bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemotactic Activity of Guinea Pig Eosinophils for the ECF-A Acidic Tetrapeptides, Histamine, Histamine Metabolites, and the Effect of H1- and H2-Receptor Antagonists
Authors: Jones D.G. , Kay A.B.
Published: July 2009

Histamine and one of its major metabolites, imidazoleacεtic acid, were selectively chemotactic for guinea pig eosinophils, whereas L-histidine, 1,4-methylirnidazoleacetic acid, 1,4-methylhistamine and N-acetylhistamine were inactive. The response to histamine was unaffected by concentrations of eosinophils of between 30 and > 90% but it was abrogated by preincubation of the cells with histamine prior to assay (self-deactivation). Eosinophilotaxis was also inhibited by H1-(mepyramine-) and H2-(burimamide-)receptor antagonists at high doses (10––3M), although at lower concentrations (10––5M) inhibition was principally associated with burimamide. The human tetrapeptide, alanine-glycine-serine-glutamic acid, and the analogue, valine-glycine-aspartic acid-glutamic acid, were inactive whereas alanine-glycine-serine-glutamic acid was chemotactic for the guinea pig eosinophil. These results support the concept that the tissue accumulation of eosinophils following anaphylaxis depends on a complex interaction of factors, which in part may be mediated by H2 receptors on the target cells. There may be species differences in the composition of ECF-A.
Actin-Like Protein in Chicken and Mammalian Lymphoid Tissue Demonstrated by Reactivity with Human Smooth Muscle Autoantibody
Authors: Boyd R.L. , Toh B.H. , Muller H.K. , Ward H.A.
Published: July 2009

The reactivity of chicken, human, rat and mouse lymphoid tissues with human serum containing smooth muscle antibody was studied by indirect immunofluorescence. In bursal follicles, strong fluorescence was observed predominantly in the lymphocytes and reticular epithelial cells of the medulla, the basement membrane and a row of undifferentiated epithelial cells at the corticomedullary junction. Reticular epithelial cells in lymphocyte-depleted bursas from cyclophosphamide-treated chickens and cultures of bursal and thymic reticular epithelial cells also reacted with smooth muscle antibody. The thymus of all species showed only medullary staining; lymph nodes, spleen and gut-associated lymphoid tissue showed extensive cell staining of both T and B lymphocyte dependent areas, with weak reactivity in germinal centres. Embryologically, the time of appearance of bursal and thymic lymphocyte staining coincided with the development of medullary lymphocytes. In organ imprints and cell smears of bursa, thymus, lymph node and spleen, and in cell smears of bone marrow and peripheral blood lymphocytes, immunofluorescent staining was restricted to cells in close contact with each other. Suspensions of dispersed viable lymphoid cells were negative. Specificity of the staining reaction was established by its prevention after neutralization: absorption of the serum with homogenates of smooth muscle or actin derived from the same source. It is concluded that an actin-like protein is present in mature B and T lymphocytes and in reticular epithelial cells and that its expression in lymphocytes appears dependent on cell-to-cell contact. The presence of the actin-like protein in mature lymphocytes may provide a means of lymphocyte motility in vivo.
Serum Complement Changes in W/Fu Rats Inoculated with Syngeneic (C58NT) D Lymphoma Cells
Authors: Lew Frances T. , Yukiyama Yasushi , Osler Abraham G.
Published: July 2009

Weanling W/Fu rats were inoculated intraperitoneally with 1 × 106 to 1 × 107 (C58NT)D Gross virus-induced lymphoma cells. Sera obtained 7 days later showed moderate to marked depressions of overall hemolytic activity, C1, C3 and properdin. These changes were not observed in uninjected W/Fu rats or in animals inoculated with syngeneic normal spleen cells. In the latter group and in the tumor-bearing animals, factor B levels were also depressed. Evidence of complement utilization was also observed in the ascitic fluids of the tumor-bearing W/Fu rats.
Significance of Hageman Factor (Coagulation Factor XII) for Neutrophil Locomotion and Chemotaxis
Authors: Keller H.U. , Beck E.A. , Hess M.W. , Cottier H.
Published: July 2009

Neutrophils separated from Hageman factor-deficient blood exhibit normal random and directional locomotion. No defect in cytotaxin formation could be demonstrated in Hageman factor-deficient plasma, nor did kallikrein inhibitor interfere with the chemotactic activity of normal immune complex-activated human plasma. The results suggest that the chemotactic activity which is detectable in unfractionated human plasma is not derived from Hageman factor-dependent pathways.
The Difference in Effect of Predosing with Antiallergic Compounds between the Rat PCA Model and the Monkey Asthma Model
Authors: El-Azab Judy , Stewart Brian
Published: July 2009

DSCG and PRD-92-Ea showed tachyphylaxis in the rat PCA test when a large intravenous dose (40 mg/kg of DSCG and 20 mg/kg of PRD-92-Ea) was given 30 min before administering intravenously the expected effective doses at the time of antigen challenge. This predosing led to a marked loss of effectiveness. Cross-reacting tachyphylaxis was also demonstrated in this model. Predosing rats with DSCG led to a great loss of effectiveness of a subsequent expected active dose of PRD-92-Ea and predosing with PRD-92-Ea had the same effect in preventing the antiallergic action of a subsequent dose of DSCG. The Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatto) did not exhibit this phenomenon of tachyphylaxis. PRD-92-Ea and DSCG were given intravenously 30 min before and the same dose of 20 mg/kg repeated just before Ascaris suum challenge in the Rhesus monkey asthma model with no loss of their expected effectiveness.
Studies on Corynebacterial Precipitinogens Common to Mycobacteria, Nocardiae and Rhodochrous
Authors: Ridell Malin
Published: July 2009

