[The characteristics of monoclonal antibodies and their antigens associated with human sperm acrosome reaction. II. Effects of the monoclonal antibodies on sperm function, sperm antigen localization and immunoblotting]

By using microassay, the strong human sperm agglutination were caused by 9 of 23 monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) obtained by immunization with fresh human acrosome-reacted (AR) sperm, which was induced by ionophore A 23187, but no one of them demonstrated the ability to immobilize human sperm. In contrast to most studies reported by other laboratories, the antigens recognized by most of McAbs in the present study were located in equatorial segment and midpiece of human sperm, and no one in acrosome region of human sperm. The binding pattern of some McAbs on non-treated and AR sperm was found to be different. The human sperm proteins ranged in the size of 16-146 kDa were demonstrated to be reacted with 9 of 23 McAbs by immunoblotting. Moreover, the cross reaction of 23 McAbs with mouse and tree shrew sperm was detected by indirect immunofluorescent assay. These results suggest that AR sperm possesses peculiar immunogenic properties.

Production of anti-tumor human monoclonal antibodies using different approaches

The production of anti-tumor human monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) by human-human or human-mouse hybridoma technology was studied. UC729-6, a human lymphoblastoid cell line, or NS-1, a mouse myeloma cell line, were fused with lymphocytes isolated from regional lymph modes of 26 patients with breast or gastrointestinal cancer, resulting in 130 immunoglobulin-secreting human-human hybrids and 21 human-mouse hybrids. The supernatants of 88 hybrids were screened against a panel of cancer cells. The supernatants of 37 human-human hybrids and 2 human-mouse hybrids reacted with cancer cell lines. After three times subcloning, only one anti-breast cancer hybrid human MAb, IgG(lambda) human-human hybridoma (MUBL-6), and one anti-gastric cancer human MAb, IgM(lambda) human-mouse hybridoma (HMG-1), were obtained. The antibody-secreting level was 1-4 micrograms/ml/24 h. Production of anti-breast cancer human MAbs by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) hybridoma was also studied. Human lymphocytes were derived from draining lymph nodes of a breast cancer patient, whose serum antibody strongly reacted with tumor associated antigen (TAA). The enriched B cells were transformed with EBV in vitro. Positive antibody-secreting B cells were selected, expanded, and fused with heteromyeloma SHMD-33. The fusion frequency was 28/10(7) lymphocytes. Among them were 16 hybridomas secreting human immunoglobulin. After subcloning, 60% of the cloned hybridomas kept their antibody-secreting ability. Six observed hybridomas remained stable for more than 1 year in tissue cultures. The antibody-secreting level was 2.9-30 micrograms/ml/24 h. Supernatants from these hybridomas all reacted with breast cancer cell lines but not with gastric cancer cell lines.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Polymeric contrast agents for MR imaging of adrenal glands

A variety of adrenal imaging agents have been used in nuclear medicine, but no agent has been developed for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The authors have previously observed accumulation of aminated macromolecules in adrenal glands. They now report the synthesis of a model polymeric aminated contrast agent for enhanced MR imaging of the adrenal glands. The model agent consisted of a poly-L-lysine conjugate (molecular weight, 245 kd) that had 70% free epsilon amino groups and 30% diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-derivatized amino groups to bind indium-111 or gadolinium. One hour after intravenous administration of this compound, adrenal uptake was 10.1% +/- 0.7 of injected dose per gram of tissue. When all free epsilon amino groups of the polylysine were completely substituted with DTPA, adrenal uptake was 3.4 times lower, indicating the importance of free amino groups for adrenal uptake. MR imaging in rats showed that a dose of 0.08 mmol of gadolinium per kilogram of the agent was sufficient to enhance the signal intensity of adrenal glands. There hours after intravenous administration of the agent, signal intensity of the adrenal glands was 186% of precontrast values (liver, 165%; kidney, 91%). Fluorescence microscopy showed that the agent accumulated primarily in the cortical zona glomerulosa and in the adrenal medulla. These initial studies demonstrate the feasibility of designing contrast agents for MR imaging of the adrenal glands.

