bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunoglobulin E levels following allogeneic, autologous, and syngeneic bone marrow transplantation: an indirect association between hyperproduction and acute graft-v-host disease in allogeneic BMT
Authors: Heyd J , Donnenberg AD , Burns WH , Saral R , Santos GW
Published: October 2019

Markedly elevated serum IgE levels have been noted following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and have been correlated with graft-v- host disease (GVHD) in several studies. To investigate this phenomenon, we measured serum IgE levels in 387 allogeneic, 143 autologous, and 21 syngeneic BMT recipients before and at intervals after BMT. As a population, allogeneic BMT recipients displayed a biphasic elevation in IgE levels, with peak levels occurring either early (days 15 to 19) or late (days 80 to 89) posttransplant. Only in individuals in whom peak levels occurred early did IgE level correlate with liver disease, histological changes, and overall clinical stage of GVHD. The association of IgE elevation and GVHD does not appear to be direct since recipients of syngeneic (monozygotic twin) grafts had the highest incidence of IgE hyperresponsiveness as well as the highest absolute IgE levels. Similarly, 22 recipients of autologous marrow not treated with 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide had elevated IgE levels comparable to those seen in allogeneic graft recipients. We hypothesize that augmented IgE synthesis and its subsequent resolution is the natural consequence of immune reconstitution in the presence of potentially reaginic agents such as antibiotics and infectious agents. As such, IgE hyperresponsiveness in syngeneic graft recipients may reflect the maturational sequence of IgE regulatory elements in the absence of interference by GVHD, GVHD therapy, or minor histocompatibility disparities. The cell populations required for IgE response (T cells, B cells, and antigen-presenting cells) may be reconstituted in advance of the regulatory elements that limit IgE production in healthy subjects. Although this temporal relationship does not appear to hold in allogeneic BMT, the balance between positive and negative factors, which determines the rates of IgE synthesis and catabolism, may be altered by GVHD, infection, and liver dysfunction acting alone or in combination.
Monocyte-associated tissue factor is suppressed by phorbol myristate acetate
Authors: Brozna JP , Carson SD
Published: October 2019

The monocyte is the only normal circulating cell type capable of initiating blood coagulation through the expression of tissue factor. Recently isolated peripheral blood monocytes that contain no demonstrable tissue factor activity can be induced to express tissue factor activity by a number of stimulatory agents. Monocyte-associated tissue factor activity transiently increases in response to adherence to tissue culture plates and, consistent with other reports, markedly increases after the isolated monocytes are treated with endotoxin. Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) induced an increase in tissue factor activity at low doses (10(-11) to 10(-12) mol/L). Conversely, concentrations of PMA that stimulate release of oxygen metabolites or that cause the cytosol-to-membrane translocation of protein kinase C (PKC) (10(-9) to 10(-7) mol/L) resulted in a rapid decrease in both adherence-induced and endotoxin-induced monocyte tissue factor activity. The effects of PMA on monocytes were time- and dose-dependent with respect to PKC translocation, release of oxygen metabolites, and changes in tissue factor activity. Immunofluorescent staining of monocytes with monoclonal antibody (MoAb) HTF1–7B8, directed against human tissue factor, revealed that tissue factor antigen was induced concurrently with tissue factor activity by adherence and endotoxin and that tissue factor antigen decreased after PMA stimulation.
Delineation of the molecular basis of delta- and normal HbA2 beta- thalassemia
Authors: Moi P , Paglietti E , Sanna A , Brancati C , Tagarelli A , Galanello R , Cao A , Pirastu M
Published: October 2019

In this study, we used cloning and sequence analysis to define the molecular defect in two delta-thalassemia genes, one associated with reduced output of delta-globin chains (delta +thal) from a Sardinian and the other with a complete suppression of delta-chain production from the affected locus (delta zerp thal) from a Southern Italian. Sequence analysis of the delta +thal gene showed a G----T substitution at the first nucleotide of codon 27 (delta +27) which produces an amino acid change (Ala----Ser) and presumably activates a cryptic splice site located at this position. Therefore, only a fraction of the transcript is processed from this site, as indicated by the clinical phenotype of delta +thal. DNA sequencing of the delta zero thal gene revealed a T---- C substitution at position 1 of IVS-1, which abolishes the splicing at this site and thus leads to complete deficiency of normal mRNA explaining the clinical phenotype of delta zero thal. Oligonucleotide analysis was used to confirm the coinheritance of the delta +27 mutation in a group of Sardinians with thalassemia like phenotype and normal HbA2 level who, on the basis of genetic criteria, were supposed to be double heterozygous for delta-thalassemia and beta-thalassemia. The definition of delta-thalassemia defects in each high-risk area facilitates identification of double heterozygotes for delta- and beta- thalassemia by DNA analysis and may thus improve genetic counseling.
Chromosome translocations involving band 7q35 or 7p15 in childhood T- cell leukemia/lymphoma
Authors: Kaneko Y , Maseki N , Homma C , Sakurai M , Mizutani S , Takeda T , Shikano T , Fujimoto T , Yaoi K , Shimokawa T
Published: October 2019

