bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Immunoglobulin Receptors of Rabbit Lymphoid Cells
Authors: Szymanska I. , Alcala R. Rivas , Dubiski S. , Cinader B.
Published: July 2009

Rabbit lymphoid cells were stained with fluorescein-labelled antiallotype antibodies. The double layer technique was found to be more sensitive than the direct staining. Rabbit B cells are stained only via their surface immunoglobulin (sIg) receptors and not via the receptors for the Fc portion of the IgG. Peritoneal exudate macrophages do not carry sIg receptors and are stained via their Fc receptors. Removal of protein aggregates from the system and use of reagents prepared from F(ab’)2 immunoglobulin fragments prevent staining of the, macrophages through their Fc receptors. There was a good agreement between the percent of RABELA-positive and sIg-containing spleen cells. In appendix there were approximately 20% more RABELA-positive than sIg-positive cells.
Suppression of Anaphylactic Reactions in Guinea Pigs by Previous Treatment with Ragweed Aerosol
Authors: Blanchard G.C. , Pathak S.K. , Gardner R.E. , Berman L.D.
Published: July 2009

Guinea pigs subjected to intranasal dusting with ragweed (RW) pollen or intranasal instillation of RW extract (RWE) showed anaphylactic reactions when subjected to RW extract aerosol (RWEA). These animals, however, did not respond to an aerosol of RW whole pollen. Animals which received the RWEA treatment prior to nasal dusting with RW pollen showed no subsequent anaphylactic reactions when exposed to RWEA. Both the aerosol-sensitive and the aerosol-nonresponsive animals exhibited high titers of homocytotropic antibodies to RWE. In addition, the aerosol-nonresponsive animals also had precipitating antibodies of IgG type. The state of nonresponsiveness did not appear to be due to the precipitating antibodies, since this condition could not be passively transferred by sera and blocking antibody activity was not demonstrable.
T Cell Dependent and Independent Steps in IgE-B Memory Cell Development
Authors: Okudaira Hirokazu , Komagata Yasuko , Ogita Tadaatsu
Published: July 2009

The role of T cells in the IgE antibody response was studied using athymic nu/nu mice which failed to form IgE antibody against either T-dependent or T-independent antigens. Evidence was obtained that hapten-specific B cells can be primed with T-dependent or T-independent antigens in the absence of T cells. Transfer of nu/nu spleen cells primed with alum-absorbed dinitrophenyl (DNP) ovalbumin or DNP derivatives of Salmonella bacilli into irradiated nu/+ mice, together with unprimed T cells, enhanced IgE antihapten antibody response of the recipients to alum-absorbed DNP-KLH. The antigen-primed nu/nu spleen cells, however, did not contain hapten-specific B memory cells directly committed to IgE response, since no antihapten IgE antibody response was obtained when the same DNP-primed nu/nu spleen cells were transferred into irradiated mice, together with KLH-primed nu/+ spleen cells, and the recipients were challenged with DNP-KLH without adjuvant. Once IgE-B memory cells were established by immunization with alum-absorbed DNP-KLH, these cells responded to DNP derivatives of both T-dependent and T-independent carriers to form a significant amount of antihapten IgE antibody without participation of T cells. The results indicate that the essential role of T helper cells in the IgE antibody response is in the process of the development of IgE-B memory cells.
Determination of Rheumatoid Factor by Means of Thin Layer Immunoassay
Authors: Nilsson Lars-Åke , Björck Lisbeth , Elwing Hans , Ouchterlony Örjan
Published: July 2009

Thin layer immunoassay (TIA), a solid phase immunoassay based on a technically simple visualization method, was adapted for quantitative determination of rheumatoid factor (RF) in blood serum. The influence of various factors of possible significance for accurate quantitation of RF by TIA was studied. Comparison between TIA and the Waaler-Rose test for determination of RF was performed on 335 patient sera. The results obtained by the two methods agreed reasonably well. Preliminary experiments were also performed concerning the use of TIA for differentiation of RF with regard to the immunoglobulin class. It is concluded that, because of its simplicity and screening capacity, TIA could be an attractive method for detection and quantitation of RF.
Cross-Reactions between the Tamm-Horsfall Glycoprotein and Escherichia coli
Authors: Fasth A. , Ahlstedt S. , Hanson L.Å. , Jann B. , Jann K. , Kaijser B.
Published: July 2009

Weak cross-reactions were demonstrated between the Tamm-Horsfall (TH) glycoprotein and antigens in the supernatants of boiled Escherichia coli R1-R4 strains using an inhibitory ELISA system. No cross-reactions could be determined between the purified R1–R4 lipopolysaccharides and the TH protein. Neither could any inhibition be recorded after trypsin treatment, indicating that the cross-reacting substance is protein in nature. The cross-reactions were verified by immunoprecipitation techniques. The biological relevance of the cross-reaction between E. coli and the TH protein particularly as an event inducing the formation of autoantibodies to the TH protein is discussed.
C4 Receptors in the Human Glomeruli
Authors: Matre R. , Tönder O.
Published: July 2009

Glomeruli in cryostat sections of human renal tissues adsorbed sheep erythrocytes sensitized with the fourth component of human complement (C). The receptors had specificity for the C4b fragment of C4, and were uniformly distributed in the glomeruli. The receptors were sensitive to trypsin and to periodic acid and were blocked in vivo and in vitro by C3 and C4. Receptors in fetal and adult renal tissues and in areas outside in vivo deposits of C in biopsy specimens had similar avidity. Further results suggested that the receptors for C4b are identical to the receptors for C3b, or that the receptors are located on closely related structures.
In vitro Effects of Histamine on Eosinophil Migration
Authors: Wadee A.A. , Anderson R. , Sher R.
Published: July 2009

