Induction of systemic and mucosal immune responses to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 by a DNA vaccine formulated with QS-21 saponin adjuvant via intramuscular and intranasal routes

Induction of mucosal and cell-mediated immunity is critical for development of an effective vaccine against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We compared intramuscular and intranasal immunizations with a DNA vaccine encoding env of HIV-1 and evaluated the QS-21 saponin adjuvant for augmentation of the systemic and mucosal immune responses to HIV-1 in a murine model. Vaccination via the two routes elicited comparable systemic immune responses, and QS-21 consistently enhanced antigen-specific serum immunoglobulin G2a (IgG2a) production, delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction, and cytolytic activity of splenocytes. Intestinal secretory IgA production and cytolytic activity of the mesenteric lymph node cells are preferentially elicited by intranasal immunization, and QS-21 augmented these activities as well. This adjuvant augmented production of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) associated with decrease in IL-4 synthesis by antigen-restimulated splenocytes. The serum immunoglobulin subtype profile showed a dominant IgG2a response and less strong IgG1 and IgE production in a QS-21 dose-dependent manner. As expected, enhancements of humoral and cell-mediated immune responses by QS-21 were abrogated by treatment with anti-IL-2 and anti-IFN-gamma monoclonal antibodies. These results suggest that the intranasal route of DNA immunization is more efficient than the intramuscular route in inducing mucosal immunity mediated by sIgA and mesenteric lymphocytes. Furthermore, QS-21 is able to act as a mucosal adjuvant in DNA vaccination and demonstrates its immunomodulatory property via stimulation of the Th1 subset. This study emphasizes the importance of the route of immunization and the use of an adjuvant for effective DNA vaccination against HIV-1.

Characterization of vasopressin receptor in rat lung

This study characterized rat lung membrane arginine vasopressin (AVP) receptors in detail. Specific binding of [3H]AVP to rat lung membranes was dependent upon time, temperature and membrane protein concentration. Scatchard plot analysis of equilibrium binding data revealed the existence of a single class of high-affinity binding sites with a Kd of 0.45 nM and a Bmax of 76.6 fmol/mg protein. Competitive inhibition of [3H]AVP binding showed that neurohypophysial hormones as well as their synthetic analogues displaced [3H]AVP in a concentration-dependent manner. The order of potencies for the native peptides was: AVP > lysine vasopressin = arginine vasotocin > oxytocin. Furthermore, potent V1A receptor antagonists, d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP and dPTyr(Me)AVP, showed high affinity for lung membranes. In contrast, the V2 receptor agonist, dDAVP, and the specific oxytocin receptor agonist, [Thr4,Gly7]oxytocin, did not affect AVP binding. These results suggest that the lung contains the V1A receptor subtype. The lung membrane AVP receptor characterized in this study may play an important role in mediating the physiological effects of AVP in the lung.

[Rbf1 (RPG-box binding factor), a transcription factor involved in yeast-hyphal transition of Candida albicans]

The major fungal pathogen for fungal diseases which have become a major medical problem in the last few years is Candida albicans, which can grow both in yeast and hyphae forms. This ability of C. albicans is thought to contribute to its colonization and dissemination within host tissues. In a recent few years, accompanying the introduction of molecular biological tools into C. albicans organism, several factors involved in the signal transduction pathway for yeast-hyphal transition have been identified. One MAP kinase pathway in C. albicans, similar to that leading to STE12 activation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has been reported. C. albicans strains mutant in these genes show retarded filamentous growth on a solid media but no impairment of filamentous growth in mice. These results suggest two scenarios that a kinase signaling cascade plays a part in stimulating the morphological transition in C. albicans, and that there would be another signaling pathway effective in animals. In this latter true hyphal pathway, although some candidate proteins, such as Efg1 (transcription factor), Int1 (integrin-like membrane protein), or Phr1 (pH-regulated membrane protein), have been identified, it is still too early to say that we understand the whole picture of that cascade. We have cloned a C. albicans gene encoding a novel DNA binding protein, Rbf1, that predominantly localizes in the nucleus, and shows transcriptional activation capability. Disruption of the functional RBF1 genes of C. albicans induced the filamentous growth on all solid and liquid media tested, suggesting that Rbf1 might be another candidate for the true hyphal pathway. Relationships with other factors described above, and the target (regulated) genes of Rbf1 is under investigation.

