bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellular Immunity During Pregnancy. I. Proliferative and Cytotoxic Reactivity of Paraaortic Lymph Nodes*
Authors: GOTTESMAN SUSAN R. S. , STUTMAN OSIAS
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The possibility of changes in immune reactivity during pregnancy was studied by measuring cellular immunity in vitro of the paraaortic (PA) lymph nodes, which drain the uterus in pregnant mice. The proliferation of PA lymph node cells from primiparous pregnant C57B1/ 6J mice, in mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLC) against alloantigens, was lower in magnitude, but had the same kinetics, as the response of virgins. This was observed in syngeneic and allogeneic (to DBA/2J) pregnancies, and using the paternal as well as third party allogeneic stimulators. The response was depressed by day 8 of gestation and returned to normal two days after delivery. The decrease was not due to an active suppressor mechanism, as assayed by mixing experiments. Irradiation (1500R) of the lymphocytes from pregnant mice, prior to mixing with cells from virgins, did not reveal the presence of a radioresistant suppressor cell.

In contrast to the MLC results, no differences were found between lymphocytes from pregnant and virgin mice in their ability to develop MLC‐generated cell‐mediated lympholysis (CML) against alloantigens, as measured in a chromium release assay. The PA lymph node cells from pregnant animals bearing allogeneic fetuses also did not show evidence of in vivo sensitization to the paternal alloantigens. Therefore, the local nodes draining the uterus from primiparous pregnant animals bearing syngeneic or allogeneic fetuses show a nonspecific decrease of MLC proliferation while retaining the capacity to generate normal CML activity.
Immunology of Spontaneous Abortion and Hydatidiform Mole*
Authors: TAKEUCHI SHOSHICHI
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Our study of the sequence of morphological events leading to the formation of hydatidiform mole (HM) led us to this study. Our object in this paper is to present evidence supporting our 1971 hypothesis with results obtained by various immunological methods in our laboratory, and to propose the importance of an immunoregulatory mechanism by blocking antibody (BA).

Our hypothesis is that the conceptus, after the early demise of the embryo, may be dropped out in most cases as spontaneous abortion (SpA), and the trophoblast in the remaining cases continues to grow, developing into HM by an “immune selection” mechanism.

Our conclusion is that the trophoblast will be damaged by immune cytotoxic mechanism through a decrease of BA in SpA, and continue to grow in HM through continuous production of BA after the demise of the embryo.
Histocompatibility Antigens in Pregnancy, Abortions, Infertility, Preeclampsia, and Trophoblast Neoplasms
Authors: PATTILLO ROLAND A.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The genetic makeup of an individual may determine the capacity of the individual to combat successfully cancer and other disease states, eg abnormal pregnancies, abortions, infertility, and preeclampsia. These factors appear to be based upon the individual's immunogenetics, as histocompatibility‐restricted T‐cell cytotoxicity may be deficient in the observed instances of increased histocompatability between husband and wife found in trophoblast tumor patients and in other instances of abnormal pregnancies.
Functional Ontogeny of Human Lymphoid Cells as a Factor in Maternal‐Fetal Tolerance
Authors: SIEGAL FREDERICK P.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The development of immunocompetence during gestation depends upon the sequential differentiation of antigen‐specific lymphoid cells in the context of epithelial inducing microenvironments. These early intrauterine events, which appear to be antigen‐independent, include clonal diversification of idiotypes and isotypes as well as commitment to B or T cell lineages. The steps in cellular maturation can be traced through the use of lymphocyte differentiation markers. Cooperation among lymphoid subsets, as well as from nonlymphoid cells and possibly other cofactors, is necessary for the effective function of this array of lymphocytes. The rate of expansion of functional immunity may be limited as much by the ontogeny of these collaborating influences as by the intrinsic immaturity of the B and T cells themselves.
Cellular Immunity During Pregnancy. II. Response to T and B Cell Mitogens*
Authors: GOTTESMAN SUSAN R. S. , STUTMAN OSIAS
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Immune reactivity of primiparous pregnant C57B1/6J mice was investigated using in vitro assays of mitogen reactivity. The response to the T cell mitogens phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin A of cells from the paraaortic (PA) lymph nodes, which drain the uterus, was decreased in pregnant animals. Reactivity to lipopolysaccharide, a B cell mitogen, was normal. The decreased PHA response was seen with PA cells from mice bearing syngeneic or allogeneic (to DBA/2J) fetuses. It was not due to a change in sensitivity to PHA dose or to active suppression (as demonstrated by mixing experiments).

Phytohemagglutinin reactivity of cells from inguinal nodes of pregnant mice showed a more variable depression of response in comparison to that seen with cells from the draining PA nodes. The response of axillary and brachial node cells was similar to virgin values.

