bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alteration and abnormal expression of the c-myc oncogene in human multiple myeloma
Authors: Selvanayagam P , Blick M , Narni F , van Tuinen P , Ledbetter DH , Alexanian R , Saunders GF , Barlogie B
Published: October 2019

Structural alterations of the c-myc oncogene in human Burkitt's lymphoma and mouse plasmacytoma suggest that this oncogene is involved in several B cell neoplasms. The possibility of c-myc alterations in human myeloma has not been explored, probably because the low proliferative activity characteristic of this tumor impairs the propagation of representative cell lines for the performance of adequate cytogenetic studies. This report describes alterations in the c-myc locus with concomitant elevated expression of mRNA in the tumor cells of two of 37 patients with multiple myeloma. In one case, somatic cell hybrid studies revealed that the cloned rearranged DNA was entirely derived from chromosome 8, thus indicating a novel mechanism of c-myc activation different from that in Burkitt's lymphoma. Seven other patients exhibited five- to 12-fold overexpression of c-myc RNA when compared with normal marrow cells. Elevated mRNA expression in about one fourth of our patients suggests that the c-myc oncogene has a pathogenetic role in the evolution of multiple myeloma.
The effect of deoxygenation rate on the formation of irreversibly sickled cells
Authors: Horiuchi K , Ballas SK , Asakura T
Published: October 2019

The effects of the deoxygenation rate on the formation of irreversibly sickled cells (ISCs) were investigated by using metabolically replete sickle cells (SS cells). We found that the formation of ISCs required Ca2+ and that the amount formed depended on the rate of deoxygenation. When less dense SS discocytes were deoxygenated slowly by flushing with 95% N2 and 5% CO2 at a rate of 3 mL/min, the percentage of ISCs increased from 5% to 26.5% after 24 hours. In contrast, upon rapid deoxygenation (10, 35 mL/min) ISC formation was reduced significantly. The difference may be related to fact that more sickle-shaped cells were formed upon slow deoxygenation than upon the rapid deoxygenation that resulted in the formation of star-shaped and granulated cells. So- called ISCs were formed more easily from sickle-shaped cells. To express the shape of sickled cells numerically, we calculated the mean maximum cell length (MCL) after cells were incubated under various deoxygenation conditions. The MCL of slowly deoxygenated SS cells after 24 hours of incubation was about twice (20.0 +/- 7.0 micron) that of quickly deoxygenated (35 mL/min) SS cells (12.5 +/- 5.0 microns) (initial MCL, 8.0 +/- 1.0 micron). The decrease in potassium content was greater with slow deoxygenation than with rapid deoxygenation. Because the increase in sodium influx was less than that of potassium efflux under slow deoxygenation, SS cells became more dense than those rapidly deoxygenated. In the absence of Ca2+, morphological changes were the same as in the presence of Ca2+; however, under this condition there was no change in density, and no ISCs were formed regardless of the rate of deoxygenation. These results demonstrate that the number of ISCs formed correlates with the MCL. The length of fibers of sickle hemoglobin may be a determinant of the length of sickled cells. This suggests that membrane stretching plays an important role in cell density and irreversible membrane deformation.
von Willebrand disease "Vicenza" with larger-than-normal (supranormal) von Willebrand factor multimers
Authors: Mannucci PM , Lombardi R , Castaman G , Dent JA , Lattuada A , Rodeghiero F , Zimmerman TS
Published: October 2019

When normal volunteers or patients with type I von Willebrand disease (VWD) are given desmopressin (DDAVP), a set of larger-than-normal (supranormal) von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimers, similar to those present in VWF-containing cells such as platelets megakaryocytes and endothelial cells, appear transiently in postinfusion plasma. In two kindreds with mild lifelong bleeding symptoms transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait, all ten symptomatic members (but none of the five asymptomatic members) had a supranormal multimeric structure for plasma VWF, apparently identical to that seen for postdesmopressin normal plasma. Plasma factor VIII coagulant activity (VIII:C), VWF antigen (VWF:Ag), ristocetin-induced platelet agglutination, and ristocetin cofactor (RiCof) activity were low. Platelet VWF:Ag and RiCof levels (tested for three patients only) were normal. Bleeding times were normal or slightly prolonged. The patients' platelet multimeric structure was the same as that for normal platelets. After desmopressin infusion the plasma VWF multimeric structure remained supranormal as for preinfusion plasma, with VIII:C VWF:Ag and RiCof increasing markedly over baseline values and disappearing at a normal rate. Examination of the VWF subunit composition from three of these patients indicated that proteolytic processing of their VWF did not differ from normal. This study describes the first variant of VWD with a supranormal multimeric structure.
Human mast cells synthesize new granules during recovery from degranulation. In vitro studies with mast cells purified from human lungs
Authors: Dvorak AM , Schleimer RP , Lichtenstein LM
Published: October 2019

