bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Toxocara canis Infection on Hemopoietic Stem Cells and Hemopoietic Factors in Mice
Authors: Higa Akihiko , Maruyama Haruhiko , Abe Tatsuya , Owhashi Makoto , Nawa Yukifumi
Published: August 2009

The effects of Toxocara canis infection on hemopoietic stem cells and hemopoietic factors were examined in mice. Severe eosinophilia was observed with a peak 14 days after infection. When the numbers of hemopoietic stem cells in peripheral blood, spleen, and bone marrow were examined by spleen colony assay (CFU-S), those in peripheral blood and spleen increased in parallel with peripheral blood eosinophilia. On the other hand, CFU-S in bone marrow did not alter significantly throughout the course of infection. Interleukin (IL)-3, which is known as multi-colony-stimulating factor and is involved in the growth/differentiation of various blood cells including stem cells, was produced by spleen cells of infected mice. The time course study showed that concanavalin A stimulated IL-3 production peaked on day 7 after infection, whereas that with excretory secretory antigen peaked on day 14. Even without stimulation, spleen cells obtained on day 21 after infection produced IL-3 spontaneously. IL-5, which is known to have eosinophil differentiation factor activity, was also produced by spleen cells obtained on day 13 after infection. These results suggest that in response to increased demand for eosinophils, hemopoietic stem cells migrate into various extramedullar hemopoietic organs where they grow/differentiate into mature eosinophils, depending on the hemopoietic factors.
Release of Platelet-Activating Factor in Systemic Lupus erythematosus
Authors: Tetta C. , Bussolino F. , Modena V. , Montrucchio G. , Segoloni G. , Pescarmona G. , Camussi G.
Published: August 2009

The biologically active 1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glyceryl-3-phosphorylcholine (platelet-activating factor; PAF) is inactivated in plasma mainly by a specific PAF acetylhydrolase (1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glyceryl-3-phosphorylcholine acetylhydrolase; EC 3.1.1.48). In the present study, PAF was released in detectable amounts (5.4 ± 2.9 ng/ml; mean ± 1 SD) in the plasma of 8 out of 10 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) during the most active phases of the disease. PAF was never detectable in the plasma of patients with inactive SLE or of healthy subjects. PAF acetylhydrolase activity was markedly reduced in sera of 10 patients with active SLE as compared to 7 patients with inactive SLE, 16 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 5 patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS) and 15 healthy subjects. A kinetic study of the enzyme in patients with active SLE suggested an overall reduced activity rather than an intrinsic defect of the enzyme. PAF acetylhydrolase in sera of patients with active SLE shared with that of healthy subjects the same substrate specificity, sensitivity to enzymatic and chemicophysical treatments and association to low-density lipoprotein (LDL), acting as carrier of PAF acetylhydrolase in plasma. However, the protein concentration of LDL was significantly reduced in patients with active SLE as compared to patients with inactive SLE, RA and NS and to healthy subjects, thereby suggesting that the reduction of PAF acetylhydrolase activity in active SLE might be due at least in part to a carrier defect related to the activity of the disease. In addition, experiments in which serum of patients with active SLE and serum of healthy subjects were mixed in different combinations indicated the absence of factors inhibiting PAF acetylhydrolase activity in SLE patients.
Morphological Basis for Impaired Protective Efficiency by the Nasal Mucosa in Infants with and without Recurrent Acute Otitis media: A Light and Electron Microscopy Study
Authors: Jørgensen Finn , Hansson Hans-Arne
Published: August 2009

The structure of the nasal mucosa in biopsy specimens from the inferior turbinate in ‘normal healthy’ infants (n = 27) was compared with that in age-matched infants (n = 59) with increased frequency of recurrent acute otitis media (RAOM). Light and transmission electron microscopic examination revealed that the healthy infants, i.e., the control subjects, had almost as extensive structural changes in their nasal mucosa as those with RAOM. Only 1 infant in each group was considered to have normal nasal mucosa from a morphological point of view. The high frequencies of structural abnormalities in the nasal mucosa in infants, healthy or with RAOM, is likely to be due to frequent infections causing damage so often and to such high extent that the repair processes became insufficient and thus did not restore the structure of the nasal mucosa. Mucosal lining defects may decrease the resistance to infections, resulting in frequent relapses further adding to the mucosal damage, i.e., a self-ongoing circle.
Grass Pollen Allergens: Detection on Pollen Grain Surface Using Membrane Print Technique
Authors: O’Neill P.M. , Singh M.B. , Knox R.B.
Published: August 2009

A microtechnique is described to visualize pollen allergens by making prints from the surface of mature grains on nitrocellulose membrane. The allergen Lol p I is detected by specific monoclonal antibodies or specific IgE from sera of grass-pollen-allergic patients, visualized by the immunoperoxidase method. This technique offers the potential to study the distribution of individual allergens in aerobiology samples by bright-field microscopy, and to determine the sensitivity spectra of allergic individuals to known and unknown pollen sources.
Induction of Suppressor Cell Activity by Cyclosporin A and/or Uremic Serum in Normal versus Uremic Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Modai D. , Berman S. , Cohen D. , Amit M. , Cohn M. , Weissgarten J. , Averbukh Z.
Published: August 2009

