bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compatible and Incompatible Interactions in Wheat Involving the Bt-10 Gene for Resistance to Tilletia tritici, the Common Bunt Pathogen
Authors: Gaudet Denis A. , Lu Zhen-Xiang , Leggett Frances , Puchalski Bryan , Laroche André
Published: October 2007

The infection of wheat lines Neepawa (susceptible), and its sib BW553 that is nearly isogenic for the Bt-10 resistance gene by differentially virulent races T1 and T27 of common bunt (Tilletia tritici), was followed for 21 days following seeding (dfs) using fluorescence and confocal microscopy. Spore germination was nonsynchronous and all spore stages including germination were observed 5 to 21 dfs. Initial host perception of pathogen invasion, based on autofluorescence in epidermal cells adjacent to the appressoria, was similar in both compatible and incompatible interactions, and occurred as early as 5 to 6 dfs. The total number of sites on a 1-cm segment of coleoptile adjacent to the seed that exhibited autofluorescence was similar in both the compatible and incompatible interactions and rose to a maximum of 35 to 40 per 1 cm length of coleoptile following 17 dfs, although new infection events were observed as late as 21 dfs. In the compatible interaction, the autofluorescence became more diffuse 10 to 12 dfs, emanating in all directions in association with fungal spread. In the incompatible interaction, autofluorescence remained restricted to a small area surrounding the penetration site. Two different reaction zones that extended further in tissues surrounding the penetration point in the incompatible interaction compared with the compatible interaction were identified. The accumulation of callose around invading fungal hyphae was observed during both the compatible and incompatible interactions from 8 to 21 dfs. While callose accumulation was more extensive and widespread in the incompatible interaction, it was clearly present in compatible interactions, particularly in treatments involving BW553. These results were confirmed by expression of callose synthase transcripts that were more abundant in BW553 than in Neepawa and were upregulated during pathogen infection in both compatible and incompatible interactions.
The significance of caveolin‐1 expression in parietal epithelial cells of Bowman’s capsule
Authors: Ostalska‐Nowicka D , Nowicki M , Zachwieja J , Kasper M , Witt M
Published: October 2007

Aims:  To analyse the expression of caveolin‐1 in normal human kidney and during diseases leading to nephrotic syndrome in children and to compare its pattern with those observed in control samples, both human and animal.

Methods and results:  The study group was composed of 104 children diagnosed with minimal change disease (MCD), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), lupus glomerulonephritis (LGN) and Schönlein–Henoch glomerulopathy (SH). The research protocol employed direct immunohistochemical assay with the use of mono‐ and polyclonal antibodies against caveolins. Kidney samples of Wistar rats, wild‐type mice and caveolin‐1‐deficient mice were also analysed. In the control human samples, caveolin‐1 was most abundant in the muscle layer of blood vessels and parietal epithelial cells (PECs). Its expression in PECs was significantly lower in children diagnosed with FSGS and LGN than in those with MCD, SH or in controls. In the control animal tissues, except for knock‐out mice, caveolin‐1 was present in distal convoluted tubules, PECs, endothelial cells and muscle.

Conclusions:  Caveolae are extremely stable elements of PECs and can be excluded from their cell membrane only in response to the dramatic cell reconstruction observed in FSGS and LGN.
Expulsion of Nematospiroides dubius from the intestine of mice treated with immune serum
Authors: BEHNKE J.M. , PARISH HEATHER A.
Published: October 2007

Summary This paper describes experiments which demonstrated that the survival of Nematospiroides dubius was severely impaired in mice treated with immune serum. CFLP donor mice were given a series of infections ranging from 25 to 200 infective larvae, at weekly intervals for 6 weeks. The mice were treated with anthelmintic on day 21 and/or day 28 to prevent the accumulation of lethal numbers of parasites in the intestine, and were bled between day 42 and day 49. Female NIH recipient mice were given a total of 2.0–2.5 ml of immune serum i.p., in several separate smaller doses at various times in relation to the day of infection. Between the administration of immune serum begun during the first 4 days of infection and the animals being killed within the next 3 weeks, the mice harboured fewer worms than control animals, the worms were stunted and their fecundity was greatly reduced. Furthermore, these worms were subsequently lost from the intestines of treated mice, during and after the fourth week of infection. These effects on N. dubius were not observed when mice were given normal serum nor when immune serum was administered after day 6 of infection. The delayed rejection of adult worms from mice treated with immune serum is of particular significance and suggests that immune serum contained factors which facilitated the expression of a second component in worm expulsion not normally effective in a primary infection. The possible immunological mechanisms underlying these findings are discussed and related to the immunosuppression which N. dubius is known to induce in the host.
‘Arc 5’ antibodies in sera of sheep infected with Echinococcus granulosus, Taenia hydatigena and Taenia ovis
Authors: YONG W.K. , HEATH D.D.
Published: October 2007

Summary The ‘arc 5’ precipitin band, formed when test human serum is reacted against immunoelectrophoresed hydatid cyst fluid antigen, has provided a positive diagnosis of Echinococcus granulosus infection. These antibodies to ‘arc 5’ antigen have now been found in the sera of sheep. They appear 2 weeks after infection with Taenia ovis, after 3 weeks with T. hydatigena and after 16 weeks with E. granulosus.

