bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Geographic Area with Better Outcome of Esophageal Carcinoma: Is There an Effect of Ethnicity and Etiologic Factors?
Authors: Salek Roham , Bezenjani Safa Esmailpoor , Saedi Hamid Saeidi , Ashkiki Mohamad Hasan Hosainzad , Hosainzade Seid Mohsen , Mohtashami Samira , Aghai Monavar Afzal , Bahar Mostafa Mehrabi , Ghavamnasiri Mohamad Reza
Published: July 2009

Objectives: Although Iran, and especially the northeast of the country, is known as one of the areas in the world where esophageal cancer is most prevalent, there is no information on the survival rate of patients affected with this disease in this region. To address this issue, we conducted a study comprehensive enough to provide as accurate an estimate as possible. Any finding related to survival of patients in this area may be considered representative of Iran. Methods: Esophageal cancer patients who were consecutively referred to the oncology centers of Omid and Imam Reza Hospitals from July 1997 to March 2004 were recruited for the study. Data collection included the demographical and clinical characteristics of patients in addition to treatment details. The median survival and overall survival rates, as well as the median event-free survival and event-free survival rates, were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to detect any significant prognostic factors. Results: 1,568 patients were eligible. The Kaplan-Meier analysis indicates that median survival is 38 months (95% CI, 26.6–49.3), 5-year survival is 42% (38.76–46.16%), median event-free survival is 21 months (95% CI, 18.2–23.8) and 5-year event-free survival is 29.9% (27.07–32.67%). The univariate analysis indicates that age, gender, tumor histology, tumor location, body mass index and disease stage are significant predictors of overall survival. However, in the multivariate analysis, disease stage is the best prognostic factor. Conclusion: The prognosis of esophagus cancer in Iran is not as dismal as in other world regions. Our treatment outcome and survival rates are much higher than those reported especially in western countries.
Tissue Expression of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase Is a Candidate Prognostic Marker for Glioblastoma
Authors: Park Chul-Kee , Jung Ji Hye , Moon Min Jeong , Kim Young-Yim , Kim Jin Hyun , Park Sung-Hye , Kim Chae-Yong , Paek Sun Ha , Kim Dong Gyu , Jung Hee-Won , Cho Byung-Kyu
Published: July 2009

Background: Characterization of a rare subgroup of glioblastoma patients who survive for more than 3 years (long-term survival glioblastoma, LTSGBL, patients) may be helpful to identify prognostic factors. Materials and Methods: A molecular-profiling proteomic approach using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) were used to identify prognostic factors associated with glioblastoma by comparing frozen tumor tissue from LTSGBL patients with matched samples from short-term survival glioblastoma (STSGBL) patients. Western blot (WB) analysis, reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immmunohistochemical (IHC) staining were used for confirmation. Results: Among most candidate spots identified by 2-DE, lack of overexpression of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in LTSGBL samples was consistently observed using WB and RT-PCR. Conclusion: These results suggest that MnSOD expression level in tumor tissue is a candidate marker for the prognosis of glioblastoma patients.
Signaling Pathways of the TREM-1- and TLR4-Mediated Neutrophil Oxidative Burst
Authors: Haselmayer Philipp , Daniel Martin , Tertilt Christine , Salih Helmut R. , Stassen Michael , Schild Hansjörg , Radsak Markus P.
Published: July 2009

The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM-1) is involved in the innate inflammatory response to microbial infections. Activation and expression of TREM-1 by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) occurs in concert with Toll-like receptors (TLR) such as TLR4 for bacterial lipopolysaccharide. However, it is currently unclear how this is mediated on a molecular level. Using pharmacological inhibitors and Western blot analysis we demonstrate that phosphatidyl inositide 3-kinase, phospholipase C and the mitogen-activated kinase p38MAPK are essential for the TREM-1- and TLR4-induced oxidative burst of human PMN. The activation of protein kinase B and extracellular signal-related kinase show characteristic phosphorylation patterns upon single or co-ligation indicating individual activation pathways of both receptors. Taken together, we provide new insights into the mechanisms how TREM-1 and TLR interact creating synergistic activation in PMN. These results shed a new light on our understanding of how the innate inflammatory responses are regulated and might contribute to the development of future concepts for the treatment of severe inflammatory conditions such as sepsis.
New p22-Phox Monoclonal Antibodies: Identification of a Conformational Probe for Cytochrome b558
Authors: Campion Yannick , Jesaitis Algirdas J. , Nguyen Minh Vu Chuong , Grichine Alexei , Herenger Yvan , Baillet Athan , Berthier Sylvie , Morel Françoise , Paclet Marie-Hélène
Published: July 2009

The phagocyte NADPH oxidase, belonging to the NADPH oxidase family (Nox), is dedicated to the production of bactericidal reactive oxygen species. The enzyme catalytic center is the cytochrome b558, formed by 2 subunits, Nox2 (gp91-phox) and p22-phox. Cytochrome b558 activation results from a conformational change induced by cytosolic regulatory proteins (p67-phox, p47-phox, p40-phox and Rac). The catalytic subunit is Nox2, while p22-phox is essential for both Nox2 maturation and the membrane anchorage of regulatory proteins. Moreover, it has been shown to be necessary for novel Nox activity. In order to characterize both p22-phox topology and cytochrome b558 conformational change, 6 monoclonal antibodies were produced against purified cytochrome b558. Phage display epitope mapping combined with a truncation analysis of recombinant p22-phox allowed the identification of epitope regions. Some of these antibodies almost completely inhibited in vitro reconstituted NADPH oxidase activity. Data analysis identified antibodies that recognized epitopes involved in either Nox2 maturation or Nox2 activation. Moreover, flow cytometry analysis and confocal microscopy performed on stimulated neutrophils showed that the monoclonal antibody 12E6 bound preferentially active cytochrome b558. These monoclonal antibodies provided novel and unique probes to investigate maturation, activation and activity, not only of Nox2 but also of novel Nox.
Growth Outcome during GnRH Agonist Treatments for Slowly Progressive Central Precocious Puberty
Authors: Massart Francesco , Federico Giovanni , Harrell Joshua Chuck , Saggese Giuseppe
Published: July 2009

