bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Anti-Allergic Compounds on Histamine Release from Rat Peritoneal Mast Cells Treated with Concanavalin A
Authors: Truneh A. , Pearce F.L.
Published: July 2009

The anti-allergic drugs theophylline, doxantrazole, quercetin, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, and disodium cromoglycate prevented histamine release induced by concanavalin A in both the presence and absence of extracellular calcium. The compounds were generally most effective in the absence of added calcium and least effective in the simultaneous presence of calcium and phosphatidyl serine. The activity of the test drugs in calcium-free media clearly cannot be explained in terms of their postulated ability to block movement of the ion from the external environment into the cell. Alternative modes of action are thus considered.
Immune Tolerance Produced by Pre- and Postnatal Exposure to Dietary Antigens
Authors: Pathirana Chitra , Goulding N.J. , Gibney M.J. , Pitts Jennifer M. , Gallagher P.J. , Taylor T.G.
Published: July 2009

Circulating food antibody levels were measured by ELISA in groups of weanling rabbits fed 320 g/kg diet soya or milk protein. Soya-fed rabbits of milk-fed mothers (and vice versa) showed at least tenfold increases in antibody levels within 3–4 weeks. In contrast, animals fed the same diet as their dams had received in pregnancy and the postnatal period showed little change in antibody levels. These results indicate that contact with a dietary antigen before birth and during the suckling period is important in the induction of tolerance to food proteins in young animals.
Detection of Shedding of Human Blood Monocyte Fc Receptor during in vitro Culture
Authors: Kay Neil E. , Douglas Steven D.
Published: July 2009

Human monocytes, isolated from peripheral blood and placed in culture, produce supernatants that have Fc receptor activity. This activity is detectable using a complement-dependent h emolytic assay. Inhibition of hemolysis is detected with undiluted supernatants, is temperature-dependent and is not demonstrable with culture supernatants from Fc-receptor-negative endothelial cells. To more completely determine that monocyte supernatants contained shed Fc receptors, inhibition of direct Fc rosettes by the same supernatants was demonstrated. The supernatants are most active for Fc receptor activity after monocytes are cultured for 7–9 days. The activity of Fc receptor material varied among donors. Monocyte culture supernatants may be utilized as sources of monocyte Fc receptor material for future evaluation.
Detection of Cross-Reactive Allergens in Kentucky Bluegrass Pollen and Six Other Grasses by Crossed Radioimmunoelectrophoresis
Authors: Chakrabarty S. , Løwenstein H. , Ekramoddoullah A.K.M. , Kisil F.T. , Sehon A.H.
Published: July 2009

Using crossed immunoelectrophoretic analysis of an aqueous extract of Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) pollen employing hyperimmune rabbit and sheep precipitating antibodies to KBG and various grasses we detected at least 33 antigenic components. The majority of these antigens were extractable from the pollen within a period of 15 min and possessed anodal electrophoretic mobility. The extensive recognition of antigens in the KBG extract by antibodies raised to false oat, and to the combined extracts of timothy, orchard, meadow, velvet and rye grasses indicate that these grasses contain many cross-reactive antigens. One of the KBG antigens with cathodal mobility – the major component of the previously isolated allergen C – was identified as immunologicaily identical to timothy Ag 30. Crossed radioimmunoelectrophoretic analysis revealed differences in the extent to which IgE antibodies present in sera of individuals allergic to KBG bound to various antigens of KBG pollen. Those antigens that were recognized as allergens by all of the allergic sera examined were regarded as candidates for future isolation and characterization.
Controlled Studies of Intranasal Immunotherapy for Ragweed Pollenosis
Authors: Mathews K.P. , Bayne N.K. , Banas J.M. , McLean J.A. , Bacon J.
Published: July 2009

During 1978 a double blind study compared the efficacy of preseasonal short ragweed (RW) extract intranasal immunotherapy with a histamine placebo; in 1979 more prolonged treatment with a larger dose of polymerized ragweed (PRW) was evaluated. In neither year did the placebo-treated patients show significantly more severe disease as assessed by daily symptom diaries, examination in season, comparison of overall symptom severity with previous years or changes in nasal challenge tests. Following treatment in 1979 there was a significantly greater amount of secretory IgA and IgG ragweed antibodies secreted by the nose of the PRW-treated group, but these titers did not correlate with clinical results.
Histamine Release from Isolated and Intact Mast Cells of Rats
Authors: West G.B.
Published: July 2009

The release of histamine from tissues of rats, induced by antigen, concanavalin A and dextran has been compared with that from isolated peritoneal mast cells. Whereas concanavalin A was more active than dextran in in vitro experiments, the reverse was found when the substances were injected intradermally into the skin or subcutaneously into the paw. Therefore, it is important to state the experimental conditions when comparisons of activities of histamine releasers are made.
Purification of a Human Pancreas-Specific Antigen
Authors: Papsidero Lawrence D. , Abeyounis John , Milgrom Felix , Van Dusen Lance , Shimano Takashi , Chu Ming
Published: July 2009

Using an antibody reagent, an organ-specific antigen has been purified from human pancreas. Purification was achieved using ammonium sulfate and ethanol precipitations, concanavalin A-Sepharose affinity chromatography, anion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The antigen had a molecular weight of approximately 68,000 as determined by gel filtration, was not dissociated into subunits by sodium dodecyl sulfate, and did not bind to immobilized concanavalin A. The biological significance of this antigen in pancreatic cancer is being studied.
Immunological Properties of Fc Receptor on Lymphocytes
Authors: Miyama-Inaba Muneo , Masuda Tohru , Inada Tetsushi , Takatsu Kiyoshi , Hamaoka Toshiyuki
Published: July 2009