Phenotypic analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage lymphocytes from acquired immunodeficiency patients with and without Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia

A study was performed to reveal possible differences in lymphocyte subpopulations from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of acquired immunodeficiency patients with and without Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Forty-one consecutive human immunodeficiency virus-seropositive patients were studied. Pneumocystis carinii infection was detected in the BAL fluid from 18 patients. The BAL lymphocyte subpopulations were determined by surface marker analysis with the immunoperoxidase slide assay. No significant differences in the percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes were found between the two groups. The percentage of CD57+ natural killer (NK) cells was significantly higher in the Pneumocystis carinii-negative group than in the -positive group. Since NK cells protect from microbial infections, it is conceivable that the loss of CD57+ NK cells may be one of the phenomena leading to the immunodeficiency state that underlies the pulmonary complications characteristic of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Characterization and molecular cloning of neurotoxic phospholipases A2 from Taiwan viper (Vipera russelli formosensis)

Two phospholipases A2 (PLA2s), designated as RV-4 and RV-7 were purified from venom of the Taiwan Russell's viper (Vipera russelli formosensis) by gel-filtration and reverse-phase HPLC. Their primary structures were solved by both protein sequencing and cDNA cloning and sequencing. The cDNA synthesized was amplified by the polymerase-chain reaction using a pair of synthetic oligonucleotide primers corresponding to the N- and the C-terminal flanking regions of the enzymes. The deduced amino acid sequences of RV-4 and RV-7 were 92% identical to those of the vipoxin and vipoxin inhibitor, respectively, from the Bulgarian Vipera a. ammodytes. RV-4 itself was neurotoxic, whereas RV-7 had much lower enzymatic activity and was not toxic. The low enzymatic activity of RV-7 may be attributed to five acidic residues at positions 7, 17, 59, 114 and 119, which presumably impair its binding to aggregated lipid substrates. Based on the sequence comparison among all the known group II PLA2s, residues 6, 12, 76-81, and 119-125 were identified as important for the neurotoxicity. RV-4 and RV-7 exist in the crude venom as heterodimers, which were again formed by mixing together the HPLC-purified RV-4 and RV-7. Moreover, RV-7 inhibited the enzymatic activity of RV-4 in vitro but potentiated its lethal potency and neurotoxicity. It is suggested that RV-7 may facilitate the specific binding of RV-4 to its presynaptic binding sites, probably by preventing its non-specific adsorption.

Expression of alveolar macrophage adhesion molecules in pulmonary sarcoidosis

Beta-2-integrins belong to a family of leukocyte surface glycoproteins that are essential for immune functions of bronchoalveolar cells. The expression of three alpha chains designed as CD11a, CD11b, CD11c, a common beta chain CD18, and of a ligand for several integrins CD54 (ICAM-1) was studied on alveolar macrophages of patients with active and inactive sarcoidosis and in control subjects. The percentage of macrophages expressing CD11b (CR3) was significantly increased in patients with active sarcoidosis compared with patients who had inactive disease and control subjects. The adhesion molecule CD54 (ICAM-1) was detected on a higher percentage of alveolar macrophages in patients with active rather than inactive sarcoidosis and in control subjects. Since integrin-mediated adhesion seems to be important in macrophage-lymphocyte interactions during the immune response, higher expression of both CD11b and CD54 on sarcoid alveolar macrophages may be related to several immune abnormalities reported in pulmonary sarcoidosis.

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Increased surfactant protein A content in human alveolar macrophages in hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Surfactant protein A (SP-A) appears to have an important function in the assembly and maintenance of the alveolar surfactant monolayer. SP-A has also been implicated in modulating the activity of immunoactive cells, such as increasing the bactericidal capacity of alveolar macrophages. In this immunocytochemical study the SP-A content of alveolar macrophages from seven patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis was compared with the results obtained from six healthy controls. A polyclonal rabbit antibody against human SP-A was used for detection of SP-A in the cytoplasm of alveolar macrophages, applying the immunoperoxidase adhesive slide assay. In hypersensitivity pneumonitis a significant increase in the percentage of SP-A+ alveolar macrophages was observed as compared with the percentage in healthy controls. The intensity of the staining reaction was also increased in the alveolar macrophages of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. We conclude that the observed abnormalities in SP-A content in alveolar macrophages may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