Ten strains of Corynebacterium were analyzed by means of the comparative immunodiffusion technique employing reference precipitation systems from strains of Mycobacterium, Nocardia and the rhodochrous taxon. The test strains had precipitinogens in common with the reference strains. Two of the intergenerical cross-reacting precipitinogens revealed were labelled x and y. Two other precipitinogens (α, β), earlier found to be common for strains of mycobacteria, nocardiae, and rhodochrous, were not demonstrated in the corynebacterial strains, thus indicating a qualitative or quantitative serological difference between Corynebacterium and the other taxa. It was furthermore shown that the corynebacterial preparations reacted with antisera against ribosomal 30S fractions from mycobacteria. Common precipitinogens in ribosomal preparations from mycobacteria, nocardiae, rhodochrous, and corynebacteria are discussed.
Pharmacologic Regulation of Antigen-Induced Mediator Release from Canine Lung
Authors: Krell Robert D. , Chakrin Lawrence W.
Published: July 2009

The ascaris antigen-induced release of histamine and a slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A) from passively sensitized fragmented canine lung is further characterized. Histamine and SRS-A were released within 30 sec of antigen challenge, reached a maximum at 7 and 10 min, respectively, and thereafter appeared to remain constant to 30 min. Contractions of guinea pig ileum produced by canine SRS-A were competitively antagonized by the SRS-A antagonist FPL-55712. Indomethacin and deuterium oxide enhanced antigen-induced SRS-A release from canine lung but had little effect on histamine release. The ability of several chemically novel ‘antiallergic agents’ to inhibit mediator release was evaluated. Inhibition of histamine release, and to a lesser extent SRS-A release, by one of these compounds was shown to vary with time and temperature. It is concluded that fragmented canine lung, while disclosing some qualitative pharmacological differences from other species, is a useful in vitro model of immediate hypersensitivity reactions.
Experimental Models for Prevention of Graft-versus-Host Reaction in Bone Marrow Transfusion
Authors: Nagino Hisanori , Nomoto Kikuo , Kuroiwa Ataru , Miyazaki Sumio , Goya Nagahide , Takeya Kenji
Published: July 2009

Splenomegaly was strong in the degree and continued for a long period of time in adult F1 hybrids between AKR (H-2k) and C3H/He (H-2k) mice after transfer of spleen cells from normal C3H/He mice. In spleen cells of such F1 recipients, cytotoxicity was detected by an in vivo neutralization test using methylcholanthrene-induced sarcoma of AKR origin as target cells. All of newborn F1 recipients died within 17 days after cell transfer. Induction of splenomegaly and cytotoxicity was not prevented by repeated pre-treatments of donors with sonicated AKR spleen cells in saline, which suppressed completely such phenomena of graft-versus-host reaction in an H-2 nonidentical combination. Induction of cytotoxicity in the spleen of F1 recipients was not prevented by a pretreatment of donors with AKR spleen cells in complete Freund’s adjuvant, which suppressed the induction of cytotoxicity in an H-2 nonidentical combination. Graft-versus-host reaction appears to be stronger in a combination between parental strains of which major histocompatibility antigens were identical.
Experimental Models for Prevention of Graft-versus-Host Reaction in Bone Marrow Transfusion
Authors: Miyazaki Sumio , Nomoto Kikuo , Kuroiwa Ataru , Goya Nagahide , Takeya Kenji
Published: July 2009

When lymphoid cells were obtained from AKR donors 12 h after a treatment with C57BL/6 cells in complete Freund’s adjuvant and transferred to (AKR × C57BL/6) F1 mice, splenomegaly in F1 recipients was augmented but cytotoxicity was suppressed. The suppression of cytotoxicity was antigen-specific. When cell transfer was carried out at stages as early as 3 or 6 h after the treatment of donors, cytotoxicity was enhanced but splenomegaly was suppressed. Irreversible deviation of immune response from the generation of cytotoxicity to the development of splenomegaly appears to occur within 12 h after such a treatment of donors.
Empiric Analysis of the Interactions Involved in the Formation of Fc Receptor Rosettes
Authors: Beckett Ralph C. , Bankhurst Arthur D. , Van Epps Dennis E. , Williams, jr. Ralph C.
Published: July 2009

Erythrocytes coated with IgG were used in forming rosettes with lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes to investigate Fc receptors. The density of the IgG-Fc coating on erythrocytes predictably influenced the number of rosettes formed with leukocytes. This relationship could be empirically described by application of the Hill equation derived from studies of molecular interactions in other biologic systems. The approximate Hill coefficient for Fc receptors was 2.4. These findings suggest at least two possible models for membrane Fc receptor function.
Studies on Contact Sensitivity to DNCB in Guinea Pigs by the Macrophage Migration Test
Authors: Nordqvist Barbro C. , Rosenthal Stanley A.
Published: July 2009

