Stimulation of skin fibroblast collagenase production by a cytokine derived from basal cell carcinomas

Our previous studies of human basal cell carcinomas (BCC) revealed increased skin collagenase in vivo. Immunocytochemically the collagenase was localized to adjacent stroma, not to the tumor cells. When grown in culture, skin fibroblasts derived from tumor stroma showed a 3- to 4-fold increase in collagenase for the first 10-14 mean population doublings, after which collagenase expression reverted to control levels. These studies suggested that tumors stimulated adjacent fibroblasts to produce more collagenase. In the present study we sought direct evidence for epithelial-stromal interaction in this neoplasm. Under dissecting microscopy tumor islands were freed of stroma, homogenized, sonicated, and centrifuged to remove insoluble tissue. Tumor extracts were incubated with monolayer cultures of normal human skin fibroblasts to assess their effect on collagenase synthesis in these target cells. Culturing the fibroblasts for 24 h in the presence of individual BCC extracts resulted in a 1.6- to 3-fold increase in trypsin-activatable collagenase in the culture medium. This was paralleled by an equal increase in immunoreactive protein, suggesting enhanced enzyme synthesis. There was no change in the activity per immunoreactive protein, indicating a catalytically unaltered enzyme. Gel filtration of pooled BCC extracts showed that the stimulatory activity was contained in eluent fractions of Mr approximately 19Kd. These data suggest that BCCs elaborate a macromolecular cytokine that induces collagenase synthesis in skin fibroblasts and emphasize the importance of epithelial-stromal interactions in cutaneous tumor invasion.

Evidence of bone resorption-stimulating factor in adult T-cell leukemia

Adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) is known to be frequently accompanied by hypercalcemia, but the mechanisms responsible for hypercalcemia in this disorder are not fully understood. We have recently experienced two male patients (25 and 36 yr old) with ATL diagnosed from typical leukemic cells with grooved and folded nucleus, surface marker, anti-ATLA antibody etc. Serum calcium levels of these patients were 16.4 and 21.4 mg/dl, respectively, with no radiological evidence of bone destruction. Peripheral blood leukemic lymphocytes from these patients were purified by the Ficoll-Hypaque method and cultured at a concentration of 1.5 X 10(6) cells/ml for 3 days on F-10 medium supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum. The supernatant fluids from the cell cultures were bioassayed for bone resorption-stimulating activity (BRSA) by an assay based on the release of 45Ca from prelabeled fetal mouse forearm bones in organ culture according to Raisz's method. The supernatant fluid of cultures from both patients which showed marked BRSA was nondialyzable through a dialysis membrane with a molecular weight cutoff of 3500. Parathyroid hormone and prostaglandins were not detectable in the supernatant fluids of the leukemic cell cultures. In one patient, BRSA was measured twice and found to be decreased to a normal level when the patient was in hematological remission with a normal calcium level (8.3 mg/dl). These results suggest that the hypercalcemia observed in patients with ATL is due, in part, to a bone resorption-stimulating factor which is produced by leukemic T-cell lymphocytes.

A simple bioassay for monocyte-derived hepatocyte stimulating factor: increased synthesis of alpha 2-macroglobulin and reduced synthesis of albumin by cultured rat hepatocytes

Cytokines released from monocytes upon stimulation by lipopolysaccharide cause a number of cells to undergo proliferative and synthetic changes. At least one of these cytokines affects hepatocytes in vivo causing increased synthesis of a series of acute-phase proteins. We have established an in vitro micro-assay for hepatocyte stimulating factor (HSF) using primary cultures of normal rat hepatocytes. Measurement of increased synthesis of alpha 2-macroglobulin and decreased synthesis of albumin caused by exogenously added factor constitute a sensitive parameter for quantifying HSF. For comparing various cytokines preparations, we have defined a unit of HSF activity in terms of a stimulation index. We have used this assay to follow some preliminary attempts to isolate the factors responsible for stimulation of synthesis of acute-phase reactant by the liver.

Epidermal cells synthesize a cytokine with interleukin 3-like properties

Interleukin 3 (IL 3) is produced by T lymphocytes and T cell lines (EL 4), as well as by a monomyelocytic cell line (WEHI 3), and it activates lymphocytes as well as mast cells. Recently we have demonstrated that epidermal cells (EC) perform monocyte/macrophage-like functions through the release of an interleukin 1-like immunomodulating mediator (EC-derived thymocyte activating factor; ETAF. Because mast cells predominantly are located in the skin, in the present study we investigated whether EC in addition to ETAF may produce IL 3. Normal as well as transformed keratinocytes were able to secrete an IL 3-like mediator (EC IL 3) that induces the proliferation of IL 3-dependent cell lines. Furthermore, both EC IL 3 and WEHI IL 3 have a similar m.w. of 30,000. In addition, an antibody against IL 3 also blocked EC IL 3 activity, suggesting that these molecules appear to be very similar. EC IL 3 production was greatly enhanced by the addition of concanavalin A, phorbol myristate acetate, lipopolysaccharide, and silica. Factor production was completely blocked by inhibiting protein synthesis. These findings demonstrate that keratinocytes synthesize an additional cytokine with the biologic and biochemical properties of IL 3, but distinct from ETAF. Thus, through the production of EC IL 3, EC may participate in the activation of mast cells and thereby mediate inflammatory as well as hypersensitivity reactions.