Secretory cells undergoing release and recovery events related to constitutive and/or stimulus-initiated secretion might be expected to undergo distinctive changes in morphology as well. We studied the release and recovery events of human mast cell secretion stimulated by antibody to immunoglobulin E. We used enzymatically digested mast cells from human lung specimens further purified by countercurrent centrifugation elutriation. Release kinetics were like those reported for isolated human lung mast cells. In two complete kinetic experiments we restudied these early release patterns (0 to 30 minutes). Mast cells, either stimulated or controls, were then cultured and sampled for electronmicroscopic studies at periodic intervals (3 to 48 hours). We describe events of the late recovery period here, although some overlap with processes seen in early recovery samples occurred. Mast cells that released nearly all their cytoplasmic granules and exteriorized the containers, eg, granule-channel membranes, underwent progressive enlargement of Golgi structures and development of numerous small cytoplasmic vesicles and small, membrane-bound granules filled with particulate and dense content. Ultimately, new mature cytoplasmic granules of all substructural patterns occurred. Nuclear blast changes and expansion of cytoplasmic mass accompanied this period of new granule synthesis. Mixed recovery patterns were present in individual cells. These represented the morphological expression of a variety of recovery events. Thus, some cells showed a combination of channel recovery and remodeling to form new granule containers within which condensation of content produced crystalline patterns, as well as synthesis of new granules, as described here. This morphological versatility resulted in multiple mast cell morphological phenotypes during these release and recovery processes.
Restriction of cell lysis by homologous complement: II. Protection of erythrocytes against lysis by newly activated complement
Authors: Houle JJ , Hoffmann EM , Esser AF
Published: October 2019

Our previous work revealed that homologous complement (C) was ineffective in lysing antibody-sensitized erythrocytes (EA) even at high concentrations. It was also shown that activation of complement on homologous EA resulted in the binding of C9 and the formation of EA bearing complement proteins C1 through C9 (EAC1–9), yet few hemolytic sites were formed. Instead, as shown here, the formation of homologous EAC1–9 caused the cells to become resistant to lysis even by heterologous complement during a second incubation. In contrast, when homologous EAC1–8 were produced by incubating EA with C9-depleted serum, such intermediates were not protected against lysis by heterologous complement during a second incubation. Furthermore, homologous C9 on EAC1–9 was able to reduce the hemolytic efficiency of heterologous complement without blocking C activation and the formation of new C5b-9 complexes. Protection was not modified when homologous EAC1–9 were produced in one step, by incubation of EA with serum, or sequentially by adding C9 to EAC1–8. The minimum number of 9-sites required to confer a protective effect on EAC1–9 was less than 200 per cell. Thus, in addition to its known effect in heterologous cell killing, homologous C9 is capable of protecting homologous cells against inadvertent complement lysis.
Platelet-agglutinating protein P37 from a thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura plasma forms a complex with human immunoglobulin G
Authors: Siddiqui FA , Lian EC
Published: October 2019

We have previously reported the purification of a 37-kd platelet- agglutinating protein (PAP p37) from the plasma of a patient with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) that was shown to be present in a subset of TTP patients. The platelet agglutination induced by PAP p37 has been shown to be inhibited by IgG from normal human adults and the same TTP patient after recovery. To elucidate the mechanism of inhibition of IgG, the interaction between PAP p37 and IgG was studied. The complex formation was demonstrated by the binding of fluid-phase IgG from normal adults and the same TTP patient after recovery to adsorbed PAP by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The binding was specific, concentration dependent, and saturable. IgG purified from a 5-month-old baby and the same TTP patient during active disease did not form complex with PAP p37. The IgG covalently cross-linked to Sepharose 4B bound 125I-PAP p37 but not 125I-fibrinogen. Sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation of a mixture of 125I-PAP p37 and IgG also revealed the fluid-phase complex formation with a sedimentation value of 19S. Complexes of molecular weight ranging from 180,000 to over 350,000 daltons were also detected by molecular sieve chromatography. The IgG that was bound to PAP p37 conjugated to Sepharose 4B inhibited the agglutination of washed platelets induced by TTP plasma containing PAP p37, whereas the IgG that was not bound to PAP p37 did not have a significant inhibitory effect. The complex formation between PAP p37 and specific IgG is likely to account for the in vitro inhibition of TTP plasma-induced agglutination and, at least partly, the in vivo successful treatment with specific IgG-containing normal plasma.
Natural history of idiopathic refractory sideroblastic anemia
Authors: Cazzola M , Barosi G , Gobbi PG , Invernizzi R , Riccardi A , Ascari E
Published: October 2019

We analyzed the natural history of idiopathic refractory sideroblastic anemia (IRSA) in 37 patients studied between 1969 and 1986. Although erythroid abnormalities were prominent in all, 12 patients also showed involvement of the granulocytic and/or megakaryocytic cell lines, and nonrandom chromosomal aberrations were observed in five of 23 patients studied for such defects. Measurements of erythroid marrow function showed in most cases erythroid expansion with ineffective erythropoiesis. In seven patients, however, the erythroid activity was found to be inappropriately low for the degree of anemia. Transfusion dependence occurred in 26 of 37 cases. Iron overload was a common feature at presentation but produced clinical manifestations of hemochromatosis only in those patients who subsequently had a regular need for blood transfusions. Five patients progressed to bone marrow failure, and another five patients (two of whom had monosomy 7) evolved into acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL). The median survival was 72 months, with a high transfusion requirement, multilineage defects, and inappropriately low erythroid proliferation being associated with a poor prognosis. The most common causes of death were complications of iron overload and evolution into ANLL. We conclude that (a) the natural history of IRSA is characterized by an initial phase of erythroid hyperplasia and ineffective erythropoiesis, which is usually stable for many years but in a subset of patients may be followed by a phase of marrow failure with or without the later emergence of leukemic blasts; (b) peripheral blood counts, measurement of erythroid marrow function, and chromosomal analysis are useful for identifying subjects at risk of evolution into marrow failure or ANLL; and (c) IRSA patients with no need for blood transfusions are very likely to be long survivors, whereas those who become transfusion dependent are at risk of death from the complications of secondary hemochromatosis.
The correlation of breakpoint cluster region rearrangement and p210 phl/abl expression with morphological analysis of Ph-negative chronic myeloid leukemia and other myeloproliferative diseases
Authors: Wiedemann LM , Karhi KK , Shivji MK , Rayter SI , Pegram SM , Dowden G , Bevan D , Will A , Galton DA , Chan LC
Published: October 2019

