bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating Immune Complexes in Rats with Metastasizing or Nonmetastasizing Mammary Tumor
Authors: Yoo Tai June , Balint, Jr. Joseph P. , Whiteaker Stephen , Floyd Rachael A. , Kim Untae
Published: August 2009

The dual rat metastatic and nonmetastatic mammary tumor model was characterized by the level of immune complexes in the sera of rats bearing these tumors. Circulating immune complexes (CIC) were measured at various intervals posttumor injection in Wistar-Furth (W/Fu) rats inoculated at 2 months of age with either 1 × 106 viable metastasizing (TMT-081) or nonmetastasizing (MT-100) tumor cells into the mammary fat pads. The Raji cell assay was used to measure CIC. No correlation between tumor size and CIC levels in the tumors were observed. While none of the sera from the rats bearing the nonmetastasizing tumors had CIC levels higher than 30 μg/ml, a small percentage of the animals bearing the metastasizing tumors had serum CIC levels higher than 30 μg/ml. This study suggests no clear difference between the amount of CIC in the sera of animals bearing either metastasizing or nonmetastasizing tumors.
Assessment of Venom-Specific IgG Antibody in Patients Treated for Hymenoptera Allergy
Authors: Gentlesk Michael J. , Hamilton Robert G. , Adkinson, Jr. Franklin , Mansmann, Jr. Herbert C.
Published: August 2009

The IgG antibody (Ab) response achieved with specific venom immunotherapy was explored in 32 patients with Hymenoptera hypersensitivity. Venom-specific IgG Ab was quantitated before and after 1 year of immunotherapy using two solid phase radioimmunoassay (SPRIA) methods. An agarose-based test using 125l-Staphylococcus aureus Protein A (SPRIA) was used to determine specific IgG for five Hymenoptera species: yellow jacket (YJ), honeybee (HB), yellow-faced hornet (YH), white-faced hornet (WFH), and Polistes (POL). A cellulose disk test using 125I-anti-IgG (IgG RAST) was available only for YJ and HB venoms. Acceptable agreement (90% concordance) was observed with IgG anti-HB levels measured in the two assays. For the YJ-IgG, however, 17/69 (25%) of sera positive in the SPRIA were negative in the IgG RAST, whereas the converse was not observed. This result suggests that the IgG RAST is insufficiently sensitive to detect YJ-IgG responses in all patients on maintenance level immunotherapy. Using the Protein A SPRIA, there was excellent agreement between the venom used for immunotherapy and the specificity of the IgG Ab response. In 31 patients treated with a total of 90 venom species, 90/90 venom IgG levels were increased or maintained at high pretreatment levels in response to immunotherapy. In the same patients venom IgG levels obtained for venom species not included in therapy were undetectable or declined in 55/60 cases; in 4 cases treatment with YJ venom stimulated a WFH and/or YH IgG response, the remaining case, YJ venom stimulated a small rise in POL IgG. These apparent discrepancies can be explained by variable cross-reactivity among vespid and POL venoms. Among 32 patients with a combined total of 87 positive venom skin tests, 1 year of specific immunotherapy resulted in >5 μg/ml of venom-specific IgG in 61 instances. In 25 instances, the level of venom IgG was detectable but less than 5μg/ml, and in 1 case venom IgG could not be detected. Based on recent analyses by Golden et al., some or all of these latter 26 cases may represent suboptimal therapy despite a standard immunotherapy regimen. We conclude that venom IgG measurements can provide a specific and quantitative assessment of the immunologic response to venom therapy, and that such assessment may be clinically useful in detecting instances of suboptimal immunotherapy.
Sodium Diethyl Dithiocarbamate and the Mononuclear Phagocytic System in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Neveu P.J. , Vincendeau P.
Published: August 2009

Sodium diethyl dithiocarbamate (DTC) is a low molecular weight sulfur compound which has been previously shown to have immunomodulatory properties. In the present report, the effects of DTC on the mononuclear phagocytic system were studied in guinea pigs. The colloidal gold clearance was enhanced in animals which received an i.v. injection of 10 mg DTC on day – 13, but not in animals treated on day – 8 with DTC. DTC treatment modified neither 99mTc sulfur colloid uptake nor activation markers in peritoneal macrophage monolayers. These results show that DTC which modulates both delayed hypersensitivity and antibody synthesis only enhances nonspecific binding of macrophages but leaves unaffected endocytosis and metabolic status of macrophages.
Granular Intraepithelial Lymphocytes of the Rat Small Intestine
Authors: Mayrhofer Graham , Whately Robert J.
Published: August 2009

Intraepithelial lymphocytes have been studied in the small intestinal epithelium of normal and thymus-deficient rats. A method is described that allows recovery of purified intraepithelial lymphocytes with high yield and viability. Granular intraepithelial lymphocytes were present in normal numbers in jejunal sections from nude rats and from adult thymectomized, irradiated, bone marrow-reconstituted rats. These probably corresponded to the cells with prominent cytoplasmic granules seen in smears of isolated intraepithelial lymphocytes. Studies in athymic chimeras indicated that both granular and nongranular intraepithelial cells differentiate from bone marrow without requirement for thymus processing and that they are relatively more radio-resistant than classical lymphocytes. It is suggested that all or most intraepithelial lymphocytes form a single cell lineage in which the degree of cytoplasmic differentiation is controlled by either the thymus or T lymphocytes. Intraepithelial lymphocytes are not postthymic T cells and their relationship to mucosal mast cells and to natural killer cells is discussed.
Fluorescent Berberine Binding as a Marker of Secretory Activity in Mast Cells
Authors: Berlin Gösta , Enerbäck Lennart
Published: August 2009

