bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of different in-clinic test systems for feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus infection
Authors: Hartmann Katrin , Griessmayr Pascale , Schulz Bianka , Greene Craig E. , Vidyashankar Anand N. , Jarrett Os , Egberink Herman F.
Published: July 2007

Many new diagnostic in-house tests for identification of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) infection have been licensed for use in veterinary practice, and the question of the relative merits of these kits has prompted comparative studies. This study was designed to define the strengths and weaknesses of seven FIV and eight FeLV tests that are commercially available. In this study, 536 serum samples from randomly selected cats were tested. Those samples reacting FIV-positive in at least one of the tests were confirmed by Western blot, and those reacting FeLV-positive were confirmed by virus isolation. In addition, a random selection of samples testing negative in all test systems was re-tested by Western blot (100 samples) and by virus isolation (81 samples). Specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values of each test and the quality of the results were compared.
Neurogenic concept of Bell's palsy
Authors: Misurya V. K.
Published: July 2007

ACCORDING to the author it is the ‘transmyringal’ portion of the chorda tympani nerve which in practice remains exposed to the cold atmospheric air and triggers the pathologic process involved in Bell's palsy, affecting the facial nerve secondarily, rather than a primary condition of the facial nerve. This theory was proved by creating a Bell's palsy (paralysisa frigore) with cold-air-stimuli to the tympanic membrane in experimental animals (two monkeys). On the basis of this observation the author recommends ‘medical decompression’ of the facial nerve by means of infra-red fomentation of the drum, and eustachian insufflation of hydrocortisone, in cases of Bell's palsy before retrograde extension of oedema from the chorda tympani to the facial nerve can cause irreversible damage. Subsequently, the author has successfully managed fourteen cases (93.4 per cent) of Bell's palsy with a definite history of exposure to cold (paralysisa frigore). It is suggested that the ear canal be plugged with cotton as a preventive measure; and that chorda tympani neurectomy be performed to eliminate the chances of recurrence of the disease in cases of recurrent Bell's palsy.
Hyperbaric oxygen in anaerobic infection of the mediastinum
Authors: Monies-Chass I. , Joachims H. Z. , Altman M. M.
Published: July 2007

IN the last decade hyperbaric oxygen has been recognized as an important therapeutic tool in a variety of instances in which either destruction of anaerobic bacteria is urgent or an improvement in the oxygenation level is mandatory. We have usede it successfully in a case of mediastinal anaerobic infection (gas gangrene) after medical and surgical measures had failed to eradicate the disease.

The causative organism of gas gangrene, Clostridium perfringens (Welchii), is widely distributed. It may be cultured from the soil, house dust, human skin and faeces, etc. For this reason infection with Clostridium is practically inevitable whenever suitable conditions arise. As an anaerobic bacterium Clostridium Welchii multiplies readily in damaged tissues without cantact with the air and devoid of a normal blood supply. This occurs especially in road accidents and war wounds in which broken bones and crushed muscles provide a suitable medium for the infection (Altmeier 1965). Sometimes this infection can occur too after abdominal or gynaecological operations (Hitchcock, 1965).

We present here a case of mediastinal gas gangrene which was caused by perforation of the oesophagus by a swallowed foreign body.
Prevalence of mumps antibodies in the Israeli population in relation to mumps vaccination policy and incidence of disease
Authors: MUHSEN Kh. , ABOUDY Y. , MENDELSON E. , GREEN M. S. , COHEN D.
Published: July 2007

We examined the prevalence of mumps antibodies in the Israeli population in relation to mumps vaccination policy and past and subsequent incidence of disease. The levels of specific IgG antibodies against mumps were tested in 3330 residual sera collected during 1997–1998 from an age-stratified population sample. Against the background of a consistent MMR vaccination coverage of >90%, the age- and sex-adjusted seropositivity to mumps was 77·0%. No significant differences between genders were found. Seropositivity in the 10–13 years age group, born just before the introduction of the MMR vaccine, was the lowest (59%). These birth cohorts were the target of an outbreak of mumps in 2005 that occurred among high-school students and military recruits. A trend of waning immunity was observed between the first and second vaccine doses. The seroepidemiological data demonstrate that immunity levels below the herd immunity threshold, along with social mixing and crowded conditions facilitated the occurrence of mumps outbreaks. Periodical serosurveys are an essential component in the evaluation of the vaccination policy against mumps.
Food and nutrient availability in New Zealand: an analysis of supermarket sales data
Authors: Hamilton Sally , Mhurchu Cliona Ni , Priest Patricia
Published: July 2007

Objective

To examine food and nutrient availability in New Zealand using supermarket sales data in conjunction with a brand-specific supermarket food composition database (SFD).

Design

The SFD was developed by selecting the top-selling supermarket food products and linking them to food composition data from a variety of sources, before merging with individualised sales data. Supermarket food and nutrient data were then compared with data from national nutrition and household budget/economic surveys.

Setting

A supermarket in Wellington, New Zealand.

Subjects

Eight hundred and eighty-two customers (73% female; mean age 38 years) who shopped regularly at the participating supermarket store and for whom electronic sales data were available for the period February 2004–January 2005.

Results

Top-selling supermarket food products included full-fat milk, white bread, sugary soft drinks and butter. Key food sources of macronutrients were similar between the supermarket sales database and national nutrition surveys. For example, bread was the major source of energy and contributed 12–13% of energy in all three data sources. Proportional expenditure on fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, farm products and oils, and cereal products recorded in the Household Economic Survey and supermarket sales data were within 2% of each other.