In a chromosome study in childhood T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, we found t(7;11)(q35;p13) in 2 patients, t(7;14) (q35;q11) in one patient, and t(7;14)(p15;q32) in 1 patient. Southern blotting and in situ chromosomal hybridization studies in one patient with the t(7;11) demonstrated that both alleles of the T-cell antigen receptor beta- subunit gene (TCRB) were rearranged, and that one TCRB allele had relocated from 7q35 to the fusion point in band p13 of the involved chromosome 11 (11p-). These findings suggest that juxtaposition of TCRB with the putative oncogene tcl-2 located in band 11p13 may be a critical step toward development of this T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. In the other two translocations, all breakpoints were sites for lymphocyte function genes, ie, 7q35 for TCRB, 14q11 for T-cell antigen receptor alpha-subunit gene (TCRA), 7p15 for T-cell antigen receptor alpha- subunit gene (TCRG), and 14q32 for immunoglobulin heavy-chain gene (IGH). Thus, the findings in these cases allow us to expand the above hypothesis and propose that the juxtaposition of TCRB or TCRG with tcl- 2, TCRA, or IGH through chromosomal translocation may activate a mechanism for the genesis of T-cell leukemia/lymphoma with these chromosome translocations.
Bronchiolitis obliterans in bone marrow transplantation and its relationship to chronic graft-v-host disease and low serum IgG
Authors: Holland HK , Wingard JR , Beschorner WE , Saral R , Santos GW
Published: October 2019

The records of 549 bone marrow transplant (BMT) patients at The Johns Hopkins Oncology Center during a 9-year period were reviewed to determine the incidence of bronchiolitis obliterans (BrOb). Seven patients had BrOb. All seven died, and BrOb was a contributing cause of death in six patients. Only recipients of allogeneic BMT were at risk for developing BrOb (2% incidence). Three cases were incidentally discovered at autopsy in patients who died less than 120 days after BMT from ventilatory failure owing to interstitial pneumonitis. Four cases were patients who died greater than 120 days after BMT. Of this latter group, all had overt chronic graft-v-host disease (CGVHD). Among 120 day survivors of allogeneic BMT, 6% of those with CGVHD developed BrOb as compared with none of those without CGVHD (P = .008). Five percent of patients with reduced IgG levels at day 120 developed BrOb as compared with none of those with normal IgG (P = .04). The incidence of BrOb in 120-day survivors was 14% (4 of 29) in patients with both CGVHD and decreased serum IgG, whereas patients with CGVHD only (0 of 25), those with decreased IgG levels only (0 of 53), and those with no CGVHD and normal IgG levels (0 of 70) did not develop BrOb.
Molecular characterization of a beta zero-thalassemia resulting from a 1.4 kilobase deletion
Authors: Anand R , Boehm CD , Kazazian HH Jr , Vanin EF
Published: October 2019

We report the characterization of a beta zero-thalassemia in an American Black with unusually high HbA2 and HbF levels. Genomic southern analysis indicated that the individual was heterozygous for a deletion that began within the second intervening sequence of the beta- globin gene and extended approximately 1.4 kb in the 5′ direction. A clone spanning the breakpoint on the abnormal chromosome was isolated and further mapped, and the deletion joint was sequenced. Comparison of the normal beta-globin gene and its 5′ flanking region with the deletion joint sequence indicated that the 5′ breakpoint for this deletion was 484 base pairs (bp) 5′ to the transcriptional start site for the beta-globin gene and the 3′ breakpoint was 908 bp into the beta- globin gene; the deletion removed a total of 1,393 bp. Comparison of the normal 5′ and 3′ breakpoint sequences indicated that this deletion was the result of a “clean” nonhomologous breakage and reunion event; ie, no spurious bases were added during the recombinational event. Analysis of the breakpoints of this deletion together with the breakpoints of two other small deletions involving the beta-globin gene suggests that the breakpoints may occur at DNA polymerase alpha pause sites.
Platelet glycoproteins IIb and IIIa as a calcium channel in liposomes
Authors: Rybak ME , Renzulli LA , Bruns MJ , Cahaly DP
Published: October 2019

Human platelet membrane glycoproteins IIb and IIIa (GPIIb and IIIa) were incorporated into phospholipid vesicles by the reverse-phase technique to assess the ability of GPIIb and IIIa to function as a Ca2+ channel. Movement of Ca2+ across the lipid bilayer was quantitated by injection of proteoliposomes with encapsulated Fura-2 into Ca2+ buffers and measurement of Fura-2 fluorescence as an indicator of Ca2+ influx. Reciprocally, to assess the function of proteins in an inside-out orientation, Ca2+-loaded vesicles were injected into Ca2+-free buffer and Ca2+ efflux monitored by a calcium electrode. Incorporation of the IIb-IIIa complex produced significant facilitation of Ca2+ movement across the lipid bilayer. No net transmembrane Ca2+ movement was seen with dissociated IIb and IIIa. Movement of Ca2+ was proportional to the transmembrane Ca2+ gradient. Ca2+ movement into the vesicles was inversely proportional to extravesicular NaCl from 25 to 150 mmol/L, analogous to several studies in the intact platelet. Adenosine triphosphate had no effect on Ca2+ movement into or out of the vesicles. Specific inhibition of a Ca2+ shift into the vesicles was seen with M148, a monoclonal antibody to IIb/IIIa, while no inhibition was observed with a panel of other anti-IIb/IIIa monoclonal antibodies. This suggests that a specific site on the complex or orientation of the complex is essential for calcium channel function. These data demonstrate that the GPIIb/IIIa complex can serve as a passive Ca2+ channel across a phospholipid bilayer and has the potential to play a role in Ca2+ flux across the platelet plasma membrane.
Platelet storage: changes in cytosolic Ca2+ actin polymerization and shape
Authors: Feinberg H , Sarin MM , Batka EA , Porter CR , Miripol JE , Stewart M
Published: October 2019