The chromosome 22 derivative, the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome, results from a reciprocal translocation t(9;22) (q34;q11) and is associated with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The translocation can be identified at the DNA level in Ph-positive CML by using a probe to the breakpoint cluster region (bcr). In addition, as a result of this translocation an abl-related 210-kd protein with protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) activity is produced. We analyzed 28 cases of Ph-negative CML for rearrangement of the chromosome 22 sequences and found that eight of the 28 show rearrangement of the bcr. When 12 of the Ph- negative cases were independently reviewed, five were indistinguishable from Ph-positive CML on the basis of morphology, peripheral blood film and clinical details. These five also showed bcr rearrangement. The other seven were reclassified as six atypical CML (aCML) and one chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). None of these seven showed bcr rearrangement. In addition 11 cases of bcr- CML were assayed for abl- related PTK, and no detectable activity was present, whereas p210 phl/abl PTK was observed both in Ph-positive (three cases examined) and Ph-negative, bcr + (four cases examined) CML. Therefore, bcr + CML, whether or not the Ph chromosome is cytogenetically apparent, involves a similar molecular alteration and produces the 210-kd protein with enhanced PTK activity. Furthermore, these cases can be distinguished from Ph-negative bcr- CML by careful evaluation of clinical and hematologic data.
In vivo control of differentiation of myeloid leukemic cells by recombinant granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interleukin 3
Authors: Lotem J , Sachs L
Published: October 2019

The normal myeloid hematopoietic regulatory proteins include one class of proteins that induces viability and multiplication of normal myeloid precursor cells to form colonies (colony-stimulating factors [CSF] and interleukin 3 [IL-3], macrophage and granulocyte inducing proteins, type 7 [MGI-1]) and another class (called MGI-2) that induces differentiation of normal myeloid precursors without inducing cell multiplication. Different clones of myeloid leukemic cells can differ in their response to these regulatory proteins. One type of leukemic clone can be differentiated in vitro to mature cells by incubating with the growth-inducing proteins granulocyte-macrophage (GM) CSF or IL-3, and another type of clone can be differentiated in vitro to mature cells by the differentiation-inducing protein MGI-2. We have now studied the ability of different myeloid regulatory proteins to induce the in vivo differentiation of these different types of mouse myeloid leukemic clones in normal and cyclophosphamide-treated mice. The results show that in both types of mice (a) the in vitro GM-CSF- and IL- 3-sensitive leukemic cells were induced to differentiate to mature cells in vivo in mice injected with pure recombinant GM-CSF and IL-3 but not with G-CSF, M-CSF, or MGI-2; (b) the in vitro MGI-2-sensitive leukemic cells differentiated in vivo by injection of MGI-2 and also, presumably indirectly, by GM-CSF and IL-3 but not by M-CSF or G-CSF; (c) in vivo induced differentiation of the leukemic cells was associated with a 20- to 60-fold decrease in the number of blast cells; and (d) all the injected myeloid regulatory proteins stimulated the normal myelopoietic system. Different normal myeloid regulatory proteins can thus induce in vivo terminal differentiation of leukemic cells, and it is suggested that these proteins can have a therapeutic potential for myeloid leukemia in addition to their therapeutic potential in stimulating normal hematopoiesis.
Cytogenetic studies in patients with secondary leukemia/dysmyelopoietic syndrome after different treatment modalities
Authors: Whang-Peng J , Young RC , Lee EC , Longo DL , Schechter GP , DeVita VT Jr
Published: October 2019

Cytogenetic studies of 68 patients who developed secondary leukemia (SL)/dysmyelopoietic syndrome (DMS) after extensive chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy as well as patients who developed SL/DMS without such treatment showed that those patients who received radiation alone or with chemotherapy had more extensive numerical and structural abnormalities than those who received only chemotherapy. In terms of the specific chromosomal abnormalities, there are no differences between the various treatment groups. Hypodiploidy is the most common form of aneuploidy in these patients, with the most common numerical abnormality being the loss of chromosome 7. The most common structural abnormalities involved chromosomes 3 and 5. When compared with patients with de novo leukemia and DMS, the chromosomal abnormalities in these patients are more complex and extensive. Serial studies revealed that cytogenetic abnormalities do not precede the development of hematologic changes by significant time periods.
Cell cycle progression of B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells induced to differentiate by TPA
Authors: Carlsson M , Totterman TH , Matsson P , Nilsson K
Published: October 2019