Conclusions

Electronic supermarket sales data can be used to evaluate a number of important aspects of food and nutrient availability. Many of our findings were broadly comparable with national nutrition and food expenditure survey data, and supermarket sales have the advantage of being an objective, convenient, up-to-date and cost-effective measure of household food purchases.
Krachtvoer: effect evaluation of a Dutch healthful diet promotion curriculum for lower vocational schools
Authors: Martens Marloes K , Van Assema Patricia , Paulussen Theo GWM , Van Breukelen Gerard , Brug Johannes
Published: July 2007

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the behavioural effects of a school-based healthful diet promotion intervention implemented in lower vocational schools.

Design

A cluster-randomised pre-test–post-test experimental design was used, and data were collected by means of written questionnaires.

Setting

Students of 18 Dutch lower vocational schools.

Subjects

The final sample consisted of 10 experimental schools with 13 teachers, 37 classes and 879 students, and eight control schools with 10 teachers, 31 classes and 734 students (total n = 1613).

Results

Fixed regression analyses revealed beneficial effects on the behavioural measures relating to fruit intake (as assessed by a food frequency measure and fruit consumption during the previous day), and most behavioural measures related to high-fat snack intake (food frequency measure, and number of snacks and total fat intake from snacks during the previous day). The behavioural effects relating to breakfast habits were limited. Some positive behavioural effects occurred in the total target population, others mainly or only among students with more unfavourable intakes at baseline. Mixed regression analysis found comparable regression coefficients for the behavioural outcomes, but the effects related to fruit intake were no longer statistically significant.

Conclusions

Although we did not find the expected effects on all outcome indicators, the total pattern of results suggest that Krachtvoer offered a surplus value over existing curricula. However, some programme elements need to be revised to improve effectiveness and prevent negative effects, and more information is needed about the long-term effects of the programme.
Reduced secretion of IL‐lβ by peritoneal cells from patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Authors: HART P. H. , JONES C. A. , L.JONES K. , FINLAY‐JONES J.J.
Published: July 2007

The endogenous and lipopolysaccharide stimulated interleukin (IL)‐1β production in vitro by peritoneal monocytes/macrophages from patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) was examined during episodes of infection and inflammation. Measurement of immunoreactive IL‐1β and bioactive IL‐1 in both supernatants and cell lysates after culture for 18 h revealed that these cells secreted a significantly lower proportion of total IL‐1 than that measured for elutriated blood monocytes. For the inflammatory peritoneal cells, the proportion of total IL‐1β that was cell‐associated resembled that reported for more differentiated pulmonary alveolar macrophages and for adherent monocytes cultured for 18 h prior to stimulation. A similar reduced ability to secrete IL‐1β was detected for unfractionated peritoneal cells from CAPD patients without peritonitis upon direct comparison with the IL‐1β production by blood mononuclear cells from the same patients. These results suggested that at a time when a pro‐inflammatory response by extravasated host monocytes/macrophages was required by CAPD patients with peritonitis, only a minor proportion of total IL‐1β would be available extracellularly. This study highlights the rapidity with which extravasated monocytes lose their ability to secrete IL‐lβ and raises the possibility that an important site of utilization of IL‐1βin vivo may be intracellular in its location.
A re‐examination of the molecular basis of cell movement
Authors: TOONEY PAUL A. , AGREZ MICHAEL V. , BURNS GORDON F.
Published: July 2007

A model for cell movement is presented. It is suggested that cells do not migrate on collagen using their VLA (very late antigen) integrins that bind this extra cellular matrix protein. Rather, the cells utilize αv integrins to bind endogenously produced fibronectin, which binds to the underlying collagen. It is envisaged that cells proceed by a process of engagement and disengagement of αv integrins to the extracellular matrix, somewhat analogous to the motion of a monkey climbing a tree. Secretion of isoforms of the adhesion modulator, thrombospondin, regulates disengagement of the integrin from its ligand in migrating cells. The integrin disengagement signal is mediated by thrombospondin cross‐linking the αv integnn to an integrin accessory molecule and thus activating protein kinases. The cross‐linked receptor complex undergoes recycling back along actin stress fibres, guided by the integrin β‐subunit. After endocytosis and protein sorting the αv integrin is transported back to the leading edge off migrating cells in vesicles guided by the tubulin‐binding capabilities of an integrin accessory molecule. Direct attachment to collagen required for processes, such as matrix contraction, is mediated by VLA integrins which displace αv integrins from points of attachment during integrin recycling, possibly through an αvβ1, intermediary receptor.
Selective modification and immune evasion: A hypothesis
Authors: KUMAR SANJEEV
Published: July 2007

A hypothesis is proposed asking why enzyme neutralization is not an effective host‐response to a parasite despite the fact that some parasite housekeeping enzymes are highly immunogenic. It is hypothesized that although the structural domain can be immunogenic, the active sites of the parasite enzyme molecules have converged evolutionarily to resemble the functional part (active sites) of host's enzyme molecules, by structural modification/rearrangement (amino acid substitution/polypeptide chain folding) with the effect: (i) of functional adaptation to the host environment; and (ii) to escape detection of active sites by the host as non‐self, allowing the parasite to be exposed to antiparasite enzyme antibodies, without deleterious effects on the parasite.
Studies on the antibody response of mice and humans after immunization with potential influenza virus A (H1N1) vaccines
Authors: POUMBOURIOS P. , OXFORD J. S. , JACKSON D. C.
Published: July 2007