This study demonstrates that pregnant mice (syngeneic or allogeneic) show only a decrease in T proliferative capacity localized to the area of the uterus Statistical analysis revealed no differences in the average number of PA lymphocytes or fetuses per mouse between mice bearing syngeneic or allogeneic fetuses. This parallels the similarities found between syngeneic and allogeneic matings in in vitro functional assays.
Expression of Three Immunoglobulin Isotypes by Individual B Cells During Development: Implications for Heavy Chain Switching*
Authors: GANDINI M. , KUBAGAWA H. , GATHINGS W.E. , LAWTON A.R.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Previous studies in mice and humans have shown that the first IgA+ and IgG+ B cells appearing during ontogeny also bear IgM on the surface. The acquisition of IgD seems to occur at a later stage in differentiation. In this study we have combined autoradiography with two‐color immunofluorescence to directly detect human B cells expressing three surface isotypes. We report that the vast majority of IgA+ cells in the neonate also bear IgM and IgD; the same holds true for IgG+ cells. This phenotype is peculiar of newborns, while in the adult the majority of IgA+ and IgG+ cells are single. We discuss the genetic implications of such a finding for heavy chain switching.
Genetic Regulation of Antibody Response to Sheep Red Blood Cells: Linkage to H‐2 Complex
Authors: ŘÍHOVÁ B. , ŘÍHA I.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The analysis of anti‐sheep red blood cell (SRBC) antibody production in the congenic resistant (CR) mouse strains A/J and A.BY, B10 and B10.A showed that the level of IgG antibodies after immunization with SRBC is controlled by a gene(s) localized in the H‐2 complex. The use of the h2, h4, and i5 H‐2 recombinant haplotypes allowed us to map this gene into a region proximally defined by subregion I‐J and distally by region H‐2G. The IgG antibody level is simultaneously under the influence of non‐H‐2 genes, of which those of the A/J strain origin determine the high IgG level and those of the B10 strain origin determine the low IgG level.

Weights of spleens of the A/J and B10 mice before and after primary and secondary immunization with SRBC were compared. Before immunization, spleens of the A/J mice were approximately 10% lighter than those of the B10 mice (0.08 g vs 0.09 g). After the first immunization the spleen weights equalized (θ = 0.12 g). Four days after the second immunization the weight of the spleens of A/J mice increased by 312% (relative to the nonimmune state) while that of the B10 mice increased by only 74%. These findings indicate that the cell antigen‐specific proliferation in spleens of A/J mice was considerably higher than that in spleens of B10 mice.
Effect of Betamethasone on Fetal Macrophage Function: Depression of Adherence of Immunoglobulin‐Coated Red Blood Cells
Authors: CAUDLE MICHAEL R. , HARBERT GUY M. , SINGHAS CHARLES A.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: In this study, betamethasone was found to significantly inhibit the binding of immunoglobulin‐coated O Rh‐positive red cells to fetal macrophages. At a dose of 0.15 mg%, betamethasone depressed immune rosette formation to 44% of controls (p < 0.01); and a dose of 0.60 mg% resulted in an average depression to 22%. This in vitro effect may reflect important alterations in in vivo immune function in infants delivered from mothers who have received antenatal corticosteroids.
The Effect of Neonatal Exchange and Later Blood Transfusion on Lymphocyte Cultures
Authors: BECK I. , SCOTT J.S. , PEPPER M. , SPECK E.H.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: As blood transfusion has a beneficial effect on renal graft survival and may confer a protection against preeclampsia, the effect of neonatal or late blood transfusion on lymphocyte cultures was studied. Mixed lymphocyte reactions were significantly less even 20 years after transfusion.
Human Trophoblast‐Specific Surface Antigens Identified Using Monoclonal Antibodies*
Authors: JOHNSON P. M. , CHENG H. M. , MOLLOY C. M. , STERN C. M. M. , SLADE M. B.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Mouse monoclonal antibodies have been produced against syncytiotrophoblast plasma membrane preparations isolated from term human placentas. Of 20 positive clones, two antibodies (H309, H318) were directed against the Cγ2 domain of IgG, one (H312) was directed against albumin, and another (H303) was directed against a further normal human serum component (not transferrin). One monoclonal antibody (H310) recognized an antigenic epitope restricted to trophoblast and lymphocytes: this antibody did not inhibit mitogenic or allogeneic stimulation of lymphocytes. Two monoclonal antibodies (H315 and H317) reacted with trophoblast‐specific antigenic determinants. The H315 antigen was present on first trimester syncytiotrophoblast, unlike the H317 antigen.
Differential Anatomical Expression of Transplantation Antigens Within the Normal Human Placental Chorionic Villus*
Authors: GALBRAITH R.M. , KANTOR R.R.S. , FERRARA G.B. , ADES E.W. , GALBRAITH G.M.P.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The expression of transplantation antigens by cells of the placenta was examined by immunohistological and immunoprecipitation procedures with defined conventional and monoclonal antisera to beta2‐microglobulin, DR and DC gene products, and H‐Y antigen. Cells of the mesenchymal stroma within chorionic villi were positive by immunofluorescence for major histocompatibility complex antigens, and in male pregnancies for H‐Y antigen, but the trophoblast was consistently negative for all antigen systems examined. Immunohistological examination of viable suspensions of cultured diploid trophoblast and of isolated membranes also gave negative results, and after radioiodination and solubilization of membranes, no detectable radioactive material was immunoprecipitated. These results provide further evidence that transplantation antigens are not expressed by human trophoblast. Since this is a fetal structure exposed directly to immunologically competent cells of the mother in the intervillous spaces, this observation may be relevant to the apparent lack of damaging maternal immune responses directed against the fetal homograft.
Relationship Between Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Behavior of T Cell Populations in Early Pregnancy
Authors: YAMAUCHI SUSUMU , SHIOTSUKA YUKIHIKO , KOBAYASHI KAZUO , OZAWA ATSUSHI
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Sequential observations of lymphocyte sub‐populations, response to mitogens, level of plasma human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), and detection of HCG on the surface of T cells were carried out to study immunological functions in pregnant women early in the fetomaternal relationship. T cell counts determined by the standard method decreased gradually between 5 and 10 weeks of pregnancy but no decline was observed when determined by the modified methods. Minor fluctuation of B cell populations and lymphocyte response to mitogens were within the standard value. Plasma HCG in peripheral venous blood (PVB) increased markedly until 10 weeks of gestation and then declined. T cell poulation in parauterine venous blood (PUVB) was lower than that in PVB. The presence of HCG on the surface of T cells was demonstrated in maternal lymphocytes but not those of control subjects.
Weight and Lymphocyte Content of the Female Rat's Thymus Following First Mating*
Authors: SHAYA ELIAS ISAAC , McLEAN JOHN MICHAEL , GIBBS ALAN CHRISTOPHER
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Eleven groups, each of ten Sprague‐Dawley female rats, were sacrificed at 12 to 13 weeks of age; one group of virgins, the others at two‐day intervals during the first ten days after either inbred or outbred mating. Observations were made on thymus weight, total white cell count, and thymic white cell density.

