bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impairment of Acute Phase Protein Reactivity in Chronic Renal Failure
Authors: Charlesworth J.A. , Quin J.W. , Holloway R.H. , Jones B.F. , Robertson M.R.
Published: July 2009

The acute phase protein response was studied after elective surgery in 13 normal subjects and 9 patients with severe chronic renal failure. Total haemolytic complement reactivity (CH50) and serum concentrations of C1q, C1s, C4, C3, factor B, properdin, C5, C9, C-reactive protein (CRP), caeruloplasmin, α1-acid glycoprotein and haptoglobin were measured preoperatively and on days 2, 4 and 6 after operation. Abnormalities were seen in the group with chronic renal failure. Firstly, there was no significant acute phase response of C1s, C3, C5, C9 and CH50 and a significant reduction in the response of factor B. Secondly, CRP showed prolonged elevation in the post-operative period in contrast to the transient rise seen in the control group. With the possible exception of α1-acid glycoprotein, the behaviour of the non-complement proteins (caeruloplasmin and haptoglobin) was comparable for the two groups. These defects could impair the physiological response to infection in patients with severe chronic renal failure.
Detection of a Microsomal Antigen and Its Antibody in Human Liver Diseases
Authors: Penner E. , Emejuaiwe S.O. , Milgrom F.
Published: July 2009

Sera of 173 patients with various forms of liver disease along with serum precipitates produced by polyethylene glycol were screened for the presence of a microsomal antigen referred to as ubiquitous tissue antigen (UTA) and its antibody by double diffusion precipitation in agarose gel. UTA was detected in 7 of 26 patients with chronic active hepatitis, 1 of 5 with alcoholic hepatitis, 2 of 14 with alcoholic cirrhosis and 18 of 98 with hepatoma. Antibodies to UTA were found only in 2 patients with chronic active hepatitis, 1 with alcoholic cirrhosis and 1 with hepatoma. No UTA or its antibody were noted in sera of 5 patients with alcoholic fatty liver, 10 patients with hepatitis B, and 15 asymptomatic carriers of HBsAg. Positivity for the UTA or its antibody was restricted to severe, chronic cases irrespective of diagnosis, indicating that persistent tissue destruction might be necessary for antigen release or antibody formation.
Protein Synthesis and Secretion by Activated Human Lymphocytes
Authors: Bresnihan Barry , Lavalle Carlos , Jasin Hugo E.
Published: July 2009

Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed increased synthesis and secretion of protein in response to stimulation by mitogens. Protein secretion in response to concanavalin A (Con A) correlated with cellular proliferation and originated from the proliferating cells. Selective depletion of either B lymphocytes or monocytes did not lead to a reduction in the total protein secreted, suggesting that the T lymphocyte was the cell contributing most of the synthetic activity. It is concluded that the measurement of newly synthesized and secreted protein by Con A activated mononuclear cells is a measurement of the T-lymphocyte response.
Complement Activation by Rat Platelets: Its Significance to Inflammation in the Rat
Authors: Walker J.R.
Published: July 2009

Generation of chemotactic activity in rat plasma or serum by aggregated rat platelets or by an extract of lysed platelets has been demonstrated. Chemotactic activity was not generated from serum either in the absence of an intact complement system or by platelet lysate pre-incubated with soya bean trypsin inhibitor. The significance of these observations is discussed in relation to some recent work on the role of platelets in inflammation.
Experimental Chronic Serum Sickness in Rats
Authors: Arisz L. , Noble B. , Milgrom M. , Brentjens J.R. , Andres G.A.
Published: July 2009

This article describes a method of immunization that produces chronic serum sickness in rats within a relatively short time. Fisher rats, which were immunized subcutaneously three times with bovine serum albumin (BSA) in adjuvant, responded with high titers of antibodies to BSA. 2 weeks after the third subcutaneous immunization, daily increasing amounts of BSA were injected either intraperitoneally or intravenously. When an intravenous dose of 2mg of BSA was reached, the rats were given daily intravenous injections of BSA for several weeks. This procedure, which avoided death from anaphylaxis, induced severe proliferative glomerulonephritis in all the rats and produced deposition of antigen-antibody complexes in many other organs besides the kidney. This highly reproducible model of experimental chronic serum sickness in inbred animals may have applications for the study of the mechanisms of immune complex disease.
High Oxygen Pressure Inhibits DNA Synthesis in Mitogen-Activated Lymphocytes
Authors: Lindahl-Kiessling K. , Karlberg Inger
Published: July 2009

Peripheral sheep lymphocytes, exposed to the mitogenic lectin phytohemagglutinin do not incorporate radiolabelled thymidine in cultures with a gas phase high in oxygen. Cells kept under nitrogen incorporate thymidine to the same extent or better than cells grown under air. The inhibition is proportional to the oxygen content of the gas phase. The inhibition is relieved if oxygen is replaced by air after some time but the onset of DNA synthesis is delayed correspondingly. It is suggested that oxygen may have a regulatory function on the onset of DNA synthesis.
Evaluation of Bee Sting Allergy by Skin Tests and Serum Antibody Assays
Authors: Miyachi S. , Lessof M.H. , Kemeny D.M.
Published: July 2009