We have previously shown that the weakly fluorescent cationic dye, berberine, forms a strongly fluorescent complex with the heparin of fixed mast cells and can be used for cytofluorometric measurement of heparin in both mast cells and individual mast cell granules. Now, we report on the use of berberine as a vital stain, demonstrating the secretory activity of mast cells. At a dye concentration of 0.025%, and after membrane stabilization with polyethylene glycol, normal mast cells exclude the dye while mast cells stimulated to secretion with polymyxin B show a strongly fluorescent dye binding to individual cytoplasmic granules. The mean fluorescence intensity (reflecting the number of stained granules) of the cell populations increased with increasing polymyxin B concentrations up to 2.0 μg/ml, thereafter remaining constant up to 10 μg/ml. Fluorescence intensity after vital staining with berberine was compared both to release of heparin measured by berberine binding to fixed cells (reflecting exocytosis of mast cell granules) and also to histamine release. The results strongly suggest that berberine specifically stains secreting granules that are located within the domains of the cells but may have released histamine. Vital berberine staining combined with histamine assays and cytofluorometric measurements of heparin is therefore of great potential interest for analyzing the dynamics of mast cell secretion.
Quercetin Inhibits Anaphylactic Contraction of Guinea Pig Ileum Smooth Muscle
Authors: Fanning Michael J. , Macander Peter , Drzewiecki Gary , Middleton, Jr. Elliott
Published: August 2009

Certain flavonoids inhibit antigen-induced release of histamine from mast cells and basophils and also inhibit contraction of guinea pig ileum induced by histamine, acetylcholine, and PGE2. We examined the effect of one flavonoid, quercetin, on anaphylactic smooth muscle contraction of ileum from guinea pigs sensitized to egg albumin. Quercetin inhibited both the phasic and tonic components of anaphylactic contraction in a concentration-dependent fashion (IC50 approximately 10 μM). Whether this is primarily an effect on mast cell mediator release or inhibition of mediator effects on smooth muscle has not been established.
Effects of a Crystalline Silica on Antibody Production to T-Dependent and T-Independent Antigens in Balb/c Mice
Authors: Mancino D. , Vuotto M.L. , Minucci M.
Published: August 2009

A crystalline silica (standard quartz DQ12 with particle size < 5 μm) is able to stimulate in Balb/c mice the production of antibodies of various isotypes to the T-dependent antigen trinitrophenylated keyhole limpet hemocyanin. Under the same experimental conditions silica was not able to stimulate antibody response to the T-independent antigen trinitrophenylated Ficoll. These results support the possibility that adjuvanticity of silica is correlated to its effects on one or more of the various functions carried out by macrophages on immune responses.
Experimental Beryllium-Induced Lung Disease
Authors: Barna Barbara P. , Deodhar Sharad D. , Chiang Theresa , Gautam Savita , Edinger Mark
Published: August 2009

Granulomatous lung disease was produced in strain 2 but not strain 13 guinea pigs by endotracheal injection of beryllium oxide (BeO), although isolated multinucleated giant cells containing crystalline material were found in lungs of both strains. Disease was also produced in (2 × 13) F1 hybrids, but of a milder form than in strain 2. In BeO-treated strain 2 and F1 animals, challenge with beryllium salts produced delayed hypersensitivity skin reactivity, and in vitro, enhanced tritiated thymidine uptake and lymphokine production by lymph node cells. No evidence was found for involvement of humoral immunity in the disease. Responses were not seen in BeO-treated strain 13 guinea pigs, and immunization of animals with BeO in complete Freund’s adjuvant produced similar immunologic findings. These data emphasize the involvement of genetically determined cellular immune mechanisms in beryllium lung disease.
Counter Inhibitor: A Low Molecular Weight Cytokine Derived from Human Leukocyte Dialyzates Reverses Antigen Dependent PMN and Macrophage Migration Inhibition
Authors: Farmer Jeffrey L. , Rosenberg Jonathan S. , Hester Raymond B. , Gottlieb Arthur
Published: August 2009

A low molecular weight component, termed counter inhibitor (CI), has been partially purified from human dialyzable leukocyte extracts. Addition of CI to either a direct leukocyte or macrophage migration inhibition system results in reversal of antigen-induced migration inhibition. CI activity requires the presence of antigen for expression, but does not require that the donor of the CI be immune to the antigen used in the migration inhibition assay. Reversal of migration inhibition by CI appears to be a consequence of its ability to prevent PMNs or macrophages from responding to lymphokines which induce migration inhibition.
Stimulating Effect of Mercuric Chloride and Nickel Sulfate on DNA Synthesis of Thymocytes and Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes in Children
Authors: Nordlind K. , Henze A.
Published: August 2009

Mercuric chloride and, to a lower extent, nickel sulfate, stimulated DNA synthesis of both thymocytes and peripheral blood lymphocytes. The metal allergens stimulated both celltypes at a lower degree than lectinic mitogens (PHA, Con A and PWM) did. In peripheral blood lymphocytes the stimulation degree was higher than in thymocytes after addition of metal allergens as well as lectinic mitogens. The presence of serum seemed to have a protective and potentiating role regarding the effect of mercuric chloride and lectinic mitogens, the effect of nickel sulfate being mainly unchanged. With increasing age of the individuals, an increase in the stimulation degree with mercuric chloride and lectinic mitogens was indicated, while nickel sulfate gave a decrease.
Studies on Immunity in Hybridoma-Bearing Mice. A. Immune Response to Antigens
Authors: Hirano Takao , Ovary Zoltan
Published: August 2009