We investigated induction of suppressor cell activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from normal or uremic subjects. The cells were primed with cyclosporin A (CS-A), uremic serum, or both and subsequently cocultured with fresh phytohemagglutinin-stimulated normal allogeneic responders. CS-A-primed normal as well as uremic PBMC significantly suppressed responder cell thymidine incorporation. Uremic serum primed normal, but not the uremic, PBMC exerted a significant suppression on responder cell proliferation. No significant additive suppressive effect was detected following coculture of responders with PBMC primed by CS-A and uremic serum together. Exclusion of a distinct suppressor cell subset by panning, using anti-Leu-2b monoclonal antibody, did not result in blunting suppressive activity of the CS-A or uremic serum pretreated cells. On the other hand, adherent cell depletion of primed PBMC completely abolished their subsequent suppressive effect on responder cell proliferation.
Aeroallergen-Induced Immediate Asthmatic Responses and Late-Phase Associated Pulmonary Eosinophilia in the Guinea Pig: Effect of Methylprednisolone and Mepyramine
Authors: Chand Naresh , Hess Frederick G. , Nolan Kevin , Diamantis William , McGee James , Sofia Duane
Published: August 2009

Guinea pigs were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin, 10 μg mixed with 100 mg Al(OH)3 in saline. On days 15–30 sensitized guinea pigs were challenged with ovalbumin aerosol (0.5 mg/ml, 30 s, 15 psi) which produced immediate asthmatic responses characterized by dyspnea, convulsions, and some deaths during the first 14 min. Twenty to 24 h later the animals were sacrificed with an overdose of pentobarbital, and lungs, bronchi, and lower trachea were dissected and fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin. Histopathological examination of randomly coded tissues of the respiratory tract revealed a pulmonary eosinophilic cellular infiltrate in the epithelium/subepithelium of trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles as well as the peribronchial, peribronchiolar, and perivascular areas of the lungs. Oral administration of mepyramine (10 mg/kg) 2 h before aeroallergen challenge provided complete protection against immediate asthmatic responses and prevented deaths during the first 14 min without influencing the late phase associated lung eosinophilic cellular infiltrate. The immediate asthmatic responses were not influenced by methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg) administered orally 24 and 2 h before aeroallergen challenge. Following an additional dose of methylprednisolone 4 h after challenge, there was a significant inhibition of pulmonary eosinophilia (30 mg/kg; -24 h, -2 h, and +4 h). These observations suggest that histamine is the principal mediator of immediate asthma attacks in guinea pigs. Methylprednisolone may be acting by inhibiting the production of eosinophil chemotactic factor of anaphylaxis (platelet-activating factor or leukotriene B4) from the alveolar macrophages, T lymphocytes, and perhaps other cells, thus preventing pulmonary eosinophilia.
Antigen-Restricted Antigenic Competition Induced by 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene: Association with Depression of Lymphocyte Proliferation
Authors: Kimber Ian , Bentley Annette N. , Ward Rachel K. , Baker David , Turk John L.
Published: August 2009

2,4,6-Trinitrochlorobenzene (picryl chloride) and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) fail to cross-sensitize with respect to contact sensitivity in mice. Nevertheless, topical exposure of mice to DNCB and other skin-sensitizing dinitrobenzene derivatives was found to result in a significant impairment of draining lymph node cell proliferative responses induced following epicutaneous challenge with picryl chloride 5 days later. The inhibition of picryl chloride induced proliferation was associated with an impairment of contact sensitization to this chemical. The effect of DNCB on subsequent responses to picryl chloride was transient and no longer detectable 15 days following exposure. The inhibition of proliferation and contact sensitization caused by DNCB was largely restricted to picryl chloride. Thus, DNCB failed to influence the development of contact allergy to the unrelated chemical 4-ethoxymethylene-2-phenyloxazol-5-one (oxazolone) and exerted a far less pronounced effect on oxazolone-induced proliferative responses. These data, therefore, describe an antigen-restricted form of antigenic competition which is associated with a depression of the primary lymphocyte proliferative response.
Hanganutziu-Deicher Antigen as a Possible Target for Immunotherapy of Melanoma
Authors: Nakarai Hideo , Chandler Peter J. , Kano Kyoichi , Morton Donald L. , Irie Reiko F.
Published: August 2009

Hanganutziu-Deicher (H-D) antigen is classified as a heterophile antigen and chemically defined as a glycoconjugate which contains N-glycolylneuraminic acid. H-D antigens are absent from normal human tissues, but can be expressed on a variety of human malignant cells, including melanoma. Natural anti-H-D antibodies have been detected in man with and without malignancies, but in this study when the level of antibody was compared between healthy adults and patients with melanoma, elevated anti-H-D antibody levels were found more frequently in melanoma patients for both IgM (p = 0.0001) and IgG (p = 0.0001). The present study was designed to evaluate the significance of the H-D antigen-antibody system in melanoma suppression. Sera from melanoma patients containing anti-H-D antibody reacted strongly to H-D antigen expressed on melanoma by means of flow cytometry. In a complement-dependent cytotoxicity assay this antibody killed melanoma cells in vitro. In vivo significance of the antibody was assessed by evaluating the relationship between the antibody levels and the clinical course in patients with stage II melanoma. Antibody levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a H-D glycoprotein antigen isolated from bovine erythrocytes. A significantly higher level of IgG (p = 0.0640) and IgM (p = 0.0644) anti-H-D antibody was demonstrated in those patients who were free of disease more than 5 years after surgery than in those who relapsed within 2 years. This study provides a rational basis for immunotherapy targeting H-D antigen in human melanoma.
Phenotypic Analysis of Lymphocytes Involved in Major Histocompatibility Complex Unrestricted Cellular Cytotoxicity in Patients with Alcoholic Cirrhosis
Authors: Müller Christian , Wolf Hermann , Göttlicher Josef , Eibl Martha M.
Published: August 2009