The antibody response of mice and adult humans to immunization with subunit vaccines derived from a pair of antigenically distinct influenza A H1N1 viruses isolated in eggs was investigated. Although the haemagglutination molecule of each virus differed by only three amino acid residues, highly specific antibody responses were elicited in mice as determined by haemagglutination inhibition and radioimmunoprecipitation assays. Results from competitive radioimmunoassays using monoclonal antibodies of known specificity and a study of the reactivity of mouse antisera with H1N1 field strains indicated that the marked differences in the antibody responses to the two vaccines was due to an amino acid substitution in the distal tip of the haemagglutinin molecule. In contrast, crossreactive antibody responses were elicited in humans presumably due to exposure to viruses related to the candidate vaccine prior to vaccination. Although immunogenic differences are apparent in this pair of antigenically distinct viruses in naive laboratory animals, these differences are not apparent following vaccination of humans that had prior exposure to related viruses.
Inhibition of burn‐associated suppressor cell generation by glycyrrhizin through the induction of contrasuppressor T cells
Authors: KOBAYASHI M. , SCHMITT D. A. , UTSUNOMIYA T. , POLLARD R. B. , SUZUKI F.
Published: July 2007

The inhibitory effect of glycyrrhizin (GR), an anti‐inflammatory Chinese herbal drug extracted from licorice roots, on the generation of suppressor T cells in thermally injured mice (TI‐mice) was investigated. The burn‐associated suppressor T cell (BTs cell) activity was demonstrated in splenic mononuclear cells (SMNC) from mice 2 to 8 days after thermal injury when suppressor cell activity was assayed in a one‐way mixed lymphocyte reaction. However, when TI‐mice were treated with GR, SMNC harvested 6 days after thermal injury showed no suppressor cell activity. This activity of GR demonstrated a dose‐response effect, with a dose of 10 mg/kg exhibiting peak levels of the activity. Since GR had no direct inactivating activities against BTs cellsin vitro, the inhibitory effect of SMNC, derived from TI‐mice treated with GR, on the activity of BTs cells was examined in the same mixed lymphocyte reaction system, and the results showed that the SMNC from GR‐treated mice 6 days after thermal injury counteracted the activity of BTs cells. The type of cell responsible for this inhibition of BTs cell activities was a CD3+, L3T4+,Vicia villosalectin‐adherent T cell with the same phenotypic properties previously exhibited by contrasuppressor cells. These results suggest that GR may regulate the generation of BTs cells through the induction of contrasuppressor cells. Since there are many reports describing septic infections due to the appearance of BTs cells in postburn patients, it may be possible to apply GR or blood preparations containing contrasuppressor cell populations induced by GR in healthy volunteers into immunosuppressed burn patients to avoid infections.
Gastric parietal cell development: Expression of the H+/K+ ATPase subunits coincides with the biogenesis of the secretory membranes
Authors: PETTITT JOHN M. , TOH BAN‐HOCK , CALLAGHAN JUDY M. , GLEESON PAUL A. , VAN DRIEL IAN R.
Published: July 2007

The early development of the parietal cell in the embryonic murine gastric mucosa was investigated with particular attention paid to the biogenesis of the secretory membranes and the localization of the gastric H+/K+/ ATPase α and β subunits. Gastric glands were recognized in the day 18 foetus. However, at this stage in development no parietal cells could be distinguished ultrastructurally in the glands, and no immunoreactivity was detected with monoclonal antibodies to either the α or β subunits of the gastric H+/K+ ATPase. In the 19 day embryo, parietal cells were recognizable morphologically by the presence of slender microvilli on the apical (lumenal) surface and differentiating intracellular canaliculi in the apical cytoplasm. Both subunits of the proton pump were found to be specifically associated with the apical and canalicular membranes and with the membranes of relatively large vesicles distributed in the subapical cytoplasm and the cytoplasm surrounding the canaliculi. In the parietal cells of the day 1 neonate, the intracellular canaliculi had extended basally to form the extensive compartments typical of parietal cells in the adult animal. Again, profiles of vesicles showing H+/K+ ATPase immunoreactivity were present in the pericanalicular cytoplasm. These results indicate that the intracellular canaliculi are formed by expansion of the apical surface and suggest that the delivery of newly synthesized gastric H+/K+ ATPase α and β subunits to the apical plasma membrane is mediated by typical Golgi transport vesicles. The large immunoreactive vesicles that occur in the apical and pericanalicular cytoplasm of the developing cells may represent artifacts generated by fixation‐induced fragmentation of the differentiating canalicular membrane system during preparation.
Detection of mosaic protein mRNA in human astrocytes
Authors: AVERY V. M. , ADRIAN D. L. , GORDON D. L.
Published: July 2007

Mosaic proteins consist of a group of proteins that may be comprised of one or more types of a variety of different structural modules and have a diverse range of functions. We have examined primary human astrocyte cultures for the presence of three mosaic proteins, B2I and the complement proteins factor H and properdin. Using the polymerase chain reaction and an enhanced chemiluminescence detection technique, we were able to show that mRNA transcripts for each of these proteins are expressed in human astrocytes.
An analysis of the relationship between γδ T cell receptor V gene usage and non‐major histocompatibility complex‐restricted cytotoxicity
Authors: MAVADDAT N. , ROBINSON B. W. S. , ROSE A. H. , MANNING L. S. , GARLEPP M. J.
Published: July 2007