Background: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) represent the gold-standard treatment for central precocious puberty (CPP). In CPP children, GnRHa treatment slows bone age progression and preserves adult height (Ht) by suppressing sexual steroid secretion. In some patients, however, GnRHa induce an inappropriate growth deceleration impairing Ht outcome. Furthermore, slowly progressive CPP (spCPP) forms were reported which do not need GnRHa treatment. Methods: We evaluated the growth outcome of 26 spCPP girls treated with triptorelin (TR) and 21 with leuprorelin acetate (LA) for 36.5 ± 0.7 months. Results: GnRHa treatment induced a progressive growth deceleration in both spCPP groups. No difference in bone maturation was detected (p > 0.05; TR vs. LA group), however compared to LA, TR treatment resulted in significantly higher Ht after 24 months (p < 0.05; LA vs. TR group). Although target height (TH) standard deviation score (SDS) and predicted adult height (PAH)-SDS at diagnosis were similar in both spCPP groups (p > 0.05; LA vs. TR group), final height (FH-SDS) was lower in LA-treated subjects (p < 0.05; LA vs. TR group). In both spCPP groups, FH-SDS was significantly lower than TH-SDS (p < 0.001) but not lower than PAH-SDS at diagnosis (p > 0.05). Ht-SDS correlated with 17β-estradiol (E2) blood levels in both spCPP groups (p < 0.0001) throughout GnRHa treatment, and E2 values were higher in the TR- than in the LA-treated patients during the 12 months after GnRHa administration (p < 0.05; LA vs. TR group). GnRHa-induced E2 secretion and Ht-SDS at GnRHa withdrawal correlated positively with FH (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: The effectiveness of GnRHa treatment in improving FH in spCPP girls was doubtful.
Possible Role of IgG4 in Discordant Correlations between Intracutaneous Skin Tests and RAST
Authors: Vijay H.M. , Perelmutter L. , Bernstein I.L.
Published: July 2009

Comparison of intracutaneous skin tests and RAST in 2 groups of patients, one consisting of 16 individuals having multiple allergies to pollen, mold and animal dander and the other of 10 patients allergic to mold only, revealed that skin tests were more sensitive than RAST. Skin reactions of 3+ to 4+ were frequently associated with negative RAST results. This was observed more so in mold-allergic patients. In a few cases (6%) RAST showed 2+ reactions while the skin tests were negative. Leukocytes from allergic individuals who had positive skin tests and negative RAST released a significant amount of histamine upon challenge with specific allergen as well as antihuman IgG4, suggesting that this immunoglobulin is a functional component of some immediate hypersensitivity reactions.
Regulation of Lymphocyte Proliferation by Soluble Products Released by Stimulated Human Lymphocytes
Authors: Blomgren Henric , Larsson Eva-Lotta
Published: July 2009

Human lymphocytes pulsed with phytothaemagglutinin (PHA) release mitogenic factors and other lymphokines upon subsequent incubation in fresh medium. Such active supernatants (SUPs) were assayed for their capacity to modify the DNA synthetic response of human lymphocytes exposed to various mitogenic stimuli. Both non-fractionated peripheral lymphocytes and preparations of fractionated T cells were stimulated by active SUPs to DNA synthesis. In contrast, active SUPs reduced the responses of lymphocytes to allogeneic cells, PPD tuberculin and PHA. These reductions were most evident at the end of the culture periods. The results suggest that soluble products released by stimulated lymphocytes activate suppressor lymphocytes which inhibit proliferative responses of lymphocytes.
Demonstration of Antibodies to Chlorophenothiazine Derivatives
Authors: Furuya Koji , Urasawa Shozo
Published: July 2009

Antibody to 2-chloro-10-(2-carboxyethyl)-phenothiazine (CECP) was produced in rabbits by immunization with the hapten-BSA conjugate. The titer of antibody was determined by passive hemagglutination (PHA) using erythrocytes coupled with the CECP-protein carrier. Results from inhibition tests using structurally related (CECP, CPZ, PCPZ, CMP) and almost unrelated haptens (DDA, RF) strongly suggested that both the side chain and the nucleus of the haptens are important in determining the specificity of immunological reactions. 18 sera from psychiatric patients administered phenothiazine derivatives for a long time as well as 20 control sera from healthy individuals were then tested for their reactivity to CECP. Of patients’ sera, 12 had detectable hemagglutination titers (1:8 or greater), while all of the normal human sera were negative. The PHA activity was contained in euglobulin fraction and was specific in the inhibition tests. From these results, the activity to CECP in patients’ sera was supposed to be specific antibody.
An Effect of Actin on Cell Migration
Authors: Akoglu T. , Trenchev P. , Holborow E.J.
Published: July 2009