Lymphocyte subpopulations known to exert major histocompatibility complex (MHC) unrestricted cytotoxicity were enumerated in 33 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and in 10 patients with alcohol-induced fatty changes of the liver. Absolute numbers and percentages of lymphocytes bearing the CD57 (median 12 vs. 20%; p = 0.007) and CD16 (median 12 vs. 19%; p = 0.0027) antigens were significantly reduced in cirrhotic patients as compared to healthy control individuals, whereas no significant change in CD56+ cells (median 13 vs. 13%; n.s.), comprising a subpopulation with a high natural killer activity in normal individuals, was observed. A subset of these cells, cytotoxic T cells coexpressing CD56 and CD3 antigens and capable of MHC-unrestricted cellular cytotoxicity, was significantly increased in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis as compared to healthy control individuals (median 2 vs. 1 %; p = 0.024). Patients with alcohol-induced fatty changes of the liver did not show any deviation of lymphocyte subpopulation from normal. The finding that lymphocyte subsets capable to exert most of the MHC-unrestricted cytotoxic capacity in peripheral blood (CD56+ non-T-cells and CD3 + CD56+ T cells) were unchanged or even increased in number suggests that the reduced natural killer cell activity known to occur in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis might be due to a functional defect of these cells. Furthermore, our results indicate that changes in frequency of MHC-unrestricted cytotoxic cells are not found in a similar manner in all subsets of these cells, but are dependent on the particular cell surface marker investigated.
Expression and Distribution of Ia Antigen in the Murine Small Intestine
Authors: Wilson A.D. , Bland P.W. , Stokes C.R.
Published: August 2009

Density and distribution of la antigen in the small intestine of C57bl/6 mice showed substantial differences, depending on the environment in which they were reared and maintained. Isolator-reared mice expressed low levels of epithelial Ia antigen in comparison to mice reared in a conventional environment. Oral administration of 10 μg of cholera toxin had no effect on the level of epithelial la expression. We conclude, therefore, that the mechanism whereby cholera toxin is able to potentiate mucosal responses to fed antigens is not related to changes in the level of epithelial Ia expression.
Inhibition of IgE-Mediated N-Acetylglucosaminidase and Serotonin Release from Rat Basophilic Leukemia Cells (RBL-2H3) by Tenidap: A Novel Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Authors: Conklyn Maryrose J. , Kadin Saul B. , Showell Henry J.
Published: August 2009

Tenidap [(Z)-5-chloro-2,3-dihydro-3-(hydroxy-2-thienylmethylene)-2-oxo-1H-indole-1-carbox-amide] is a novel anti-inflammatory compound of the oxindole class that currently is undergoing clinical evaluation in man. Here we demonstrate that tenidap inhibits (IC50 = ∼10 μM) IgE-mediated secretion of granule constituents from the rat mast cell tumor line RBL-2H3. The inhibitory effect is rapid in onset, readily reversible, and appears to be unique when compared to a representative selection of other acidic (carboxylic acids, pyrazoles and oxicams) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory compounds.
Close Relationships between Neopterin and Beta-2-Microglobulin Levels in Intravenous Drug Abusers
Authors: Lin Robert Y. , Nygren Edward , Valinsky Jay , Lorenzana Federico Guillermo , Ralph Harold
Published: August 2009

Serum from 36 intravenous drug abusers without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or AIDS-related complex were tested for concentrations of neopterin and β2-microglobulin. The seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody in this group was 50%. Previous studies of this group showed that the HIV antibody positive patients had significant increases in HLA-DR expression on peripheral blood lymphocytes and increases in serum soluble CD8 antigen. Both neopterin and β2-microglobulin concentrations were significantly higher in the HIV antibody seropositive patients compared to the seronegative patients (p = 0.001 and p = 0.005, respectively). A highly significant positive correlation between neopterin and β2-microglobulin was found for the seropositive patients (r = 0.8879, p < 0.0001) as well as for the entire group (r = 0.6054, p = 0.0002). Significant positive correlations were also found between neopterin or β2-microglobulin and the percent DR+ T cells and CD8 antigen levels, although these correlations were not as significant as that observed between neopterin and β2-microglobulin. No relationships were found between neopterin or β2-microglobulin and total CD4 cell concentrations or CD4/CD8 ratios. These data demonstrate the significant interrelationships between various immune activation markers in a population at risk for developing AIDS.
Degranulation of Mast Cells in the Trachea and Bronchi of the Rat following Stimulation of the Vagus Nerve
Authors: Kiernan J.A.
Published: August 2009

In the trachea and bronchi of the atropinized rat, the proportion of degranulating mast cells (defined as having one or more granules outside the body of the cell in a 10-μm thick section) was increased from 35–40% to 48–55% following electrical stimulation of one or both vagus nerves for 3 min. The increase occurred bilaterally, though it was greater on the stimulated side. The degranulation of mast cells was prevented by transection of the nerve rostral to the nodose ganglion 8–10 days before stimulation. Pre-treatment of rats with capsaicin also prevented the degranulation of mast cells that otherwise would have followed stimulation of the vagus nerve. These observations indicate that tracheo-bronchial mast cells discharge their granules in response to the activity of capsaicin-sensitive axons of neurons whose cell bodies are rostral to the nodose ganglion. These are probably substance P-containing polymodal nociceptive neurons of the jugular ganglion. If similar neurons exist in man, axon reflexes in their intrabronchial branches would be expected to stimulate the release of mast cell-derived agents that cause bronchoconstriction in asthma.
Isolation and in vitro Translation of mRNA from Inflorescences of Parietaria judaica
Authors: d’Abusco Scotto , Schiavo Lo , Oreste U. , Coscia M.R. , Santonastaso V. , Sacerdoti G. , Ruffilli A.
Published: August 2009