When immunized with ovalbumin (OVA), mice bearing subcutaneously injected anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE-secreting hybridoma cells do not produce anti-OVA IgE antibodies as long as anti-DNP IgE is present in abundance in their sera. As soon as the titer of anti-DNP IgE antibody falls, anti-OVA IgE antibody appears. This inhibition of production of anti-OVA IgE is attributed to Fcε-bearing T cells which have a suppressive action of limited duration. Other isotypes of anti-OVA antibodies are produced in similar amounts as in controls which were immunized with OVA but not injected with hybridoma cells.
Classification of Human Heterophile Antibodies
Authors: Kano Kyoichi , Merrick Joseph M. , Milgrom Felix
Published: August 2009

A classification of heterophile antibodies is proposed, which is based on interactions with guinea pig kidney homogenate. The major groups of antibodies combining with guinea pig kidney encompass Hanganutziu-Deicher antibodies, Forssman antibodies, and antibodies to Newcastle disease virus. Antibodies which fail to combine with guinea pig kidney are primarily those of Paul-Bunnell variety.
Streptococcal Preparation OK-432-Induced Interferon in Human Leukocytes: Purification and Characterization
Authors: De Ley Marc , Claeys Hendrik
Published: August 2009

Interferon production was induced in leukocyte suspensions from human buffy coats after stimulation with the streptococcal preparation OK-432. At day 2–3 the induced interferon reached a maximal level of 0.9 units/1,000 cells. By a combination of batch adsorption/elution on silicic acid, batch adsorption to DEAE-Sephacel, affinity chromatography on concanavalin A-Sepharose and on poly(U)-Sepharose, this interferon could be purified to a specific activity of 107 5 units/mg protein. The antiviral activity was characterized as being solely due to γ-type interferon by a variety of physicochemical, biochemical and serological criteria. Its molecular weight as determined by gel filtration amounted to 53,000 daltons, and its activity was completely neutralized by highly specific antisera to human γ-type interferon (45K). The OK-432-induced interferon, as the crude supernatant of stimulated leukocytes, and at several stages of its purification, was found to stimulate the natural killer cell activity of fresh human lymphocytes.
Polyethylene Glycol Reactive Antibodies in Man: Titer Distribution in Allergic Patients Treated with Monomethoxy Polyethylene Glycol Modified Allergens or Placebo, and in Healthy Blood Donors
Authors: Richter Ary Wolfgang , Åkerblom Eva
Published: August 2009

Antibodies to polyethylene glycol (PEG) were analyzed in patients with various allergies and in healthy blood donors employing passive hemagglutination. In untreated allergic patients and in healthy blood donors, naturally occurring anti-PEG antibody titers between 32 and 512 were seen in 3.3 and 0.2%, respectively. During hyposensitization with monomethoxy polyethylene glycol modified ragweed extract and honey bee venom, respectively, the patients showed an anti-PEG antibody response. Titers of 32–512 were found in 50% of the patients directly after the first treatment course. After 2 years of treatment the percentage of patients with such titers declined to 28.5%. Mercaptoethanol treatment of sera indicated that the anti-PEG antibodies predominantly were of the IgM isotype. The weak IgM response found in treated patients is considered to be of no clinical significance.
Mouse Ear PCA as a Model for Evaluating Antianaphylactic Agents
Authors: Inagaki Naoki , Goto Shoichi , Nagai Hiroichi , Koda Akihide
Published: August 2009

Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction elicited in ears of male ddY mice was studied by means of assessing dye leakage. In the ear, PCA reaction was more sensitive and reproducible than that in the dorsal skin. The reaction was significantly suppressed by ketotifen, one of antianaphylactic agents.
Mixed Passive Hemagglutination with Soluble Platelet Antigens
Authors: Shibata Yoichi , Juji Takeo , Tohyama Hiroshi , Sakamoto Hisahiro , Ozawa Naohiro , Kano Kyoichi
Published: August 2009

Mixed passive hemagglutination (MPHA) test was established using platelet-supernatant and indicator cells coated with purified antihuman IgG antibodies. The supernatant was shown to contain HLA A and B antigens, platelet alloantigens and blood group A, B and H antigens released spontaneously from the platelets. Unlike the MPHA with platelet monolayer, the in vitro-formed immune complex (IC) or IC containing pathologic sera did not give positive reactions in the MPHA with platelet supernatants presumably due to relatively low Fc receptor activities of the supernatants. By means of this test, HLA A or B antibodies were demonstrated in sera of 32 (44%) of 72 patients with multiple platelet transfusions including ‘cytotoxicity negative absorption positive’ sera. This test would provide a sensitive procedure for cross-match of sera of recipients of platelet transfusion and screening of HLA A and B typing sera.
Suppression of Mixed Lymphocyte Culture by Uremic Adherent Spleen Cells and Peritoneal Macrophages Is Dependent on a Cyclophosphamide-Sensitive Cell
Authors: Alevy Yael G. , Mueller Kathleen R. , Slavin Raymond G.
Published: August 2009

A model of experimentally induced uremia in the rat has been used to study the effect of uremia on the response of spleen cells to alloantigens. The proliferative ability of uremic spleen cells in mixed lymphocyte culture is significantly suppressed when compared to that of cells from control animals. This suppression appears to be due to both adherent suppressor cells which can be eliminated by adherence to rayon wool and to the inability of uremic T cells to respond to alloantigens. In addition, unstimulated peritoneal macrophages (PMO) obtained from uremic rats were also shown to be suppressive to the response of control spleen cells to alloantigens. The suppression by uremic adherent spleen cells and PMO is regulated by cyclophosphamide-sensitive cells.
Immunogenicity of a Hapten-Carrier Conjugate Taken up by Peritoneal Cells
Authors: Neveu P.J.
Published: August 2009