[Circadian changes of atrial natriuretic peptide, cyclic AMP, cyclic GMP, sodium, blood pressure and heart rate in normal subjects]

To investigate the circadian change in the plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) concentrations and its relation to cyclic AMP (cAMP), cyclic GMP (cGMP) and serum sodium. This investigation was conducted on 22 normal subjects consisting of 16 men and 6 women with a mean age of 21.5 years. Blood samples, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and heart rate (HR), were collected and recorded every 8 hours during a 24 hour period. SBP and HR were highest at 1600 h (p less than 0.05). Plasma ANP concentrations at 0800 h (196.3 +/- 140.6 ng/L, p less than 0.01) and 1600 h (203.4 +/- 127.5 ng/L, p less than 0.01) were higher than at 2400 h (64.4 +/- 46.0 ng/L). Serum sodium, plasma cAMP, and cGMP were at the highest level at 1600 h (p less than 0.05). Plasma ANP correlated with plasma cAMP, cGMP, serum sodium, SBP, and HR (r = 0.378 - 0.419, p less than 0.05). This data supports the assumption that atrial wall distension seems to be a stimulus for ANP release.

Effects of zinc depletion and repletion on natural killer cell activity in aged mice

The effects of zinc depletion and repletion on spleen natural killer (NK) cell activity in aged mice were studied. Sixty 24-month-old male Balb/c mice were divided equally into three groups according to their weight: group I were fed the zinc-deficient diet (1.3 μg/g Zn). Group II were fed the zinc-supplemented diet (58 μg/g Zn), but their intake was restricted to the average daily amount consumed by the zinc-deficient group and group 111 were fed the zinc-supplemented diet (58 μg/g Zn) ad libitum. After 4 weeks, 10 mice were taken out from each group. The determinations of NK cell activity and plasma zinc level were performed in aged mice. Then, the other 10 mice in each group were all fed the zinc-supplemented diet. After another 4 weeks, they were also killed and used for the measurements of NK cell activity and plasma zinc level. The results showed that the level of plasma zinc and spleen NK cell activity were both significantly lower in zinc-deficient mice than in the restricted mice and in the ad libitum controls (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in plasma zinc level and NK cell activity between the restricted mice and the ad libitum controls (P>0.05). Supplementation of zinc for 4 weeks enabled a satisfactory recovery of all the indices in the zinc-deficient mice. The data suggest that zinc deficiency significantly impairs the spleen NK cell activity in aged mice, which can be satisfactorily recovered by an adequate zinc supplementation.

An experimental design strategy for quantitating complex pharmacokinetic models: enterohepatic circulation with time-varying gallbladder emptying as an example

A four-step strategy is proposed for determining appropriate experimental designs for investigating the pharmacokinetics of drugs characterized by complex compartmental models and this strategy has been applied to the pharmacokinetics of enterohepatic circulation (EHC). The four steps are (1) to establish an appropriate pharmacokinetic model, (2) to complete an identifiability analysis for the model to determine the route(s) of administration and sampling compartment(s) that are theoretically adequate for the quantitation of model parameters, (3) to carry out nonlinear least-squares fitting for the proposed number and timing of simulated error-free data points, and (4) to complete nonlinear least-squares fits of the model to data obtained by adding random error to the simulated data in step 3. The four-compartment model chosen for EHC of unchanged drug contained central, peripheral, gallbladder, and intestinal compartments and an intermittent gallbladder emptying rate constant. Identifiability analysis demonstrated that three alternative experimental designs for route(s) of administration and sampling compartment(s) are adequate for quantitating all model parameters, when the gallbladder emptying rate constant as a function of time is known (using controlled emptying from an engineered gallbladder in an animal model or quantitation in humans or animals using imaging techniques). Parameter estimates from fitting error-free data matched closely with the known values for all three experimental designs, indicating an adequate number and appropriate timing of data points. Results from fitting simulated data containing +/- 10% random error indicated unacceptable coefficients of variation and a nonrandom pattern in residual plots for one of the experimental designs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Association between essential hypertension and immunology]