A specific inhibitory effect on mononuclear cell migration by smooth muscle actin and skeletal muscle actin is reported. Actin aged at 4 °C or heated at 56 °C for 10 min had little or no effect, but papain-denatured actin had a strong inhibitory action. Actin and/or its breakdown product(s) may interfere with mononuclear cell movement in vivo in pathological conditions where release of actin from damaged or dead cells occurs.
Relationships between IgE Antibody Production and Other Immune Responses
Authors: Nomoto Kikuo , Imada Yoshiro , Muraoka Shizuko , Takeya Kenji
Published: July 2009

Mice were subjected to thymectomy at various times after birth and immunized with ovalbumin in aluminum hydroxide gel at 4 or 8 weeks of age. The capacities to produce IgE, IgM and IgG antibodies were abolished by thymectomy carried out within 48 h after birth. The capacity to produce IgE antibody was not affected by thymectomy at 7 days or later, whereas the capacities to produce IgM and IgG antibodies were reduced by thymectomy carried out at 4 weeks of age.
Studies on the Role of Histamine and 5-Hydroxytryptamine in Immunity against the Nematode Trichostrongylus colubriformis
Authors: Jones W.O. , Rothwell T.L.W. , Adams D.B.
Published: July 2009

A temporal relationship was established between the onset of expulsion of the parasitic nematode Trichostrongylus colubriformis from the intestine of both vaccinated and adoptively immunized guinea pigs with a sudden increase in small intestinal mucosal histamine to two or three times pre-infection levels. However, in guinea pigs whose capacity to expel T. colubrijormis was inhibited by treatment with anti-lymphocyte serum, mucosal histamine remained at pre-infection levels. The results support previous findings which suggest an important role for histamine in the effector mechanism of the immune response of guinea pigs against T. colubrijormis.
Heterologous Radioimmunoassay of Monkey α-Fetoprotein
Authors: Forrester P.I. , Lai P.C.W. , Hancock R.L. , Hay D.M. , Lorscheider F.L.
Published: July 2009

Immunoelectrophoresis showed that rabbit anti-human α-fetoprotein (AFP) cross-reacts with monkey AFP which was not detectable in the serum from an adult non-pregnant monkey. A heterologous radioimmunoassay of monkey AFP was developed using this antiserum which circumvented the need for purified monkey AFP. The radioimmunoassay is of sufficient sensitivity to measure AFP in maternal and fetal serum and amniotic fluid in the rhesus monkey.
Interactions between Effector Cell Activity and Lymphokines: Implications for Recovery from Herpesvirus Infections
Authors: Babiuk Lorne A. , Rouse Barry T.
Published: July 2009

The destruction of herpesvirus-infected target cells by antibody-dependent and direct cell cytotoxicity was enhanced by the presence of bovine lymphokine-containing preparations. To relate these effects to possible in vivo mechanisms of recovery, several in vitro approaches were used to measure the effects of lymphokine-containing preparations on controlling viral spread. In the first approach it was shown that in the presence of lymphokines, virus-infected cells could be killed earlier in the replication cycle by the mechanism of antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity, thus possibly limiting spread of virus. That this was indeed the case was demonstrated by a decrease in the area of viral-induced cytopathology as well as in the total number of infected cells present. Secondly, the amount of infectious virus released was also markedly reduced in cultures incubated with lymphokines and immune peripheral blood lymphocytes as compared to cultures treated with either component alone. Finally, lymphokines caused the activation of macrophages. These results are discussed in terms of how various immune parameters may interact in a positive way so as to aid in the recovery from virus infection.
Changes in Host Resistance Caused by Nocardia brasiliensis in Mice: Cross-Protection against Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Melendro Emma I. , Contreras Magdalena F. , Ximénez Cecilia , García-Maynez Ana Ma. , Ortiz-Ortiz Librado
Published: July 2009

Listeria monocytogenes was used to study the rate of development, magnitude, and persistence of the antimicrobial resistance engendered by Nocardia brasiliensis infection in mice. The growth of Listeria in the liver and spleen was more effectively restricted in Nocardia-infected mice than in noninfected animals. The development of delayed-type hypersensitivity to the Nocardia antigen was closely correlated to the increased resistance to Listeria, suggesting that both properties are the consequence of a single immunological event. The antibacterial resistance was also demonstrated in vitro. The results of the foregoing studies indicate that the microbicidal ability of macrophages, very likely activated by cell-mediated immunity, is enhanced in mice infected with Nocardia.
Antibody Formation to Double-Stranded DNA in nu/nu and nu/+ Mice
Authors: Ogita T. , Okudaira H. , Tadokoro K. , Suko M. , Mizushima Y. , Gohda A. , Horiuchi Y.
Published: July 2009

Antibody formation to double-stranded (ds-) DNA in nude mice (nu/nu) and normal littermates (nu/+) was studied using a Millipore filter method. The mean antibody titre to ds-DNA in the sera of nu/nu mice was generally higher than that in nu/+ mice raised in the same environment. However, in both genotypes, anti-ds-DNA titres varied according to the environmental condition in which the animals were raised. Mice maintained germ-free showed no significant antibody formation to ds-DNA. Nu/+ thymus and spleen cells passively transferred to nu/nu mice reduced the antibody titre to ds-DNA in the recipients. Immunochemical studies indicated that the antibodies to ds-DNA were IgM. It is suggested that T cell-mediated regulatory mechanisms control antibody formation to ds-DNA and that some infections trigger antibody formation to ds-DNA.
Early Rheumatoid-Like Lesions in Rabbits Injected with Foreign Serum: Relationship to Localization of Immune Complexes in the Lining Tissues of Joints and Cellular Content of Synovial Fluid
Authors: Poole A.R. , Oldham G. , Coombs R.R.A.
Published: July 2009