The present experiments have been performed in order to study the immunogenicity of antigen taken up by peritoneal macrophages using the hapten-carrier model and to investigate the role of macrophages in the antigenic competition between hapten and carrier moieties of the antigen molecule we have previously described. Guinea pigs were immunized with peritoneal cells collected from guinea pigs previously injected intraperitoneally with soluble or glutaraldehyde-polymerized hapten-carrier conjugates in Freund’s incomplete adjuvant. Delayed hypersensitivity reactions to the carrier and anaphylactic reactions to both the hapten and the carrier were studied 14 and 16 days after immunization. After immunization with macrophage-associated hapten-carrier conjugate, delayed hypersensitivity reactions to the carrier were first detected in the absence of anaphylactic reactions which appeared later. The capabilities of macrophage-ingested antigen to induce delayed hypersensitivity reactions, but not anaphylaxis, decreased when increasing the incubation time of macrophages with antigen. The antigenic competition between hapten and carrier was confirmed to be a transient phenomenon occurring in the macrophage.
Studies on the Binding of Complement Factor C4 in Human Platelets
Authors: Sandvik T. , Endresen G.K.M. , Førre Ø.
Published: August 2009

Normal human platelets were investigated by immunofluorescence techniques for the natural occurrence of and uptake capacity for complement factor C4. Fractions of human platelets were found to carry none or very little C4. Activated C4 was readily taken up by the majority of platelets in vitro. Complement could be activated with pathological cold agglutinins (CA) of mono- or polyclonal types, all with specificity for the I antigen. Complement activation seen in normal human sera was probably due to naturally occurring CA with anti-I specificity. Thrombin potentiated the complement-activating capacity of CA, and complement factor C1 enhanced and stabilized the binding of CA to platelets.
Intestinal Mast Cell Changes in Guinea Pigs Infected with the Nematode Trichostrongylus colubriformis
Authors: Handlinger Judith H. , Rothwell T.L.W.
Published: August 2009

Infection of guinea pigs with the parasitic nematode Trichostrongylus colubriformis was followed by a three- to fourfold increase in the number of mast cells in the small intestine mucosa. Mitotic figures were observed in many mast cells during the period numbers were increasing. Many mast cells developed cytoplasmic granules which, unlike pre-infection mast cell granules, contained crystalline structures.
Age-Associated Changes of the Characteristics of Autoantibody-Forming Cells in NZB/W Mice
Authors: Terada Eiji , Okudaira Hirokazu , Ghoda Akira , Miyamoto Terumasa
Published: August 2009

Age-associated change of characteristics of anti-double-stranded (ds) DNA antibody-forming cells in the NZB/W mouse spleen was studied. These cells in mice aged 9–11 months, which develop high titer anti-ds DNA antibody formation, produced antibody without the help of T cells or pokeweed mitogen (PWM), adhered to Sephadex G-10, and sedimented to the bottom when applied to Ficoll-Paque solution. On the other hand, these cells in relatively young (7- to 8-month-old) mice, which develop low titer anti-ds DNA antibody formation, produced antibody maximally with the help of T cells and PWM, adhered little to Sephadex G-10, and fractionated into intermediate lymphocyte fractions when applied to Ficoll-Paque solution. Collectively, anti-ds DNA antibody-forming cells in NZB/W mice were shown to change their characteristics with age.
Granulocyte Migration Abnormality in Patients Suffering from Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: Failure of Treatment with Cimetidine
Authors: Maderazo Eufronio G. , Albano Susan D.
Published: August 2009

Granulocyte locomotory responses in 5 patients with symptomatic seasonal allergic rhinitis were lower compared with similar responses from 27 normal nonallergic controls. In a subsequent controlled, double-blind crossover study, neither cimetidine (histamine H2-receptor blocker) nor placebo improved these responses. In our in vitro study, histamine did not inhibit granulocyte responses to chemotactic attractant. These results indicate that defective granulocyte response in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis may be due to factors other than or in addition tohistamine.
Adjuvant and Immunogenic Properties of Gonococcal R-Type Lipopolysaccharide in Reaginic Antibody Formation in Mice
Authors: Vijay H.M. , Ashton F.E , Diena B.B.
Published: August 2009

The ability of gonococcal R-type lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to function as an adjuvant and as an antigen in the formation of IgE and IgG1 antibody responses in mice was investigated. LPS failed to induce LPS-specific IgE or IgG1 under a variety of experimental conditions. LPS was capable of enhancing IgE and IgG1 antibody responses to gonococcal protein (ZAB), but its adjuvant effect was weaker than that of Al(OH)3. The LPS-induced anti-ZAB IgE antibody titers showed a cycling phenomenon with time, but the IgG1 response was delayed and peaked only once.
Cellular Immunity in Renal Failure: Depression of Lymphocyte Transformation by Uraemia and Methylprednisolone
Authors: Langhoff E. , Ladefoged J.
Published: August 2009

In vitro parameters of the cell-mediated immunity were assessed in patients with chronic renal failure on haemodialysis (HD). The in vitro mitogen responses of uraemic lymphocytes are depressed compared to control lymphocyte cultures. Prolonged or shortened incubation of uraemic cultures does not normalize the mitogen responses, and the difference is reflected in both DNA, RNA and protein synthesis of lymphocytes. Lymphocyte responses of control cultures incubated with uraemic plasma are similar to those of cultures with saline, and significantly stronger (p < 0.05) than those of the uraemic lymphocyte cultures. The relative in vitro immunosuppressive effect of steroid is stronger in uraemic cultures. Thus the depressed uraemic lymphocyte responses may be associated with steroid-sensitive cellular interactions independent of incubation periods. However, both control and uraemic lymphocyte cultures have a reproducible individual in vitro lymphocyte response to the immunosuppressive effect of steroid.
Regulation of Constitutive Bone Marrow Cell Proliferation by Bone Marrow Suppressor Cells
Authors: Soderberg Lee S.F.
Published: August 2009