The cell cycle transition and differentiation-associated surface antigen expression was studied in a clone of B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) with phenotypic properties similar to those of resting B lymphocytes. Differentiation was induced with TPA (12-O-tetradecanoyl- phorbol-13-acetate) and defined and quantitated by morphological and functional markers. Changes in the cell cycle position were determined by flow cytometry of acridine orange-stained cells. The uninduced B-CLL cells represented a homogeneous population with the same cell cycle position (GO) as resting normal peripheral blood lymphocytes. After five days of TPA stimulation, 56% of the B-CLL cells were found in G1A, 9% in G1B, and 3% in the S + G2/M phase, of which 2% was accounted to proliferating T cells. The cell cycle transition of the differentiating B-CLL cells was also examined using cell cycle-associated surface antigens as markers. HLA-DR and CD23 antigens were present already on noninduced cells. The former had a high constant expression, while the amount of CD23 increased upon induction. The 4F2 antigen was absent on noninduced cells but present on 86% of the induced cells. HH1 (CD37) was expressed by the majority of the cells before TPA treatment and decreased to almost undetectable levels within 24 hours. Two antigens related to late stages of the cell cycle, the interleukin 2 (IL 2; CD25) and the transferrin receptor, were present on about 20% of the induced cells. Experiments with enriched T cells showed that T but not B cells incorporated 3H-thymidine. Taken together these results and previous work on the induction of the protooncogene c-myc and c-fos suggest that this B-CLL clone represents GO cells that undergo differentiation without concomitant proliferation when exposed to TPA.
Genetically determined polymorphism of the circulating human breast cancer-associated DF3 antigen
Authors: Hayes DF , Sekine H , Marcus D , Alper CA , Kufe DW
Published: October 2019

The murine monoclonal antibody (MAb) DF3 was prepared against a human breast carcinoma. Previous studies have demonstrated that DF3 antigen levels are elevated in plasma of patients with breast cancer. Furthermore, MAb DF3 reacts with circulating glycoproteins of different molecular weights ranging from approximately 300 to 450 kd. The present study demonstrates that plasma DF3 antigen is comprised of at least four moieties with slow (S), intermediate (I), rapid (R) and very rapid (VR) electrophoretic mobilities. The electrophoretic mobility patterns for circulating DF3 antigen differ among individuals. Moreover, DF3 antigen is detectable in urine, and the electrophoretic mobility of the urinary moieties is similar, but not identical, to that in the plasma. Studies in family members suggest that the electrophoretic heterogeneity of plasma DF3 antigen is determined by codominant expression of multiple alleles at a single locus. This locus may code for the core protein of DF3 antigen. These findings thus identify a genetically determined polymorphism of a circulating tumor-associated glycoprotein.
The effect of the plasticizer di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate on the survival of stored RBCs
Authors: AuBuchon JP , Estep TN , Davey RJ
Published: October 2019

Recent in vitro studies have shown that di-2-ethylhexyl-phthalate (DEHP) inhibits the deterioration of RBCs during refrigerated storage in containers that use this compound as a plasticizer. The experiments described in this report were designed to assess whether this in vitro protective effect of DEHP would result in a prolonged in vivo survival of RBCs infused into normal human recipients. Whole blood collected from ten normal donors was stored for 35 days in citrate-phosphate- dextrose-adenine (CPDA-1) anticoagulant contained in polyvinylchloride (PVC) bags plasticized with DEHP or a trimellitate compound that is known to have low leachability. Aliquots of RBCs from each container were then labeled with chromium-51 and were reinfused into the original donors. For blood stored in DEHP-plasticized PVC bags, 24% more red cells survived in vivo 24 hours after reinfusion than was observed when the blood had been stored in trimellitate-plasticized bags (P less than .001). Whole blood stored in glass bottles showed a similar improvement in in vivo survival when DEHP was added in weekly increments to mimic the accumulation of this plasticizer seen during storage in plastic containers. Survival of packed red cells stored in the presence of DEHP increased by 14% compared with storage in trimellitate-plasticized bags (P less than .05). In agreement with previous studies, hemolysis and microvesicle formation were also reduced in the presence of DEHP. These results suggest that proposed new storage systems lacking DEHP should be carefully evaluated to determine whether adequate post-transfusion survival of RBCs may be achieved.
The molecular basis of alpha thalassemia in India. Its interaction with the sickle cell gene
Authors: Kulozik AE , Kar BC , Serjeant GR , Serjeant BE , Weatherall DJ
Published: October 2019

The alpha globin genotype of a total of 282 Indians from Orissa state has been analyzed. The overall alpha thalassemia gene frequency is 0.29, most frequently caused by the -alpha 3.7 and -alpha 4.2 deletions. In one family a novel -alpha 3.5 deletion removing the alpha 1 globin gene with some of its flanking sequences has been found, suggesting further sequence homology of the alpha globin gene cluster 3′ to the alpha 1 globin gene. Patients with sickle cell disease and alpha thalassemia had higher hemoglobin (Hb) levels, RBC counts, and Hb A2 levels, and lower reticulocyte counts, MCV, MCH, and Hb F levels than those with a normal alpha genotype. The frequency of splenomegaly was not influenced by the alpha globin genotype. A higher prevalence of alpha thalassemia was found in patients greater than or equal to 10 years of age than in the younger group, suggesting a possible advantageous effect of alpha thalassemia on the survival of patients with sickle cell disease.
Cytoplasmic expression of the CD3 antigen as a diagnostic marker for immature T-cell malignancies
Authors: van Dongen JJ , Krissansen GW , Wolvers-Tettero IL , Comans-Bitter WM , Adriaansen HJ , Hooijkaas H , van Wering ER , Terhorst C
Published: October 2019

