bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Familial protein S deficiency with a variant protein S molecule in plasma and platelets
Authors: Schwarz HP , Heeb MJ , Lottenberg R , Roberts H , Griffin JH
Published: October 2019

A protein S deficient family presenting a variant protein S molecule in plasma and platelets is described. The propositus, age 20, and two brothers suffered from venous thrombotic disease. The propositus, the only family member studied while taking oral anticoagulants, had a protein S antigen (ag) level of 17% and undetectable activity. As demonstrated by immunoblotting both the propositus and one clinically affected brother (42% ag, 7% activity) presented variant protein S molecules of 65,000 molecular weight (mol wt) while the other clinically affected brother (64% ag, 11% activity) had only protein S with normal electrophoretic mobility of 70,000 mol wt. The mother had normal protein S levels (93% ag, 100% activity) but had both normal and variant protein S molecules and based on her functional protein S data a normal anticoagulant activity of the variant molecule is suggested. One asymptomatic but protein S deficient sister (68% ag, 9% activity) as well as the asymptomatic protein S deficient father (59% ag, 10% activity) had only protein S molecules of 70,000 mol wt. The variant protein S bound to C4b-binding protein in plasma, and differed from normal protein S in carbohydrate content. Platelets of each family member contained the same immunoblotting pattern of normal and variant protein S forms as found in plasma, consistent with the hypothesis that protein S gene expression involves codominant expression of two alleles that is similar in cells that control the synthesis of both platelet and plasma forms of protein S.
Life-threatening intracranial bleeding associated with the presence of an antifactor VII autoantibody
Authors: Delmer A , Horellou MH , Andreu G , Lecompte T , Rossi F , Kazatchkine MD , Samama M , Zittoun R
Published: October 2019

This is a report of a 62-year-old male patient who had a bleeding disorder due to the presence of a factor VII (proconvertin) inhibitor. After treatment with a high-dose intravenous (IV) immunoglobulin failed and a life-threatening intracranial hemorrhage occurred, plasma exchanges were performed and immunosuppressive therapy was given. The factor VII inhibitor promptly disappeared, and the patient's parameters of hemostasis became normal. Even though a relapse occurred some months later, the patient responded to immunosuppressive therapy. No underlying disorder was evidenced after 17 months of follow-up.
Helper and suppressor T-cell function in HIV-infected hemophilia patients
Authors: Weimer R , Schweighoffer T , Schimpf K , Opelz G
Published: October 2019

T-lymphocyte helper and suppressor functions were assessed in 61 hemophilia patients. Twenty one patients were HIV-negative (Group 1), 27 were HIV-positive without having AIDS-related complex (ARC)/AIDS (Group 2), and 13 had ARC/AIDS (Group 3). T, CD4-positive, or CD8- positive T lymphocytes were cocultured with B lymphocytes and pokeweed mitogen for 6 days and immunoglobulin producing cells were assessed in a reverse hemolytic plaque assay. In HIV-infected patients, T cells as well as the CD4-positive T cell subset exhibited reduced helper (P less than .01, Group 2; P less than .0005, Group 3) and elevated suppressor activity (P less than .02, Group 2; P less than .005, Group 3), whereas no significant difference was found between HIV-negative patients and controls. The number of CD4-positive cells was not correlated with CD4 cell function. CD4-positive cells showed no helper activity (less than 10% of control T cells) in 8/11 (73%), but an excessive suppressor activity (greater than 80% suppression of plaque formation) in 6/11 (55%) Group 3 patients. Our results show that defective helper and elevated suppressor functions of T cells in HIV-infected patients are caused not only by a change in the CD4/CD8 cell counts but also by functional abnormalities of the CD4-positive T-cell subset. These abnormal helper and suppressor functions may play a role in the development of the immunodeficiency state of AIDS patients.
The chromosome translocation (11;14)(p13;q11) associated with T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia: an 11p13 breakpoint cluster region
Authors: Yoffe G , Schneider N , Van Dyk L , Yang CY , Siciliano M , Buchanan G , Capra JD , Baer R
Published: October 2019

The translocation (11;14)(p13;q11) was observed in karyotypes of leukemic cells from a 3-year-old boy with T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (T-ALL). Since this translocation is a recurrent marker of T- ALL, we undertook to investigate its mode of formation and role in leukemogenesis. The cytogenetic breakpoint on chromosome 14 occurs in 14q11, the same band wherein lies the T-cell receptor alpha/delta chain gene; and Southern hybridization analysis of peripheral blood and bone marrow DNA uncovered a tumor-specific rearrangement in the D delta-J delta region of this locus. DNA encompassing the rearrangement was isolated by molecular cloning, and further analysis revealed it to be the t(11;14)(p13;q11) junction. Nucleotide sequence determination of the junction indicates that the 14q11 breakpoint occurs immediately adjacent to the D delta 2 gene segment. Hence, the translocation arose as an aberrant rearrangement between the downstream recombination signal of D delta 2 and a pseudo recombination signal adjacent to the chromosome 11 breakpoint. Finally, comparison of the breakpoint in band 11p13 with those of other translocations (11;14)(p13;q11) identified a breakpoint cluster region of approximately 1.2 kilobase-pairs (kb), alterations of which may promote the development of T-ALL.
Hematopoiesis on cellulose ester membranes. XI. Induction of new bone and a hematopoietic microenvironment by matrix factors secreted by marrow stromal cells
Authors: Knospe WH , Husseini SG , Fried W
Published: October 2019