Histamine at concentrations of 5 × 10––6 to 5 × 10––5M increased eosinophil movement to endotoxin-activated serum (EAS). This effect was due entirely to stimulation of random migration (chemokinesis). Directional motility (true chemotaxis) was inhibited by these concentrations. Regulation of chemotaxis was apparently mediated via an H2 receptor as metiamide, an H2 receptor antagonist, but not diphenylhydramine hydro-chloride, an H1 receptor antagonist, blocked the histamine-induced inhibition of chemotaxis. Both histamine and metiamide when used alone had no effect on eosinophil motility. The histamine effects on motility were associated with increased levels of intracellular cAMP, whereas cGMP levels were not affected.
Evidence for a Reversible Functional State of Neutrophil Chemotactic Deactivation
Authors: Dallegri Franco , Lanzi Gianfranco , Patrone Franco
Published: July 2009

Neutrophils pretreated with a chemotactic factor become deactivated, that is, unresponsive to a subsequent chemotactic stimulus. A decay of surface esterase activity, an increased adhesiveness, an auto-oxidative damage of the cell structures and microtubule hyperpolymerization have been previously proposed as the cause of the chemotactic deactivation. To further understand the cellular mechanisms involved in this process, we have studied the locomotory behaviour of deactivated neutrophils in an experimental system allowing differentiation among the various types of migratory cellular response to chemotactic factors. Thus, we have found that deactivated neutrophils retain a normal capacity of random locomotion, but entirely lose their true chemotactic responsiveness. Diamide, which disrupts assembled microtubules in concanavalin A-treated cells, was able to completely restore the true chemotactic response of deactivated cells. These observations suggest that neutrophil deactivation is a reversible cellular event dependent on the functional state of the microtubular system.
Natural Killer Cells (NK) and Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity (ADCC) Components of Schistosoma mansoni Infection
Authors: Attallah A.M. , Lewis F.A. , Urritia-Shaw A. , Folks T. , Yeatman T.J.
Published: July 2009

Schistosoma mansoni cercariae were used to infect CBA-J mice, a strain characterized by possessing a high level of NK cells. 4 days after infection with cercariae, the natural cytotoxic capacity of these mice, as measured by NK and ADCC, reached a peak level of enhancement significantly greater than that of uninfected controls. Infection by this parasite appears to activate natural cell-mediated immune defense systems. Further observation of the pattern of response of NK and ADCC effector cells to infection by cercariae may reveal important information regarding the inherent immunity to the schistosome infection.
Hapten-Specific Blockade of CBA/N × C3H/HeN F1 B Cell Responses in a Cell Transfer System
Authors: Snippe H. , Merchant B. , Lizzio E.F. , Inman J.K.
Published: July 2009

CBA/N mice harbor an X-linked B cell defect which is transmitted by CBA/N female mice to their hybrid male progeny. Hapten-specific plaque-forming cell (PFC) responses to haptenated proteins by B cell-defective CBA/N mice and CBA/N × C3H/HeN F1 male mice can be blockaded by concomitant exposure to polysaccharide agents bearing the same hapten. Various experimental approaches were explored in an attempt to study this phenomenon in a syngeneic cell transfer system. Unprimed donor spleen cells were unable to mount adequate PFC responses to dinitrophenylated-hemocyanin (DNP-KLH) in irradiated, syngeneic recipients. DNP-KLH-primed donor spleen cells produced strong PFC responses after challenge in irradiated recipients, and these secondary responses were subject to hapten-specific blockade by DNP-derivatized polysaccharide agents. Both direct and indirect PFC responses could be blocked. DNP conjugated to bovine serum albumin also produced hapten-specific blockade in this cell transfer system. Under some cell transfer conditions normal CBA/N × C3H/HeN F1 female spleen cells were just as susceptible to hapten-specific blockade as defective F1 male spleen cells.
Biological Activities of C5a and C5adesArg from Hog Serum
Authors: Damerau B. , Zimmermann B. , Grünefeld E. , Czorniak K. , Vogt W.
Published: July 2009

The complement-derived peptides C5a and C5adesArg (highly purified from yeast-activated hog serum) were both active in the following biological assays: in aggregation of human leukocytes (potency ratio for C5a:C5adesArg 3:1), in aggregation of guinea pig platelets (10:1), in chemotaxis of peritoneal rabbit leukocytes (10:1), and in contraction of isolated guinea pig ileum (2.4:1). The fact that C5adesArg preparations have 30 and 40% of the activity of C5a in leukocyte aggregation and smooth muscle contraction but only 10% of C5a chemotactic activity, clearly indicates that aggregation and spasmogenic activity are inherent properties of C5adesArg. Evidence that C5adesArg owns all activities studied is further given by the following findings: chromatographic separation of mixtures of C5a and C5adesArg results in the appearance of two peaks of spasmogenic activity; treatment of C5adesArg with carbopeptidase B does neither lead to release of detectable arginine nor abrogate any of the biological effects; treatment of C5a with carboxypeptidase B reduces the activities quantitatively to those of C5adesArg, and liberates the theoretically expected amount of arginine.
Allergen-Mediated Histamine Release from Whole Blood
Authors: Radermecker Maurice F.
Published: July 2009