Guinea pigs contact-sensitized to 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) by footpad injections or by topical applications of the hapten were studied by the direct macrophage migration test using DNP-guinea pig albumin (DNP-Alb) and DNP-guinea pig skin extract (DNP-SE) as antigens. Specific inhibition of macrophage migration in the presence of either antigen was found in a significant number of animals exhibiting contact sensitivity to DNCB. However, a wide variation in migration indices was observed in both groups of sensitized animals, with some animals showing a significant enhancement of macrophage migration.
Experimental Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Serum Immunoglobulins G1, G2, M, A and E in Micropolyspora faeni Sensitized and Desensitized Calves
Authors: Wilkie B.N. , Nielsen K.H. , Little J.
Published: July 2009

Weekly evaluation of serum antibody activity in IgA, IgM, IgG1 and IgG2 as well as serum IgE levels indicates highly significant reduction in IgE and elevation of IgA in calves experimentally desensitized with Micropolyspora faeni soluble antigen. Serum IgG2, IgG1 and IgM levels were also elevated. Results are discussed in the light of the possible significance of reagin-mediated reactions in initiation of hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Correlation of Local and Systemic Immune Cells in Tonsillitis Patients
Authors: Datta Usha , Sehgal S. , Mohapatra S.B. , Aikat B.K. , Mehra Y.N.
Published: July 2009

E and EAC rosette-forming cells were identified in the tonsils and peripheral blood of patients in whom the tonsils had been removed because of repeated attacks. The mean number of T cells were much less and B cells more in the tonsils than in the peripheral blood. However there was direct correlation of number of local and peripheral T and B cells. This indicates that the cell-mediated immune response in the tonsil is not an isolated phenomena. A total of 44 patients and 20 age-matched controls were included in the study. The age of the patients varied from 2 to 40 years but the majority were less than 20 years of age. Duration of illness varied from 2 to 10 years and the number of attacks were from 6 to innumerable. Presence of tonsillitis was confirmed on histopathology. About 15 ml of blood was collected just before tonsillectomy and before any medication and the lymphocytes were separated by lymphoprep (Nyegaard, Oslo), and sedimentation as described by Boyum [3]. In table I, the results of E and EAC rosettes are summarized. It can be seen that neither for E nor EAC rosettes is there a significant difference between the patients and the control group. As far as the analysis of lymphocytes from blood is concerned, there is, however, a significant difference (p < 0.01) between the values found in blood and in tonsils.
Further Studies of a Humoral Chemotactic Abnormality in Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Norman Michael E. , Mandle Robert , Nilsson Ulf R.
Published: July 2009

Chemotactic activity in the sera of patients with glomerulonephritis was compared under three simultaneously performed conditions: (1) incubation with buffer at 37 °C (CF-UNACT); (2) incubation with immune complexes at 37 °C (CF-ACT); (3) immediate heating at 56 °C (CF-56 °C). In all cases the generation of chemotactic factors was terminated by standard ‘heat-inactivation’ at 56 °C. Patients’ CF-UNACT was similar to that of controls; patients’ CF-ACT was significantly less than controls’, but patients’ CF-56 °C was significantly greater than controls’. Patients’ CF-ACT and CF-56 °C were largely C5-dependent and were quantitatively similar. These divergent abnormalities could not be explained by spontaneous in vivo or in vitro (i. e., blood clotting) generation of complement chemotactic factors, the absence of Hageman factor-dependent chemotactic activity, or the presence of humoral inhibitors in patients’ sera. It appears that initial 56 °C heating liberates C5-dependent chemotactic activity, a procedure that is usually believed to block its formation. Terminal 56 °C heating after 37 °C incubation did not generate such activity in CF-UNACT. The duration or sequence of heating at 56 °C, or both, are critical determinants for final expression of chemotactic activity in patients’ sera, when viewed in relation to 37 °C incubation with immune complexes or buffer.
Mechanism of Histamine Release Induced by the Ionophore X537A from Isolated Rat Mast Cells
Authors: Diamant B. , Kazimierczak W. , Patkar S.A.
Published: July 2009

X537A released histamine from isolated histamine-retaining mast cell granules incubated at 37 °C in Tris-sodium (150 mM) or Tris-potassium (150 mM), but not in Tris-glucose (300 mM). The release was depressed at 0 °C. In contrast, decylamine released all histamine bound to the granules irrespective of the presence of monovalent cations in the incubation medium or temperature. X537A did not release histamine from an artificial heparin-protamine complex when incubated in deionized water. The mechanism of histamine release by X537A can be explained by the ability of the ionophore to carry monovalent cations across cellular membranes, hereby making the ions available for exchange with histamine bound to the granular matrix. This mechanism can be distinguished from that of agents triggering an exchange between cations and bound histamine through a calcium- and energy-dependent exocytotic process on the one hand and through membrane lysis on the other. Based on the observation that the ionophore was able to carry histamine into the bulk of an organic phase, various possibilities exist to explain how histamine escapes from the cells following release from intracellular granular stores.
Ultrastructure of Isolated Human Mast Cells during Histamine Release Induced by Ionophore A 23187
Authors: Behrendt H. , Rosenkranz U. , Schmutzler W.
Published: July 2009

In the presence of calcium, the ionophore A 23187 (10––7 to 10––6 M) causes a dose-dependent histamine release from isolated human mast cells. The accompanying degranulation process is characterized by a formation of channels of fused mast cell granules and by an exocytotic extrusion of altered granule material. Simultaneously, large numbers of newly formed 70 Å filaments occur. These filaments probably have a key function in secreting human mast cells.
Suppression of Reaginic Antibodies with Modified Allergens
Authors: Lee Weng Y. , Sehon Alec H.
Published: July 2009