Bone marrow (BM) cells have previously been shown to suppress specific immune responses of cells from peripheral lymphoid organs. The present report describes a suppressor cell present in normal rabbit BM, which regulated the constitutive proliferation of other BM cells. The suppressor cells were Fcγ-receptor-positive (FcγR+) complement-receptor-negative, and nonadherent or weakly adherent. Similar suppressive activity was not detected among rabbit spleen cells. Removal of FcγR+ suppressor cells allowed greater than 10-fold increases in the proliferation of FcγR–– BM cells. Addition of FcγR+ BM cells to FcγR–– cells efficiently blocked proliferation. The suppressor cells acted by inhibiting the elaboration of a soluble growth-promoting factor by cells in the FcγR–– population. The growth-promoting factor enhanced proliferation of unseparated rabbit BM cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
Suppression of the IgE Antibody Response by Glutaraldehyde-Modified Ovalbumin: Dissociation between Loss of Antigenic Reactivity and Ability to Induce Suppression
Authors: HayGlass Kent T. , Strejan Gill H.
Published: August 2009

Ovalbumin (OA) was substituted with glutaraldehyde (GA) at various GA:OA ratios and several preparations were isolated by gel filtration according to molecular weight. Two GA-substituted but unpolymerized preparations (OA1-L and OA1H) and 3 polymerized preparations of increasing molecular weight (OA4, OA175 and OA-POL) were obtained and were assessed for their ability to react with IgG and IgE antibodies directed against the native OA molecule, as well as for their ability to suppress the IgE antibody response. The results show that while both polymerized and unpolymerized GA-modified preparations lost their reactivity towards antinative OA antibodies, to a considerable extent, their ability to suppress the OA/IgE antibody response was directly dependent on polymerization. Pretreatment of CBA mice with unpolymerized OA preparations was ineffective while the effect of pretreatment with three polymers (OA4, OA175 and OA-POL) was directly dependent on the size of the polymer. The ability to induce IgG antibodies or delayed hypersensitivity to OA was not suppressed.
Inhibition of Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity and Natural Cytotoxicity by Retinoic Acid
Authors: Eremin O. , Ashby J. , Rhodes J.
Published: August 2009

The present study has shown that in vitro antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and natural cytotoxicity of human blood lymphocytes are inhibited by retinoic acid (5·10-4M). The inhibition of cytotoxicity is due to a specific effect on the effector lymphocytes and not to an effect on the target cells. The reduction of killing is most pronounced with prolonged incubation (20 h) of the killer cells with retinoic acid, recovery of killer and natural killer cell activity occurring with post-treatment incubation (> 24 h, 37 °C) in medium. Retinoic acid was found to have an antagonistic effect to interferon in modulating in vitro natural killer cell activity. The mechanism of inhibition by retinoic acid was uncertain but modulation of cell membrane receptors appeared to be a likely possibility.
Fractionation of Human Thymocytes and Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes on Percoll Density Gradients and DNA Synthesis Stimulating Effect of Mercuric Chloride
Authors: Nordlind K.
Published: August 2009

Human thymocytes and peripheral blood lymphocytes were separated on the basis of density on Percoll gradients and the different cell populations tested regarding DNA synthesis after addition of mercuric chloride. Thymocytes with a density of 1.065–1.067 g/ml and peripheral blood lymphocytes with a density of 1.063–1.065 g/ml were maximally stimulated with mercuric chloride as well as with mitogenic lectins. Thus mercuric chloride seems to be a polyclonal activator of human peripheral T lymphocytes and thymocytes with characteristics of medullary cells (virgin T cells).
Cell Surface Modifications with Trifluoromethyl Dinitrophenyl-Soluble Protein Conjugates: Immunogenic Role of Noncovalently Bound Hapten
Authors: Bischoff P. , Maugras M. , Poignant S. , Oth D.
Published: August 2009

Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was derivatized, under mild conditions, with trifluoromethyl-dinitrophenyl (CF3-DNP), a haptenic group cross-reacting with trinitrophenyl (TNP). High-field nuclear magnetic resonance of fluorine (19F-NMR) permitted to calculate the number of covalently and noncovalently bound haptenic groups per BSA molecule. Further dialysis against paratoluene sulfonic acid permitted to obtain CF3-DNP-BSA conjugates from which noncovalently bound hapten had been removed. Soluble conjugates containing 4 covalenty bound plus 1 noncovalently bound hapten groups, or only 4 covalently bound groups, were added to splenocytes in culture. These splenocytes, after such treatments, were added to effector lymphocytes in a 5-day culture aimed at the generation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) against the CF3-DNP-induced cell surface modification antigens. It was found that only the BSA conjugates that contained noncovalently bound haptens were able to generate CTL against target cells whose surface had been directly modified with CF3-DNP, whereas BSA bearing only covalently bound hapten groups were not. Replacing BSA by human serum albumin, or CF3-DNP by TNP, gave comparable results. Thus, under the conditions used, haptenic groups covalently bound to their soluble carrier protein did not generate hapten-dependent CTL, but noncovalently bound or free haptenic groups at very low concentration were able to do so.
Gut Mucosal, Salivary and Serum Antitoxic and Antibacterial Antibody Responses in Swedes after Oral Immunization with B Subunit-Whole Cell Cholera Vaccine
Authors: Jertborn M. , Svennerholm A.-M. , Holmgren J.
Published: August 2009

