells in BS. It is not clear at present whether the increased concentrations of α2-PAG might exert an inhibitory effect on the immune response. No correlation was observed between the levels of α2-PAG in ROU and BS and concentrations of α1-acid glycoprotein, C9, factor B or lysozyme. It is therefore unlikely that the increase in α2-PAG is a manifestation of an increase in acute phase protein.
The Role of Complement and IgG in Zymosan Opsonization
Authors: Cheson Bruce D. , Morris Stephen E.
Published: July 2009

Zymosan particles require opsonization for optimal interaction with granulocytes and activation of their respiratory burst, In the present study we evaluated the serum factors necessary for zymosan opsonization. First, zymosan was treated with either normal serum or hypogammaglobulinemic serum (HGS), which is deficient in immunoglobulins (Ig) but has a normal concentration of complement components. Using granulocyte chemiluminescence to assay opsonization, the activity of particles treated with HGS was 66 ± 1.9% ( X ± SEM) of that with normal serum (p < 0.001), suggesting a role for Ig. HGS opsonic activity was restored to normal when the particles were also treated with IgG; however, neither heat-inactivated normal serum (56 °C, 30 min) nor pure human IgG alone had opsonic activity. The roles of the classical (CCP) and alternative (ACP) pathways of the complement system were also investigated. ACP activity seemed essential, since inactivation of the ACP (50 °C, 30 min) eliminated the activity of normal serum. However, when the ACP was intact, CCP action appeared to participate in opsonization, since selective CCP inactivation with EGTA and MgCl2 reduced the opsonic activity of normal serum by 26 ± 3.3% (p < 0.005). Thus, it is concluded that the ACP, CCP, and IgG all participate in zymosan opsonization.
Nonantibody Binding of Serum Proteins to 5S Anti-Rh Fragments Produced by Chymotrypsin
Authors: Waller Marion , Conrad Daniel H. , Carlo Jaime R.
Published: July 2009

Chymotrypsin hydrolysis of the IgG anti-Rh antibodies Ri results in both bivalent and univalent antibody fragments. The bivalent fragments coated on Rh-positive erythrocytes are agglutinable by albumin and other serum proteins in 3% polyethylene glycol. The bivalent structure of the 5S fragment is essential for expression of this site since 5S fragments produced by trypsin and pepsin are also agglutinable, while univalent fragments produced by papain and subtilisin are not. The agglutination by albumin of the 5S fragments is not caused by residual enzyme. The reaction appears to be irreversible in that once albumin has reacted with the 5S fragment, either in the fluid phase or at the cell surface, fresh addition of albumin and PEG will not result in agglutination. The non-antibody reaction of albumin and the other serum proteins with these 5S IgG fragments is believed to be caused by hydrophobic bonding involving the intrachain disulfide in the 5S fragment and hydrophobic areas of other proteins.
Similarities of C3b Receptors in Human Kidney and Spleen
Authors: Matre R. , Tönder O.
Published: July 2009

Receptors for C3b (C3R) in human spleen and kidney were studied using haemadsorption to cryostat sections. The indicator cells, ovine erythrocytes (E) coated with rabbit IgM antibody (A) and human C3b (EAC) adhered strongly to the glomeruli in renal tissue and to the white pulp of spleen. Titration experiments showed that avidity of the two populations of C3R was equal. Activity was independent of Ca++ and Mg++. Periodic acid, formaldehyde, high salt concentrations and trypsin abolished, whereas neuraminidase enhanced the activity. Various temperatures and pHs affected the two populations of C3R similarly. The results obtained indicate that the C3R in spleen and kidney are similar.
Some Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Copper Complexes of Amino Acids
Authors: West G.B.
Published: July 2009

Whereas the two isomers of histidine equally enhanced the dextran and Con A anaphylactoid reactions in rats, their copper complexes were potent inhibitors of these reactions. On the other hand, the two isomers of cystine and their copper complexes inhibited the oedema reactions in rat paws induced by dextran, carrageenan and concanavalin A.
Detection of Cell-Surface Antigens in Murine Tumors by a Protein A Immunofluorescence Test
Authors: Luis J. , Merino F.
Published: July 2009