The aqueous extract of inflorescences of Parietaria judaica contains an allergen homologous to the major pollen allergen Par·I (14 kD), as shown by radio-allergosorbent test (RAST) inhibition and immunoblot analysis. Poly(A)+ RNA was obtained from inflorescences and was shown to be able to code in vitro for a protein homologous to Par·I with respect to sodium dodecylsulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic mobility and to antigenic specificity as defined by the binding, in affinity chromatography, to solid-phase IgG of rabbit anti- Par·I antisera, and in RAST inhibition, to IgE antibodies of human reaginic serum pool.
Naturally Occurring IgG-Antibody-Like Substance Reacting with Quaternary Ammonium Group and Neuromuscular Blockers: A Common Finding in Humans and Other Species?
Authors: Assem E.S.K.
Published: August 2009

IgG antibodies reacting with the quaternary ammonium group of choline and alcuronium appeared to be present in the sera of humans, guinea pigs, and rats. The antibodies, particularly those ‘against’ alcuronium, were detected in every serum by paper immunosorbent test(s). This finding, if substantiated, would be of fundamental importance in view of the wide distribution of choline derivatives within the body and in the environment. It may also be relevant to the histamine-releasing activity of neuromuscular blockers and compounds possessing the quaternary ammonium group.
Substance P-Induced Histamine Release from Human Basophils, Skin and Lung Fragments: Effect of Nedocromil Sodium and Theophylline
Authors: Louis Renaud E. , Radermecker Maurice F.
Published: August 2009

We compared histamine release induced by substance P with those obtained with classical secretagogues on human basophils, lung and skin fragments. We also tested the capacity of nedocromil sodium and theophylline to inhibit histamine release in these 3 experimental models. Substance P (10––4M) caused a noncytotoxic histamine release (about 10% of total) from basophils, lung and skin fragments. Substance P-induced histamine release was always smaller than that obtained with optimal doses of anti-IgE, formyl-methionine phenylalanine or compound 48/80. Nedocromil sodium did not prevent secretagogue-induced histamine release from basophils or sliced skin. In contrast, it significantly inhibited anti-IgE- or substance P-induced histamine release from human lung. Theophylline caused a dose-related inhibition on these 3 models. We conclude that substance P is a modest secretagogue for human basophils and mast cells, and that skin and lung mast cells are heterogeneous with respect to their response to nedocromil sodium.
Differences in Migration Inhibitory Factor Production by C57B1/6 and BALB/c Mice in Allergic and Irritant Contact Dermatitis
Authors: Malorny Ursula , Goebeler Matthias , Gutwald Johannes , Roth Johannes , Sorg Clemens
Published: August 2009

Two strains of mice, BALB/c and C57B1/6, which are known to differ in their inflammatory responsiveness to allergens, were analyzed regarding their expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). Allergic contact dermatitis to 2,4-dinitro-1-fluorobenzene and irritant contact dermatitis to croton oil were studied immunohistologically at designated time intervals after elicitation. BALB/c mice presented a significantly more intense ear swelling response than C57B1/6 mice and showed a strong endothelial MIF expression in the early phase of inflammation in both allergic and irritant contact dermatitis. Endothelial MIF expression was much weaker in C57B1/6 mice. Furthermore, the infiltration rate of inflammatory cells (MIF+ and BM8+ macrophages, Lyt2+ and L3T4+ T cells) was significantly higher in BALB/c than in C57B1/6 mice. We conclude that genetically determined differences of susceptibility to allergens and irritants in BALB/c and C57B1/6 mice are reflected by the intensity of MIF expression in the microvascular endothelium and immigrating inflammatory cells. MIF seems to appear as first molecular equivalent of developing inflammation and probably determines the degree of cellular infiltration.
Histamine Release from Basophils after in vivo Application of Recombinant Human Interleukin-3 in Man
Authors: Merget R.D. , Maurer A.B. , Koch U. , Ganser A. , Ottmann O.G. , Schultze-Werninghaus G. , Seipelt G. , Zachgo W. , Hoelzer D. , Meier-Sydow J.
Published: August 2009

Interleukin 3 (IL3) is known to stimulate progenitor cell proliferation and maturation as well as differentiated cell functions, e.g. direct or anti-IgE-mediated histamine release (HR). We investigated 14 patients with malignant diseases being treated with recombinant human IL3 (rhuIL3) as a daily subcutaneous bolus injection for 15 days. For analysis, patients were combined in a ‘low-dose’ [30 (n = 1), 60 (n = 3) and 125 (n = 2) μg/m2/day] and a ‘high-dose’ [250 (n = 6) and 500 (n = 2) μg/m2/day] therapy group. In the high-dose group there was a 2-fold increase in total leukocytes, an 8-fold increase in basophils, and a 23-fold increase in eosinophils. Histamine content per basophil decreased rapidly after rhuIL3 administration. Anti-IgE-induced HR increased in a dose-dependent manner after rhuIL3 therapy (low-dose group: HRmax 47.5 vs. 53.3%; high-dose group: HRmax 57.8 vs. 75.4%, p < 0.05). In contrast to anti-IgE-induced HR, HR with ionophore (78.0 ys. 50.3%, p < 0.05), FMLP (32.3 vs. 11.4%, p < 0.05), sodium chloride (31.8 vs. 22.6%, n.s.) and mannitol (56.3 vs. 47.8%, n.s.) decreased. There was no histamine release from basophils upon in vitro stimulation with rhuIL3 alone. The kinetics of the increase in anti-IgE-induced histamine release did not parallel the rapid histamine depletion of cells. We conclude that rhuIL3 therapy may cause a rapid HR from basophils which cannot be observed after stimulation of cells in vitro. The clinical importance of this HR remains unclear as side effects could not be correlated with HR. Both the increase in basophils and eosinophils and the enhanced anti-IgE-induced HR from basophils after rhuIL3 therapy support the concept of a regulatory, probably enhancing role of IL3 in allergic diseases.
Presence of Felis domesticus Allergen I in the Cat’s Salivary and Lacrimal Glands
Authors: van Milligen Florine J. , Vroom Thea M. , Aalberse Rob C.
Published: August 2009