An automated spectrofluorometric histamine assay has been applied to the study of allergen-mediated histamine release on small samples of blood. Histamine released into the plasma following incubation of blood with grass pollen, house dust or cat dander was compared in 35 nonallergic controls and 43 atopic patients sensitive to these allergens by history, skin tests and a high RAST score. 14 of the patients suffering from hay fever were examined after completion of at least 1 year of preseasonal immunotherapy. No allergen-mediated histamine release was observed in most nonallergic controls; a negligible release (< 5% of total blood histamine) was seen in about 10% of these subjects. In contrast, a significant histamine release, ranging from 6 to 48% of total blood content, was specifically induced by allergen in over 90% of patients sensitive to it. Negative results are found more frequently in atopic patients submitted to immunotherapy. In some patients, allergen-mediated histamine release on whole blood was compared to that obtained with the corresponding isolated leukocytes. As expected, a good correlation was found between both systems but anaphylactic histamine release occurs much more quickly in the blood than in the leukocyte suspension. This procedure for measuring histamine released by antigen on blood is easy to perform. Heparinized blood may be stored 48 h without modification in the anaphylactic release of histamine and eight different allergens may be tested with 10 ml of blood. It thus appears to be a useful method for exploring reaginic hypersensitivity and may function as an in vitro alternative to skin tests.
Hapten Antibody Production and the Relevance of Allogeneic Reactions to Elimination of the Carrier Effect
Authors: Barnes R.M.R.
Published: July 2009

Lewis (LEW) rats immunized 3 weeks before by injection of DNP-KLH together with Bordetella pertussis showed high levels of DNP antibody as judged by serum binding of 10––7M3H-DNP-lysine 10 days after secondary immunization with DNP-KLH. Sera obtained from LEW rats following secondary immunization with DNP-BGG showed reduced DNP hapten binding. However, injection of 108 F1 hybrid Lewis × Brown Norway spleen cells into DNP-primed LEW rats 2 days before secondary immunization with DNP-BGG significantly increased the level of serum binding of 3H-DNP-lysine. These results provide evidence that the allogeneic cellular reaction associated with a host-versus-graft response induced by injection of F1 hybrid lymphoid cells into DNP-primed parental strain recipients partially obviates the requirement for carrier-specific T cells in the secondary anti-DNP response thereby providing a stimulus for triggering primed host B cells to produce antibody.
Cellular Immunity Induced by Lung Immunization of Fischer 344 Rats
Authors: Bice David E. , Schnizlein Carol T.
Published: July 2009

This study describes immunologic responses in lung-associated lymph nodes, spleen, cervical lymph nodes and lung lavage cells of rats immunized by intratracheal instillation of BCG-sheep red blood cell (SRBC) suspensions. At 4 through 17 days after immunization, the number of anti-SRBC IgM and IgG antibody-forming cells was significantly increased only in the lung-associated lymph nodes, indicating that these tissues retain the particulate antigen that was deposited in the lung. In contrast, cellular immunity was found initially in the spleen, with significant responses in the lungs and in the lung-associated lymph nodes only 13–19 days after immunization. Our data indicated that the lung-associated lymph nodes are probably the initial site for the production of antigen-sensitive lymphocytes for both antibody and cellular immunity after lung immunization. Cells responsible for cellular immunity appear to migrate to the spleen, where further cell division takes place.
Modulating Effect of Passive Immunization with Anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis Antibodies on Humoral Response in BCG-Infected Mice
Authors: Gros P. , Forget A.
Published: July 2009

Previous work has shown that the passive immunization with rabbit anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv antiserum of Mycobacterium bovis BCG-infected mice promotes the growth of bacilli in their spleen and induces a late production of antimyco-bacterial antibodies in their serum. The effect of the passive immunization on the early antibody response in infected mice has now been investigated. It was found that passive immunization with H37Rv antiserum of BCG-infected mice depressed the early humoral response as determined by the plaque-forming cell response to BCG extract when compared with BCG-infected mice treated with the antiserum freed from its mycobacterial antibodies as controls. In the BCG-infected mice treated with the rabbit antiserum freed from mycobacterial antibodies or treated with saline, the antibodies were present in the serum as soluble immune complexes which reached a peak 4 days after infection. These immune complexes were formed with mice antimycobacterial antibodies as determined with an antimouse immunoglobulin serum in the double diffusion test. On the other hand, in BCG-infected mice passively immunized with rabbit antimycobacterial serumthe immune complexes detected were mainly composed of transfer rabbit antimycobacterial antibodies as established with an antirabbit immunoglobulin serum. Comparison of the biphasic humoral response in passively-enhanced mycobacterial infection and allotransplanted normal tissue in the host is discussed.
Effect of the Properties of Enzyme-Antibody Conjugates on the Quantitation of Serum Antibodies to Escherichia coli 02 Antigen by the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Elisa
Authors: Nygren Håkan , Kaijser Bertil , Lange Stefan
Published: July 2009

Immunoglobulins conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) or to alkaline phosphatase (AP) were compared for determinations of antibodies to Escherichia coli 02 antigen using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa). AP-IgG conjugates had a higher avidity for their antigen than HRP-IgG conjugates. The avidity of AP-IgG conjugates was higher than that of the native IgG fraction from which it was derived, whereas HRP-IgG conjugates had the same avidity as the native IgG fraction. The Elisa method was more sensitive when performed with AP-IgG conjugates. However, differences in antibody titer between sera from convalescent and acutely ill patients with urinary tract infection caused by E. coli were detected with a higher degree of accuracy with the Elisa-HRP method than with the Elisa-AP method. The differences between Elisa-AP and Elisa-HRP are discussed in relation to the qualities of the conjugates.
Immunological Studies on Modified Enzymes
Authors: Yagura Takayasu , Kamisaki Yoshinori , Wada Hiroshi , Yamamura Yuichi
Published: July 2009