Prolongation of allograft survival by administration of mAb specific for the three subunits of IL-2 receptor

The IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) gamma chain, the so-called common gamma (gamma(c)) chain, which is shared with multiple cytokine receptors, plays important roles in the immune system. Here we assessed the immunosuppressive ability of mAb specific for the gamma(c) chain in induction of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and allograft rejection in combination with mAb specific for the alpha and beta chains of IL-2R. CBA/N (H-2k) mice were injected i.p. with allogeneic splenocytes from BALB/c (H-2d) mice, and then administered with combinations of anti-IL-2R alpha, anti-IL-2R beta and anti-gamma(c) mAb or a control mAb. Addition of anti-gamma(c) mAb together with anti-IL-2R alpha and anti-IL-2R beta mAb induced a complete inhibition of CTL response. The numbers and populations of CD4+ CD8- and CD4- CD8+ T cells were not significantly affected by administration of the three anti-IL-2R mAb, whereas NK cells were completely depleted in spleens of mice treated with the anti-IL-2R mAb. Furthermore, skin allograft survival was also significantly prolonged by administration of the three anti-IL-2R mAb. These results suggest that the anti-gamma(c) mAb in combination with anti-IL-2R alpha and anti-IL-2R beta mAb is capable of suppressing induction of CTL and NK cells, resulting in prolongation of skin allograft survival.

Cisplatin/vincristine chemotherapy for hypothalamic/visual pathway astrocytomas in young children

Hypothalamic/visual pathway astrocytomas in children are usually quiescent, but certain cases contain aggressive neoplasms that cause progressive neurological and visual deterioration. Radiotherapy is not recommended in young children because of its adverse effects later in life. This report describes the efficacy of a chemotherapeutic regimen. Four young children with hypothalamic/visual pathway astrocytoma, with a mean of 18 months of age at diagnosis, were treated with chemotherapy. Three patients had diencephalic syndrome at the disease's onset. Three patients with pilocytic astrocytoma were histologically verified, and another infant was clinically diagnosed. A combination chemotherapy using cisplatin and vincristine was administered in a total of 8 cycles in 3 children and 4 in one child. One patient who demonstrated renal insufficiency after 4 cycles of this regimen was treated with additional 4 cycles using carboplatin instead of cisplatin. The acute and subacute hematologic and otologic toxicities were mild, and a transient renal insufficiency in a child during chemotherapy improved. After chemotherapy, tumor regression was documented in 3 patients, and the disease was observed to be stable in one patient with an evidence of intratumoral necrosis on MRI. Three patients showed neurological and endocrinological improvements. These results suggest that this regimen is feasible in young children and may be useful as a first-line treatment for hypothalamic/visual pathway astrocytomas, which in turn may allow potentially deleterious irradiation on the maturing brain to be deferred until the disease progresses.

Atopic dermatitis apparently caused by type 2 CD8+ T cells in an AIDS patient

A patient with atopic dermatitis and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) had demonstrated blood eosinophilia, high levels of serum IgE and intracytoplasmic IL-4 in the CD8+ but not in the CD4+ cells, decreased numbers of CD4+ cells, and low levels of IL-2 in both CD4+ and CD8+ cells. These results, reflecting a predominant influence of type 2 CD8+ cells, suggest they were involved in the genesis exacerbation of the patient's atopic dermatitis.

Relationship between onset age of mammary tumour and reproduction in four strains of mice with different mammary tumour potentials

The relationship between the onset age of mammary tumours and some reproductive parameters was examined in 4 strains of mice with mammary tumour potential in the order of SHN > SLN > GR/A > C3H/He. The onset age of mammary tumours of SHN, in which no difference was observed between the parous and virgin animals in the mammary tumour potential, was effected little by reproduction. However, in this strain, the age at first parturition was earlier in the individuals with early onset age of mammary tumours than in those with late onset age. In GR/A, the onset age of mammary tumours had a significantly negative correlation with rearing rate and the rearing rate was higher in the individuals with early onset age than those with late onset age. While the onset ages of mammary tumours had significant correlations with some reproductive parameters in both SLN and C3H/He, the degree was much higher in C3H/He than in SLN, well paralleling mammary tumour potential. These findings have demonstrated that the higher mammary tumour potential in parous mice than in virgins is ascribed principally to the stimulation of mammary gland growth and mammotrophic hormone secretion, which, in turn, results in an increase in the risk of malignant transformation of the cells and their progression, and that the influence of reproduction is greater in the lower mammary tumour strains.