The expression of cytoplasmic CD3 (CyCD3) was analyzed in 45 leukemias, five thymus cell samples, five peripheral blood (PB) samples, and ten cell lines. All T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias (T-ALL) that did not express surface membrane CD3 (SmCD3) appeared to express CyCD3. Furthermore, the majority of SmCD3+ T-ALL also expressed CyCD3. Analogous results were obtained with thymus cell samples in that about 95% of the thymocytes expressed CyCD3 whereas 60% to 75% of the thymocytes also expressed SmCD3. In normal peripheral blood only prominent SmCD3 expression was found. These data indicate that immature T cells express CyCD3 only, that the combined expression of CyCD3 and SmCD3 is characteristic for intermediate differentiation stages, and that mature T cells express prominent SmCD3. All (precursor) B cell leukemias, acute myeloid leukemias, and non-T cell lines tested did not express CyCD3. On the basis of these data, we conclude that CyCD3 expression is restricted to the T cell lineage and can be used as a diagnostic marker for immature SmCD3- T cell malignancies. Therefore, we evaluated which fixative is optimal for CyCD3 staining, and we determined by immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting which anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (MoAb) can be used for the detection of CyCD3. In our opinion, acid ethanol was the best fixative for the cytocentrifuge preparations. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CyCD3 can be easily detected by use of MoAbs raised against denaturated CD3 chains such as those of the SP series (SP-6, SP-10, SP-64, and SP-78). In addition we tested 22 anti-CD3 MoAbs of the Oxford CD3 panel that were raised against native SmCD3, and it appeared that only four (UCHT1, VIT-3b, G19–41 and SK7/Leu-4) of them were able to detect CyCD3. In Western blot analysis all four MoAbs recognized the CD3- epsilon chain only.
Heme arginate: effects on hemostasis
Authors: Volin L , Rasi V , Vahtera E , Tenhunen R
Published: October 2019

Hematin, the drug used for acute porphyric attacks, has been shown to cause disturbances in hemostasis, mainly because of its degradation products. Lately a new heme compound, heme arginate, has been developed for the treatment of porphyrias. In experimental animal studies as well as in clinical use it has proved to be well tolerated. To find out whether heme arginate has any effects on hemostasis we have studied a number of parameters of coagulation and fibrinolysis after a heme arginate infusion in seven healthy volunteers. All parameters studied remained practically unchanged except the coagulation factor X, which showed a transient, insignificant decrease during the maximal heme concentration. We believe that the lack of side effects is due to a better stability of heme arginate, the degradation rates being 1% for heme arginate and 61% for hematin in four hours. Our data favor the use of heme arginate in acute porphyrias as well as in other deficiency states of heme.
Canine model for gene therapy: inefficient gene expression in dogs reconstituted with autologous marrow infected with retroviral vectors
Authors: Stead RB , Kwok WW , Storb R , Miller AD
Published: October 2019

Successful retroviral gene transfer into murine hematopoietic stem cells indicates the potential for somatic gene therapy in the treatment of certain human hereditary diseases. We developed a canine model to test the applicability of these techniques to a preclinical model of human marrow transplantation. Previously we reported that canine CFU-GM could be infected with retroviral vectors carrying either the gene for a mutant dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) or neomycin phosphotransferase (NEO). This study reports six lethally irradiated dogs transplanted with autologous marrow cocultivated with retroviral vector-producing cells. This procedure conferred drug resistance to 3% to 13% of the CFU- GM. Three dogs infected with either the NEO or DHFR virus engrafted, but we detected no drug-resistant CFU-GM. Three dogs were given marrow infected with a DHFR virus and received methotrexate (MTX) as in vivo selection; all three had evidence of engraftment. In the surviving dog, we detected 0.03% to 0.1% MTX-resistant CFU-GM at 3 to 5 weeks posttransplant during in vivo selection. These results indicate that we can reconstitute lethally irradiated dogs with autologous marrow exposed to retroviral vectors and suggest that gene transfer into hematopoietic cells is feasible on a large scale. However, the low- level transient gene expression indicates that considerable obstacles remain before human gene therapy can be considered.
High-efficiency gene transfer and expression in normal human hematopoietic cells with retrovirus vectors
Authors: Laneuville P , Chang W , Kamel-Reid S , Fauser AA , Dick JE
Published: October 2019

Retroviral vectors containing the selectable bacterial gene for G418 resistance (neo) were used to demonstrate gene transfer into primary human bone-marrow progenitor cells. To obtain populations of cells in which a high proportion of cells were expressing the neo gene, several important modifications were made to earlier procedures. Cells from normal donors were infected in vitro, were exposed to high concentrations of G418 for two days in liquid culture to enrich for cells expressing the neo gene, and were plated in semisolid medium. Gene transfer and expression were detected in colonies arising from progenitors of granulocyte-macrophage and erythroid lineages. Survival curves indicated that a high proportion of progenitor cells, approaching 100%, were G418 resistant. Furthermore, addition of growth factors contained in 5637-conditioned medium to the bone marrow improved the recovery of G418-resistant progenitors twofold to threefold. In addition to these biological measurements of gene expression in progenitor cells, significant levels of neo-specific RNA, similar to the levels of RNA expression in the virus-producing fibroblast cell line, were detected in the bone marrow cells after preselection. These results demonstrate that retrovirus vectors can be used successfully to transfer genes at high efficiency into progenitor cells in the human blood-forming system.
The beta subunit of the interleukin-2 receptor mediates interleukin-2 induction of anti-CD3 redirected cytotoxic capability in large granular lymphocytes
Authors: Colamonici OR , Quinones R , Rosolen A , Trepel JB , Sausville E , Phares JC , Gress R , Poplack D , Weber J , Schechter GP
Published: October 2019

