Membrane macrophage colony-stimulating factor on MADB106 breast cancer cells does not activate cytotoxic macrophages but immunizes rats against breast cancer

Weakly immunogenic, but highly malignant, rat MADB106 breast cancer cells were retrovirally transduced with the membrane form of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (mM-CSF). The cloned mM-CSF-transfected MADB106 cells physically conjugated with macrophages, but were not killed by the macrophages in 48-h cytotoxicity assays. Macrophages killed the mM-CSF-expressing tumors in the presence of noncytotoxic doses of either taxol or taxol plus cisplatin. This indicated that macrophages bind to the mM-CSF expressed on the tumor cells, but for successful macrophage cytotoxicity to occur against mM-CSF-transduced tumor cells other factors must be present. The mM-CSF-transfected tumor cells were rejected when inoculated subcutaneously into normal rats. Cloned MADB106 tumor cells which expressed high amount of mM-CSF were rejected, while tumor cells that displayed lower levels of mM-CSF grew in 60% of the inoculated rats. The mM-CSF-transfected tumors that grew were smaller and had a greater amount of necrosis, compared to the viral vector tumors. Rats that spontaneously rejected the mM-CSF-transfected MADB106 cells showed rechallenge resistance to unmodified parental MADB106 and R3230Ac breast cancers, but not to the F98 glioma. These observations suggest that breast cancer-specific immunity was induced by the inoculation of mM-CSF-expressing MADB106 tumor cells.

Utilization of umbilical cords to assess in utero exposure to persistent pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls

In support of a study to relate developmental and cognitive effects with prenatal exposure to selected environmental toxicants, we developed and applied an analytical method to determine the concentration of two persistent pesticides, hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), and 32 specific polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners in 316 umbilical cords taken in 1986-1987 from women of the Faroe Islands. The analytical method consisted of homogenization of the cords, partitioning, microsilica gel column chromatography for clean-up, and dual-column capillary gas chromatography (DB-5 and DB-1701) with electron capture detection. Several quality control parameters were followed to monitor the performance of the method. Important criteria used before reporting unknown data were the recovery of in vitro-spiked analytes from a bovine umbilical cord (BUC) and the percentage lipid obtained for a Certified Reference Material (CRM)-350 of mackerel oil (MO). Recoveries of analytes that had been spiked at two concentration ranges (0.26-0.95 ng/g whole weight; 0.35-2.42 ng/g whole weight) into bovine cords ranged from 38.5% to 158% and from 50.4% to 145%, respectively, with a median recovery of 77.7%. Measurement of the percentage lipid for CRM-350 ranged from 73.8% to 107% with a median lipid value of 96.0%. The most prevalent analytes detected (%) in unknown umbilical cords were HCB (100), DDE (100), Ballschmiter/Zell PCBs 153 (100), 138 (98), 180 (98), 170 (93), 118 (88), 187 (86), and 146 (83), with corresponding median concentrations (ng/g whole weight) of 0.17, 1.19, 0.38, 0.30, 0.17, 0.11, 0.12, 0.09, and 0.07, respectively. Total PCB--sum of all measurable PCB congeners--had a median concentration of 1.37 ng/g whole weight. The analytes, which were very low in lipid content were also quantified on a lipid-adjusted basis, which provided an analytical challenge in these umbilical cord samples. The gravimetrically measured lipids in the human specimens ranged from 0.01% to 1.43% (median of 0.18%). In the pooled BUCs, our lipid measurements varied from 0.05% to 0.33% with a median value of 0.13%. The utility of using the umbilical cord as a matrix to assess in utero exposure to persistent environmental pollutants, compared with the use of umbilical cord blood or mother's blood, is worthy of debate.