Platelets gradually lose their disc shape during storage. The authors studied simultaneous changes in platelet cytosolic Ca2+ (Cai) and the polymerization state of actin as related to the shape. Platelet concentrates were stored under blood bank conditions for up to 10 days. Aliquots were removed and analyzed as follows: platelet Cai and increments in Cai induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) were determined by fluorescence of fura-2-loaded cells; loss of disc shape was determined by differences in light scattering intensity induced by stirring; and the ratio of globular and total actin (G/T) of platelets in plasma was determined by a modification of the DNase inhibition assay. Globular actin was found to be 86 +/- 3% of total actin in freshly drawn platelets suspended in plasma. The following changes occurred during storage: G/T in platelet concentrates increased from 63 +/- 5 (day 0) to 74 +/- 2% in the first 24 hours then fell to 33 +/- 6% by day 10. The percent discoid platelets also increased from day 0 to day 1 then fell in the ensuing days. There was an initial drop in Cai from day 0 to day 1, after which Cai increased on days 3 and 6. Globular actin polymerization during storage closely correlated with the change in percent discs (r = 0.95). During 6 days of storage Cai was highly correlated with shape change (r = 0.97) and to a lesser extent (r = 0.87) with the ratio of globular actin. The authors conclude that actin polymerization, shape, and Ca2+ change in a related fashion during storage.
Inclusion body beta-thalassemia trait in a Swiss family is caused by an abnormal hemoglobin (Geneva) with an altered and extended beta chain carboxy-terminus due to a modification in codon beta 114
Authors: Beris P , Miescher PA , Diaz-Chico JC , Han IS , Kutlar A , Hu H , Wilson JB , Huisman TH
Published: October 2019

We have analyzed the sequence of the beta globin gene of a chromosome that is linked to the occurrence of an inclusion body beta-thalassemia characterized in the heterozygote by moderate anemia, severe red cell abnormalities, splenomegaly, inclusion body formation, elevated Hb A2 levels, and an increased in vitro alpha/beta chain synthetic ratio. The data indicate a change in codon 114 from CTG (Leu) to -GG that resulted in a frameshift and the presumed synthesis of an abnormal beta chain that is 156 residues long with a completely different C-terminal amino acid sequence. The change in codon 114 gives a -GGGCCC- sequence that creates a new ApaI site; the resulting 2.6-kilobase fragment has been observed in all subjects with this thalassemia condition. Protein structural analyses failed to demonstrate any trace of the abnormal beta chain, even in reticulocytes and nucleated red cells that were isolated by density gradient centrifugation. The inclusion bodies appear to contain mainly normal alpha chains. It is assumed that the structure of the beta-Geneva chain prevents it from combining with normal alpha chains; this results in a rapid breakdown of the abnormal protein during the early stages of red cell maturation and an accumulation of free alpha chains.
Phosphorylation of the oxidase-related 48K phosphoprotein family in the unusual autosomal cytochrome-negative and X-linked cytochrome-positive types of chronic granulomatous disease
Authors: Okamura N , Malawista SE , Roberts RL , Rosen H , Ochs HD , Babior BM , Curnutte JT
Published: October 2019

Activation of 32P-loaded neutrophils with phorbol myristate acetate causes the labeling of a family of three 48K proteins that focus near neutral pH. The relationship between these phosphoproteins and the activation of the respiratory burst has been supported by the previous finding that phosphorylation was defective in the two most common types of chronic granulomatous disease (CGD): X-linked cytochrome-negative (X/-) and autosomal cytochrome-positive (A/+). In this report, these studies have now been extended to the rare A/- and X/+ forms of the disease. In all three patients with A/- CGD examined, the two most acidic 48K proteins failed to undergo enhanced phosphorylation in response to phorbol stimulation, a finding similar to that seen in X/- patients. In contrast, neutrophils from two patients with X/+ CGD appeared to phosphorylate the neutral 48K proteins in a normal fashion. It thus appears that the different phosphorylation patterns seen in chronic granulomatous disease are a reflection of the genetic heterogeneity of this disorder. These findings lend further support to the conclusion that the 48K phosphoprotein family is related to the respiratory burst, although not necessarily in a straightforward manner.
Genetic defect responsible for the dysfunctional protein: factor IXLong Beach
Authors: Ware J , Davis L , Frazier D , Bajaj SP , Stafford DW
Published: October 2019

DNA sequence analysis of the gene coding for the variant protein, factor IXLong Beach (FIXLB), has identified a transition mutation in an otherwise normal factor IX (FIX) gene. Genomic DNA clones spanning 35 kilobase (kb) pairs of the FIXLB gene were isolated. A gene analysis strategy that specifically characterized exons and their flanking intron sequences predicted the entire amino acid sequence of FIXLB. A thymine to cytosine transition causes the substitution of a threonine codon (ACA) for an isoleucine codon (ATA) in exon VIII of the FIXLB gene. This mutation results in an amino acid substitution at residue 397 of the FIX zymogen and the phenotypic display of hemophilia-B. Previous studies revealed that activated purified FIXLB (FIXaLB) had normal Ca2+, phospholipid, and factor VIIIa binding characteristics. However, FIXaLB activated factor X or factor VII (with their cofactors Ca2+ and phospholipid) at significantly reduced rates, suggesting that the defect in FIXaLB lies near or within the catalytic triad of the FIX heavy chain. Identification of an amino acid substitution near the carboxy-terminus of the FIXaLB heavy chain supports the earlier characterization of this variant protein. Moreover, our data identify a residue in the catalytic domain of FIXa essential for normal function.
Clinical and genetic heterogeneity in black patients with homozygous beta-thalassemia from the southeastern United States
Authors: Gonzalez-Redondo JM , Stoming TA , Lanclos KD , Gu YC , Kutlar A , Kutlar F , Nakatsuji T , Deng B , Han IS , McKie VC
Published: October 2019

