bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antagonistic Analogs of Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone Are Mast Cell Secretagogues
Authors: Morgan Jane E. , O’Neil Carol E. , Coy David H. , Hocart Simon J. , Nekola Mary V.
Published: August 2009

The histamine-releasing activity of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) antagonistic analogs has been documented. Antagonists of LHRH elicited in vitro histamine release from mast cells obtained from previously unexposed rats. Intradermal injection of the antagonists caused increased local skin permeability. Anaphylactoid reactions followed subcutaneous injection of the antagonists and in some cases these edematous reactions were accompanied by increased serum histamine levels. These studies show that these small peptides can cause mast cell degranulation and suggest that the neuropeptide, LHRH, may have modulating effects on the immune system.
Effect of Bordetella pertussis Vaccine on Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in Rats
Authors: Källén Bengt , Nilsson Olle
Published: August 2009

Administration of Bordetella pertussis vaccine simultaneously with the immunization of rats with guinea pig encephalitogenic protein in Freund’s complete adjuvant results in the development of hyperacute encephalomyelitis in the Lewis strain, a strain which reacts with ordinary experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) when immunization is performed without pertussis vaccine. A marked augmentation of the EAE response was seen with pertussis vaccine in the Fischer and PVG strains, both low responders without pertussis, and relapsing EAE developed in some animals. Hyperacute EAE did not develop, however. No effect was seen on the resistant BN strain, but strong EAE developed in the otherwise low-susceptible F1(BN × F) and the practically resistant F2(BN × F) hybrids – in the latter hybrids, EAE developed only when Ir-EAE genes linked to AgB 1 were present. In the F1 hybrids, pertussis vaccine could be given from 4 days before to 5 days after the immunization and an effect was still seen, although a maximal effect was seen when the vaccine was given at 0 or 2 days after immunization.
Antibody in Tears, Saliva and Nasal Secretions Following Oral Immunization of Humans with Inactivated Influenza Virus Vaccine
Authors: Bergmann K.-Ch. , Waldman R.H. , Tischner H. , Pohl W.-D.
Published: August 2009

Oral immunization of 5 volunteers with an enteric-coated inactivated influenza vaccine resulted in a significant rise of IgA-specific antibodies in tears, saliva and nasal secretion, reaching a maximum response 5–7 weeks after completion of immunization.
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis with Extensive Mucosal Erosions of the Gastrointestinal and Respiratory Tracts
Authors: Roupe Gösta , Ahlmén Monica , Fagerberg Björn , Suurküla Mart
Published: August 2009

Toxic epidermal necrolysis with epidermal shedding over almost the entire body occurred in a patient with classical rheumatoid arthritis treated with sulindac, penicillamine and a combination analgesic containing paracetamol and chlormezanone. Erosions in the lower respiratory tract and the intestine contributed to a lethal outcome of the disease and showed a microscopical picture similar to that of the skin involved. The histopathological picture of these extracutaneous lesions have been only briefly reported previously.
Immunoblotting Analysis of Antigliadin Antibodies in the Sera of Patients with Dermatitis herpetiformis and Gluten-Sensitive Enteropathy
Authors: Vainio Eeva
Published: August 2009

Antigliadin antibodies (AGA) were analyzed by immunoblotting from the sera of 30 patients with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) and of 13 patients with gluten-sensitive enteropathy (GSE). The results were correlated to the jejunal morphology and to the serum AGA values as quantified with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunoblotting analysis disclosed a distinct pattern of AGA which was similar in patients with DH and GSE. In both diseases individual variation in IgG class AGA patterns was large, suggesting that several antigenic determinants are involved in the AGA response. The IgA class AGA pattern was clearly more homogeneous. The sera with several bands in immunoblotting had the highest AGA levels in ELISA. Strong staining in the main gliadin area (bands from 31 to 38 kd) indicated severely damaged intestinal mucosa whereas the serum of DH patients with partial villous atrophy or normal mucosa showed usually weaker staining. The immunoblotting pattern of sera from healthy controls was even weaker but was directed against the same polypeptides as in the patients suggesting a quantitative rather than qualitative difference between healthy and diseased subjects. This difference was, however, more obvious in the IgA than in the IgG class AGA pattern possibly indicating a more fundamental defect in the regulation of synthesis of IgA isotype in DH and GSE.
Genetic Background of Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis in the Obese Strain of Chickens Studied in Hybrids with an Inbred Line
Authors: Neu N. , Hála K. , Dietrich H. , Wick G.
Published: August 2009

To determine the number and function of genes which are responsible for spontaneous autoimmune thyroiditis (SAT) in the obese strain (OS) of chickens we crossed birds of this strain (B15/B15) with those of the inbred CB line (B12/B12). The progeny was analyzed for autoantibodies to thyroglobulin (TgAAb) and for histopathological changes in the thyroid glands. In F1 (OS × CB) hybrids only those animals which derived from CB mothers had circulating TgAAb, the progeny from the reverse combination ♀ OS × ♂ CB was negative. Since the disease is not inherited by OS males only, we conclude that maternal TgAAb, which are transferred from the egg yolk to the embryo, might prevent the immune system of the F1 chickens from TgAAb formation via blocking or eliminating the respective antigens. Those F1 hybrids which have high TgAAb levels in the serum show only little or no thyroiditis. Together with other observations, these data lead to the conclusion that the thyroid gland of the F1 hybrids is not susceptible to TgAAb. This supports previous findings that a genetically determined thyroid abnormality is a prerequisite for the full development of SAT. The low degree of SAT in backcross (F1 × OS) animals and F2 hybrids suggests that several genes are involved in the disease. MHC typing of these generations revealed that the B haplotype affects the time of SAT onset.
Alveolar Lymphocytes from Patients with Sarcoidosis Respond Poorly to Activation by Mitogenic Lectins
Authors: Persson Ulla , Eklund Anders
Published: August 2009