γδ T cells are capable of mediating non‐major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restricted lysis of a variety of tumour cell lines. The mechanism of this lysis and its significance in tumour immunity are not clear. We have used a panel of five malignant mesothelioma (MM) cell lines, as well as standard tumour targets K562 and Daudi, to investigate some of the factors which could be involved in non‐MHC restricted cytotoxicity mediated by γδ T cells. Individual MM ceil lines, representing a panel of lines derived from a single cell type, varied in their susceptibility to lysis by γδ T cell clones. Individual γδ T cell clones also showed unique cytotoxic profiles, and differed in their cytotoxic potential. T cell receptor (TCR) γδ gene usage correlated with the ability of clones to lyse Daudi or K562; clones lysing Daudi expressing Vγ9 and clones lysing K562 expressing VγI subgroup genes. No strict correlation between Vγ and Vδ gene usage and MM reactivity was, however, demonstrable. There was also no correlation between yδ T cell lysis of MM cell lines and the capacity of γδ T cells to produce interferon‐γ, tumour necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐2 or interleukin‐4, nor with their expression of CD8.
CD45 isoform transitions on multinegative human thymocytes differentiating in vitro mimic patterns predicted for selective events in vivo
Authors: PILARSKI LINDA M. , DEANS JULIE P.
Published: July 2007

Experiments were designed to test the idea that the patterns of CD45 isoform expressed by differentiating human multinegative (MN) thymocytes (CD3−4−8−19−)are regulated by the type of growth or activation stimuli delivered. We have proposed that within the thymus, CD45RA expression is fundamental to maintenance of the thymic generative lineage while a transition to CD45RO indicates entry into the path of intrathymic death. It seems likely that the signal transduction pathways leading to positive selection are different from those leading to negative selection.

Upon culture, MN thymocytes proliferate in response to interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) or anti‐CD2/28 and differentiate as defined by acquisition of CD3 as well as CD4 and/or CD8. Even at day 9 of culture, 30–40% of cells remain multinegative. DNA analysis indicates that both CD3− and CD3+ cells are actively cycling. Although the CD3− set includes a substantial number of cycling cells, it continues to express almost exclusively the CD45RA isoform. Among CD3+ progeny, 53–80% have acquired CD45RO while maintaining high expression of CD45RA, although 10–47% are able to maintain exclusive expression of CD45PA despite their more differentiated state. In contrast, stimulation with PHA/PMA, which gives a vigorous proliferative response, appears to inhibit acquisition of CD3 and thus differentiation, while forcing a premature transition from CD45RA to CD45RO.

These in vitro systems appear to permit generative thymic development while maintaining a cycling multinegative subset, thus mimicking thymic development in vivo, permitting an exploration of the events in positive and negative selection of human thymocytes. The maintenance of CD45RA expression with co‐expression of CD45RO by CD3+ progeny in cultures supplemented with IL‐2 or anti‐CD2/28, in contrast to the loss of CD45RA after PHA stimulation, shows that the regulation of CD45 isoform expression is closely linked to the nature of the developmental signals received by a thymocyte.
The trophoblast as an integral component of a macrophage‐cytokine network
Authors: GUILBERT LARRY , ROBERTSON SARAH A. , WEGMANN THOMAS G.
Published: July 2007

The trophoblast, an epithelial cell of fetal origin that forms the physical barrier between the mother and developing conceptus, becomes a component of the host immune system during pregnancy. Of the classical immune cells, it most closely resembles the macrophage, also present in high numbers in the pregnant uterus. The macrophage and trophoblast, as cell classes, share characteristics such as phagocytosis, syncytialization, invasiveness, expression of the proteins CD4, CD14, IgG receptor (FcR), non‐specific esterase, granulocyte macrophage‐CSF (GM‐CSF), Colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF‐l), interleukin‐I (IL‐1), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumour necrosis factor (TNF‐α), transforming growth factors (TGF), platelet‐α derived growth factor (PDGF) and receptors for these cytokines. In the uterus both cell types appear regulated by a common element, the uterine epithelium, that secretes cytokines such as CSF‐1, GM‐CSF, TNFα, TGFβ, IL‐6, and leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) that target both macrophages and trophoblasts. The common characteristics and regulation that make teleological sense in terms of co‐ordinating local uterine immunity during pregnancy may also be important in transmission of congenital diseases such as AIDS. The production by the uterine epithelium of a number of cytokines previously only associated with mononuclear phagocyte production and function predicts the existence of a similar, but broader, shared cytokine network encompassing trophoblast and the principal immune regulatory cell, the T lymphocyte.
Production of vaccines against gastrointestinal nematodes of livestock
Authors: EMERY DAVID L. , McCLURE SUSAN J. , WAGLAND BARRY M.
Published: July 2007

Three international collaborations involving Australian research scientists are currently developing vaccines against Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus and Ostertagia parasites using recombinant DNA technology. The variety of protective antigens identified can be classified as ‘conventional’ (stimulate naturally acquired immunity) or ‘novel/’covert‘/’concealed’ (protective once immunity is induced by vaccination). To date, the most gratifying progress has resulted in 60–90% protection against Haemonchus and other blood‐sucking parasites (e.g. ticks) using novel antigens, where high titres of serum antibody ingested by feeding worms leads to their demise. A great deal of research effort is unravelling the complexity of naturally acquired immunity so that conventional antigens, which may be the principal means of removing ‘mucosal‐browsing’ parasites, may be formulated and delivered to achieve optimal efficacy. This work reveals that to remove early stages of parasites before they take up residence, deliberate induction of hypersensitivity responses akin to asthma, may be a desirable goal for vaccines and that the two models have much in common.
Immunocastration of colts and immunospeying of fillies
Authors: DOWSETT K. F. , TSHEWANG U. , KNOTT L. M. , JACKSON A. E. , TRIGG T. E.
Published: July 2007