For the successful administration of exogenous proteins and enzymes for therapeutic purposes, abrogation or modifications of antigenicity and immunogenicity of the protein must be achieved without substantial loss of the biological activity necessary for therapeutic purposes. In order to try this, a model experiment was carried out in the present study. Escherichia coli L-asparaginase, whose chemical properties have been well defined and which is used for the treatment of acute lymphocytic leukemia and malignant lymphomas, was modified by copolymerization with isologous albumin, and alterations of its immunogenicity were examined in mice. The results demonstrated that the immunogenicity of the modified L-asparaginase was remarkably reduced and satisfactory enzyme activity was preserved.
Serological and Immunohistological Studies on Lepromatous Leprosy
Authors: Kano K. , Aranzazu N. , Nishimaki T. , Convit J. , Albini B. , Milgrom F.
Published: July 2009

Sera of patients with lepromatous leprosy were studied for the presence of a variety of antibodies and immune complexes (IC). The frequencies of heterophile, Hanganutziu-Deicher and Forssman antibodies were 61 and 43%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in other diseases. The frequency of antibodies to cardiolipin was 89% and the frequency of rheumatoid factor was 34%. Circulating IC were demonstrated in 54% of the patients’ sera by Raji-cell test and in 43% by anti-antibody inhibition test. Analyses of immunoglobulin classes of IC revealed that IgG was predominant in IC of patients with lepra reaction (LR) and IgM in patients without LR. Immune deposits were found in and between cells of dermis in skin biopsy specimens of patients with LR.
Enhanced Chemiluminescence Response of Phagocyting Monocytes from Sarcoidosis Patients
Authors: Kanegasaki Shiro , Homma Yuzuru , Homma Hiomi , Washizaki Makoto
Published: July 2009

Chemiluminescence response upon phagocytosis was found to be enhanced in circulating blood monocytes derived from patients with active sarcoidosis, suggesting that these monocytes are activated and easily generate reactive species of oxygen including singlet oxygen. Such enhancement was observed even when patients were receiving high doses of corticosteroids but not when the sarcoidosis was chronic or the patients had recovered. Chemiluminescence measurements may thus be a useful aid for confirming diagnosis and assessing the effects of treatment of the disease.
Suppression of Reaginic Antibodies with Modified Allergens
Authors: Wie S.I. , Wie C.W. , Lee W.Y. , Filion L.G. , Sehon A.H. , Åkerblom E.
Published: July 2009

Our previous findings that antigens, such as ovalbumin (OA) and the extract of ragweed pollen (RAG), could be rendered nonantigenic, nonallergenic and tolerogenic by conjugation with polyethylene glycol (PEG) have been extended in the present study to the synthesis of conjugates of a variety of antigens with monofunctional monomethoxy-PEGs (mPEGS) of different molecular weights by the use of the mixed anhydride method. Thus, mPEGs with molecular weights of 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000 were coupled to proteins such as dog serum albumin (DA), bovine pancreatic ribonuclease, OA and the constituents of pollen, helminth and bacterial allergens (RAG, Timothy grass pollen, Ascaris suum and Micropolyspora faeni). All these mPEG conjugates depressed markedly the ongoing IgE antibody formation in sensitized animals, in spite of additional injections of the sensitizing dose of the appropriate antigen. Moreover, the allergenicity of the proteins was either totally abolished or markedly reduced after coupling to mPEGs. Conjugates of DA and OA of varying degree of substitution (i.e. number of mPEG molecules attached per protein molecule) were prepared with mPEGs of different molecular weights and their immunological properties were assessed. It appears that, for a series of tolerogenic conjugates of the same antigen, there exists some inverse relationship between the degree of substitution and the molecular weight of mPEG, i.e. a high level of tolerogenicity with a concomitant reduction or total loss of allergenicity was achieved with a lower degree of substitution utilizing mPEGs of increasing molecular weights. On the basis of these results, it is concluded that a variety of allergens may be converted by conjugation with mPEGs to tolerogenic products with a potential for use in the therapy of patients allergic to a wide spectrum of common allergens.
Suppression of Reaginic Antibodies with Modified Allergens
Authors: Lee W.Y. , Sehon A.H. , Åkerblom E.
Published: July 2009

Administration of multiple injections of conjugates of ovalbumin (OA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) or its monomethoxy derivative (mPEG) into mice which had been sensitized with 2,4-dinitrophenylated OA (DNP3–OA) abrogated both the anti-OA and anti-DNP IgE responses, in spite of additional injections of the sensitizing dose of DNP3-OA in the presence of Al(OH)3. Treatment of mice with OA-PEG in Al(OH)3 stimulated preferentially helper T cells, whereas injection of mice with OA-PEG in the absence of adjuvant elicited predominantly suppressor T cells. The unresponsive state of mice which had been treated 21 days earlier with OA-PEG could not be broken by the transfer of normal spleen cells and an additional sensitizing dose of DNP3-OA. Transfer of spleen cells from tolerized animals to normal mice dampened the capacity of the latter to mount both anti-DNP and anti-OA IgE responses; however, the suppressive effect of these cells was eliminated by treatment of the normal recipients with cyclophosphamide, which is a procedure known to inactive suppressor T cells, and hence it may be concluded that this effect was not due to the carryover of the tolerogen with the transferred cells. All these results provide strong support for the conclusion that the suppressor cells induced by the treatment of mice with OA-PEG and OA-mPEG conjugates belonged to a T cell subpopulation, and that the B cells of these mice were devoid of suppressive activity.
Influence of a Bovine Spleen Extract on Immunological Responses in Mice
Authors: Millerioux L. , Lenfant M. , Oleson D. , Mayadoux E.
Published: July 2009