The present study was undertaken to clarify the function of FcRγ+ and FcRγ–– lymphocytes in anti-DNP IgE antibody responses. The helper activity was observed predominantly in FcRγ–– T cells, but poorly in FcRγ+ T cells, as in the case of IgG antibody responses, indicating that the absence of FcRγ on T cell surface is a common surface characteristic to helper T cells, and that there is no close relationship between the determination of class specificity of Ig and T cell subsets divided by the presence or absence of FcRγ. Furthermore, IgE antibody responses were more dependent upon helper T cells than IgG antibody responses. The data presented in this paper also demonstrated that the precursors of anti-DNP IgE antibody-forming cells were equally contained in both FcRγ+ and FcRγ–– B cells, when they were transferred into recipients with helper T cells. This is a striking contrast to IgM/IgG antibody responses, in which only FcRγ–– B cells could differentiate into antibody-forming cells. Moreover, the precursor activity of FcRγ+ and FcRγ–– B cells for IgE antibody-forming cells was not affected by the treatment of cells with suppressive B cell factor released from FcRγ+ B cells after binding of antigen-antibody (IgG) complexes and known to suppress the proliferation of FcRγ–– IgM/IgG antibody-forming cell precursors. Thus, IgE B cells seem to be more heterogeneous than IgM/IgG B cells with respect to the FcRγ marker and insensitive to the regulatory effect of FcRγ+ B cells. IgE B cells are regulated differently from IgG B cells in B-B cell interactions.
Inhibition of the Classical and Alternative Pathways of Human and Guinea Pig Complement by Pyran Copolymer
Authors: Webster G.F. , McArthur W.P.
Published: July 2009

The ability of pyran copolymer to interact with the classical and alternative pathways of complement was assessed in human and C4-deficient guinea pig serum. Pyran induced a dose-dependent inhibition of hemolytic activity in both serum systems. Immuno-electrophoretic analysis of pyran-treated human serum revealed that C3 was not cleaved. Factor B was altered into a more anionic mobility which was not similar to biologically cleaved Ba or Bb fragments. Pyran-treated serum was unable to lyse antibody-coated erythrocytes (EA) or EA coated with C1 and C4 and EA coated with C1, C4 and C2. Pre-treatment of serum with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid did not prevent inhibition of hemolytic activity by pyran. Cobra venom factor did not cleave C3 in the presence of pyran. These data indicate that pyran does not activate complement by standard mechanisms but does inhibit one or more of its components.
Cell-Mediated Immunity in Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy
Authors: Matsumoto Koichi , Osakabe Kotaro , Katayama Hisashi , Yoshizawa Nobuyuki , Harada Minoru , Hatano Michinobu
Published: July 2009

Cell-mediated immunity (CMI) was evaluated in 11 patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (MN), 50 patients suffering from chronic proliferative glomerulonephritis (CGN) without renal insufficiency and 24 healthy controls. The following parameters were measured: delayed skin reactivity to purified protein derivative (PPD), circulating lymphocytes, lymphocyte cell-surface markers (En and EAC rosettes) and functional markers (mitogenic responses to Con A and PHA). The MN patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS) had less mean induration of skin reactivity and a smaller proportion reacting to the PPD antigen as compared with the control subjects. In contrast, the intensity of skin reactivity and the frequency of negative reactions in MN patients in remission and CGN were similar to those of the control subjects. During the nephrotic stage of MN the proportion of T lymphocytes decreased with simultaneous increase of the proportion of B lymphocytes. It was also found that the MN patients with NS showed impaired lymphocyte reactivity with lower Con A and PHA responses compared to the normal controls. Conversely, the mean mitogenic responses to the antigens in patients with MN in remission and CGN were similar to those of the control subjects. Thus, the majority of MN patients with NS demonstrated an impaired response in a CMI assay system. The possible significance of these phenomena in the pathophysiology of MN is discussed.
Human Antibodies against Trimellityl Proteins: Comparison of Specificities of IgG, IgA and IgE Classes
Authors: Patterson Roy , Roberts Mary , Zeiss Raymond , Pruzansky Jacob J.
Published: July 2009

The specificities of antibodies of different lg classes against trimellityl (TM)-human serum albumin were examined by a radioimmunoassay inhibition technique. The antisera were from workers exposed to trimellitic anhydride who had 4 differing respiratory diseases. The studies demonstrated similarities between reactivities of antibodies of different lg classes in these workers in that inhibition of antibody to TM-HSA required markedly less TM-HSA on a molar basis than TM-ovalbumin (OA) or sodium trimellitate (NaTM), the hapten for the trimellityl group. The results appears best explained by formation of new antigenic determinants on altered HSA molecules with the TM group forming a component of some of the new antigenic determinants. NaTM in high concentration could not completely inhibit the IgG antibodies of 2 sera suggesting either very low affinity for the hapten or that some of the antibodies might possibly be directed against new antigenic determinants formed from the reaction of TMA with HSA but that the TM group might not be a part of the antigenic specificity. The results of some studies also suggested that there were similar antigenic specificities on TM-HSA and TM-OA but of lesser concentration or lower affinity on the latter molecules. Passive transfer studies using a serum containing IgE antibodies against TM-HSA demonstrated that these human IgE antibodies will passively sensitize rhesus monkey skin. Neutralization of the cutaneous IgE antibodies occurred with TM-HSA but not with a great molar excess of NaTM in analogy with the in vitro studies.
T Lymphocyte Subpopulations and Pokeweed Mitogen-Induced Immunoglobulin Synthesis in vitro by Mononuclear Cells from Psoriasis Patients
Authors: Gu Shao-Qiu , Ros Anne-Marie , von Stedingk Lars-Victor , Thyresson Nils , Wasserman Jerzy
Published: July 2009