A series of experiments using an ovalbumin conjugated gonadotrophin releasing hormone was used to stimulate antibody production, suppress testosterone secretion and depress testicular function in yearling and 2 year old colts and fillies. In the preliminary experiment, an injectable oil–based formulation was administered to yearling colts. Testicular development and testosterone secretion were retarded for a period of ∼ 28–32 weeks while antibody titres were greater than 1 : 1000. An implant and water–soluble vaccine (200 and 400 mg) is presently being tested in 2 year old colts. Testicular dimensions and testosterone concentrations decreased following vaccination. Preliminary results indicate that the effects of the implant are reversible and last for approximately 30 weeks. The water–soluble vaccine produced effective antibodies for 10–19 weeks. Plasma testosterone of all colts was reduced to gelding levels (0.2 ng/mL) while antibody titres were greater than 1 : 1000. Semen evaluation, morphometric analysis and daily sperm production data indicate that the testes recovered normal function. These experiments are continuing and more definitive data on the vaccine and its reversibility will be available at their conclusion. Ovarian activity of the treated fillies (200 and 400 mg) ceased soon after vaccination. Their progesterone concentrations have remained below 1 ng/mL for 20 weeks. The untreated control fillies have continued to cycle normally as determined by ovarian ultrasonography and progesterone concentrations.
Production of interleukin‐lα and interleukin‐2 by separate, phenotypically different leukaemia and T cell lymphotropic virus‐1‐transformed T cell clones
Authors: HOLÁŇ V. , MINOWADA J.
Published: July 2007

The relationship between interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) and interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) production and immunophenotype marker profiles was studied in a panel of 29 leukaemia and human T cell lymphotropic virus‐l (HTLV‐1)‐transformed T cell lines. Culture supernatants from six of the 29 T cell lines tested increased IL‐2 production by the MOLT‐16 cell line in a manner similar to that of rIL‐1α or rIL‐1β. The enhancing activity in the cell culture supernatants was inhibited by antibody against IL‐1α. Anti‐IL‐1β antibody bad no inhibitory effect. All the cell lines producing IL‐1α had characteristics of activated mature T cells. They were terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase (TdT)−, CD4+, CD8−, HLA‐DR+ and all were strongly positive for IL‐2Rα (Tac antigen) expression. However, none of the IL‐1α producing cell lines secreted detectable IL‐2. A significant quantity of IL‐2 was found, after stimulation with phytohaemagglutinin, in supernatants from nine of the 29 cell lines tested. The majority of IL‐2 producing cell lines originated from less mature, non‐activated T cells, as they were characterized by the expression of TdT, lack of HLA‐DR antigens and > 50% had no detectable IL‐2Rα. The results thus show that separate, phenotypically different leukaemia and HTLV‐1‐transformed T cell clones produce IL‐1α and lL‐2. While IL‐1α production is exclusively confined to the cell lines having the phenotype of activated mature T cells, the IL‐2 producing cell lines have much more diverse origins in terms of their stage of maturation.
The stimulation by dendritic cells of host‐versus‐graft reactivity in vivo
Authors: CHAUDHURI S. , CHAUDHURI SWAPNA , BARFOOT R. , DENHAM S. , HALL J. G.
Published: July 2007

Dendritic cells (DC) isolated from peripheral intestinal lymph of inbred Wistar rats were injected into the hind footpads of Hooded CBH/Cbi rats. Administration of 104 and 5 ′ 105 allogeneic DC produced approximately six‐fold increase in popliteal node weight. This is only marginally greater than that caused by similar doses of syngeneic DC and about 30% greater than that caused by allogeneic mononuclear cells. The data indicated that allogeneic DC were not effective stimulators of host‐versus‐graft reactions in this assay.
BCG vaccination in deer: Distinctions between delayed type hypersensitivity and laboratory parameters of immunity
Authors: GRIFFIN J. FRANK T. , HESKETH JAN B. , MACKINTOSH COLIN G. , SHI YOU‐EN , BUCHAN GLENN S.
Published: July 2007

Groups of deer were vaccinated with live or killed Bacillus Calmette‐Guerin (BCG), with and without oil adjuvant, to compare their immune responses with those found in naturally infected animals. Killed BCG in oil induced strong lymphocyte transformation (LT) and antibody (ELISA) responses specific forMycobacterium bovisantigens. Serum inflammatory proteins (SIP) were also induced after these animals were skin tested. This pattern of reactivity mirrored that found in naturally infected deer with active tuberculosis. Animals vaccinated with live BCG without oil adjuvant also produced strong LT reactivity hut this was directed at common mycobacterial antigens found on bothM. bovisandM. avium, although no antibody or SIP were detected at any stage of the experiment. The pattern of immune responsiveness to live BCG was similar to that found in naturally infected, but non‐diseased deer, and may represent the immunoprotective response to tuberculosis. Significant differences in specificity of lymphocyte transformation and intradermal skin test reactivity to mycobacterial antigens were also identified. Vaccination with BCG in various formulations provides an experimental probe to evaluate the immunological hasis of immunity to tuberculosis.
Transient retention of Strongyloides ratti in the caecal mucosa during infection in mice
Authors: ABE T. , YOSHIMURA K. , NAWA Y.
Published: July 2007