Most of the IgE response in persons allergic to cats is directed against the cat allergen Fe1 d I (Felis domesticus allergen I). Although the presence of Fe1 d I in saliva has been demonstrated, the source of Fe1 d I is not completely known. We measured Fe1 d I concentrations in the cat’s lacrimal and salivary glands and in the excretes lacrimal fluid, milk and saliva. The concentration of Fe1 d I, determined by a radioimmunoassay, in the lacrimal gland was 390–780 mU/g tissue and in the sublingual gland 610 mU/g tissue. In the parotid gland and especially the submandibular gland only low concentrations were found, respectively 70–210 and 40–50 mU/g tissue. In lacrimal fluid 6.8–14 U/ml Fe1 d l was detected, which is comparable to saliva, 4.2–7.0 U/ml, whereas in cat’s milk only 0.33 U/ml Fel d I was found. Immunohistochemical studies with monoclonal antibody directed against Fe1 d I (anti-Fe1 d I) showed the presence of Fe1 d I in the serous cells of the lacrimal gland. Thus, our results demonstrate that in particular the lacrimal gland might be a useful Fe1 d I source.
Inhibition of Endogenous Leukotriene-Mediated Lung Anaphylaxis in Guinea Pigs by a Novel Receptor Antagonist ONO-1078
Authors: Ishii Akira , Nakagawa Takemasa , Nambu Fumio , Motoishi Mariko , Miyamoto Terumasa
Published: August 2009

The inhibitory effect of ONO-1078, a novel leukotriene (LT) receptor antagonist, was investigatedon guinea pig lung anaphylaxis in vitro and in vivo. It was demonstrated that this compound could inhibit thelate phase of contractile responses in Schultz-Dale reactions and endogenous LT-mediated bronchoconstrictions in passively sensitized guinea pigs, in a dose-dependent fashion, implying its clinical usefulness in thetreatment of human bronchial asthma.
Eosinophil Accumulation in the Rat Pleural Cavity after Mast Cell Stimulation with Compound 48/80 Involves Protein Synthesis and Is Selectively Suppressed by Dexamethasone
Authors: Martins Marco A. , Pasquale Claudia P. , e Silva Patricia M.R. , Cordeiro Renato S.B. , Vargaftig Boris
Published: August 2009

Alterations in the local mast cell population and the eosinophil accumulation in the rat pleural cavity were studied using pleurisy induced by compound 48/80, a standard mast-cell-degranulating agent. Twenty-four hours after the intrathoracic injection of compound 48/80 (1–50 µg/cavity), a dose-dependent eosinophil enrichment of the exudate was noted, concomitantly with a drastic reduction in the total number of undamaged mast cells recovered from the pleural washing. At 24 h, neutrophil counts were not modified, and the number of mononuclear cells was increased, but only at the highest dose of compound 48/80. The temporal analysis showed that mast cell degranulation, exudation and neutrophil infiltration were maximal at the interval of 1–6 h after compound 48/80 (25 µg/cavity), whereas eosinophil accumulation peaked within 24 h, persisting elevated at least until 96 h. Since compound 48/80 was itself unable to induce eosinophil migration in vitro, attempts were made to investigate the potential involvement of recognized eosinophil chemo-attractants, such as histamine, leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and platelet-activating factor (PAF-acether). The intraperitoneal pre-treatment with either cyproheptadine (2 mg/kg), meclizine (40 mg/kg), BW755C (25 mg/kg) or with the PAF-acether receptor antagonist WEB 2086 (20 mg/kg) had no effect on the eosinophil recruitment induced by compound 48/80 (25 µg/cavity). However, the treatment with the corticosteroid dexamethasone or the local inhibition of protein biosynthesis with cycloheximide (0.04–200 nmol/cavity) blocked the eosinophil pleural accumulation, but not the mast cell degranulation induced by compound 48/80. Our findings indicate that the pleural eosinophil accumulation induced by compound 48/80 is sensitive to dexamethasone, requires local protein biosynthesis and is independent of histamine, LTB4 and PAF-acether.
Inhalation Exposure to Respiratory Sensitising Chemicals Down-Regulates Guinea Pig IgE and Pulmonary Responses
Authors: Dearman R.J. , Botham P.A.
Published: August 2009

Inhalation exposure of the guinea pig to the respiratory sensitising chemicals trimellitic anhydride (TMA) or diphenylmethane di-isocyanate down-regulated the IgE antibody response to subsequent systemic challenge with alum-precipitated hapten-protein conjugate. The suppression was isotype and hapten specific, challenge with unrelated hapten-protein conjugate resulting in high-titre IgE and IgG1 antibody responses. Preliminary results indicate that the down-regulation of the IgE response to TMA markedly reduced the capacity of the animals to undergo a bronchoconstriction response following challenge with an aerosol of TMA, suggesting that the initial route of exposure may have profound effects upon the development of occupational respiratory allergy.
Drugs as Allergens: An Immunoassay for Detecting IgE Antibodies to Cephalosporins
Authors: Harle D.G. , Baldo B.A.
Published: August 2009