Compared with the virgin group no significant differences were observed in the thymic weight at any stage after either inbred or outbred mating. In contrast the total white cell counts were significantly greater than the virgin count on the second postcoital day after both inbred and outbred mating.

These increased total counts were maintained until the end of the observation period and were associated with significant increases in the thymic white cell densities. These observations suggest that mating and implantation initiate and sustain a mechanism of lymphocyte accumulation in the rat thymus.
Effect of Immunomodulating Factors Present in Ascitic Fluids and Sera From Cancer Patients on the Responses of Cultured Mononuclear Cells From Normal Subjects
Authors: STRATTON JOAN A. , DiSAIA PHILIP J.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Ascitic fluids and sera from patients with malignant tumors were tested for their ability to modulate the mitogen‐induced blastogenic responses of normal subjects' peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro. The addition of either ascitic fluid or serum to cultures of normal blood cells greatly enhanced the blastogenic response of cells to phytohemagglutinin P, and markedly depressed the responses to concanavalin A and succinyl‐concanavalin A. The blastogenic response of the cells to pokeweed mitogen was unaffected by the addition of serum and depressed by the addition of ascitic fluid. Autologous normal serum also enhanced the response to phytohemagglutinin P but had no effect on the response to the other mitogens. These activities were concentration‐dependent and heat‐stable (56°C, 60 min) and could be detected even if the ascitic fluid or serum was added as late as the second day of culture. Cells that had been preincubated with serum or ascitic fluid and washed well before culturing with the mitogens responded in the same manner as cells cultured in the presence of serum or ascitic fluid. The mitogen‐induced blastogenic responses of mononuclear cells were not affected by the addition of autologous cells that had been preincubated with either serum or ascitic fluid, washed, and treated with mitomycin C. Indomethacin (2×10−7M) did not prevent the ascitic fluid‐mediated depression of blastogenic responses of normal cells. The ascitic fluid and serum of these cancer patients appeared to contain a specific immunoinhibiting substance which exerted its effects by a direct action on the responding mononuclear cells and not by the induction of suppressor cells.
Antibodies to Ovarian Antigens in Different Diseases of the Ovary
Authors: SONTAG WANDA ZBROJA , SIKORSKI RADZISLAW , KAPEC EWA
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Using the test of antiglobulin serum consumption against the human ovarian antigen, investigations were conducted on the presence of antiovarian antibodies in the blood serum of 432 women with different diseases of the ovary and 50 healthy women as control group. Autoantibodies were found in 12 of 172 patients with inflammatory lesions of the ovary (7.0%), in 18 of 118 patients with ovarian failure (15.3%), and in 21 of 65 patients with malignancies of the ovary (32.3%).

No autoantibodies were detected in any of the healthy women from the control group, in any of the 10 patients with tuberculosis of the adnexa, or in any of the 67 women operated upon for benign neoplasms of the ovary.

The authors formulate the supposition that there may be a correlation between the occurrence of autoantibodies, lesions of the ovarian tissue, and the malignancy of the neoplastic process.
Fertility Inhibition Using Low‐Dose Immunization With Porcine Zonae Pellucidae
Authors: DIETL J. , FREYE J. , METTLER L.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The antigenic potency of porcine zona pellucida has been studied in the rabbit using low‐dose immunization (50, 100, 200, and 400 zonae per injection), and the subsequent level of anti‐zona antibodies was determined. The antibody titers as determined by the indirect immunofluorescence test (IF) and the zona precipitation reaction (PR) were 1:640 and 1:80, respectively, after immunization with 100 zonae. There was no difference in antibody titers between the immunization of 400 suspended zonae and 400 heat‐treated zonae. Injection of homogenized porcine ovary also resulted in titers of 1:640 and 1:80 (IF and PR, respectively). Immunization, however, with only 50 isolated zonae did not produce a measurable antibody titer. Immunization with 1200 intact or heat‐treated zonae resulted in transient infertility.