The two immunogenic preparations, ovalbumin (OA) and the nondialysable constituents of the aqueous extract of ragweed pollen (RAG), were conjugated with polyethylene glycols of molecular weights of 6,000 and 20,000 (PEG6 and PEG20) with the aid of cyanuric chloride. The i. v. administration of OA-PEG6 or OA-PEG20 into normal mice or into mice sensitized to a state of immediate hypersensitivity to dinitrophenylated OA (DNP3-OA) resulted, respectively, in the suppression of the primary or secondary IgE responses to DNP and OA. Similarly, the administration of RAG-PEG6 abrogated the primary as well as the ongoing anti-RAG reaginic responses in mice sensitized to RAG. The unresponsiveness of spleen cells from animals which had received a tolerogenic dose of OA-PEG6 was also maintained after transfer into X-irradiated (550 rad) mice. The suppressive effects of the tolerogenic PEG conjugates of OA and RAG were shown to be immunologically specific. It is, therefore, suggested that PEG-modified allergens may prove useful for the abrogation of the IgE response to a variety of allergens responsible for conditions of common hypersensitivity in man.
Fc-Rosette Inhibition by Pregnant Women’s Sera and by Rabbit Anti-β2-Microglobulin
Authors: Morito Tadao , Tanimoto Kiyoaki , Horiuchi Yoshihiko , Juji Takeo
Published: July 2009

Some anti-HLA sera showed Fc-rosette inhibitory activity, which had little correlation with type-specific anti-HLA activity. Cytotoxic titers did not correlate with Fc-rosettte inhibition rate and these antisera showed considerable inhibition of rosette formation even after absorption of anti-HLA activity with T lymphocytes. These results suggest that some anti-HLA sera contain B-cell-speeific inhibitory activity against Fc-receptor like anti-la antibody in mice. Rabbit antiserum against human β2-microglobulin showed specific inhibition of Fc-rosette formation. It was suggested that Fc-receptor or Ia-like antigen in human has a close relation with β2-microglobulin.
Antigen-, Anti-F(ab')2- and Anti-IgE-Induced Histamine Release from Rat Mast Cells
Authors: Nagai H. , Kelly K. , Sehon A.H.
Published: July 2009

The existence of IgE antibody molecules on peritoneal mast cells from rats immunized with dinitrophenylated ascaris extract was demonstrated by double antibody immunofluorescence staining and by histamine release induced by anti-IgE antibodies. Cross-linking of the IgE molecules, which are fixed to mast cells, by interaction with either the homologous antigen or with antibodies to the Fab or Fc regions of IgE, triggered in the presence of calcium ions a chain of intracellular reactions which involve cyclic nucleotide modulation and energy-requiring processes leading ultimately to the release of histamine from the granules of these cells. Although there was no apparent difference in the mechanism(s) underlying the reactions triggered by any of these three agents, the extent of histamine release caused by antibodies to the Fc region of the IgE was significantly lower than that induced by cross-linking of IgE molecules through their Fab regions by reactions with either anti-Fab antibodies or antigens.
Studies on Rosette Formation of Human Lymphocytes with Pig Red Blood Cells
Authors: Smolen J.S. , Youngchaiyud U. , Pichler W.J. , Binder M. , Sieffen C. , Knapp W.
Published: July 2009

In this paper, data are presented which indicate that receptors of human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) for pig erythrocytes (PRBC) and sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) are identical or at least very similar to each other with a higher avidity of PBL for SRBC than for PRBC. As an average, 50 ± 9% of human PBL formed PRBC rosettes (Ep), compared to 70 ± 7% of SRBC rosettes (Es). Lymphocytes incubated with SRBC plus PRBC (‘co-rosetting’) formed 10 ± 5% of mixed rosettes (Em) but no pure Ep. Resuspension of rosetted lymphocytes followed by co-rosetting with the other erythrocyte species revealed that the majority of Ep became Em, while the majority of Es remained pure Es even after co-rosetting with PRCB; no pure Ep was newly formed. Incubation at 37 °C abolished almost all Ep as compared to 9% Es. Anti-thymocyte serum inhibited both types of rosette formation. PBL from patients with chronic lymphatic leukemia formed only 2.5 ± 2.5% Ep. 1.7 ± 1.1% of PBL expressed both membrane immunoglobulins and receptors for PRBC. Trypsin treatment abolished both kinds of rosette formation almost completely, while neuraminidase treatment of erythrocytes led to a raise in Ep formation from a mean of 53% to a mean percentage of 68%. Electron microscopic investigations did not reveal differences between binding sites of lymphocytes for PRCB and those for SRBC; however, with a technique different from the conventional one, intimate contact areas were observed between lymphocytes and both kinds of red blood cells.
Insulin and the Dextran Reaction in the Rat
Authors: Anderson R.E. , Hanahoe T.H.P. , West G.B.
Published: July 2009

Insulin potentiated the dextran anaphylactoid reaction in untreated rats and in rats pretreated with a protein synthesis inhibitor or with a lymphopenic agent. Incubation of rat lymphatic tissue with insulin failed to produce a factor potentiating the histamine-releasing action of dextran when this was studied in both in vivo and in vitro tests. It thus seems that insulin is exerting its potentiating effect on the dextran response through processes not involving synthesis of new protein or interaction with lymphocytes.
A Primate Model of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis
Authors: Slavin Raymond G. , Fischer Vernon W. , Levine Edith A. , Tsai Cheng C. , Winzenburger Peggy
Published: July 2009

