Selective induction of delayed hypersensitivity T-effector and T-suppressor lymphocytes in vitro by haptenized bone marrow-derived macrophages

The role of various subpopulations of antigen-presenting macrophages in the induction of T-lymphocyte subpopulations has been difficult to study in the past. We have used an in vitro system of bone marrow cell culture both to induce T-effector (TDH) and T-suppressor (Ts) cells active in delayed-type hypersensitivity. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BM-MA) grown in Teflon bag cultures were allowed to attach to culture dishes and were pulse-labeled with 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonate (DNBSO3). Spleen cell lymphocytes from nonsensitized BALB/c mice were cocultured with antigen-pulsed or control BM-MA for 3 days. The lymphocytes were harvested, and injected iv into BALB/c mice which were challenged within 1 hr after injection by painting the right ear with 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB, effector test) or sensitized with DNFB on 2 days following iv injection of the cells and challenged 5 days later (suppressor test). Ear swelling was measured 24 hr later to assess the effector or suppressor function of the in vitro educated lymphocytes. BM-MA grown for 5 days (BM-MA 5) in L-cell conditioned medium induced only TDH cells (Thy 1+, Lyt 1+2-) whereas BM-MA grown for 10 days in conditioned medium induced only Ts cells (Thy 1+, Lyt 1-2+). In both cases, induced TDH and Ts cells were antigen specific. Functionally, induced Ts cells suppressed the afferent limb of the delayed response. When DNP-BM-MA 5 and DNP-BM-MA 10 were used to induce TDH or Ts cells in vivo by subcutaneous or intravenous injection respectively, only BM-MA 5 were able to sensitize recipient mice. Both 5- and 10-day macrophage populations induced Ts cells in vivo. Functionally, these Ts cells appeared to act on the efferent limb of the delayed reaction. We conclude that different populations of antigen-presenting macrophages can preferentially induce TDH or Ts cells, perhaps depending on antigen presentation in association with class II antigens or on the functional state of the antigen-presenting cell.

[Behçet disease with inner ear involvement]

Behçet's disease may also insolve the inner ear. We report on a 24-year-old man having suffered from defective hearing already since two years after onset of Behçet's disease. During the follow-up period, vertiginous attacks, tinnitus, as well as feeling of pressure in both ears have been additionally observed.

Evidence for an endothelial cell dysfunction in association with Behçet's disease

Suppression of the fibrinolytic system is a well-known phenomenon in patients with Behcet's disease regardless of whether they present thrombotic complications. This finding has been related to impaired production and/or release of plasminogen activators from the vascular endothelium. In previous studies a diminished release of PF4 upon heparin stimuli was observed in plasma from patients with Behcet's disease and interpreted as an additional indicator for endothelial cell dysfunction. In the present investigations, 12 patients and 10 healthy volunteers received DDAVP infusions and euglobulin clot lysis time, factor VIII activities and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha levels in plasma were repeatedly determined before and after infusions. At different times following DDAVP infusion, euglobulin clot lysis time was significantly longer and levels of F.VIII R:Ag were lower in patients than in normals. F. VIII:C activity increased in both groups, whereas no changes were seen in the plasma levels of 6-Keto-PGF1 alpha either in normals or in patients. It is concluded that the disseminated damage of endothelial tissue associated with Behçet's disease correlates with multiple endothelial cell dysfunctions and subsequent hemostatic abnormalities.

Possibilities for retrieving temporal information in MEDDOK retrieval system

This paper describes shortly some aspects of the MEDDOK retrieval language especially the methods for making vertical retrieval. In addition the question is investigated how this retrieval can be done without scanning and searching most of the data pool. Another subject of the paper is the description of the underlying data structure.