The interleukin 2 (IL 2) receptor was studied in three cases of large granular lymphocyte (LGL) lymphocytosis. All cases were nonreactive with anti-Tac monoclonal antibody (MoAb; recognizing the p55 alpha subunit of the IL 2 receptor). Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)/polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis (PAGE) of cells to which radio-labeled rIL 2 had been chemically crosslinked revealed uniform expression of the p70/75 beta subunit of the IL 2 receptor in the absence of the alpha subunit. Stimulation of this receptor with 2 nmol/L rIL 2 for five days led to acquisition of anti-CD3 redirected cytotoxicity. This was accompanied by a fivefold to tenfold elevation in the activity of intracellular N-alpha-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-lysine thiobenzyl esterase, an LGL granule marker enzyme. These effects of IL 2 did not require induction of the Tac peptide.
Soluble interleukin 2 receptors in sera of Japanese patients with adult T cell leukemia mark activity of disease
Authors: Yasuda N , Lai PK , Ip SH , Kung PC , Hinuma Y , Matsuoka M , Hattori T , Takatsuki K , Purtilo DT
Published: October 2019

Serum concentrations of soluble interleukin 2 receptors (sIL 2R) were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 30 patients with adult T cell leukemia (ATL), in 9 patients with other hematopoietic malignancies, and in 17 asymptomatic individuals seropositive for human T cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I). Sixty HTLV-I seronegative, age-matched controls showed a normal range of form 63.2 to 480.8 U/mL. All asymptomatic carriers of HTLV-I had sIL 2R in their sera within the normal range. sIL 2R in sera was not related to the anti-HTLV-I antibody titer. Eleven patients with acute ATL, a clinical phenotype with median survival rate of 4.4 months, had markedly elevated sIL 2R (11,100 to 99,000 U/mL), but eight patients with smoldering ATL had low sIL 2R values (less than 480.8 U/mL) comparable to controls. Eleven patients with chronic ATL had intermediate elevated levels of sIL 2R (480.8 to 37,300.0 U/mL). Serum levels of sIL 2R correlated with the number of ATL cells (r = 0.812) and CD25-positive cells (r = 0.725) circulating in the peripheral blood. Longitudinal studies performed in four patients with ATL showed significant correlation between serum concentration of sIL 2R and activity of the malignancy. These findings suggest that the level of sIL 2R in serum indicated tumor load and, possibly, prognosis.
Platelet-activating factor primes neutrophil responses to agonists: role in promoting neutrophil-mediated endothelial damage
Authors: Vercellotti GM , Yin HQ , Gustafson KS , Nelson RD , Jacob HS
Published: October 2019

During inflammation polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) are exposed to agonistic stimuli including activated complement, kallikrein, arachidonic acid metabolites, monokines, and platelet-activating factor (PAF). We report that PAF not only directly activates PMNs but in miniscule quantities (10(-12) mol/L) “primes” them as well, that is, permits PMNs to respond to subsequent stimuli that would be otherwise ineffectual. PAF priming of responses including superoxide generation, elastase release, and aggregation is time dependent and is maximal within five minutes. PAF need not be present during the subsequent exhibition of PMN agonists, but priming is inhibited by cold and is also inhibited by the PAF receptor antagonists BN 52021, L-652, and kadsurenone. An intact PAF molecule is required because lyso-PAF and methoxy-PAF do not prime PMN responses. PAF priming is associated with both enhanced expression of the adhesive glycoprotein identified by OKM- 1 antibody and an enhanced rise in intracellular calcium levels in response to the subsequent addition of agonists such as FMLP. PMNs primed with PAF and stimulated with either F-Met-Leu-Phe or phorbol esters are more effective in lysing and detaching cultured human endothelial cells--damage that can also be inhibited by the PAF antagonists. Because PAF is synthesized and exhibited on surfaces of endothelial cells perturbed by coagulation, we suggest that this lipid may potentiate otherwise trivial activators of marginated PMNs so that they become damaging to the PAF-synthesizing endothelium itself. If so, our studies suggest a possible therapeutic role for PAF inhibitors in excessive inflammatory states.
Erythrocyte glycolysis and its marked alterations by muscular exercise in type VII glycogenosis
Authors: Shimizu T , Kono N , Kiyokawa H , Yamada Y , Hara N , Mineo I , Kawachi M , Nakajima H , Wang YL , Tarui S
Published: October 2019