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABA) in man is featured by the presence of IgE skin sensitizing and IgG precipitating antibodies against Aspergillus fumigatus (AF). An animal model of this disease was created. 2 monkeys immunized with AF produced IgG-precipitating antibody. Normal human serum was infused into both immunized and unimmunized monkeys and allergic human serum containing a high titer of IgE against AF was infused into another pair of immunized and unimmunized monkeys. All monkeys then received an aerosol of AF. Lung biopsies were obtained and light microscopic, immunofluorescent and electron microscopic studies were performed. Only the monkey with precipitating antibody to AF who received human allergic serum showed changes which included an interstitial cellular infiltrate containing large numbers of eosinophils, edema of the intra-alveolar spaces, thickening of the alveolar septa, intracellular and interstitial deposits of IgG and IgM and proliferation of collagen fibrils. No evidence of vasculitis was observed. This primate model of ABA should enhance our understanding of the inflammatory response and the immunologic processes in this disease.
Splenic Foci of Cytotoxic Lymphocytes in a Graft-versus-Host Reaction
Authors: Skinner M.A. , Marbrook J. , Baguley B.C.
Published: July 2009

It has been established that cytotoxic lymphocytes are generated in discrete foci in the spleens of mice undergoing a graft-versus-host reaction. The foci segregated randomly in such spleens. 2.8 × 104 lymph node cells, 2.3 × 105 spleen cells and 2.7 × 106 thymus cells from CBA mice generated a mean of one focus in lethally irradiated (CBA × DBA)F1 recipient mice. Cytotoxic foci were detected when cytotoxicity was measured by two different cytotoxicity assays, the release of [51Cr]-sodium chromate from [51Cr]-labelled target cells and colony inhibition. The seeding efficiency of cytotoxic focus-forming cells has been estimated at 19%.
The Enhancing Effect of Unsaturated Fatty Acids on E Rosette Formation
Authors: Offner H. , Clausen J.
Published: July 2009

The number of bound sheep red blood cells (SRBC) per lymphocyte of 16 healthy subjects were assayed prior and after addition of unsaturated fatty acids. Addition of fatty acids to the assay system was found to increase significantly the number of avid T lymphocytes (which bind more than 10 SRBC). It is suggested that increased fatty acid level might change lipid fluidity of the plasma membrane and increase the number of attachment points between the cell surface of the lymphocyte and SRBC. The immuno-regulatory effect of fatty acids is discussed.
Subpopulations of T Lymphocytes in Human Extravascular Fluids
Authors: Manconi Paolo Emilio , Fadda Maria Franca , Cadoni Angela , Cornaglia Paolo , Zaccheo Damiano , Grifoni Vincenzo
Published: July 2009

Surface markers of lymphocytes from various human extravascular fluids (cerebrospinal fluid, aqueous humour, colostrum, breast and ovary cyst fluids, peritoneal and pleural transudates) are compared with those of lymphocytes from peripheral blood. Significantly higher percentages of T cells are found in all extravascular fluids: the great majority of extravascular T lymphocytes show high E rosette-forming ability and bear IgG Fc receptors (T Fc+ cells). Functional implications of the shown high predominance of T Fc+ cells in extravascular fluids are discussed on the basis of presently available information on the immunological role of such cells (cytotoxic? suppressor? amplifier?).
Investigation of the Reputed Inhibition of the Prausnitz-Küstner Reaction by the Pentapeptide Asp-Ser-Asp-Pro-Arg
Authors: Stanworth D.R. , Kings M. , Roy P.D. , Moran D.M.
Published: July 2009

An investigation has been made of the inhibitory activity of the so-called Hamburger pentapeptide, Asp-Ser-Asp-Pro-Arg, in both the human Prausnitz-Küstner and baboon passive cutaneous anaphylaxis systems. With a dose of 6 μg peptide, administered intradermally 24 h prior to diluted allergic serum from a horse-dandruff-sensitive individual, partial inhibition of wealing was observed in three different normal recipients following the pricking in of specific allergen. In one of the recipients, inhibition of flaring was observed at test sites subsequently challenged with timothy grass pollen allergen. A similar dose of pentapeptide, again injected intradermally 24 h prior to passive sensitisation, was shown to inhibit extravasation in a normal baboon on subsequent challenge with horse dandruff (but not grass pollen) allergen by subcutaneous injection into the upper arm. In vivo tests performed in the forearms of grass-pollen-sensitive individuals failed to provide convincing evidence of displacement of mast-cell-bound IgE antibody by the pentapeptide.
Production and Traffic of B Lymphocytes in the Extracortical Central Area of the Guinea Pig Thymus
Authors: Baak Jan P.A. , Meijer Chris J.L.M. , Scheper Rik J. , Mullink Rik , Kater Louis
Published: July 2009

Lymphocytes in the stroma and lymphatics of the extra-cortical central area (ECCA) of the guinea pig thymus have been studied with light microscopy, quantitative microscopy, colchicin-induced mitotic arrest, EA (IgG) and EA (IgM) C adherence, surface immunoglobulins (Ig total, IgM, IgG), alkaline phosphatase activity and the effect of cyclo-phosphamide administration. The results suggest, that AP-positive, SIg-positive, EAC-negative lymphocytes in the ECCA proliferate and maturate into AP-negative, SIg-positive, EAC-positive lymphocytes. The latter leave the thymus through the lymphatics. Calculations show that daily 8–9 × 106 B lymphocytes are produced in the ECCA and leave this area through the lymphatics. As this number is more than 10% of the number of T cells which daily leave the thymus, we conclude that in the ECCA a considerable number of B lymphocytes is produced.
Properties of Receptors for IgG on Human Placental Cell Membranes
Authors: Balfour Alan H. , Jones Anthony
Published: July 2009