We studied 55 subjects who had had anaphylactic reactions to bee stings within the previous 3 years. 38 out of 54 tested had IgE antibody to honey bee venom (HBV) as measured by radioallergosorbent test (RAST). On skin testing, 30 out of 34 had a positive test to HBV. Of these, 26 had a positive RAST. A positive skin test to HBV at high dilution or else a high anti-HBV RAST score appeared to identify those who, in a 6-month follow-up period, were at risk of developing further anaphylaxis following bee stings or immunotherapy. Of the two tests, RAST appeared to be the less sensitive. Measurements of IgG antibody to phospholipase A were seldom available for the period immediately preceding an anaphylactic episode and proved to be a poor means of predicting the liability to bee sting anaphylaxis in subsequent months.
The Use of Hapten-Polysaccharide Conjugates for the Induction of B-Cell Tolerance Involving IgE Responses
Authors: Garrido M.J. , Moreno C.
Published: July 2009

Normal and sulphonamide-sensitised mice were made tolerant with 4-sulphanilamido-benzoic-diaminopropyl-carboxymethyl-levan (4-SABA-Le). The tolerance was demonstrably specific for the sulphanilamide moiety of the hapten and extended to related compounds sharing this determinant. Mice sensitised with a 4-SABA-chicken γ-globulin conjugate developed fatal anaphylactic shock after the injection of sulphanilamide or 4-SABA-ovalbumin, whereas allergic mice subsequently tolerised with 4-SABA-Le did not. The tolerance induced was long lasting since mice were still tolerant 7 months after an injection of an optimal dose of tolerogen. Suppressor cells play little or no part in the maintenance of this unresponsive state since even a 10-fold excess of splenic cells from tolerant animals failed to inhibit the responsiveness of 4-SABA-primed cells when they were transferred together into irradiated recipients.
In vivo Induction of Carrier-Specific Cyclophosphamide-Sensitive Suppressor Cells for Cell-Mediated Immunity in Mice
Authors: Attallah A.M. , Ahmed A. , Sell K.W.
Published: July 2009

Experiments were carried out to study the sequential events that follow the immunization of mice. To accomplish this goal, a reliable in vitro lymphoid-cell, spontaneous-proliferation assay was established. Mice were immunized with 2,4-dinitrophenylbovine serum albumin (DNP-BSA) or DNP-OVA albumin (OVA) in saline and subsequently received a secondary immunization at various intervals thereafter. 24 h after challenge, popliteal lymph node cells (PLN) from these mice were cultured in vitro for 24 h with 1 μCi of 3H-thymidine (3H-TdR). Kinetic studies revealed that carrier-specific, peak spontaneous proliferation occurred on day 6 following immunization, whereas no proliferation occurred on day 10. The proliferating cells were T cells. Prior treatment of mice with cyclophosphamide (CY) 3 days before immunization prolonged the ability of PLN CY from immunized mice to proliferate on day 10 after immunization. Addition of 5 × 103 thymocytes from day-10 DNP-BSA or DNP-OVA immunized mice to 1 × 105 PLN CY cells from day-10 immunized mice with homologous antigen caused a marked inhibition of the uptake of 3H-TdR, in contrast to thymocytes from day-6 immunized mice or from day-10 immunized mice that had been treated with 100 mg/kg CY 3 days before immunization. Our results suggest that the natural sequence of events following immunization with either DNP-BSA or DNP-OVA without adjuvant involves proliferation of T-lymphoid cells, which are subsequently turned off by a separate subset of thymus-derived suppressor T cells. These suppressor cells were found to be carrier-specific and CY-sensitive.
Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity Measured as an Increase of Ear Thickness in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Kostiala Anja A.I.
Published: July 2009

Determination of swelling at an intracutaneous test site in the pinna of the ear of guinea pigs immunized with protein antigens in complete Freund’s adjuvant was found to be a more sensitive assay of delayed-type hypersensitivity than the measurement of flank skin erythema and induration. In fact, 100 times less specific antigen was needed to detect 24-hour reactivity in the pinna of the ear. Reactivity early after sensitization (cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity), however, was best revealed as an erythematous lesion of the flank skin 24 h after testing.
Serum Immunoglobulin Levels in Mice
Authors: van Muiswinkel W.B. , de Laat A.M.M. , Mink J.G. , van Oudenaren A. , Benner R.
Published: July 2009

A comparison was made between the serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels in H-2 compatible AKR and C3H mice. The IgG1 and especially the IgA level in preleukemic AKR mice was much lower than in age-matched C3H mice, while the IgM concentration was hardly different for AKR and C3H. Lethally irradiated AKR and C3H mice reconstituted with syngeneic bone marrow (BM) cells showed a return to serum Ig levels which are normal for these strains. In AKR mice reconstituted with C3H BM cells low IgA levels were observed. On the other hand, in C3H mice reconstituted with AKR BM cells high quantities of IgA appeared, showing the AKR allotype. It is concluded that the low serum IgA concentration in AKR mice is not a reflection of a genetically determined inability of the B cell line to produce IgA, but rather a manifestation of a genetically determined capability to prevent IgA synthesis.
The Indirect Rat Mast Cell Degranulation Test Reconsidered
Authors: Krüger P.G. , Apold J. , Elsayed S.
Published: July 2009

The indirect rat mast cell degranulation test for the detection of human reaginic antibodies was reinvestigated. When the mast cells were incubated with human reaginic serum at concentrations exceeding approximately 3%, a massive, non-specific histamine release occurred, irrespective of the presence or absence of allergen. At tolerated serum concentrations (below 3%), the allergen concentration did not influence the release process. We conclude that the indirect rat mast cell test is not applicable as an alternative test system for the study of immediate hypersensitivity in humans.
Antigens in Penicillin Allergy
Authors: Kristofferson A. , Ahlstedt S. , Hall E.
Published: July 2009