Cellulose ester membranes (CEM) were coated with stromal cells from bone marrow (BM) or bone and implanted intraperitoneally (IP) in CAF1 mice for intervals of 1 to 6 months. Previous studies indicated that matrix factors [glycoproteins (GPs), proteoglycans (PGs), and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)] were secreted by the regenerating stromal cells and adsorbed by the CEM. After 1 to 6 months, the CEMs were removed, scraped free of adherent cells, and irradiated in vitro with 40 Gy. The scraped and irradiated CEMs were then reimplanted IP or subcutaneously (SC) for periods of 1 to 6 months in secondary syngeneic murine hosts. They were then removed for histologic study. CEMs reimplanted in SC sites developed bone and hematopoiesis as early as 1 month after implantation. Maximum hematopoiesis and bone formation was observed after 3 months. CEMs coated during the initial implantation with bone-derived stromal cells contained more bone and hematopoietic cells than did CEMs coated with marrow-derived stromal cells after SC implementation. Neither the CEMs coated with bone stromal cells nor those coated with marrow stromal cells developed new bone or trilineal hematopoiesis after being implanted IP. A few CEMs contained small foci of granulopoiesis only. We conclude that noncellular matrix substances deposited on CEMs by bone, and to a lesser degree by marrow cells, can induce prestromal cells in the SC tissues to produce a microenvironment suitable for trilineal hematopoiesis.
Megakaryocytopenia in W/Wv mice is accompanied by an increase in size within ploidy groups and acceleration of maturation
Authors: Ebbe S , Carpenter D , Yee T
Published: October 2019

Megakaryocytopoiesis was evaluated in W/Wv mice and their normal +/+ littermates to analyze the mechanisms by which normal platelet production is maintained in W/Wv mice even though numbers of megakaryocytes are low. Relative sizes of megakaryocytes, and their nuclei and cytoplasm, were measured microscopically in bone marrow smears, and the ploidy of the same cells was measured by two-wavelength microspectrophotometry. Maturation rate of megakaryocytes was estimated after they were labeled with tritiated thymidine. W/Wv megakaryocytes were macrocytic: average cell size was increased in each ploidy group. The increase in cytoplasmic area exceeded that of the nucleus. Further analysis of the predominant 16N ploidy group revealed that the increase in average cell size was due to depletion of cells of small size. Megakaryocytes matured more rapidly than normal in W/Wv mice. These results showed that megakaryocyte size and ploidy can be regulated separately. They suggest that alterations in cell growth and maturation may be mechanisms by which the organism can compensate for a deficiency in numbers of megakaryocytes, but they do not define the mechanism by which the deficiency may be sensed or by which the compensatory changes may be mediated. This is a US government work. There are no restrictions on its use.
Expression of retinoic acid receptor alpha mRNA in human leukemia cells
Authors: Largman C , Detmer K , Corral JC , Hack FM , Lawrence HJ
Published: October 2019

The expression of the newly described human retinoic acid receptor alpha (RAR alpha) in six nonlymphoid and six lymphoid leukemia cell lines and nine freshly obtained samples of leukemia cells from patients with acute nonlymphoid leukemia was assessed by Northern blot analysis, using a full length cDNA clone of RAR alpha as probe. RAR alpha was expressed in all 12 cell lines and in all fresh leukemia samples as two major transcripts of 2.6 and 3.5 kb in size. Levels of RAR alpha expression and transcript sizes in retinoid-sensitive cells (such as HL60 or fresh promyelocytic leukemia cells) were not different from those in other samples. Moreover, expression of RAR alpha was not significantly modulated by exposure to cis-retinoic acid (cisRA) in either cisRA-responsive or unresponsive cells. By using a 3′ fragment of the RAR alpha gene as a probe, we confirmed that the transcripts visualized did not represent the homologous RAR beta gene. RAR alpha appears to be expressed in most human leukemia cells regardless of the type of biologic response to retinoic acid.
An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for erythropoietin using monoclonal antibodies, tetrameric immune complexes, and substrate amplification
Authors: Wognum AW , Lansdorp PM , Eaves AC , Krystal G
Published: October 2019

We recently reported the development of several monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) to native human erythropoietin (Ep). In the present study we have used the two antibodies with highest affinity to develop a two- sided or sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure Ep in human serum. In this assay Ep is incubated in microtiter wells precoated with the first (IgE) anti-Ep antibody. Assay wells are then incubated with the second (IgG1) anti-Ep antibody, which is labeled noncovalently with the enzyme alkaline phosphatase (AP) by means of bispecific tetrameric antibody complexes consisting of IgG1 anti-Ep cross-linked to IgG1 anti-AP using rat MoAbs specific for mouse IgG1. Application of this noncovalent labeling procedure, in combination with substrate amplification, results in a detection sensitivity of 0.5 to 1.0 mU/sample (5 to 10 mU/mL), which makes this assay suitable for measuring normal serum Ep levels. The validity of this ELISA for quantitating Ep in biological fluids was demonstrated by the parallelism obtained between pure recombinant Ep dose-response curves and those obtained with plasma and serum from healthy donors and patients with various hematologic disorders. Normal plasma Ep levels detected with this ELISA ranged from 9 to 101 mU/mL with a mean of 32 +/- 23 (SD) mU/mL. Ep levels in sera from patients with polycythemia vera were in the low to normal range, whereas Ep levels in sera from patients with secondary polycythemia and patients with aplastic anemia were moderately to strongly elevated. These results demonstrate that the Ep-ELISA is a sensitive, reliable, and nonradioactive immunologic method for quantitating Ep levels and should prove useful in a variety of clinical and laboratory settings.
High-level expression and purification of a recombinant human erythropoietin produced using a baculovirus vector
Authors: Quelle FW , Caslake LF , Burkert RE , Wojchowski DM
Published: October 2019