[Biokinetics of osteotropic radiopharmaceuticals in metabolic osteopathy--comparison of 47Ca and 99mTc-methylene-diphosphonate (MDP)]

Plasma clearance and osseous accumulation rates of 99mTc methylene diphosphonate (MDP) in the lumbar spine were measured in 11 patients with osteoporosis (OP), 7 patients with hyperparathyroidism (HPT), 4 patients with osteomalacia (OM) and in 3 patients (N) who were studied to exclude metabolic bone disease. The findings in 19 patients were compared with the results of 47Ca kinetics. The plasma elimination of 99mTc-MDP during the first hour after application was normal in almost all the patients. The 99mTc-MDP accumulation rates in the lumbar spine were raised in patients with HPT and OM (p less than or equal to 0.01) and normal in patients with OP and N (p greater than 0.05). 47Ca kinetics were disturbed in most of the patients with metabolic bone disease, with minimal deviations in OP. The comparison of 99mTc-MDP accumulation rates with the results of 47Ca kinetics revealed significant correlations with exchangeable bone and soft tissue calcium. The correlations with total calcium turnover and calcium accretion were poor. Only half of the patients had equal results of 99mTc-MDP accumulation rates and bone calcium accretion rates. It is concluded that the 99mTc-MDP uptake by bone is an index of bone metabolism presumably of the organic matrix, whereas 47Ca kinetics represent the mineral metabolism of bone.

The EEG after alcohol administration in men at risk for alcoholism

The biologic sons of alcoholics constitute a group at high risk (HR) for alcoholism. A 0.5-g/kg dose of alcohol was administered to HR and control subjects aged 19 to 21 years. Blood alcohol concentration measurements failed to distinguish HR from control subjects, but quantitative measurements of EEG alpha activity differentiated them. The HR subjects exhibited greater increases in slow alpha energy and greater decreases of fast alpha energy after alcohol administration than controls; the HR subjects also showed greater decreases in mean alpha frequency after alcohol administration. These EEG findings suggest that subjects at high risk for alcoholism are physiologically more sensitive to alcohol than control subjects.

Thalidomide in the treatment of sixty cases of chronic discoid lupus erythematosus

The therapeutic effect of thalidomide in chronic discoid lupus erythematosus (CDLE) was studied in sixty patients who were followed up for 2 years. In fifty-four patients (90%) a complete or marked regression of the disease was observed, but when the thalidomide was stopped, thirty out of forty-one (71%) patients relapsed. Patients undergoing a second course of thalidomide treatment again responded well. Nine of the patients in whom the disease recurred after successful treatment with thalidomide and who had been unresponsive to intermittent treatment with antimalarials, showed a good response to a second or third course with thalidomide. Mild side-effects were common and 25% of patients complained of slight to moderate polyneuritic symptoms. Since electroneurological examinations had not been performed before the thalidomide therapy, the frequency of neurological side-effects cannot be accurately calculated but we recommend neurological examinations before and periodically during thalidomide treatment. Thalidomide is a very effective drug in CDLE, but in most cases it exerts its effect only whilst treatment is continued. Its use should be restricted to patients resistant to topical steroids and systemic antimalarials.

Bone scintigraphy in patients with osteogenic sarcoma. Cooperative Osteogenic Sarcoma Study Group COSS 80

Preliminary results of a comprehensive analysis of bone scans in osteogenic sarcoma are presented. The scintigraphic data from 60 of 184 patients of the COSS-80 study were used for evaluation. The method seems to be appropriate to detect sensitively and early a therapy-induced decrease of tumor viability and extent. An optimized procedure is proposed.

Biokinetik osteotroper Radiopharmaka bei metabolischen Osteopathien—Vergleich von 47Ca und 99mTc-Methylen-Diphosphonat (MDP)