T lymphocyte subpopulations and pokeweed mitogen(PWM)-induced immunoglobulin (Ig) synthesis of mononuclear cells in vitro were studied in patients with psoriasis as well as in age- and sex-matched normal blood donors. The frequences of T cells with receptors for IgG (Tg) and T cells with receptors for IgM (Tm) were examined. The IgG and IgM synthesis in mononuclear cell suspensions in the presence of different amounts of PWM was determined. The percentage of total T cells (rosetting with neuroaminidase-treated sheep red blood cells), including high and low affinity T lymphocytes showed no difference between the patient group and controls. The patients with psoriasis had a significantly higher mean proportion of Tg cells than the normal donors whereas there was no significant difference in the proportions of Tm cells between these two groups. The PWM-induced Ig synthesis in the mononuclear cell suspension seemed lower in patients with psoriasis than in controls, the difference being statistically significant when the results were expressed as ratios of Ig amounts present in the supernatants of PWM-stimulated and non-stimulated cultures (index of stimulation).
Effects of Norepinephrine on Transmembrane Calcium Transport in Rat Mast Cells
Authors: Alm Per E. , Bloom Gunnar D.
Published: July 2009

The effect of norepinephrine on transmembrane passage of calcium in rat peritoneal mast cells, was studied in an in vitro system. It was found that histamine release from mast cells induced by the ionophore A 23 187 in normal calcium medium and compound 48/80 in a calcium-free medium was suppressed by 10––3M norepinephrine but not at concentrations in the range 10––5–10––4M. When the secretory process is totally dependent on the presence of calcium in the incubation medium, i. e. calcium-depleted cells, 10––5M norepinephrine suppresses the histamine release induced by low concentrations of compound 48/80. The effect of norepinephrine (10––5 M) on strontium-induced ‘spontaneous’ histamine release was also studied. It was found that norepinephrine (10––5M) totally inhibits the progressive histamine release induced by strontium. It is possible to evoke secretion in a calcium-free medium, and subsequent introduction of Ca2+ will result in optimal histamine release. This demonstrates a secretory process in which we can distinguish between utilization of endogenous versus exogenous calcium. The release that is dependent on extracellular calcium is inhibited by norepinephrine (10––5M). These data indicate that the suppressive effect of norepinephrine (concentrations < 10––3M) on histamine release from rat mast cells is due to an interference in transmembrane passage of calcium.
Enhancement of Mast Cell Differentiation in vitro by T Cell Factor(s)
Authors: Ginsburg H. , Olson E.C. , Huff T.F. , Okudaira H. , Ishizaka T.
Published: July 2009

Mast cell colonies were obtained when lymph node cells of horse serum-immunized Balb/c mice were cultured in a horse serum-containing medium on embryonic fibroblast monolayer. In order to characterize precursors of mast cells, mesenteric lymph node cells from the immunized mice were fractionated to obtain nonadherent cells, a B cell-depleted fraction and a T cell-depleted fraction; and each fraction was cultured on fibroblast monolayer. Mast cell colonies developed from nonadherent cells and from the B cell-depleted fraction but not from the T cell-depleted fraction. However, cultures of the same T cell-depleted fraction developed mast cell colonies if cell-free supernatant obtained from culture of horse serum-primed T cells was added. Soluble factors promoting mast cell growth were not obtained when the same T cells were incubated in horse serum-free medium. It appears that the majority of mast cell precursors in the lymph nodes are nonadherent cells and bear neither immunoglobulin nor Thy 1 antigen. The results also suggested that soluble factor(s) released from antigen-stimulated T cells enhanced the differentiation of the precursors to mature mast cells.
Antibodies in Human Sera to F(a')2 Fragments of Monoclonal and Polyclonal IgG
Authors: Ling N.R. , Drysdale Pam
Published: July 2009

F(ab′)2 fragments of human, bovine and rabbit polyclonal IgG and of human IgG paraproteins of different subclass and light-chain type have been coupled to human red cells and used to detect ‘agglutinator’, antibodies in normal and pathological human sera. The common occurrence of such antibodies in human sera and their heterogeneity in terms of specificity have been confirmed. No change in titre or specificity was found in monoclonal B cell proliferations, The possible significance of serum agglutinators is discussed.
Criteria for the Clinical Evaluation of Prophylactic Agents in Bronchial Asthma
Authors: Craps L.
Published: July 2009