Conditions presently have been established for the high-level expression and simplified purification of recombinant human erythropoietin produced in Spodoptera frugiperda cells. Expression, as mediated by infection with a recombinant baculovirus, was accomplished in suspension culture using reduced levels of serum and media supplements experimentally determined to provide optimum levels of factor production (500,000 U/L). Purification of this recombinant human erythropoietin to virtual homogeneity (greater than or equal to 99%) was accomplished via a simple three-step procedure involving isocratic elution from DEAE-Sephacel, reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on a C4 medium, and the single-step elution of purified hormone from concanavalin A agarose. Overall, an 890-fold purification was accomplished with a recovery of 80% as assayed in vitro. Biologically, this purified erythropoietin is highly active, possessing a specific activity in vitro of 200,000 U/mg protein. Chemically, this erythropoietin (molecular weight [mol wt] 26,200) appears exceptionally uniform in its oligosaccharide constitution (30%) as contrasted with heterogeneously glycosylated erythropoietins derived from mammalian cells (mol wt 30,000 to 38,000; 40% to 50% complex-type oligosaccharide). Thus, human erythropoietin as presently produced in an insect cell line comprises not only an abundant source of highly active, readily purified hormone for studies of its mechanism of action and cell surface receptor, but also represents a uniquely homogeneous form that should prove advantageous for direct structural analyses.
Role of botrocetin in platelet agglutination: formation of an activated complex of botrocetin and von Willebrand factor
Authors: Read MS , Smith SV , Lamb MA , Brinkhous KM
Published: October 2019

Botrocetin (venom coagglutinin) induces binding of von Willebrand factor (vWF) to platelet glycoprotein Ib (GPIb), resulting in platelet agglutination. A mechanism whereby botrocetin causes vWF to change to an active platelet-agglutinating form is proposed. Incubation of native vWF with botrocetin yielded an increasingly active vWF with slower migration in two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis but with no apparent change in vWF multimer pattern. The “activated” vWF eluted mainly in the void volume (Vo) (Bio-Gel A-15m column chromatography). Botrocetin eluted in the included volume (Vi). Vo peaks appeared to contain a vWF- botrocetin complex, based on bioassays and immunoassays. 125I- Botrocetin mixed with vWF eluted in two peaks: in the Vo, coincident with active vWF, and in the Vi. With von Willebrand disease (vWD) plasma lacking vWF, 125I-Botrocetin eluted in the Vi only. It did not bind to platelets without vWF. In aggregometric studies, antibodies (Ab) against botrocetin, vWF, and GPIb prevented botrocetin-induced platelet agglutination and caused dissolution of preformed platelet agglutinates. Immunostaining of aggregates with antibotrocetin Ab revealed a positive reaction. Botrocetin appears to act in a two-step manner, first binding with vWF to form a complex, which then binds to GPIb to cause agglutination. All three components, vWF, botrocetin, and GPIb, appear to be required for maintenance of stable platelet agglutinates.
Use of a synthetic homologue of human fibrinopeptide A for production of a monoclonal antibody specific for the free peptide
Authors: Kudryk B , Gidlund M , Rohoza A , Ahadi M , Coiffe D , Weitz JI
Published: October 2019

It has been shown that epitopes reactive with one group of rabbit antibodies to human fibrinopeptide A (hFPA, A alpha 1–16) are included in its COOH-terminal region (A alpha 7–16). It was further established that Asp-7, Phe-8, and Arg-16 contribute to immunoreactivity and that intact fibrinogen and hFPA-containing fragments react poorly with such antibodies. The purpose of this investigation was to prepare a synthetic peptide corresponding to A alpha 7–16 and use it for generation of FPA-specific monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs). Such probes would allow for development of assays that could measure hFPA directly in plasma. In our approach, an ovalbumin-conjugate of the hFPA homologue served as immunogen. Mouse spleen cells were fused with the immunoglobulin nonsecretor myeloma (P3X63Ag8.653). A hybridoma (8C2–5) has been isolated that secretes an antibody (MoAb/8C2–5) with the following characteristics: (a) IgG1, kappa isotype; (b) equilibrium dissociation constant of 1.5 +/- 0.2 x 10(7) L/mol with the [125I]- labeled N-tyrosyl derivative of hFPA [( 125I] Tyr-hFPA) as ligand; (c) reacts with hFPA and dog FPA (dFPA) but not with the des Arg (A alpha 1– 15) or shorter peptides; (d) does not react with intact fibrinogen or A alpha-chain of human or dog origin; (e) does not react with the elastase-generated hFPA-containing peptide A alpha 1–21. Enzyme-based immunoassays (EIAs) have been developed for measuring plasma hFPA levels in the range 3 x 10(-8) to 5 x 10(-7) mol/L. Since it has already been shown by a number of investigators that hFPA levels in patients with overt defibrination fall into this range, we propose that the MoAb/8C2–5-based assays may serve as useful clinical tools in screening patients at risk of thrombosis. The 8C2–5 antibody may also be helpful in studies dealing with congenital dysfibrinogenemias, particularly in identifying heterozygous propositi with amino acid substitutions at any position within the A alpha 7–16 region. Finally, due to its cross-reactivity with dFPA, assays using this antibody should also be valuable in the canine experimental thrombosis model studies.
Monocyte Fc gamma receptor recognition of cell-bound and aggregated IgG
Authors: Gomez F , Chien P , King M , McDermott P , Levinson AI , Rossman MD , Schreiber AD
Published: October 2019

