Genetic control of organ-reactive autoantibody production in mice by obesity (ob) diabetes (db) genes

Inbred strains of mice exhibited genetic and sex-dependent differences in spontaneous production of organ-reactive autoantibodies detected by indirect immunofluorescence. Antitestis autoreactivity was found primarily in sera from C57BL/6J (B6) mice, whereas antigastric autoreactivity was common to both CBA/J and 129/J strains. Autoantibodies against islet cell cytoplasmic antigens (ICAs) were uniquely expressed by C57BL/KsJ (BKs) males. Introduction of the diabetes (db) mutation into these various inbred-strain backgrounds induced expression of ICA, with stronger induction observed in males. The stress imposed by the db or obesity (ob) mutation induced ICA in BKs mice at a higher frequency than in B6 mice; this differential sensitivity was somehow related to a gene linked to the H-2 complex because BKs.B6 H-2b congenic mice resembled B6 mice. The db3J mutation increased the expression of these autoantibodies in 129/J mice, which, like B6, were H-2b and therefore presumably possessed the same H-2-linked inducibility allele as BKs. Cytotoxic autoantibodies against islet cell surface antigens were only observed in C3HeB/FeJ db/db males, and their presence was correlated with beta-cell necrosis. It is concluded that db and/or ob genes appear to play an important role in the production of autoantibodies to islet cells, and sex-linked factor(s) may modify the phenotypic expression of the autoantibodies.

Preferential infiltration of macrophages during early stages of insulitis in diabetes-prone BB rats

The subpopulation of lymphoid cells at the different stages of insulitis in BB rats was determined by immunohistochemical techniques with various monoclonal antibodies, including the recently developed OX41, which distinguishes macrophages from T-lymphocytes, OX19 for pan-T-lymphocytes, W3/25 for both helper T-lymphocytes and macrophages, OX8 for cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and natural killer cells, and OX12 for B-lymphocytes. The major population of infiltrated cells found during the early stages of insulitis appeared to be macrophages. This preceded invasion by a mixed population of cells, including both T- and B-lymphocytes and/or natural killer cells. The preferential infiltration of macrophages during the early stages of insulitis strongly suggested that there might be an initial change in the target beta-cells that precedes their immune destruction, although the amplification of immune response by activated T-lymphocytes and natural killer cells at a later stage seemed to be required for the clinical expression of the disease.

Degenerate photon echoes: simultaneous storage of multiple optical data

It is shown that simultaneous and spatially overlapping multiple photon echoes can occur following application of a single optical pulse followed by multiple pairs of counterpropagating pulses in various directions-degenerate photon echoes. This scheme has been experimentally verified in Pr(3+):LaF(3) for the doubly degenerate case. In the small-pulse-area regime, the two echoes are observed to be independent with no cross talk between them. From the viewpoint of transient optical memory, this enables us to store multiple independent optical data in one sample spot and to retrieve any one of them, thereby multiplying the memory capacity of the crystal.

Identification of antigenic differences between the diabetogenic and non-diabetogenic variants of encephalomyocarditis virus using monoclonal antibodies

The M variant of encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus consists of two biologically distinct variants: one, diabetogenic D variant (EMC-D) and the other, non-diabetogenic B variant (EMC-B). These two variants cannot be distinguished by hyperimmune sera. Monoclonal antibodies were generated against EMC-D or EMC-B to identify antigenic differences between these two variants. Fourteen independent hybrid cell lines, selected from seven separate fusions of mouse myeloma cells to spleen cells isolated from mice immunized with EMC-D, consisted of 12 hybrids which produced monoclonal antibodies that neutralized both EMC-D and EMC-B, and two hybrids (ED-HJ-23 and ED-HJ-31) which produced monoclonal antibodies that neutralized EMC-D but not EMC-B. Similarly, 16 independent hybrid cell lines, selected from eight separate fusions using spleen cells prepared from mice immunized with EMC-B, consisted of 15 hybrids which produced monoclonal antibodies neutralizing both EMC-D and EMC-B, and one hybrid (EB-48A-F1) which produced antibody that neutralized EMC-B, but not EMC-D. The specificities of these monoclonal antibodies (ED-HJ-23, ED-HJ-31, EB-48A-F1) were further confirmed using an immunofluorescent technique. The D variant-specific monoclonal antibodies reacted with cells infected with EMC-D but not EMC-B. In contrast, the B variant-specific monoclonal antibody reacted with the cells infected with EMC-B but not EMC-D. It is concluded that the EMC-D- and EMC-B-specific monoclonal antibodies are able to identify antigenic differences between diabetogenic and non-diabetogenic variants of EMC virus which cannot be distinguished by hyperimmune sera.