The efficacy of pure and experimentally contaminated benzylpenicillin to induce formation particularly of IgE antibodies in CBA mice was analyzed. A daily administration schedule of 60 mg penicillin/kg body weight for 10-day periods with 25 days rest between the periods was employed. When using pure benzylpenicillin, as verified by a radioimmunoassay, no IgE or other antibody formation with penicilloyl specificity could be shown as analyzed with passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in rats and double-antibody radioimmunoassay, respectively. If the animals were exposed to Bordetella pertussis bacteria simultaneously with the penicillin treatment, or treated with hydrolyzed benzylpenicillin, an antibody response mainly of the IgM class could be shown, probably due to a polyclonal activation by the bacteria. No IgE antibodies were ever found after treatment with pure penicillin. In contrast, if the penicillin was contaminated with penicilloyl26-bovine γ-globulin at amounts of 3, 15 or 75 μg/g penicillin, both IgE antibodies and antibodies of the IgM and IgG classes could be demonstrated. Less contaminant needed more treatment periods to trigger the immune system. No adjuvant effect of the B. pertussis bacteria could be noted, but instead the bacteria sometimes suppressed the antibody formation, probably due to the daily exposure of the animals to the bacteria. It was concluded that the use of highly purified penicillin preparations would very likely decrease the incidence of penicillin allergy, particularly reactivity mediated by IgE antibodies.
Intestinal Mast Cells and Globule Leucocytes: Role of the Thymus on Their Presence and Proliferation during a Trichinella spiralis Infection in the Rat
Authors: Ruitenberg E.J. , Elgersma Anneke , Kruizinga W.
Published: July 2009

The effect of treatment with anti-thymocyte serum (ATS) or neonatal thymectomy with or without thymus reconstitution on the presence and proliferation of intestinal mast cells (IMC) and globule leucocytes (GL) was studied in the small intestine of the rat during and oral Trichinella spiralis infection. ATS exerted an initial transient inhibitory effect on the IMC response and a marked inhibitory effect on the GL response to an oral Trichinella infection. Neonatal thymectomy decreased numbers of IMC but not of GL in the non-infected rat. Thymus reconstitution restored IMC numbers, however, not to normal values. The IMC response to Trichinella was comparable in thymectomized, thymectomized and reconstituted and intact animals. In contrast, the degree of GL response to Trichinella depended mainly on the presence of a thymus. The combined results were interpreted in favour of the hypothesis that the origin of IMC is thymus (T)-dependent, and the response to Trichinella thymus independent. No evidence for the hypothesis that subepithelial IMC are precursors for the intra-epithelially located GL was found. The latter were regarded as an independent cell population, its origin being thymus independent, and its reaction to Trichinella mainly thymus dependent.
Enhancement of Eosinophil Leukocyte Chemotaxis by a Factor in Normal Human Serum (SEF)
Authors: Czarnetzki Beate M.
Published: July 2009

An activity in normal human serum is described which enhances the migration of eosinophils towards neutrophil-derived eosinophil chemotactic factor (ECF). The serum-enhancing factor (SEF), in contrast to the inhibitors in serum, is expressed primarily during weak chemotaxis, acts in a cell-directed fashion, increases the chemokinesis of eosinophils and, in the presence of ECF, enhances chemotaxis in a synergistic fashion. SEF is found in sera of several mammalian species, affects human and guinea pig eosinophils, and it is heat-labile (56°C). On Sephadex column chromatography, SEF has a molecular weight of ∼800,000 daltons. In some sera, a second activity with a molecular weight of ∼200,000 daltons is eluted. SEF does not enhance eosinophil migration once the cells have been deactivated in vitro by their chemotactic factor. Because of its wide distribution, SEF may play an important modulating role both in in vitro assay systems and in vivo.
Kinetics and Cell Killing in Dividing and Nondividing Leukemic Cells in vitro and in vivo by Natural Splenic Cytotoxic Factor
Authors: Attallah A.M. , Malinin G.I. , Houck J.C. , Johnson J.B. , Petricciani J.C.
Published: July 2009

Ultrafiltered splenic extracts (30,000–50,000 daltons) were specifically cytotoxic in crowded cultures of murine leukemic lymphoblasts but were only inhibitory toward normal lymphocytes or sparse cultures of leukemic cells. This expression of cytotoxicity was quantitated by (i) vital dye exclusion, (ii) cytochemical methods, and (iii) the increased survival time of mice injected with L-1210 leukemic cells incubated in vitro with splenic extract. Selective cytotoxicity of splenic extract was not due to medium depletion or to complement-mediated cytolysis and could not be replicated using similar extracts of other lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues. The selective effect of splenic extract on leukemic cells was characterized by the progressive shedding of cytochemically demonstrable RNA and the corresponding inhibition of 3H-uridine and 3H-thymidine incorporation. The comparison of progressive and gradual expression of cytotoxicity by splenic extract with the S phase specific inhibitor cytosine arabinoside suggests that the former is cytotoxic against leukemic cells predominantly in the G1phase of the cell cycle.
Interferon Enhanced Human Natural Killer and Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Attallah A.M. , Folks T.
Published: July 2009