Monocyte and macrophage Fc gamma receptors are important components in the recognition of IgG-coated cells and IgG-containing immune complexes. Two proteins have been identified on human peripheral blood monocytes that can function as Fc gamma receptors, Fc gamma RI (70 Kd) and Fc gamma RII (40 Kd). We studied the role of Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RII on human monocytes by examining their binding of IgG- sensitized cells (human IgG anti-D-coated RBCs and rabbit IgG- sensitized sheep RBCs) and their binding of human trimeric IgG. To examine the function of monocyte Fc gamma RII, we used an anti-Fc gamma RII monoclonal antibody (MoAb) that competes for the Fc gamma RII ligand binding site. Preincubation of monocytes with saturating concentrations of anti-Fc gamma RII MoAb did not alter the recognition of IgG (anti-D)-sensitized human RBCs by monocytes. Furthermore, ligand- binding studies demonstrated that anti-Fc gamma RII antibody altered neither the number nor the affinity of monocyte-binding sites for human IgG trimer. Anti-Fc gamma RII inhibited monocyte binding of rabbit IgG- sensitized sheep RBCs, but only at low ionic strength or temperature when increased numbers of monocyte Fc gamma RII were expressed. At low ionic strength and 4 degrees C, anti-Fc gamma RII also partially inhibited monocyte binding of human trimeric IgG. Thus, monocyte Fc gamma RII does not appear to recognize IgG-sensitized RBCs or trimeric IgG at physiologic temperatures and ionic strength. The data suggest that Fc gamma RI is the primary Fc gamma receptor on monocytes involved in the binding of IgG (anti-D)-sensitized erythrocytes and low mol wt complexes of IgG.
Human platelet-derived mitogens. II. Subcellular localization of insulinlike growth factor I to the alpha-granule and release in response to thrombin
Authors: Karey KP , Sirbasku DA
Published: October 2019

Platelets contain mitogenic activities for MCF-7 human breast cancer cells when assayed under serum-free chemically defined conditions. Purification from outdated human platelets identified insulinlike growth factor I (IGF-I) as the most potent breast cancer cell mitogen in lysates (Karey KP, Sirbasku DA: see accompanying article, this issue). In this study the release and subcellular localization of IGF-I was investigated. Degranulation of platelets by thrombin treatment caused release of lysosomal enzymes (beta-glucuronidase and N-acetyl-D- glucosaminidase), alpha-granule proteins (beta-thromboglobulin and fibrinogen) as well as mitogenic activity for MCF-7 cells and IGF-I as measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and radioreceptor assay. Release of mitogenic activity and immunologically identified IGF-I was induced tenfold over controls by thrombin and was nearly complete as compared to platelets disrupted by repeated freezing and thawing. Disruption of platelets by nitrogen cavitation followed by separation of the organelles by sucrose density gradient sedimentation showed that IGF-I and mitogenic activity localized predominantly to fractions containing alpha-granules rather than soluble cellular components, lysosomes, or dense granules. The morphology of MCF-7 cells in serum-free medium supplemented with supernatants from thrombin-treated platelets also indicated the release of important cell-adhesion factors for human breast cancer cells.
Sp alpha I/78: a mutation of the alpha I spectrin domain in a white kindred with HE and HPP phenotypes
Authors: Lecomte MC , Garbarz M , Grandchamp B , Feo C , Gautero H , Devaux I , Bournier O , Galand C , d'Auriol L , Galibert F
Published: October 2019

Limited tryptic digestion of spectrin (Sp) from seven related individuals manifesting hereditary elliptocytosis (HE) or hereditary pyropoikilocytosis (HPP) phenotypes revealed the presence of a novel peptide with a molecular weight of 78 Kd and a concomitant decrease in the alpha I domain (80-Kd peptide), which is the domain involved in the dimer self-association process. Sp from the normal members of this white family exhibited a normal peptide pattern, as compared with controls. The abnormal peptide pattern was associated with a decreased ability of Sp dimer to self-associate. In this kindred in which three generations were available for study, the clinical manifestations were quite variable and ranged from the asymptomatic HE carrier state to hemolytic HE or to severe anemia requiring splenectomy. The severity of the disease appeared to be correlated both with the amount of mutant spectrin (31% to 69%) and with the excess of the Sp dimer found in the membrane (26% to 60%, compared with a normal value of 5.6% +/- 2.2%). Partial amino acid sequencing showed that the alpha I/78-Kd peptide resulted from cleavage at lysine residue 10 of the alpha I/80-Kd domain. Knowledge of the exon/intron structure of cloned genomic DNA encoding the alpha I domain allowed us to amplify in vitro a DNA fragment containing the third exon of the alpha-spectrin gene. The amplified fragment was subcloned and sequenced. A G to T transversion was found in the 39th codon (AGT for AGG), which changed the normal arginine to a serine. Hybridization of amplified DNAs with allele- specific oligonucleotides corresponding to the normal and mutant sequences confirmed the presence of the mutation in three other HE members of the family (the propositus mother, brother, and sister).
Improved hematopoiesis in anemic Sl/Sld mice by splenectomy and therapeutic transplantation of a hematopoietic microenvironment
Authors: Anklesaria P , FitzGerald TJ , Kase K , Ohara A , Greenberger JS
Published: October 2019