Styrene oxide in blood, hemoglobin adducts, and urinary metabolites in human volunteers exposed to (13)C(8)-styrene vapors

Styrene is used in the manufacture of plastics and polymers and in the boat-building industry. The major metabolic route for styrene in rats, mice, and humans involves conversion to styrene-7,8-oxide (SO). The purpose of this study was to evaluate blood SO, SO-hemoglobin (SO-Hb) adducts, and urinary metabolites in styrene-exposed human volunteers and to compare these results with data previously obtained for rodents. Four healthy male volunteers were exposed for 2 h during light physical exercise to 50 ppm (13)C(8)-styrene vapor via a face mask. Levels and time profiles of styrene in exhaled air, blood, and urine (analyzed by GC) and urinary excretion patterns of mandelic acid and phenylglyoxylic acid in urine (analyzed by HPLC) were comparable to previously published volunteer studies. Maximum levels of SO in blood (measured by GC-MS) of 2.5-12.2 (average 6.7) nM were seen after 2 h, i.e., in the first sample collected after exposure had ended. The styrene blood level in humans was about 1.5 to 2 times higher than in rats and 4 times higher than in mice for equivalent styrene exposures. In contrast the SO levels in human blood was approximately fourfold lower than in mice. The level of hydroxyphenethylvaline (determined by GC-MS-MS) in pooled blood collected after exposure was estimated as 0.3 pmol/g globin corresponding to a SO-Hb adduct increment of about 0.003 pmol/g and ppmh. NMR analyses of urine showed that a major portion (> 95%) of the excreted (13)C-derived metabolites was derived from hydrolysis of SO, while only a small percentage of the excreted metabolites (< 5%) was derived from metabolism via phenylacetaldehyde. Signals consistent with metabolites derived from other pathways of styrene metabolism in rodents (such as glutathione conjugation with SO or ring epoxidation) were not detected.

Macrophages that kill glioma cells expressing the membrane form of macrophage colony stimulating factor are resistant to prostaglandin E2 and interleukin-10

Malignant rat T9 glioma cells retrovirally transduced with the membrane form of macrophage colony stimulating factor (mM-CSF) were killed by bone marrow derived macrophages in 24 h cytotoxicity assays. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE) and interleukin-10 (IL10) were tested for their ability to block this tumoricidal reaction. Only at very high nonphysiological concentrations of PGE (10(-5) and 10(-6) M) was this cytotoxicity inhibited. Use of high doses of theophylline, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, also prevented macrophages from killing the mM-CSF transduced target cells. IL10 did not alter the killing potential of the mM-CSF tumoricidal macrophages, even though IL10 reduced the production of nitric oxide by macrophages in response to tumor necrosis factor and lipopolysaccharide. IL10 enhanced the growth of bone marrow macrophages suggesting that IL10 has a complex role in the regulation of tumoricidal macrophages. Thus, the mM-CSF may be an ideal agent to treat tumors that utilize either of these two immunosuppressive defense mechanisms that may block other forms of treatment.

Posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation

Posterior sternoclavicular (SC) joint dislocations are rare but can have serious complications, such as hemorrhage or tracheal rupture or compression. Described here is the case of a 21-year-old college football player who fell on his right shoulder and, on the basis of a physical exam and plain radiographs, was first diagnosed as having an apophyseal injury of the SC joint. Increased shoulder and throat pain led to further evaluation; a CT scan revealed a posterior SC joint dislocation. Knowing the signs and symptoms that characterize these dislocations, the role of CT in diagnosis, and the techniques of emergency reduction can prevent or minimize serious complications.

Defining new frameworks for psychosocial intervention

The personal experiences of individuals with schizophrenia have been neglected in the psychiatric literature. Disappointingly, ideas about the impact of the illness on the experience of "self" have either been devalued or based primarily on the impressions of theorists rarely collaborating with individuals with the illness. Rather than making assumptions about the subjective experience of mental illness, we must enter a meaningful dialogue with our clients so that they can tell us about their situations using their own voices. This study presents life-history interviews with 15 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and describes the explanatory models they use to give coherence to their experiences of psychosis. The struggle for control emerges as a central theme with effects on the management of symptoms, self-image, feelings of social competence, and dealing with others' expectations. Respondents speak about the possibility of recovery from illness through engaging in a process of internal and external reorganization. These individuals echo the assertions in the literature generated by consumers and other investigators of subjective experience and advocate for recovery-based models of care including therapeutic discourse with clients.