The clinical investigation of prophylactic agents for bronchial asthma is at once simple and laborious: simple because provocation tests are available for measuring the bronchial reactivity of the asthma patient to numerous stimuli and his response to treatment; but laborious because some of these methods are poorly standardised and above all because bronchial spasticity varies greatly from patient to patient and in the same patient at different times. The fluctuating pattern of asthma is, moreover, an obstacle to clinical investigation. It has to be taken into account in devising trial protocols. Besides bias associated with the disorder itself, there are other difficulties inherent in the prophylactic nature of the treatment. It is a simple enough matter to evaluate the activity of a bronchodilator since the effect of such a compound is directly measurable. Evaluation of the efficacy of a prophylactic agent is more difficult since the fluctuations in episodes of bronchoconstriction and in the bronchodilator treatment needed for these episodes have to be evaluated jointly. We shall have occasion to revert to the practical consequences of this later.
Histamine Release from Washed Whole Blood
Authors: Diamant Bertil , Patkar Shamkant
Published: July 2009

Measurement of histamine release from basophilic leukocytes is a useful tool in the diagnosis of type I allergy. The modifications described in this paper – among others, the use of washed whole blood – offer several advantages over existing methods and render the procedure feasible as a routine diagnostic test.
Subpopulations of Pig Blood E-Rosette-Forming Lymphocytes and Thymus-Dependent Null Cells: Separation by Nylon Wool Columns, Rosette Formation and Macrophage-Dependent Mitogen and Antigen Responsiveness
Authors: Outteridge P.M. , Binns R.M. , Licence S.T.
Published: July 2009

Pig peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations were characterized by their adherence to nylon wool. Thus whilst B cells, defined by surface Ig and Fc receptor, were predominantly adherent, thymus-dependent Null cells and the T cells forming rosettes with sheep red blood cells in dextran (DS+) were predominantly non-adherent. There was a direct relationship between the size of the non-adherent fraction and the proportion of the total DS+ cells which were in the non-adherent fraction. Using nylon wool and/or DS rosette separation, lymphocytes from normal and BCG sensitized animals were stimulated in vitro with phytohemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (Con A) and tuberculin (PPD). The cells responding to PHA and Con A (T cell mitogens in other species) were DS+ lymphocytes. Non-rosetting, adherent (B cells) and non-adherent (thymus dependent Null cells) lymphocytes were unresponsive, even in the presence of homologous alveolar macrophages at levels which greatly enhanced the PPD response. Cells responding to PPD were present in the DS+ and DS––, adherent and non-adherent fractions but their response was apparently controlled by macrophage dependence and suppression. Techniques are described for the preparation and storage in liquid nitrogen of alveolar macrophages resulting in high numbers of viable cells, capable of helping in vitro responses, even after 3 years of storage.
Mitotic Response of Rabbit Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes to a Factor in Normal Rabbit Serum: A Possible Genetic Polymorphism
Authors: Yonish-Rouach Elisheva , Dubiski Stanislaw , Cinader Bernhard
Published: July 2009

Normal rabbit sera contain a mitogen capable of stimulating rabbit peripheral blood lymphocytes in in vivo culture to incorporate radioactive thymidine. Cells from spleen, appendix or peritoneal exudate did not respond when cultured under similar conditions. The responding peripheral blood lymphocytes are adherent cells, but not macrophages. Presence of responding peripheral blood lymphocytes is a dominant trait. The response is regulated by a nonadherent, radiation-sensitive suppressor cell and by a nonadherent, relatively radiation-resistant helper cell.
Studies on the Binding of Immunoglobulins and Immune Complexes to the Surface of Human Platelets: IgG Molecules React with Platelet Fc Receptors with the CH3 Domain
Authors: Endresen Gerhard K.M. , Førre Øystein
Published: July 2009

Suspensions of human platelets were incubated with various immunoglobulin preparations and subsequently stained with FITC-conjugated antisera. Incubation with monomeric IgG, but not with monomeric IgM, IgA, IgD nor with IgE, gave a positive staining of the platelets. Incubation of platelets with monomeric IgG1 and IgG3 as well as with Fc and pFc′ fragments from IgG3 also gave a positive staining while incubation with monomeric IgG2 and IgG4 did not. Thus, IgG binds to Fc receptors on the surface of human platelets with the CH3 domain of the Fc region. Heat aggregation also caused binding of IgG2 but not with IgG4 proteins to human platelet Fc receptors. The majority of platelet preparations both from ITP and SLE patients gave a positive staining using direct immunofluorescence technique. Incubation of normal human platelets with sera from ITP and SLE patients gave a strong surface staining of normal platelets. Strong staining was also obtained with pepsin-digested sera from most patients with ITP while pepsin-digested sera from patients with SLE did not give a positive staining. It is therefore concluded that the majority of sera from patients with ITP contain antibodies with specificities for platelet surface antigens while sera from patients with SLE contain immune complexes that react with platelet Fc receptors through the Fc parts of the IgG antibodies.
Evidence that Tissue Mast Cells Derive from Mononuclear Phagocytes
Authors: Czarnetzki Beate M. , Sterry Wolfram , Bazin Herve , Kalveram Klaus J.
Published: July 2009

A new method has been developed that allows in vitro differentiation of rat mast cells from precursor cells in the absence of feeder layers. In the present investigation, the precursor cells are further characterized as to their nature, state of activation and distribution in different organs of the rat. The data support our previously published evidence, based on morphology and enzyme-cytochemical reaction patterns that the precursor cells are mononuclear phagocytes. Peritoneal macrophages elicited by mineral oil, thioglycollate or proteose-peptone have lost the ability to differentiate into mast cells. Single cell suspensions of spleen and bone marrow contain mast cell precursors, while cells from mesenteric lymph nodes and thymus or purified lymphocytes never yield mast cells in this culture system.
Induction of Cytotoxic Lymphocytes by Protein A Derived from Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Sumiya Morito , Kano Shogo , Takaku Fumimaro
Published: July 2009