Attempts have been made to activate alveolar cells obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage from 17 patients with sarcoidosis in different stages with the lectins concanavalin A and leukoagglutinin. The cells obtained from 2 of the patients responded well by proliferation whereas the cells from the other 15 patients responded poorly. Coculture experiments indicate that the low proliferative response was not due to inhibitory effects exerted by alveolar lymphocytes or macrophages, but rather to a lack of responding T cells. The results are discussed in relation to other studies showing increased immune reactivity in alveolar lymphocytes from patients with sarcoidosis.
Human IgG Antibody Responses to Grass Pollen Antigens: Effects of Immunotherapy and Comparison of Serum and Secretory Profiles
Authors: Deards M.J. , Standring R. , Moran D.M.
Published: August 2009

IgG antibody responses, induced by individual temperate grass pollen allergens in atopic subjects, have been studied by an SDS-PAGE immunoprecipitation technique. These were shown to be of a complex nature and variable between individuals. Profiles obtained with serum and nasal secretions from the same individual were qualitatively similar. Immunotherapy with a glutaraldehyde-modified grass pollen extract, Pollinex, increased the level of specific IgG to three clinically significant grass pollen allergens but did not markedly change the overall pattern of response.
Gliadin IgG Subclass Antibodies in Patients with Coeliac Disease
Authors: Ciclitira P.J. , Ellis H.J. , Richards D. , Kemeny D.M.
Published: August 2009

We have measured IgG1, 2, 3 and 4 subclass antibodies to gliadin and casein in normal controls, treated and untreated coeliac patients. The amount of antibody in each subclass was determined separately as a titre and as a concentration, by reference to a standard curve. Both methods of quantitation, carried out in separate assays, yielded comparable results (IgG antibody r = 0.86, IgG1 antibody r = 0.89). In all the coeliac patients, the majority of antibody was IgG1, and little IgG2, 3, 4 antibody was detected. Untreated coeliac patients had higher titres of IgG and IgG1 antibodies to gliadin and casein compared with normal controls. In the treated coeliac patients compared with the normal controls, there was no significant difference between the titres of IgG and IgG1 antibodies to gliadin but there were higher titres to casein.
Isolation and Characterization of Cross-Reactive Allergenic Components in Callistemon citrinis and Melaleuca quinquenervia Pollen by Trans-Blot Enzyme-Linked Crossed Immunoelectrophoresis
Authors: Stanaland Brett E. , Gennaro Robert N. , Klotz Sol D. , Sweeney Michael J. , White Roseann S.
Published: August 2009

Antigenic extracts obtained from Callistemon citrinis (bottlebrush) and Melaleuca quinquenervia (melaleuca) pollen were analyzed by crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CIE), tandem-crossed immunoelectrophoresis (TCIE), and trans-blot enzyme-linked crossed immunoelectrophoresis (TECIE). CIE analysis detected 14 and 12 antigenic components in bottlebrush and melaleuca, respectively. TCIE analysis of bottlebrush pollen, employing rabbit anti-melaleuca serum in the intermediate gel, demonstrated that all of the antigenic components detected were cross-reactive. Similar analysis of melaleuca using rabbit anti-bottlebrush serum in the intermediate gel also showed that all of the antigenic components were cross-reactive. At least three bottlebrush and two melaleuca cross-reactive pollen components were demonstrated to be allergenic by TECIE analysis of CIE and TCIE gels.
Class-Specific Antibody Determination against Aspergillus fumigatus by Means of the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Authors: Kauffman H.F. , van der Heide S. , Beaumont F. , Blok H. , de Vries K.
Published: August 2009

IgG, IgA and IgM ELISA antibody titers against Aspergillus fumigatus were elevated in sera of patients with aspergilloma and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), showing higher titers for the IgG antibodies compared with the IgA and IgM antibodies. No differences were found between titers of identical antibody classes in the two groups of sera. IgG and IgA ELISA titers were highly specific whereas IgM ELISA showed more unspecific binding of IgM antibodies. Antibodies, as measured by ELISA, studied after fractionation of the antigen into fractions of decreasing molecular weight, showed a preferential binding by the high molecular weight fractions. Precipitating antibodies studied in patient sera did not always correspond with the IgG ELISA titers. IgE antibody binding was observed in all fractions from Sephadex G-100 fractionated components; maximum binding was found with fractions of 28,000–60,000 daltons. The low molecular weight fractions (18,000–<5,000 daltons) showed less IgE binding but the quantity of this fraction was higher. The discrepancies noted between the IgG and IgA ELISA titers and the binding of IgM or IgE antibodies indicate that antigenic components may in part differ in the binding of antibody classes.
Comparison of Antibody Levels and Protective Efficacy against Pneumococci in Two Immunoglobulin Preparations for Intravenous Use
Authors: Offenbartl Karsten , Gullstrand Per , Prellner Karin , Christensen Poul , Henrichsen Jörgen
Published: August 2009

Passive immunization with modern intravenous immunoglobulin preparations might be used prophylactically in individuals at extreme risk of contracting postsplenectomy sepsis or therapeutically in established infections. Since pneumococci are the predominant causative organisms, we determined antibodies against 14 pneumococcal serotypes in two commercially available immunoglobulin preparations (two batches of each) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The four batches were remarkably similar in antibody content. Low levels against some clinically important serotypes, i.e. types 3, 8 and 18C were recorded. The protective effect of one batch of each preparation aganst type 1 pneumococci was documented in splenectomized rats.
Identification of a Nonproteolytically Activated C3 with CR 1-Binding Properties in Sera from Subjects with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
Authors: Nilsson Bo , Lööf L. , Nilsson U.R.
Published: August 2009