The present study demonstrated that the limiting quantity of zonae required for detectable antibody production was between 1.65 μg and 3.30 μg zona protein as monitored by immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation assays. To induce an antifertility effect, at least 40 μg of zona material was necessary.
The Detection of Circulating Immune Complexes and IgG and IgM Rheumatoid Factors in Normal Human Pregnancy*
Authors: POPE RICHARD M. , YOSHINOYA SADYOSHI , PERSELLIN ROBERT H.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The development of immune complexes (IC) and rheumatoid factors (RF) during normal, uncomplicated pregnancy is a controversial issue. Discrepancies in previous reports are due most likely to the different methods used to detect both IC and RF. Using four sensitive radioimmunoassays for immune complexes employing both Clq and mRF and employing sensitive and specific radioimmunoassays for the detection of IgM‐RF and IgG‐RF, we examined the sera of 35 normal subjects in their third trimester of pregnancy. Immune complex concentrations as measured by four assays were not increased during gestation. However, both IgM‐RF and IgG‐RF were significantly elevated even though the concentrations of immunoglobulins M and G were virtually identical to the controls. These observations provide further insight into the immunological changes associated with pregnancy.
Epstein‐Barr Virus in Normal Pregnant Women*
Authors: SAKAMOTO KIYOSHI , GREALLY JOHN , GILFILLAN ROBERT F. , SEXTON JULIANNE , BARNABEI VANESSA , YETZ JOANNE , BECHTOLD THOMAS , SEELEY JANET K. , O'DWYER EAMON , PURTILO DAVID T.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Acquired immune suppression accompanying normal pregnancy may be associated with reactivation of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV). Pregnant women with reactivated EBV having anti‐EA antibodies show high titers of antiviral capsid antigen (VCA) geometric mean titers (GMT) of 522 versus 170 in those lacking anti‐early antigen (EA). Among twenty‐seven seropositive women at parturition, 17 (63%) had generated antibody to EA, and all 27 (100%) demonstrated significant increases in antibody to VCA (p < 0.01). In contrast, antibody titers to cytomegalovirus, herpes hominis, varicella‐zoster, and rubella viruses in the pregnant women were comparable to those found in nonpregnant controls.
Use of Monoclonal Antibodies for the Detection of HLA and DR Antigens on Spermatozoa of Different Species
Authors: PRABHU G. , HEGDE UMASHASHI C.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: There are conflicting reports about the presence of HLA and DR antigens on human sperm. The difference may be due to the complexity of anti‐sera used by earlier researchers. These limitations have been overcome by using monoclonal antibodies in the present studies. The microcytotoxicity test was used to determine the presence of HLA and DR antigens on sperm of different species. It was observed that about 60% of human spermatozoa express HLA antigens and a slightly lower percentage (48%) express DR antigens. These antigens are highly cross‐reactive with that of monkey and, to a lesser extent, with that of buffalo. Histocompatibility antigens expressed on epididymal spermatozoa of rat and mouse are also weakly reactive with monoclonal antibodies directed to human HLA and DR.
Immunohistochemical Localization of Concanavalin A and Wheat Germ Lectin Receptors in the Normal Human Spermatozoa*
Authors: DE CEREZO JOSEFINA M. SCACCIATI , BUENO MARÍA P. , SKOWRONKI BÁRBARA , CEREZO ALBERTO S.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: A semiquantitative immunohistochemical technique for the detection of N‐acetyl α‐D‐neuraminic acid, N‐acetyl β‐D‐glucosamine and its β‐(1 ŕ 4)‐linked internal chains, α‐D‐glucopyranosyl and α‐D‐mannopyranosyl and its α‐(1 ŕ 2)‐linked internal chains and sterically related, nonreducing, end‐chain residues of oligosaccharide chains of glycoproteins or glycolipids on the surface of membranes was developed using Con A and wheat germ lectins.

When this method was applied to the localization of carbohydrate receptors on the membrane of the normal human spermatozoa, it was found that the Con A and wheat germ lectin receptors were mainly located in the equatorial and post nuclear cap with few receptors located in the acrosome and neck. None of them were found in the intermediate segment plus tail.

Con A receptors were α‐D‐mannopyranosyl end‐chain residues and wheat germ lectin receptors were N‐acetyl β‐D‐glucosamine (1 ŕ 4)‐linked internal chains. These groups occur together in the oligomannosidic type of N‐glycosidic‐linked oligosaccharide chains of glycoproteins and so the use of both lectins on desialycated membranes or on those which contain nonclustered N‐acetyl neuraminic acid residues may be of help to localize this type of glycoprotein oligosaccharide chains.