The ability of a clonal hematopoiesis-supportive bone-marrow stromal cell line GBlneor to engraft and alter the microenvironment-induced anemia of Sl/Sld mice was studied. Prior to stromal cell transplantation, Sl/Sld mice received 1 Gy total body irradiation (TBI) and 13 Gy to the right hind limb. Two months after intravenous (IV) injection of 5 x 10(5) GBlneor cells, 54.4% +/- 17.0% donor origin (G418r) colony-forming cells were recovered from the right hind limb of Sl/Sld mice. Long-term bone marrow cultures (LTBMCs) established from GBlneor-transplanted mice produced 189.5 CFU-GEMM-forming progenitors/flask over 10 weeks compared with 52.7 +/- 6.2 CFU-GEMM forming progenitors/flask from irradiated nontransplanted Sl/Sld mice. A partial correction of macrocytic anemia was detected 2 months after GBlneor transplantation in splenectomized, irradiated Sl/Sld mice (HgB 7.2 +/- 0.4 g/dL; MCV 68.3 +/- 7.0 fL) compared to splenectomized, irradiated, nontransplanted Sl/Sld mice (HgB 5.5 +/- 1.1 g/dL; MCV 76 +/- 8.5 fL) or control Sl/Sld mice (HgB 5.4 +/- 0.5 g/dL; MCV 82.4 +/- 1.3 fL). Mean RBC volume distribution analysis showed a 2.5-fold increase in percentage of peripheral blood RBCs with MCV less than or equal to 45 fL and confirmed reduction of the MCV in splenectomized- GBlneor-transplanted mice compared to control Sl/Sld mice. A hematopoiesis-suppressive clonal stromal cell line derived from LTBMCs of Sl/Sld mice (Sldneor) engrafted as effectively (43.5% +/- 1.2% G418r CFU-F/limb) as did GBlneor cells (38.3% +/- 0.16% G418r CFU-F/limb) to the irradiated right hind limbs of C57Bl/6 mice. LTBMCs established after 2 or 6 months from Sldneor-transplanted mice showed decreased hematopoiesis (182 +/- 12 [2 months] and 3494.3 +/- 408.1 [6 months] CFU-GEMM forming progenitors/flask over 10 weeks) compared to those established from GBlneor-transplanted mice (5980 +/- 530 [2 months] and 7728 +/- 607, [6 months] CFU-GEMM progenitors forming/flask). Thus, transplantation of clonal bone-marrow stromal cell lines in vivo can stably transfer their physiologic properties to normal or mutant mice.
Isolation and storage of peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cells for autotransplantation into children with cancer
Authors: Takaue Y , Watanabe T , Kawano Y , Koyama T , Abe T , Suzue T , Satoh J , Shimokawa T , Ninomiya T , Kosaka M
Published: October 2019

Peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) were collected for autotransplantation by a total of 46 continuous-flow leukaphereses in 17 children with various types of cancer in whom the stem-cell pool had been expanded by chemotherapy. As the cells collected by leukapheresis were contaminated with many visible cell clumps, platelets, and erythrocytes, they were separated from the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) by slow-speed centrifugation and fractionated on a discontinuous gradient of Percoll. All the hematopoietic progenitors (CFU-GM, CFU- GEMM) in the starting samples were recovered at the interface of 40% and 60% Percoll solutions largely free of other cellular components and with a substantial reduction in volume. The separation and freezing procedures could be completed within three hours after obtaining cells by leukapheresis. After their fractionation and storage, these PBSC were shown to be able to reconstitute normal hematopoiesis in ten children with poor prognosis leukemia or neuroblastoma for whom no HLA- compatible marrow donors were available and who had been subjected to marrow-ablative therapy. This separation procedure is simple, efficient, and readily available and can be used for children as a routine procedure for PBSC autotransplantation.
Predictors of death from chronic graft-versus-host disease after bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Wingard JR , Piantadosi S , Vogelsang GB , Farmer ER , Jabs DA , Levin LS , Beschorner WE , Cahill RA , Miller DF , Harrison D
Published: October 2019

Chronic graft-v-host disease (chronic GVHD) is a frequent cause of late morbidity and death after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The actuarial survival after onset of chronic GVHD in 85 patients was 42% (95%Cl = 29%, 54%) at 10 years. Baseline characteristics present at the onset of chronic GVHD (before therapy) in 85 patients were reviewed to determine which were risk factors for death. In a multivariate proportional hazards analysis, three baseline factors emerged as independent predictors of death: progressive presentation (chronic GVHD following acute GVHD without resolution of acute GVHD; hazard ratio of 4.1, 95% Cl = 2.1 to 7.8), lichenoid changes on skin histology (hazard ratio of 2.2, 95% Cl = 1.1 to 4.3), and elevation of serum bilirubin greater than 1.2 mg/dL (hazard ratio = 2.1, 95% Cl = 1.1 to 4.1). Actuarial survival of 23 chronic GVHD patients with none of these risk factors was 70% at 6 years (95% Cl = 38%, 88%). Thirty-eight patients with one of these risk factors had a projected 6-year survival of 43% (95% Cl = 21%, 63%). The 29 patients with any combination of two or more of these factors had a projected 6-year survival of only 20% (95% Cl = 8%, 37%). Identification of baseline risk factors should facilitate design of trials of chronic GVHD therapies and assignment of high-risk patients to more aggressive innovative therapeutic regimens.
Lymphokine production by T-cell clones after human bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Velardi A , Varese P , Terenzi A , Dembech C , Albi N , Grossi CE , Moretta L , Martelli MF , Grignani F , Mingari MC
Published: October 2019