Complement factor C3 associated with immune complex-like material was precipitated by 2.7% (w/v) polyethylene glycol (PEG) in sera from patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. Radioimmunoassay analysis demonstrated that this C3 expressed antigens which are specific for bound and denatured C3 but absent in native C3. Gelfiltration of the PEG precipitate revealed a C3 peak which corresponded to a molecular weight of more than 2 × 107 daltons but sucrose-gradient centrifugation of the same material showed that the C3 had a sedimentation coefficient of 4–7 S. SDS-PAGE followed by immunoblotting presented intact C3α and C3β chains, and immune electrophoresis showed that the PEG-precipitated C3 was slower than native C3. The biological properties of the PEG-precipitable C3 were demonstrated by the inhibitory effect on the binding of immune complexes containing C3b to complement receptor 1. These data are not compatible with coprecipitation of native C3, nor with immune complex-bound C3b.
Influence of Beta-Endorphin, Somatostatin, Substance P and Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide on the Proliferative Response of Human Peripheral Blood T Lymphocytes to Mercuric Chloride
Authors: Nordlind K. , Mutt V.
Published: August 2009

The influence of β-endorphin, somatostatin, substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) was tested on the proliferative response to mercuric chloride of human peripheral blood T lymphocytes, cultured for 5 days. When β-endorphin, 10––8M, was added 1 h after mercuric chloride, there was an enhancement of the response, while a slight suppression was obtained with a 10––6M concentration of SP and VIP. When β-endorphin, 10––7––10––9 M, somatostatin, 10––6––10––9M, and SP, 10––11––10––12M, were added 3 days after mercuric chloride, they enhanced the response. At 10––6M, SP gave a suppressive effect.
Monoclonal Antibodies against Human IgE
Authors: Magnusson C.G.M. , Aalberse R.C. , Johansson S.G.O.
Published: August 2009

The specificity of five monoclonal anti-IgE antibodies (Mabs) was studied in direct latex agglutination and agglutination-inhibition experiments by particle-counting immunoassay. Twenty IgE myeloma proteins and several purified Dε0-, Dε1-, and Dε2-containing pepsin and papain fragments of IgE-DES(κ) were used in the evaluation. The results demonstrate two Mabs with isotypic specificity for two distinct epitopes of the Fcε-fragment within the Dε1- and Dε2-determinants. One Mab recognized only the immunizing IgE protein and was directed against determinants on the Fdε-fragment probably related to the idiotype. Anti-Em(1) allotypic Mabs recognized all 20 IgE myeloma proteins including two of Japanese origin and the Em(1)-allotype was confined to Dε2-determinants. Interestingly, one Mab (ALE) reacted with all 8 IgE myeloma proteins of the λ light-chain type but none out of 12 bearing κ chains. ALE seems therefore to recognize a new marker on IgE besides the known idiotypic, allotypic and isotypic ones. These results illustrate that a critical specificity control of Mabs is always warranted. Moreover, one should be aware of possible interference in IgE assays from the kind of determinants recognized by ALE whenever intact IgE myeloma proteins are used to raise polyclonal antisera, to get immunosorbent-purified anti-IgE antibodies or when used as tracers and standards.
Mouse IgE-Mediated Paw Anaphylaxis in Mice and Rats
Authors: Kaneta Shigeru , Kanbara Hajime , Fujihira Eiichi , Mitsuya Masayasu
Published: August 2009

Anaphylactic swelling is induced in the hind paws of mice and rats by intravenous challenge of antigen 72 h after subplantar injection of mouse IgE-rich antiserum into the paws, and can be quantified rapidly and accurately by measuring paw thickness. The edema model described may serve as an alternative to passive cutaneous anaphylaxis for studying immediate allergic reactions with mouse homocytotropic antibodies and screening potential antiallergic drugs.
Schistosome-Derived Inhibitory Factor: An Immunosuppressive Agent Preferentially Active on T Lymphocytes
Authors: Mazingue C. , Stadler B.M. , Quatannens B. , Capron A. , de Weck A.
Published: August 2009

We have previously shown that schistosome-derived inhibitory factors (SDIF) inhibited lymphocyte proliferation and induced immunosuppression. Crude SDIF was purified by successive gel filtration and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Purified SDIF preparations strongly inhibited the proliferation of different T cell line cells, while other cell lines (B cells, macrophages and fibroblasts) were almost not affected by SDIF. The inhibition of T cell proliferation by SDIF was not mediated through an Interleukin-2-dependent mechanism since both Interleukin-2-dependent and -independent T cells were inhibited. SDIF-activity was absorbed by cells in a time- and cell-number-dependent fashion at 4°C, suggesting the existence of a possible receptor for SDIF. However, the difference in sensitivity to SDIF proliferation inhibition could not be attributed to the presence or absence of this receptor since cells from SDIF-sensitive and SDIF-resistant cell lines absorbed SDIF activity in the same way.
Inhibition of the Platelet Activating Factor Mediated Component of Guinea Pig Anaphylaxis by Receptor Antagonists
Authors: Darius Harald , Smith Bryan , Lefer Allan M.
Published: August 2009