The presence of various substitutions and deletions resulting in beta- thalassemia was studied in 19 black patients with homozygous beta- thalassemia and in numerous relatives; all patients were from Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama. Methodology included gene mapping, amplification of genomic DNA with Taq polymerase, identification of known nucleotide substitutions or a single nucleotide deletion through hybridization with synthetic oligonucleotides, cloning and sequencing of a beta-globin gene, and sequencing of amplified genomic DNA. Of the 38 chromosomes tested, 21 (55%) had the A----G substitution at nt -29, eight (21%) had the C----T substitution at nt -88, three (8%) had the substitution at codon 24, while one each of the following abnormalities were also detected: frameshift at codon 6, a C----A mutation at nt 848 of the beta IVS-II (new), an A----T mutation at codon 61 (new), a deletion of 1.35 kilobases including the 5′ end of beta, a Ggamma(Agammadelta beta) degree-thalassemia, and one thalassemia determinant that remained unidentified. The C----A mutation at nt 848 of IVS-II occurred at a position 3 nucleotides 5′ to the third exon, adjacent to the invariant AG dinucleotide of the acceptor sequence. The A----T mutation in codon 61 (AAG----TAG) resulted in the creation of a stop codon and thus in beta degree-thalassemia. The various mutations occurred on chromosomes with different haplotypes; however, chromosomes with a specific mutation but with different haplotypes belonged to one specific framework, which suggested that crossovers were responsible for these different types. Hemoglobin (Hb) F levels were generally high (55% to 75% with 98.5% in one patient with beta degree/beta degree); a few patients with specific haplotypes and an alpha-thalassemia-2 heterozygosity had a lower Hb F level. The Ggamma in the Hb F was consistently high when the C----T mutation occurred at nt -158 to the Cap site of the Ggamma-globin gene; seven patients with +/+ at this site had an average Ggamma of 73.8%, eight patients with +/- had 64.8%, and one patient with -/- had 34.2%. Variations in hematologic values and in Hb F, Ggamma, and Hb A2 levels of relatives with a beta- thalassemia heterozygosity depended to some extent on the types of mutations or deletions and on the haplotypes of the chromosomes with the beta-thalassemia determinant.
Vesiculation of sickle erythrocytes during thermal stress
Authors: Rank BH , Moyer NL , Hebbel RP
Published: October 2019

Since it is not known why sickle RBCs tend to undergo microvesiculation, we have investigated their susceptibility to thermal stress. While normal RBCs start to vesiculate at 49.0 +/- 0 degrees C (n = 14), sickle RBCs begin to vesiculate at 47.9 +/- 0.5 degrees C, with a range of 46.5 to 48.5 degrees C (n = 14). This abnormality is reproduced by treating normal RBCs with phenazine methosulfate (PMS), which stimulates the excess intracellular generation of superoxide characteristic of sickle RBCs. For PMS-treated RBCs, there is a strong correlation between membrane protein thiol oxidation and vesiculation temperature (r = .977, P less than .001). The abnormal vesiculation temperature of both unmanipulated sickle RBCs and PMS-treated RBCs is significantly improved by treatment of the RBCs with dithiothreitol. The most dense sickle RBCs are most prone to vesiculation during thermal stress, and they are the subpopulation having the greatest amount of thiol oxidation. We conclude that the tendency of sickle RBCs to vesiculate during thermal stress is further evidence for functional abnormality of the RBC cytoskeleton due to thiol oxidation.
Cytokines in therapy of radiation injury
Authors: Neta R , Oppenheim JJ
Published: October 2019

Repeated injections or infusion of hematopoietic growth factors, such as interleukin-3 (IL-3), granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), or granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), accelerate restoration of hematopoiesis in animals compromised by sublethal doses of cytotoxic drugs or irradiation. Previous work by the investigators has shown that IL-1 induced circulating CSF in normal mice and, when used after sublethal irradiation, accelerated the recovery of endogenous splenic colonies. Therefore, IL-1, as well as IFN-gamma, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), G-CSF, and GM-CSF, were evaluated as potential therapeutic agents in irradiated C3H-HeN mice. A single intraperitoneal injection, administered within three hours after a lethal dose (LD)95/30 of irradiation that would kill 95% of mice within 30 days, protected in a dose-dependent manner up to 100% of mice from radiation-induced death due to hematopoietic syndrome. Significant therapeutic effects were also achieved with a single dose of IFN-gamma or of TNF. In contrast, GM-CSF and G-CSF, administered shortly after irradiation, had no effect in the doses used on mice survival.
Cytogenetic studies and their prognostic significance in agnogenic myeloid metaplasia: a report on 47 cases
Authors: Demory JL , Dupriez B , Fenaux P , Lai JL , Beuscart R , Jouet JP , Deminatti M , Bauters F
Published: October 2019