The detection of antibodies to H-2 and species cell-surface antigens, on suspensions of leukemia and MC-induced sarcomas by an assay using fluorescein-labelled protein A from Staphylococcus aureus is described. The presence of ‘foreign’ H-2 allospeci-ficities on MC-induced sarcoma cells were detected. Antibodies to leukemia and MC sarcoma cells showed a high degree of cross-reactivity in their reaction with different MC-induced sarcomas and with leukemia cells.
Age-Related Reactivity of Lymphocytes from Multiple Sclerosis Patients to Myelin Basic Protein
Authors: Wicher Victoria , Olszewski Walter , Milgrom Felix
Published: July 2009

Peripheral blood lymphocytes from 51 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and 23 healthy individuals were examined for their response to human myelin basic protein at three concentrations. Cells from active-MS patients responded in most cases with definitely enhanced blastogenic stimulation (BS), whereas those of the nonactive-MS patients or of patients in remission showed values of BS similar to or below those of the control group. Patients and control individuals were divided in two groups according to their age. The younger group included individuals from 20 to 40 years of age, the older those from 41 to 68 years. The lowest and highest values obtained using the three doses of basic protein were selected and the results compared. The higher values of BS and the greater frequency of active blood samples were observed in the younger than in the older active-MS patients. On the other hand, a larger number of samples obtained from the older patients showed the lowest values of BS. The relevance of age to the suppressor activity induced by the basic protein in the lymphocytes of MS patients is discussed.
A New Look at Basophils in Mice
Authors: Urbina Cecilia , Ortiz César , Hurtado Inés
Published: July 2009

It is believed that mice do not express cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity because they have few or no basophils, We have looked for these cells in peripheral blood smears of C3H/He, DBA/2, C57BL/6, and Balb/c mice before and after a series of foreign protein injections, a treatment known to induce basophilia. We found 0.2 and 1.5% basophils in the untreated C3H/He and DBA/2 mice and no basophils in the untreated C57BL/6 and Balb/c mice. Basophilia of 2–10% was found in the treated mice of the four strains. We noticed that the microscopic appearance of the mouse basophils differs from that in other species. These results indicate that basophils may be as frequent in mice – believed not to express cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity – as they are both in man and guinea pigs – known to express this entity. Since the mouse basophils have a distinct morphology, different from that of other species, it is possible that they may not have been noticed in routine skin preparations.
Seasonal Variation of IgE Antibody Specific for Ragweed Antigen E (IgE-a-AgE) from the Basophil Surface in Patients with Ragweed Pollenosis
Authors: Grammer Leslie , Levitz Doris , Roberts Mary , Pruzansky Jacob J. , Zeiss Raymond
Published: July 2009

Seasonal elevation in total serum IgE and IgE antibody specific for antigen E (IgE-a-AgE) are well recognized in patients with ragweed pollenosis. We found that the ratio of specific IgE-a-AgE to total IgE in plasma was the only measure predictive of the number of specific IgE-a-AgE molecules per basophil. Although both total and specific IgE rose with season, the ratio did not change, the number of IgE-a-AgE molecules per basophil did not change, and histamine release in response to AgE did not increase.
IgG4 Antibodies in Egyptian Patients with Schistosomiasis
Authors: Iskander R. , Das P.K. , Aalberse R.C.
Published: July 2009

Serum immunoglobulins were determined in 40 Egyptian patients with schistosomiasis. In addition to the well-established elevation in total IgE, a striking imbalance in the IgG subclass levels was found: IgG3 and IgG4 levels were markedly elevated, whereas IgG2 levels were normal. The IgG4 level did not correlate with the IgG3 level, but a weak correlation between the IgG4 levels and the logarithmic value of the IgE levels was observed (r = 0.49). We determined anti-schistosome antibodies in the IgE and IgG classes and in the IgG4 subclass by a RAST-type of assay. As test antigens an adult worm antigen preparation (AWA) and a soluble egg antigen preparation (SEA) were used. IgE antibodies reacted predominantly with AWA, whereas IgG4 antibodies, especially in patients with recent infections, were directed mainly against SEA. The hypothesis is put forward that the IgG4 antibodies interfere with the effector activities of anti-schistosome anibodies, and thus inhibit complement activation and mast cell triggering.
Anti-mite IgE Antibody Production in vitro by Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes from Mite-Sensitive Atopic Patients
Authors: Yanagihara Yukiyoshi , Yui Yasuo , Shida Takao , Okudaira Hirokazu , Miyamoto Terumasa
Published: July 2009