The presence of immunological stimulatory and inhibitory activities has been detected in a bovine spleen extract F prepared by acetic extraction of an acetonic powder. F was fractionated after water dilution, by ultrafiltration on an Amicon PM-10 membrane. Two successive ultrafiltrates (mol. wt. <10,000) are obtained: U1 which contained the largest pool of the low molecular weight substances, and U2 which was shown previously to be enriched in an immunosuppressive peptide. The biological activities of U1 have been studied compared to those of U2: 1. Added to mouse spleen cells culture, U1 at low dose, stimulated 3H-thymidine incorporation into the DNA of the cells, but inhibited it when large dose was added. In this test, U2 was devoid of stimulatory action. 2. When injected into mice sensitized with sheep red blood cells, three distinct activities were detected: U1 was inhibitory at the sensitization period; at the last step of differentiation of the lymphocyte, U2 was stimulatory at low dose and inhibitory at large dose. As assessed by Biogel P-2 chromatography, this last activity was attributed to the presence in fraction U1of the immunosuppressive peptide previously characterized inU2.
Fractionation and Characterization of Allergens Extracted from Eggs of Schistosoma japonicum
Authors: Ownashi Makoto , Ishii Akira
Published: July 2009

Allergenic components were partially purified from the crude extract of eggs of Schistosoma japonicum by gel filtration on Sephadex G-200 and ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex A-50. Allergenic activity was assayed by the Prausnitz-KÜstner type skin test with infected mouse sera and radioallergosorbent test with human sera. 5. japonicum egg allergens (JEAL) showed single and three allergenic peaks, by isoelectrofocusing (pI =4.8) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, respectively. The molecular weights of JEAL were calibrated 30,000–200,000 by gel filtration. JEAL were adsorbed on the affinity columns of concanavalin A, Lentil lectin and partially wheat germ lectin. JEAL lost their allergenic activity by 0.1 M periodate oxidation; however, they were resistant to heating (100°C, 60 min), urea and guanidine. We suppose that the carbohydrate of JEAL is important to the allergenic determinant.
A New Technique for Determination of Immobilizing Antibodies against E. coli Using Capillary Tubes
Authors: Kaijser Bertil
Published: July 2009

A new technique for determining immobilizing Escherichia coli antibodies is described. Capillary glass tubes were filled with semisolid, lactose-containing agar, supplemented with the antiserum to be tested. The highest dilution of antiserum still immobilizing the bacteria was registered.
Immune Complexes and Cryoproteins in Ascitic Fluid of Patients with Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Quismorio, Jr. Francisco P. , Kaufman Ronald L. , Halle Pierre , Hoefs John C.
Published: July 2009

27 paired specimens of ascitic fluid and serum obtained from patients with alcoholic liver disease were tested for cryoproteins and immune complexes by the C1q binding assay. 20 sera (74%) and ten ascitic fluid (37%) had significant amounts of cryoproteins. The cryoproteins were of the ‘mixed’ type of cryoglobulins consisting of IgG, IgM, IgA, C3 and C1q. The C1q binding test was positive in 17 sera (63%) and in 16 ascitic fluid (59%). Intracytoplasmic inclusions of immunoglobulin and complement were found within the ascitic fluid leukocytes by direct immunofluorescence. The presence of immune complexes in the ascitic fluid may be important in the reduction of the complement level of cirrhotic ascitic fluid.
Flow-Cytometric Analysis of Human Basophil Degranulation
Authors: Nakagawa Takemasa , Moyseyenko Olena , de Weck Alain L.
Published: July 2009

Human basophil degranulation responses to grass pollen and whole bee venom as allergens and to anti-IgE and anti-IgG4 as antibodies in hay fever and bee venom allergic patients were assessed using a flow-cytometric system. The concordance of basophil degranulation with skin tests and RAST assays reached more than 90%. These allergens and antibodies could degranulate basophils in a dose-dependent manner; however, there was a wide variation in the response of basophils obtained from different individuals. Moreover, a significant correlation was observed between the degree of degranulation by allergens and anti-IgE, or by allergens and anti-IgG4, but this was not the case between serum IgE concentrations and basophil response to anti-IgE. These data suggest that ‘releasability’ of basophils upon challenge by allergens and antibodies is also an important parameter in determining the degree of hypersensitivity in each subject.
Decrease in Cholera Toxin-Binding T Cells in Aged Mice and Human Volunteers
Authors: Tsuru Sumiaki , Zinnaka Yutaka , Nomoto Kikuo
Published: July 2009

The capacity of T cell-enriched populations of cells from mice and human volunteers to bind cholera toxin was analyzed by means of a fluorescence-activated cell sorter. In aged mice and humans, the number of cells capable of binding high concentrations of cholera toxin was lower than that in young mice and humans. The capacity to bind cholera toxin may be one of the useful indicators for the detection of aging in the immune system.
A Reappraisal of the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Copper
Authors: West G.B.
Published: July 2009

The copper complex of histidine reduced the dextran and carrageenan reactions in rats, inhibited the erythema produced in the skin by exposure to ultraviolet light, and decreased the severity of established arthritis. However, it was particularly effective only when given systematically, and irritancy was not a factor involved. The anti-inflammatory activity of copper histidine resides in the copper moiety as histidine, in excess of equivalent doses, was mostly without effect.
Antigen-Induced Histamine Release from Guinea Pig Basophils
Authors: Lett-Brown Michael A. , Thueson David O. , Grant Andrew
Published: July 2009