Cytogenetic analysis was performed in 47 newly diagnosed patients with agnogenic myeloid metaplasia (AMM); 32 had a normal karyotype (68%, group I), whereas 15 had clonal abnormalities (32%, group II). The most frequent abnormal findings were a 20q- deletion in six cases (either alone or within complex anomalies), interstitial 13q- deletion in three cases (and monosomy 13 in one case), and acquired trisomy 21 or 21p+ in three cases. Four cases exhibited complex aberrations involving several chromosomes, sometimes with a mosaicism. In two patients with an initial abnormal karyotype, further cytogenetic analysis during the disease course showed the appearance of additional clonal anomalies, and particularly of a probable Philadelphia (Ph1) variant in one case. Treatment was essentially supportive. Survival was significantly shorter in group II (median, 30 months) compared with group I (median, not reached at 6 years; P = .015). In univariate analysis, other parameters significantly associated with a poor prognosis (P less than .05) were higher age, anemia, and increased percentage of circulating blasts. However, in a multivariate analysis, only cytogenetic abnormalities and age retained their independent prognostic value.
Quantitation and identification of human monocytic colony-stimulating factor in human serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
Authors: Hanamura T , Motoyoshi K , Yoshida K , Saito M , Miura Y , Kawashima T , Nishida M , Takaku F
Published: October 2019

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system for the quantitation of human monocytic colony-stimulating factor (hM-CSF) was established, which was based on the “dual antibody immunometric sandwich” principle using horse and rabbit polyvalent antibodies against human urinary colony-stimulating factor (CSF-HU). The minimal detectable level of hM-CSF was 10 U/mL, and the assays showed good reproducibility. As measured by this method, the average serum hM-CSF level of 20 normal adults was 540 +/- 110 U/mL (range, 300 to 800 U/mL). The peak of hM-CSF measured by ELISA was identical to that measured by bioassay when semipurified CSF-HU was fractionated by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This method detected two types of hM-CSF, which had approximate molecular weights of 85 Kd (CSF-HU) and 45 Kd in human serum and urine; the ratio of 85:45 Kd was very high in serum and the amounts of the two types were nearly equal in urine. After anticancer chemotherapy, the serum hM- CSF level of one half of the patients with hematological malignancy was elevated according to the reduction in neutrophil number, while it was almost in the normal range in the other half of the patients, indicating the possibility that anticancer chemotherapy damaged the hM- CSF-producing cells. This ELISA method may be useful for monitoring the serum hM-CSF level after anticancer chemotherapy.
Stimulation of neutrophil production in CSF-1-responsive clones
Authors: Rothstein G , Rhondeau SM , Peters CA , Christensen RD , Lynch D , Gillis S
Published: October 2019

The hematopoietic growth factor CSF-1 has been considered relatively lineage specific for the production of macrophages, whereas GM-CSF elicits a predominance of neutrophils. It is likely that in vivo, individual clones are stimulated by the two CSFs, although the effect of dual stimulation on progenitors and their progeny has not been completely explored. We found that in cultures initiated with low concentrations of CSF-1 or GM-CSF, alone or in combination, production of macrophages predominated. Maximally stimulatory concentrations of CSF-1 elicited a predominance of macrophages, whereas maximal GM-CSF elicited many more neutrophil/macrophage colonies and pure neutrophil colonies. A combination of maximal CSF-1 and GM-CSF elicited the same differentiation as GM-CSF alone. Delayed addition of GM-CSF to cultures initiated with CSF-1 elicited colonies indistinguishable from GM-CSF alone, suggesting that neutrophil production had been switched on by GM- CSF. In mapping studies, colonies initiated by CSF-1 increased or switched on neutrophil production when GM-CSF was added as a second stimulus. These studies show that individual clones are responsive to both CSFs, and that the differentiating influence of GM-CSF predominates over that of CSF-1. In cultures to which only CSF-1 was added, a population of progenitors was sustained that produced neutrophils only after a GM-CSF stimulus. Thus, CSF-1 may participate in maintaining a reserve of progenitors for neutrophils during periods of increased neutrophil demand.
Enzymatic amplification of HTLV-I viral sequences from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and infected tissues
Authors: Kwok S , Ehrlich G , Poiesz B , Kalish R , Sninsky JJ
Published: October 2019

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) and human T-cell lymphotropic virus type II (HTLV-II) have been associated with adult T- cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) and a rare T-cell variant of hairy cell leukemia, respectively. Direct detection of viral nucleic acid in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and infected tissues in carrier patients and those with chronic disease has proven refractory due to viral transcriptional dormancy and the small number of infected cells present. The investigators report here the successful application of the DNA amplification procedure, termed PCR, to the detection of these human oncoviruses. Judicious selection of specific oligonucleotides for primers and probes provides type-specific and simultaneous detection of these two retroviruses. The ability to amplify and detect highly conserved regions of these medically relevant viruses may facilitate the identification of, as yet, uncharacterized retroviruses.
Leukemic cells from some adult T-cell leukemia patients proliferate in response to interleukin-4
Authors: Uchiyama T , Kamio M , Kodaka T , Tamori S , Fukuhara S , Amakawa R , Uchino H , Araki K
Published: October 2019