Inhaled nitric oxide therapy via nasopharyngeal tube in an infant with end-stage pulmonary hypertension

The delivery of nitric oxide (NO) via a nasopharyngeal tube is an alternative to endotracheal intubation. A male infant with end-stage pulmonary hypertension (PH) due to a severe hypoplastic lung developed a PH crisis on day 145 and received NO inhalation via a nasopharyngeal tube. Clinical improvement was maintained for 7 days with 18-22 ppm NO inhalation. The patient remained in close physical contact with his parents without the use of sedation. Blood methemoglobin levels remained below 1%. The environmental NO levels were less than 0.06 ppm and NO2 less than 0.3 ppm throughout the treatment, well within the safety margin. On day 152, the patient succumbed to hypoxemia and heart failure. The use of a nasopharyngeal NO delivery system without sedation, as an alternative to endotracheal intubation with sedation, was a practical method in treating a patient with PH while maintaining a certain quality of life for the patient and the family.

Retrovirus-mediated gene therapy for human hepatocellular carcinoma transplanted in athymic mice

Gene therapy using a retrovirus vector carrying herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene under the control of the 0.3-kb human alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) gene promoter (LNAF0.3TK virus) in combination with ganciclovir (GCV) treatment was performed in athymic mice harboring AFP-producing HuH-7 human hepatoma cells. GCV treatment resulted in pronounced growth inhibition of the virus-infected HuH-7 xenograft in mice, but did not affect growth of the parental xenograft. These results indicate that the AFP gene promoter sequence allows enough therapeutic gene expression to induce the GCV-mediated cytotoxicity in vivo in AFP-producing human hepatoma cells.

Massive plexiform neurofibroma in the orbit in a child with von Recklinghausen's disease

We report a case of orbital plexiform neurofibroma presenting in a 10-year-old boy with von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis. The patient had shown a slow enlargement of exophthalmos of the right eye present since birth, together with multiple café au lait spots on the skin of the trunk. Magnetic resonance (MR) images revealed diffuse and irregular nodular involvement of the retrobulbar nerves within the muscle cone, which was confirmed at the surgery. The tumour extended into the ipsilateral cavernous sinus. We discuss the MR findings as pathognomonic signs of this rare orbital tumour, including its multinodular nature among dispersed intraconal fat tissue, location around the optic nerve, extension through the superior orbital fissure into the cavernous sinus and association with von Recklinghausen disease.

Surgical treatment for transvenous tumor extension into the heart: four cases

From 1984 to 1996, four patients with transvenous intracardiac tumor extension underwent operations in the Kobe University Hospital. The primary tumors of two were intravenous leiomyomatoses originating from the uterus; a third patient had invasive thymoma, and the fourth patient had clear cell sarcoma of the kidney. In 1985, one patient had a curative, staged resection. One-stage operations were carried out in three patients, and all intracardiac tumors were successfully resected en bloc with the primary tumors under conditions of electrical ventricular fibrillation and mild hypothermia. Combined venous reconstructions were necessary for en bloc resection in three cases. Two patients with malignancy received postoperative chemoradiotherapy, and all four patients were discharged uneventfully from our hospital. We consider radical resection with curative intent only for patients with tumors extending into the heart. In these cases, a one-stage operation is preferable, and electrical ventricular fibrillation with mild hypothermia is a recommended method of circulatory assist because of its simplicity.

Effect of YM087, a potent nonpeptide vasopressin antagonist, on vasopressin-induced protein synthesis in neonatal rat cardiomyocyte

OBJECTIVE

Hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes may play an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy associated with various cardiovascular diseases such as congestive heart failure. The aim of this study was to investigate whether vasopressin (AVP) induces protein synthesis in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes through its specific receptor and whether YM087, a newly synthesized nonpeptide AVP receptor antagonist, inhibits AVP-induced protein synthesis in vitro.