Levels of erythrocyte glycolytic intermediates after the phosphofructokinase (PFK) step, including 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (2,3- DPG), were decreased at rest in patients from separate families with type VII glycogenosis. The concentration of 2,3-DPG was about half of the normal control value during a period of unrestricted daily activity but was further decreased to one third of normal after a one-day bed rest. Mild ergometric exercise rapidly increased the levels of fructose- 1,6-bisphosphate, dihydroxyacetone phosphate plus glyceraldehyde-3- phosphate, and 2,3-DPG in patients' circulating erythrocytes but did not in those of normal subjects. This indicated that a crossover point at the PFK step in glycolysis disappeared after physical exercise and, consequently, the 2,3-DPG concentration, which had decreased because of blockage of the PFK step, was restored considerably. This apparently exercise-related alteration in intermediary metabolism at the beginning of glycolysis was reproduced in vitro by incubating normal erythrocytes in the presence of inosine or ammonia, both of which have increased levels in circulating blood during and after exercise in this disorder. We conclude that physical activity in addition to a genetic deficiency in erythrocyte PFK affects glycolysis in erythrocytes in type VII glycogenosis and that myogenic factors released from exercising muscles may be responsible for this change.
Platelets in tumor metastasis: generation of adenosine diphosphate by tumor cells is specific but unrelated to metastatic potential
Authors: Grignani G , Jamieson GA
Published: October 2019

Human 253J urinary carcinoma cells and the F1 (low-metastatic) and F10 (high-metastatic) variants of the B16 murine melanoma cell line have been shown to activate heparinized human platelets by an adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-dependent mechanism based on inhibition by creatine phosphate/creatine phosphokinase and the identification of aggregating concentrations (1 to 2 mumol/L) of ADP in cell-free culture supernatants by high-performance liquid chromatography. Aggregation did not occur in citrated samples, and hirudin was without effect. Studies were carried out to determine whether extracellular ADP arose from nonspecific cell damage during cell isolation and manipulation or was a specific process under control of the tumor cells themselves. Tumor cell damage during harvesting was shown not to be a factor because the amounts of ADP produced by the three cell lines (a) were inversely related to the appearance of lactic dehydrogenase in the culture supernatants and (b) were similar when measured in confluent monolayers, either in tumor cells after detachment and resuspension or after crossover studies involving culture in, alternatively, Hanks' balanced salt solution and minimal essential medium. Metabolic control of ADP production was indicated by the fact that (a) it was not dependent on cell number, which suggests feedback inhibition; (b) it was reduced 60% when tumor cells were treated with p- chloromercuribenzene sulfonate; and (c) it was completely abolished in those treated with iodoacetic acid, which might be expected to increase nonspecific leakage. These studies indicate that ADP production by these three lines does not arise due to leakage induced by nonspecific membrane damage during cell harvesting and manipulation but is a discrete process under metabolic control of the tumor cells. Moreover, in B16 murine melanoma cells the ability to produce ADP and to support platelet aggregation appears to be unrelated to metastatic potential insofar as identical results were obtained with the F1 and F10 variants.
Efficacy of high-dose methotrexate in childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia: analysis by contemporary risk classifications
Authors: Abromowitch M , Ochs J , Pui CH , Fairclough D , Murphy SB , Rivera GK
Published: October 2019

High-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) added to a basic regimen of chemotherapy proved superior to cranial irradiation and sequentially administered drug pairs (RTSC) in prolonging complete remissions in children with “standard-risk” acute lymphocytic leukemia. To extend this result to more contemporary risk groups, we reclassified the patients according to methods of the Pediatric Oncology Group (POG), the Childrens Cancer Study Group (CCG), the Rome workshop, and St Jude Total Therapy Study XI. By life table analysis, 70% to 78% of patients with a favorable prognosis would remain in continuous complete remission (CCR) at 4 years if treated with HDMTX. Uniformly lower CCR rates could be expected with RTSC, especially in St Jude better-risk patients. HDMTX also would show greater efficacy than RTSC in the CCG average-risk and POG poor-risk groups, but the results appear inferior to those being achieved with intensified regimens for high-risk leukemia. Although both therapies would provide adequate CNS prophylaxis in favorable-risk groups, RTSC would offer greater protection in patients classified as being in a worse-risk group by St Jude criteria. We conclude that HDMTX- based therapy, as described in this report, would be most effective in patients with a presenting leukocyte count of less than 25 x 10(9)/L, of the white race, aged 2 to 10 years, and having leukemic cell hyperdiploidy without translocations.
An immunoassay to detect human embryonic epsilon globin chains by a murine monoclonal antibody
Authors: Zhao JQ , Luo HY , Clarke BJ , Chui DH
Published: October 2019

Human embryonic epsilon globin chains were isolated from lysates of cultured human leukemic K562 cells induced with hemin. Mice were immunized with epsilon globin chains, and a murine hybridoma cell line was established that secreted monoclonal anti-epsilon globin antibody. A sensitive and specific slot blot immunoassay for epsilon globin chains has been developed. epsilon Globin chains were shown to be present in hemolysates from fetuses of 20 weeks' gestation but were not detected in normal cord blood hemolysates. This immunoassay is useful for the study of epsilon globin ontogeny during embryonic and fetal development as well as for searching for inappropriate epsilon globin chain expression in hematologic disorders resulting from genetic abnormalities or neoplastic processes.
High-dose cytosine arabinoside and fractionated total-body irradiation: an improved preparative regimen for bone marrow transplantation of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in remission
Authors: Coccia PF , Strandjord SE , Warkentin PI , Cheung NK , Gordon EM , Novak LJ , Shina DC , Herzig RH
Published: October 2019