Gut mucosal, salivary and serum antibody responses to a new oral cholera vaccine, consisting of B subunit and whole cell vaccine (WCV), were studied in Swedish volunteers. A single immunization with a 0.5mg dose of B subunit together with WCV (5 × 1010 killed cholera vibrios) induced a local intestinal immunoglobulin A (IgA) antitoxin response in 4/6 (67%) vaccine recipients as evident from specific antibody titre rises in intestinal lavage fluid. A second administration of vaccine did not further enhance the intestinal immune response beyond the peak level induced by the initial immunization. Different doses of B subunit (2.5 and 0.5 mg) given together with 5 × 1010 killed vibrios (WCV) induced antitoxin antibody responses in serum in about the same frequency, 10/13 (77%) responders versus 13/14 (93%), as well as in saliva, 7/13 (54%) versus 9/14 (64%), and a single immunization was almost as efficient as two vaccine administrations. Single or repeated oral vaccination only irregularly resulted in modest antibacterial titre rises in serum (9/27 = 33%) or saliva (12/27 = 44%), but stimulated a significant mucosal antibacterial response in intestine of 5/6 (83%) examined volunteers.
Complement Components, Complement Activation, and Acute Phase Response in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Sturfelt Gunnar , Sjöholm Anders G.
Published: August 2009

The investigation concerned 33 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients assigned to three groups representing mild SLE, more severe extra renal SLE, and SLE with significant renal involvement. In patients with extrarenal disease, the inflammatory plasma protein response was often pronounced during exacerbation, as evidenced by markedly increased concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), α1-antichymotrypsin, αpantitrypsin, and orosomucoid. CRP responses were rare in patients with renal involvement, despite the increased concentrations of other acute-phase reactants in some of these patients. Superimposed bacterial infections were not clearly distinguished by raised CRP concentrations. The classical pathway of complement was activated in all patients during exacerbation, as indicated by increased concentrations of CIr-CIs-CI inactivator complexes and C2a fragments. C1, C2, and probably also C3 activation varied according to the amounts of circulating C1q-binding immune complexes, as measured by solid-phase assay. Manifest hypocomplementemia was usually associated with glomerulonephritis. Participation of complement components in the inflammatory plasma protein response apparently counteracted the development of hypocomplementemia in many patients with extrarenal SLE. Circulating C3d was detected in all patients during exacerbation of renal disease and in most patients with severe extrarenal manifestations. Inverse relationships were found between immunochemical C2 concentrations and the percentage of cleaved C2 and between C3 and C3d. There was no appreciable consumption of factors B and D and properdin of the alternative pathway in the patients. High concentrations of factor D, a low molecular weight protein, were exclusively found in patients with renal involvement and could be ascribed to retention due to reduced glomerular filtration.
Interleukin 2 Production Induced by Chemically Defined Cell Membrane Modification
Authors: Attallah Abdelfattah M. , Hornicek Francis J. , Muller Jacqueline , Noguchi Philip , Malinin George
Published: August 2009

We present evidence that murine spleen cells produce a T-cell growth-stimulating factor following oxidation by periodic acid (H5IO6). The identification of this factor as interleukin 2 (IL-2) is indicated by its ability to support the growth of the IL-2-dependent CT6 cell line. In addition, preliminary analysis shows that H5IO6-stimulated growth factor has biochemical properties similar to IL-2. The time course of H5IO6-induced IL-2-like production by spleen cells was determined. No growth-stimulating activity was detected after 1 h of culture. The peak of periodic acid-induced IL-2-like production was between 18 and 24 h, while the maximum 3H-thymidine incorporation in spleen cells occurred at 72 h. Flow cytometry of CT6 cells was used for cell cycle analysis and to demonstrate their stimulation by IL-2-containing supernatants. These results were in agreement with the 3H-thymidine incorporation data. Electron microscopy of CT6 cells stimulated by supernatants from concanavalin A- or H5lO6-treated spleen cells showed no differences in their morphology. Degradation of spleen cell sialic acid prior to periodic acid oxidation inhibited IL-2-like production by 84% and inhibited 3H-thymidine uptake by 80%.
Influence of Dextran Polymer Particles (Sephadex G-200) on the Chemiluminescence Response of Murine Peritoneal Leukocytes
Authors: Gillert K.-E. , Cuadra M. , Winkler M. , Muller S.
Published: August 2009

Murine peritoneal leukocytes exhibited enhanced levels of chemiluminescence (Cl) when derived from mice inoculated intraperitoneally with Sephadex G-200 gel. This could be observed in the background, ‘spontaneous’ Cl reactivity, and in Cl elicited by in vitro addition of zymosan or mitogens. Leukocytes found in the peritoneum after Sephadex G-200 inoculation are predominantly neutrophils. It is suggested that the enhanced Cl reactivity is due to activation and proliferation of neutrophils.
Use of the T Lymphocyte Colony-Forming Assay to Study Human Lymphocyte Interactions
Authors: Ridley M.B. , Valenski W.R. , Herrod H.G.
Published: August 2009