Early recognition of transplantation antigens by T lymphocytes. I. Test system and cellular parameters

Within 2-4 h of interaction of parental spleen cells from naive mice or of their supernates with alloantigen-bearing F1 hybrid spleen cells, a factor called soluble early product of immune recognition (SEPIR) is secreted. SEPIR could be revealed by its ability to enhance mixed leukocyte cultures (MLC) set up in suboptimal conditions. The factor appears to be generated by parental strain T but not B lymphocytes, is active at low concentration and acts in a pulse-like fashion. Its formation is triggered by unstimulated T cells reacting with H-2 antigens; no cytokine activity of IL 1, IL 2 or interferon character could be detected. It is suggested that the formation of SEPIR within the first few hours of MLC interaction is critically related to the further development of alloantigen-driven T cell proliferation. SEPIR might thus be the earliest discernible product of alloimmune recognition.

The aluminum content of biological products containing aluminum adjuvants: determination by atomic absorption spectrometry

Aluminum compounds are used as adjuvants in certain types of vaccines, toxoids and allergenic extracts for human use. The most common Al compounds used in biological products to enhance the immune response are aluminum potassium sulphate (alum), aluminum hydroxide and aluminum phosphate. This study describes an atomic absorption spectrometric method for the determination of the Al content of Al adsorbed toxoid preparations and allergenic extracts at levels of less than 0.85 mg of Al per half millilitre human dose. Aliquots of the samples which contained Al suspensions were acid digested with nitric and sulphuric acid and analysed in the nitrous oxide-acetylene flame of an atomic absorption spectrometer. The 396.2 nm Al line was used for analysis. The Al content of the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) Standard Reference Material No. 1075a aluminum 2- ethylhexanoate was determined to within 1% of the NBS certificate value by this method. Atomic absorption results for the Al content of tetanus toxoids containing aluminum potassium sulphate and aluminum phosphate were compared with polarographic and inductively coupled argon plasma (ICP) emission spectrometry results. Reproducibility and recovery data for Al are tabulated for a variety of biological products containing aluminum phosphate, aluminum potassium sulphate and aluminum hydroxide adjuvants. In addition, ICP has been used to characterize the Al and P compositions of the precipitates and supernatant solutions which resulted from centrifuging toxoid suspensions that contained the three different Al adjuvants.

[Microbiological method of determining cyanocobalamin in tissues and finished drugs made from animal raw materials]

An assay for cyanocobalamin with the use of the test microorganism E. coli, mutant ATCC 9637, is offered. The measurement of the content of cyanocobalamin in the blood serum and liver of intact rats after intraperitoneal drug injection demonstrated its content to reach a maximum 30 minutes after injection and to depend on the dose. When given in doses 100 and 400 micrograms/kg, the drug dose in the serum amounted to 82 and 261 ng/g, respectively, and in the liver to 80 and 259 ng/g. The method is readily reproducible, does not require the observance of strict aseptics, it is economical and time-saving.

The presence in normal plasma, serum and platelets of factors that stimulate the production of prostacyclin (PGI2) by cultured endothelial cells

1. The effect of plasma and serum from normal subjects on the production of prostacyclin by cultured porcine endothelial cells was investigated. 2. Both plasma and serum from all subjects studied significantly stimulated the production of prostacyclin by cultured endothelial cells, measured by the radioimmunoassay of its stable metabolite 6-oxoprostaglandin F1 alpha. 3. Serum caused a consistently greater stimulation than plasma from the same individual. The stimulation was dose-dependent and inhibited by indomethacin. Heparin added to serum also inhibited this response. 4. Extracts from isolated washed platelets were tested for their ability to increase prostacyclin production. Extracts from platelets which had been induced to aggregate and release their granule contents in response to thrombin, caused stimulation. 5. These results indicated the invariable presence in plasma and serum of factors that stimulate the production of prostacyclin by endothelial cells in vitro. At least one of these factors is derived from platelets. These factors may be involved in the regulation of prostacyclin production by the vascular endothelium under normal conditions and in disease states.