Twenty children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in second (18 patients) or third (two patients) complete remission after bone marrow relapse received allogeneic bone marrow transplants from histocompatible sibling donors. The preparative regimen for marrow transplantation consisted of 12 doses of 3,000 mg/m2 cytosine arabinoside twice daily for six days followed by 1,200 cGy total-body irradiation (six doses of 200 cGy twice daily for three days). The preparative regimen was well tolerated, and all patients showed marrow engraftment promptly. Twelve patients are alive in complete remission 12+ to 79+ months posttransplant; eight patients are over 48 months posttransplant. Six patients died 1 to 9 months posttransplant of nonleukemic causes: (two each of graft-v-host disease, interstitial pneumonitis, and infection). Two patients developed recurrent leukemia at 15 and 30 months posttransplant. Both have died at 19 and 36 months posttransplant. Life table analysis reveals an actuarial survival and event-free survival rate of 58% and a marrow relapse rate of 17%. These results suggest that high-dose cytosine arabinoside and fractionated total-body irradiation is a relatively nontoxic and highly effective preparative regimen for allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for acute lymphoblastic leukemia that deserves further evaluation.
The bcl-2 gene is rearranged in many diffuse B-cell lymphomas
Authors: Aisenberg AC , Wilkes BM , Jacobson JO
Published: October 2019

Southern blotting was used to detect rearrangement of the bcl-2 gene in 104 cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma subclassified by the Working Formulation, 24 cases of B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) and 14 cases of T cell malignancy. Earlier workers reported rearrangement of this gene (located on chromosome 18) in a major fraction of follicular lymphomas, lymphomas in which a 14;18 chromosome translocation is frequently observed. In the present study, bcl-2 was rearranged in 30% (11 of 37) of follicular lymphomas and 19% (11 of 58) of diffuse lymphomas of follicle center cell lineage. In 18 of 19 samples studied, the rearranged bcl-2 fragment also hybridized with a probe for the joining region of the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene located on chromosome 14, indicating a 14;18 translocation. In lymphomas not derived from follicle center cells, ie, diffuse lymphomas of small B lymphocytes, B-CLL and T cell neoplasms, the bcl-2 gene was always in germline configuration. The frequent rearrangement of bcl-2 in a variety of B cell lymphomas of diffuse morphology (small cleaved cell, large cell, small noncleaved cell and immunoblastic) is noteworthy.
Aclacinomycin A and etoposide (VP-16-213): an effective regimen in previously treated patients with refractory acute myelogenous leukemia
Authors: Rowe JM , Chang AY , Bennett JM
Published: October 2019

Thirty-five patients with acute myelogenous leukemia were treated with aclacinomycin A (60 mg/m2/day for 5 days) and VP-16'213 (100 mg/m2/day for 5 days). All were previously treated and had relapsed or were refractory to primary treatment. Most patients (28) had received prior DAT (daunorubicin, cytosine arabinoside, and 6-thioguanine) induction therapy followed by one or more courses of high-dose cytosine arabinoside (HD-Ara C) as consolidation therapy or as treatment for relapse. One patient was in her fourth relapse, one had relapsed acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (following remission with DAT and HD-Ara-C), one had a treatment-induced leukemia, and four patients were treated for primary treatment failures following two induction courses with DAT or a similar regimen. Fourteen patients had infections at start of therapy. Ten patients died within 14 days of treatment, all from sepsis or bleeding, before their marrow could be evaluated for leukemic response. Fourteen patients (40%) responded; 12 (34%) entered complete remission and two (6%) a partial remission (PR). Two of the four patients who were treated for primary treatment failures went into CR. The median CR duration was 99 days (range 30 to 455 days). Side effects from this treatment were similar to the conventional DAT regimen, although the gastrointestinal toxicity and mucositis appeared to be more severe. In addition, two of the patients had severe but reversible ventricular arrhythmias. The overall response (40%) and CR rate (34%) in this group of previously treated AML patients is encouraging, and further studies are needed to evaluate these preliminary findings.
Inhibition of interleukin 3 and colony-stimulating factor 1-stimulated marrow cell proliferation by pertussis toxin
Authors: He YX , Hewlett E , Temeles D , Quesenberry P
Published: October 2019

Pertussis toxin (PT) catalyzes the ADP-ribosylation of several guanine nucleotide-binding (G) proteins that are involved in the transduction of cell surface receptor-mediated signals. Involvement of such G- proteins in regulation of hematopoiesis by two growth factors, colony- stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) and interleukin 3 (IL 3), was investigated using pertussis toxin. Continuous or pulse exposure of murine bone marrow cells to pertussis toxin inhibited CSF-1 or IL 3-induced colony formation by approximately 50%. Pertussis toxin inhibition was also demonstrated against partially separated marrow from 5-fluorouracil- treated mice. The toxin effect was blocked by heating (95 degrees C for 30 minutes), by antitoxin antibody and was not associated with increased cAMP levels in target cells. In experiments with murine marrow, toxin-mediated inhibition appeared to involve predominantly the macrophage lineage. IL 3 stimulation of proliferation of the murine marrow-derived factor-dependent cell line FDC-P1, as measured by 3H-TdR incorporation, and CSF-1 stimulation of pure populations of murine bone marrow derived macrophages, as measured by DNA content and cell number, was also inhibited. Analysis of the effects of pertussis toxin on the growth of single cells stimulated by IL 3 demonstrated that this inhibition involved a decreased growth rate rather than a toxic ablation of cells. Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) stimulated FDC-P1 cells and was able to abrogate the PT inhibition of IL 3 stimulation of these cells, suggesting but not establishing that IL 3 may mediate its proliferative effects through activating protein kinase C.