An antigen similar to the ‘arc 5’ antigen of E. granulosus cyst fluid was also demonstrated in cyst fluid from T. hydatigena, but it could not be positively identified in T. ovis cyst fluid. The presence of ‘arc 5’ in immunoelectrophoresis tests is not suitable for specific immunodiagnosis of E. granulosus infections in sheep in New Zealand.

‘Arc 5’ antibodies were only associated with living E. granulosus cysts and were not present if cysts were dead. The location of the cysts in either liver or lungs and the onset of brood capsule production did not influence the presence of ‘arc 5’ antibodies.
Modulation of the alternative complement pathway in patients with Gram‐negative bacteraemia
Authors: WHALEY K. , SCHUR P.H. , McCABE W.R. , RUDDY S.
Published: October 2007

Summary Concentrations of C3b inactivator (C3bINA) and β1H globulin, two proteins which regluate turnover of the alternative complement pathway, have been measured in the sera of 38 patients with Gram‐negative bacteraemia at the onset of fever, prior to the onset of shock. The mean serum concentrations of these two proteins was reduced compared with normal controls (t = 1.8250, P < 0.05 for C3bINA; t =3.9555, P< 0.005 for β1H These reductions were most pronounced in those patients who subsequently developed shock, with or without a fatal outcome. Serum levels of C3bINA and β1H correlated well with levels of C3 factor B, but only poorly with C4. C3bINA, but not β1H, also correlated with properdin. As a result of these findings it has been suggested that low serum concentrations of C3bINA and β1H in Gram‐negative bacteraemia, may predispose to excessive alternative pathway turnover.
Antigenic changes in Trypanosoma brucei on transmission by tsetse fly
Authors: HUDSON K.M. , TAYLOR ANGELA E.R. , ELCE B.J.
Published: October 2007

Summary Antigenic variation has been demonstrated throughout a chronic infection of Trypanosoma brucei (derived from TREU 667) in the mouse. The variant antigenic types (VATs) detected were compared with those appearing on transmission from various time points through the infection. Reversion of VAT was found to occur on transmission through Glossina regardless of the VAT(s) present at the time of ingestion. The first patent parasitaemia after transmission is heterogeneous with regard to VAT; three predominant VATs appearing consistently. Indirect evidence suggests that this VAT heterogeneity is most likely not reflected in the metacyclic population but comes about immediately on transmission and can occur in the absence of antibody.
Bovine lymphocyte antigens (BoLA) of bovine lymphocytes and derived lymphoblastoid lines transformed by Theileria parva and Theileria annulata
Authors: SPOONER R.L. , BROWN C.G.D.
Published: October 2007

Summary The BoLA phenotypes of lymphocytes from seven cattle have been compared with those of 19 lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from them by infection in vitro with either Theileria parva or T. annulata. Two long‐established lines were also studied. In all cases except one, the BoLA phenotypes of the lymphoblastoid lines were identical with those of the original animal from whose lymphocytes they were derived. The one exception was a chimeric twin where a minor population appeared to have been transformed by T. parva. The antigens present on this line were present in the parents of the chimera, but not detectable in its own peripheral blood. The implications of these results as they relate to the use of these cell lines in immunizing cattle against East Coast fever and tropical theileriosis are discussed.
Reaction following treatment of murine borreliosis and Shwartzman type reaction with borrelial sonicates*
Authors: WRIGHT D.J.M.
Published: October 2007

Summary Treatment of experimental murine borreliosis induced an acute transient fall in temperature, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia with appearance of circulating ‘endotoxin‐like’ material. This reaction to treatment could be reproduced by the inoculation of borrelial sonicates into infected mice or by two injections of the same sonicate given 24 hours apart, into normal mice. Sensitization or precipitation of the reaction could not be induced by E. coli lipopolysaccharide, although a reaction indistinguishable from the reaction to treatment could be provoked in mice by two successive injections of lipopolysaccharide given 24 hours apart. The nature of this reaction in mice was investigated and the relation of both reactions to the Shwartzman reaction, Endotoxin.
Isolation of a phosphorylcholine‐containing component from the turbot tapeworm, Bothriocephalus scorpii (Müller), and its reaction with C‐reactive protein
Authors: FLETCHER THELMA C. , WHITE ANN , BALDO B.A.
Published: October 2007

Summary A fraction isolated by electrofocusing (pI 4.2) from a saline extract of the turbot parasite. Bothriocephalus scorpii, contained choline and precipitated with a teleost C‐reactive protein (CRP) and a phosphorylcholine‐binding Balb/c mouse myeloma protein, TEPC‐15. Non‐dialysable products released from cultured tapeworms also precipitated with the phosphorylcholine‐specific precipitins. Ca2+ was required for precipitation with CRP and immunodiffusion lines were confluent with pneumococcal C‐polysaccharide and a fungal C substance. Intradermal injection of the phosphorylcholine‐containing fraction caused an immediate erythema reaction in all mature turbot tested. The skin reaction is thought to be related to the amount of circulating CRP and this protein was present in sera from all mature turbot giving a positive skin response. There is no evidence for CRP being toxic to the tapeworms and the possibility is discussed that the worms exploit the host CRP for their own survival.
The inflammatory reaction surrounding Taenia solium larvae in pig muscle: ultrastructural and light microscopic observations
Authors: WILLMS KAETHE , MERCHANT MARIE THERESE
Published: October 2007