Immune complex localization in joint tissues and white cell effusion into the joint space as well as synovial lesions are shown to occur in rabbits injected intravenously with bovine serum. Synovial lesions of one knee were found to be associated with immune complexes in joint tissues of the contralateral knee (because of the experimental design very few rabbits had both immunofluorescence and histology performed on the same joint). There was also a week correlation between moderate and gross synovial lesions and cellular effusions of the same joint. Cartilage proteoglycan depletion was seen in some injected animals and this was related to lining cell hyperplasia. Rabbits from different breeding colonies displayed different incidences of lesions suggesting an environmental or genetic influence on the development of rheumatoid-like lesions.
Histamine Release by Calcium from Sodium Fluoride-Activated Rat Mast Cells. Further Evidence for a Secretory Process
Authors: Patkar S.A. , Kazimierczak W. , Diamant B.
Published: July 2009

Histamine release induced by calcium (step 2) from fluoride-activated (step 1) rat mast cells was found to be dependent on temperature and pH. Whereas the influence of temperature was different on the two steps, the pH effects were similar. The activation of the cells by fluoride occurred faster at low pH. Agents considered to influence cyclic nucleotide content of the cells neither influenced fluoride activation nor the secretory action of calcium, except for theophylline which inhibited the second step and shared this effect with lidocaine and several other agents known to act as inhibitors of histamine secretion. The time course for the action of fluoride to inhibit subsequent histamine release by compound 48/80 in the absence of extracellular calcium was somewhat faster than its action to activate the cells to the secretory action of calcium. In the absence of calcium, no cyclic AMP could be detected in the cells. In the presence of 1 mM calcium, 2.5 pmol/106 cells cyclic AMP was found which decreased by the presence of fluoride. No uptake of 45Ca was observed in fluoride-activated mast cells in the absence of release. Furthermore, fluoride did not activate isolated mast cell granules to release histamine when challenged with calcium. The results suggest that calcium-induced histamme secretion from fluoride-activated cells conforms to a secretory system which, in many respects, is governed by similar regulatory factors as for antigen and other secretagogues.
Persistent and Boosterable IgE Antibody Production in Mice Injected with Low Doses of Ovalbumin and Silica
Authors: Mancino D. , Bevilacqua N.
Published: July 2009

The results of the present experiments show that Aerosil, an amorphous sub-microscopic silica, is able to stimulate in Swiss outbred mice the production of IgE antibodies to a single 1 μg dose of Ovalbumin (OA) in experimental conditions in which detectable IgGl antibodies were not produced. The production of IgE anti-OA antibodies stimulated by silica was persistent for at least 4 months, and demonstrated a secondary stimulation. Neither IgE nor IgGl anti-OA antibodies were demonstrable when mice were immunized with OA alone or OA with aluminum hydroxide.
Neutrophil Chemotaxis: the Kinetics of Cellular Locomotion in vitro
Authors: Todd G. , Dowdle E.B.
Published: July 2009

The Boyden chamber system has been used to study the motile response of rabbit peritoneal neutrophils to partially purified casein cytotaxin. The results of these in vitro experiments indicate that neutrophils respond in two distinct ways to cytotaxin. Firstly, they increase their innate random mobility. Secondly, they respond to the information contained in a cytotaxin concentration gradient by exhibiting directional movement with a velocity vector directed towards the higher cytotaxin concentration. Since the two responses are kinetically distinct, one may infer that they are mechanistically distinct.
Do Fatty Acids Exert a Specific Effect on Human Lymphocyte Transformation in vitro?
Authors: Tonkin Charles H. , Brostoff Jonathan
Published: July 2009

Both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (FA) bound to albumin inhibit phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) transformation of human lymphocytes cultured in fetal calf serum (FCS). With two unsaturated FA inhibition is maintained, however, when saturated and unsaturated FA are added simultaneously the inhibition is abolished. When lymphocytes are cultured in human AB serum, fatty acids neither inhibit nor stimulate PHA transformation. The reasons for the difference between FCS and human serum are discussed. These results argue against reports that unsaturated FA plays an immunoregulatory role in humans.
Demonstration of Distinct Allergens by Means of Immunological Methods
Authors: Aukrust L. , Grimmer Ø. , Aas K.
Published: July 2009

An immunosorbent column was prepared containing a purified major allergen fraction from codfish (DS 22) covalently coupled to agarose. Sera from patients allergic to codfish were run through the column at pH 7.2. After extensive washing, the IgE retarded in the column was eluted with a buffer at pH 2.5. The original sera and fractions from the chromatography experiments were examined by means of crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CIE), crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis (CRIE), radioallergosorbent test (RAST) and in vivo passive transfer (PK) tests using the DS 22 from codfish and a crude codfish extract. The experiments demonstrated that the crude extract contained a minor codfish allergen (Antigen-17-cod) which was distinct from DS 22. RAST was the most convenient technique for the identification of fractions containing allergenic activity. The PK tests served to prove the biological activity in vivo. CIE/CRIE were superior to RAST and PK tests regarding their ability to identify distinct allergens. Full agreement was found between results using different techniques including the immunosorbent experiments. Some of the radiostaining in CRIE, however, was misleading, due to coprecipitation of DS 22 in several precipitates in the CIE preparations of the crude codfish extract.
The H, HI, I and i Blood Group Antigens in Butanol Extracts of Rabbit Tissues
Authors: Lambert Reginald M. , Dolan James R. , Zelenski Kathryn R.
Published: July 2009