METHODS

AVP receptors on cardiomyocytes were characterized using the radioligand [3H] AVP. The effects of AVP and YM087 on intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and [3H]-leucine incorporation were investigated in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes.

RESULTS

In cardiomyocytes, Scatchard analysis showed a single population of high-affinity binding sites with the expected AVP V1A receptor subtype profile. YM087 showed high affinity for cardiomyocyte V1A receptors with a Ki value of 0.63 nM. In these same cells, YM087 potently inhibited AVP-induced increases in [CA2+]I and activation of MAP kinase in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, AVP concentration-dependently stimulated the synthesis of protein without changing the rate of DNA synthesis, and YM087 prevented AVP-induced protein synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that AVP directly causes protein synthesis and YM087 is a potent inhibitor of AVP-induced protein synthesis of cardiomyocytes and thus may have beneficial effects in the development and regression of cardiomyocytic hypertrophy.

Study of the effects of dispase in the chemotherapy of multicellular tumour spheroids of small-cell lung carcinoma in man

Multicellular tumour spheroids (MTS), diameter 650 microm, from PC-6, SBC-1 and NCL-H60 small-cell lung carcinoma cell-lines in man were prepared by the liquid overlay culture method and used to study the influence of treatment with dispase (bacterial neutral protease from Bacillus polymyxa, 1000 units mL(-1)) on the effectiveness of carboplatin, as determined by colony-forming assay. When carboplatin alone was used on monolayers the curve of survival fraction against concentration was exponential in shape, indicating that the drug was active against the monolayer. When MTS were treated with medium concentrations (10(-5) and 10(-4) M) of carboplatin alone the survival fraction-concentration curve showed that the effectiveness of the treatment was less than that against the monolayer. On treatment of MTS with carboplatin and dispase the survival fraction-concentration curve was similar to that obtained for the monolayer and the survival fraction of the core of the MTS was also less than when carboplatin alone was used. These results imply that dispase dissolves the intercellular matrix of the MTS enabling enhanced infiltration of carboplatin into the core of the MTS. Dispase thus indirectly increases the effectiveness of carboplatin.

Human astrocytoma cells are capable of producing macrophage inflammatory protein-1beta

We investigated expression of macrophage inflammatory protein-1 (MIP-1) alpha and beta in human astrocytoma cell lines and surgical specimens of astrocytic tumors. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed constitutive secretion of MIP-1alpha protein in only one and MIP-1beta in none of 7 cell lines tested. However, MIP-1alpha production was increased in three cell lines by stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and 5 cell lines by stimulation with phorbol-12myristate-13-acetate (PMA). Also, induction of MIP-1beta production was observed in one cell line with LPS stimulation and in two cell lines with PMA stimulation. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed the increase of MIP-1alpha and beta mRNA expression in these cell lines. The increase of the mRNA with the stimuli was further confirmed by Northern blot analysis. In contrast, RT-PCR analysis revealed that the majority of the tested tumor specimens of high-grade.astrocytomas expressed both MIP-1alpha and MIP-1beta mRNAs. ELISA detected MIP-1beta protein in 1 of 11 cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients with high-grade astrocytoma and in 8 of 9 tumor cyst fluid samples, whereas MIP-1alpha was detected in only 1 cyst fluid somple. Taken together, these results indicate that astrocytic tumor cells are capable of expressing and producing MIPs, and suggest that MIPs may participate in the inflammatory responses commonly seen in astrocytic tumors.

A novel superoxide dismutase gene encoding membrane-bound and extracellular isoforms by alternative splicing in Caenorhabditis elegans

We have identified a novel Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase gene (termed SOD-4) in Caenorhabditis elegans. Characterization of its complementary DNA revealed that the gene encodes two isoforms by alternative splicing, SOD4-1 and SOD4-2 which differ in their C-terminal exons. Their predicted amino acid sequences include a consensus signal peptide at their N-termini and are homologous to the extracellular-types of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase in mammals. In addition, SOD4-2 possesses a putative transmembrane domain at the C-terminal region. When transiently expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells, both types were found in the membranes and SOD4-1 also in the culture fluid. It is, therefore, indicated that SOD4-1 is an extracellular form and SOD4-2 a membrane-bound form, the latter representing a novel type of SOD. In C. elegans, SOD4-2 mRNA was found to be preferentially expressed in eggs.