The role of various mononuclear cell subpopulations necessary for T lymphocyte colony formation was investigated. Neither T cell-enriched nor T cell-depleted populations formed colonies as readily as did unfractionated cells. Addition of small numbers of the T cell-depleted pool greatly enhanced the capacity of the T cell-enriched pool to form colonies. Populations depleted of cells bearing the OKT4 phenotype were deficient in their colony-forming capacity. This assay may prove useful in evaluating patients with subtle abnormalities of mononuclear cell function.
Comparative Studies on Tree Pollen Allergens
Authors: Florvaag E. , Elsayed S.
Published: August 2009

The immunological properties of the aqueous crude alder pollen extract (AI crude) and gel filtration fractions AI 3, AI 4 and AI 34 (pool of fractions AI 3 and AI 4) were examined by immuno- and radioimmuno-electrophoretic techniques, RAST titration, RAST inhibition and skin prick tests (SPT). In CIE, the AI crude extract and AI 34 displayed reference precipitate patterns consisting of 27 and 24 visible Coomassie brilliant blue stained lines, respectively. The CRIE allergogram performed by incubation with 18 individual reaginic sera detected three IgE-binding antigens characterized by different IgE-binding properties. Antigen No. 7 (Ag 7) was demonstrated to be the major IgE antibody-binding antigen of alder pollen, while Ag 1 and Ag 11 were classified as intermediate allergens. The allergens of alder pollen were located in fractions AI 3 and AI 4 of the gel filtration chromatogram. Ag 7 was present in both fractions as demonstrated by FRIE with autoradiography (FRIEWA) on the gel filtration fractions and tandem-CRIE of AI 3 and AI 4. The CRIE allergogram, RAST, RAST inhibition and SPT demonstrated fraction AI 34 to be allergenically representative of the AI crude extract both qualitatively and quantitatively. Thus, fraction AI 34 was considered an optimal purified allergen extract of alder pollen, a suitable material for further biochemical characterization and trials on purification of the allergenic reactive antigens.
Separation and Characterization of Macrophage Precursors and of Interleukin 2-Responding Cells from Nylon Wool-Nonadherent Murine Spleen Cells by Using Bauhinia purpurea Agglutinin
Authors: Yamaguchi Naoto , Osawa Toshiaki
Published: August 2009

Precursors of macrophages were found to be enriched in nylon wool-nonadherent cells which are often used as purified T cells. By using a 2-step agglutination sedimentation method with Bauhinia purpurea agglutinin (BPA), the precursors of macrophages which were enabled to proliferate and differentiate by the addition of colony-stimulating factor (CSF) or high concentrations of concanavalin A (Con A) were exclusively separated into a nylon wool-nonadherent, BPA-agglutinated (bottom) fraction. Cells responsive to some kind of factor(s) other than CSF in Con A supernatants (Con A-Sup) were also fractionated into the bottom fraction. Under these conditions, T cells were separated into both BPA-nonagglutinated (top) and agglutinated (bottom) fractions. The proliferative response of the cells in the top fraction was higher than that in the bottom fraction when they were stimulated with an optimal concentration of Con A (3 μg/ml). As assessed by the Con A pulse experiments, T cells in the bottom fraction required larger amounts of interleukin 2 (I1–2) than those in the top fraction for proliferation and the growth of T cells in both fractions was completely dependent upon I1–2.
Concanavalin A-Induced Activation of Human T Cell Subpopulations
Authors: Persson Ulla , Johansson S.G.O.
Published: August 2009

The proliferative response to concanavalin A (Con A) in human peripheral lymphocytes is dependent on the presence of adherent cells. OKT 8-positive cells respond less well to Con A than OKT 4-positive cells, especially to high concentrations of the activator. The response in both subpopulations of cells is dependent on the number of adherent cells added, the dose of the mitogen used, the day of testing as well as the presence of lymphocyte-produced factors. The data presented in the paper clearly show the importance of caution in evaluation of results obtained by in vitro-induced mitogen activation due to the number of known and unknown variables that affect the magnitude of the response.
Modulation of Mast Cell cAMP Levels
Authors: Alm Per E.
Published: August 2009

Modulations of cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels and secretory capacity in both immunological and non-immunological stimulation of rat mast cells are influenced by the calmodulin inhibitor trifluoperazine. A model of a calcium-dependent joint regulation of cyclic nucleotide turnover in these two types of mast cell stimulation is presented.
Allergenic Components of Bald-Faced Hornet (V. maculata) Venom
Authors: Littler Susan , Wypych John I. , Noble Robert W. , Abeyounis John , Reisman Robert.E.
Published: August 2009

Bald-faced hornet (V. maculata) venom collected by electrical stimulation was fractionated using molecular exclusion gel-filtration and ion-exchange chromatography. Four fractions were selected for indepth analysis. These were analyzed for phospholipase, hyaluronidase and protease enzyme activities, antigenicity as measured by reaction with anti-hornet venom rabbit serum, and allergenic activity, as determined by RAST reaction with sera from hornet-sensitive patients. The results of these studies suggest that the fractions containing phospholipase, hyaluronidase and protease possess allergenic activity. In addition, there appear to be other allergenic components in hornet venom. Allergic patients differ in their reactivity to the various allergenic components in hornet venom and may have IgE antibodies to one or more of these components.
Relation between Components of the Immune Response in Rats Sensitized by Aerosol and Subcutaneous Injections
Authors: Ahlstedt S. , BjÖrkstén B. , Holgersson M. , Nygren H. , Smedegård G.
Published: August 2009