T cells recovering after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) were analyzed for their phenotypic and functional features by two-color immunofluorescence and a high efficiency cloning technique. A predominance of cells co-expressing natural killer (NK)-related surface antigens, such as Leu 7 (CD57) and CD11b, was detected within both the CD4+ and CD8+ subsets from 5 months postgrafting onward. Such cells are virtually absent among normal circulating CD4+ cells and account for a minority (approximately 30%) of normal CD8+ cells. Postgrafting T cells representative of the whole range of NK-related antigen co-expression were selected from six patients for clonal analyses. In control subjects, 63% and 41% of the CD4+ and CD8+ clones, respectively, produced interleukin-2 (IL-2) whereas approximately 30% of either CD4+ or CD8+ control clones produced interferon (IFN)-gamma. At variance, and irrespective of their CD4+/CD8+ phenotype, lower proportions of BMT recipient-derived clones produced IL-2 (20% and 12%, respectively), whereas the majority of both CD4+ and CD8+ clones (75% and 71%, respectively) released high amounts of IFN-gamma. Purified populations of CD57+/CD11b+ v negative cells from two BMT recipients and two control subjects were cloned and subsequently evaluated for IL-2 and IFN-gamma production. CD57+/CD11b+ cell-derived clones were poor IL-2 producers in both normal subjects and BMT patients. In contrast, IL-2- producing clones were frequent (62% to 79%) among those derived from CD57-/CD11b- cells from normal subjects, whereas they were still represented at lower than normal proportions, ie, 25% to 41%, among clones generated from BMT recipients. CD57+/CD11b+ cells gave rise to comparably high proportions of IFN-gamma producing clones in both normal subjects and BMT recipients (approximately 80%). In contrast, IFN-gamma producing clones were approximately 25% to 50% of CD57-/CD11b- cell-derived clones in both normal subjects and BMT patients. Therefore, while the predominance of NK-related antigen-positive T cells may be predictive of poor IL-2 and high IFN-gamma production, the immune derangement in long-term BMT recipients is further enhanced by the finding that all T cells may be poor IL-2 producers. It is also suggested that IL-2 production is a preferential function of T cells that do not express CD57 and CD11b, whereas IFN-gamma production is attributable to T cells that express CD57 and CD11b.
Four new recurring translocations in non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Levine EG , Arthur DC , Machnicki J , Frizzera G , Hurd D , Peterson B , Gajl- Peczalska KJ , Bloomfield CD
Published: October 2019

The identification of recurring chromosomal translocations has provided clues to the gene regions important in lymphoma development. Among 157 patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma studied by cytogenetic analysis, four new recurring translocations have been identified--t(8;9) (q24;p13), t(11;18)(q21;q21), t(14,15)(q32;q15), and an unbalanced translocation giving rise to der(22)t(17;22) (q11;p11). Each translocation appeared twice. The t(11;18) was the only karyotypic abnormality in the two patients with it, and the t(14;15) was the sole karyotypic abnormality in one patient. All translocations were found in B-cell malignancies and were associated with both nodal and extranodal disease. Among the regions affected, only the immunoglobulin heavy- chain gene MYC, and BCL2, have thus far been associated with lymphoma. The breakpoint sites identified by these translocations warrant further investigation at the molecular level.
Loss of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase gene expression in differentiated cells of myelo-monocytic origin
Authors: Auwerx JH , Chait A , Wolfbauer G , Deeb SS
Published: October 2019

Changes in the production of reactive oxygen species and total superoxide dismutase activity have been observed during differentiation of some hematopoietic cells. We therefore investigated whether the steady-state level and rate of transcription of superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1) mRNA change during terminal differentiation of the human leukemia cell lines THP-1, HEL, and HL-60 into macrophages and/or granulocytes, respectively. Macrophage differentiation is accompanied by a gradual decrease in both the transcription rate (10x) and the steady-state level (6x) of SOD-1 mRNA. No decrease was observed after treatment with the diacylglycerol analog 1,2 dioctanol-rac-glycerol (di- C8), which like phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate also activates protein kinase C but does not induce differentiation at the concentration used. The same decrease in SOD-1 mRNA level was observed when HL-60 cells were induced to differentiate into granulocytes by treatment with dimethylsulfoxide. These data suggest that a decrease in SOD-1 mRNA to almost undetectable levels accompanies differentiation of macrophages and granulocytes.
Beta+-thalassemia in cis of a sickle cell gene: occurrence of a promoter mutation on a beta s chromosome
Authors: Baklouti F , Ouazana R , Gonnet C , Lapillonne A , Delaunay J , Godet J
Published: October 2019

An atypical sickle cell trait with a very low level of hemoglobin S and features of heterozygous beta-thalassemia was recently described. In vitro globin chain synthesis strongly suggested the presence of the two abnormalities on the same chromosome. We report the corresponding beta S-thal gene. DNA sequence revealed a C----T base substitution in the distal promoter element CACCC, at position-88 from the cap site, in addition to the expected GAG----GTG mutation responsible for the structural variant (beta 6 Glu----Val). Reticulocyte mRNA titration and transient assay of the mutant gene in COS cells showed a defect in beta- mRNA production. Restriction haplotype and DNA sequence analyses revealed that the doubly mutated gene is associated with haplotype 19 (or Benin/Algeria haplotype). In particular, we found the (AT)9(T)4 repeated sequences specifically encountered 5′ to the beta S gene of Benin Algeria type. These results support the view that the beta S-thal gene resulted from an independent thalassemic mutation having occurred on a beta S chromosome rather than (a) from a beta S mutation having altered a beta-thalassemic gene or (b) from a recombination event between two chromosomes, each carrying one of the mutations.
Inhibition of chemotaxis Ng-monomethyl-L-arginine: a role for cyclic GMP
Authors: Kaplan SS , Billiar T , Curran RD , Zdziarski UE , Simmons RL , Basford RE
Published: October 2019