The proliferative response of fresh peripheral blood leukemic cells from eight adult T cell leukemia (ATL) patients to interleukin-4 (IL-4) was studied to determine the possibility that the IL-4-mediated T-cell growth pathway is involved in the cell growth of leukemic cells in ATL. Resting lymphocytes from ten normal individuals did not proliferate in response to IL-4. Leukemic cells from two ATL patients did not respond to interleukin-2 (IL-2) or IL-4. Leukemic cells from two patients did respond to IL-2, but not to IL-4. In contrast, a strong proliferative response was observed in the IL-4 culture, but not in the IL-2 culture in the remaining four patients. Chromosome analysis of mitotic cells, performed in one of four patients, confirmed that the cells dividing in response to IL-4 were leukemic cells, but not activated normal lymphocytes. These results indicate the activation of IL-4/IL-4 receptor system in leukemic cells from some ATL patients and suggest the possible involvement of the system in the proliferation of leukemic cells and the leukemogenesis in ATL.
Identification of a light density murine megakaryocyte progenitor (LD- CFU-M)
Authors: Chatelain C , De Bast M , Symann M
Published: October 2019

Murine bone marrow cells were separated on discontinuous Percoll gradients and assayed for their ability to give rise to megakaryocyte colonies. Ninety-one percent of the megakaryocyte progenitors (CFU-M) sedimented at densities between 1.070 and 1.080 g/mL. Six percent of CFU-M were found at densities between 1.060 and 1.070 g/mL, 2% between 1.050 and 1.060 g/mL, whereas less than 1% had a density either lower than 1.050 g/mL or higher than 1.080 g/mL. The number of doublings and endomitoses achieved by progenitors of density classes higher than 1.050 g/mL were similar. However, colonies derived from CFU-M of densities less than 1.050 g/mL (LD-CFU-M) had a higher probability of polyploidization and a lower probability of cell division in vitro. The inverse correlation found between the number of cells per colony and their DNA content was invariate regardless of the density class of the progenitors. The heterogeneity of the ploidy of cells within colonies increased continuously with increasing cell numbers per colony. The study if a short-period exposure of LD-CFU-M to acute thrombocytopenia could modify the ploidy of their progeny, mice were given rabbit antimouse platelet serum while control animals received normal rabbit serum. Twenty-four hours after injection, marrow was cultured. After a five-day culture period, no change in the number of colonies, doublings, ploidy, and heterogeneity of ploidy were observed between control and thrombocytopenic animals. The data suggests that LD-CFU-M are a distinct category of CFU-M, perhaps more mature than the common CFU-M.
Permanent loss in stem cell self renewal capacity following stress to the marrow
Authors: Mauch P , Rosenblatt M , Hellman S
Published: October 2019

A technique of irradiating the entire mouse except for one hind limb was developed to provide repeated proliferative demand on the stem cell pool. Animals received 200 cGY weekly for a total dose of 3,400 to 4,000 cGy. During irradiation, shielded bone marrow cellularity was similar to that of unirradiated controls. Shielded marrow colony- forming unit (CFUs) content increased while marrow CFUs self renewal capacity decreased as compared with unirradiated age-matched controls. Following irradiation experimental animals were monitored monthly for 10 to 12 months for marrow cellularity, CFUs content, and self renewal capacity. Shielded marrow cellularity and CFUs content remained elevated over age-matched controls throughout the period of observation. These findings are compatible with the requirement of the shielded hind limb to provide hematopoietic support for the remainder of the animal. Shielded marrow self renewal capacity, a measurement reflecting primitive hematopoietic stem cell function, remained depressed and did not recover with time. These experiments provide evidence for there being limitations on the self renewal capacity of the stem cell compartment. While the small amount of shielded marrow had sufficient capacity to support the animal its average self renewal capacity was permanently reduced.
The site of the breakpoint within the bcr is a prognostic factor in Philadelphia-positive CML patients [see comments]
Authors: Mills KI , MacKenzie ED , Birnie GD
Published: October 2019

The Philadelphia (Ph1) chromosome, characteristic of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), arises from a reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22. The site of the breakpoint on chromosome 22 is within a small region called the breakpoint cluster region (bcr). We have mapped the breakpoint within the bcr in peripheral blood leukocyte DNA from 22 Ph1-positive CML patients. No correlation between the site of the breakpoint and the clinical phase of the disease was found. However, a striking correlation between the site of the breakpoint and the length of time between presentation and onset of acute phase was observed: on average, patients with a 5′ break-point had a fourfold longer chronic phase (median, 203 weeks) than those with a 3′ breakpoint (median, 52 weeks).
Immunoaffinity purification of factor IX from commercial concentrates and infusion studies in animals
Authors: Smith KJ
Published: October 2019

Thrombosis and transmission of viral diseases are the principal adverse effects of current replacement therapy for factor IX deficiency when using heat-treated concentrates of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors. More highly purified factor IX preparations could decrease the risk of disease transmission, reduce patient exposure to allogeneic proteins, and reduce the risk of thrombosis. In this study, two immunoaffinity-purified factor IX preparations from commercial vitamin K-dependent coagulation factor concentrates had specific activities of 134 and 155 U/mg. Crude concentrates and purified factor IX preparations were tested for thrombogenicity in rabbits. One of two crude concentrates tested in the stasis-thrombosis assay caused large thrombi at doses of 50 U/kg. Purified factor IX from this concentrate was not thrombogenic at 106 to 234 U/kg. A heparin-treated concentrate that was not active in the stasis model at 100 U/kg caused significant (P less than .05) delayed consumption of rabbit fibrinogen, platelets, antithrombin III antigen, and factor VIII activity at the same dose. Factor IX prepared from this concentrate caused no consumption of coagulation factors at 214 to 243 U/kg despite the presence of trace amounts of activated factor IX. These results indicate that more highly purified preparations could reduce the risk of thrombosis in replacement therapy for hemophilia B. Also, at least for the preparations tested, factor IX and factor IXa were not the thrombogenic components of the crude concentrates.
Synergistic antiproliferative effect of recombinant interferon-gamma with recombinant interferon-alpha on chronic myelogenous leukemia hematopoietic progenitor cells (CFU-GEMM, CFU-Mk, BFU-E, and CFU-GM)
Authors: Carlo-Stella C , Cazzola M , Ganser A , Bergamaschi G , Pedrazzoli P , Hoelzer D , Ascari E
Published: October 2019