Summary An inflammatory reaction with the general characteristics of a chronic granuloma surrounding Taenia solium larvae in pig muscle is described. Larvae with an inflammatory capsule were obtained at slaughter from pigs 6–8 months‐of‐age and were processed for light and electron microscopy. Eosinophils (granulocytes with orange staining and peroxidase‐positive granules) were found to be degranulated and in close contact with the parasite surface. Histiocytes, epithelioid cells, macrophages and lymphocytes were also evident, as well as large numbers of plasma cells in the outer areas of the well‐circumscribed reaction. The parasites were ultrastructurally intact, with a normal tegument and only occasional changes in the microvesicles. The results are discussed with reference to parasite survival in the host.
Comparison of three immunological tests for seroepidemiological purposes in human echinococcosis
Authors: PICARDO N.G.A. , GUISANTES J.A.
Published: October 2007

The comparative sensitivity and specificity of three immunodiagnostic tests for hydatid disease—the latex agglutination (LA) test, the indirect haemag‐glutination (IHA) test and the counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIEP) test—were studied. The results of the IHA test were evaluated using three positivity criteria. Antigen from the same source—hydatid cyst fluid pool of ovine origin—was utilized for the three tests. A total of 123 sera were studied; 30 preoperative sera from patients with other parasitic and infectious diseases, 30 sera from patients with non‐parasitic diseases and 30 sera from normal blood donors. The results of the three tests were correlated to the immunoelectrophoresis (IEP) test based on the presence of arc 5. The same sensitivity (86.7%) and specificity (99%) was obtained in LA, CIEP and IHA tests when the minimum cross‐reactivity titre criterion was employed for the latter. Non‐specificity was relatively high (13%) in the IHA test when only serological reactivity was considered. The sensitivity of the IHA test decreased (83.3%) using the diagnostic titre criterion and non‐specific reactions were eliminated. All three tests correlated well with the IEP test.
Propulsive activity of the rat small intestine during infection with the nematode Nippostrongylus brasiliensis
Authors: FARMER S.G.
Published: October 2007

Summury Intestinal propulsive motility was measured in rats infected with 4000 Nippostrongylus brasiliensis larvae by following the transit of radioactive chromium (51Cr) through the gut. On days 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 post‐infection, 51Cr was injected through an indwelling catheter into the duodenum. The animals were killed 15 min later and the distribution of radioactivity in the small intestine measured. A group of uninfected, catheterized animals served as controls. Intestinal propulsive activity was increased significantly on day 8 post‐infection. No significant difference in the overall intestinal transit occurred on days 6,10,12 and 14 post‐infection, although it appeared that it may have been decreased in the upper small intestine on day 6. The significance of these results is discussed.
Immunity to coccidia in chickens: adoptive transfer with peripheral blood lymphocytes and spleen cells
Authors: ROSE M. ELAINE , HESKETH PATRICIA
Published: October 2007

Suspensions of cells prepared from the caecal tonsils and spleen, and the peripheral blood lymphocytes of chickens immune to Eimeria maxima, were tested for their ability to transfer resistance to syngeneic recipients. The intravenous injection of approximately 6 × 108 spleen cells or peripheral blood lymphocytes caused a significant reduction of oocyst production by the challenged recipients, in comparison with controls which were uninjected or given cells from birds susceptible to E. maxima. Peripheral blood lymphocytes appeared to be most effective when obtained 10–15 days after a primary, or 3–10 days after a secondary inoculation of oocysts. The peripheral blood lymphocytes which participate in the early response to challenge of immune birds were not found to be protective. When given intraperitoneally, greater numbers of spleen cells were required to reduce oocyst production, and small numbers of caecal tonsil cells were ineffective. The ability of the various cell suspensions to transfer antibody and cell‐mediated responses was monitored with ‘marker’ antigens. There was some indication that both types of response were involved in protection.
Effect of immunosuppressive or inflammatory agents on lymphatic dilatation in cats infected with Brugia pahangi
Authors: DEAN GILLIAN S. , PLAYFAIR J. H. L. , DENHAM D. A. , NOSCOE N.
Published: October 2007

Summary Cats infected with Brugia pahangi were immunosuppressed and the development of lymphatic pathology, as measured xeroradiographically by dilatation of the vessels, in these animals was compared with that of normally infected cats. Individual cats showed wide variations in response. Niridazole and antilymphocyte serum both reduced dilatation, niridazole being particularly effective in the early stages of infection. When silica, used as an inflammatory agent, was injected subcutaneously in conjunction with worm infection lymphatic dilatation developed, this being potentiated in degree and rate of development as compared with control animals. The possible role of a non‐filarial inflammatory response in the development of lymphatic dilatation is discussed.
Chemotaxis of human granulocytes toward microfilariae of Onchocerca volvulus
Authors: KING C.H. , SPAGNUOLO P.J. , GREENE B.M.
Published: October 2007

Summary Migration of human peripheral blood granulocytes in response to microfilariae of O. volvulus was demonstrated using modified Boyden chambers. Granulocyte migration was significantly enhanced when microfilariae were preincubated with heat‐inactivated immune serum (ΔIS), then added to a fresh serum source (P <0.025). This effect was not seen when microfilariae were incubated in medium alone, in ΔIS alone, in ΔIS plus C4‐deficient guinea‐pig serum, or in fresh serum alone. There was no significant difference between the response of cells from O. volvulus‐infected donors and that of cells from normal volunteers. Likewise, there was no significant difference between the migratory response seen toward nodule‐ versus skin‐derived microfilariae. These results suggest that the host inflammatory response to O. volvulus microfilariae is mediated in part by chemotactic factors generated by antibody and complement interaction with the organism and, furthermore, that these factors are product(s) of classical complement pathway activation.
Specific cutaneous hypersensitivity responses in mice infected or immunized with Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: ABRAHAMSOHN I.A. , BLOTTA M.H.S.L. , CUROTTO M.A.
Published: October 2007