The metabolism of L-arginine to nitric oxide (NO) has been shown to be important for the effector functions of many cell types, including polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes. Its effect appears to be mediated at least in part by NO stimulation of soluble guanylate cyclase. We evaluated the role of this pathway in two PMN effector functions: cell movement and microbial killing, using the competitive inhibitor of L- arginine conversion to NO, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (NMA). We also evaluated the effect of additional L-arginine and dibutyryl cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) on any NMA-associated changes. Human peripheral blood neutrophils were used and the cells were incubated with and without NMA. Chemotaxis was evaluated using a 48-well micro- Boyden chamber. Microbial killing was evaluated using S aureus strains D2C and 502A. These studies demonstrated that chemotaxis to formyl- methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine was markedly inhibited in NMA-treated cells. This inhibition could be overcome if L-arginine or dibutyryl cGMP were added with the NMA. In contrast, microbial killing of S aureus was unaffected by NMA. These observations support the hypothesis that the L-arginine metabolism to NO and its effect on the cGMP level may be important for the dynamic changes required for neutrophil chemotaxis.
On the induction of fetal hemoglobin by butyrates: in vivo and in vitro studies with sodium butyrate and comparison of combination treatments with 5-AzaC and AraC
Authors: Constantoulakis P , Knitter G , Stamatoyannopoulos G
Published: October 2019

To obtain information on the cellular mechanism of induction of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) by sodium butyrate (NaB), we treated adult baboons with NaB and assessed its effects on HbF expression. Infusion of NaB increased F reticulocytes and F-positive CFUe and e-cluster colonies without induction of reticulocytosis or increase in progenitor cell numbers. Addition of NaB in bone marrow cultures increased the frequency of F-positive CFUe and e-clusters without increasing progenitor cell numbers. NaB induced HbF in human adult BFUe cultures and increased the gamma/gamma + beta globin chain and mRNA ratios in short-term incubations of culture-derived erythroblasts. There was a synergistic induction of HbF by NaB and 5-azacytidine (5-azaC), but not when the animal was treated with NaB and cytarabine (AraC). Our results suggest that the activation of gamma-globin expression by NaB reflects an action of this compound on globin genes or globin chromatin.
Analysis of junctional diversity in the preferential V delta 1-J delta 1 rearrangement of fresh T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells by in vitro gene amplification and direct sequencing
Authors: Macintyre E , d'Auriol L , Amesland F , Loiseau P , Chen Z , Boumsell L , Galibert F , Sigaux F
Published: October 2019

To define the junctional diversity of T-cell antigen receptor delta gene rearrangements in fresh T-acute lymphoblastic cells and to correlate cell phenotype with the coding potential of rearrangements, we determined the junctional nucleotide sequences of 13 T-cell antigen receptor delta gene rearrangements involving the preferentially rearranged V (V delta 1) and J (J delta 1) segments using in vitro gene amplification and direct sequencing. We showed that, as in gamma delta+ cell lines, extensive junctional diversity exists in these clones and that this diversity is due both to random nucleotide deletions/additions and to the use of at least two D delta segments. We also showed that a high percentage of these rearrangements are potentially translatable (7:13) and that such functional rearrangements occur in both surface CD3+ and CD3- cells. Comparison of alpha beta versus gamma delta surface expression demonstrates that all CD3+ T acute lymphoblastic leukemias with a functional V delta 1-J delta 1 rearrangement express a surface gamma delta receptor and are recognized by the anti-delta monoclonal antibody delta TCS1, whereas a control CD3+ gamma delta+ leukemic case that had not undergone V delta 1 rearrangement was delta TCS1-. In addition, expression of this monoclonal antibody is not restricted by V gamma or C gamma usage or by the covalent or noncovalent link between gamma and delta chains.
Recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor as an activator of human granulocytes: potentiation of responses triggered by receptor- mediated agonists and stimulation of C3bi receptor expression and adherence
Authors: Yuo A , Kitagawa S , Ohsaka A , Ohta M , Miyazono K , Okabe T , Urabe A , Saito M , Takaku F
Published: October 2019

Recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) enhanced superoxide release and membrane depolarization in parallel in human granulocytes stimulated by the receptor-mediated agonists, N- formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine and wheat germ agglutinin, but not by the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin and phorbol myristate acetate, which bypass the receptors to stimulate the cells. The optimal effect was obtained by pretreatment of cells with 25 to 50 ng/mL (1.3 to 2.6 nmol/L) rhG-CSF for 10 minutes at 37 degrees C. rhG-CSF produced by bacteria and mammalian cells had identical biological effects on a molar basis. rhG-CSF neither affected stimulus-induced increase in cytoplasmic free Ca2+ nor changed the number and affinity of N-formyl- methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine receptors. The priming effect of rhG-CSF was temperature dependent and did not require new protein synthesis. rhG-CSF increased the expression of C3bi receptors on human granulocytes and enhanced granulocyte adherence to nylon fiber. The optimal effect was obtained by pretreatment of cells with 25 to 50 ng/mL rhG-CSF for 30 minutes at 37 degrees C. rhG-CSF had no effect on human monocytes. These findings demonstrate that rhG-CSF can selectively stimulate mature granulocyte functions.
Defective monocyte-to-macrophage maturation in patients with aplastic anemia
Authors: Andreesen R , Brugger W , Thomssen C , Rehm A , Speck B , Lohr GW
Published: October 2019