Recombinant interferons, alpha (rIFN-alpha) and gamma (rIFN-gamma), have been demonstrated to have significant antitumor activity as single agents in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Due to their possible synergistic efficacy, a combination rIFN therapy in CML has been proposed. To establish a biologic basis for this, we have studied the suppressive effects of rIFN-alpha and rIFN-gamma on the in vitro growth of CML-derived progenitor cells (CFU-GEMM, CFU-Mk, BFU-E, CFU-GM), the optimal conditions for rIFN synergism, and the possible role of hematopoietic accessory cells (T-lymphocytes and monocytes- macrophages) in mediating rIFN-induced growth inhibition. When added to unseparated bone marrow cells, rIFN-alpha and rIFN-gamma significantly reduced colony formation, with 50% inhibition occurring at 71 and 186 U/mL for CFU-GEMM, 40 and 152 U/mL for CFU-Mk, 222 and 1,458 U/mL for BFU-E, and 119 and 442 U/mL for CFU-GM, respectively. A small amount of rIFN-gamma (5 U/mL) acted synergistically with increasing doses of rIFN- alpha, and the values of 50% inhibitory concentrations fell outside the lower limit (10 U/mL) used in our experiments. This synergy was evident even when rIFN-gamma was added 72 hours after the initiation of cultures; however, it was completely lost when the target cells were depleted of accessory cells. When a low dose of rIFN-alpha (5 U/mL) was added to rIFN-gamma, the 50% inhibitory concentration values were decreased up to tenfold. These studies (1) confirm that CML-derived hematopoietic progenitors are responsive to the suppressive activity of both rIFN-alpha and rIFN-gamma in vitro, (2) demonstrate that different mechanisms are responsible for the suppressive activity of the two rIFNs, and (3) characterize their synergistic interaction, providing a basis for future clinical trials aimed at investigating combination rIFN therapy in CML.
Glucocorticosteroids induce DNA fragmentation in human lymphoid leukemia cells
Authors: Distelhorst CW
Published: October 2019

The present study was undertaken to investigate the potential role of glucocorticoid-induced DNA damage in the lysis of human lymphoid leukemia cells by glucocorticoids. Lymphoblasts were isolated from patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in blast crisis and cultured in vitro with or without dexamethasone. DNA was then purified from the cells and analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Only high molecular weight (mol wt) DNA was present in cells cultured without dexamethasone, but a ladder of DNA fragments ranging in size from 180 to 200 base pairs (bp) to greater than 1,500 bp was present in cells cultured with dexamethasone. The DNA fragments were multiples of 180 to 200 bp, suggesting an internucleosomal site of DNA cleavage. The same pattern of DNA fragmentation was detected in normal thymocytes isolated from adrenalectomized rats following in vivo treatment with dexamethasone and in S49 mouse thymoma cells after in vitro incubation with dexamethasone. Dexamethasone-induced DNA fragmentation preceded overt loss of viability in glucocorticoid-sensitive cells but was not detected in two variants of the S49 cell line that are glucocorticoid resistant owing to glucocorticoid receptor defects. The results suggest that glucocorticoids kill human lymphoblastic leukemia cells and both normal and malignant murine thymocytes by a common mechanism that involves glucocorticoid induction of an endonucleolytic activity with cleavage of genomic DNA.
Enhanced expression of the granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor gene in acute myelocytic leukemia cells following in vitro blast cell enrichment
Authors: Kaufman DC , Baer MR , Gao XZ , Wang ZQ , Preisler HD
Published: October 2019

Expression of the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM- CSF) gene in acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) was assayed by Northern blot analysis. GM-CSF messenger RNA (mRNA) was detected in the freshly obtained mononuclear cells of only one of 48 cases of AML, in contrast with recent reports that GM-CSF mRNA might be detected in half of the cases of AML when RNA is prepared from T-cell- and monocyte-depleted leukemic cells. We did find, however, that expression of the GM-CSF gene was detectable in five of ten cases after in vitro T-cell and monocyte depletion steps. Additional studies suggest that expression of GM-CSF in the bone marrow of the one positive case, rather than being autonomous, was under exogenous control, possibly by a paracrine factor secreted by marrow stromal cells. These studies emphasize the potential for altering in vivo patterns of gene expression by in vitro cell manipulation.
Short remission durations in therapy-related leukemia despite cytogenetic complete responses to high-dose cytarabine
Authors: Larson RA , Wernli M , Le Beau MM , Daly KM , Pape LH , Rowley JD , Vardiman JW
Published: October 2019