Summary The appearance and development of cutaneous hypersensitivity to epimastigote antigen was followed during the early phase of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in mice. The effect of living BCG on the kinetics of skin reactivity was studied in animals infected with T. cruzi blood trypomastigotes or artificially immunized with disrupted epimastigotes. BCG stimulated the immediate response in infected animals while preferentially stimulating delayed responses in immunized animals. Infection with living blood trypomastigotes depressed already existing delayed‐type responses. The development of delayed‐type responses was also impaired in animals immunized in the course of the infection.
The measurement of antigens released by radiation‐attenuated Trichinella spiralis larvae
Authors: AGYEI‐FREMPONG M. , CATTY D.
Published: October 2007

Summary A radioimmunoassay has been developed that uses antisera raised to different excretory‐secretory antigens of infective larvae of Trichinella spiralis (LESA) to measure accurately the output of these antigens following gamma irradiation at doses from 10 to 120 Krads. In the lower range (up to 20 Krads) irradiation results in the increased export of antigens to the culture supernatant in a subsequent 3 h period, without obvious or gross damage to the worms. Higher doses (> 40 Krads) suppress antigen release over the same period compared with the activity of untreated (control) cultures. This work makes two contributions. It describes a sensitive assay system which detects and measures parasite antigens that may be important both in protection and in serodiagnosis, and it offers for the first time an explanation for the special properties of the lower dose range larval irradiation‐attenuated vaccine in inducing a high degree of reinfection resistance, as reported in older literature and recently confirmed by us.
Mimicry of snail host antigens by miracidia and primary sporocysts of Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: YOSHINO T.P. , BAYNE C.J.
Published: October 2007

Summary Polyvalent antisera generated in rabbits to soluble haemolymph components from Schistosoma /warworn‐susceptible (PR albino ‘M line’) and S. /warworn‐resistant (10‐R2) stocks of the snail Biomphalaria glabrata were employed as membrane probes to determine if antigens related to snail haemolymph were produced by the early larval stages of S. mansoni (PR‐1 strain). Using immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopical methods we have demonstrated that antibodies to susceptible (anti‐Suscept) and resistant (anti‐Resist) snail haemolymph (Hg‐depleted fraction) crossreact with miracidial epidermal and ciliary membranes as well as the surface membranes of intercellular ridges. Primary sporocysts, both transformed in vitro and maintained in culture for various time intervals in the absence of snail‐derived factors, retain haemolymph‐like antigens on their surface tegument although at reduced levels in comparison to miracidial stages. Furthermore prolonged cultivation of sporocysts (48 h) has little effect on the density of crossreacting tegumental antigens suggesting that as sporocysts mature these antigenic components are continually being expressed at the surface membrane. Since miracidia and sporocysts were derived in media devoid of snail host materials, shared antigens on larval surfaces are believed to be of parasite origin and constitute true molecular mimicry as defined by Damian (1979). The occurrence of crossreacting antibodies in both anti‐Suscept and anti‐Resist antisera further suggests that mimicked haemolymph‐like antigens include at least some which are common to both snail stocks.
Regulation of the growth and differentiation of Trypanosoma (Trypanozoon) brucei brucei in resistant (C57B1/6) and susceptible (C3H/He) mice
Authors: BLACK S.J. , SENDASHONGA C.N. , LALOR P.A. , WHITELAW D.D. , JACK R.M. , MORRISON W.I. , MURRAY M.
Published: October 2007

Summary While Trypanosoma brucei brucei GUTat 3 were equally infective for C3H/Heand for C57B1/6 mice at doses ranging from 5 to 5 × 103 organisms and had similar prepatent periods in both strains of mice, infected C57B1/6 mice displayed lower parasitaemia, shorter times to parasite wave remission and survived for a longer time than infected C3H/He mice. Parasite growth and differentiation rates and host immune responses were similar for the first 5 days in both strains of mice after infection with 103 T.b.brucei GUTat 3 but, thereafter, parasite differentiation proceeded more rapidly and specific antibodies reached higher titres in C57B1/6 than in C3H/He mice. In contrast, parasite growth and differentiation rates were similar in irradiated mice of both strains. Furthermore, following inoculation of intact mice with irradiated T.b.brucei GUTat 3, C3H/Hemice actually mounted higher titred antibody responses than C57B1/6 mice showing that they were not intrinsically defective in their capacity to respond to GUTat 3 antigens. Parasite differentiation occurred at the same rate in irradiated (650r) C57B1/6 mice and in irradiated C57B1/6 mice reconstituted with syngeneic spleen cells although T.b.brucei GUTat 3 specific antibody was detected in the latter mice prior to peak parasitaemia. Furthermore, it was shown directly in C57B1/6 mice that there was no selective destruction of slender form T.b.brucei GUTat 3 parasites during the phase of accumulation of stumpy form parasites. These studies indicate that the more rapid differentiation of T.b.brucei GUTat 3 parasites in infected C57B1/6 mice as compared to infected C3H/Hemice was unlikely to be directly related to the more efficient antibody response in the infected C57B1/6 mice. The observations suggest that there might be an association between host mechanisms which regulate differentiation of T.b.brucei parasites and those which regulate antibody responses.
Characterization of macrophage function in Mycobacterium lepraemurium‐infected mice: sensitivity of mice to endotoxin and release of mediators and lysosomal enzymes after endotoxin treatment
Authors: HA D.K.K. , GARDNER I.D. , LAWTON J.W.M.
Published: October 2007