Con A receptors were not removed after proteases digestion, suggesting the possibility that they are part of intrinsic spermatozoal antigens.
Easily Suppressed Lymphocytes and Absence of Cytotoxic Antibody in Three Women With Habitual Abortion
Authors: UNANDER A. MARGARETA , OLDING LARS B.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: This investigation involves 3 women with habitual abortion and 2 women with multiple normal pregnancies. Extensive clinical investigations failed to reveal any cause for the abortions. All husbands were ABO‐compatible with their respective wives. The women shared three, two, and zero of five identified HLA‐A antigens with their respective husbands. None of the women had any cytotoxic antibody. Lymphocytes from all three women reacted normally in one‐way mixed lymphocyte cultures to their husbands' alloantigens. Cell‐mediated lympholysis was similar in couples with habitual abortion and in those with repeated normal pregnancies. The women's lymphocytes' proliferation was significantly suppressed by lymphocytes from their husbands and by those from most male controls in two‐way mixed lymphocyte culture and double chamber experiments. Two women with 6 and 5 live‐born children, respectively, served as controls. Their lymphocytes were not suppressed by lymphocytes from their respective husbands or by those from most male controls in two—way mixed lymphocyte cultures. Their reactions in one—way mixed lymphocyte cultures and in cell—mediated lympholysis, however, did not differ from those of the women with habitual abortion.
Suppression of Maternal Lymphocyte Mitogenic Responses by Supernatants From Short‐Term Placental Cell Cultures
Authors: RUBINSTEIN ARYE , KOREN ZEEV , MURPHY R.A.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Human placental cells were freed from lymphocyte contamination on discontinuous BSA gradients. Supernatants from short‐term cultures of these purified placental cell suspensions were predominantly suppressive for maternal lymphocyte blast transformation to phytohemagglutinin and in the mixed lymphocyte culture. The suppressor factor was nondialyzable and did not contain IgG or human chorionic gonadotropin.
Sequential Studies of Circulating Immune Complexes in Gynecological Malignancies*
Authors: POULTON TERENCE A. , CROWTHER MARY E. , NINEHAM LYNN J. , MOONEY NUALA A. , HAY FRANK C.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Immune complexes have been assayed sequentially in seventeen patients with gynecological malignancies, using a polyethylene glycol precipitation assay and a Clq solid phase assay. The PEG assay demonstrated a good correlation between PEG assay levels and the course of disease in nine out of eleven patients with ovarian adenocarcinoma and all four patients with endometrial carcinoma. Three of the patients with ovarian cancer were not treated with aggressive surgery and exhibited equivocal signs of progressive disease during subsequent follow‐up. There was no clear relationship between immune complex levels and the clinical condition in two of these patients.

The ClqSP assay result did not correlate with disease progression and, in several instances, progressive disease was associated with a fall in ClqSP values.