Preincubation of normal human lymphocytes with human interferon for 18–24 h at 37°C resulted in an increase of the activity of both natural killer (NK) cells and antibody-mediated cytotoxic cells (ADCC). The human myeloid line, K-562, which is highly susceptible to NK cells, was employed. ADCC was assessed with antibody-coated chick erythrocytes as targets. NK cells and ADCC were detected in a 4-hour 51Cr release assay. The magnitude of the enhancement was proportionate to the amount of interferon used in preincubation of the effector cells. Preincubation of tumor-target cells with interferon does not increase their susceptibility or resistance to lysis. The major effect of interferon on the cellular metabolism of the tumor-target cell is inhibition of DNA synthesis, but no direct cytotoxic effect was detected. Our findings may be important in understanding the mode of action of interferon in increasing host resistance to a variety of pathogens and tumors. This may be accomplished by inhibiting the growth of the tumor while simultaneously enhancing the natural killing mechanism for immunosurveillance.
Ultrastructure of Basophilic Leukocytes and Mast Cells in Normal and Cutaneous Basophil Hypersensitivity-Reacted Guinea Pig Dermis
Authors: Kimura Michio , Takaya Kenichi
Published: July 2009

Basophilic leukocytes and mast cells in guinea pig dermis in normal and cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity (CBH) reaction were examined by light and electron microscopy. Basophils were rare in the normal dermis and predominantly revealed in the CBH-reacted skin. Some infiltrating basophils of the reacted displayed an immediate attachment to mast cells. Cytoplasmic continuities were partially seen between them. They were most plentiful at 48 h after phytohemagglutinin injection and decreased in number thereafter. The basophils contained three types of granule. The vast majority of granules were Type I granules, basophil-specific granules. Type II granules were less frequently encountered and resembled a mast cell granule in the fine structure. Type III granules were scant and small-cored vesicles.
Augmentation of Lymphocyte Surface Immunogenicity following Treatment with Dimethyl-Sulphoxide
Authors: Gray Bruce Nathaniel , Walker Colin
Published: July 2009

A mixed leucocyte culture is an in vitro tool for assessing differences in cell surface antigenicity between two cell populations. The MLC technique has been used to assess alterations in immunogenicity of rat lymphocytes, when exposed to the agent dimethyl-sulphoxide. Using four different rat strains, DMSO has been shown to be a surface-active agent that significantly increases the immunogenicity of both splenic and peripheral blood rat lymphocytes, as assessed by an increase in MLC reactivity. No augmentation of MLC reactivity is seen when syngeneic lymphocytes are used in the culture system as both effector and stimulator lymphocytes, thus confirming the immunological nature of the enhancement seen in allogeneic cultures.
Studies on the Pathogenesis of Experimental Autoimmune Renal Tubulointerstitial Disease in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Rudofsky Ulrich H. , McMaster Phillip R.B. , Pollara Bernard
Published: July 2009

It has been reported that strain 2 guinea pigs do not develop experimental autoimmune renal tubulointerstitial disease (RTD) by active or passive immunization. Under our experimental conditions strain 2 guinea pigs are susceptible to the induction of RTD. Typical moderate to severe renal lesions were seen 22 days after immunization with rabbit tubular basement membrane in complete Freund’s adjuvant. Most Albany strain guinea pigs had severe RTD. Susceptibility to induction of RTD by passive transfer of antitubular basement membrane autoantibodies was studied in Albany (A) and strain 2 (2) guinea pigs, as well as in A→A, A→2, and 2→A radiation chimeras. Only some Strain 2 guinea pigs had mild to severe renal lesions by day 9, but by day 19 all had typical histologic renal abnormalities. Albany guinea pigs already had moderate to severe RTD by days 9–10. Strain 2 differed from Albany recipients by a noticeable delay in the onset of lesions. Bone marrow transplants between Albany and strain 2 did not affect these susceptibility differences. A→2 recipients responded like strain 2, and 2→A like Albany. This indicates that the delay of onset of RTD in strain 2 is not a defect in the bone marrow-derived inflammatory cells.
Comparison between Surface Components from Human B and Chronic Lymphatic Leukaemia Lymphocytes Isolated by Lentil Lectin
Authors: Banderet Elisabeth , Despont Jean-Pierre
Published: July 2009

Peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with chronic lymphatic leukaemia (CLL) were compared to normal purified B lymphocytes. Lymphocytes were cultured in the presence of 3H-fucose, and glycoproteins isolated by lentil lectin, were analysed by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Most of the major components detected in normal B lymphocytes were also present in CLL lymphocytes. Although B and CLL lymphocytes shared several components of similar molecular size, the latter appeared to be a heterogeneous cell population. The most important finding was the presence of a prominent component of approximately 35,000 daltons in normal B and in 7 out of 8 cases of CLL. This component was not related to surface immunoglobulins but appeared to have a molecular weight very similar to the human Ia-like antigen. A labelled component of approximately 140,000 daltons was also present in large amounts in B lymphocytes and in 5 cases of CLL. Receptors specific for CLL lymphocytes were not found.
The Prickly Lettuce Agglutinin
Authors: Yen S.E. , Mansfield J.M. , Wallace J.H.
Published: July 2009

An agglutinin has been isolated from leaves of the prickly lettuce plant (Lactuca scariole). The prickly lettuce agglutinin (PLA) agglutinates erythrocytes of the mouse and rat, and binds to, but does not agglutinate erythrocytes of other species. PLA can be precipitated from crude plant extracts by cold acetone and ammonium sulfate treatment, is sensitive to proteolytic enzyme activity, and contains carbohydrate residues, suggesting that it is a glycoprotein. The agglutinin has a molecular weight of approximately 84,000 as determined by SDS-PAGE studies. The receptor for PLA has not been elucidated but may involve, in part, sialic acid residues.
Effects of Ascorbic Acid on Neutrophil Locomotion
Authors: Dallegri Franco , Lanzi Gianfranco , Patrone Franco
Published: July 2009