Using the immunofluorescence method, autoantibodies of serum IgG was investigated in 100 consecutive patients of essential hypertension with or without family history of hypertension. 30 healthy normotensive subjects with family history of hypertension and 40 healthy normotensive subjects of the same age range were also studied. The results showed that in the treated patients, the frequency of smooth muscle antibodies (SMA), antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA), antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and heart reactive antibodies (HRA) was higher than that in healthy normotensive subjects. The frequency of these antibodies was not associated with difference in mean arterial blood pressure, sex, and clinical stage and a possible genetic predisposition is suggested. The autoantibodies may even appear before the elevation of blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension. The above-mentioned results show that lack of autoimmunity may be one of the pathogenetic factors of essential hypertension.

Local immune components in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) may have a potential role in contributing to a more precise definition of COPD disorders, but at present little is known about the cellular and biochemical changes that occur in BAL in the different stages of COPD. On the contrary, BAL features due to smoking habits, a well-known risk factor for COPD, have been widely investigated. We submitted to BAL 15 normal nonsmokers, 15 asymptomatic smokers and 11 smokers affected by chronic bronchitis. In this latter group BAL fluid recovery was significantly reduced and cellularity increased, but less prominently than in asymptomatic smokers. The CD4/CD8 ratio was significantly decreased in smokers with and without bronchitis, the CD8 percentage being positively correlated with the smoking history. NK cells were decreased in patients with chronic bronchitis. BAL neutrophils were increased in both smoker groups and a correlation was seen with smoking history and degree of airflow obstruction. Neutrophils are markedly involved in the oxidation of BAL proteins, as we could determine with the evaluation of the methionine sulphoxide/methionine ratio in BAL fluids. This finding may be relevant to better understand COPD pathogenesis and progression.

The exon organization of the triple-helical coding regions of the human alpha 1(VI) and alpha 2(VI) collagen genes is highly similar

The alpha 1(VI) and alpha 2(VI) chains, two of the three constituent chains of type VI collagen, are highly similar in size and domain structure. They are encoded by single-copy genes residing in close proximity on human chromosome 21. To study the evolution of the type VI collagen genes, we have isolated and characterized genomic clones coding for the triple-helical domains of the human alpha 1(VI) and alpha 2(VI) chains, which consist of 336 and 335 amino acid residues, respectively. Nucleotide sequencing indicates that, in both genes, the exons are multiples of 9 bp in length (including 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, and 90 bp) except for those encoding for regions with triple-helical interruptions. In addition, the introns are positioned between complete codons. The most predominant exon size is 63 bp, instead of 54 bp as seen in the fibrillar collagen genes. Of particular interest is the finding that the exon structures of the alpha 1(VI) and alpha 2(VI) genes are almost identical. A significant deviation is that a segment of 30 amino acid residues is encoded by two exons of 54 and 36 bp in the alpha 1(VI) gene, but by a single exon of 90 bp in the alpha 2(VI) gene. The exon arrangement therefore provides further evidence that the two genes have evolved from tandem gene duplication. Furthermore, comparison with the previously reported gene structure of the chick alpha 2(VI) chain indicates that the exon structure for the triple-helical domain of the alpha 2(VI) collagen is strictly conserved between human and chicken.

Corticosteroid therapy and respiratory muscle function in humans

We examined the effects of prednisone administration on respiratory muscle function in humans using a double-blind study with a placebo control group. A total of 16 normal subjects were randomized to receive 20 mg prednisone daily (n = 8) or placebo daily (n = 8) for 2 wk. Inspiratory muscle strength (Pimax), expiratory muscle strength (PEmax), diaphragmatic strength (Pdimax), and inspiratory muscle endurance were measured at the beginning and end of the study. There was no significant change with treatment for Pimax (-145 +/- 7 to -138 +/- 6 cm H2O), PEmax (171 +/- 17 to 169 +/- 14 cm H2O), Pdimax (194 +/- 11 to 196 +/- 12 cm H2O), or endurance (76 +/- 3 to 77 +/- 4%) for the prednisone group and no significant difference between the two groups. We conclude that prednisone in moderate dosage has no significant effect on respiratory muscle function in humans, at least in the short term.