Protein A (pA) from Staphylococcus aureus is known to be a good mitogen for human T lymphocytes. In this study, the cytotoxic activity of pA-activated lymphocytes was assessed using human lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) as target cells. pA induced higher cytotoxic activity against LCL on the 3rd day of incubation than phytohemagglutinin or concanavalin A. However, it was necessary for pA to be present in the assay for these pA-activated lymphocytes to manifest their cytotoxicity. Cytotoxic activity was not detected in a control culture in which pA was added at the assay, nor was it detected in the supernate of pA-activated culture. These data suggest that the cytotoxicity of these lymphocytes was pA-activated, pA-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. pA-activated, pA-dependent cytotoxicity was mediated by T lymphocytes and was induced from Fc-receptor-negative [Fc(––)] T lymphocytes. The effector cells were mainly Fc(––) T lymphocytes. The relation ship between pA-activated, pA-dependent cytotoxicity, lectin-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and alloantigen-induced cytotoxic T lymphocytes is also discussed.
Boosterable IgE Antibody Response in Mice without the Use of Adjuvant
Authors: Hall E. , Ahlstedt S. , Kristofferson A.
Published: July 2009

A mouse model is presented giving boosterable IgE antibody responses preceding the IgG antibody responses without using adjuvants. Groups of CBA mice were injected subcutaneously with minute doses of penicilloyl bovine gammaglobulin, 3.8–94 ng daily for one or two 10-day periods. Some groups of animals were simultaneously given Bordetella pertussis bacteria intraperitoneally. The IgE antibody responses were recorded with passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in rats as well with RAST. IgG antibody responses were determined with a double antibody assay. An overall good agreement between the antibody activity in the PCA and RAST was seen, both tests showing boosterable IgE antibody responses. Some discrepancies between the two tests are discussed.
Serologically Defined Antigens on the Surface of Somatic Hybrid Cells
Authors: Rubio Nazario
Published: July 2009

Y2C somatic cell hybrids, which immunize semiallogeneic mice and protect them against further challenge with syngeneic malignant cells, express normal H-2 antigens from parental cells and, in addition, the L antigen and the Friend, Moloney, Rauscher type-specific antigen. This was demonstrated by immunoabsorption, complement-dependent cytotoxicity and immunofluorescence experiments.
Studies on the Cellular Site of Action of the Adjuvant Activity of Saponin for Sheep Erythrocytes
Authors: Bomford R.
Published: July 2009

Saponin, which complexes with cholesterol in cell membranes, is a powerful adjuvant for antigens such as whole cell protozoal vaccines and SRBC. Saponin attached to SRBC ghosts potentiated the humoral response; but injection of saponin 1 or 2 days before or after SRBC at the same subcutaneous site was also effective. After the subcutaneous injection of saponin and SRBC the cellularity of the draining lymph node increases sixfold, and indirect PFC appear in it and the spleen. Splenectomy increases immunopotentiation by saponin, but T cell depletion abolishes it. The data show that attachment of the saponin to the antigen is not essential, and suggest that the adjuvant effect, which is T cell dependent, is exerted on host cells in the draining lymph node.
Antibody-Dependent, Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity of Nucleated Mammalian Cells by Rat Eosinophils and Neutrophils
Authors: López Angel F. , Sanderson Colin J.
Published: July 2009

Rat eosinophils, neutrophils and K cells have ben compared for their ability to kill antibody-coated mammalian cells. Eosinophils are shown to have similar cytotoxic activity to neutrophils. Both cells are active at a low effector to target cell ratio and induce a rapid 51Cr release. Eosinophil and neutrophil cytotoxic activity differ from K cell activity in that granulocytes need a higher antiserum concentration. Furthermore, when different homologous antisera were compared each effector cell reacted preferentially with a different antiserum. Cytotoxicity by eosinophils and neutrophils is shown to depend on specific contact with the target cells as susceptible bystander cells are not killed. Neutrophils appear to be inhibited by macrophages present in the effector cell population since higher levels of 51Cr releases are obtained following their depletion by the purification techniques employed.
Relationship between Tissue Sensitization and IgE Antibody Production in Rats Infected with the Nematode, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis
Authors: Befus A.D. , Johnston N. , Berman L. , Bienenstock J.
Published: July 2009

In Nippostrongylus brasiliensis rats, tracheal sensitivity to worm allergens developed prior to intestinal sensitivity and correlated with the early local synthesis of reaginic antibody in the mediastinal (bronchial) lymph nodes. Skin and intestinal sensitivity to worm allergens more nearly correlated with serum reaginic antibody and its synthesis by mesenteric lymph nodes and other tissues. Prostaglandins appeared to modulate intestinal responsiveness to worm allergens. Thus, local reagin synthesis and other microenvironmental factors influence local tissue sensitization and responsiveness to allergens.
Phagocytosis of Mast Cell Granules by Mononuclear Phagocytes, Neutrophils and Eosinophils during Anaphylaxis
Authors: Baggiolini Marco , Horisberger Ursula , Martin Ulrich
Published: July 2009