The role of platelet activating factor (PAF) and its inhibition by specific receptor antagonists was studied in hypersensitivity reactions in guinea pig lung parenchymal strips and in guinea pigs in vivo. Immunological challenge of isolated lung parenchymal strips with ovalbumin resulted in a contractile response of 184 ± 16 mg (n = 38). Pretreatment of the strips with a combination of the antihistamine diphenhydramine, the dual lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase product synthesis inhibitor BW-755C, and the PAF receptor antagonist kadsurenone totally inhibited the increase in tension. The bronchoconstrictor effects induced by immunological challenge were also totally inhibited when the leukotriene receptor antagonist FPL-55,712 was used to replace BW-755C or another PAF receptor antagonist, alprazolam was used to replace kadsurenone. Ovalbumin challenge in sensitized guinea pigs in vivo resulted in airway constriction, circulatory failure and an abrupt fall in continuously measured platelet count by 75 ± 12%, followed by death of all animals within 5–8 min. Pretreatment with diphenhydramine, BW-755C and kadsurenone (or alprazolam) improved survival to 64% (i.e., 7 of 11 animals) compared to a survival rate of 0% (i.e., 0 of 8 vehicle treated controls). Despite the improved survival, the severe thrombocytopenia was unaltered with the combined therapy. PAF, histamine and peptide leukotrienes appear to act in concert in mediating the anaphylaxis-induced airway constriction and circulatory failure in guinea pigs, but are not apparently responsible for the accompanying thrombocytopenia.
Detection of Allergens in Mould and Mite Preparations by a Nitrocellulose Electroblotting Technique
Authors: Bengtsson A. , Karlsson Å. , Rolfsen W. , Einarsson R.
Published: August 2009

The allergen composition of moulds (Alternaria alternata and Aspergillus fumigatus) and mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae) was studied by electroblotting. The allergens were separated by SDS-gPAGE and transferred to a nitrocellulose membrane by electroblotting. Specific IgE antibodies directed against mould and mite allergens were utilized as probes to detect the allergens. The bands were localized on the nitrocellulose membrane by means of enzyme- or isotope-labelled antibody. Circulating specific IgE antibodies in mould and mite sensitive patient sera were also analyzed and characterized with respect to their IgE specificity. Under appropriate experimental conditions this electroblotting technique could also be used for quantitation of individual allergens by scanning the isotope- or enzyme-stained nitrocellulose strips.
Effect of Unfractionated Heparin and a Low Molecular Weight Heparin Fragment on the DNA Synthesis of Human Thymocytes
Authors: Nordlind K.
Published: August 2009

The effect of unfractionated heparin and a low molecular weight heparin fragment was tested on the DNA synthesis of human thymocytes cultured for 5 and 48 h. At 5 h, in the absence of serum, there was a stimulation with the highest concentration of unfractionated heparin, 11.1 mg/ml. At 48 h, there was an inhibition with the highest concentration of both the unfractionated heparin and the heparin fragment. In the presence of serum unfractionated heparin in the highest concentration gave an inhibitory effect at 48 h. With 0.01––1.0 mg/ml of unfractionated heparin, a stimulating effect was obtained instead.
Repeatable Antigen-Induced Contractions of Isolated Guinea Pig Lung Strips Are Mediated by Leukotriene
Authors: Robichaud L.J. , Webster K. , Thueson D.O.
Published: August 2009

Lung strips from actively sensitized guinea pigs were repeatedly contracted by antigen (ovalbumin, OA) challenge in the presence of the antihistamine (H1) mepyramine. At lower concentrations of OA, hourly challenges gave reproducible and consistent responses. High-concentration OA resulted in desensitization, with two to six contractions being very weak. The antigen concentration affected not only the force of contraction, but other parameters including the time to peak effect, the protraction of the peak effect, and the repeatability of the force and time to peak. Low concentrations of OA induced a response which peaked by 6–8 min and decreased by about 30% after 15 min, while high-concentration OA resulted in a contraction which peaked later and did not relax. These data suggest that different ‘early’ and ‘late’ mediators may be involved depending on the ‘activation state’ or the mechanisms that predominate in the contraction response as a result of the amount of stimulation by antigen. Leukotriene apparently mediates the peak and the 15-min contraction since both were inhibited completely by FPL-55712 (IC50 = 8 μM) or NDGA (IC50 = 5 μM). These repeated, leukotriene-mediated contractions of isolated lung may mimic the clinical situation (chronic exposure to low amounts of antigen) of allergic disease and may be used to study the modulation of lung responses and desensitization phenomena.
Susceptibility of Cartilage to Damage by Immunological Inflammation
Authors: Al-Duaij A.Y. , De Brito F.B. , Sedgwick A.D. , Scott D.L. , Willoughby D.A.
Published: August 2009

Injection of ovalbumin into subcutaneous air pouches prepared on the backs of rats previously sensitised to the antigen resulted in the induction of a small and transient accumulation of inflammatory fluid with a predominantly polymorph cell infiltrate. Challenge of pouches of appropriately sensitised rats with Bordetella pertussis vaccine, on the other hand, resulted in a larger and more prolonged accumulation of fluid and cells with a predominantly mononuclear presence. When intact homologous femoral head cartilage was implanted in these inflamed pouches proteoglycan loss was found to be not different from similar implants in non-inflamed pouches. Coating the cartilage with human heat-aggregated immunoglobulin G prior to implantation in air pouches was also found to be without effect on subsequent proteoglycan loss.
Effect of Interleukin-2 and Methylprednisolone on in vitro Transformation of Uremic Lymphocytes
Authors: Langhoff E. , Ladefoged J. , Ødum N.
Published: August 2009