Modulation by dietary vitamin E of I-compounds (putative indigenous DNA modifications) in rat liver and kidney

I(indigenous)-compounds are age-related, carcinogen adduct-like, putative indigenous DNA modifications detectable by 32P-postlabeling assay in untreated animals. To investigate the origins of these DNA derivatives, we examined the effects of dietary vitamin E, a natural antioxidant, on I-compounds of rat liver and kidney DNA. Weanling female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed Draper's diets containing 0, 100, 1000, or 10,000 mg/kg alpha-tocopheryl acetate for 6 mo. The DNA from four individual rats of each group was analyzed by a nuclease P1-enhanced version of the 32P-postlabeling assay for DNA adducts. The amount of vitamin E in the liver was measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Rats fed vitamin E-deficient diet (0 mg/kg) showed identical profiles and similar levels of I-compounds as those fed the 100 mg/kg diet. Most I-spots were significantly intensified and one tissue-specific extra spot was found in both liver and kidney DNA of rats fed the 1000 or 10,000 mg/kg vitamin E diet. However, one of the five major I-spots detected in the kidney was weaker in the 1000 and 10,000 mg/kg groups than in the 0 and 100 mg/kg groups. These results show that formation of most I-compounds was not affected by vitamin E-deficient diet, and that long-term feeding of diet containing high levels of vitamin E may cause metabolic alterations leading to an increased formation of DNA-reactive (potentially mutagenic or carcinogenic) electrophiles.

Complex structure and regulation of the ABP/SHBG gene

Extracellular androgen-binding proteins (ABPs) are thought to modulate the regulatory functions of androgens and the trans-acting nuclear androgen receptor. Testicular ABP and plasma sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which is produced in the liver, are encoded by the same gene. We report here that the ABP/SHBG gene is also expressed in fetal rat liver and adult brain. Immunoreactive ABP was localized in the brain and fetal liver and mRNAs were identified in both tissues by northern blot hybridization. Analysis of brain and fetal liver cDNA clones revealed alternatively processed RNAs with sequence characteristics suggesting the encoded proteins could act as competitors of ABP/SHBG binding to cell surface receptors. One cDNA represented a fused transcript of the ABP/SHBG gene and the histidine decarboxylase gene that was apparently formed by a trans-splicing process. Gene sequencing experiments indicate that tissue-specific ABP/SHBG gene promoter-enhancer elements are utilized in testis, brain and fetal liver. These data demonstrate that the structure, RNA transcript processing and likely regulation of the ABP/SHBG gene are very complex.

The androgen-binding protein gene is expressed in male and female rat brain

Extracellular androgen-binding proteins (ABP) are thought to modulate the regulatory functions of androgens and the trans-acting nuclear androgen receptor. Testicular ABP and plasma sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which is produced in liver, are encoded by the same gene. We have now found that the ABP-SHBG gene is also expressed in male and female rat brain. Immunoreactive ABP was found to be present in neuronal cell bodies throughout the brain as well as in fibers of the hypothalamic median eminence. The highest concentrations of immunoreactive cell bodies were located in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei. Likewise, ABP mRNA was present in all brain regions examined. Analysis of cDNA clones representing brain ABP mRNAs revealed amino acid sequence differences in brain and testicular ABPs. The protein encoded by an alternatively processed RNA has sequence characteristics suggesting that the protein could act as a competitior of ABP binding to cell surface receptors. These data and gene-sequencing experiments indicate that a specific ABP gene promoter is used for transcription initiation in brain. ABP may function in brain as an androgen carrier protein; however, in view of the widespread presence of ABP and ABP mRNA in brain, the protein may have a much broader, yet unknown, function.