Aqueous and butanol phase extracts of rabbit erythrocytes and the tissues gastric mucosa, liver, lung and kidney were examined by inhibition of agglutination for the presence of H, HI, I and i blood group substances. Of the four specificities, only I substance was recovered from erythrocytes and only in the aqueous phase extracts. Both aqueous and butanol extracts of gastric mucosae contained H substance, but HI and I were present only in the aqueous extracts of this tissue. Extracts of rabbit lungs only had H and I activity and only in the aqueous phase. No H, HI, I or i substance was detected in any of the extracts of liver and kidney. Reduced levels of H substance were found in aqueous extracts of gastric mucosae of ‘A-like’ rabbits. Three H specificities were demonstrated in the butanol phase extracts of gastric mucosae of rabbits. These specificities were similar to those previously shown in extracts of gastric mucosae and erythrocytes of humans.
Crossed Immunoelectrophoretic and Crossed Radioimmunoelectrophoretic Studies Employing a Model Allergen from Codfish
Authors: Aukrust L. , Apold J. , Elsayed S. , Aas K.
Published: July 2009

A standard reference pattern in crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) of the parvalbumin fraction of a cod white muscle extract was established. Crossed line immunoelectrophoresis (CLIE), tandem CIE and crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis (CRIE) were used to identify the major allergens, thereby establishing a basis for future work employing quantitative immunoelectrophoretic techniques in the study of codfish allergens. Rocket immunoelectrophoresis and rocket-line immunoelectrophoresis were used to demonstrate antigenic determinants on polypeptide fragments of the major allergen, Allergen M. The results show the usefulness of these techniques in studies of antigenic determinants on non-precipitating polypeptides. CRIE with 8 patient’s sera showed radiostaining indicating IgE binding corresponding to at least 7 precipitates in the crude extract CIE preparations. The purified DS 22 fraction was shown to contain 2 CRIE-positive (IgE-binding) precipitates. When using Allergen M, these precipitates were also demonstrated, one of them in trace amounts only.
Optimal Conditions for Fc Receptor-Ligand Interaction
Authors: Zuckerman Steven H. , Douglas Steven D.
Published: July 2009

The temperature and time dependence for Fc receptor-ligand interaction have been investigated in a murine lymphoblastoid cell line. The binding of antibody-coated erythrocytes or radioiodinated heat-aggregated IgG was evaluated at varying time points during incubation at 4, 21 or 37 °C. Maximal rosette formation was observed by 10 min incubation at 21 °C if cell suspensions were first centrifuged at 200 g for 2 min. Longer incubation periods were required in the absence of centrifugation. The kinetics of aggregate IgG binding were similar to rosette formation without centrifugation. The results demonstrate that receptor-ligand interaction in this system is both temperature and time-dependent.
Plasma Prostaglandin Concentrations in Allergic Bronchial Asthma
Authors: Okazaki Tadao , Johnson Thomas F. , Reisman Robert E. , Arbesman Carl E. , Middleton, jr. Elliott
Published: July 2009

Prostaglandin (PG) E plasma levels, measured by radioimmunoassay using anti-PGB1 antibody, were higher in asthmatic patients than in normal subjects. PGF levels measured with anti-PGF2α antibody, were not significantly different between normals and asthmatics. Plasma PGE/F ratios were elevated in the asthmatic patients. The results fail to support the hypothesis of decreased PGE or increased PGF production as an etiological factor in asthma.
Characterization and Purification of Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein B (PAPP-B)
Authors: Lin Tsue-Ming , Halbert Seymour P. , Kiefer David
Published: July 2009

PAPP-B is a pregnancy-specific β1-glycoprotein of large molecular weight, about 1,000,000 as determined by Sepharose 4B and 6B gel filtration. Its isoelectric point is between pH 4.6 and 5.0. It has been purified at least 800-fold from term pregnancy serum by a sequence of steps involving salting out at 30% saturation with ammonium sulfate (1.2 M), DEAE-cellulose chromatography, Sepharose 4B gel filtration and hydroxylapatite chromatography. Monospecific antiserum to PAPP-B has been prepared, and used to differentiate it from several other newly reported tumor or pregnancy proteins. PAPP-B was found to increase slowly during the second trimester of pregnancy and more steeply during the third, reaching a plateau in late gestation. During the postpartum period, PAPP-B disappeared quite rapidly, with an apparent half-life of less than 1 day.
Significance of Neutrophil Activation in Reactional Lepromatous Leprosy: Effects of Thalidomide in vivo and in vitro. Activation in Adjuvant Disease
Authors: Goihman-Yahr Mauricio , Convit Jacinto , Rodríguez-Ochoa Gilberto , Aranzazu Nacarid , Villalba-Pimentel Luis , Ocanto Ana , de Gómez María Elena
Published: July 2009