Comparison of intranasal and intramuscular immunization against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 with a DNA-monophosphoryl lipid A adjuvant vaccine

We compared immune responses to intranasal and intramuscular DNA vaccinations against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 with monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) used as an adjuvant. Both routes of vaccination resulted in similar levels of cell-mediated immunity, but the intestinal secretory immunoglobulin A response was higher following intranasal immunization than after intramuscular immunization. MPL demonstrated its adjuvanticity in vaccination by both routes.

Induction chemotherapy followed by reduced-volume radiation therapy for newly diagnosed central nervous system germinoma

OBJECT

Although curative, radiation, which is conventionally administered for germinomas, causes significant neurological sequelae. This study aimed at reducing the volume and dose of radiation to a localized level of 24 Gy by pretreating the patient with chemotherapy.

METHODS

Seventeen patients were divided into two risk groups based on serological findings and the extent of tumor. They were treated with chemotherapy prior to receiving localized radiation therapy. Six patients with solitary pure germinomas were treated with three or four cycles of cisplatin and etoposide (EP regimen) followed by 24-Gy local radiation therapy. Eleven patients with human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)-secreting, multifocal, or disseminated germinomas received four to five cycles of ifosfamide, cisplatin, and etoposide (ICE regimen) followed by 24-Gy local radiation therapy. Craniospinal ports were used only in three cases of germinomas with dissemination. Gross-total resection was performed in three patients. Fourteen patients were able to be evaluated for their responses to chemotherapy. All patients achieved a complete response within three cycles. At a median follow-up duration of 24 months, 16 patients (94%) were alive without recurrence. One patient with an HCG-secreting germinoma experienced recurrence 38 months after surgery. That patient underwent successful salvage therapy using the same protocol. Thus, all 17 patients became free of disease with a 70 to 100% Karnofsky Performance Scale status. Toxicities associated with this study's chemotherapy regimen were mostly transient. No patient showed neurological or endocrinological deterioration during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

The EP and ICE regimens were highly effective in treating the central nervous system germinomas and permitted dose and volume reduction of the radiotherapy. Localized 24-Gy irradiation was sufficient for disease control.

Evaluation of finger skin temperature by cold provocation test for diagnosis of vibration induced white finger (VWF)

Clinical data of workers (40-69 yrs) operating chain saws for a ten-year period from 1986 to 1995 were analyzed to assess the evaluation standard of finger skin temperature for a cold provocation test (10 degrees C 10 min). Screening points of finger skin temperature for screening 191 workers with a vibration induced white finger (VWF) were obtained from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The screening points at 5 min and 10 min after a cold provocation were approximately equal to 50th percentiles of 217 workers with no symptoms (NS group). The screening points of recovery rates at 5 min and 10 min after a cold provocation almost agreed with 50th percentiles in NS group. A new evaluation standard was prepared in reference to these screening points and finger skin temperatures by fraction in NS group. The new one will be useful for the health care of workers operating vibrating tools under present working conditions.

Binding characteristics of YM087, an AVP receptor antagonist, in rhesus monkey liver and kidney membranes

The binding characteristics of YM087, a nonpeptide vasopressin (AVP) V1A and V2 receptor antagonist, were studied using 3H-AVP binding to rhesus monkey liver and kidney membrane preparations. Both membrane preparations exhibited one class of high-affinity binding sites. However each membrane's receptors were different, with Kd values of 0.57 and 1.11 nM, Bmax values of 59.6 and 147 fmol/mg protein for liver and kidney, respectively. AVP receptor agonist or antagonist binding inhibition studies confirmed that these receptors belong to the V1A (liver) and V2 (kidney) subtypes. YM087 showed high affinity for both liver V1A and kidney V2 receptors with Ki values of 26.3 and 9.89 nM, respectively. These results show that YM087 is a potent, nonpeptide dual AVP V1A and V2 receptor antagonist, and would be a powerful tool for understanding the physiologic roles of AVP.