Summary Mycobacterium lepraemurium (MLM) infection increases the sensitivity of mice to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as do infections with other intracellular parasites. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF), lymphocyte activating factor (LAF) and increased levels of various lysosomal and cytoplasmic enzymes were found in serum samples taken 2 h after intravenous injection of a small dose of LPS suggesting that damage to a variety of cell types, including macrophages, had occurred. Sera from moribund MLM‐infected mice not injected with LPS also demonstrated significant levels of TNF compared with controls. Intravenous injections of silica into leprous mice also led to increased levels of serum lysosomal and cytoplasmic enzymes but did not give rise to a significant amount of TNF or LAF. Moreover, in contrast to LPS treatment, the injection of silica did not lead to the death of leprous mice. These findings suggest that the phagocytic cells of the infected animals did not contribute to the production of these mediators after LPS challenge. Rather, the non‐phagocytic granuloma macrophages or other unidentified cell types seemed to provide the main source of the monokines TNF and LAF in vivo in the present model. These mediators may have important implications for the immunopathology of MLM infection.
Coccidiosis: characterization of antibody responses to infection with Eimeria nieschulzi
Authors: ROSE M. ELAINE , V. PEPPARD JANE , HOBBS S. M.
Published: October 2007

Summary The antibody responses of rats to infection with the intestinal intracellular protozoan parasite Eimeria nieschulzi were examined by a sensitive radio‐immunoassay with a soluble preparation of sporulated oocysts as antigen. Specific antibodies of the IgM, IgGl, IgG2a and IgG2b isotypes were found in the blood circulation and IgA antibodies were detected in the bile and in intestinal washings. The IgM response was rapid, its peak was relatively brief and it was not recalled by the reinoculation of oocysts. There were some differences between the responses in the different subclasses of IgG but they all reached a peak between 20–30 days after the initiation of the primary infection and there was an anamnestic response to a challenge inoculation of oocysts. IgA antibodies to E. nieschulzi antigen in the bile and in intestinal washings increased and decreased after both primary and secondary inocula. Antibodies of all isotypes tested were virtually absent in the blood circulation of infected athymic rats. These findings are discussed with reference to antibody responses to other parasitic infections and to the role of antibodies in immunity to coccidiosis.
Kinetics of immunoglobulin and specific antibody responses of CBA mice infected with Trypanosoma rhodesiense
Authors: FINERTY J.F. , GASBARRE L. , KENDRICK L.P.
Published: October 2007

Summary Groups of CBA/CaJ and B‐cell deficient CBA/N mice were infected with Trypanosoma rhodesiense EATRO 1886 strain. Survival, parasitaemia, serum Ig levels plus specific trypanosomal IgM and IgG antibodies were assayed and compared during infection. Whereas both strains of mice had similar parasitaemias during the first week of infection, CBA/N parasitaemias were lower than those observed in CBA/CaJ mice during the subsequent study period. Antibody responses, specific for T. rhodesiense antigens, peaked on day 10 after infection in CBA/CaJ mice, then rapidly declined. However, antibody responses in CBA/N mice remained elevated throughout the study. In addition, the kinetics of specific IgG and IgM varied in CBA/N mice: IgG antibody was detected on day 4, whereas specific IgM was detected on day 16. This unique relationship between the appearance of IgG and IgM antibody may explain the longer survival observed for B‐cell deficient CBA/N mice infected with T. rhodesiense.
Characterization of surface and excretory‐secretory antigens of Toxocara canis infective larvae
Authors: MAIZELS R. M. , SAVIGNY D. DE , OGILVIE B.M.
Published: October 2007

Summary The surface antigens of Toxocara canis infective larvae have been identified by radio‐iodination and compared with the excretory‐secretory (ES) products released by the larvae in vitro. Common antigens, of molecular weight 32 000 and 120 000 are found on the larval surface, in the ES material and in culture supernatant following surface iodination of living T. canis larvae. The 120 000 antigens consist of three closely migrating bands in each of these preparations. However, one prominent ES component, of molecular weight 400 000, is not found on the larval surface. Additional molecules of 55 000 and 70 000 are present in the ES material, but while these may be discerned in surface preparations there appears to be more heterogeneity of surface molecules in this size range. Both sets of molecules are antigenic to infected patients and experimental animals. A comparison of characterized human sera show that a radio‐immunoprecipitation assay correlates with the established ELISA test (r= 0–89), and that all labelled molecules are antigenic to the infected host.
Lipoprotein lipase suppression in 3T3‐L1 cells by a haematoprotozoan‐induced mediator from peritoneal exudate cells
Authors: HOTEZ P.J. , TRANG N. LE , FAIRLAMB A.H. , CERAMI A.
Published: October 2007