A radioimmunoassay employing cephalothin linked to a solid phase has been developed for the detection of cephalosporin-reactive IgE antibodies. Direct binding and inhibition studies demonstrated allergenic cross-reactivity between cephalosporins and penicillins, and quantitative hapten inhibition experiments identified the 2-thiophene group, and particularly the attached methylene group, of cephalothin as an allergenic determinant.
A Method for Evaluating Anti-Allergic Drugs by Simultaneously Induced Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis and Mediator Cutaneous Reactions
Authors: Koda Akihide , Miura Toru , Inagaki Naoki , Sakamoto Osami , Arimura Akinori , Nagai Hiroichi , Mori Hiroshi
Published: August 2009

Homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) was induced by IgE antibody and, simultaneously, cutaneous reactions were induced by some allergic mediators such as histamine, serotonin and leukotriene (LT) C4 on rat back skin. Disodium cromoglycate and tranilast with inhibitory actions on mediator release inhibited PCA specifically, whereas antihistaminics, including ketotifen, azelastine, mequitazine and diphenhydramine, inhibited histamine- and serotonin-induced cutaneous reactions as well as PCA. Anti-slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis drugs, KC-404 and FPL-55712, significantly inhibited PCA and histamine-and serotonin-induced reactions, but at the same doses they did not produce significant inhibition of the LTC4-induced reaction. All reactions tested were strongly inhibited dose dependently with the β stimulants, salbutamol and isoproterenol, and a xanthine derivative, theophylline, which are known to increase the intra-cellular cyclic AMP level. We think that this method enables the determination of the properties of anti-allergic drugs.
IgG4 Antibodies in Hay Fever Patients
Authors: Chernokhvostova E.V. , Kotova T.S. , German G.P. , Atovmian O.I.
Published: August 2009

Total IgE and IgE and IgG4 antibodies to offending allergens were studied in 118 hay fever patients allergic to tree pollen and grass pollen allergens. No difference in the level of total IgE and IgE antibodies was found between these two groups while the IgG4 antibody level was significantly higher in tree pollen allergic patients. It is suggested that the IgG4 antibodies to tree pollen allergens can be stimulated by structurally related allergens of vegetable food and are probably involved in tree pollen-associated food hypersensitivity.
IgE Suppressor Factor Induced by Phytohemagglutinin
Authors: Astorquiza M.I. , Cisternas C.
Published: August 2009

Suppression of IgE response induced by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) inoculation near the time of immunization is studied. Donor spleen cells injected with PHA on day –1 before transfer were either depleted from Lyt 1+ or Lyt 2+ T cells and inoculated to isogenic recipients. Animals were immunized with ovalbumin in aluminum hydroxide gel 1 h later. IgE response was determinated by passive cutaneous anaphylactic (PCA) reaction and ELISA. Results show that suppression of the IgE response caused by PHA only affects PCA reaction. In contrast, IgE response measured by ELISA is not modified. Depletion of Lyt 1+ T cell abolished the PHA effect. Thus, as a provocative notion, we propose the generation of an IgE suppressor factor which inhibited the PCA reaction. It was present in the sera of treated animals. IgM and/or IgG production was not affected.
Histochemical Heterogeneity of Human Mast Cells: Disease-Related Differences in Mast Cell Subsets Recovered by Bronchoalveolar Lavage
Authors: Walls A.F. , Roberts J.A. , Godfrey R.C. , Church M.K. , Holgate S.T.
Published: August 2009

Fixation and staining characteristics were studied for mast cells recovered by bronchoalveolar lavage from 67 patients being investigated for lung disease. The number of toluidine blue stained mast cells in formaldehyde-fixed cytocentrifuge preparations was consistently less than in specimens fixed in Carnoy’s solution, though the counts were highly dependent on the period of fixation or staining. The cellular histamine content closely correlated with total mast cell numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, but was not related to the relative proportions of mast cells which were sensitive or resistant to formaldehyde fixation when using a standard protocol. Compared with normal subjects, the numbers of formaldehyde-sensitive mast cells were significantly elevated in patients with bronchial carcinoma, sarcoidosis, extrinsic allergic alveolitis, cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis, and mycobacterial infection and were particularly high in the cases of interstitial lung disease. An even greater increase in numbers of formaldehyde-resistant mast cells was observed in the patients with sarcoidosis and extrinsic allergic alveolitis. The associations of these mast cell subsets with disease may reflect relationships between the expansion of the formaldehyde-sensitive population and lymphocyte infiltration and between proliferation of formaldehyde-resistant mast cells and tissue fibrosis.
Mast Cell Activation in Sterile Bladder and Prostate Inflammation
Authors: Theoharides T.C. , Flaris N. , Cronin C.T. , Ucci A. , Meares E.
Published: August 2009

Sterile inflammation of the bladder has often been associated with interstitial cystitis (IC), a urologic condition of unknown etiology, predominantly affecting young and middle-aged females, for which no effective therapy is known. Recent reports have indicated that IC is associated with an increased number of bladder mast cells. Here we report the case of a middle-aged man with chronic sterile hematuria, dysuria and lower abdominal pain associated with a high number of bladder and prostate mast cells. Following therapeutic transurethral resection of the trigone area, bladder neck and prostate, samples of bladder and prostate were examined with light and electron microscopy and contained many mast cells (about 150 cells/mm2) which were not degranulated. Nevertheless, mast cells contained many altered granules and urinary levels of histamine were elevated, implying secretion without exocytosis. These findings are discussed in the context of the pathophysiology of IC and possible therapeutic interventions.
Immunoglobulin E Responses and Lung Pathology Resulting from Aerosol Exposure of Calves to Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Micropolyspora faeni
Authors: Gershwin L.J. , Dungworth D.L. , Himes S.R. , Friebertshauser K.E.
Published: August 2009