The phagocytosis by mononuclear phagocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils of mast cell granules which are released in the course of anaphylactic reactions was studied in the rat. Degranulation of rat peritoneal mast cells was induced either in vivo or in vitro after passive sensitization with homologous reaginic antio-valbumin serum by challenge with the antigen. The approximate extent of degranulation was assessed by determining histamine release. The anaphylactic reaction was stopped by fixation with glutaraldehyde and the cells were examined by electron microscopy. Phagocytosis was quantified in randomly selected thin section at the magnification of 1,800. Rapid and extensive phagocytosis of mast cell granules was observed both in vivo and in vitro. About one third of the mononuclear phagocytes and between 30 and 53% of the neutrophils present were engaged in phagocytosis and usually contained several mast cell granules. Phagocytosis by eosinophils was less prominent, both with respect to the proportion of phagocytosing cells (10–23%) and to the numbers of mast cell granules per cell profile. Examination of large numbers of cells indicates that the uptake process is highly efficient since both condensed and already disaggregated granule bodies were seen to adhere to the phagocytes and were taken up rapidly and without the need for opsonization. In the neutrophils, extensive fusion of azurophil granules (as evidenced by peroxidase cytochemistry) with phagosomes containing mast cell granules was observed. Occasionally, mast cell granules were seen within disrupted vacuoles, which could result from the swelling of the granule matrix following engulfment. The results of this study indicate that mononuclear and polymorphonuclear phagocytes have the capacity to scavenge important amounts of mast cell granule products released by anaphylaxis.
Effect of Fixation on the Light Microscopical Visualization of Mast Cells in the Mucosa and Connective Tissue of the Human Duodenum
Authors: Ruitenberg E.J. , Gustowska Leokadia , Elgersma Anneke , Ruitenberg H.M.
Published: July 2009

Mast cells have been studied in the mucosa and connective tissue of 28 biopsies of human duodenum. They were collected from individuals who for various reasons had to undergo upper intestinal endoscopy. Tissues were fixed in both standard formalin and a formalin-acetic acid (FA) fixative developed for visualization of mucosal mast cells. With both fixatives connective tissue mast cells (CTMC) were equally well recognized. Only with the FA fixative, an additional population of mast cells was observed both in the mucosa and the connective tissue. This population consisted of round cells, always smaller than CTMC, with a number of granules staining violet with toluidine blue. These mast cells comprised two cell types, differing in size, the larger being present in both the mucosa and the connective tissue, the smaller ones in a subepithelial position in the crypts of Lieberkühn and in the adjacent submucosa. It was suggested that this first mentioned additional population was similar to the mucosal mast cells (MMC) observed in rats and mice. The subepithelially located metachromatic cells differed in morphology from the globule leukocytes found in rats and mice. It was concluded that in the human duodenum a population of cells with MMC staining characteristics is present, which can only be visualized under special fixation conditions. Their further characterization and role in various disease conditions remains to be elucidated.
Quantitation of Antibody Production in Mouse Bone Marrow during the Secondary Response to Sheep Erythrocytes
Authors: Koch G. , Weerheijm-De Wit Christine , Benner R.
Published: July 2009

The antibody production per organ was quantitated during the secondary response to sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) by measuring the hemolysin production in short-term cultures of spleen and bone marrow cells. Using this assay it was shown that during the first 5 days of the response the spleen is the major site of antibody production, whereas thereafter the bone marrow is the major source. By comparing the hemolysin production per organ and the total number of hemolysin-producing plaque-forming cells (PFC) per organ it was shown that the mean antibody production per PFC varied both in spleen and bone marrow during the secondary response. The mean antibody production per PFC was minimal when the PFC response was maximal. In the bone marrow the mean production per PFC decreased from day 3 to day 5, probably due to immigration of low producing PFC from the spleen. Beyond day 6 the production per cell increased in both spleen and bone marrow, indicating a further maturation of the PFC.
Dissociation of Immune Complexes in Tissue Sections by Excess of Antigen
Authors: Penner Edward , Albini Boris , Glurich Ingrid , Andres Giuseppe A. , Milgrom Felix
Published: July 2009

Immune complexes (IC) present in the glomeruli of rabbits with chronic serum sickness (CSS) and in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN), and acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) were analyzed by incubation with antigenic preparations. The efficacy of these preparations to dissolve IC was assayed by comparison of results of direct immunofluorescence tests performed with the kidney tissues before and after incubation with antigenic preparations. The FITC-conjugated antisera used in these tests were specific for IgG, C3, and – in the case of CSS – for the eliciting antigen, bovine serum albumin (BSA). During the acute proteinuric phase of CSS in rabbits, incubation of tissue sections with BSA alone led to complete dissolution of IC. In many rabbits with late phase proteinuria, however, tissues had to be incubated with both BSA and aggregated fraction II of rabbit serum. In all biopsy specimens from patients with IMN, and in some specimens from patients with PSGN and SLE, aggregated fraction II of human serum resulted in complete or incomplete dissolution of IC. On the other hand incubation of tissues with excess DNA in SLE or with streptococcal antigens in PSGN did not lead to dissolution of IC. These studies suggest significant participation of antibodies to aggregated immunoglobulins (i.e., rheumatoid factors or rheumatoid-like factors) in IC found in the above-mentioned diseases. Other antigen-antibody systems, however, may also contribute to the deposits in the glomerulonephritides studied.
Isolation and Partial Characterisation of Three Major Allergens in an Extract from Cow Hair and Dander
Authors: Prahl P. , Bucher D. , Plesner T. , Weeke B. , Løwenstein H.
Published: July 2009