Summary Lysates of the haematoprotozoa Trypanosoma brucei or Plasmodium berghei stimulated murine peritoneal exudate cells to release a mediator, which suppressed lipoprotein lipase activity in differentiating 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes. The parasite‐induced mediator suppressed the activity of cell surface lipoprotein lipase up to 39% in a dose dependent manner. By impairing the activity of cell surface lipoprotein lipase, this mediator acts to inhibit the uptake of fatty acid, and ultimately the accumulation of lipid by the adipocyte. In vivo this defect in triglyceride removal may explain the hypertriglyceridemia commonly observed in haematoprotozoan infections. We suggest that the lipoprotein lipase suppression mediator is produced as a consequence of the immune response to these parasitic protozoa.
Macrophages from Babesia and malaria infected mice are primed for monokine release
Authors: WOOD P.R. , CLARK I.A.
Published: October 2007

Summary Serum from mice infected with Babesia microti or Plasmodium vinckei petteri and given lipopolysaccharide (LPS) contained appreciable amounts of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and lymphocyte‐activating factor (LAF; Inter‐leukin I) activity. These monokines were not noted in serum from uninfected mice given the same dose of LPS. This pattern was repeated when adherent peritoneal cells from normal or infected mice were exposed to LPS in vitro and the supernatants assayed for LAF. This indicates that the hyper‐reactivity of malaria and flaiesia‐infected mice to LPS resides in their macrophages, and that infection with these haemoprotozoa provides the host's macrophages with the same priming stimulus for subsequent triggering of monokine release as does an injection of Bacillus Calmette Guerin.
Mechanisms of protective immunity against 5. mansoni infection in mice vaccinated with irradiated cercariae. VI. Influence of the major histocompatibility complex
Authors: SHER A. , HIENY S. , JAMES S.
Published: October 2007

Summary Inbred mouse strains develop different levels of resistance to challenge infection with Schistosoma mansoni in response to vaccination with irradiated cercariae. The role of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in determining this genetic polymorphism in acquired resistance was investigated. Previous studies suggested that inbred mice bearing either the b or d MHC haplotypes develop a higher level of vaccine induced resistance than do mice with other MHC haplotypes. An analysis of an Fi cross between an H‐2b strain (C57BL/6) and an H‐2k strain (C3H/HeJ) indicated that the ability to develop high levels of immunity is inherited in a dominant fashion. In order to confirm that the development of high resistance is an MHC associated trait, B10, C3H, BALB and B6 congenic mice bearing different H‐2 haplotypes were compared. On either the BIO, B6, or BALB background, substitution of b or d with k or a MHC alleles resulted in a decreased level of vaccine induced immunity. The observed decreases were more pronounced in BALB and B6 than in B10 congenics suggesting an influence of background (non‐MHC linked) genes on protective immunity. Similarly, C3H. SW (H‐2b) mice developed a significantly higher level of acquired resistance than C3H/HeSn (H‐2k) mice. Cross and backcross experiments between H‐2b and H‐2k B6 congenic mice confirmed the dominant inheritance of high resistance as well as the MHC linkage of the trait. These data indicate that the MHC locus exerts a quantitative influence on vaccine induced resistance in certain inbred mouse strains and provide further support for the concept that the protection elicited by irradiated cercariae is the manifestation of a specific host immune response.
The isolation and characterization of globule leucocytes: their derivation from mucosal mast cells in parasitized sheep
Authors: HUNTLEY J.F. , NEWLANDS G. , MILLER H.R.P.
Published: October 2007

Summary Ovine mucosal mast cells and globule leucocytes have been isolated from the abomasum of normal sheep, and from animals challenged with Ostertagia circumcincta. The ultrastructural, morphological and histochemical properties of these cells have been investigated. The granules of ovine mucosal immunoglobulin and a serine esterase. These cells also possess surface immunoglobulin. Cells morphologically intermediate between mucosal mast cells and bulin. Cells morphologically intermediate between mucosal mast cells and globule leucocytes have similar granule and surface properties. These observations, together with quantitative data, indicate that alterations in the granule structure of mucosal mast cells as a consequence of prolonged antigenic challenge give rise to mast cells in the epithelium which, in the past, have been commonly recognized as globule leucocytes.
Tissue eosinophilia and Leishmania mexicana mexicana eosinophil interactions in murine cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: JR G. GRIMALDI , SOARES M. J. , MORIEARTY PAMELA L.
Published: October 2007

Summary Outbred albino mice were infected subcutaneously with 106 amastigotes of Leishmania mexicana mexicana and the subsequent lesions were evaluated by light and electron microscopy at various intervals after infection. The animals developed persistent nodules and a spectrum of lesions of variable size which was correlated with the host's ability to control the parasite in the tissue. During the acute phase of the disease the histopathological results showed an accumulation of granulocytes, some mononuclear phagocytes and a predominance of eosinophils as compared to other cell types. In this early acute phase, eosinophils were found in the tissue together with normal and degranulating mast cells. In the granulomatous inflammatory reaction of the chronic phases, there was infiltration of granulocytes parallel to parasite multiplication and the formation of parasitized vacuolated macrophages. The number of eosinophils was consistently greater than neutrophils, regardless of lesion type or number of parasites present in the tissue. During the acute reaction, the granulocytes apparently destroyed many parasites; however, there was an unvaryingly low level of phagocytosis of amastigotes during the chronic stages by both eosinophils and neutrophils. Neutrophils seemed to be more effective than eosinophils in the killing of ingested parasites. A close association between eosinophils and parasitized macrophages was seen in the chronic lesions; thus, eosinophils might contribute to parasite destruction through co‐operation with macrophages.
Stimulation of autoantibody production in normal blood lymphocytes by malaria culture supernatants
Authors: KATAAHA P. K. , FACER CHRISTINE A. , MORTAZAVI‐MILANI S. M. , STIERLE H. , HOLBOROW E. J.
Published: October 2007