The amount of 125I-lgG which bound to membranes isolated from the human placenta was competitively inhibited by the presence of increasing amounts of unlabeled IgG but not by unlabeled albumin. The relationship between membrane-bound and free IgG indicated the presence of membrane receptors with an appreciable affinity for IgG. Incubation of membranes with collagenase or neuraminidase did not result in appreciable reduction of IgG-membrane binding, indicating that neither intact collagen nor sialic acid play an important role in the binding. Placental surface membranes isolated by salt extraction bound 3.79 ± 1.78 (SD) pmol IgG/μg membrane protein, whereas membranes isolated by differential centrifugation bound only 1.61 ± 0.24 pmol/μg (p <0.02). The fraction of a preparation of solubilized membranes which bound to an IgG affinity column yielded on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis three prominent protein bands which had molecular weights of 3.7 × 104, 4.5 × 104 and 6.0 × 104 daltons. These findings are consistent with the existence of a limited number of receptors for IgG on placental membranes, including IgG receptors on the microvillus membrane of the syncytial trophoblast. The latter, in accordance with Brambell’s hypothesis, could be of importance in the transplacental transport of maternal IgG.
Quantitation of IgE on the Basophil Surface in Atopic Patient
Authors: Garcia Rosa , Ureña Victoria , Lahoz Carlos , Ortiz Fernando
Published: July 2009

A radioimmunoassay was employed in order to quantitate IgE on the basophil surface in 6 normal and 10 pollen sensitive subjects. A basophil-rich fraction obtained from whole blood in a Ficoll gradient was incubated with specific anti-IgE; the inhibition produced by surface IgE was measured on a standard inhibition curve. Atopic patients had on the average about 10–30 times as many IgE molecules per basophil as control subjects. Total and specific IgE as well as degranulation by Lollium perenne crude extract were also studied in both populations and their results compared with those of basophil IgE quantitation.
Human Colostral Macrophages as Indicator Cells in Migration Inhibition Test
Authors: Nihei Kenji , Mizutani Hiromichi
Published: July 2009

The macrophage inhibition test was carried out using colostral macrophages obtained from PPD sensitive and measles and mycoplasma pneumoniae antigen insensitive woman. The macrophage migration was inhibited by PPD but neither by measles nor by mycoplasma pneumoniae antigen. Human colostral macrophages can be used as indicator cells in migration inhibition tests.
Morphological Evaluation of Oxatomide – a New Anti-Allergic Drug in Guinea Pig Anaphylaxis
Authors: Borgers M. , De Brabander M. , Van Reempts J. , Awouters F. , Janssen P.A.J.
Published: July 2009

The effects of oxatomide, a new anti-allergic drug, in protecting guinea pigs from acute anaphylactic shock have been evaluated by studying the morphologic changes in the lung with special focus on the topographical relationship between bronchiolar smooth muscle and peribronchiolar mast cells, during the anaphylactic reaction. After ovalbumin challenge of passively sensitized guinea pigs, the mast cells in the peribronchiolar area present the following characterstic alterations: general shape changes with the formation of multiple cytoplasmic pseudopods, a variable decrease in the number of granules, mitochondrial swelling and, most peculiarly, a consistent appearance of intranuclear microtubules. Cations, being localized with an oxalate-pyroantimonate precipitation technique, are displaced from the nuclei and the cytoplasm of mast cells that are presumed to be causally involved in the anaphylactic phenomenon. Guinea pigs, which have been orally treated with 2.5 mg/kg oxatomide before ovalbumin challenge show, together with a suppression of the anaphylactic symptoms, an almost total lack of the characterstic nuclear and mitochondrial changes in the peribronchiolar mast cells. These observations strongly suggest that at least part of the drug’s protecting effect can be attributed to its inhibiting action on mediator release from mast cells. The possible connection that might exist between mediator release, intracellular cation distribution and the appearance of intranuclear microtubules is discussed.
Modulation of Eosinophil Chemotaxis and Eosinophil Chemotactic Factor Release by Concanavalin A
Authors: Czarnetzki Beate M. , König Wolfgang
Published: July 2009

Concanavalin A (Con A) is not a chemotactic factor for guinea pig eosinophil leukocytes. It does, however, modulate the response of cells to neutrophil-derived eosinophil chemotactic factor (ECF) or to C5a. This effect occurs by a direct interaction of Con A with the target cell and is reversible by appropriate doses of α-methyl-D-mannoside (α-MM). The inhibition of chemotaxis at high doses of Con A is due to agglutination of the cells on top of the filter. The mechanism of enhancement at low doses is not understood, but several possible explanations are explored. Careful definition of the effect of Con A on eosinophil chemotaxis makes it possible to exclude an effect of Con A on ECF secretion by neutrophils.
Sodium Transport in the Choroid Plexus and Salt-Sensitive Hypertension
Authors: Amin Md Shahrier , Reza Erona , Wang Hongwei , Leenen Frans H.H.
Published: July 2009