Guinea pig blood was found to contain an average of 106 ± 21ng/ml of histamine. Of this total, approximately 85–90% was of platelet origin and the rest from basophils. Basophils contain about 0.72 pg of histamine/cell. Concanavalin A (1–5 μg/ml) induced the release of approximately 65% of the basophilic histamine. When basophils were isolated from animals sensitized to ovalbumin or keyhole limpet hemocyanin, addition of the appropriate antigen induced histamine release at concentrations of 0.01 μg/ml or lower. Individual animals were studied over time by repetitive bleeding. The circulating basophils remained sensitized for at least 17 weeks postsensitization. However, release did not occur if animals had been sensitized less than 7 days earlier. This assay facilitates the investigation of basophil sensitization since animals can be studied on several occasions following immunization. The mechanisms, timing and role of basophil sensitization in various types of immune and hypersensitivity reactions can now be evaluated.
Investigation of the Possible Involvement of IgE Anti-Salicyloyl Antibodies in Patients with Urticaria
Authors: Krilis S. , Gregson R.P. , Basten A. , Baldo B.A.
Published: July 2009

19 aspirin-sensitive and 14 non-aspirin-sensitive patients with chronic urticaria were tested for the presence of specific anti-salicyloyl-IgE antibodies by prick testing, RAST and in vitro histamine release using an aspirin-polylysine conjugate. Polylysine succinate served as a control. Negative results were obtained in all cases with the exception of 1 patient who gave a positive prick test response. However, this patient reacted to the control conjugate as well as aspirin polylysine. Skin prick test responses to a battery of environmental allergens revealed that the majority (90%) of the aspirin-sensitive patients were non-atopic. The findings suggest that the clinical symptoms and signs in patients with chronic urticaria associated with aspirin sensitivity are not mediated by specific IgE antibodies.
Allergy to Laboratory Animals: A Survey by Questionnaire
Authors: Davies G.E. , McArdle L.A.
Published: July 2009

A survey carried out on a total of 1,487 individuals showed that, of the 585 who worked with laboratory animals, 19.5% developed moderate to severe allergic symptoms some time after starting employment. The corresponding figure for those who had never worked with animals was 13.4%. The animal worker group contained significantly more individuals with asthma, repeated attacks of sneezing, blocked nose or smarting eyes (alone or in combination), than did the control group. There was no significant difference in terms of the incidence or type of allergy developing after employment between those who did and those who did not report pre-employment symptoms of atopy. 9% of the animal workers had to stop work permanently or temporarily because of their allergy.
Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies in Children with Atopic Disease
Authors: Strannegård Inga-Lisa , Strannegård Örjan
Published: July 2009

The prevalence and titers of antibodies to human herpetoviruses as well as rubella and mumps viruses were determined in 98 children with atopic diseases and in 55 nonatopic control children. The only significant difference between the two groups was found as regards Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibodies, which were found in higher titers in atopic children of all ages. Increased levels of EBV antibodies were found both in children with asthma and atopic dermatitis. The frequency of seropositivity for EBV was slightly higher in atopies than in controls in all age-groups, but the differences observed were not statistically significant. The possibility that EBV, which is a B-cell mitogen, has a pathogenic role in the hyperproduction of IgE and development of atopic disease, should be considered.
Interferon Immunoregulation of Antibody Response in Normal and Autoimmune Mice Is Mediated by Suppressor T Cell Subsets
Authors: Attallah A.M. , Urritia-Shaw A. , Khalil R.Y. , Steinberg A.D. , Ahmed A.
Published: July 2009

The mechanism through which interferon exerts immunoregulatory influence on antibody production in autoimmune NZB mice and normal Balb/C mice was studied. Interferon suppressed T cell-dependent anti-SRBC response in normal mice indirectly by activating suppressor T cells. The suppressor cell activity induced by interferon is mediated by Ly123+ cells presumably acting as feedback regulators for the suppression.
Mast Cell Degranulation Associated with Sequestration and Removal of Trichinella spiralis Antigens
Authors: Justus David E. , Morakote Nimit
Published: July 2009

Mast cell degranulation which occurred following the subcutaneous injection of trichinella larval antigen into trichinella-infected mice was found to be associated with antigen binding by the released granules and with the uptake of granule antigen complexes by phagocytic cells. Similar activity could be demonstrated in vitro, and in addition it was found that living intact mastocytoma and peritoneal mast cells rapidly took up fluorescein-labeled larval antigen and stored it in their cytoplasmic granules as evidenced by perigranular fluorescence. Complex formation between heparin and trichinella antigens as well as other related and unrelated parasitic antigens could readily be demonstrated using in vitro methods. These observations strongly suggest that mast cells play a significant and important supportive role in parasitic infections.
Antigen Concentration in Tissues of Rabbits with Systemic Chronic Serum Sickness
Authors: Neuland C. , Albini B. , Brentjens J. , Grossberg A.I. , Andres G.A.
Published: July 2009