Intraocular trafficking of lymphocytes in locally induced experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU)

Experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) was induced in naive Lewis rats by intravitreal adoptive transfer of 10(6) long-term S-antigen (S-Ag)-specific syngeneic T-lymphocyte lines of helper/inducer phenotype (ThS). These cells were stimulated with the T-cell mitogen concanavalin A (Con A) in culture for 48 hr and subsequently labeled with tritiated thymidine. Lymph node cells (LNC) cultured in parallel were used as controls. Histopathology and light microscopic autoradiography of the ocular tissue was performed at several time points to analyze the cell migration in relation to the development of EAU. The disappearance of both types of lymphocytes from the vitreous was similar and large numbers of host leukocytes were attracted into the vitreous. However, significantly more S-Ag-specific cells penetrated the retina and induced EAU (P less than 0.008). These results suggest that the development of EAU by intravitreal injection of S-Ag-specific T lymphocytes occurs by the migration of antigen-specific cells into the retina and recognition of the specific antigen, with subsequent release of soluble mediators that interact with the host effector cells, ultimately leading to specific photoreceptor damage.

A model to determine staff levels, cost, and productivity of hospital units

A methodology is presented with examples of the productivity, the staffing required, the resultant productivity, and costs that can be obtained for hospital units that are subject to random work demands such as laboratory, radiology, physical therapy, and nuclear medicine. The methodology assumes that the hospital has a labor productivity system that produces the RVUs or earned hours of work accomplished daily by shift. Factors considered are the distribution of the capabilities of the work force, the fatigue and delay allowances of the work standards, the quality of the work standards, the maximum amount of overtime that people will be asked to work, staffing policies such as constant or different staffing levels for each day of the week, and worker selection processes. Predicted results are compared with present practice, which indicates that substantial cost reductions can occur with the use of the methodology.

Pharmacologic effects on the expression of class II histocompatibility antigen in experimental endotoxin-induced uveitis

Systemic dexamethasone, cyclosporine A, colchicine, indomethacin, and cobra venom factor were administered to Lewis rats that were then challenged with 100 micrograms of Salmonella typhimurium endotoxin. The effects of these five pharmacologic agents in endotoxin-induced uveitis were studied by analyzing their effects on ocular inflammation and on the expression of class II antigen of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on the epithelium of the ciliary body and iris. All the agents used in our study exhibited anti-inflammatory effects but only dexamethasone was able to inhibit significantly the expression of Ia antigen on the uveal epithelium. This demonstrates a dissociation between the inflammation and class II antigen expression and supports our previous data that class II antigen presentation may precede the inflammatory infiltrates. The alteration of ocular inflammation and especially the variation of Ia antigen expression in the uveal tissue may provide insight into the mechanism of action and the success of different pharmacologic agents used in the treatment of uveitis.

Storage and phase conjugation of multiple images using backward-stimulated echoes in Pr3+:LaF3

We have observed long-term storage and phase conjugation of multiple images by using a backward-stimulated echo scheme in the 3H4 -3Po transition of Pr3+:LaF3 crystal. The temporal order of the multiple-echo images is the reverse of that of the input images. Each of the echo images is a phase-conjugate replica of the input images and lasts as long as IS sec. This constitutes, in principle, the movie using a stimulated photon echo.

Histopathologic and immunohistopathologic features of subretinal fibrosis and uveitis syndrome

We studied histopathologic and immunohistopathologic features of an eye from a patient who had hypopigmented choroidal lesions with subsequent development of progressive subretinal fibrotic tissue associated with minimal signs of vitreal inflammation. A 24-year-old woman had a rapid and severe onset of the disease, which led to blindness within a few months despite treatment with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide. Histopathologic studies disclosed a marked gliotic retina and thick subretinal fibrotic tissue as well as a granulomatous lymphocytic infiltration in the choroid. Electron microscopy demonstrated that the subretinal tissue was derived from retinal pigment epithelial cells. The immunoperoxidase staining showed similar proportions of T and B lymphocytes, indicating a relative increase of B cells. There was a predominance of the helper/inducer T lymphocyte subset in the infiltrating area. The Müller cells in the retina expressed class II antigens of the major histocompatibility complex.

Bromocriptine and low dose cyclosporine in the treatment of experimental autoimmune uveitis in the rat

The immunologic effects of bromocriptine and low dose cyclosporine on experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) induced in Lewis rats by S-antigen immunization were studied. Rats treated with a sub-optimal dose (low dose) of cyclosporine (2 mg/kg per d), bromocriptine (1.8 mg/kg per d), or both drugs were compared with untreated rats in regard to the development of EAU, lymphocyte proliferative responses, and anti-S-antigen serum antibodies. Bromocriptine alone decreased the incidence of EAU only in female rats (P less than 0.01), did not effect the lymphocyte proliferative response, but did significantly decrease antibody titers in both males (P less than 0.004) and females (P less than 0.0005). Low dose cyclosporine also partially decreased the incidence of EAU in female rats, but did not decrease antibody titers or lymphocyte proliferative responses. Bromocriptine plus low-dose cyclosporine led to more marked decreases in the incidence of EAU and anti-S-antigen antibody titers as well as in the lymphocyte proliferative assay (P less than 0.01 for males, P less than 0.0005 for females). This study suggests that bromocriptine can enhance the immunosuppression of low dose cyclosporine.