Bei 11 Patienten mit Osteoporose, 7 Patienten mit Hyperparathyreoidismus (HPT), 4 Patienten mit Osteomalazie (OM) und 3 Patienten ohne Störung des Knochenstoffwechsels wurden die Anreicherungsraten von 99mTc-Methylendiphosphonat (MDP) in die Lendenwirbelsäule (LWS) bestimmt und zusätzlich bei 19 Patienten die 47Ca-Kinetik gemessen. Die 99mTc-MDP-Anreicherungsraten in die LWS waren nur bei den Patienten mit HPT und OM erhöht (p ≦ 0,01). Die Plasma-Elimination von 99mTc-MDP innerhalb der ersten Stunde nach der Applikation war bei allen Patienten normal. Die Ergebnisse der 47Ca-Kinetik zeigten bei der Mehrzahl der Patienten mit Erkrankungen des Knochenstoffwechsels Störungen im inneren Kalziumumsatz; sie waren bei Patienten mit Osteoporose gering ausgeprägt. Der Vergleich der Anreicherungsraten von 99mTc-MDP mit den Parametern des inneren Kalziumumsatzes ergab signifikante Beziehungen zum austauschbaren Weichteilund Knochenkalzium. Die Korrelationen zum gesamten Kalziumumsatz und zur Kalziumakkretion in das Skelett waren schwach. Nur bei der Hälfte der Patienten waren 99mTc-MDP-Anreicherungsraten und Kalziumakkretionen normal oder gleichsinnig erhöht. 99mTc-MDP ist mit Einschränkung zur kinetischen Analyse eines pathologisch veränderten Knochenstoffwechsels geeignet. Unterschiedliche Anreicherungsmechanismen von 99mTc-MDP (Knochenmatrixbildung) und 47Ca (Mineralumsatz) im Knochengewebe mögen Ergebnisunterschiede erklären.

Anti-P. acnes antibody in comedonal extracts

Extracts of comedonal material obtained from patients with acne vulgaris were analyzed for albumin, IgG, IgM, IgA, and anti-Propionibacterium acnes antibodies using immunodiffusion and anti-immunoglobulin hemagglutination tests. Extracts were obtained from comedones of patients with (1) comedonal, (2) papulopustular, (3) nodular-cystic, (4) "burned out" acne, (5) patients under oral tetracycline treatment, and (6) with pustules. In all comedonal extracts analyzed, albumin and IgG (ratio approximately 1:2.5) could be detected. IgM, IgA, and C3 could not be found in noninflamed comedones by the techniques used; pustules, however, contained all immunoglobulin classes and albumin in ratios found in serum as well as C3. The anti-P. acnes antibody activity in the comedonal extracts was associated with the IgG class. Immunofluorescence microscopical examination of material from single comedones obtained by the cyano-acrylate technique showed IgG antibody on rod-shaped bacteria. The amount of IgG and albumin in comedonal extracts from the various patient groups was not different. It is concluded that IgG (and antibody of the IgG class) in comedones is derived from the serum and selectively accumulated in the follicle by an unknown mechanism.

Modulation of suppressor mechanisms in allergic contact dermatitis: 5. Evidence that inhibition of suppressor T lymphocytes by Corynebacterium parvum is mediated by interferon

Using a contact hypersensitivity model in BALB/c mice we have previously been able to show that Corynebacterium parvum or C. parvum serum (C.p.s.) of mice treated 24 hr before with C. parvum inhibited the suppressor T-lymphocyte (Ts-cell) response induced by epicutaneous antigen overload with 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) or by i.v. injection of 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBSO3) without inhibition of the T effector cell response (TDH-cell). In the present investigation we further analyzed the factor responsible for Ts-cell inhibition. Treatment of the C.p.s. with sheep-antimouse interferon (IFN) globulin neutralized its Ts-cell inhibitory effect. Intravenous (i.v.) injection of a crude mouse fibroblast IFN (340 U per mouse) 2 hr after i.v. application of a dose of DNBSO3 inducing tolerance had a similar Ts-cell inhibitory effect as observed with C.p.s. Injection of an electrophoretically pure alpha- and beta-IFN preparation (1000 U per mouse) increased contact sensitivity in mice sensitized with an antigen overload and inhibited the induction of Ts-cells by DNBSO3 i.v. This result is highly suggestive that the Ts-cell inhibitory factor in serum of C. parvum-treated mice is IFN and it shows that Ts-cells as compared to TDH-cells are susceptible to the inhibitory effect of highly purified IFN. This finding suggests that IFN may be an important immunoregulatory factor of delayed hypersensitivity not only in contact allergy but also in bacterial and viral defense.