The paired radiolabel technique was used to quantitate the amount of bovine serum albumin (BSA) deposited in the form of immune complexes in renal, pulmonary, splenic, hepatic, and cardiac tissues in rabbits with experimentally induced systemic chronic serum sickness (CSS). 24 h after injection, the concentrations of 125I-BSA found in the lungs, the spleen, and the kidneys of rabbits with systemic CSS induced by high doses of BSA (HDCSS) were in the same range (12.21, 10.93, and 12.68% × 10––3 injected dose/g tissue, respectively). Immunofluorescence studies demonstrated granular deposits of BSA, rabbit IgG, and C3 in the basement membranes of these organs. In rabbits during the phase between early and late proteinuric phases of CSS, 125I-BSA was present in the lung (16.85% × 10––3 ID/g tissue) and, in smaller amounts, in the kidneys, the spleen, and the liver. By immunofluorescence, immune reactants were found in phagocytic cells only. In rabbits with CSS induced by low doses of BSA (LDCSS), considerable amounts of antigen (22.72% × 10––3 ID/g tissue) were found in the kidney in late proteinuric phase, but not in other organs. In rabbits with early proteinuric phase of CSS, BSA was deposited in the kidneys (5.60% × 10––3 ID/g tissue) and, albeit in smaller amounts, in the lungs and the spleen (3.25 and 2.15% × 10––3 ID/g tissue, respectively). By immunofluorescence, scattered minimal deposits of BSA were seen in glomeruli and in pulmonary and splenic phagocytic cells. In both early and late proteinuric phases of CSS the heart did not appear to contain significant amounts of BSA. These quantitative data confirm that in rabbits with early or late proteinuric phases of CSS, BSA is deposited in the kidney and further show that comparable amounts of BSA are present in the lung and in the spleen of rabbits in the late proteinuric phase of HDCSS.
Cytotoxicity of Cultured Mouse Spleen Cells against Natural Killer-Sensitive Target Cells
Authors: Oshimi Kazuo , Kano Shogo , Sumiya Morito , Gonda Nobuyuki , Takaku Fumimaro
Published: July 2009

Killer cells with natural killer (NK) cell-like target selectivity were generated when C3H or C57BL/6 mouse spleen cells were cultured in vitro. Compared with NK cells, the in vitro-generated killer cells with NK-like reactivity were slightly adherent to nylon wool fibers, a little more sensitive to anti-Thyl.2 antibody plus complement and almost entirely resistant to cytotoxic treatment with anti-asialo GM1 antiserum which is selectively cytotoxic to NK cells. The culture of NK-depleted spleen cells yielded a lower degree of NK-like cytotoxicity, thus it seems likely that NK cells changed to NK-like killer cells in vitro. Competitive inhibition studies suggested that the in vitro-generated NK-like cells were different from alloantigen-reactive killer T cells. The above results, therefore, might suggest that the in vitro-induced NK-like cells do not belong to any known subset of killer cells.
Occupational Asthma Due to Inhalation of Chloramine-T
Authors: Kramps Johannes A. , van Toorenenbergen Albert W. , Vooren Piet H. , Dijkman Joop H.
Published: July 2009

In the sera of patients who developed asthmatic symptoms after exposure to chloramine-T, specific IgE antibodies are demonstrated by a polystyrene tube radio-immunoassay. These antibodies are directed against human serum albumin treated with chloramine-T. Specific antibodies of subclasses IgG1, IgG3 and IgG4 were not found. Histamine release in response to chloramine-T-treated human serum albumin was. demonstrated using the peripheral blood leukocytes of one of the patients. To define the antigenic determinant to which the specific IgE antibodies are directed, radioimmunoassay and radioimmunoassay-inhibition studies were performed using several autologous and heterologous chloramine-T-treated proteins. Moreover, the inhibition capacities of chloramine-T and structurally related compounds were also determined. The results of these experiments indicate that the antigenic determinant is formed, at least in part, by the p-toluenesulfonyl group of the chloramine-T molecule.
Comparative Studies on Tree-Pollen Allergens
Authors: Apold J. , Florvaag E. , Elsayed S.
Published: July 2009

A major allergen from birch pollen (Betula verrucosa) was isolated by a combination of gel permeation chromatography and preparative isoelectric focusing, and was found adequate for further immunological and chemical characterization. The crude aqueous pollen extract was eluted in 6 UV-absorbance peaks from an Ultrogel AcA-54 column. The main allergenic components were detected in two peaks of molecular weights 29,000 (BV4) and 40,000 daltons, respectively. BV4 contained one quantitatively dominating antigen as assessed by crossed immunoelectrophoresis, and was selected for further purification by isoelectric focusing. Column isoelectric focusing of BV4 gave four protein fractions with pi values corresponding to 5.18, 5.42, 5.76, and 5.94. The pI 5.18 protein was quantitatively dominating. This protein inhibited the radio-allergosorbent test in 8 out of 10 sera from birch pollen-sensitive individuals. Using a serum pool, the inhibition curve of BV4 pI 5.18 was parallel to that of the crude extract and gave a similar maximum inhibition. This allergen was shown to be homogeneous as judged by a single, symmetrical precipitate in crossed immunoelectrophoresis, one band in high-volt electrophoresis and a sharp strip in thin-layer analytical electrofocusing. Amino acid analysis showed a high content of serine. The N-terminal analysis as well as the carbohydrate concentration were preliminarily reported and will be confirmed in future studies.
Studies on Histamine and Histaminase in Spring Catarrh (Vernal Conjunctivitis)
Authors: Mukhopadhyay K. , Pradhan S.C. , Mathur J.S. , Gambhir S.S.
Published: July 2009