The effects of ascorbic acid on neutrophil locomotion were studied in experimental conditions able to dissociate random from truly directional motility. It was shown that the significant enhancement of chemotaxis achievable with high ascorbic acid concentrations was due to an increase of the true chemotactic response. With lower concentrations of ascorbic acid, chemotactic values were unaffected as the result of an increase in the rate of neutrophil locomotion with a concomitant inhibition of the true chemotactic response. Ascorbic acid appeared to exert its effect on the whole moving cell population.
Time-Lapse Cinematography of the Capillary Tube Cell Migration Inhibition Test
Authors: Bray M.A.
Published: July 2009

The kinetics of human and guinea pig cell migration inhibition have been studied using time-lapse cinematography of cells migrating from capillary tubes. Guinea pig and human cells exhibit markedly different kinetics in the absence of inhibitors. Specific antigen causes a dose-related inhibition of migration for up to 60 h using guinea pig cells and a peak of inhibition after 18 h using the human leucocyte system. The timing of measurement of maximum activity is therefore more critical for the latter test. The kinetics of lymphokine generation have been examined and the migration inhibitory activity of the plant mitogen (PHA), a Kurloff cell product and a continuous cell line supernatant have been compared with the inhibitory profiles of lymphokine preparations and specific antigen.
Immunochemistry of Salmonella O-Antigens
Authors: Jörbeck H. , Svenson S.B. , Lindberg A.A.
Published: July 2009

The binding specificities of antibodies directed against the Salmonella sero-group A-specific O-antigen 2 determinant were characterized by precipitation-inhibition and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay inhibition tests. Two different antigen O-2-specific antisera were investigated: one conventional factor O-2-serum (elicited by whole heat-killed Salmonella paratyphi A bacteria) and another elicited by the synthetic disaccharide 3-O-α-paratopyranosyl-D-mannopyranosyl (Parp13/α D-Manp) covalently linked via a p-isothiocyanatophenyl aglycon to bovine serum albumin (PM-BSA). The inhibition data showed that factor O-2 antibodies have combining sites which recognize structures larger than the Parp 13/α D-Manp disaccharide and equal to or smaller than an O-antigen O-2-specific octa-α saccharide derived from the S. paratyphi A O-polysaccharide. Although the factor O-2 serum exhibited a high specificity for the homologous S. paratyphi A O-antigen it still precipitated, though weakly, a heterologous Salmonella typhimurium O-antigen. In contrast, anti-PM-BSA antibodies were exclusively specific for the O-2 determinant of the native polysaccharide antigen. The combining sites of these antibodies best recognized the Parp 13/α D-Manp disaccharide, including the linkage arm and the lysyl residue of the BSA carrier protein molecule. These data extend earlier findings as to the superior specificity of anti-PM-BSA antibodies as compared to conventional factor O-2 antibodies.
Interaction of Doxantrazole with Calcium Ions in Solvents of Intermediate Polarity
Authors: Spitzer J.C.
Published: July 2009

Spectral evidence is presented that 0.01–0.03 mM solutions of the antiasthmatic drug doxantrazole contain the neutral or ionized form, depending on the solvent and, at least in 1 case, on concentration. In 1,4-dioxane, where only the neutral form exists, and in water, where the drug is ionized, no reaction between doxantrazole and calcium ion can be demonstrated spectroscopically. However, in 2-propanol at 0.01 mM and in 7:3 (v/v) 1,4-dioxane-water the doxantrazole anion can be shown to react with calcium. In more concentrated 2-propanol solutions most of the drug is in the neutral form, and no reaction with calcium is evident. It is suggested that in a biological system doxantrazole can react directly with calcium but such a reaction will depend on the state of the drug and the nature of its environment.
Seasonal Variation in Drug Action and Animal Responses in Models of Inflammation
Authors: Warne P.J. , West G.B.
Published: July 2009

During the summer months, aspirin was relatively ineffective in rats in suppressing leucocyte migration both into the pleural space inflamed by carrageenan and into inert sponges implanted subcutaneously. At this time period, rats were insensitive to intravenous histamine and relatively insensitive to anaphylactic shock, and survival rates after traumatic or tourniquet shock have also been reported to be at peak values. The cause of this resistance has still to be found, though hormonal activation may play a major role.
Essential and Nonessential Cooperative Signals in Lymphocyte Triggering in Solid Cultures
Authors: Kondracki Esteban
Published: July 2009

The kinetics of lymphocyte stimulation by mitogens in solid cultures were used to study the role of cell interactions in these responses. An absolute requirement for cell interactions, possibly through soluble mediators, was found in lymphocyte responses to calcium ionophore A23187, phytohemagglutinin HA17 and tetradecanoylphorbol acetate. Accessory leukocytes were adherent to plastic surfaces and did form E rosettes. Autologous erythrocytes were also capable of providing essential cooperative signals. 2-Mercaptoethanol, in contrast, only provided nonessential cooperative signals for lymphocyte stimulation in solid cultures.
Effect of Aspirin on the Complement System in vitro
Authors: Hänsch G.M. , Voigtländer V. , Rother U.
Published: July 2009

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), ASA and sodium salicylate (NaSA) activate the complement system in vitro. The activation involves the components of the classical pathway. It is, however, antibody independent. Evidence for activation are (1) consumption of C and C component activities; (2) activation of C1 evidenced by release of C1s from the macromolecular complex, and (3) C3 and C5 conversion.
Development of Delayed Hypersensitivity in Gnotobiotic Mice
Authors: Collins Frank M. , Carter Philip B.
Published: July 2009