Chemotactic efficiency of various chemoattractants for polymorphonuclear leukocytes in inflammatory acne vulgaris

The chemoattractant efficiencies of a Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) cell wall preparation, a P. acnes culture supernatant, and a soluble comedonal extract in the presence and absence of autologous serum for polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) have been compared in the present study. It has been found that all three preparations have no or very little chemotactic activity for PMNs in the absence of serum. In the presence of autologous serum chemotactic factors is generated by all preparations via the alternative complement pathway. The relative efficiencies of the various preparations to induce chemotactic factor by the alternate complement pathway has been evaluated. Based on the bacterial numbers of the original preparations from which the test preparations had been derived the comedonal extract appears to be more efficient in generating chemotactic factor than the other preparations. It is concluded that in vivo generation of chemotactic factors occurs mainly via the alternate complement pathway activated by soluble comedonal factors diffusing through the follicular wall.

[Results of radium 224 therapy in ankylosing spondylitis (Strümpell-Marie-Bechterew disease)]

After an average of 5 years following therapy with Ra224, the concentration of Tc99m methyl diphosphonate (MDP) in the region of the sacroiliac joints and lumbar spine was measured in 15 patients with ankylosing spondylitis. The findings were supplemented by those of clinical, pathological, and roentgenological examinations. The concentration of MDP was normal in the sacroiliac joints in almost all the patients, but was raised in the lumbar spine in two-thirds. This is to be interpreted as indicating enhanced bone turnover, the difference from that in healthy subjects being highly significant (p less than 1). Increased ossification of the lumbar spine could be demonstrated roentgenologically in two-thirds of the patients. Differential blood count, blood sedimentation rate, and electrophoresis remained unchanged after therapy. However, in 60% of patients the mobility of the spine was the same or even improved; 46% felt better after Ra224 treatment than before it.

Biokinetics of bone tracers by means of deconvolution analysis--comparison of 99mTc MDP, 99mTc DPD and 99mTc EHDP

Transfer functions of 99mTc methylene diphosphonate (MDP), 99mTc 2,3-dicarboxypropane-1,1-diphosphonate (DPD) and 99mTc ethane-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonate (EHDP) into bone and extravascular fluid of soft tissues were determined in 5 dogs by deconvolution analysis of the time-course of plasma, soft tissue and bone radioactivity. The transfer rates 5 min after injection--indicating the rapid exchange of the tracer between plasma and the extravascular fluid--decrease in the order MDP greater than EHDP greater than DPD (P less than 0.05). The transfer rates into bone--determined from transfer rates between 30 and 60 min--decreased in a different order, i.e. MDP greater than DPD greater than EHDP (P less than 0.05). The fractional bone uptake of diphosphonates estimated from the ratio of early to late transfer rates was slightly greater for DPD than for MDP and EHDP respectively. The difference between DPD and MDP was not significant (P greater than 0.05). The average bone and soft tissue concentrations of DPD 60 min after injection were greater than that of MDP and EHDP due to different plasma concentrations (DPD greater than EHDP greater than MDP), whereas the bone-to-soft tissue ratios decreased in the sequence MDP greater than DPD greater than EHDP (P less than 0.05).--Our results reveal different biokinetics of MDP, DPD and EHDP explaining variations in osseous and soft tissue uptake suggesting that deconvolution analysis could play an important role in bone scan interpretation.

Biokinetics of Bone Tracers by Means of Deconvolution Analysis - Comparison of 99mTc MDP, 99mTc DPD and 99mTc EHDP