Patients with spring catarrh (vernal conjunctivitis) were studied for blood histamine (36) and plasma histaminase (16), and were compared with control histamine (22) and histaminase (19) levels. The patients group showed significantly higher histamine and lower histaminase levels than the respective controls. In addition, the patients also had higher eosinophil counts and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The data suggest that a systemic allergic process may be the most important underlying causative factor in this disorder.
K Cell Activity of Murine-Cultured Lymphocytic Leukemic Cell Line Independent of Other Fc Receptor Functions
Authors: Nose Masato , Kamao Tsuneyuki , Kyogoku Masahisa
Published: July 2009

A murine-cultured lymphocytic leukemic cell line, SC-1, showed remarkable cytotoxicity against 51Cr-labeled rabbit erythrocytes as target cells in the presence of anti-target antibodies in vitro. This cytotoxicity was complement independent, inhibited by the addition of aggregated human γ-globulin, and reduced by pepsin digestion of antitarget IgG. Moreover, SC-1 cells also induced cytotoxicity to trinitrophenyl-modified rabbit erythrocytes in the presence of antitrinitrophenyl antibodies but not to unmodified rabbit erythrocytes used as bystander cells. SC-1 cells which showed such K cell activity, however, escaped from Fc receptor detection by erythrocyte antibody rosettes and FITC-conjugated aggregated human γ-globulin binding. In morphological studies using the scanning electron microscope, SC-1 cells seemed to induce cytotoxicity through a light attachment to target cells via ‘point contact’ of the microvilli. From these findings the characteristics of Fc receptors on effector cells in the mechanism of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity was discussed.
Evidence for the Non-Peptide Nature of Neutrophil-Derived Eosinophil Chemotactic Factor
Authors: Czarnetzki Beate M. , Zimmermann Reinhold E.
Published: July 2009

Neutrophil-derived low molecular weight eosinophil chemotactic factor (ECFPMN) was examined by a number of methods to prove its peptide nature. Sephadex G-10 eluates of ECFPMN were analyzed by paper chromatography and thin-layer chromatography, and peptides were separated on a peptide analyzer. Peptides isolated by these three different methods have no neutrophil or eosinophil chemotactic activity over a wide range of concentrations. Enzyme digestion studies supported these findings. Other physical and biological properties of ECFPMN suggest that this material is most likely lipid in nature.
Different Effect of (L)-Fucose Binding Lectin on Macrophage Migration Inhibition Caused by Guinea Pig Migration Inhibitory Factor and Synthetic Muramyl Dipeptide
Authors: Homma Y. , Onozaki K. , Hashimoto T. , Miura K. , Nagao S. , Tanaka A.
Published: July 2009

(L)-Fucose binding lectin of Ulex europeus (UEA-I) was applied for the study of receptors for macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and synthetic muramyl dipeptide (MDP). The lectin was found to reduce the responsiveness of macrophages towards MIF when the cells were pretreated with the lectin. The suppressive effect of the lectin on MIF was reversed by (L)-fucose, but not by (D)-galactose, indicating that the effect of lectin is a sugar-specific phenomenon. By immunofluorescence technique the lectin appeared to be on the cell surface of the macrophages. These results suggest that the receptor for MIF and UEA-I lectin was identical or at least partially common. The lectin, however, did not prevent the responsiveness of cells toward MDP, which is known to inhibit macrophage migration just as MIF. These findings suggest that the mechanisms of the inhibitory effect on macrophage migration caused by the two substances (MIF and MDP) may be different, at least at the level of the receptors.
Anti-IgE Antibodies in Human Serum: Occurrence and Specificity
Authors: Inganäs M. , Johansson S.G.O. , Bennich H.
Published: July 2009

An IgG type of antibody directed against IgE has been studied in serum from healthy and allergic individuals. The technique used is based on adsorption of the IgG fraction in serum to protein A-Sepharose followed by reacting any specific antibody with 125I-IgE. The anti-IgE antibodies were partially blocked by endogenous IgE, indicating the presence of IgE-containing immune complexes in serum. Heating of serum to 56 °C disrupted the immune complexes, thereby facilitating the detection of anti-IgE antibodies. The antibodies were essentially directed against the heat-labile Dε2 antigen. Significantly raised (p < 0.001) levels of anti-IgE antibodies were found in patients suffering from allergic asthma, as compared with non-allergic blood donors.
Identification of Canine Lymphocyte Populations by Immunofluorescence Surface Marker Analysis
Authors: Chandler J.P. , Yang T.J.
Published: July 2009

A T-cell-specific rabbit anti-dog thymocyte antiserum was prepared and used in an indirect fluorescent antibody technique to identify T lymphocytes. The antiserum was rendered specific by absorptions with normal dog red blood cells, lyophilized serum, and bone marrow cells. By the indirect immunofluorescence assay, 73.6 ± 1.2 (SEM)% of the peripheral blood lymphocytes were identified as T lymphocytes. By direct immunofluorescence assay of surface membrane immunoglobulin-positive lymphocytes, 18.2 ± 0.8% of the peripheral blood lymphocytes were identified as B lymphocytes. The two assays used in conjunction can thus identify over 90% of the peripheral blood lymphocytes as either T or B lymphocytes, with the remaining 8.2 ± 1.0% as null cells.
Interactions between Sodium Diethyl-Dithiocarbamate and Lysozyme during the Immune Response to a Hapten-Carrier Complex
Authors: Neveu P.J.
Published: July 2009

The effects of lysozyme and sodium diethyl-dithiocarbamate (DTC) were studied on antibody synthesis induced by immunization with a hapten-carrier complex. The immunomodulating effects of lysozyme could be partially reversed by DTC, a sulphur derivative which has been previously shown to modulate the immune response, probably at the macrophage level. The mechanisms whereby lysozyme and DTC modulated the immune response are discussed.