Adjuvant effect of Ubenimex on a DNA vaccine for HIV-1

Enhancement of DNA vaccine immunogenicity is a current topic of high priority in the field of applied immunology, especially as a means of controlling HIV infection. The adjuvant effect of Ubenimex (UBX), an anti-cancer immunomodulator, on a DNA AIDS vaccine which we developed was examined in a murine model. UBX was formulated into a preparation containing DNA plasmids encoding env and rev genes of HIV-1 strain III(B), and was inoculated intramuscularly into BALB/c mice. The sera obtained with this mixture had 2(3)-2(5) times higher specific IgG titres than those obtained without the use of the adjuvant. UBX also elicited both a stronger HIV-1-specific DTH reaction, as measured by the footpad swelling test, and stronger cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity, as assayed by the 51Cr-release method, compared with responses using DNA alone. The cytokine secretion profile of restimulated immune lymphoid cells showed that UBX raised IL-2 and interferon-gamma levels and decreased IL-4 production. HIV-1-specific immunoglobulin subtype analysis demonstrated that UBX stimulated IgG2a production but suppressed synthesis of IgG1 and IgE. These results indicate that activation of the T-helper type 1 subset was induced by UBX, suggesting a mechanism of immunomodulation mediated by this agent. We conclude that UBX acts as an immunologic adjuvant for DNA vaccination against HIV-1. UBX may be a suitable adjuvant for clinical use because of its lack of antigenicity and low toxicity.

Pharmacological characterization of YM087, a potent, nonpeptide human vasopressin V1A and V2 receptor antagonist

The effects of YM087 (4'-[(2-methyl-1,4,5,6-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-d] [1]benzazepin-6-yl)-carbonyl]-2-phenylbenzanilide monohydrochloride), a novel nonpeptide vasopressin (AVP) receptor antagonist, on [3H]AVP binding to human AVP receptors (V1A, V1B and V2) cloned and transiently expressed in COS-1 cells generated from monkey renal tissue were studied. Scatchard analysis of saturation isotherms for the specific binding of [3H]AVP to membranes, prepared from COS-1 cells transfected with human V1A, V1B and V2 receptors, yielded an apparent equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of 0.67 nM, 0.28 nM and 2.14 nM and a maximum receptor density (Bmax) of 2180 fmol/mg protein, 369 fmol/mg protein and 2660 fmol/mg protein, respectively. YM087 showed high affinity for AVP V1A and V2 receptors with Ki values of 6.3 and 1.1 nM, respectively, but had no effect on [3H]AVP binding to AVP V1B receptors. In COS-1 cells expressing either AVP V1A or V1B receptors, AVP caused a concentration-dependent increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). YM087 inhibited the AVP-induced increase in [Ca2+]i in COS-1 cells expressing AVP V1A receptors in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 14.3 nM, but did not influence this increase in AVP V1B-receptor expressing cells. In contrast, stimulation of COS-1 cells expressing AVP V2 receptors resulted in an accumulation of cAMP. YM087 inhibited AVP-induced cAMP production in COS-1 cells expressing AVP V2 receptors in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 1.95 nM. In all assays used, YM087 was devoid of any agonistic activity. These results suggest that YM087 is a potent nonpeptide dual human AVP V1A and V2 receptor antagonist, and that YM087 will be a powerful tool in investigation of the physiological and pathophysiological roles of AVP.

Genetic control of delayed-type hypersensitivity to gold antigens in mice

The genetic control of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) to both gold(I) and gold(III) antigens was investigated in various strains of mice. Most mouse strains, with the exception of those with the major histocompatibility complex I-Ab allele, showed a marked DTH response to each antigen; the magnitude of the response to gold(III) was greater than that of the response to gold(I). Moreover, the high responsive trait was dominant. The DTH footpad response was mediated by CD4+ 8-, Ia- T cells. However, CD8+ T cells did not suppress footpad swelling. These results indicate that gold(I) and gold(III) can both stimulate a DTH response in mice.