In a further series, twelve out of twenty patients with ovarian cancer who were initially in remission from disease but subsequently relapsed demonstrated elevated levels of PEG immune complexes between one and three months before clinical detection of recurrence whereas patients who stayed in remission maintained normal levels of PEG immune complexes. These data suggest that the PEG assay may be of clinical value in the monitoring of ovarian cancer patients with minimal residual disease following surgery.
The Significance of Natural Killer Activity in the Resistance of Allogeneic Hosts to the Embryonal Carcinoma Cell Line F9
Authors: SIMMLER MARIE‐CHRISTINE , AVNER PHILIP R.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: A number of mouse strains of known F9 resistance phenotype have been tested for their in vitro natural killer activity against both F9 and YAC target cells. The pattern of in vitro natural killer activity observed does not correlate with the pattern of in vivo F9 resistance. The relative efficiencies of in vitro lysis of the F9 and YAC targets by endogenous natural killer effectors from the 129/Sv, SJL/J, C57B1/ 6J, and BALB/cJ strains do, however, parallel each other, even though overall levels of F9 target lysis are very low. Since cold competition experiments indicate that the embryonal carcinoma cell lines tested, F9, PCC4/Aza, and PCC3/A/1, can compete efficiently with YAC as target, this low lysis of embryonal carcinoma cells may be due to an intrinsic lysis resistance. The finding that the parietal endoderm cell line PYS‐2 and the trophoectodermal cell line TDM 1 also compete with YAC targets in cold competition experiments is discussed in relation to previous reports suggesting that such differentiated derivatives lack natural killer target structures.
Cytochemical Profile of Peripheric Blood Lymphocytes in 7 to 27 Weeks' Pregnancy
Authors: GROZDEA J. , PARINAUD J. , GRANDJEAN H. , BIERME S. , FOURNIE A.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: A comparative study of alpha‐naphthyl (nonspecific) esterase (ANAE), acid phosphatase (AcP), and beta‐glucuronidase (β‐GLUS) in the blood lymphocytes was carried out on 26 healthy pregnant women (7 to 27 weeks' amenorrhea) and on 32 normal nonpregnant women, all 58 of whom were 19 to 34 years old. In pregnant women, we found a significantly lower percentage of ANAE‐positive lymphocytes (after 11 weeks' amenorrhea), a strong reduction in AcP, and a slight decrease in β‐GLUS. The modified enzyme levels of circulating lymphocytes in the early stages of pregnancy seem to be related to the depressed cell‐mediated immunity.
Sperm Immunity in Infertile Couples: Antibody Titers Are Higher Against the Husbands' Sperm Than to Sperm From Controls*
Authors: MATHUR SUBBI , WILLIAMSON H. OLIVER , GENCO PETRINA V. , KOOPMANN WITTE R. , RUST PHILIP F. , FUDENBERG H. HUGH
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Titers of hemagglutination and cytotoxic antibodies to sperm were determined in the sera, seminal plasma, cervical mucus, and vaginal secretions from 69 infertile couples, using sperm from the husbands and from normal control subjects. Titers of hemagglutination and cytotoxic antibodies were significantly higher (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively) against autologous sperm as contrasted with sperm from control subjects in sera from 55 autoimmune males. Hemagglutination and cytotoxic antibody titers were also significantly higher (p = 0.044 and p < 0.001, respectively) against their husbands' sperm as contrasted with control sperm in sera from 46 females with isoimmunity to sperm. Ninety percent of males and females with sperm immunity were positive for histocompatibility antigens HLA‐B7, HLA‐B8, and/or HLA‐BW35. In males, the presence of increased serum cytotoxic antibody titers against autologous versus control sperm was significantly associated with the presence of HLA‐B7 allele (p = 0.0017) and with HLA‐B7, HLA‐B8, and/or HLA‐BW35 in general (p < 0.05). In the females, increased serum antibody titers to their own husbands' versus control sperm were not preferentially associated with HLA‐B7, HLA‐B8, or HLA‐BW35 antigens.
The Effects of Sperm Antibodies on Fertility After Vasectomy Reversal*
Authors: PARSLOW J.M. , ROYLE M.G. , KINGSCOTT M.M.B. , WALLACE D.M.A. , HENDRY W.F.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Antisperm antibodies have been measured in serum and in seminal plasma in 130 males before and after vasectomy reversal, and the occurrence of pregnancy has been analyzed in those partners who were trying to produce a pregnancy. All patients have been followed for at least one year. Sperm‐agglutinating antibodies were found in the serum of 79% of patients; seminal plasma antibodies were present in only 9.5% before reversal, and this rose to 29.5% afterwards. Overall, pregnancies occurred in the partners of 44.6% of those men who were trying to produce children. Production of pregnancy was significantly less likely when the preoperative serum antisperm antibody titer was 512 or more, but no decrease in fertility was seen with titers below this. Similar numbers of pregnancies were produced by patients with or without seminal plasma antibodies in titers of up to 16; there are too few patients with titers above this level to permit further analysis. A randomized controlled trial of perioperative steroids showed that they produced no benefit. It appears that the antisperm antibodies associated with vasectomy reversal may differ fundamentally from those occurring in naturally subfertile males.
Active Suppression of Host‐Versus‐Graft Reaction in Pregnant Mice. V. Kinetics, Specificity, and In Vivo Activity of Non‐T Suppressor Cells Localized to the Genital Tract of Mice During First Pregnancy*
Authors: SLAPSYS RENATA , CLARK DAVID A.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The fetus resulting from allogeneic mating in an outbred population such as man represents an antigenic graft against which the mother mounts an immune response. However, the type of immunity elicited by the “fetal allograft” does not appear to mediate graft rejection. This observation suggests that suppression of those types of immune responses that cause graft rejection may account for fetal survival. Allografts placed experimentally within the uterus appear to enjoy prolonged survival compared to grafts at other sites, and this latter finding suggests that localized suppression of graft rejection may exist within the uterus at the maternal‐fetal interface. Previous studies have shown that suppressor cells which develop in the lymph nodes draining the uterus (DLN, paraaortic and renal lymph nodes draining the uterus) of allogeneically mated C3H and CBA strain mice are small lymphoid cells that sediment at 3 mm/h in unit gravity; arise early during first pregnancy, reaching maximum activity near the time of implantation (“grafting”); selectively inhibit the generation of cytotoxic T cells (cytotoxic T lymphocyte—CTL—or killer T cells) in vitro and in vivo; and are absent in the DLN of CBA mice which spontaneously resorb their litters. Furthermore, this suppressor cell population appears to be concentrated within the uterine decidua, and both DLN and decidual suppressor cells are under hormonal control. We now report that initial onset of suppression in decidua occurs more rapidly than in DLN after mating. The suppressor cell population in both DLN and decidua is resistant to destruction by anti‐T serum plus complement and anti‐Ly sera plus complement, and preliminary studies show that suppressor cell activity is associated with a population of granulated small lymphocytes. A soluble suppressor activity can be obtained from the decidual lymphoid population similar to that obtained in studies of the DLN suppressor cell. Small numbers of suppressor cells can prevent the infiltration of sponge matrix allografts by cytotoxic T cells in vivo. Thus, a non‐T suppressor cell population may accumulate within the uterus and protect the fetal allograft from cell‐mediated immune rejection.
Naturally Occurring Non‐T Suppressor Cells in Pregnant and Neonatal Mice: Some Functional and Phenotypic Characteristics*