Germ-free mice develop low levels of delayed hypersensitivity following exposure to sensitizing doses of sheep erythrocytes, compared to that seen in conventionally raised mice. Infection of the germ-free animal with either Salmonella gallinarum or Salmonella pullorum was followed by extensive growth of the organisms within the intestine and the gut-associated lymphoid organs. As many as 5,000 viable Salmonellae were recovered from the cecal and ileal Peyer’s patches as well as the mesenteric lymph nodes. However, neither strain spread significantly beyond the lymph nodes to the blood stream or to the liver and spleen. The gnotobiotic mice developed significant levels of delayed hypersensitivity to the Salmonella protein antigen and could be more readily sensitized to sheep erythrocytes than the germ-free host, despite the fact that Salmonellae were only able to infect the gut-associated lymphoid tissues.
The Nature of Secretory Agglutinins and Aggregating Factors
Authors: Eggert Michael
Published: July 2009

Secretory conglutinin-like factor (SKF), secretory bacterial aggregating factors (SBAF) and 11S secretory IgA antibodies of human saliva and full term amniotic fluid were quantitated by microtitration and partially characterized. The SBAF of both saliva and amniotic fluid aggregated a variety of oral streptococci, but no secretory IgA antibodies were found in amniotic fluid. The SKF and SBAF are distinguished from IIS IgA antibodies by being inhibited with EDTA and by being more susceptible to inhibition with reducing agents. These active factors are also distinguished from submaxillary mucins. Components of normal serum inhibit both SKF and SBAF, but blood-group reactive sugars cannot block either SKF or SBAF.
Bradykinin and the Dextran Anaphylactoid Reaction in Rats
Authors: Bennett A.J. , West G.B.
Published: July 2009

A comparison was made of the activities of clinical dextran and bradykinin in rats. Chiefly by using antagonists, major differences were identified and the study confirmed that bradykinin is unlikely to play a major role in the dextran anaphylactoid reaction.
Correlation of Serum Theophylline Levels with Inhibition of Allergen and Histamine-Induced Skin Tests
Authors: Fine Stanley R. , Fogarty Mary , Goel Zarina , Grieco Michael H.
Published: July 2009

The purpose of this study was to determine if clinically effective serum levels of theophylline have an inhibitory effect on intradermal tests for allergic hypersensitivity. Intradermal testing using the threshold-dilution technique was performed in 9 patients, 7 of whom were sensitive to 2 antigens. Testing was performed over a 6-hour period after theophylline administration and compared with the control results. Inhibition of the end-point was demonstrated with 12 of 16 antigens tested associated with serum theophylline levels ranging from 7 to 20 μg/ml. Marked inhibition of the intradermal tests, that might have clinical significance, only occurred with 4 antigens.
Binding of Soluble Immune Complexes to Fc Receptors on Human Neutrophils – Detection by Double-Coating Indirect Rosette Formation
Authors: An T.
Published: July 2009

By using double-coating indirect rosette formation (DIRF), which is a modification of Coomb’s mixed antiglobulin reaction, soluble immune complexes of ferritin (Fer) and rabbit anti-Fer in 40- to 120-fold antigen excess are shown to bind to the Fc receptor (FcR) on human neutrophils and lymphocytes. The molar ratios of anti-Fer antibody and Fer in these immune complexes are determined, at least, 1:7 and 1:21 respectively. These immune complexes have the same capabilities in detecting FcR-bearing neutrophils and lymphocytes, which is dependent upon the amounts of anti-Fer antibody present in the complexes. 81% on average of human neutrophils bear FcR which is trypsin resistant. The FcR on neutrophils is partially sensitive to pronase and completely inactivated after short glutaraldehyde fixation at 0 °C of the cells. Our findings strongly suggest that the weak binding of soluble immune complexes in antigen excess in some studies reflected the limitation of techniques employed to detect the binding rather than the nature of FcR on phagocytes.
Purification of Birch Pollen Allergen Extract by Gel Filtration
Authors: Puttonen E. , Pilström L.
Published: July 2009

Birch pollen extract was fractionated by gel filtration on a Sephadex G-75 column. The physicochemical characterization of fractions included the determination of protein, carbohydrate, molecular weight and pI. The immunological properties of the fractions were measured by skin prick testing of allergenic individuals and by indirect RAST. The cross-reactivity of the fractions was investigated by heterologous PCA in rats after producing specific reaginic sera in mice. The allergenically most active fractions were composed mainly of proteins with a molecular weight range of 10,000–50,000 daltons. These active fractions represented only 3% of the total protein and carbohydrate content of the crude extract. These results indicate that it is possible to purify birch pollen allergen extract from the bulk of nonallergic contaminants, mainly low molecular weight carbohydrates, by a single step gel filtration procedure.
Impaired Neutrophil Locomotion during Acute Bacterial Infections
Authors: Althaus D. , Keller H.U. , Hess M.W. , Cottier H.
Published: July 2009

Neutrophils from patients with acute bacterial infections show a marked decrease in random as well as directional locomotion in vitro. The further analysis of the data suggests that defective directional locomotion is due to impaired locomotion and not to impaired chemotaxis. The defect disappeared almost completely with clinical recovery. There was no direct correlation between impaired directional neutrophil locomotion and the proportion of band forms in the neutrophil population. Plasma obtained from patients with acute bacterial infections showed no ‘spontaneous’ chemotactic activity and immune complex-induced cytotaxin formation was normal in vitro. Neutrophils from 2 patients with viral pneumonia showed normal locomotion.
Influence of Adrenergic Drugs on IgE Production
Authors: Pauwels R. , Bazin H. , Platteau B. , Van Der Straeten M.
Published: July 2009