A proportion of circulating neutrophils is able to reduce nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) in vitro. Such cells show blue formazan precipitates in their cytoplasm (FP cells). The proportion of FP cells is raised in many bacterial infections because of increased oxido-reductive activity (activation). This may also be induced in vitro by incubation with endo-toxin. We have previously reported that, while in lepromatous leprosy (LL) there was no activation, a significant elevation in proportion of FP cells took place in reactional lepromatous leprosy (RLL). RLL is reported to be a form of immune complex disease, therefore, neutrophils would be involved in tissue damage. Signs and symptoms of RLL are dramatically improved by thalidomide. We have now studied neutrophil activation in patients with RLL just before and during treatment with thalidomide. Clinical improvement produced by this drug took place before lowering the proportion of FP cells. Concomitant infectious processes induced activation even if patients were under thalidomide treatment. Thalidomide, tested in vitro, did not affect spontaneous reduction of NBT by neutrophils, nor did it block endotoxin-induced activation. The therapeutic effect of thalidomide is not related to properties inhibiting neutrophil activation. RLL has features that resemble those of adjuvant disease (ADJ). The latter is induced in the rat by injecting killed mycobacteria suspended in an oily vehicle. Inflammatory lesions, owing mainly to delayed hypersensitivity, appear in joints, skin and eyes. Thalidomide has suppressive properties concerning the signs of ADJ. We now studied neutrophil activation in rats of two strains: one susceptible to ADJ and the other refractory. Neutrophils from rats of both strains were able to become activated by in vitro incubation with endotoxin, latex particles and Staphylococcus aureus suspensions. After injection of mycobacteria, rats from the refractory strain showed little or no ADJ or neutrophil activation, despite the presence of inflammation at the injected site and gross enlargement of draining lymph nodes. Susceptible rats had a very intense ADJ. There was also a significant increase in proportion of FP cells, but this took place shortly after injection of mycobacteria and before signs of ADJ or acme of local inflammation had taken place. Activation disappeared by the time that ADJ became apparent. Significant neutrophil activation did not occur when susceptible rats received the oily vehicle alone. Our findings do not support the hypothesis that tissue damage in RLL is due solely to neutrophil action by a mechanism similar to that of immune complex disease. Activation may be in RLL as in ADJ a specific phenomenon induced by a lymphokine.
Anticomplementary Properties of Plasmin-Treated Human G Immunoglobulin and Its Components
Authors: Skvaril F. , Gozze Ivana
Published: July 2009

Plasmin-treated human γ-globulin, isolated plasmin residual portion (PRG), Fab and Fc fragments were tested for anticomplementary properties. The plasmin digest had very low anticomplementary activity while some of its components were anticomplementary, the latter probably due to alterations resulting from the isolation procedures employed. The highest activity was found in the isolated Fc fragment, no activity being detected in the isolated Fab fragment. Various mixtures of the isolated components were also tested, the results indicating that the increase in anticomplementary activity of the PRG and of the Fc fragment was markedly lower when the Fab fragment was present.
Immunological Partial Identity and in vitro Inhibitory Effect of Two Major Timothy Pollen Allergens to Whole Pollen Extract of Four Grasses
Authors: Løwenstein Henning
Published: July 2009

Crossed immunoelectrophoresis in various modifications has directly revealed the immunological partial identity between isolated major allergens of timothy pollen (antigens 19 and 25) and the corresponding pollen allergens of false oat, orchard and rye grass, using rabbit antibodies raised against all four grasses. The inhibitory effects of antigens 19 and 25 relative to those of whole pollen extracts have been determined by means of RAST, inhibiting serum pools from selected grass-pollen-allergic patients and using insolubilized whole pollen extracts from the four grasses as allergosorbents. The inhibitory effects of antigens 19 and 25 were determined to be 97, 91, 92 and 73% of those of whole extracts of timothy, false oat, orchard and rye grass, respectively.
Two Small Lymphocyte Subpopulations in Human Peripheral Blood
Authors: Hokland Marianne , Hokland Peter , Heron Iver
Published: July 2009

By means of simple rosette sedimentation methods two subsets from human peripheral blood lymphocytes have been isolated: (1) (E, Fc)- and (2) (E, Ig)-. The first subset was obtained by centrifuging suspensions of macrophage-depleted PBL in which E and EA rosettes had been allowed to form simultaneously. The dominant marker of these E- Fc- cells was surface Ig, and during 4 days of culture this population did not alter its surface markers. Subset 2 was obtained in two ways following rosette centrifugation with AET-treated SRBC and rabbit anti-human Ig-coated autologous RBC. This ‘Null cell population’ was shown to be highly variable as judged by the surface markers applied after 4 days of culture, and it is suggested that Null cells contain a number of immature lymphoid cells that may acquire their surface marker during culture. It is concluded that the methods described for purification of small subsets of human lymphocytes are effective and easy to perform and might be used to purify cells for functional studies.
Sex Hormones and the Immune Response
Authors: Feigen George A. , Fraser Robin C. , Peterson Nancy S.
Published: July 2009

The administration of 75 μg/kg of estradiol 17β at successively later stages in the immune response of female guinea pigs to penicilloyl-coupled cavian globulins showed that this steroid reduces the rate of attainment of the maximum titer, the magnitude of the titer achieved, and the rate of titer decay. Control titers maximized at the third experimental week and diminished to one third the peak value by the 6th week. When steroid treatment was begun coincidentally with inoculation (week 0), the peak titer was delayed by 3 weeks, and by 2 weeks when hormone priming was begun at week 1 or 2. The highest antibody titers achieved in the presence of estrogen were 25–30% lower than those of sesame oil controls. The greatest immunosuppressive effect was observed when estradiol was given at the peak of the immune response, the titer dropping by 50% and remaining at that level for the next 4 weeks in spite of continued antigen inoculation and steroid treatment. Titer decay after the end of the inoculation course was prevented by estradiol but not by progesterone, CHP, or the sesame oil vehicle.
Close Association of Human Mixed Lymphocyte Culture Antigen, Ia-Like Antigen and Fc Receptor
Authors: Morito Tadao , Nakamura Tsuneyoshi , Nakai Hidenori , Tanimoto Kiyoaki , Horiuchi Yoshihiko , Juji Takeo
Published: July 2009