To elucidate the role of epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs) and Na
+
-K
+
-ATPase in Na
+
transport by the choroid plexus, we studied ENaC expression and Na
+
transport in the choroid plexus. Lateral ventricle choroid plexuses were obtained from young male Wistar, Dahl salt–resistant (SS.BN13), and Dahl salt–sensitive (SS/MCW) rats on a regular (0.3%) or high- (8.0%) salt diet. The effects of ENaC blocker benzamil and Na
+
-K
+
-ATPase blocker ouabain on sodium transport were evaluated by measuring the amounts of retained
22
Na
+
and by evaluating intracellular [Na
+
] with Sodium Green fluorescence. In Wistar rats, ENaC distribution was as follows: microvilli, 10% to 30%; cytoplasm, 60% to 80%; and basolateral membrane, 5% to 10%. Benzamil (10
−8
m
) decreased
22
Na
+
retention by 20% and ouabain (10
−3
m
) increased retention by 40%, whereas ouabain and benzamil combined caused no change. Similar changes were noted in intracellular [Na
+
]. In Dahl rats on a regular salt diet, intracellular [Na
+
] was similar, but the amount of retained
22
Na
+
was less in sensitive versus resistant rats. High salt did not affect ENaC mRNA or protein, nor the benzamil induced decreases in retained
22
Na
+
or intracellular [Na
+
] in either strain. However, high salt increased intracellular [Na
+
] and attenuated the increase in uptake of
22
Na
+
by ouabain in resistant but not sensitive rats, suggesting a decrease in Na
+
-K
+
-ATPase activity only in resistant rats. These findings suggest that both ENaC and Na
+
-K
+
-ATPase regulate Na
+
transport in the choroid plexus. Aberrant regulation of Na
+
transport and of Na
+
-K
+
-ATPase activity, but not of ENaCs, might contribute to the increase in cerebrospinal fluid [Na
+
] in Dahl salt-sensitive rats on a high-salt diet.
Involvement of Tissue Transglutaminase in Endothelin 1–Induced Hypertrophy in Cultured Neonatal Rat Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Li Xin , Wei Xiao-Li , Meng Ling-Li , Chi Mu-Gen , Yan Jia-Qing , Ma Xiao-Yun , Jia Yong-Sheng , Liang Liang , Yan Hai-Tao , Zheng Jian-Quan
Published: July 2009

A potential link between tissue-type transglutaminase (tTG) and cardiac hypertrophy was suggested recently. However, whether tTG is implicated in hypertrophic agonist-induced cardiac hypertrophy is not yet known. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of tTG on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by endothelin (ET) 1. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis demonstrated that ET-1 increased the expression of tTG mRNA and protein in cardiomyocytes by activating ET
A
receptors. ET-1 failed to cause increases in cell size and [
3
H]leucine uptake, sarcomere reorganization, and gene induction of the atrial natriuretic factor when cardiomyocytes were treated with monodansylcadaverine, a competitive inhibitor of tTG. Furthermore, the effects of ET-1 on multifunctional activities of tTG were determined by evaluating the incorporation of [
3
H]putrescine into
N,N
′-dimethylated casein and charcoal absorption, respectively. The results showed that ET-1 did not influence the basal transglutaminase activity of cardiomyocytes but significantly inhibited the 0.1-mmol/L Ca
2+
-stimulated transglutaminase activity. Otherwise, ET-1 elevated the activity of GTPase in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. In vivo, right ventricular hypertrophy induced by 2 weeks of chronic hypoxia was depressed by the tTG inhibitor cystamine (10 to 30 mg/kg, 2 times per day, IP) in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, our data strongly supported the notion that tTG may act as a positive regulator of the hypertrophic program in response to ET-1. This is probably attributable to the signaling activity of tTG rather than transglutaminase activity.
Mineralocorticoid and Glucocorticoid Receptors Stimulate Epithelial Sodium Channel Activity in a Mouse Model of Cushing Syndrome
Authors: Bailey Matthew A. , Mullins John J. , Kenyon Christopher J.
Published: July 2009

Experiments in Cushing patients and healthy control subjects receiving adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) indicate that transient renal sodium retention may contribute to the generation of hypertension. Here we have investigated the effect of chronic ACTH infusion on renal sodium handling in adult male C57BL/6J mice using selective antagonists to dissect mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptor–mediated pathways. Mice were infused via osmotic minipump with ACTH (2.5 μg/d) or saline for 2 weeks before being anesthetized for renal function experiments. ACTH caused an increase in blood pressure and a reduction in fractional sodium excretion associated with enhanced activity of the epithelial sodium channel. Given separately, spironolactone and RU38486 blunted the pressor response to ACTH and the increased epithelial sodium channel activity; combined mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptor blockade was required to resolve the response to ACTH excess. Dietary sodium depletion also prevented ACTH-induced hypertension. The effect of increased sodium reabsorption in the distal nephron is offset by downregulation of Na-K-Cl cotransport in the loop of Henle. Sodium excretion is normalized chronically, but blood pressure remains high; acute blockade of V1 receptors and α1 adrenoceptors in combination restored blood pressure to control values. In summary, ACTH excess promotes renal sodium reabsorption, contributing to the increased blood pressure; both glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptor pathways are involved. These data are relevant to conditions associated with overactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, such as obesity and chronic stress.
The Shanghai Administrative Reform in the Last Decade
Authors: Chan Che-po , Xiao Ren
Published: July 2009