Summary Supernatants from Plasmodium falciparum cultures containing soluble parasite material were mitogenic for normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNC) in vitro. This was evidenced by blast transformation and significant incorporation of 3H‐thymidine and confirms earlier reports of the mitogenic potential of malaria parasites. Lymphocyte activation by these malaria derived products was polyclonal as demonstrated by increased secretion of IgA, IgG and IgM by the stimulated cells. Using rat tissues and Hep‐2 cells as substrates, autoantibody activity was found in the IgM fraction of the secreted immunoglobulin. Speckled anti‐nuclear (ANA) antibody, anti‐globulins (rheumatoid factor) and anti‐intermediate filament antibodies were produced by the stimulated lymphocytes. No significant immunoglobulin secretion with autoantibody specificity was found in control cultures in which normal MNC were incubated with supernatants from non‐parasitized red cell cultures. The data supports the suggestion that polyclonal lymphocyte activation by parasite derived products occurs in vivo and, in addition, provides an explanation for the presence of autoantibodies in the serum of malaria patients.
The role of natural agglutinins and trypanolytic activity in host specificity of Trypanosoma musculi
Authors: FERRANTE A.
Published: October 2007

Summary Trypanolytic activity and agglutinins for T. musculi were demonstrated in sera from refractory hosts. The agglutinins in human and bovine serum were specific antibodies. The trypanolytic activity was a result of the ability of the trypanosomes to activate complement in these normal sera. The results suggested that Trypanosoma musculi activates human complement by the alternative pathway. The activity was inhibited by EDTA but not EGTA, and trypanosome lysis occurred in the absence of C2. In addition, conversion of C3 occurred in the presence of EGTA. The trypanolytic activity of bovine serum was similarly inhibited by EDTA but not EGTA. Trypanosome lysis failed to occur in C6 deficient rabbit serum, showing that the late components of complement are required for parasite lysis. Trypanosome lysis by human or bovine serum was inhibited by the addition of mouse serum but not rat serum. These observations suggest that the presence of trypanolytic activity and antibodies to this trypanosome in sera of normal mammals may be responsible for the restricted host range of the trypanosome, and that the absence of these antibodies and the ability of this parasite to evade the trypanolytic activity enables T. musculi to establish infections in the mouse.
Immune‐recognition of Schistosoma mansoni primary sporocysts may require specific receptors on Biomphalaria glabrata hemocytes
Authors: BAYNE C. J. , LOKER E. S. , YUI MARYA. , STEPHENS JENNIFER A.
Published: October 2007

Summary Cellular interactions, leading to cell‐mediated cytotoxicity when Biomphalaria glabrata hemocytes encapsulate Schistosoma mansoni sporocysts, have been investigated. Rabbit antibodies (IgG), when bound to antigens on sporocyst surfaces, prevent the normal cytoadherence (CA) of hemocytes from both susceptible and resistant host snails. Since interference with CA occurs with even fixed sporocysts, the effect is not due to IgG stimulated modulation of the parasite surface. Using two antisera with some overlapping specificities, and quantitative immunofluorescent antibody technique (QIFAT), we determined the concentrations of IgG needed to place equivalent amounts of IgG on the sporocysts. At these concentrations, CA was affected differentially, implying that interference was due to the specific antigens bound, and not due simply to the presence of IgG. Also with QIFAT we determined how much F(ab')2 and IgG from anti‐sporocyst serum were needed to block an equivalent amount of antigenic determinants from access by whole FITC labelled IgG. Sporocysts whose surface antigens were equally blocked were equally unadherent for hemocytes, supporting the notion that the nature of obscured antigens, and neither the Fc portion nor the larger size of intact IgG protein, was responsible for the effect on CA. These surprising results imply a role for specific antigen binding sites on snail hemocytes.
The immunology of malaria—a view from the bush
Authors: GREENWOOD B. M.
Published: October 2007

Summary During the past few years a great deal has been learnt about malaria parasites and the immune responses that they evoke in their hosts. However, this new knowledge has so far had little impact on the practical problems of malaria control in tropical developing countries where malaria is still responsible for much mortality and morbidity. In Africa the malaria situation is now more serious than it was 20 years ago. Exciting new developments in molecular biology suggest that this situation may change in a few years time but attempts should be made to put the advances that have been made to the best practical use as soon as possible rather than delaying until even better technologies have been developed. This approach will require close collaboration between immunologists in sophisticated laboratories in industrialised countries and smaller laboratories in the countries of the developing world where malaria is still a major problem.
Modulation of host response by Trichinella pseudospiralis
Authors: STEWART G. L. , WOOD BEVERLY , BOLEY R. B.
Published: October 2007