The functional relationship in vitro between mitogen-induced lymphocyte transformation, lymphocyte response to interleukin-2 (IL-2) and steroid, and production of IL-2 was examined in patients with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis (HD) or on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). The lymphocyte responses to optimal stimulation with phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, and pokeweed mitogen were depressed in lymphocyte cultures from HD patients, while CAPD lymphocyte cultures responded normally. However, at suboptimal phytohemagglutinin stimulation both CAPD lymphocyte and HD lymphocyte responses were subnormal. Uremic lymphocyte cultures were more sensitive to the immunosuppressive effect of methylprednisolone. Addition of IL-2 normalized the phytohemagglutinin responses of suboptimally stimulated CAPD lymphocyte cultures and clearly improved the mitogen responses of the HD lymphocyte cultures. Furthermore, the increased uremic lymphocyte sensitivity to methylprednisolone was normalized by addition of IL-2 to the cultures. The measured IL-2 production had clearly decreased in the HD cultures after 48 h as compared to that of the control cultures. A similar but not significant trend was also seen in the CAPD cultures. Thus, it is suggested that a deficient production of IL-2 may partly explain the reduced lymphocyte response of uremic lymphocytes in vitro.
Factors Influencing the Enhancement of Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity to Ovalbumin by Cyclosporin A in the Guinea Pig: Possible Role of Suppressor Cells
Authors: Aldridge R.D. , Thomson A.W.
Published: August 2009

Enhancement of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions to ovalbumin (OVA) was demonstrated in guinea pigs given a single, high dose of cyclosporin A (CsA) intraperitoneally, 2 days before immunization. Courses of oral CsA, commencing at the time of immunization and lasting until day 4 or 13 also resulted in augmented DTH responses at days 14 and 28, respectively. However, the enhancing protocol (CsA; day 0–4) did not significantly affect circulating anti-OVA antibody titres. The capacity to express increased DTH could be adoptively transferred to naive recipients by systemic injection of pooled spleen and peritoneal exudate cells. Moreover, the expression of augmented responses was inhibited by transfer of cells from normally immunized donors. Although augmentation of DTH was accompanied by increased lymphocyte proliferative responses to OVA in vitro, there was no similar effect on T cell responses to polyclonal mitogens. The data support the view that augmentation of DTH by CsA is attributable to suppressor cell dysfunction, but that this is unlikely to be a non-specific suppressor cell impairment.
Quality of Timothy Pollen (Phleum pratense) from Different Pollen Seasons and Different Suppliers
Authors: Maasch H.J. , Geissler W. , Winter H.G. , Wahl R.
Published: August 2009

We investigated seven batches of timothy (Phleum pratense) pollen from four different pollen seasons and three different manufacturers in the USA and Europe by several biochemical and immunochemical methods. By measuring the contents of hexoses, proteins and the total allergenic activity using RAST inhibition we could not find any significant differences in quality between pollen of different seasons, different geographical origin and different manufacturers. There were only slight differences in the staining of some protein bands and in peak height of some antigens in isoelectric focusing (IEF), SDS-PAGE and crossed immunoelectrophoresis. These differences in IEF and SDS-PAGE patterns seem to be specific for the pollen samples from the USA and Europe, respectively. We also observed minor differences in IEF immunoprint patterns, mainly for some basic proteins. The allergen patterns in crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis were very similar, with only minor differences in concentration of the basic allergens. It appears that timothy pollen from different years can be produced in different geographical areas by different manufacturers with fairly constant allergenic activity.
Purification and Characterization of Two Protein Antigens from the Heterogenous BCG85 Complex in Mycobacterium bovis·BCG
Authors: Wiker Harald G. , Harboe Morten , Lea Tor E.
Published: August 2009

The heterogenous BCG85 complex is a major component of BCG culture fluid. BCG85A and BCG85B were purified by combining ammonium sulphate precipitation with chromatography on hydroxyapatite, DEAE-Sephacel and phenyl-Sepharose columns. Twenty percent of BCG85B was recovered. The chromatographic separation procedures were monitored by fused rocket immunoelectrophoresis. The BCG85 complex was found to consist of three antigens, which were heterogenous with regard to electrophoretic mobility, molecular weight (MW), hydrophobic and immunological properties. They were designated A, B and C in increasing order, according to their electrophoretic mobilities. Thus BCG85 A had the lowest electrophoretic mobility, BCG85C the highest. The MW of BCG85A was found to be 31,000, while BCG85B had a slightly lower MW, 29,000, as determined by SDS-PAGE. The antigenic relationship between the components was evaluated by crossed immunoelectrophoresis and double diffusion, and reactions of partial identity between the antigens were found. The BCG85 complex occurs in far lower concentration in sonicates of BCG than in culture fluid.
Comparative Studies on Tree Pollen Allergens
Authors: Vik H. , Elsayed S.
Published: August 2009