Analysis of a mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls and chlorinated pesticides in human serum by column fractionation and dual-column capillary gas chromatography with electron capture detection

An analytical method is presented for precise identification and quantitation of 29 specific polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners and 15 chlorinated pesticides in human serum. Analyte surrogates PCB 30, PCB 204, 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromo-biphenyl, perthane, alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane, and dichlorobenzophenone were added to each sample. The serum was extracted with an organic solvent and separated by adsorption chromatography into 3 elution fractions for high-resolution gas chromatographic analysis. Each fraction was analyzed by dual-column capillary chromatography followed by electron capture detection. Two capillary columns, DB-5 and DB-1701, with different polarities were used to increase selectivity for each analyte. Quantitation was performed by selecting 2 sets of calibration standard mixtures and 1,2-dichloronaphthalene as an internal standard. Mean recoveries ranged from 39 to 126% for selected analytes and from 31 to 88% for surrogates. Detection limits for specific congeners and pesticides are reported. Typical chromatographic profiles of calibration standard mixtures, as well as a human sample, are illustrated. Verification of each analyte is assessed, and results of analyses of selected human samples and quality control criteria used to ensure data validity also are presented.

Laminin-like proteins are differentially regulated during cerebellar development and stimulate granule cell neurite outgrowth in vitro

The basement membrane glycoprotein laminin-1 is a potent stimulator of neurite outgrowth. Although a variety of laminin isoforms have been described in recent years, the role of alternative laminin isoforms in neural development remains largely uncharacterized. We found that a polyclonal antibody raised against the alpha1, beta1, and gamma1 chains of laminin-1 and a monoclonal antibody raised against the alpha2 chain of laminin-2 detect immunoreactive material in neuronal cell bodies in the developing mouse cerebellum. In addition, laminin-1-like immunoreactivity was found in cell types throughout the cerebellum, but laminin-alpha2-like immunoreactivity was restricted to the Purkinje cells. Purified laminin-1 and laminin-2 stimulated neurite outgrowth in primary cultures of mouse cerebellar granule neurons to a similar extent, whereas the synthetic peptides tested appeared to be active only for cell adhesion and not for stimulation of neurite outgrowth. The E8 proteolytic fragment of laminin-1 contained full neurite outgrowth activity. The identity of laminins expressed in granule neurons was also examined by Western blotting; laminin-like complexes were associated with the cell and appeared to have novel compositions. These results suggest that laminin-like complexes play important roles in cerebellar development.

Induction of Arabidopsis tryptophan pathway enzymes and camalexin by amino acid starvation, oxidative stress, and an abiotic elicitor

The tryptophan (Trp) biosynthetic pathway leads to the production of many secondary metabolites with diverse functions, and its regulation is predicted to respond to the needs for both protein synthesis and secondary metabolism. We have tested the response of the Trp pathway enzymes and three other amino acid biosynthetic enzymes to starvation for aromatic amino acids, branched-chain amino acids, or methionine. The Trp pathway enzymes and cytosolic glutamine synthetase were induced under all of the amino acid starvation test conditions, whereas methionine synthase and acetolactate synthase were not. The mRNAs for two stress-inducible enzymes unrelated to amino acid biosynthesis and accumulation of the indolic phytoalexin camalexin were also induced by amino acid starvation. These results suggest that regulation of the Trp pathway enzymes under amino acid deprivation conditions is largely a stress response to allow for increased biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Consistent with this hypothesis, treatments with the oxidative stress-inducing herbicide acifluorfen and the abiotic elicitor alpha-amino butyric acid induced responses similar to those induced by the amino acid starvation treatments. The role of salicylic acid in herbicide-mediated Trp and camalexin induction was investigated.