Macrophages (MAC) are important effector cells of the immune system but also play an essential role as regulatory cells in hematopoiesis. They originate from circulating monocytes (MO) as immature precursor cells that undergo terminal differentiation upon migration from the capillary bed into the various tissues. In the presence of serum, MAC maturation from blood MO is observed in vitro and can be followed by the expression of maturation-associated antigens (MAX.1, .3, .11, and .26; transferrin receptor, 13C2, CD16). We have tested blood MO from 22 patients with aplastic anemia (AA) for their capacity to undergo terminal maturation in vitro. After isolation, blood MO in six patients expressed CD14 molecules at low density when compared to normals. On culture for 7 days, in 15 patients various abnormalities could be shown by phenotype analysis using cell-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an immunoperoxidase staining technique of single cells. Abnormalities ranged from the distinctive failure of mature MAC to express single surface antigens (eg, gp64-MAX.1) to complete inhibition of the development of a MAC maturation-associated phenotype. In three patients the maturational defect was found to persist in complete remission after successful therapy with antileukocyte globulin (ALG). Neither in other immunosuppressed or multiple-transfused patients nor in those with bone marrow hypoplasia secondary to cancer chemotherapy and during hematologic reconstitution following autologous bone marrow transplantation (BMT), defective MO maturation in vitro was seen. Our data provide evidence for the existence of serious disorders within the MO-MAC lineage in patients with AA. This observation may either reflect the stem-cell defect or indicate a MAC involvement in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Lymphotoxin: stimulation and regulation of colony-stimulating factors in fibroblasts
Authors: Akashi M , Saito M , Koeffler HP
Published: October 2019

Colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) are pivotal for proliferation and function of hematopoietic cells. We found that lymphotoxin, a product of activated lymphocytes, stimulates accumulation of granulocyte- macrophage (GM)-CSF and macrophage (M)-CSF proteins and mRNAs in fibroblasts. An increase in GM- and M-CSF mRNA levels occurred within 2 hours after addition of 1,000 U/mL lymphotoxin and levels plateaued over the next 24 hours. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) was about five times more potent than lymphotoxin at low concentrations, and was nearly 1.5 to to 2 times more potent at maximally stimulating concentrations of the cytokines. Stimulation by lymphotoxin did not require either new protein synthesis or protein kinase-C stimulation. Stability studies of GM- and M-CSF transcripts in fibroblasts showed that M-CSF mRNA was five times more stable (half-life [t 1/2], 100 minutes) than GM-CSF mRNA (t 1/2, 20 minutes). Stability of these mRNAs was unchanged after stimulation of the cells with lymphotoxin. In addition, exposure of cells to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate did not alter stability of M-CSF mRNA but markedly prolonged the stability of GM-CSF mRNA. This is consistent with data showing that the AT-rich consensus region in the 3′ untranslated region of many transiently expressed cytokines including GM-CSF but not M-CSF, play a major role in their mRNA stability. Our results suggest that activated lymphocytes can affect hematopoietic cell function and growth by stimulating production of CSFs by mesenchymal cells.
A role for protein kinase C in the membrane fusion necessary for platelet granule secretion
Authors: Gerrard JM , Beattie LL , Park J , Israels SJ , McNicol A , Lint D , Cragoe EJ
Published: October 2019

The addition of 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol (OAG), or phorbol-12- myristate-13-acetate (PMA) to platelets induced the phosphorylation of a 47,000 dalton protein (47 Kd), fusion of granule membranes with membranes of the surface connected canalicular system, the formation of large vesicles and the secretion of serotonin. 1-(5- isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methyl-piperazine (H7), and sphingosine, inhibitors of protein kinase C, significantly inhibited the ultrastructural changes and the phosphorylation of 47 Kd. N-(2- guanidinoethyl)-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide (HA1004), structurally similar to H7, but a weaker inhibitor of protein kinase C, did not attenuate these responses to OAG or to PMA. H7, but not HA1004, also markedly inhibited secretion induced by the synergistic combination of OAG and the calcium ionophore A23187. Amiloride and 5-(N,N dimethyl)- amiloride, inhibitors of the Na+/H+ transporter, did not inhibit the ultrastructural response and the protein phosphorylation induced by OAG, or the secretion induced by the combination of A23187 and OAG. The results link the activation of protein kinase C by diglycerides to the labilization and fusion of granule membranes important for secretion.
Impaired catalytic function of activated protein C: a new in vitro manifestation of lupus anticoagulant
Authors: Marciniak E , Romond EH
Published: October 2019

Lupus anticoagulant (LA), an antibody against anionic phospholipid with anticoagulant laboratory manifestations, is paradoxically associated with a high incidence of thrombosis. In the present study we analyzed the phospholipid- and platelet-dependent degradation of factor Va following clotting in plasma from 15 consecutive patients with LA to provide evidence for a distinct procoagulant effect of the antibody. After clotting with 25 micrograms phospholipid/mL, all samples containing LA showed markedly decreased rates of factor Va degradation (k = 0.01 to 0.14 min-1 v 0.27 to 0.35 min-1 in controls). Also with higher phospholipid concentrations (up to 100 micrograms/mL), as well as in the presence of platelets (5 to 33 x 10(7)/mL), significantly less of the procoagulant activity disappeared per unit of time in samples with LA than in controls. Plasma with LA was to a variable extent capable of decreasing or abolishing factor Va inhibition in normal plasma. Most importantly, exogenous activated protein C failed to correct the ineffective factor Va destruction despite adequate protein S levels. These data suggest that LA prevents the formation of the complex essential for rapid proteolysis of factor Va both on phospholipid and on the platelet membrane, thereby compromising the catalytic function of activated protein C. Our findings offer a new opportunity for a more comprehensive evaluation of patients with antiphospholipid antibody in defining the pathogenesis of thrombosis in this clinical condition.