Immunopathology of ocular onchocerciasis. 2. Anti-retinal autoantibodies in serum and ocular fluids

Ocular fluids and sera from 12 onchocerciasis patients and nine age-matched controls living in Tamale, Ghana, were examined for the presence of anti-retinal autoantibodies by the indirect immunoperoxidase technique. Antibodies directed against autoantigens of the inner retina (nerve fiber, ganglion cell, and Müller cell) were found in the sera of 10 of 12 patients, but in only three of nine controls (P less than 0.003). Autoimmune antibodies against the outer segment of the photoreceptor were noted in 7 of 12 patients, in contrast to only one of nine controls (P less than 0.02). Findings with the ocular fluids generally mirrored those with the sera. These autoantibodies could not be absorbed by conventional techniques using either retinal S-antigen (S-Ag) or the interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein, an observation suggesting that other ocular antigens are involved. Such anti-retinal antibodies, especially those directed against the inner retina, may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of the retinal degeneration and optic atrophy that occur as a consequence of onchocerciasis.

Expression of class II antigen in endotoxin induced uveitis

Uveitis can be induced by systemic or intravitreal administration of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS). In this study we correlated the expression of class II antigens (la in rat) of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), with this experimental model of uveitis. Ia antigen was detected by immunohistochemistry using the Avidin-Biotin-Peroxidase Complex (ABC) method and the monoclonal antibody OX6. Ia antigen was not expressed in normal eyes. However, Ia was expressed in the anterior uvea epithelial cells in all eyes with LPS induced uveitis. This study demonstrates that the ocular Ia expression is a localized process in the anterior uvea in response to systemic or intravitreal LPS. This response appears to be distinct from the action of LPS on macrophage Ia expression, where LPS has been shown to inhibit the induction of Ia antigen in macrophages by gamma interferon.

Neovascular glaucoma after helium ion irradiation for uveal melanoma

Neovascular glaucoma developed in 22 of 169 uveal melanoma patients treated with helium ion irradiation. Most patients had large melanomas; no eyes containing small melanomas developed anterior segment neovascularization. The mean onset of glaucoma was 14.1 months (range, 7-31 months). The incidence of anterior segment neovascularization increased with radiation dosage; there was an approximately three-fold increase at 80 GyE versus 60 GyE of helium ion radiation (23% vs. 8.5%) (P less than 0.05). Neovascular glaucoma occurred more commonly in larger tumors; the incidence was not affected by tumor location, presence of subretinal fluid, nor rate of tumor regression. Fifty-three percent of patients had some response with intraocular pressures of 21 mmHg or less to a combination of antiglaucoma treatments.

Purification and characterization of a low molecular weight transforming growth factor from the urine of melanoma patients

A low Mr human transforming growth factor (TGF) present in melanoma patients' urine has been purified approximately 200,000-fold to apparent homogeneity. Initial purification of an acid-soluble fraction of urine was achieved by Bio-Gel P-30 gel filtration chromatography in 1 M acetic acid. TGF activities were demonstrated in the Mr ranges of 30,000 and 6,000-10,000. These competed with epidermal growth factor (EGF) for binding to A431 membrane receptors and induced anchorage-independent growth of untransformed fibroblasts. The low Mr TGF activity obtained from P-30 chromatography was purified to apparent homogeneity by two sequential reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography steps with a mu Bondapak C18 column first using a linear gradient of acetonitrile going from 0-60% in 120 min and then by rechromatography of the activity over the same column using a shallower gradient of acetonitrile going from 20-40% in 160 min. The isoelectric point of the melanoma patient-derived urinary TGF was determined to be 6.2, which is distinct from that for human EGF. Amino acid composition analysis of the purified urinary TGF (uTGF) revealed that it is composed of at least 42 amino acid residues with a minimum estimated Mr of 4,545. Compositional analysis further revealed distinct similarities and differences between the uTGF, human EGF and TGFs secreted by various transformed human and rodent cell lines.