Adult worms of Strongyloides ratti, after elimination from the small intestine, were retained in the caecum for at least three days during the infection in mice. This retention was a biological event but not due to a simple mechanical trapping in faeces. In addition to the local mucosal mastocytosis, eosinophil infiltration was remarkable in the caecum around day 10 when adult worms were expelled from there.
Cyclic regulation of B220 antigen expression in immature B cell lines
Authors: OKA Y. , SHIMIZU Y. , TSUKADA S. , SUGIYAMA H.
Published: July 2007

Three independent immature B cell lines transformed with temperature‐sensitive mutants of Abelson murine leukaemia virus (A‐MuLV) persistently expressed B22O antigen detected by both of the anti‐B220 antibodies RA3‐6B2 and 14.8 during culture at the permissive temperature (35°C). RA3‐6B2 recognizes the B220 epitope and that 14.8 is a CD45RA antibody. However, when the culture temperature was shifted up to the non‐permissive temperature (39°C) and the culture was continued for 2–3 weeks, a population of the cells (RA3‐6B2− 14.8+ cells) that lost RA3‐6B2 antigen appeared in all three cell lines. From these populations, RA3‐6B2− 14.8 + subclones were independently isolated by limiting dilution and the phenotype was stable during culture at the permissive temperature. When the culture temperature of the RA3‐6B2− 14.8 + subbclones was shifted up to the non‐permissive temperature and the culture was continued for 2–3 weeks, RA3‐6B2 antigen was re‐expressed in a subpopulation of the RA3‐6B2 − 14.8 + cells. These results demonstrated cyclic regulation of B220 antigen expression during proliferation and/or differentiation of immature B cell lines.
Lipid peroxidation, glutathione levels and changes in glutathione‐related enzyme activities in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: MUKHERJEE BISWAJIT , MUKHERJEE JAYANTA RANJAN , CHATTERJEE MALAY
Published: July 2007

Levels of lipid peroxidation in liver, kidney, brain and blood, liver glutathione (GSH) and several enzymes in liver tissue associated with antioxidant defence mechanism, namely Catalase (EC: 1.11.1.6), GSH reductase (EC:1.6.4.2) and GSH‐s‐transferase (EC: 2.5.1.18), were investigated in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. The single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) caused a four‐, eight‐ and seven‐fold increase in lipid peroxidation in brain, liver and kidney, respectively. A decline in GSH levels both in blood (two–fold) and liver (16%) compared with normal counterparts was also observed. A marginal increase in catalase activity, a 20% decrease in GSH reductase and an increase of GSH‐5‐transferase activity was also found in this experimental diabetic condition. These results suggest experimental diabetes, induced by streptozotocin, can produce biochemical changes not only in pancreas but also in liver, kidney and brain tissue.
Response of peripheral blood leucocytes to mitogenic factor(s) in porcine seminal plasma
Authors: KOVACS D. PAUL R. , TEKPETEY FRANCIS R. , ARMSTRONG DAVID T.
Published: July 2007

Porcine seminal plasma (PSP) contains a potent mitogenic substance capable of causing proliferation and extensive agglutination in cultured porcine peripheral blood leucocytes (PBL). In order to determine the specific leucocyte cell population affected by this mitogen, lymphocyte, monocyte and polymorphonuclear (PMN)‐enriched cell fractions were separated from PBL and treated with increasing concentrations of PSP (1–8%, v/v). For monocyte cell populations enriched through elutriation and adherence to plastic, cell proliferation in response to PSP treatment was consistently higher than PSP‐treated unfractionated PBL. Monocyte‐depleted PBL and lymphocyte populations enriched through elutriation demonstrated a decrease in proliferation compared to PSP‐treated unfractionated PBL. PMN populations separated from PBL by discontinuous Percoll gradient centrifugation were unresponsive to PSP. Agglutination was observed for the unfractionated PBL and each enriched cell population. These results demonstrate that PSP contains a potent mitogen which induces proliferation in monocyte‐enriched cell populations and may reflect the potential of PSP to act as an immune regulator in the uterine environment during early embryo development and implantation.
An alteration in the host‐parasite relationship in subjects with chronic bronchitis prone to recurrent episodes of acute bronchitis
Authors: TAYLOR DIANA C. , CLANCY ROBERT L. , CRIPPS ALLAN W. , BUTT HENRY , BARTLETT LAWRENCE , MURREE‐ALLEN KEITH
Published: July 2007