The influence of some adrenergic drugs (fenoterol, salbutamol, terbutaline as stimulant; propranolol as blocker) on IgE production in the rat was investigated. The drugs were administered orally, mixed in the food. The stimulant drugs caused a significant decrease of total serum IgE but had no influence on the specific IgE antibody response. The beta adrenergic blocker caused a significant increase of total serum IgE but also had no influence on specific IgE. The effect of terbutaline was blocked by propranolol. No influence of these adrenergic drugs on IgA and IgM levels was observed.
The Coagglutination Phenomenon of Bordet and Gengou Involves a Reaction between Antibody-Aggregated Fourth Component of Complement and a Receptor on Guinea Pig Red Cells
Authors: Coombs R.R.A. , Wilson Anne B. , Lachmann P.J.
Published: July 2009

The coagglutination phenomenon of Bordet and Gengou has been re-investigated. Many of the original observations have been confirmed. However, the explanation of the phenomenon has been found to be more special than that offered by Bordet and Gengou, who envisaged ‘entrainment’ or enmeshment of guinea pig red cells by lattices formed by antibodies reacting with serum proteins. We find that, so far as human serum is concerned, coagglutination of guinea pig red cells is confined to an activity of the fourth component of complement following its reaction with antibody. The nature of the association between antibody-reacted or antibody-aggregated C4 and the receptor on the guinea pig red cells is still to be elucidated.
Studies in Immunodermatology
Authors: Binder Walter L. , Beutner Ernst H. , Jablonska Stefania
Published: July 2009

Stratum corneum antibodies (SCAb) as detected by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) can be absorbed from human sera with homogenates of normal human callus which contain stratum corneum antigen. Titers of concomitantly present antibodies remain unchanged in sera absorbed with callus, thus showing that this absorption is specific. SCAb reacting in a passive hemagglutination assay with an antigen derived from human callus by means of a trypsin-phenol-water extraction can be specifically absorbed with the homologous antigen. However, absorption with callus fails to remove the hemagglutinating antibodies and absorption with the trypsin-phenol-water antigen preparation fails to remove SCAb detected by IIF. These data indicate a nonidentity relationship between these antigen systems despite their similar histological and anatomical tissue distribution. Reactivity of immunoglobulins and complement only with areas of traumatized stratum corneum in skin explants cultured on sera containing SCAb provide some insight as to a possible normal physiologic role for these ubiquitous complement-fixing autoantibodies.
Lymphocyte-Mediated Cytotoxicity and Humoral Antibodies in Human Pregnancy
Authors: Chardonnens X. , Jeannet M.
Published: July 2009

Lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity and complement-dependent antibody assays were used to study maternal immune response to fetal antigens present on cord lymphocytes at delivery. Among 24 cell-mediated lympholysis tests, 4 were found slightly positive and accompanied by a complement-dependent antibody and/or an antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity response. The humoral immune response was found more often positive than the cellular response.
Immunogenicity of Tobacco Smoke Components in Rabbits and Mice
Authors: Lehrer S.B. , Wilson M.R. , Salvaggio J.E.
Published: July 2009

Several extracts of tobacco leaf and tobacco smoke components were tested for their ability to stimulate and react with antibodies. Two experimental animal models, mice producing reaginic antibody and rabbits producing precipitating antibody, were used in this study. Results indicate that tobacco smoke extracts can stimulate immune responses to tobacco leaf antigens in rabbits and mice. The immunogen is apparently not a product of incineration because air passed through unlit cigarettes clearly extracted the antigenic component.
The Nature of Secretory Agglutinins and Aggregating Factors
Authors: Eggert Michael
Published: July 2009

Secretory conglutinin-like factor (SKF) reacts directly with an unknown surface component of some, but not all, oral gram-positive organisms. The absorption of SKF by bacteria is EDTA-sensitive and cannot be blocked with immunoglobulins. High levels of SKF in EDTA extracts of washed salivary sediment reveal the direct in vivo reaction of SKF with oral bacteria. Mixed aggregation with alexinated erythrocytes showed the SKF corresponds to the secretory bacterial aggregating factor (SBAF) for Streptococcus mutans serotype c and also that for Streptococcus mitis. These reactions represent a cross-reaction between bacteria and complement component C3. SKF/SBAF non-mucin glycoproteins and immunoglobulins possess receptors for bacterial components while mucins are passive carriers of blood group determinants.
Spleen Hemolytic Plaque-Forming Cell Response and Generation of Cytotoxic Cells in Genetically Obese (C57B1/6J ob/ob) Mice
Authors: Chandra R.K. , Au B.
Published: July 2009

Cell-mediated immune responses were evaluated in genetically obese (C57B1/6J ob/ob) mice and lean controls. The thymus and spleen weighed less and contained fewer mononuclear cells in obese animals compared with controls. The total number of direct and indirect plaque-forming cells in the spleen of obese mice immunized intraperitoneally with sheep red blood cells was reduced, however, when the results were expressed as plaques/106 mononuclear cells, the proportion of antibody-producing cells was higher in the obese. Ob/ob mice immunized in vivo with allogeneic EL-4 lymphoma cells showed markedly diminished capacity to generate cytotoxic cells, whereas such response after in vitro immunization was comparable in the two groups of animals. These observations suggest that altered cell-mediated immune response in obese animals is the result of a deleterious microenvironment.
Specificity of Fc Receptors on Human Monocytes for IgG1 and IgG3
Authors: Alexander M.D.
Published: July 2009