Three ‘major allergens’ of an extract from cow hair and dander were isolated by means of anion-exchange chromatography and hydrophobic chromatography. Two of the isolated ‘major allergens’ were immunochemically pure and the third contained less than 1% impurities. The molecular weights were 2.0, 2.2 and 2.4 × 104 daltons, and pi was about 4.0. The amino acid content revealed no specific traits. The protein part of the major allergens constituted about 60% (w/w). The allergenic activity of the isolated allergens was verified in RAST-inhibition experiments and in prick tests.
The Use of Host Strain Variation to Assess the Significance of Mucosal Mast Cells in the Spontaneous Cure Response of Mice to the Nematode Trichuris muris
Authors: Lee T.D.G. , Wakelin D.
Published: July 2009

A proportion of DBA/2 mice do not reject the large intestinal nematode parasite Trichuris muris. In this strain and the early rejecting NIH and late rejecting CBA/Ca strains the kinetics of the mast cell accumulation in a primary infection were similar with peak mast cell numbers being recorded on day 20 post-infection. Comparisons between rejector and non-rejector DBA/2 mice showed no differences in the mast cell accumulation. There was no rise in mast cell numbers in response to a secondary infection, in either the NIH or CBA/Ca strains, for at least 3 days after the infection had been expelled. It is suggested that mucosal mast cell accumulation is not induced by a simple response to parasite factors, that the cells are not directly involved in the expulsion of T. muris and that any role they play in the spontaneous cure response is subject to more complex control.
Immune Response of Dogs and Rabbits to Intrabronchial Trimellitic Anhydride
Authors: Sale S.R. , Patterson R. , Zeiss C.R. , Fiore M. , Harris K.E. , Yawn D.
Published: July 2009

8 dogs and 7 rabbits were immunized intrabronchially with trimellitic anhydride (TMA) using three different immunizing doses. An immune response occurred in both animal species. Predominantly IgG with lower levels of IgM and IgA antibodies against trimellityl-erythrocytes (TM-E) were detected in both dogs and rabbits. Antibody binding of TM125I dog serum albumin (TM125I-DSA) occurred in most dogs and of TM125I rabbit serum albumin (TM125I-RSA) in 1 out of 7 rabbits. Lymphocyte reactivity was present in all 8 dogs. Death occurred in the 2 dogs immunized with the low dose (0.1 mg/kg) of TMA, in 2 of the 4 dogs immunized with the moderate dose (1.0 mg/kg), and in neither of the 2 dogs immunized repeatedly with the high dose (10.0 mg/kg). No correlation of deaths could be made with serum levels of anti-TM-E antibody or anti-TM125I-DSA antibody binding, or lymphocyte reactivity. The deaths occurred early in the TMA immunizations. All antibody levels in the diseased animals were less than those seen in human workers with TMA-related respiratory disease. Autopsy findings in the 4 dogs showed hemorrhagic pneumonitis possibly analogous to the pulmonary lesions seen in the hemorrhagic pneumonitis of some workers exposed to TMA fumes. TMA as used in these experiments was not toxic to dogs as the high doses of TMA (10.0 mg/kg) did not lead to death which did occur at the lower doses. No deaths occurred in the 7 rabbits immunized with 1.0 mg TMA/kg. The immune responses and pathological findings in dogs encourage further work in the development of animal models of TMA immunologic lung disease.
Contact-Dependent Expression of Actin in Chicken Lymphocytes in vitro
Authors: Woods G.M. , Boyd R.L.
Published: July 2009

The presence of actin in chicken bursa, thymus and spleen cells has been confirmed using quantitative neutralization absorptions of anti-actin antibody (AAA) with frozen-thawed preparations of these three cell types. Spleen cells were more effective than thymus or bursa cells in reducing the AAA titre. Cell suspensions of these organs were allowed to settle onto a glass slide, air-dried and stained with AAA. Immunofluorescence was restricted to cell borders at points of contact with other cells. This staining was reversibly inhibited by cytochalasin B but not colchicine. The higher content of actin in spleen cells demonstrated by the absorption experiments was reflected in their more rapid expression of actin during smear formation, and the relative resistance of this to cytochalasin B treatment, compared to thymus and bursa preparations. These findings further support the proposition that actin expression is a function of lymphocyte maturation.
The Anti-Allergic Activity of Benoxaprofen [2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-α-Methyl-5-Benzoxazole Acetic Acid] – A Lipoxygenase Inhibitor
Authors: Boot J.R. , Sweatman W.J.F. , Cox Beverley A. , Stone Karen , Dawson W.
Published: July 2009

Benoxaprofen [2-(4-chlorophenyl)-α-methyl-5-benzoxazole acetic acid], a novel anti-inflammatory compound, is also an orally-active anti-allergic compound in animals. It reduced the anaphylactic release of mediators, particularly slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A), from both in vitro and in vivo animal models. Benoxaprofen marginally antagonized the activity of histamine on the guinea pig ileum, but not of SRS-A, at concentrations which inhibited the release of SRS-A.
In vivo Modulation of Human Lymphocyte Fcγ-Receptors in Response to Oral Antigen (Cows’ Milk) Challenge
Authors: Sandilands G.P. , Reid Fiona M. , Galbraith I. , Peel Moira G. , Lewis Catriona J.
Published: July 2009