The major allergen of birch pollen, BV45, was isolated and conjugated to 2-o-methoxy polyethylene glycol-4,6-dichloro-5-triazine (mPEG). The molecular-weight variant of 6,000 daltons of the activated mPEG was used in an antigen-specific regulation of IgE response. In these studies 200 genetically high IgE responders (CBA/Ca) female mice were intradermally immunized by the purified BV45, with the use of various adjuvants. Four different sets of experiments were made. In the first experiment 50 mice were immunized on days 1 and 15 with BV45. This was followed by another booster dose of the native BV45 or the modified mPEG-BV45 in Freund’s incomplete adjuvants (FIA) on day 72. In the 2nd experiment, a similar procedure was performed except that booster doses were injected on day 135. Subsequently on day 136, BV45/FIA was intradermally injected. In the 3rd and 4th sets of experiments, 2 groups of 50 mice were daily immunized by intraperitoneal injections of 10 successive doses of BV45. On day 33 a dose of BV45 or mPEG-BV45 respectively, was intraperitoneally injected in each mouse. This injection was followed by other 10 successive doses of BV45. In experiment 3 no adjuvants were used, and in experiment 4 aluminium hydroxide gel was used as adjuvant. The mice immune response was assessed by analyses of the serum IgG and IgE levels. In all experiments higher IgG concentrations were shown for the immunized mice as compared to the non-treated control animals. Administration of booster doses of BV45 or mPEG-BV45 induced increases in the IgG levels. As shown in experiments 3 and 4, the mPEG-BV45-treated animals gave higher IgG responses than those treated with native allergens. Although the results of the experiments did not show a prominent decrease of IgE, we do not exclude the possibility that modified birch pollen allergens could be superior in hyposensitization therapy. The results obtained suggested within certain limitations that modified birch pollen allergens gave better results in modulating the IgG and IgE synthesis in mice as compared to the non-modified allergens. These observations are partially in agreement with papers earlier published on mPEG-modified allergens from honey bee venom, grass pollen and various tree pollens by other authors.
Impaired Cutaneous Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity in Autoimmune MRL lpr/lpr Mice
Authors: Carlsten H. , Nilsson L.-Å. , Tarkowski A.
Published: August 2009

A number of phenotypic and functional T-cell abnormalities have been reported in autoimmune MRL lpr/lpr (MRL/l) mice. We examined hapten-specific delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses in male and female MRL/l mice and compared them to age- and sex-matched congeneic MRL +/+ (MRL/n) mice and outbred Swiss controls. Profound defects in DTH reactivity were demonstrated in female MRL/l mice at all ages tested. In contrast MRL/l males displayed only partly impaired and selective DTH defect toward one of the two haptens used. Congeneic MRL/n females expressed lower DTH reactivity than their male littermates. We conclude that DTH responses in autoimmune MRL/l mice are defective and sex hormone related.
Modulating Effect of Beta-Endorphin, Somatostatin, Substance P and Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide on the Proliferative Response of Peripheral Blood T Lymphocytes of Nickel-Allergic Patients to Nickel Sulfate
Authors: Nordlind K. , Mutt V.
Published: August 2009

The influence of beta-endorphin, somatostatin, substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) was tested on the proliferative response of peripheral blood T lymphocytes of nickel-allergic subjects to nickel sulfate. With somatostatin, 10––6––10––10M, SP, 10––9 Mand VIP, 10––7–10––8M, added 1 h after nickel sulfate, there was an enhancement of the response, while a slight suppression was obtained with SP, 10––6M. At 3 days after nickel sulfate, beta-endorphin, 10––6––10––12M, somatostatin, 10––7–10––9M and SP, 10––7––10––11M, gave an enhancement of the response.
The Mast Cell and Signs of Pulmonary Fibroblast Activation in Sarcoidosis
Authors: Bjermer Leif , Engström-Laurent Anna , Thunell Martin , Hällgren Roger
Published: August 2009

Hyaluronate and type III procollagen propeptide were assayed in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids from patients with sarcoidosis. Levels were significantly elevated suggesting increased rates of synthesis of these connective tissue components in the lung. They were strongly related to each other (p <0.001) favoring the idea of a common cellular origin, as a suggestion activated fibroblasts. There was a significant inverse correlation (p <0.001) between lavage hyaluronate or procollagen propeptide and the clinical severity of the disease process defined by lung volume, diffusion capacity and pulmonary radiological findings. Correlation of clinical findings with lavage cell profiles was poor except for recovered mast cells (p <0.001). Lavage mast cell counts were also closely associated with BAL fluid hyaluronate and procollagen peptide (p <0.001). These findings may reflect a link between the mast cell, the activation of fibroblasts, and the progress of connective tissue changes in sarcoid lung.
Accessory Molecules in T Lymphocyte Activation
Authors: Miller J.F.A.P.
Published: August 2009

The currently accepted hypothesis used to explain the role of Lyt-2 and L3T4 in T cell activation proposes how these molecules interact with class I and II major histocompatibility complex molecules, respectively, on the antigen-presenting or target cell, to increase the avidity of binding of the antigen-specific T cell receptor. This has been tested using two antigen-specific, class II -restricted T cell clones expressing both Lyt-2 and L3T4. Inhibition of function was observed only with monoclonal antibody against L3T4, not Lyt-2. One interpretation of these results is that L3T4 and the class II-restricted T cell receptor can physically associate during T cell activation to form a multi-molecular complex from which Lyt-2 is excluded.
Platelets as Effectors in Immune and Hypersensitivity Reactions
Authors: Capron A. , Joseph M. , Ameisen J.C. , Capron M. , Pancré V. , Auriault C.
Published: August 2009

IgE receptors have been recently characterized on human blood platelets. These receptors share common properties within the FcεR2 previously described on macrophages and eosinophils with a Ka of 3 × 107M––1 and a mean number of 600–1,000 binding sites for IgE per platelet. The production of an anti-FcεR2 monoclonal antibody has allowed the identification on platelet membrane preparations of two major bands of 43–45 and 31 kD. In parasitic infections (schistosomiasis, filariasis) IgE-dependent killing by platelets has been demonstrated. In allergic asthma and in Hymenoptera venom sensitivity patients, IgE-dependent activation of platelets expressed by the release of cytocidal mediators and oxidative burst can be specifically triggered by the corresponding allergen. In aspirin-sensitive asthma, a direct, non-IgE-dependent platelet activation by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has been demonstrated. The platelet abnormality apparently involved a defect of the prostaglandin H2 binding to its specific receptor and a possible imbalance in the regulatory functions of the lipoxygenase metabolites. Platelet effector functions have been recently shown to be regulated by T cell factors. A novel suppressive lymphokine (PASL) produced by OKT8 T cell subset inhibits platelet activation and killing whereas IFN-γ has been identified among T cell factors produced by OKT4+ cells able to trigger platelet activation. These observations open original perspectives into the pathogenesis, the diagnosis and the prevention of allergic and pseudoallergic disorders, and they provide support to the concept of a role for platelets in various immune and hypersensitivity reactions.
Natural Killer Cell Interaction with IgE in the Control of Ongoing Human IgE Synthesis
Authors: Kimata Hajime , Saxon Andrew
Published: August 2009