Transfer functions of 99mTc methylene diphosphonate (MDP), 99mTc 2,3-dicarboxypropane-l,l-diphosphonate (DPD) and 99mTc ethane-l-hydroxy-l,l-diphosphonate (EHDP) into bone and extravascular fluid of soft tissues were determined in 5 dogs by deconvolution analysis of the time-course of plasma, soft tissue and bone radioactivity. The transfer rates 5 min after injection - indicating the rapid exchange of the tracer between plasma and the extravascular fluid -decrease in the order MDP > EHDP > DPD (P < 0.05). The transfer rates into bone - determined from transfer rates between 30 and 60 min - decreased in a different order, i.e. MDP > DPD > EHDP (P<0.05). The fractional bone uptake of diphosphonates estimated from the ratio of early to late transfer rates was slightly greater for DPD than for MDP and EHDP respectively. The difference between DPD and MDP was not significant (P > 0.05). The average bone and soft tissue concentrations of DPD 60 min after injection were greater than that of MDP and EHDP due to different plasma concentrations (DPD > EHDP > MDP), whereas the bone-to-soft tissue ratios decreased in the sequence MDP > DPD > EHDP (P < 0.05). - Our results reveal different biokinetics of MDP, DPD and EHDP explaining variations in osseous and soft tissue uptake suggesting that deconvolution analysis could play an important role in bone scan interpretation.

Suppression of the elicitation phase of contact allergy by epicutaneous application of alpha-L-fucose

Local application of alpha-L-fucose on the ear before elicitation of contact allergy to dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) in BALB/c mice results in a suppression of the contact allergic response. However, local application of alpha-L-fucose at the sensitization site on the abdominal wall before sensitizing the animals with DNFB had no inhibitory effect on contact allergy. Alpha-L-fucose has been demonstrated to inhibit lymphokine activity in vitro and manifestation of cellular immunity in vivo. Our results suggest that alpha-L-fucose suppresses contact allergy by locally inhibiting the efferent phase of the cellular immune response.

Modulation of suppressor mechanism in allergic contact dermatitis. IV. Selective inhibition of suppressor T-lymphocytes by serum obtained from Corynebacterium parvum treated mice

We have previously shown that Corynebacterium parvum treatment reduced tolerance induced by intravenous injection of 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBSO3) or by sensitizing BALB/c mice with a supraoptimal dose of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). Further analysis by transfer experiments revealed that the generation and/or functional expression of suppressor T-lymphocytes (Ts-cells) was inhibited in both tolerance models. Inhibition of Ts-cells was not entirely correlated with suppression of mitogen induced lymphocyte proliferation mediated by C. parvum activated macrophages. In this investigation we studied the effect of serum obtained at various times after C. parvum injection on tolerance and Ts-cells in DNFB contact allergy. Serum obtained 6 and 24 hr, however, not 72 hr after C.parvum injection inhibited Ts-cells, induced by DNBSO3 and tested by transfer to naive recipients, as efficiently as C. parvum itself. The serum had following characteristics: (1) It inhibited the functional expression of Ts in the recipient animal. (2) It inhibited tolerance induction by an epicutaneous supra-optimal dose of DNFB. (3) It did not inhibit the induction and functional expression of T-effector cells of delayed hypersensitivity (TDH-cells) as shown by transfer experiments. (4) The Ts-inhibitory factor was heat resistant (56 degrees C), not destroyed or lost by dialysis against tris-glycine buffer pH 2 and could not be detected in the serum of NMRI-mice injected 24 hr before with C parvum. (5) The C parvum serum did not significantly increase the spleen weight or suppress mitogen-induced spleen lymphocyte proliferation. The nature of this Ts-cells inhibitory factor is unknown, although the results suggest that cortisone or transfer of bacteria are not responsible. Factors mediating selective inhibition of Ts-cells may be of important regulatory function in delayed type hypersensitivity.

Determination of acetaldehyde in human blood by a gas chromatographic method with negligible artefactual acetaldehyde formation

A method is described for determination of acetaldehyde in blood by head space gas chromatography. The method utilizes sodium nitrite-sulfosalicylic acid as an inhibitor of the ethanol oxidizing systems by means of which the interference of ethanol is reduced considerably. The detection limit was 0.4 mumol/l, the recovery 101.5 +/- 5.2% and the coefficient of variation was 7.8% (1.5 mumol/1 acetaldehyde). There was no disappearance of acetaldehyde if the head space vials were kept at -20 degree C for 24 h. In the comparison study with the semicarbazide method our results were 0.7-4.1 mumol/l lower. The values for acetaldehyde in blood after ethanol ingestion (0.5 g/kg) by volunteers were 0.5-1.3 mumol/l.