The effects of aggregated human IgG, human anti-Ia-like antibody, and anti-β2-microglobulin on mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) were studied. Aggregated human IgG inhibited both stimulatory and responding activities in MLC. When Fc-receptor-bearing cells were removed from responding cells, the inhibitory activity of aggregated IgG was markedly reduced. The result suggested that the inhibition of MLC by aggregated IgG is primarily based on the blocking of Fc-receptor-bearing cells contained in the stimulator cells. In addition, the removal of Fc-receptor-bearing cells from stimulatory cells resulted in the loss of MLC response. Anti-Ia-like antibodies contained in anti-HLA sera and B-cell-specific human alloanti-sera also inhibited stimulatory activities in MLC. Rabbit antiserum against human β2-micro-globulin showed inhibitions of both stimulatory and responding activities. These results suggested the close association of human MLC stimulator site with Fc receptor and Ia-like antigen and also some relation of β2-microglobulin with MLC reaction.
Delayed Hypersensitivity to Soluble Antigens in Mice
Authors: Ruddle N.H.
Published: July 2009

Delayed hypersensitivity to a soluble protein has been analyzed in mice. Ear swelling, 24 h after injection of a test dose of antigen, has been used to monitor the response to a subcutaneous tail injection of egg albumin in complete Freund’s adjuvant. Maximal 24 h ear swelling was observed 8 days after sensitization with either 50 or 100 μg of antigen. These delayed reactions, which were characterized by mononuclear infiltrates, were relatively uncomplicated by Arthus reactions. The latter, antibody-mediated reactions were apparent at later times after immunization. More intense 24 h reactions were elicited in C57BL/6 than BALB/c mice. Passive transfer of sensitivity has been accomplished with lymph node cells.
Adipogenic, Chondrogenic and Osteogenic Differentiation of Clonally Derived Human Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Junker Johan P.E. , Sommar Pehr , Skog Mårten , Johnson Hans , Kratz Gunnar
Published: July 2009

The apparent need of an autologous cell source for tissue engineering applications has led researchers to explore the presence of cells with stem cell plasticity in several human tissues. Dermal fibroblasts (FBs) are easy to harvest, expand in vitro and store, rendering them plausible candidates for cell-based therapies. The aim of the present study was to observe the effects of adipogenic, chondrogenic and osteogenic induction media on the phenotype of human FBs. Human preadipocytes obtained from fat tissue have been proposed as an adult stem cell source with suitable characteristics, and were used as control cells in regard to their differentiation potential. Routine staining, immunohistochemical analysis and alkaline phosphatase assay were employed, in order to study the phenotypic shift. FBs were shown to possess multilineage potential, giving rise to fat-, cartilage- and bone-like cells. To exclude contaminant progenitor cells or cell fusion giving rise to tissue with adipocyte-, chondrocyte- and osteoblast-like cells, single-cell cloning was performed. Single-cell-cloned FBs (sccFBs) displayed a similar differentiation potential as primary-culture FBs. The presence of ‘stem-cell-specific’ surface antigens was analyzed using flow cytometry. The results reveal that sccFBs have several of the markers associated with cells exhibiting stem cell plasticity. The findings presented here are corroborated by the findings of other groups, and suggest the use of human dermal FBs in cell-based therapies for the reconstruction of fat, cartilage and bone.
Immunochemistry of Salmonella O-Antigens
Authors: Jörbeck Hans , Carlsson Hans Erik , Svenson Stefan B. , Lindberg Alf A. , Alfredsson Gunnel , Garegg Per J. , Svensson Sigfrid , Wallin Nils-Håkan
Published: July 2009

The octasaccharide Galp 12/α Manp Tyvp/α/1 3 14/α Rhap 13/α Galp 12/α Manp Tyvp/α/1 3 14/α Rhap, the synthesized disaccharides methyl 3-O-α-tyvelopyranosyl-α-D-mannopyranoside, methyl 3-O-α-tyvelopyranosyl-α-D-mannopyranoside and methyl α-tyveloside, in order of decreasing effectiveness, inhibited the precipitation of S. typhi T2 alkali-treated Hpopolysaccharide by O-factor 9 serum. On a molar basis the relative inhibiting activities of the glycosides were 100:22:8:2. With rabbit antiserum raised against 3-O-α-tyvelopyranosyl-D-mannopyranosyl covalently linked to bovine serum albumin the relative inhibitory activities of the four glycosides were 11:100:26:3. These data establish that the 3-O-α-tyvelopyranosyl-α-D-mannopyranosyl structure is immunodominant in the Salmonella O-antigen 9. The specificity of the antigen-antibody interaction was high: glycosides in which the tyvelose (3,6-dideoxy-D-xylo-hexose) residue had been replaced by abequose (3,6-dideoxy-D-xylo-hexose) or paratose (3,6-dideoxy-D-ribo-hexose), had less than one fiftieth of the activity of the most active inhibitor in either of the two precipitation systems used. Moreover, the results show that 3-O-α-tyvelopyranosyl-D-mannopyranosyl coupled to bovine serum albumin elicits O-antibodies of higher specificity than those obtained by absorption of antibacterial immune serum.
Delayed Hypersensitivity to Soluble Antigens in Mice
Authors: Ruddle Nancy H.
Published: July 2009