Seventeen patients with therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome (t- MDS) or therapy-related acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (t-ANLL) were treated with single-agent high-dose cytarabine (HDAC; 1 to 3 g/m2 every 12 hours for 12 doses). The initial neoplasm was still present in eight patients when t-MDS/t-ANLL developed. Fifteen of the 16 patients with chromosomal abnormalities in bone marrow cells had loss or rearrangement of chromosomes 5 and/or 7. One patient had a t(15;17), and one had inadequate material for cytogenetic analysis. Twelve patients had normal metaphase cells (3% to 71%). Indications for HDAC therapy were progressive pancytopenia in 13 patients or rising blast count in four. Five patients died of marrow hypoplasia following therapy. Four others had refractory t-ANLL and died within the subsequent 5 months. Only one of ten patients with a poor performance status (PS greater than or equal to 2 using the ECOG scale) achieved a complete remission, but all seven patients with a good performance status (PS less than or equal to 1) had a complete remission. Hematologic remissions were achieved in 8 patients (47%) after one (6 patients) or two (2 patients) induction courses and were confirmed by recovery of a 100% normal marrow karyotype in six of the seven patients who were retested. Patients in remission received one to four consolidation courses with HDAC alternating with cytarabine/doxorubicin, but seven relapsed within 8 months (median remission duration, 5 months). In every case, the original chromosomal abnormality reappeared at relapse. HDAC has a high response rate for good-performance patients with t-MDS/t-ANLL, but complete remissions are short even when confirmed cytogenetically and consolidated intensively.
Ricin binding and protein synthesis inhibition in human hematopoietic cell lines
Authors: Leonard JE , Grothaus CD , Taetle R
Published: October 2019

Previous studies showed that human blood cells exhibited varying sensitivities to ricin. To investigate the basis for these differences, ricin binding to human hematopoietic cell lines was assessed and correlated with in vitro ricin sensitivities. Resistant mutants were also isolated and characterized. Ricin binding to CEM cells was rapid, time-dependent, and blocked by unlabeled ricin, but not albumin; ricin binding approached saturation at 3 mumol/L. Scatchard analyses showed multiple classes of binding sites, with maximum and minimum Kd values estimated at 1.5 x 10(-8) mol/L and 2.5 x 10(-7) mol/L. At 4 degrees C, membrane-bound ricin dissociated slowly from the cell surface in the presence of unlabeled ricin, but greater than 95% of the surface-bound ricin was removed with 0.1 mol/L lactose. At 37 degrees C, ricin dissociated from the cell surface with biphasic kinetics. Ricin uptake at 37 degrees C increased linearly for 15 to 30 minutes and plateaued at levels representing 12% to 29% of the amount of ricin bound at 4 degrees C, depending on the cell line. Ricin binding at 4 degrees C varied two- to fivefold among hematopoietic cell lines and was reduced approximately tenfold by incubation with lactose. When compared with parent CEM cells, ricin-resistant CEM variants showed a greater than 95% reduction in ricin binding and showed no detectable binding with lactose added. However, these cells were as sensitive as parent CEM cells to an anti-T-cell ricin immunoconjugate. For all cells examined, there was a close correlation (r = +.9) between ricin bound per cell and in vitro ricin sensitivity. Human hematopoietic cells show widely varying ricin binding, indicating major differences in the carbohydrate content or structure of surface glycoproteins and glycolipids. These variations are probably the major determinant of nonspecific toxicity of ricin immunoconjugates.
Two-dimensional iodopeptide mapping demonstrates that erythrocyte Rh D, c, and E polypeptides are structurally homologous but nonidentical
Authors: Blanchard D , Bloy C , Hermand P , Cartron JP , Saboori AM , Smith BL , Agre P
Published: October 2019

The 32,000 molecular weight (mol wt) erythrocyte Rh D, c, and E polypeptides were separately purified from cDE/cDE erythrocytes by monoclonal immunoprecipitations and compared by two-dimensional iodopeptide mapping. Digestions of the isolated Rh polypeptides with alpha-chymotrypsin revealed a high degree of structural homology between c and E (13/14 iodopeptides were identical) and less striking homology between D and c or E (8/19 identical). The iodopeptide maps of Rh proteins purified by a nonimmunologic protocol from cDE/cDE erythrocytes were virtually identical to the composite pattern (D + c + E) deduced from the individual maps of Rh D, c, and E iodopeptides. Digestions of the isolated Rh polypeptides with trypsin revealed an overall homology of approximately 50% between iodopeptides derived from D, c, and E. These data indicate that the erythrocyte Rh D, c, and E antigens are carried by homologous but distinct molecular species; c and E appear more closely related to each other than to D.
The basic study on kappa-lambda imaging by delta-curve for the detection of a monoclonal B-cell population in the peripheral blood
Authors: Nakano M , Kuge S , Kuwabara S , Yaguchi M , Kawanishi Y , Kodama K , Akiya T , Toyama K
Published: October 2019

Recently, kappa-lambda analysis with the “D” value was developed by Ault to detect a minor population of malignant B cells in peripheral blood. This analysis is based on the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, and the D value is calculated by a flowcytometer and a computer. We have recently devised a more sensitive parameter for the kappa-lambda analysis than the D value called the delta-curve (delta c); the delta c applies the same principle as that of the D value. Mixing experiments with kappa- type and lambda-type chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells revealed that the delta c could not only detect a minor population of malignant kappa- B cells, but also that of malignant lambda-B cells using more sensitivity than the D value. A total of 49 blood samples obtained from 27 patients with various B-cell malignancies were investigated. D values were abnormal in 37% of all samples, while abnormal patterns of the delta c were recognized in 71%. On the other hand, 59% of samples obtained from the patients with B-cell lymphoma in aleukemic phase showed abnormal delta c, whereas D values exceeded the upper limit of the normal value in only 15% of the samples. It was suggested that the delta c could detect 3% to 7% of malignant B cells that were mixed with a population of normal lymphocytes.