Preparation of soluble immune response suppressor and macrophage-derived suppressor factor

Concanavalin A-activated murine suppressor T cells act via the mediator, soluble immune response suppressor (SIRS) which non-specifically suppresses IgM and IgG antibody responses to a variety of antigens, cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses and proliferative responses to alloantigens and mitogens in vitro. SIRS is a protein with an apparent MW of 45,000-55,000; the target of SIRS is the macrophage (M phi). M phi following treatment with SIRS release a second factor, M phi-derived suppressor factor (M phi-SF), which is directly responsible for the observed suppression of responses. Moreover. M phi-SF appears to be modified SIRS by all criteria used to date; M phi-SF can be obtained by reacting SIRS with low concentrations of H2O2 in the absence of M phi. Thus, M phi appear to serve only as a source of H2O2 and the mechanism of M phi-SF action action appears to have an oxidative basis. M phi-SF activity is lost following treatment with sulfhydryl reagents such as 2-mercaptoethanol, dithiothreitol or cysteine, reducing agents such as NaBH4 and a variety of peroxidase substrates such as pyrogallol, phenylenediamine, and ascorbic acid. Additionally, M phi-SF-mediated inhibition can be reversed by high concentrations of 2 mercaptoethanol or dithiothreitol under appropriate conditions. Since M phi-SF appears to be modified SIRS, oxidized by peroxide, and not a distinct second mediator produced by M phi in response to SIRS, we propose eliminating the term M phi-SF and using SIRSox to denote the active form of SIRS produced either by the SIRS-H2O2 reaction or SIRS-treated M phi.

Successful treatment by defibrination with ancrod in a patient with hyperacute renal allograft failure and a deficiency of plasma prostacyclin stimulating factor

Hyperacute and renal allograft failure, whether due to rejection or other mechanisms, such as perfusion injury, is usually associated with extensive intraglomerular fibrin deposition and allograft loss. Defibrination with ancrod was used to treat a patient with hyperacute renal allograft failure and extensive glomerular fibrin deposition and necrosis. The patient's plasma had normal fibrinolytic activity but a complete absence of the ability to generate prostacyclin-like activity from rat aortic endothelium "in vitro". Treatment was associated with complete recovery of renal function, disappearance of glomerular fibrin, and restoration toward normal of glomerular structure.

International collaborative study on the assay of commerically available high and low molecular weight urokinases

Urokinases of different molecular weights are now commerically available. An international collaborative study (eight laboratories) has been conducted to investigate the effect of type and concentration of plasminogen on the assay of two different urokinase preparations against the International Reference Preparation (IRP). Considerable inter-laboratory variation in relative potency estimation was found, and a small effect of plasminogen concentration, independent of type, was apparent.

The Limulus amebocyte lysate endotoxin assay: current status

Research conducted during this decade has clearly established the Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) test as the most sensitive assay for bacterial endotoxin. In addition, the assay is easily performed, relatively inexpensive, specific for endotoxin, and can be used to test materials that are toxic to rabbits employed in the rabbit pyrogen test. The LAL test has been used in the diagnosis of meningitis, urinary infection, mastitis, and endotoxemia. Other broad applications of the test include quality assurance of parenteral solutions and medical devices as well as the microbial quality of food and water. A review of recent developments in LAL testing is presented and experimental applications of the assay are discussed.

Digital picture analysis in microphotometry of biological materials

Automatic evaluation of two-dimensional thin-layer-chromatograms exemplarily demonstrates the applicability of signal processing, image analysis, and pattern recognition to microphotometry by an enlarged dynamic range of the photometer, improved reproducibility by noise reduction, discrimination between objects and background, feature extraction and automatic classification of the results. Emphasis is put on simple procedures which are tested in routine work and can be implemented on minicomputers.

[Study of Vibrio cholerae fractions. III. The gel chromatographic and immunochemical characteristics of vibrionin]

Three fractions differing by molecular weight (fraction 1--greater than 14 x 10(4)--less than 2 x 10(6) dalton, fraction 11--greater than 7 x 10(4)--less than 14 x 10(4) dalton, fraction III--greater than l0(4) less 35 x 10(3) dalton) were isolated from vibrionin, a preparation of cholera allergen, by gel chromatography on Sephadex G-150. These fractions possessed a different immunochemical activity and were capable of detecting the state of increased sensitivity to cholera vibrio.

[Study of Vibrio cholerae fractions. II. A comparison of the immunochemical and biological properties of preparations of alkaline extracts (vibrionin) and the endotoxin of Vibrio cholerae]

Comparative study of immuno-chemical and biological properties of vibrionin and cholera vibrio endotoxin showed vibrionin to contain up to 73.5% of protein, whereas endotoxin preparations contained only 25% of protein. Use of disc electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel permitted to determine the relative electrophoretic mobility of the protein component bands of both preparations. Residual quantities of O-antigenic cholera vibrio determinants were revealed serologically in the vibrionin preparations. Study of biological properties of vibrionin (cholera allergen) demonstrated a possibility of using vibrionin in the capacity of a new bacterial allergen.

[Role of calcium ions in stabilizing rat liver adhesion factor]

Highly purified native preparation of adhesion factor (AF) from rat liver was shown to inactivate after dialysis against deionised water or after action of chelating agent (EGTA). Isoelectric point of inactivated AF was less than 2.0 Rf value in PAG in presence of SDS was significantly increased. The results obtained suggest that inactivation of AF during electrofucusing depends on ampholyne binding of Ca(II) which may be constituent in AF.