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) infection of calves has been associated with a type-I hypersensitivity syndrome not unlike respiratory syncytial virus-associated pulmonary symptomatology in humans. To study the mechanism of pulmonary pathology in calves and define the relationship with both viral-specific IgE response and IgE titers to concurrent aerosol of Micropolyspora faeni (Mf) we subjected groups of calves to inhalation of Mf during acute BRSV infection. The calves were divided into 4 groups: exposed to virus only (group 1); exposed to aerosolized Mf over a 24-day period and then challenged with Mf during BRSV infection (group 2); similarly exposed to aerosolized Mf and then challenged with Mf without BRSV infection (group 3) and exposed to aerosolized Mf, infected with virus but not challenged with Mf (group 4). All calves were followed for appearance of IgE-specifïc responses to both BRSV and Mf, clinical disease expression, and pulmonary pathology including viral and allergen localization by immunohistology. Our data indicate an association of BRSV-specific IgE with increased development of lung pathology and clinical disease expression and an enhancing effect of aerosolized Mf on induction of virus-specific IgE. The presence of BRSV-specific IgE was solely in calves with the most significant macroscopic and microscopic pneumonic lesions.
Differential IgE Receptor Development on Rat Tissue Cultured Mast Cells
Authors: Hu Weining , Chan Bosco M.C. , Froese Arnold
Published: August 2009

Rat tissue cultured mast cells established previously were cloned and subcloned by limiting dilution and analyzed for surface expression of both high- (FcεRL) and low-affinity (FcεRL) receptors for IgE. Analysis of receptor development in continuous culture over a period of 24 weeks revealed that FcεRL expression increased with time in all cases, irrespective of initial receptor density on the cell surface. Expression of FcεRL as measured in terms of its α-chain showed more clonal variation, exhibiting increases, decreases, as well as relative constancy over the time period. These results suggest that the two types of receptors are regulated independently and that some of the rat tissue cultured mast cell clones studied represent different stages of mast cell development.
Seasonal Variation of the Conjunctival Provocation Test, Total and Specific IgE in Children with Birch Pollen Allergy
Authors: Möller Christian , Elsayed Said
Published: August 2009

In 20 children with birch pollinosis, conjunctival provocation tests (CPT) with a birch pollen preparation were performed and blood was drawn on five different occasions during 1 year. From November to February there was a decrease in the activity of the atopic disease as measured by CPT (p = 0.03), total serum IGE (p = 0.02) and birch pollen-specific serum IgE (not significant). Then all parameters increased until August (p < 0.05). From August to November there was a decrease, significant for total IgE and birch-specific IgE (p < 0.01). The correlation between CPT and the in vitro tests was poor. The conclusion is that the seasonal variations of CPT, total and specific IgE are similar but without close correlation between CPT and the antibody levels. The priming during the season is retained at least for 1 year.
Significance and Specificity of Anti-SSA/Ro Antibody in Patients with Bullous Disorders
Authors: Deng Jau-Shyong , Lee Peter Yuan-Pi , Fratto Jacqueline L.
Published: August 2009

Sera from 45 patients with pemphigus and from 25 patients with bullous pemphigoid were screened for the presence of anti-SSA/Ro autoantibody by double immunodiffusion and SSA/Ro enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblot analysis. Totally 6 of them were found to have IgG4 subclass anti-SSA/Ro antibody by SSA/Ro enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and this was further confirmed by immunoblot analysis. None of these 6 patients have any evidence of symptoms or signs for connective tissue disease.
In vitro Immunosuppressive and Anti-Phagocytic Properties of the Exopolysaccharide of Mucoid Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Mai G.T. , Seow W.K. , McCormack J.G. , Thong Y.H.
Published: August 2009

The exopolysaccharide (EPS) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found to significantly inhibit neu-trophil random movement, chemotaxis and degranulation at concentrations as low as 0.3 μg/ml. Neutrophil adherence, respiratory burst and bactericidal capacity were inhibited by EPS concentrations of ≥ 3 μg/ml. Similarly, mitogen-induced lymphocyte transformation was more sensitive to the inhibitory effects of EPS than natural-killer cell cytotoxicity. These results cannot be explained by simple mechanical blockade, as additions of EPS as late as 48 h after the initiation of lymphocyte cultures still resulted in a significant inhibition of lymphocyte transformation. However, the inhibitory effects of EPS can be reversed by extensive washing of treated lymphocytes. These results suggest that the propensity of mucoid P. aeruginosa to persist in cystic fibrosis may be explained in part by the ability of EPS to interfere with host immunity.
Correlation of sCD23 Release and Immunoglobulin (E, A, G, M) Synthesis by Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes of Atopic Patients
Authors: Bujanowski-Weber J. , Knöller I. , Pfeil T. , Luther H. , Altmeyer P. , König W.
Published: August 2009

Peripheral blood lymphocytes of atopic patients were analyzed with regard to spontaneous as well as mitogen-induced CD23 expression, sCD23 release as well as Ig (M, G, A, E) synthesis in vitro. The data were correlated with the results for phenotypically defined peripheral cells (T cells, B cells, monocytes), sCD23 release and amounts of Ig (M, G, A, E). A positive correlation was obtained for serum sCD23 and serum IgE of patients with high and intermediate IgE levels, of sCD23 with the percentage of B cells and sCD23 with serum IgA levels. No correlation was obtained for the mitogen (SAC, PWM) induced amounts of Ig (E, A, M, G) synthesis and, furthermore, sCD23 levels determined in cell culture did not correlate with serum IgE levels. Our data support the role of sCD23 in atopic diseases and in isotype regulation.
Presence of IgA and IgG Antigliadin Antibodies in Healthy Adults as Measured by Micro-ELISA
Authors: Grodzinsky E. , Hed J. , Liedén G. , Sjögren F. , Ström M.
Published: August 2009