Acute episodes of bronchitis have been shown to be unequally distributed within a population of subjects with chronic bronchitis. Two groups were identified based on incidence of acute bronchitis — subjects who were ‘infection‐prone’ (2–5 infections per year) and those who were ‘non‐infection‐ prone’ (0–1 infections per year). Minor differences in clinical parameters existed, except for smoking experience. The non‐infection‐prone group included more current smokers, and the total smoking experience (in ‘pack years’) was significantly greater in this group. Between‐year analysis demonstrated a stability of classification, established after a minimum of two years’ prospective observation. Parameters of the host‐parasite relationship were assessed in both groups. A significantly greater polybacterial colonization of the oropharynx was observed for chronic bronchitics, both infection‐prone (P < 0.0001) and non‐infection‐prone (P < 0.001), compared with control subjects. Infection‐prone chronic bronchitics had significantly greater total bacteria cultured from the oropharynx compared to the non‐in feet ion‐prone group (P < 0.05); adherence of indigenous microflora to buccal epithelial cells, in particular Gram‐positive cocci (P < 0.01) and in vitro adherence of non‐serotypable Haemophilus influenzae to buccal cells (P < 0.05) compared with the control and non‐infection‐prone groups. These studies suggest that an important variation in subjects with chronic bronchitis is the binding capacity of epithelial cells for bacteria, which when increased enhances susceptibility to colonization and clinical infection.
Phenotype and morphology of murine NC‐1.1+ natural cytotoxic cells
Authors: BRIEN J. H. , SMART Y. C. , FARRELLY M. L. , BURTON R. C.
Published: July 2007

The morphology and phenotype of cells identified by the anti‐NC‐1.1 mAb, 1C4, were studied in CBA and (CBA × C57BL/6) F1 mice. This mAb blocked splenic natural cytotoxic (NC) cell activity in vitro and in vivo. Single colour flow cytometric analysis showed that 6±1% of all CBA splenocytes were NC‐1.1+, and that granular cells of varying sizes, as defined by their forward and side light scatter, contained the highest proportion of NC‐1.1+ cells (29±7%). When analysed by two colour flow cytometry, the large and the granular NC‐1.1+ spleen cells in CBA mice were shown to co‐express Thy‐1.2 and L3T4 (≤ 33%), Mac‐1 (≤ 26%), IgM (≤ 60%) and FcRγII and J11d (≤ 100%). In contrast, T cell markers were not co‐expressed on the small agranular NC‐1.1+ spleen cells. This pattern of marker expression was evident in CBA spleens from 2 days of age. When (CBA × C57BL/6) Fl spleen cells were similarly analysed, 82% of granular NC‐1.1+ cells also co‐expressed NK‐1.1. Single colour analysis of CBA bone marrow, thymus, lymph node and peripheral blood leucocytes revealed that ≤10% of all cells examined were NC‐1.1+ while the most granular cells in these organs were 16–43% NC‐1.1+. These results support the ‘horizontal lineage’ theory that NC cells are cells of different lymphohaemopoietic cell lineages at particular stages of differentiation.
Cytomegalovirus infection of vascular endothelial cells alters production of GM‐CSF and G‐CSF
Authors: WOODROFFE S. B. , GARNETT H. M. , LAYTON J. E.
Published: July 2007

Infection of human umbilical vein endothelial cells with the clinical isolate of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV; at a multiplicity of infection of 2) severely suppresses the production of granulocyte‐CSF and granulocyte‐macrophage‐CSF at late stages of infection (6 days post infection onwards). The effect was produced by actively multiplying virus which indicates that HCMV antigen expression is important for this suppression. The suppression in the production of these two cytokines was not due to their accumulation inside the cell nor to cell damage or lysis after infection.
Effects of sex steroids on the proliferation of thymic epithelial cells in a culture model: A role of protein kinase C
Authors: SAKABE KOU , KAWASHIMA ISSEI , URANO RIE , SEIKI KANJI , ITOH TSUNETOSHI
Published: July 2007

Using a rat thymic epithelial cell line (TEC; IT‐45R1), the present study attempted to elucidate the mechanism of action of sex steroid hormones (SH) on the proliferation of TEC The findings were as follows: (a) the proliferation of TEC in response to SH was mediated through protein kinase C activity introduced as a result of interaction between SH and plasma‐borne inhibitors; (b) the strong inhibitory effect of SH on TEC proliferation might be mediated through the SH receptor pathway because the proliferative response was triggered by progesterone (P) and androgen (A), whereas the inhibitory response was triggered by P, A and oestrogen. These results clearly suggest that the control of TEC proliferation is a ‘shut‐off’ mechanism triggered by high plasma levels of SH. This further refers to the speculation that the development of the normal thymus may be due to a lack of this ‘shut‐off’ mechanism so that development occurs at the adequate plasma SH levels that are often observed before puberty. However, this development is inhibited at the high plasma SH levels after puberty and/or during pregnancy.
Regulation of vascular permeability by macrophage‐derived chemotactic factor produced in Japanese encephalitis
Authors: KHANNA NIVEDITA , MATHUR ASHA , CHATURVEDI U. C.
Published: July 2007

The vascular effects of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV)‐stimulated splenic macrophage‐derived neutrophil chemotactic factor (MDF) were evaluated in mice. Intraperitoneal injection of MDF in mice resulted in a rapid increase in capillary permeability in a dose‐dependent manner as assessed by leakage of intravenously injected radiolabelled albumin ([125I]‐albumin) or Evans blue dye. Intradermal inoculation of MDF in rabbits caused [51Cr]‐labelled neutrophil emigration and accumulation into injected sites. Peak plasma leakage and neutrophil infiltration were observed at 1 h following MDF inoculation, and plasma leakage was restored by 2.5 h. The increase in capillary permeability was sensitive to pretreatment of mice with avil and ranitidine (H1 and H2 histamine receptor blockers, respectively), resulting in abrogation of the response; indomethacin, a prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor, did not have any effect.
Mechanisms involved in the inhibition of growth of a human B lymphoma cell line, B104, by anti‐MHC class II antibodies
Authors: HIGAKI Y. , HATA D. , KANAZASHI S. , HORIGUCHI Y. , YAMAOKA K. , OHSHIMA Y. , KIM K.‐M. , HEIKE T. , MAYUMI M.
Published: July 2007