Induction of Arabidopsis tryptophan pathway enzymes and camalexin by amino acid starvation, oxidative stress, and an abiotic elicitor

The tryptophan (Trp) biosynthetic pathway leads to the production of many secondary metabolites with diverse functions, and its regulation is predicted to respond to the needs for both protein synthesis and secondary metabolism. We have tested the response of the Trp pathway enzymes and three other amino acid biosynthetic enzymes to starvation for aromatic amino acids, branched-chain amino acids, or methionine. The Trp pathway enzymes and cytosolic glutamine synthetase were induced under all of the amino acid starvation test conditions, whereas methionine synthase and acetolactate synthase were not. The mRNAs for two stress-inducible enzymes unrelated to amino acid biosynthesis and accumulation of the indolic phytoalexin camalexin were also induced by amino acid starvation. These results suggest that regulation of the Trp pathway enzymes under amino acid deprivation conditions is largely a stress response to allow for increased biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Consistent with this hypothesis, treatments with the oxidative stress-inducing herbicide acifluorfen and the abiotic elicitor alpha-amino butyric acid induced responses similar to those induced by the amino acid starvation treatments. The role of salicylic acid in herbicide-mediated Trp and camalexin induction was investigated.

Macrophages kill T9 glioma tumor cells bearing the membrane isoform of macrophage colony stimulating factor through a phagocytosis-dependent pathway

Rat T9 glioma cells transfected with the gene for the membrane isoform of macrophage-CSF (mM-CSF) but not for the secreted isoform of M-CSF were directly killed by bone marrow-derived macrophages. Macrophage-mediated cytolysis of the mM-CSF-transfected clone was blocked by using chemical inhibitors of phagocytosis such as iodoacetate, 2-deoxyglucose, gadolinium chloride, and cytochalasin B. In contrast, macrophage-mediated killing of mM-CSF-expressing tumor cells was augmented by the microtubule inhibitor, colchicine. Use of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen intermediate inhibitors failed to alter the macrophage-mediated killing of the mM-CSF-transfected tumor cells. Photomicroscopy, using immunohistochemical staining with the anti-Hck Ab to distinguish macrophages from tumor cells, revealed that phagocytosis began within 2 h after addition of the mM-CSF-bearing tumor cells. Photocinematography confirmed that macrophages first phagocytosized and then lysed the internalized mM-CSF transfectant cells. Using annexin V and acridine orange staining techniques, macrophages phagocytosized living mM-CSF-transfected tumor cells.

Nitrogen metabolism and hormonal responses of steers fed wheat silage and infused with amino acids or casein

Four Holstein steers (159 kg) surgically fitted with abomasal-infusion cannulas were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square study to test amino acid (AA) and casein (CAS) infusions on nitrogen balance and hormonal status of steers consuming vegetative wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) silage (12.3% CP). Treatments were 5-d infusions of 1) water (CONT), 2) arginine (ARG; 13.69 g/d), 3) limiting amino acids (LAA, 13.69 g/d arginine + 10.92 g/d histidine + 28.97 g/d lysine + 10.88 g/d methionine + 16.96 g/d threonine, and 4) Na-CAS (300 g/d). Whole blood was collected for plasma AA, growth hormone (GH), insulin, and IGF-I concentrations. Data were analyzed by ANOVA, and the following orthogonal contrasts were used to separate treatment means: CONT vs ARG; ARG vs LAA; and LAA vs CAS. Urinary N increased (P < .02) for CAS vs LAA. Arginine increased N retention, as did CAS, compared to LAA. Total plasma essential AA were decreased by arginine. Mean plasma insulin concentrations were increased by CAS (P < .034). Arginine increased mean plasma GH levels, but not IGF-I. The CAS treatment increased (P < .015) IGF-I levels, but not GH. These data suggest that performance of steers fed wheat silage was limited by duodenal AA flow and that arginine was the first-limiting AA. Casein infusion increased plasma insulin and IGF-I, which would explain the improved growth noted in calves and lambs fed forages supplemented with ruminally undegraded protein.