Summary Measurement of myeloperoxidase activity in the muscles of mice infected with Trichinella pseudospiralis, T. spiralis or both helminths allowed quantitation of host inflammatory response to the parasite. Infection of the host with T. pseudospiralis alone was accompanied by less inflammation in host diaphragm muscle than was the case in hosts infected with T. spiralis alone. A dramatic reduction in inflammation around s.c. implanted cotton string was observed in mice infected with T. pseudospiralis alone below that seen in uninfected mice. Concurrent infection of the host with T. spiralis and T. pseudospiralis resulted in a lowering of myositis below that seen in the diaphragm muscles of mice infected with T. spiralis alone.
Immunopathology of Schistosoma japonicum and S. mansoni infection in B cell depleted mice
Authors: CHEEVER A. W. , BYRAM J. E. , HIENY SARA , VON LICHTENBERG F. , LUNDE M. N. , SHER A.
Published: October 2007

Summary To investigate the role of antibody in the pathogenesis of hepatic granulomas around schistosome eggs, mice were depleted of B cells by treatment from birth with anti‐IgM serum and were subsequently infected with Schistosoma japonicum or S. mansoni. Anti‐IgM treatment did not affect the development or fecundity of the worms or the larvae within the egg shells. Normal circumoval granulomas were present in the livers of B cell depleted mice 7 or 8 weeks after infection clearly indicating that antibody and immune complexes have no necessary role in the formation of granulomas. Hepatic fibrosis was also similar in B cell depleted and untreated mice at these times. Ten weeks after infection the size of S. japonicum egg granulomas in untreated mice had decreased but no change in the size of granulomas had occurred in B cell depleted mice, and hepatic fibrosis was more marked in treated than in untreated mice. Similar changes were noted in S. mansoni infected mice, assayed at 8 and at 12–13·5 weeks after infection. The effects of B cell depletion in the more chronic infections may be related to the absence of antibody but could also be caused by an influence on B cell‐dependent suppressor T cells.
Immunosuppression associated with visceral leishmaniasis of hamsters
Authors: NICKOL A. D. , BONVENTRE P. F.
Published: October 2007

Summary Immunosuppression was demonstrated during the course of Leishmania donovani infection of outbred and inbred hamsters. Proliferative responses of splenic lymphocytes to the mitogen concanavalin A (Con A) and to promastigote antigens were used as indicators of immune responsiveness. Although splenic lymphocyte proliferative responses to parasite antigens were demonstrable 3 weeks after challenge, antigen specific lymphocyte responses diminished as the infection progressed. Two types of immunosuppression were demonstrable. The first was a non‐specific anergy of splenic lymphocytes to Con A stimulation. Thus, spleen cells from infected animals did not actively suppress the Con A responses of normal lymphocytes in mixed cultures. A second immunosuppression mechanism, specific for leishmania antigens was mediated by a nylon wool non‐adherent cell population. The suppressor, tentatively identified as a T cell population, inhibited the proliferation of parasite antigen sensitized responder lymphocytes in mixed culture. Elimination of the parasite burden by glucantime therapy restored responsiveness of lymphocytes to parasite antigens. Con A responses, however, remained suppressed 1 week after drug cure.
Immunopathological aspects of experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infection: correlation of immune complexes and other serological features with muscle lesions during the infection
Authors: SILVA J. C. , PIRMEZ CLAUDE , MORGADO MARIZA G. , GALVÃO‐CASTRO B.
Published: October 2007

Summary The pathogenesis of the tissue lesions observed in American trypanosomiasis (Chagas' disease) seems to depend on a variety of mechanisms. The present study was dedicated to the investigation of the evolution of muscle lesions and its relationship with immunological and parasitological parameters. Mice were infected i.p. with 105 blood forms of Trypanosoma cruzi (Colombian strain). A progressive increase in parasitaemia was observed which correlated with an increase in serum levels of IgG and IgM Trypanosoma‐specific antibodies. Immune complex like material was detected in the serum (125I‐Clq binding assay) on day 8 and reached maximum level between day 21 and 28. A concomitant fall in C3 levels was also observed. Inflammatory lesions and parasites were first observed in the striated muscle 2 weeks after infection. The cellular infiltrates involved macrophages and lymphoid cells: later on (week 3 onwards), intense necrosis appears and at the same time immunoglobulin and complement deposition were observed. These observations may indicate that, in addition to the cellular immune response, humoral mechanisms could contribute to the worsening of tissue lesions.
Platelet mediated killing of larvae from different filarial species in the presence of Dipetalonema viteae stimulated IgE antibodies
Authors: HAQUE A. , CUNA W. , BONNEL B. , CAPRON A. , JOSEPH M.
Published: October 2007

Summary The platelets from normal rats interact with microfilariae of Dipetalonema viteae in vitro in the presence of antibodies leading to the killing of the parasite. The antibody involved in this reaction is identified as IgE because the absorption of immune rat serum on anti‐rat IgE column or the pretreatment of platelets with anti‐Fcɛ receptor resulted in a significant reduction in the percentage of killing of microfilariae. This antibody, which mediates platelet activity towards microfilariae, appears early in the secondary infection and persists for a short period of time. This short‐lasting IgE antibody is not apparently present in the form of large complexes since the supernatant but not the pellet after ultracentrifugation was able to mediate killing of microfilariae by platelets. IgE‐dependent platelet‐mediated parasite killing is neither stage‐ nor species‐specific because the microfilariae (LI) of Brugia malayi or of Loa loa and infective larvae (L3) of D. viteae or of B. malayi were killed when they were incubated with the serum obtained from rats at day 8 after secondary infection with adult D. viteae worms. The results of the present study suggest that platelets can actively participate in the immunological killing of filarial larvae.