Authors: HOSKIN D. , HOOPER D.C. , MURGITA R.A.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The mammalian fetus thrives in the presence of a maternal immune system which is considered capable of initiating an aggressive reaction against alloantigens expressed on fetal cells. The control of harmful immunological reactions during pregnancy may be due in part to the combined action of soluble immunoregulatory factors and suppressor cells in the maternal/fetal environments. In the present investigation, a comparison has been made between naturally occurring splenic suppressor cells isolated from neonatal and pregnant adult CBA/J mice. Functional analysis of inhibitory activity was carried out using conventional one‐way allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLR) consisting of adult CBA/ J spleen cells responding against mitomycin C‐inactivated BALB/cJ spleen cells. Suppressor cells in the spleen of pregnant animals as well as a population of inhibitory cells in newborn spleen could be shown to be highly resistant to cytotoxic pretreatment with anti‐T cell serum plus complement. Both newborn and pregnant non‐T suppressor cells were shown to be agglutinated by the B cell‐specific lectin soybean agglutinin. The densities of these two populations of non‐T inhibitory cells, as determined by Percoll gradient centrifugation, were demonstrated to be very similar (ie, within the range of 1.067 to 1.043 g/ml). The striking parallels in the functional and phenotypic characteristics of the non‐T suppressor lymphocytes found in the spleen of pregnant and neonatal animals suggest a common mechanism for their induction.
Effects of Long‐Term Immunization Against the Beta‐Subunit of Ovine Luteinizing Hormone on Circulating Immune Complex Formation and on Arterial Changes in Rhesus Monkeys*
Authors: THAU R.B. , WITKIN S.S. , BOND M.G. , SAWYER J.K. , YAMAMOTO Y.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: A major safety issue of contraceptive methods based on long‐term immunization is the possible effect of circulating immune complexes (CIC) on the arterial wall. We have measured CIC's in 24 monkeys, immunized against the β‐subunit of ovine luteinizing hormone (oLHβ), emulsified with Freund's complete adjuvant, and in 7 nonimmunized controls by Raji assay, Clq assay, and an assay for rheumatoid factor. Eleven of the 24 immunized monkeys had CIC concentrations that were more than two standard deviations above the mean for controls in at least one of the assays. There was no correlation between antibody titer and CIC. Nine immunized and eight control animals on lowfat diets were killed to evaluate the effects of immunization on the artery wall. The cross‐sectional intimal area was measured at several sites from projected microscopic images using a sonic digitizer. No statistically significant differences between test and control groups were found. However, when we compared the upper half of the distribution of test and control animals, we found that the mean intimal area of the thoracic aorta of immunized monkeys was twice that of controls and that that of the abdominal aorta was three times as large. These data indicate that long‐term immunization against oLHβ induces CIC's in rhesus monkeys. Small increases in the intimal area were found in about half of the immunized animals. The results of this study suggest the need for a larger, more definitive study in which the diet is manipulated so that plasma lipids mimic those of human females in Western society.
The Value of the Mixed Antiglobulin Reaction (MAR Test) as an Addition to Routine Seminal Analysis in the Evaluation of the Subfertile Couple
Authors: STEDRONSKA J. , HENDRY W.F.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: A mixed erythrocyte‐spermatozoa antiglobulin reaction (MAR test) for IgG antibodies has been done on semen specimens supplied by the male partners in 720 subfertile couples during a two‐year period. The test was possible in all except 69 patients (9.5%). Antisperm antibodies were detected in 48 (10%) of 484 men with normal sperm counts, 18 (23%) of 78 with low sperm motility, and 19 (15%) of 128 with low counts. In 204 patients, antisperm antibodies were also measured by serum sperm‐agglutination tests: The results showed a highly significant correlation with the results of MAR testing. It is concluded that the MAR test should be a routine part of seminal analysis, since the presence of IgG antisperm antibodies can be established in about 10% of men who might otherwise be passed as normal, and such antibodies can be positively excluded in a further 78% of the male partners of infertile marriages.
The Presence of Oncofetal Antigens on Ultraviolet Light‐Induced and Methylcholanthrene‐lnduced Murine Tumors Which Are Common to Placental and Fetal Tissues*
Authors: BEESON JAMES H. , SCOTT JAMES R. , DAYNES RAYMOND A.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Previous studies employing ultraviolet light‐induced (UV‐induced) and methylcholanthrene‐induced (MCA‐induced) tumors have elucidated the presence of three functionally denned groups of tumor antigens. One is the tumor‐specific transplantation antigens (TSTA), which represent the most potent tumor‐rejection antigens. The second is the tumor‐associated transplantation antigens (TATA), which appears to be etiology‐dependent (ultraviolet light‐UV‐or methylcholanthrene‐MCA) and is capable of acting as a rejection antigen following hyperimmunization. The third is the tumor‐associated antigens (TAA) which, to date, has only been defined by in vitro assays. The TAA appear to be present on all murine tumors tested. We feel that the TAA are functionally related to fetal antigens. In these experiments, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) generated from the popliteal lymph nodes of C3H mice immunized with a C3H, UV‐induced tumor (RD‐1024) were capable of causing specific lysis of not only the immunizing tumor but also of fetal fibroblasts (FFB) and placental cells (PC) obtained from syngeneic C3H × C3H matings. In cold‐cell inhibition experiments, unlabeled placental cells could abolish specific lysis of labeled placental cell targets, fetal fibroblast targets, and secondary tumor targets (LR80, a MCA‐induced tumor) while not inhibiting lysis of the immunizing tumor. Placental cells and fetal fibroblasts from 12‐day to 14‐day syngeneic C3H pregnancies were capable of eliciting a CTL response by footpad immunization of virgin C3H female mice. Anti‐FFB or anti‐PC CTL were capable of killing all tumors tested (UV‐induced or MCA‐induced) and were without H‐2 restriction as demonstrated by specific lysis of a BALB/c tumor. These results indicate that antigenic determinants present on 12‐day to 14‐day fetal and placental cells satisfy the functional definition of the TAA.
Detection of an Early Pregnancy Factor‐Like Substance in Sera of Patients With Testicular Germ Cell Tumors*
Authors: ROLFE BARBARA E. , MORTON HALLE , CAVANAGH ALICE C. , GARDINER ROBERT A.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Early pregnancy factor (EPF) is produced by both maternal and fetal tissue1,2 and has been detected previously only during pregnancy. The present report describes the detection of EPF, or an EPF‐like substance (tEPF), in serum from patients with germ cell tumors of the testis. tEPF, or its free components, tEPF‐A and tEPF‐B, were detected in all 11 patients with nonseminomatous tumors and in 5 of 10 patients with seminoma. It was not detected in serum from healthy male controls nor in patients with non‐germ cell tumors or benign testicular disease. It is suggested that tEPF may be an additional serum marker for germ cell tumors and may expand the group already detectable by such markers.
Individual Specificity of Blocking Antibodies in Molar and Normal Term Placenta‐Bound IgG
Authors: HANAOKA JIN‐ICHl , TAKEUCHI SHOSHICHI
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: In view of the protective and enhancing effect of blocking antibodies (BA) on the survival of trophoblastic cells, the presence or absence of individually specific BA against paternal HLA antigens in trophoblast‐bound immunoglobulin G (IgG) of molar as well as normal term placentas were investigated using a mixed lymphocyte culture reaction (MLR) blocking assay and complement‐dependent lymphocytotoxicity test.