Anti-mite IgE antibody production in vitro was investigated using peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from mite-sensitive patients with bronchial asthma. Preculture of PBL with the mite antigen, which induced the remarkable cell proliferation, resulted in a marked decrease of the IgE antibody production directed to mite but not to unrelated antigens. Anti-mite IgE antibody formation was not inhibited by autologous or allogeneic T cells stimulated with the mite antigen. The spontaneous production of IgE antibody was observed when fractionated B cells were cultured alone or with pokeweed mitogen (PWM), but was suppressed when they were precultured with the antigen. Coculture of autologous T cells with B cells showed a considerable augmentation of anti-mite IgE atibody production. Addition of PWM in such culture system partially inhibited the IgE antibody formation. The enhancing activity of autologous T cells was not observed when B cells were irradiated at 1,000 rad. The spontaneous IgE antibody production by B cells alone was radioresistant. Both mitotic inhibitors and 1,000 to 2,000 rad of γ-irradiation did not significantly suppress the spontaneous anti-mite IgE antibody production by B cells.
Role of Antibody in Cytotoxicity by Lymphocytes Armed against 253J Bladder Cancer Line
Authors: Catalona W.J. , Ratliff T.L. , McCool R.E. , Heston W.D.W.
Published: July 2009

The role of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in cytotoxicity mediated by antibody-armed effector cells was examined. Cytotoxicity mediated by unsensitized human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNC) directed against the human bladder cancer cell line, 253J, was significantly enhanced when MNC were pre-incubated with a rabbit anti-253J serum and then washed free of unbound antibody. Non-adherent, Fc receptor positive MNC were the effector cells and the arming antibody was IgG. Supernatants of 24-hour cultures and armed MNC exhibited antibody activity in ADCC assays, suggesting the ADCC was in part responsible for the arming phenomenon.
Increased Multiclonal Antibody-Forming Cell Activity in the Peripheral Blood of Patients with SLE
Authors: Becker Thomas M. , Lizzio Elaine F. , Merchant Bruce , Reeves Patton , Steinberg Alfred D.
Published: July 2009

21 patients with criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 12 normal controls were studied for their spontaneous circulating IgM and IgG plaque-forming cells (PFCs) reactive against sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) and against a panel of five haptens. Quantitatively defined active and mildly active SLE patients had significantly elevated IgM- and IgG-producing PFCs in their peripheral blood reactive with the panel of five chemically defined haptens. Those patients having inactive SLE also showed increased circulating IgM PFCs. Significant elevations in circulating hapten-reactive PFCs were found to correlate progressively with disease activity in the inactive, mildly active, and active SLE patient groups. Circulating IgM- and IgG-secreting PFC reactive against SRBC were both significantly elevated only in those patients with active SLE. The data support the concept that SLE patients have a generalized increase in B cell activity against a broad repertoire of determinants, even those ostensibly unrelated to natural tissue antigens.
Inhibition of Cutaneous Anaphylaxis and Arthus Reactions in the Mouse by Antigen-Specific IgA
Authors: Russell-Jones G.J. , Ey P.L. , Reynolds B.L.
Published: July 2009

The nitrophenyl-specific IgA myeloma protein secreted by the MOPC-315 mouse plasmacytoma was examined for its capacity to inhibit antibody-mediated hyper-sensitivity reactions in the mouse. Specific inhibition of both cutaneous anaphylactic and complement-dependent (Arthus) reactions was observed in sensitised mice when the eliciting antigen was mixed with IgA prior to injection or when the mice were injected with plasmacytoma cells and possessed detectable amounts of MOPC-315 IgA in their serum at the time of challenge. The possibility that IgA antibodies have a role in suppressing hypersensitivity reactions at mucosal surfaces is discussed.
Suppression of Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis by Transfer of Lymph Node Cells from Lewis Rats Pretreated with Complete Freund’s Adjuvant
Authors: Englert Dieter , Hempel Klaus
Published: July 2009

Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) in Lewis rats was suppressed by pretreatment with complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) 14–16 days before immunization with basic protein (BP) in CFA. Suppression of active EAE was also accomplished clinically and even histologically if lymph node cells from CFA-treated donors were passively transferred. Obviously this depends first on a certain amount of transferred lymph node cells (about 3 × 108) and secondly on the interval between CFA application and cell harvest (more than 14 days). No suppression was obtained by transfer of serum from CFA-treated donors. This indicates that there is a suppressor cell population which can be raised or stimulated by CFA and which is capable of suppressing the immune response EAE.
Protective Effect of Sublethal Intraperitoneal Listeria Infection Secondary to Intranasal Influenza Infection in Aged Immunodeficient Mice
Authors: Ahlstedt S. , Sohl-Åkerlund A.
Published: July 2009

Aged mice of the CBA/Ca strain, 15 months of age, and A/J mice, 17 months of age, exhibited impaired lymphoblastogenic response to concanavalin A but not to lipopolysaccharide. This defective cellular responsiveness was not accompanied by decreased antibody response to protein antigen or decreased ability to develop delayed hypersensitivity to picryl chloride. An increased susceptibility to influenza virus infection given intranasally was noted in the aged mice as compared with young animals. Such virus infection also impaired the lymphoblastogenic response to mitogens. Surprisingly, the virus infection in aged animals was less lethal after a subsequent infection with a small inoculum of Listeria bacteria.
The Use of Modified Cunningham Chambers for the Enumeration of H Rosettes, E Rosettes, and Lymphocyte-Tumour Cell Conjugates
Authors: Pross H.F. , Gallinger L.A. , Rubin P. , Baines M.G.
Published: July 2009

In this paper, we have described the use of a slide-coverslip Cunningham chamber which is ideal for counting delicate rosettes and lymphocyte-tumour cell conjugates. The ease of construction, facility of use, and economy of cost in comparison with hemocytometers make the use of these chambers the method of choice for rosette counts in general. In contrast to standard double-slide Cunningham chambers, the design of these rosette chambers is such that they can be used with ordinary light microscope objectives (including oil immersion), they can be more easily loaded without trapping air bubbles, and they can be sealed without tilting the slide. As an example of one potential application of these chambers to tumour immunology, data have been presented showing the high proportion of lymphocyte-tumour cell conjugates which can be formed by human peripheral blood cells. The ability of any particular tumour cell to form conjugates did not necessarily reflect the susceptibility of that cell type to natural killer (NK) cell-mediated lysis, nor was there any evidence that E rosette-forming cells preferentially formed conjugate in comparison to non E rosette-forming cells.
Antibody Responses in Man after Single or Repeated Treatment with Intramuscular Ampicillin
Authors: Ahlstedt S. , Huitfeldt B. , Maesen F. , Månsson T. , Sjövall J. , Skoogh B.
Published: July 2009

Antibody responses to the penicilloyl moiety were recorded in patients treated intramuscularly with ámpicillin for respiratory infections. For practical reasons this was performed at two clinics. At each clinic, two commercially available ampicillin preparations were used in a single-blind, randomised study. One of the preparations at each clinic was of high-grade purity and the other was slightly contaminated, according to a radioimmunoassay. There was the same heterogeneity in the patient material between the two clinics. The results showed a slight but significant (p < 0.001) increase in IgM penicilloyl antibodies in the group of patients treated with the pure penicillin but not in those treated with the contaminated penicillin. When the patients in the two studies were analysed jointly, the increase in IgM antibodies was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in the group treated with pure penicillin than in that treated with impure penicillin. The difference in antibody formation between the patient groups treated with pure or contamined ampicillin at each clinic was not significant, however. An immunological activity of the impurities suppressing; the IgM antibody response is suggested.