Fresh natural killer (NK) cells from normal donors inhibited IgE synthesis from U266/AF-10 cells via a direct cytolytic effect. This inhibition was ‘reversed’ by incubation of NK cells with human IgE-anti-IgE immune complexes (IgE-IC) for 16 h without a decrease in NK-mediated cytotoxicity. Upon incubation with IgE-IC, Fc epsilon receptors (FcER) were induced on 3–9% of NK cells. These IgE-IC induced FcER+ NK cells from normal donors secreted (an) IgE-specific factor(s) which enhanced U266/AF-10 IgE production without increasing DNA synthesis. Production of this IgE differentiation factor(s) explains the apparent reversal of NK cell inhibition of IgE production.
Allergy to Laboratory Animals: Characterization and Source of Two Major Mouse Allergens, Ag 1 and Ag 3
Authors: Longbottom Joan L. , Price Jill A.
Published: August 2009

Using quantitative immunoelectrophoretic methods, two major allergenic components, Ag 1 and Ag 3, have been identified in extracts of mouse dust. Both antigens were of similar electrophoretic mobility and molecular weight (20–25 kilodaltons). However, Ag 1 proved to be antigenically identical to mouse urinary prealbumin, whilst Ag 3 was shown immunohistochemically to be present within the hair follicle and on the stratum corneum.
Side Chain-Specific Lymphocyte Responses in Workers with Occupational Allergy Induced by Penicillins
Authors: Stejskal V.D.M. , Forsbeck M. , Olin R.
Published: August 2009

Eight workers with clinically diagnosed or suspected occupational allergy caused by penicillins were studied by the lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) and by skin test. The majority of the workers handled bacampicillin, some of them had been in contact with benzylpenicillin and one worked with azidocillin only. Six workers had eczema and 2 workers suffered from rhinitis only. Lymphocytes from workers with bacampicillin-induced symptoms responded to this drug in vitro by an increased 3H-thymidine incorporation and by lymphoblastogenesis. Bacampicillin-specific allergy had been confirmed by positive patch test in 5 workers. Lymphocytes from bacampicillin-allergic workers did not respond to other penicillins such as benzylpenicillin or azidocillin in vitro. However, such penicillins were antigenic in vitro since lymphocytes from an azidocillin patch test positive worker proliferated on exposure to azidocillin in vitro. The findings at the cellular level were further supported by the specificity of the skin test. Thus, bacampicillin patch test positive workers had a negative skin reaction to benzylpenicillin. In conclusion, these data suggest the role of penicillin side chains in the sensitization process underlying occupational allergy to penicillins. LTT can be used as a tool for studying antigenic specificities involved in a sensitization process leading to penicillin allergy.
Betamethasone Modulates the Biological Function of Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes
Authors: Marone G. , Siri L. , Genovese A. , Condorelli M.
Published: August 2009

We have examined the influence of betamethasone (BT) on cyclic AMP (cAMP) metabolism and lysosomal enzyme release from highly purified (≅99%) human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). Preincubation (1–24 h) of human PMNs with BT (10––9–10––5M) had no effect on either cAMP content or on beta-glucuronidase release induced by formyl-containing tripeptide (f-met peptide). Preincubation (16–24 h) of PMNs with BT (10––8––10––7M) dose-dependently potentiated the cAMP accumulation caused by beta-agonists (isoproterenol), adenosine A2/Ra agonist (NECA), prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and histamine in PMNs. Similarly, BT potentiated the inhibition of f-met peptide-induced beta-glucuronidase release from human PMNs caused by PGE1 (10––6M), histamine (2 × 10––5M), NECA (10––4M) and isoproterenol (10––6M).
Effect of Thromboxane A2 Synthetase Inhibitor on Immediate-Type Hypersensitivity Reactions
Authors: Nakagawa T. , Miyamoto T. , Urata C. , Mano K. , Yukawa T. , Makino S.
Published: August 2009

The effect of the thromboxane (TX) A2 synthetase inhibitor, OKY-046, on human leukocyte histamine release and bronchial hypersensitivity in asthmatic subjects was evaluated. It was found that OKY-046 inhibited IgE- and Ca2+ ionophore A23187-mediated leukocyte histamine release in a dose-dependent fashion (IC50: 1.0 and 3.0 × 10––3M, respectively) and that OKY-046 could diminish bronchial hypersensitivity, determined by leukotriene D4 inhalation, following a 2-week oral medication. These data suggest that the TXA2 synthetase inhibitor can produce favorable effects upon the course of immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions.
Antagonism of Picumast and Ketotifen against Histamine, Acetylcholine, LTC4, Slow-Reacting Substance of Anaphylaxis and Barium Chloride in the Guinea Pig Ileum Bioassay
Authors: Wilhelms O.-H.
Published: August 2009