It was found in this study that IgG could be eluted from molar trophoblasts. Further, it was strongly suggested that each molar and normal placental eluate‐IgG had individual, specific cytotoxic and blocking effects against paternal lymphocytes and on MLR between spouses, respectively.

In conclusion, in molar as well as in normal term placenta‐bound IgG, BA that are heterogeneous and partly contain IgG specific to the paternal HLA antigens, including HLA‐D/DR antigens, are likely to exist. BA may also have a protective and enhancing effect on the survival of trophoblastic cells by binding with these cells.
Allo‐Antigenicity of Trophoblast Cells*
Authors: CHATTERJEE‐HASROUNI SASWATI , MONTGOMERY BARBARA , LALA PEEYUSH K.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Trophoblast cells of the placenta represent the frontier of the conceptus at the feto‐maternal interface, exposed to the maternal immune system. The presence or the absence of major histocompatibility (MHC) antigens on trophoblast cells, thus, is a key determinant of immune interactions between the mother and the allogeneic fetus during pregnancy. This article critically reviews the studies of the alloantigenic status of murine and human trophoblast cells, including the published data in the mouse and unpublished data in the human in the authors' own laboratory. It is shown that, in both these species, a significant proportion of trophoblast cells express Class 1 but not Class 2 MHC antigens in a manner directly accessible to the maternal immune system. However, the lack of immunogenicity of semiallogeneic trophoblast cells can not solely be explained on the basis of the absence of Class 2 molecules, despite the presence of Class 1 molecules. It is proposed either that the Class 1 MHC antigens on the trophoblast cells are presented in a nonimmunogenic manner to the maternal T cells or else that certain cells at the feto‐maternal interface (eg, fetally derived trophoblast cells, maternally derived lymphoid cells, or decidual cells) elaborate potent immunosuppressor molecules capable of abrogating T cell alloreactivity.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Immunoreactivity in Serum of Patients With Malignant Neoplasms
Authors: AYALA AQUILES R. , SAAD ALFREDO G. , VÁZQUEZ XAVIER C. , RAMÍREZ‐WIELLA GUSTAVO , PERCHES RODOLFO DIAZ
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The beta‐human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) radioimmunoassay was used to determine the presence of HCG immunoreactivity in serum of patients (n = 71) with diagnosis of cancer. Of patients with active neoplasia, 60.5% showed HCG immunoactivity above controls (>> 5 mlU/ml). An apparent degree of correlation was observed with tumor activity in that a case with widespread metastases due to a colonic carcinoma exhibited the highest HCG levels while, in one patient, the level of HCG decreased progressively according to therapeutic response. A high frequency of immunoactive HCG was found in patients with carcinomas of the cervix, breast, gonad digestive system and in patients with melanoma. Trophoblastic cells were not evident in the tumors biopsied. Immunologic similarity of HCG secreted by tumors and that contained in serum of pregnant women, of patients with hydatidiform mole of males injected with exogenous HCG was shown by parallel inhibition curves in the radioimmunoassay. The positivity of HCG was predominant in cases of cervix carcinoma.
Lymphocyte Subsets Defined by Monoclonal Antibodies in Human Pregnancy
Authors: MOORE M.P. , CARTER N.P. , REDMAN C.W.G.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Using monoclonal antibodies, indirect immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry, the proportions and absolute numbers of various lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood have been measured in normal human pregnancy. Groups of ten women were studied at 12, 28, and 36 weeks of gestation and compared with 16 nonpregnant control women. The percentage of T cells (OKT3 +) was constant throughout pregnancy, and this was confirmed in three women studied serially prior to and throughout early pregnancy. A slight fall in the proportion of helper cells (OKT4 +) and rise in the proportion of suppressor cells (OKT8 +) was observed at 12 and 28 weeks, but these changes, and the resulting fall in helper/suppressor ratio, were not statistically significant. Absolute lymphocyte counts determined by white cell count and differential were lower during pregnancy. The absolute numbers of T cells, helper cells, suppressor cells, and Ia‐bearing cells (mainly B cells) were significantly lower at 36 weeks' gestation. T cells and helper cells were significantly reduced in absolute number at 12 weeks' gestation. There was no change in the ratio of T cells to B cells at any stage of gestation. The lack of any significant change in the balance between helper and suppressor cells in peripheral blood suggests that these cells are not important in the immune adaptation to pregnancy.
Suppression of the Mitogen Response of Normal Lymphocytes by Serum From Patients With Testicular Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: VON EYBEN FINN E. , ARENDS JØRGEN
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Serum from seven of 15 patients with non‐seminomatous testicular germ cell tumors impaired the transformation of lymphocytes from normal donors by phytohemagglutinin to less than 50% of that with addition to the cultures of normal AB serum. Similarly, serum from eight patients impaired the transformation by Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I. The impairment of the lymphocyte transformation did not correlate with the serum concentrations of alpha‐fetoprotein (S‐AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (S‐HCG). The patients with metastases and serum that impaired lymphocyte transformation to less than 50% of that With addition of serum from the controls and the other patients survived in the same way (0.50 < p < 0.75, logrank test). The prognosis of patients with testicular germ cell tumors seems not to be influenced by S‐AFP and S‐HCG through an impact on lymphocyte functions determined as the response to the two mitogens.