Following consumption of 1.2 litres of cows’ milk by normal human adults there was a rapid fall in the proportion of peripheral blood lymphocytes bearing receptors for the reacted Fc of IgG (Fcγ-receptors). This phenomenon was transient and apparently confined to the lymphocyte Fcγ-receptor+ve subpopulation. Similar observations were made in rats but only in those animals pre-exposed to cows’ milk suggesting that an immunological mechanism is involved. In man it was found that Fcγ-receptors could only be re-expressed following incubation of post-milk lymphocytes in normal human serum. It is proposed that rapid in vivo modulation of lymphocyte Fcγ-receptors occurs following oral antigen (cows’ milk) challenge probably mediated by soluble food antigen-antibody complexes. The subsequent recovery of these receptors in vivo and in vitro may be due to the binding of ‘fluid-phase’ Fcγ-receptors found in normal human serum.
Discrepancy Between Biological Activity of Thymosin and Its Cyclic Nucleotide-Modulating Activity
Authors: Morikawa A. , Suzuki S. , Kuroume T.
Published: July 2009

We have studied cyclic adenosine 3′:5′-monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic 3′:5′-guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) concentration in cord blood lymphocytes (CBL) and in adult peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) after stimulation with thymosin V-1 and V-2. At concentrations of 100 μg/ml, thymosin V-1 produced an 85% increase of cAMP in adult PBL, alterations being demonstrated within 1 min, whereas it did not affect the cAMP level in CBL which have a nine times higher basal level than PBL. On the other hand, thymosin V-1 did not have any effect on cGMP in CBL nor in adult PBL. Thymosin V-2 which inhibits E-rosette formation also increased cAMP in adult PBL like thymosin V-1. The increasing effect of thymosin V-1 on cAMP was observed even when cAMP phosphodiesterase was completely inhibited with isobutyl methylxanthine. From these data it was assumed that thymosin probably acts through the stimulation of adenylate cyclase.
The Effect of a Low Protein Diet on the Immunogenic Activity of Murine Peritoneal Macrophages
Authors: Rose Alison H. , Holt P.G. , Turner K.J.
Published: July 2009

The activity of resident and exudate peritoneal macrophages from mice maintained on a low protein diet (4% casein initiated at weaning) was assessed in a variety of assay systems which examined aspects of macrophage ‘immunogenic’ function in vivo and in vitro. Antigen-pulsed macrophages from malnourished mice triggered secondary IgE and IgG responses following intraperitoneal inoculation into pre-immunized syngeneic recipients. Similarly, intraperitoneal transfer of low numbers of these cells successfully primed immunologically naive syngeneic mice; in both cases, the activity of macrophages from malnourished mice could not be distinguished from those derived from normal animals. Examination of uptake and breakdown of radio-labelled antigen revealed normal rates of phagocytosis, and a brief lag in the early phase of degradation, relative to control macrophages. Antigen-pulsed macrophages from malnourished mice were severely impaired in their capacity to trigger the proliferation of antigen-primed T cells in vitro.
Pharmacology of a New Orally Active Antiallergic: Pyrido[1,2-a] Pyrimidine, ucb L140 (CHINOIN 1045) in Rats
Authors: De Vos C. , Dessy F. , Hermecz I. , Meszaros Z. , Breining T.
Published: July 2009

ucb L140 (CHINOIN 1045) has been tested in various rat anaphylaxis systems. In models of passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA), passive peritoneal anaphylaxis (PPA) and anaphylactic bronchospasms, ucb L140 appears to be more potent than sodium cromoglycate (DSCG). Upon oral administration, ucb L140 exhibits a marked inhibition of these anaphylactic reactions. Sensitized rat mast cells in vitro display a decreased Nippostrongylus-induced histamine release when treated with a concentration of ucb L140 three times smaller than DSCG. In PCA testing after intravenous administration of ucb L140 a cross-tachyphylaxis with DSCG was observed. These results suggest that the action of ucb L140 is similar to that of DSCG in inhibiting the release of allergic mediators from mast cells and therefore may present antiallergic activity.
Effect of Beta-Adrenergic Agents on Immunoglobulin G Levels in Asthmatic Subjects
Authors: Mansfield Lyndon , Nelson Harold S.
Published: July 2009

Asthmatic subjects using oral beta-adrenergic agents had significantly lower mean serum IgG levels than asthmatics not taking beta-adrenergic agents (984 vs. 1,195 mg/dl, p < 0.025). Corticosteroid use had the same effect (920 vs. 1,195 mg/dl, p < 0.005). Concomitant usage of both agents was associated with further depression of IgG levels. There were no differences between the serum levels of IgA, IgM, IgD, IgE and the complement components C3 and C4 associated with the use of either or both agents. These findings suggest that beta-adrenergic agents, used in pharmacologic doses, may have an effect on the immune system.
The Effect of Antibody on the Intestinal Absorption of Macromolecules and on Intestinal Permeability in Adult Mice
Authors: Lim P.L. , Rowley D.
Published: July 2009

Oral immunization was shown to reduce the passage of a bacterial antigen (BA) through the intestinal wall. The extent of the reduction found was dependent on the technique used for antigen assay, but with 125I-BA in an everted gut sac system, the amount of transported antigen was less than 60% of the amount in a control non-immune system. The inhibitory effect was due to coproantibodies which probably function by complexing and trapping the antigen in the mucous layer. This inhibition of antigen transport seems a prerogative of IgA antibodies since serum-derived antibodies caused concomitant adverse effects.