Preliminary investigation of the use of dried-blood spots for the assessment of in utero exposure to environmental pollutants

We determined the concentration of dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) in dried-blood spot specimens from 2-day-old infants from rural Texas who had never been breast fed. Anonymous, residual whole blood spots on filter paper, previously used for routine newborn screening procedures, were soaked in a phosphate buffer, extracted with an organic solvent, and eluted through silica gel. The concentrated eluates were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography with electron capture detection (ECD). The blood collected from 10 newborns was analyzed and found to contain DDE concentrations ranging from 0.13 to 1.87 pg/microliter with a mean of 0.72 pg/microliter. One of the 10 newborns had a whole blood DDE concentration of 1.87 pg/microliter, which was greater than the concentration of 1.34 pg/microliter in a freshly drawn sample from an adult donor whose blood serum was shown to contain DDE. With improvement in detection limits, this approach has the potential to displace the analyses of mothers' blood (as a surrogate indicator of infants' exposures) and cord blood as standard procedures for determining the newborns' body burden of environmental pollutants.

Optical intensity mapping on the nanometer scale by near-field photodetection optical microscopy

Near-field photodetection optical microscopy (NPOM) is a fundamentally new approach to near-field optical microscopy. This scanning-probe technique uses a nanometer-scale photodiode detector as a near-field optical probe. We have fabricated probes for NPOM that have optically sensitive areas as small as 100 nm x 100 nm. These new NPOM probes have been employed to image light transmitted through holes in an aluminum film. Near-surface optical interference is observed near defects and edges of the aluminum film. The optical edge response is shown to be of the order of 100 nm.

Individualized care for frail elders: theory and practice

Individualized care for frail elders is defined as an interdisciplinary approach which acknowledges elders as unique persons and is practiced through consistent caring relationships. The four critical attributes of individualized care for frail elders are: 1) knowing the person, 2) relationship, 3) choice, and 4) participation in and direction of care. Cognitively impaired elders can direct their care through the staff's knowledge of individual past patterns and careful observation of behavior for what is pleasing and comfortable to each resident.

Pesticide residues in urine of adults living in the United States: reference range concentrations

We measured 12 analytes in urine of 1000 adults living in the United States to establish reference range concentrations for pesticide residues. We frequently found six of these analytes: 2,5-dichlorophenol (in 98% of adults); 2,4-dichlorophenol (in 64%); 1-naphthol (in 86%); 2-naphthol (in 81%); 3,5,6- trichloro-2-pyridinol (in 82%); and pentachlorophenol (in 64%). The 95th percentile concentration (95th PC) for 2,5-dichlorophenol (indicative of p-dichlorobenzene exposure) was 790 micrograms/liter; concentrations ranged up to 8700 micrograms/liter. 2,4-Dichlorophenol concentrations ranged up to 450 micrograms/ liter, and the 95thPC was 64 micrograms/liter. 1-Naphthol and 2-naphthol (indicative of naphthalene exposure) had 95thPCs of 43 and 30 micrograms/liter, respectively; concentrations of 1-naphthol ranged up to 2500 micrograms/liter. Chlorpyrifos exposure was indicated by 3,5,6-tricholoro-2-pyridinol concentrations of 13 (95thPC) and 77 micrograms/liter (maximum observed). Pentachlorophenol had a 95thPC of 8.2 micrograms/liter. Other analytes measured included 4-nitrophenol (in 41%); 2,4,5-trichlorophenol (in 20%); 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (in 9.5%); 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (in 12%); 2-isopropoxyphenol (in 6.8%); and 7-carbofuranphenol (in 1.5%). The 95thPCs of these analytes were < 6 micrograms/liter. p-Dichlorobenzene exposure is ubiquitous; naphthalene and chlorpyrifos are also major sources of pesticide exposure. Exposure to chlorpyrifos appears to be increasing. Although pentachlorophenol exposure is frequent, exposure appears to be decreasing. These reference range concentrations provide information about pesticide exposure and serve as a basis against which to compare concentrations in subjects who may have been exposed to pesticides.