Flight influence on the plasma level of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and atrial natriuretic peptide

Plasma levels of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) were studied in healthy male pilots, and in a ground crew control group. Plasma concentrations of angiotensin I (A I), angiotensin II (A II) and aldosterone (Aldo) were measured in the pilots before and after flight by radioimmunoassay. Results showed that the plasma concentrations of A I, A II, and Aldo were much higher after flight than before flight, and were different from samples taken from the control group (p less than 0.001). On the other hand, the ANP levels in the pilot group did not differ significantly from the control group, before or after flight. There was no significant difference of the four hormones within the control group over the course of the study. This suggests that the development of hypertension in pilots may relate to the reaction of the RAAS.

[Abnormal platelet function and ultrastructure in patients with severe viral hepatitis]

A study of aggregation and release function of platelet and its ultrastructure in 27 patients with severe viral hepatitis (SVH) was carried out. The results showed that a) the maximum aggregation rate (MAR) decreased markedly; b) platelet 5-HT decreased strikingly and plasma 5-HIs increased significantly; c) the change of MAR was in positive correlation with that of platelet 5-HT and platelet 5-HT/plasma 5-HIs and the change of platelet 5-HT was in negative correlation with that of plasma 5-HIs; d) the ultrastructural abnormalities of platelet suggested its renewal, denaturation and activation in vivo. These results indicate that the abnormal platelet function and ultrastructure in patients with SVH are mainly related to the activation of platelet in vivo.

Flight influence on the plasma level of sex hormones of women pilots

The plasma concentrations of six sex hormones were measured before and after flight by radioimmunoassay in 38 female pilots. The results showed 1) the plasma activity of estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone revealed no significant change after flight (p greater than 0.05), while the plasma activity of prolactin, cortisol, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone increased obviously; 2) compared with the ground crew's, the pilots' plasma estradiol, progesterone, and cortisol had no distinct change (p greater than 0.05); however, their testosterone, prolactin, and follicle stimulating hormone plasma levels were prominently varied (p less than 0.05). 3) there was no statistical difference between the plasma levels of sex hormones in pilots who had more than 2,000 hours of flight experience and in those with less than 500 hours of flight experience (p greater than 0.05). 4) the testosterone: estradiol ratio of pilots without immediate flight stress was much higher than that of the ground crew.

Rapid diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis with enzyme immunoassay

From June 1988 to May 1989, 444 throat swab specimens were tested with an enzyme immunoassay kit for rapid diagnosis of group A streptococcal pharyngitis. The results were compared with those of throat culture method. The rapid test was positive in 37 of 42 culture-positive specimens and negative in 379 of 402 culture-negative specimens, thus yielding a total agreement of 93.7%, sensitivity 88.1%, specificity 94.7%, positive predictive value 61.7%, negative predictive value 98.7%. According to this practical application, we suggest that enzyme immunoassay test can be applied in outpatient clinics by busy pediatricians for rapid diagnosis of group A streptococcal pharyngitis.

Additional fucosyl residues on membrane glycoproteins but not a secreted glycoprotein from cystic fibrosis fibroblasts

Glycopeptides derived from peripheral membrane glycoproteins of skin fibroblasts of seven patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) had an increase in fucosyl residues when compared with those of seven age, race and sex matched controls (Pediatr Res 1985;19:368-374). To further define these results, the membrane glycopeptides which bound to immobilized lentil lectin and thereby enriched in fucosyl residues linked alpha 1----6 to N-acetylglucosamine attached to asparagine, were Pronase digested, partially purified and examined by 500-MHz 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The CF derived glycopeptides had two different features when compared to those from Controls (1) an increased number of fucosyl residues linked alpha 1----6 to the N-acetylglucosamine attached to asparagine and (2) fucosyl residues linked alpha 1----3 to a branch N-acetylglucosamine. The glycopeptides from both sources were of the di and triantennary type containing sialic acid linked alpha 2----3 and alpha 2----6 to galactose in an approximate molar ratio of 3:2 and 2:1, from CF and Control, respectively. Glycopeptides derived from a glycoprotein, fibronectin, secreted from CF fibroblasts were also examined by 1H-NMR spectroscopy and showed no evidence of fucosyl residues linked alpha 1----3 to branch N-acetylglucosamine and a lesser percentage of core fucose than found in the peripheral membrane glycopeptides. These results define further the altered fucosylation of the CF peripheral membrane glycoproteins.