In this study a micro-ELISA (ELISA = enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) was established and used to evaluate IgA and IgG antigliadin antibodies in 1,866 healthy adults. There was a covariation between the level of IgA antigliadin antibodies and the total serum IgA concentration, probably due to an increased IgA response in some healthy subjects. We could not find any correlation between the presence of IgG and IgA antibodies in the healthy population using the 97.5th percentile as a cutoff value. The specificity of various cutoff levels was compared with the sensitivity of the test in a population of 40 patients with coeliac disease. IgA antigliadin antibodies had a high specificity (95%) at a cutoff value giving a high sensitivity (80%). This was not possible with IgG antigliadin antibodies which had a low sensitivity (40%) when the cutoff value was selected to give a high specificity. Due to the low prevalence of coeliac disease, a decrease in the specificity of the test will have a pronounced effect on the positive predictive value. The results indicate that only IgA antigliadin antibodies are useful markers when screening subjects with few typical symptoms for biopsy when diagnosing coeliac disease, whereas IgG antibodies are of low value because of their low specificity.
Endotoxin-Induced Auto-Immunity in Mice
Authors: Bloembergen Peter , Hofhuis Frans M.A. , Hol Cees , van Dijk Hans
Published: August 2009

Six different endotoxin preparations derived from Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium subspecies were compared as to their potencies to provoke auto-immune phenomena in mice. The numbers of spleen cells forming antibodies to bromelain-treated isologous erythrocytes or anti-DNA antibodies, the serum levels of these auto-antibodies, and the circulating immune complex titres were determined. As far as comparison on a weight base was concerned, S. typhimurium Re-mutant lipopolysaccharide appeared to be the most active preparation in inducing auto-antibody formation. Upon comparison of amounts with equal activity in the limulus amoebocyte lysate assay, however, S. typhimurium lipid A turned out to be the most potent. The contribution of O-type specific polysaccharides, phosphate groups, and the lipid A moiety to the potencies of the endotoxin preparations is discussed.
Human IgE, IgG and IgA Antibody Responses to T101, a Murine Monoclonal Antibody against Human Lymphocytes: Implications for Pathogenesis, Risk and Avoidance of Adverse Immunologic Reactions
Authors: Dykewicz Mark S. , Cranberg James A , Patterson Roy , Rosen Steven T. , Shaughnessy Martha A. , Zimmer Michael
Published: August 2009

To study immune responses that may play a role in immediate-type allergic reactions (ITAR) and serum-sickness-like reactions that have been reported with administration of monoclonal antibodies (MAb), we measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay serum levels of IgE, IgG, and IgA human antimurine antibody (HAMA) to T101, a murine IgG2a antibody that has been used in the treatment of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). None of 8 patients (4 with CLL, 4 CTCL) pretreated with T101 had elevated titers of any HAMA class tested as compared to normal control sera. All CTCL patients who had elevated total serum IgE levels, but normal total serum levels of other antibody classes, had significant rises in IgE, IgG, and IgA HAMA to T101 after intravenous MAb infusion. However, the CLL patients who were hypogammaglobulinemic failed to develop significant rises in HAMA. Three patients (2 CLL, 1 CTCL) had ITAR (e.g., urticaria, angioedema, bronchospasm) associated with infusion of T101; prophylactic medication regimens based upon the control of radiographic contrast media reactions were used with apparent benefit in subsequent infusions in these patients. All 8 patients had negative immediate intradermal skin tests (1 μg/ml) to T101 prior to its infusion. Our data confirm that (1) non-IgE-mediated mechanisms cause ITAR from this MAb, possibly by a mechanism inherent in the action of this MAb against lymphocytes, and (2) that isotypic antibody responses to MAb vary with the type of malignancy being treated. Discussed are clinical implications of these data, including risk of HAM A-mediated adverse reactions, limitations of skin testing and desensitization, and use of prophylactic medication regimens to reduce the risk of ITAR.
Bronchial Responsiveness to Mite Allergen in Atopic Dermatitis without Asthma
Authors: Dohi M. , Okudaira H. , Sugiyama H. , Tsurumachi K. , Suko M. , Nakagawa T. , Morita Y. , Ito K. , Nakayama H. , Miyamoto T.
Published: August 2009

Eight patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) without a history of asthmatic episodes and 8 patients with mite-allergic bronchial asthma (BA) were subjected to bronchial inhalation challenge with a nonspecific stimulus (acetylcholine) and an immunologically specific stimulus (house dust mite allergen). AD patients had a significantly greater concentration of IgE (p < 0.01) and antimite IgE antibody (p < 0.05) than BA patients. Nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivities of AD patients distributed from normal to asthmatic range. After allergen challenge, all 8 AD patients and all 8 BA patients showed an immediate asthmatic response (IAR). The mite extract concentration to induce an IAR was significantly (p < 0.01) greater in AD patients than in BA patients. A late asthmatic response was observed in 6 out of 8 BA patients, whereas it was not observed in any AD patient. Our results showed that AD patients are less reactive to a specific mite allergen than BA patients in spite of greater concentrations of antimite IgE antibody. They suggest that this difference in the bronchial reactivity to the allergen concerns the difference in the onset of clinical symptoms and that a certain level of bronchial hyperreactivity to the allergen is a prerequisite for the development of asthmatic symptoms.