Human myeloma proteins IgG1 and IgG3 have been compared for their abihty to inhibit the binding of native particular immune complexes, containing either subclass, to peripheral blood monocytes. In contrast to some earlier findings, 7s IgG3 has been shown to be more effective than 7s IgG1.
Enhancement of the Human Mixed Lymphocyte Culture Response by Pretreating the Stimulating Cells with Interferon
Authors: Einhorn Stefan , Blomgren Henric
Published: July 2009

The influence of interferon (IF) on the human mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) reaction was examined. The presence of human IF in the MLCs but not pretreatment of the responding cell population with IF reduced the reaction. Pretreatment of the stimulating cells with human IF enhanced their MLC stimulatory capacities. This effect was observed with four different IF preparations of varying origin and purity, but not with a human mock or a mouse IF preparation.
Proliferative Response of Lymphocytes of Normal Individuals to Wheat Proteins (Gliadins)
Authors: Frew A.J. , Bright S. , Shewry P.R. , Munro A.
Published: July 2009

Preparations of gliadin, extracted from wheat gluten, were shown to stimulate a proliferative response by lymphocytes of normal donors. Not all donors responded to gliadin. In all but one case responder or non-responder status remained consistent on retesting. There was no association of ability to respond with HLA A or B type.
Rapid Batch Fractionation of Ryegrass Pollen Allergens
Authors: Smart I.J. , Knox R.B.
Published: July 2009

A rapid batch fractionation procedure employing ion-exchange matrices has been used to fractionate ryegrass pollen antigens and allergens. After sequential elution through CM-Sephadex and DEAE-Sephadex, a group of four electrophoretically distinct allergens with a molecular weight of approximately 32,000 was fractionated. These allergens correspond to the group I allergens previously isolated by Johnson and Marsh. This material may be suitable for clinical use where a characterised group I allergen preparation is required.
Histamine-Containing Cells from Bronchial Lavage of Macaque Monkeys. Time Course and Inhibition of Anaphylactic Histamine Release
Authors: Butchers P.R. , Vardey C.J. , Skidmore I.F. , Wheeldon A. , Boutal L.E.
Published: July 2009

Bronchial lavage of rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys provided leucocyte suspensions with viable histamine-containing cells (HCC) as 1–8% of the white cell population. These HCC released histamine on challenge with antiserum to human IgE. HCC from 2 monkeys with pulmonary and cutaneous hypersensitivity to Ascaris antigen (AA) released histamine on challenge with AA. The extent of histamine release was related to the concentration of antigen and antiserum, and histamine release was complete within 10 min of challenge. ( ± )Salbutamol and (––)isoprenaline were potent inhibitors of anaphylactic histamine release from HCC, but disodium cromoglycate and AH 9679 were relatively poor inhibitors. The HCC system combines the reproducibility of a cell suspension with a response to drugs similar to that of human lung fragments.
Detection of Autoimmune Response to Rabbit Epididymal and Seminal Spermatozoa
Authors: Riera Clelia M. , Galmarini Mirian , Faillaci María G. , Yantorno C. †
Published: July 2009

Conventional and anaphylactic autoantibodies to rabbit epididymal and seminal spermatozoa were detected in sera of rabbits autoimmunized by several procedures. Antibodies against epididymal spermatozoa were found in 85% of rabbits showing lesions of varying degrees in testes. When the comparison was made with antibodies to antigens of spermatozoa from semen, the correlation was markedly lower. The data prove the importance of a proper selection of the antigenic material when looking for antibodies to spermatozoa in studies of autoimmunity and fertility.
Temporal Changes in the Use of Drug-Eluting Stents for Patients With Non–ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention From 2006 to 2008
Authors: Roe Matthew T. , Chen Anita Y. , Cannon Christopher P. , Rao Sunil , Rumsfeld John , Magid David J. , Brindis Ralph , Klein Lloyd W. , Gibler W. Brian , Ohman E. Magnus , Peterson Eric D.
Published: July 2009

Background—

The risks of late stent thrombosis with drug-eluting stents (DES) were intensely debated after the presentation of a number of studies highlighting this issue in September 2006. We evaluated trends in the use of DES for patients with non–ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from 2006 to 2008.

Methods and Results—

Temporal patterns of DES use were examined among non–ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients in the Can Rapid risk stratification of Unstable angina patients Supress ADverse outcomes with Early implementation of the ACC/AHA guidelines (CRUSADE; January 2006 to December 2006) and Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network–Get With The Guidelines (ACTION–GWTG; January 2007 to June 2008) registries to determine how practice patterns changed for patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing PCI. Among the 54 662 patients analyzed, the percentage of patients undergoing PCI by quarter varied from 54% to 58% during the analysis time period. More than 90% of patients undergoing PCI received a DES in the first 3 quarters of 2006 before the public debate about the risks of DES began. Thereafter, the use of DES for PCI patients declined during the fourth quarter of 2006 through the first quarter of 2007 (82% to 67%), gradually declined during quarters 2 to 4 of 2007 (63% to 63% to 59%) but then slightly increased from the first to second quarter of 2008 (58% to 60%). Hospital characteristics did not seem to correlate with temporal changes in DES use, but by the last 2 quarters of the study period, patient characteristics such as white race, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and private or managed care insurance were more common among patients who received a DES compared with the beginning 2 quarters of the study period.

Conclusions—

These findings highlight how rapidly treatment decisions in contemporary practice can be affected by public debate related to scientific presentations and publications.