Relations between the appearance of various components of the immune response were analyzed in two groups of rats sensitized by aerosol and subcutaneous injections in the neck region, respectively. The relations were expressed by Spearman rank correlation coefficient and studied by cluster analysis. In the aerosol-sensitized animals, there was a close association between IgA and IgG antibody levels in bronchial fluid and these in turn were related to IgG levels in serum and more loosely to IgE levels in bronchial fluid. There was an apparent association between IgE antibody formation and mast cell maturation in cultures of regional lymph node cells and the appearance of mucous cells in the lungs. These variables seemed associated with spontaneous cell proliferation in vitro and the numbers of mast cells in the lungs. This indicates that local stimulation with antigen induces local immune responses and immune-mediated migration of cells. In subcutaneously sensitized animals, formation of IgG antibodies in vitro seemed related to the stimulated proliferation of regional lymph node cells. The levels of IgG and IgE antibodies in bronchial fluid and in serum also appeared to be related. Unlike the findings in aerosol-sensitized animals there was no apparent relation between the differentiation of mast cells and mucous cells. This was possibly due to lack of immune-mediated antigen-induced cell migration. The different immune response patterns in aerosol and subcutaneously sensitized rats should be considered when studies are designed aiming to explore the pathogenesis of allergic inflammatory diseases. The findings also indicate that the various parameters of immunity are more closely related in aerosol than in subcutaneously immunized animals.
Assessment of Neutrophil Chemotaxis and Random Migration in Children and Adults
Authors: Hindocha P.J. , Hedges S.B. , Wood C.B.S.
Published: August 2009

Polymorphonuclear leucocyte migration was studied in 16 children and 11 normal adults, both by a filter technique and under agarose. Assays were carried out in parallel. There were no significant differences (p > 0.5) between adult controls and children’s mean neutrophil migration coefficients within methods, but highly significant differences were found between methods (p < 0.001) both in adult and children’s samples. The observed intermethod differences are shown to be the result of increased random migration under agarose in both age groups.
Aggregating and Prostanoid-Releasing Effects of Platelet-Activating Factor and Leukotrienes on Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes and Platelets
Authors: Dahl Marja-Liisa
Published: August 2009

Aggregating and prostanoid-releasing properties of the inflammatory mediators, platelet-activating factor (PAF) and leukotrienes B4, C4 and D4 were studied in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) and in human platelet-rich plasma. Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and PAF both induced a reversible aggregation of human PMNL with concomitant stimulation of PGE2 formation, whereas LTC4 had no effect on human PMNL. Arachidonic acid (AA) caused an irreversible aggregation of PMNL which was accompanied by formation of both PGE2 and TXB2. Inhibition of TXB2 synthesis by indomethacin or by OKY-1581, a thromboxane synthetase inhibitor, had no effect on the PMNL aggregation induced by LTB4, PAF or AA. Leukotrienes B4, C4 and D4 caused neither aggregation nor TXB2 release in human platelet-rich plasma. PAF, on the other hand, induced a dose-dependent, reversible platelet aggregation which was not accompanied by TXB2 formation nor inhibited by OKY-1581. The present study indicates that in addition to inducing PMNL aggregation, LTB4 is capable of releasing arachidonate metabolites from human PMNL but not from human platelets. Also the responses of PMNL and platelets to PAF seem to differ as the PAF-induced PMNL aggregation was accompanied by increased prostanoid formation whereas the PAF-induced reversible platelet aggregation was obviously independent from arachidonate metabolism.
Effect of 24 Antimicrobial Drugs on Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Adherence
Authors: Si-Ying Li , Seow W.K. , Thong Y.H.
Published: August 2009

The effects of 24 antimicrobial agents on the adherence of human neutrophils to nylon fibre microcolumns were studied. Neutrophil adherence was found to be remarkably resistant to antimicrobial agents. No effect was observed with penicillin G, nafcillin, cephalothin, vancomycin, bacitracin, tetracycline, minocycline, doxycycline, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, lincomycin, neomycin, streptomycin, acetylspiramycin, 5-fluorocytosine, sulphioxaxole, tinidazole and primaquine. Only 2 enhanced adherence – oxytetracycline and rifampicin – and only 4 suppressed adherence – colistin, polymyxin B, quinine, chloroquine – and then only at high concentrations.
The Anti-Allergic Effects of FPL 52694
Authors: Wells E. , Eady R.P. , Harper S.T. , Mather M.E. , Riley P.A.
Published: August 2009

The substituted chromone carboxylic acid FPL 52694 inhibited models of IgE-mediated immediate hypersensitivity reactions in the rat by a mechanism similar to that of sodium cromoglycate. The compound was more potent than sodium cromoglycate but unlike cromoglycate was active following oral administration.
Detection of Immunoglobulin E in Feces by Immunoprecipitation, and Characterization of Associated Non-Immunoglobulin Precipitins
Authors: Kolmannskog S. , Haneberg B. , Florholmen J.
Published: August 2009

All concentrated human fecal extracts tested formed precipitates in double immunodiffusion with goat antiserum to IgE, as well as with normal goat sera. However, no such precipitates were formed by fecal extracts and rabbit sera. IgE precipitates obtained with both goat and rabbit antisera to IgE showed reactions of non-identity with the former precipitates which seemed to represent complexes of trypsin or chymotrypsin in feces and an α-protein in goat sera. This α-protein, which was responsible for the non-immunoglobulin precipitations, was different from human α1-antitrypsin. The trypsin-like components in feces had low molecular weights, and might represent degradation products of trypsin or chymotrypsin. After using a second labelled antiserum, precipitates between rabbit antiserum to IgE and extracts of feces could be visualized by means of autoradiography. They were seen in fecal extracts in which IgE could also be determined by a double-antibody paper radioimmunoassay technique (paper radio immunosorbent test; PRIST). Since the concentrations measured by a radioactive single-radial immunodiffusion method correlated to some extent with the PRIST concentrations, the latter precipitates were likely to represent IgE in feces.