Delayed hypersensitivity to a soluble protein has been analyzed in vitro with lymph node cells from mice. Antigen-dependent cytotoxicity against innocent bystander cells, and incorporation of tritiated thymidine have been used to monitor the response to a subcutaneous tail injection of egg albumin (OVA) in complete Freund’s adjuvant. Sensitized lymph node cells from mice with positive 24 h ear tests killed A9 cells in the presence of antigen. This antigen-specific, T cell-mediated cytotoxicity was observed within 4 days of sensitization and still apparent at 7 months. Reactivity to OVA, assessed as an increase in DNA synthesis in the presence of antigen, was also T cell dependent and exhibited similar sensitization kinetics and dose requirements. Both microtechniques require as few as 105 lymphocytes and are readily adaptable to the study of delayed hypersensitivity to any soluble protein in mice.
A Solid-Phase Radioimmunoassay to Detect Anti-Tuberculin Antibodies in the Guinea Pig
Authors: Mauch H. , Kümel G.
Published: July 2009

Despite the importance of the guinea pig as a model test animal for studying the humoral immune response in comparison to the development of cellular immunity after BCG or tuberculosis infection, no precise and sensitive method for the determination of such antibodies is available. We developed an indirect solid-phase radioimmunoassay on microtiter plates for this purpose. All assay conditions have been optimized such as selection of suitable plastic material, use of carrier substances, concentrations and amount of the antigen as well as the serum and second antibody, buffer, incubation times and all steps of the procedures for coating, washing, and measuring. The assay gives a linear relationship between antibody concentration in the serum to be tested and binding of the radiolabelled second antibody. A comparison with four conventional antibody titration methods reveals a 128- to 512-fold higher sensitivity of the RIA. Favorable aspects of this RIA as opposed to the methods hitherto used are discussed.
Lentil-Lectin Affinity Chromatography of Surface Glycoproteins and the Receptor for IgE from Rat Basophilic Leukemia Cells
Authors: Helm Ricki M. , Conrad Daniel H. , Froese Arnold
Published: July 2009

Surface proteins and glycoproteins of RBL cells were labelled enzymatically with 125I and then solubilized with Nonidet P-40. Analysis by polyacrylamidegel electrophoresis in SDS on 10% gels revealed 10 distinctive peaks ranging in molecular weights from 17,000 to 200,000 daltons. Mainly components of higher molecular weights were bound by lentil-lectin Sepharose and could be eluted with α-methyl mannoside. The receptor for IgE was clearly shown to bind to the lentil-lectin. A second cell surface component which previously had been shown to bind to IgE-Sepharose as well, was found to bind only slightly to lentil-lectin. Thus, it can be concluded that the receptor for IgE is a glycoprotein with mannose and/or N-acetylglucosamine in the carbohydrate moiety(s).
In vivo Suppression of Allograft Rejection by Cyclic AMP Increasing Agents
Authors: Ljungström Inger , Holmgren Jan
Published: July 2009

This study was undertaken to elucidate the possibilities of modulating the survival of allogeneic tissue grafts by administration of cyclic AMP-increasing agents to the graft recipients. Heterotopic grafting of split mouse hearts across a strong H-2 barrier was used. It was found that Vibrio cholerae enterotoxin, which activates adenylate cyclase in mammalian cells, gave a marked prolongation of the graft survival time when given shortly before (but not after) transplantation. Also the administration of a combination of cyclic AMP and theophylline prior to or around transplantation increased graft survival time significantly. In contrast, no effect was obtained with choleragenoid, a membrane-binding cholera toxin analogue devoid of cyclic AMP-increasing activity.
Effect of the MER Tubercle Bacillus Fraction on the Responsiveness of Mice to T-Independent Antigens
Authors: Ben-Efraim Shlomo , Ophir Rachel , Teitelbaum Riva , Zimber Chava , Barbash Gitta , Weiss David W.
Published: July 2009

The effect of treatment with the methanol extraction residue (MER) mycobacterial fraction on the immunological responsiveness of BALB/c mice to the T-independent antigens pneumococcal polysaccharide type III (SIII) and trinitrophenyl-lipopolysaccharide conjugate (TNP-LPS) was ascertained. Pretreatment with MER prevented the establishment of immunological paralysis by threshold doses (10 or 15 μg) of SIII and by a paralyzing dose of 100 μg TNP-LPS. The induction of immunological paralysis by SIII was unaffected by treatment with the bacterial adjuvant Corynebacterium parvum and with the B cell mitogens PPD, LPS (Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide), and dextran sulfate.
Characterization of Pig Lymphocyte Subpopulations by Adherence to Nylon Wool
Authors: Binns R.M. , Vaiman M. , Davies H.ff.S. , Symons D.B.A.
Published: July 2009

The property of adherence to nylon wool was used to separate and characterize pig blood lymphocyte subpopulations. Thymus-dependent null cells proved the least adherent lymphocytes, and B cells, bearing surface Ig or Fc receptor, the most adherent. sIg+ lymphocytes detected by immunofluorescence and by 51Cr release cytotoxicity showed similar frequency and adherence properties. Lymphocytes rosetting with SRBC in PBS or in dextran had similar adherence patterns and showed both non-adherent and adherent components. Lymphocytes bearing major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Ia-like antigens shown by eosin exclusion or 51Cr release cytotoxicity were enriched in the adherent fraction, but also occurred in significant numbers in the non-adherent fraction. Non-adherent Ia+ cells were predominantly sIg–– and probably T cells, whereas the adherent Ia+ group included the sIg+ cells and some sIg–– cells.