Since the last decade, the Shanghai government has carried out administrative reforms towards the goals of rationalisation and marketisation. Various reform measures have been implemented, including, for example, segregation of government and enterprises ( zheng qi fen kai); reduction of administrative examination and approval ( jianshao xingzheng shenpi); and devolving some of the government functions to the third sector. Among various measures, probably the setting up of a new local government in the Pudong New Area is the most significant. After the examination of different aspects of the Shanghai administrative reforms, we conclude that the goal of the reform has been set correctly but without enough bold and innovative attempts. We suggest that further administrative reforms in Shanghai should be implemented with more rationalisation and marketisation in order to build up a true market economy without administrative interference from the government.
Regional Diplomacy and India–China Economic Relations
Authors: Rana Kishan S.
Published: July 2009

Regional diplomacy is today a strong force around the world. China is an early mover in this field, while India has become one, in building its active Asian connections, mainly after the launch of its economic reforms in 1991. At present, the two countries collaborate in some regional bodies where they are members or observers, and this cooperation is likely to become stronger in the future, supported by objective circumstances and economic opportunities, and the growth in their bilateral economic exchanges. This will have beneficial consequences for Asia as a whole and also, for the world community.
India–China Initiatives in Multilateral Fora
Authors: Uberoi Patricia
Published: July 2009

This article reflects on the experience of India's engagement with China in two multilateral forums: the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Forum for Regional Economic Cooperation, formerly known as the ‘Kunming Initiative’, and the China-India-Russia Academic Trilateral Conference. Though both forums are so-called ‘Track Two’ ventures, the dynamics of the two exercises are rather different. As of now, the ‘Trilateral’ is rated relatively successful in so far as it has shown more substantial progress from ‘Track Two’ to ‘Track One’. Tracing these brief histories, this article argues that academic cooperation should be seen to have value in and of itself, and not merely as the mechanism that propels a speculative, academic exercise into state-to-state policy.

In social science terms, the two exercises afford very different challenges, which are still to be realised in effective academic collaboration and a substantive agenda of research. In particular, the BCIM framework commends a perspective on transnational cooperation that focuses on regional development issues beyond the narrow geopolitical considerations of bilateral and multinational engagement.
Daily job search and psychological distress: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhaoli Song  , Uy Marilyn A. , Shuhua Zhang  , Kan Shi
Published: July 2009

We examined the relationship between job search and distress using the daily diary method that involved 100 unemployed job seekers in China. Three models were tested: a direct relationship model (examining the effect of job search on distress), a reversed relationship model (assessing the impact of distress on job search), and a third variable model (testing the extent to which daily financial strain accounts for the relationship between job search and distress). Results offered support for both direct and reversed models. The third variable model was not supported. Negative job search experience mediated the direct effect of job search on distress. Using a within-individual approach, our study provides an in-depth examination on the nature and directionality of the relationship between job search and distress and illuminates the dynamic nature of this relationship.
Flexural Modulus of Symmetric and Asymmetric Structural Foams
Authors: Chen Xiaoyuan , Rodrigue Denis
Published: July 2009

In this work, the preparation and characterization of symmetric and asymmetric structural foams is presented. Using low-density polyethylene and modified azodicarbonamide, a compression molding technique is presented to produce structural foams while controlling the skin thickness on both sides. The resulting foams were characterized in terms of foam density, skin thickness, and flexural modulus. It was found that foams having equal skin thickness on each side have the same apparent flexural modulus irrespective of the side the load is applied and the results are well predicted by the modified I-beam model of Hobbs. On the other hand, foams having unequal skin thickness have a higher apparent flexural modulus when the load is applied on the thicker side. This asymmetry in flexural modulus can be well described by a simple correlation using the skin thickness asymmetry ratio and the core void fraction.
P.C. Joshi and the National Politics
Authors: Chandra Bipan
Published: July 2009

This is a short political profile of P.C. Joshi underlying his relationship with the Communist Party of India (CPI). This article seeks to engage with Joshi and the CPI (in Joshi years) as a political organization, and to understand the reasons for its limited outreach. It also seeks to address the issue of CPI's and Joshi's, in particular, opinion on Gandhian and Nehruvian ideas to attain independence. Chandra argues that Joshi did not accept the notion that in colonial countries nationalism was a bourgeois concept and that this concept clashed with internationalism. Instead he put forth the notion of multiple loyalties to party, people and India. He did not see any clash among these three loyalties either.

P.C. Joshi started out with the Workers and Peasants Party holding the position of the General Secretary in 1928 until he joined the CPI formally in 1929. In late 1935 Joshi became the General Secretary of CPI, holding the position for twelve years. Joshi also had a long standing with students and young intellectuals, guiding them through various moments in their lives and advising them on their education.

In 1936–37 Joshi toured various provinces forming provincial party committees. He successfully continued to build the Party during 1939–41 until the resignation of the Congress ministry and a spate of repressions was imposed upon the CPI once again. During these years a large number of party leaders and activists were arrested. During Joshi's period, there was a resurgence of peasants, workers, writers and the students. The Party also organized several massive mass struggles of the people around their demands during this period. Kayyur, Punnapra-Vayalar, Tebhaga, Worli and Telengana are some of these names. The Party also played an important role in the Naval Revolt of 1946 and in the campaign to get the Indian National Army officers and soldiers released. The party members and leaders also did commendable work during the 1947 communal holocaust both in Bengal and Punjab.

This article is a lecture given by Professor Bipan Chandra on 17 August 2007, on the occasion of P.C. Joshi Birth Centenary Memorial Lecture organized by the Archives on Contemporary History, Jawaharlal Nehru University.