Determination of pesticide metabolites in human urine using an isotope dilution technique and tandem mass spectrometry

A method that measures 12 analytes in urine and reflects possible exposure to pesticides was developed. The sample preparation involves enzyme hydrolysis and solvent extraction through the use of laboratory robotics, followed by phase-transfer catalysis derivatization and silica cleanup. Samples are analyzed by capillary gas chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry using an isotope dilution technique with 13C-labeled internal standards. The limit of detection is 1 microgram/L (1 part per billion) for most analytes, and most analytes have a linear response up to 100 micrograms/L. The precision of the method is reflected in the variation observed in quality control materials over 33 months; the variation averaged 17% for these analytes. On the basis of the detectable analyte levels of unspiked urine samples collected from unexposed volunteers, this method can be used to measure the low levels necessary for establishing reference range values of the selected pesticides or metabolites.

Effects of inoculation and wilting on the preservation and utilization of wheat forage

Wheat forage was harvested at an early head stage of maturity and ensiled in 12 900-kg experimental silos at three percentages of DM (20.8% for direct-cut forage and 27.9 or 39.3% for wilted forage) either with or without application of a lactic acid bacterial inoculant. The objective was to test the efficacy of the inoculant to alter silage fermentation, preservation, and nutritive value of wheat forage ensiled at different moisture percentages because of wilting. Wilting enhanced DM preservation and decreased fermentation end products. Inoculation made the fermentation more homolactic but did not enhance DM preservation. Silage rations (80% DM as silage) were fed at 1.8% of BW/d to six ruminally and abomasally fistulated steers (350 kg) in an experiment with a Latin-square design and a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Digestive responses to silage diets were not influenced by inoculation. Intake was depressed with direct-cut silage rations. Wilting improved fiber digestibility and was associated with changes in ruminal contents and fermentation end products. Wilting appears to be more effective than inoculation as a postharvest management tool to improve small grain silage.

Syncope in athletes

Syncope is a brief sudden loss of consciousness and muscle tone secondary to cerebral ischaemia, inadequate oxygen or glucose delivery to the brain. The causes of syncope may be benign and require very little in the way of evaluation or treatment. However, syncope may be the harbinger of sudden death, and extensive evaluation, monitoring and detailed recommendations regarding advisability of participating in sports should be reviewed with the patient. The history is the most important clue when attempting to identify which patient with syncope is at risk for sudden death. A careful cardiac and neurological examination should be performed in any patient presenting with syncope. Selective use of laboratory testing and cardiac monitoring may assist the practitioner in making the diagnosis. Most often patients with syncope will have a benign cause such as vaso-vagal events, hyperventilation or orthostatic hypotension. Patients with a cardiac condition causing their syncope are at increased risk for sudden death. The ominous, cardiac-related causes of syncope in the younger population include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aberrant coronary arteries and aortic dissection secondary to Marfan's syndrome. In the older athletic population, coronary atherosclerosis may present with syncope. Dysrhythmias may be the cause of syncope in both populations.

Macrophage-colony-stimulating factor expression by anti-CD45 stimulated human monocytes is transcriptionally up-regulated by IL-1 beta and inhibited by IL-4 and IL-10

Macrophage (M)-CSF is a survival and differentiation factor for mononuclear phagocytes. Stimulation of human monocytes with immobilized mAb directed to CD45 induces M-CSF message and small amounts of protein, which is strongly augmented by costimulation with IL-1 beta. This study was undertaken to study the mechanisms leading to the IL-1 beta-induced up-regulation of M-CSF production and to determine how the antiinflammatory cytokines, IL-4 and IL-10, affect M-CSF production in this system. We demonstrate that IL-1 beta enhanced M-CSF mRNA levels, in part, by increasing M-CSF gene transcription but had no effect on M-CSF message half-life. The enhancement of M-CSF message levels in the presence of IL-1 beta was blocked by cycloheximide, suggesting that de novo protein synthesis was required. Moreover, soluble IL-1 receptors inhibited the effect of IL-1 beta on M-CSF production thus confirming that these effects were IL-1 receptor mediated. Both IL-4 and IL-10 strongly inhibited M-CSF secretion by anti-CD45/IL-1 beta-induced monocytes that was accompanied by decreased M-CSF message levels. IL-4 and IL-10 repressed M-CSF gene transcription but did not affect M-CSF message half-life. These findings demonstrate that IL-1 beta, at least in part, transcriptionally up-regulates M-CSF production in anti-CD45-stimulated human monocytes, a process that can be negatively regulated by both IL-4 and IL-10. These results suggest that IL-1 beta, IL-4, and IL-10 control the survival and differentiation of human monocytes through a regulation of autocrine M-CSF production.