The mechanisms involved in the inhibition of growth of a human B lymphoma cell line, B104, by anti‐MHC class II antibodies (Ab) were compared with those in anti‐IgM Ab‐induced B104 growth inhibition. Two anti‐MHC class II Ab, L227 and 2.06, inhibited the growth of B104 cells, although 2.06, but not L227, needed to be further cross‐linked with a goat anti‐mouse IgG Ab (GAM) to show the effect. L227 induced an increase in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) from the intracellular pool and little or no protein tyrosine phosphorylation. phosphatidyl inositol turnover, or expression of Egr‐1 mRNA, whereas 2.06 plus GAM induced an increase in [Ca2+]i from both the intracellular and, in particular, the extracellular pools. The inhibition of B104 cell growth induced by anti‐MHC class II Ab was Ca2+ ‐independent and not inhibited by actinomycin D or cyclosporin A, and cell cycle arrest at the G2/M interphase was not observed. These features are very different from those observed in B104 cell death induced by anti‐IgM Ab. Neither DNA fragmentation nor the morphology of apoptosis was observed. These findings demonstrate that cross‐linking of MHC class II molecules transduced the negative signals through intracellular mechanisms different from those present in the cross‐linking of surface IgM.
Identification of a Mycobacterium leprae‐specific T cell epitope on the 70 kDa heat shock protein
Authors: ROCHE P. W. , PEAKE P. W. , DAVENPORT M. P. , BRITTON W. J.
Published: July 2007

A major antigen of the leprosy bacillus, Mycobacterium leprae, is the 70 kDa heat shock protein (Hsp70), which has significant sequence homology with Hsp70 from other Mycobacterial species as well as Hsp70 from eukaryotes. A unique region of 70 amino acids at the C‐terminus of the M. leprae Hsp70 has been previously identified. This study investigated whether mice immunized with the C‐terminal fragment of M. leprae Hsp70 recognize T cell epitopes in this species‐specific portion of the molecule. Murine lymphoproliferative responses to overlapping peptides spanning the C‐terminal 70 amino acids were restricted to mice of an H‐2b haplotype and identified the presence of a determinant in sequence 567–591. Lymph node cells from mice immunized with this peptide recognized both the C‐terminal fragment and the whole Hsp70 molecule. Moreover, mice immunized with the same peptide responded to the whole Hsp70 molecule in a delayed‐type hypersensitivity reaction. The significance of M. leprae‐specific T cell epitopes in the host response to Mycobacterial infection is discussed.
Upregulation of human neutrophil CD59, a regulator of the membrane attack complex of complement, following cell activation
Authors: GORDON D. L. , PAPAZAHAROUDAKIS H. , SADLON T. A. , ARELLANO A. , OKADA N.
Published: July 2007

CD59 is a membrane glycoprotein that regulates the membrane attack complex of complement and protects cells from autologous complement damage. Human polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN) expression of CD59 was confirmed by flow cytometry following staining with mAb 1F5, and western blotting revealed staining of a 19–23 kDa band. Warming of PMN from 4 to 37°C resulted in spontaneous CD59 upregulation. A dose‐dependent increase in expression following PMN stimulation with FMLP was observed and occurred within minutes, indicating that new protein synthesis was not required. Treatment of PMN with calcium ionophore A23187 resulted in similar increases in CD59 expression. This occurred in the presence or absence of extracellular calcium, indicating that upregulation was dependent on release of calcium from intracellular stores. Evidence for a mobilizable intracellular pool of CD59 was obtained by detection of increased binding of 1F5 following PMN permeabilization; CD59 could also be re‐expressed after stripping by phosphatidylinositol specific phospholipase C (PI‐PLC) by treatment with FMLP or A23187. There was a correlation between CD59 upregulation and lactoferrin release, suggesting that stores of CD59 may be associated with secondary granules. These studies indicate that PMN expression of CD59 is enhanced by cell activation and suggest the presence of an intracellular pool of CD59 which can be translocated to the cell membrane upon PMN stimulation.
Detection of cells producing murine interferon‐α using antipeptide antibodies
Authors: HWANG SEUNG Y. , GREENWAY ALISON L. , McMULLEN GABRIELLE L. , HERTZOG PAUL J.
Published: July 2007

The purpose of this study was to produce antibodies which could be used to investigate the expression of murine (Mu)IFN‐α. Rabbits were immunized with a peptide, corresponding to the 15 COOH‐terminal amino acids of MuIFN‐α‐1, conjugated to keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH), and the resulting antipeptide antibodies were identified by indirect ELISA. Antipeptide antibodies were purified from rabbit immune sera by immunoadsorption to peptide immobilized on nitrocellulose and any remaining antibodies to KLH removed by immunoadsorption to KLH‐Sepharose. The characterization of the antipeptide antibodies by ELISA, immunoprecipitation, affinity chromatography and immuno‐fluorescence demonstrated that the antibodies recognize the peptide immunogen and the native IFN‐α molecule. Using these antibodies for immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometric analyses of stained cells, we have shown that unstimulated murine spleen cells produce IFN‐α This finding is in agreement with the recent demonstration of constitutive IFN‐α production by unstimulated human leucocytes and has important implications for the functions of interferons. The production, characterization and use of antipeptide antibodies as described herein may also have broader application for studies of the expression of other cytokines.