Inhibitory effect of hyperosmolality on catecholamine secretion from the bovine adrenal medulla

We examined the effect of hyperosmolality on exocytotic catecholamine secretion in isolated-perfused bovine adrenals, in both the absence and presence of Ca2+ in the extracellular medium. Exposure of adrenal glands to hyperosmotic media (600 mOsm/Kg H2O) for 20 minutes significantly decreased spontaneous catecholamine output, and was independent of extracellular Ca2+ concentration. Adrenal glands were exposed to a hyperosmotic Locke solution (600 mOsm/Kg H2O) for 10 minutes and then stimulated with acetylcholine. Hyperosmolality produced a significant, reversible inhibition of acetylcholine-evoked catecholamine secretion. As the osmotic strength of the perfusion fluid was increased, either by addition of sucrose or NaCl, there was a progressive reduction in the acetylcholine response. Hyperosmolality also decreased catecholamine release induced by 56 mM K+ and by removal of NaCl from the perfusion medium. Similar results were seen in glands exposed to a NaCl-free solution in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. These results suggest that inhibitory effects of hyperosmolality on stimulus-secretion coupling in the adrenal medulla are exerted after Ca2+ enters the chromaffin cells, and support one of the primary criteria of the chemiosmotic hypothesis.

Tolerance of Trifolium subterraneum cultivars to low pH

Eleven cultivars of Trifolium subterraneum and Trifolium semipilosum cv. Safari were grown with adequate combined nitrogen for 27 days in flowing solution culture with controlled nutrient concentrations at constant pH values ranging from 3.5 to 6.5. A solution pH of 3.5 was lethal to all cultivars, but growth was in all cases vigorous at pH 4.0 (RGR 15.2-16.9 g 100 g-1 day-1). There were no significant effects of pH over the range of 4.0-6.5 on the yield of any clover cultivar. The results are discussed in relation to an earlier study suggesting greater tolerance of subterranean clover to pH values below 4.0. Phosphorus toxicity symptoms developed in all subterranean clover cultivars with the intensity of symptom development increasing with solution pH from 4.5 to 6.5. The concentration of phosphorus in the older leaves decreased as the solution pH was increased from 4.0 to 4.5, and then increased with further increase in pH, reaching values = 1.0%. Rates of phosphorus absorption followed a similar pattern of response to solution pH. Results are discussed with reference to previously reported effects of pH on phosphorus uptake.

Vasoactive effect of sera from preeclamptic patients

Investigated was a bioassay method for measurement of vasoactivity in the serum of preeclamptic patients. Intravital microscopy was used to measure the diameter of the principal arteriole and venule in the gastrolienal mesentery of mice before (VD1) and after (VD2) the intravenous injection of sera from preeclamptic primigravid patients and from preeclamptic primigravid patients after treatment with magnesium sulfate (MgSO4). A vasoactive index (VI) was calculated as VD2/VD1. The VIa (vasoactive index for arteriole) of preeclamptic primigravid patients (0.64 +/- 0.39, mean +/- SD) was significantly different (p less than 0.01) from the VIa of normal primigravid patients (0.91 +/- 0.08) and from the VIa of saline controls (0.99 +/- 0.02). Four of the seven preeclamptic primigravid patients had a duration of signs and symptoms dating from the antepartum period (VIa = 0.53 +/-. 0.42), and for three, the diagnosis was made only in the intrapartum period (VIa = 0.77 +/- 0.38). Sera from the MgSO4-treated preeclamptic patients yielded a VIa of 0.91 +/- 0.14, which was not significantly different from that for either the normal primigravid patients or the saline controls. This VIa value was significantly different (p less than 0.01) from the VIa of the untreated preeclamptic patients. These results suggest that here is a vasoactive substance(s) in the sera of preeclamptic patients which may contribute to their arteriolar vasospasm. The magnitude of vasoactivity appears to be related to the duration and severity of preeclampsia but is masked or disappears after treatment of the patient with MgSO4.

Processes to increase the yields of normal serum albumin

By heating in the presence of a stabilizer, albumin can be recovered from Cohn fraction IV-4 and also pyrogen-free from pyrogenic albumin.

Studies on hypoxia: XII. Detrimental effects of synthetic polyribonucleotides on epiphyseal plates of rats exposed to hypoxia

The effect of different doses of polyadenylic and polyuridylic acids (poly A:U) was studied in control rats and in rats exposed to hypoxia. In the control rats, administration of different doses of poly A:U did not change the thickness of the epiphyseal plate or increase the incorporation of 3H-phenylalanine as judged using radioautography. Rats exposed to hypoxia showed a significant dose-related reduction in the thickness of the epiphyseal plate and 3H-phenylalanine incorporation.

Studies on hypoxia: XI. Long-term effects on the epiphyseal plate--a histomeric and radioautographic study

Rats were exposed to hypoxia for one week. The mean thickness of epiphyseal plates form control rats was 430 micrometers (mum) which was reduced to 313 mum in hypoxic rats. Radioautographic incorporation of 3H-phenylalaine by connective tissue cells in hypoxic rats was reduced up to 38% in control rats.