The antagonism of the antiallergic compounds picumast (PIC; Boehringer Mannheim) and ketotifen (K; Sandoz) against pro-allergic mediators like histamine (H), acetylcholine (ACh), SRS-A and LTC4 as well as against the unspecific spasmogen BaCl2 was compared in the bioassay of superfused guinea pig ileum. For the evaluation of an SRS-A antagonism crude SRS-A from antigen-stimulated guinea pig lung fragments in Krebs buffer was used with the addition of atropine and mepyramine. PIC (∼10––6––10––5 mol/l) antagonized clearly all tested spasmogens in a concentration-dependent manner. Its predominant antagonism (IC30: 2––3 × 10––6 mol/l) was against H, LTC4 and SRS-A, which are presumably important mediators of allergic reactions. ACh- or BaCl2-induced spasms were inhibited to the same extent with a 4 or 6 times higher concentration of PIC. K was ∼20 times more potent as antagonist against H and ∼8 times more potent against ACh, whereas the antagonism against LTC4- or BaCl2-induced spasms reached only 1/3 of that of PIC. An antagonism of PIC against SRS-A, LTC4 and H may contribute to its antiallergic activity in vivo. K showed little activity against LTC4 but could antagonize more selectively H- and ACh-mediated effects.
Inhibition Profiles of Picumast and Ketotifen on the in vitro Release of Prostanoids, Slow-Reacting Substance of Anaphylaxis, Histamine and Enzyme from Human Leukocytes and Rat Alveolar Macrophages
Authors: Wilhelms O.-H.
Published: August 2009

The inhibitory potency of the antiallergic compounds picumast (PIC; Boehringer Mannheim) and ketotifen (K; Sandoz) on the release of 3 preformed and 3 newly generated inflammatory mediators was estimated as an indicator for their antiallergic activity. Peripheral human leukocytes (HL) or rat alveolar macrophages (RAM) were stimulated by opsonized zymosan (C3-Z) and/or anti-IgE antibody, following preincuba-tion times with PIC and K. SRS-A was measured with the help of a guinea pig ileum bioassay, PGE2 and TxB2 by RI A (NEN), histamine (H) by an automated fluorimetric procedure, tryptic proteinase (P) by a colorimetric test employing Tos-Gly-Pro-Arg-pNA (Chromozym TH; Boehringer Mannheim) as chromogenic substrate and β-glucuronidase (β-G) by a colorimetric test (Sigma). PIC (IC30: 2 × 10––5 mol/l) was 100 times more potent than K as inhibitor of the anti-IgE-induced release of H and P and also 5 times more potent as inhibitor of SRS-A-formation/release in/from HL. In contrast, on RAM, K (IC30: 7 × 10––6 mol/l) had a 3 times greater potency as inhibitor of the C3-Z-induced SRS-A formation and suppressed PGE2 release (4 × 10––5–2 × 10––4 mol/l), whereas PIC (2 × 10––5 mol/l) potentiated PGE2 release remarkably. TxB2 release from RAM was inhibited nearly equipotently by PIC and K. β-G release was strongly potentiated by K (≥8 × 10––6 mol/l), but weakly inhibited by PIC (2 × 10––5 mol/l). PIC (≥4 × 10––5 mol/l) also increased the β-G release and in the same manner the anti-IgE- or C3-Z-induced release of other ‘preformed’ mediators like H and P from HL. The antiallergic potency of PIC in vivo could include a more pronounced stabilizing effect on different inflammatory cell types in comparison to K, for in our experiments in vitro, the release of pro-allergic/-inflammatory mediators was suppressed more effectively whereas the formation of anti-inflammatory PGE2 was potentiated by PIC, but inhibited by K.
Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Immunotherapy with a High-Molecular-Weight, Formalinized Allergoid in Grass Pollen Allergy
Authors: Bousquet Jean , Frank Edda , Soussana Michel , Hejjaoui Adnan , Maasch Hans J. , Michel François-B.
Published: August 2009

Specific immunotherapy is effective in grass pollen allergy with standardized extracts and formalinized allergoids, but systemic reactions are not uncommon. A high-molecular-weight (>85,000 daltons), formalinized allergoid was investigated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study to assess its safety and efficacy. Twenty patients received a placebo and 39 the allergoid using a rather aggressive protocol. Five patients developed a mild and transient systemic reaction with high doses of allergoid and one had a more severe reaction requiring treatment. Nasal challenges performed with orchard grass pollen grains showed that the threshold number of grains eliciting nasal symptoms was significantly (p <0.01) greater in the treated group. This group had significantly (p <0.01) less nasal symptoms during the season and specific IgG levels were significantly (p <0.01) elevated. There was a significant (p <0.01) correlation between nasal challenges and nasal symptoms during the season but no correlation between IgG and symptoms. There was no dose-dependent effect of allergoids.
Anaphylatoxin-Induced Neutrophil Chemotaxis and Aggregation
Authors: Nagata Shoji , Glovsky Michael , Kunkel Steven L.
Published: August 2009

Human neutrophil aggregation was induced by highly purified human C3a and chemically synthetic COOH-terminal peptides of C3a (C3a-8R; Ala-Ala-Ala-Leu-Gly-Leu-Ala-Arg) in a dose-dependent manner and was 40% of human C5a-induced aggregation at each optimal concentration. In contrast to C5a and formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (f-MLP), C3a and C3a-8R showed little chemotactic activity. Specific desensitization of neutrophil aggregation was observed with C3a, C3a-8R, C5a and f-MLP, but not with C3a-des-Arg-7R, indicating that the human neutrophil has C3a-specific binding sites which are different from C5a and f-MLP receptors. An additive effect on aggregation was observed at suboptimal concentrations of C5a (1 × 10––8M) and C3a (1 × 10––6M) or C3a-8R (1 × 10––5M). These studies suggest that a subpopulation of human neutrophils have specific binding sites for C3a and C3a may work cooperatively with C5a during the process of neutrophil activation by increasing aggregation and lysosomal enzyme release.