Macrophage-colony-stimulating factor expression by anti-CD45 stimulated human monocytes is transcriptionally up-regulated by IL-1 beta and inhibited by IL-4 and IL-10

Macrophage (M)-CSF is a survival and differentiation factor for mononuclear phagocytes. Stimulation of human monocytes with immobilized mAb directed to CD45 induces M-CSF message and small amounts of protein, which is strongly augmented by costimulation with IL-1 beta. This study was undertaken to study the mechanisms leading to the IL-1 beta-induced up-regulation of M-CSF production and to determine how the antiinflammatory cytokines, IL-4 and IL-10, affect M-CSF production in this system. We demonstrate that IL-1 beta enhanced M-CSF mRNA levels, in part, by increasing M-CSF gene transcription but had no effect on M-CSF message half-life. The enhancement of M-CSF message levels in the presence of IL-1 beta was blocked by cycloheximide, suggesting that de novo protein synthesis was required. Moreover, soluble IL-1 receptors inhibited the effect of IL-1 beta on M-CSF production thus confirming that these effects were IL-1 receptor mediated. Both IL-4 and IL-10 strongly inhibited M-CSF secretion by anti-CD45/IL-1 beta-induced monocytes that was accompanied by decreased M-CSF message levels. IL-4 and IL-10 repressed M-CSF gene transcription but did not affect M-CSF message half-life. These findings demonstrate that IL-1 beta, at least in part, transcriptionally up-regulates M-CSF production in anti-CD45-stimulated human monocytes, a process that can be negatively regulated by both IL-4 and IL-10. These results suggest that IL-1 beta, IL-4, and IL-10 control the survival and differentiation of human monocytes through a regulation of autocrine M-CSF production.

Response of early lactation cows to fat supplementation in diets with different nonstructural carbohydrate concentrations

Twenty-four high producing (36.7 kg/d, initially) Holstein cows in early lactation were used in a 63-d lactation trial to study the effects of low (28%), medium (31%), and high (37%) nonstructural carbohydrate concentrations in diets with added fat. Diets with isonitrogenous (17% CP) and fed as TMR with 41% sorghum silage. Nonstructural carbohydrate concentrations were altered by substitution of corn gluten feed and soybean hulls (50:50) for wheat and corn in the concentrate portion of the diet. Fat was added at 3% of DM in the form of yellow grease. Production of milk (38.5, 38.9, and 40.4 kg/d) and 3.5% FCM (38.2, 37.0, and 37.6 kg/d) was not significantly different for the cows fed low, medium, and high nonstructural carbohydrate diets, respectively. Milk fat percentages (3.47, 3.22, and 3.10%) decreased, and milk output per unit of DMI (1.5, 1.6, and 1.7) increased, as nonstructural carbohydrate concentration increased. Increasing nonstructural carbohydrate concentrations of the diet increased digestibilities of DM (58.4, 60.6, and 61.5%) and nonstructural carbohydrates (76.5, 79.6, and 80.4%) and decreased digestibilities of NDF (44.3, 43.7, and 40.6%) and ADF (46.3, 45.2, and 38.8%). Altering nonstructural carbohydrate content of the diet had no effect on AA supply to or uptake by the mammary gland or efficiency of utilization of AA for milk protein synthesis.

Effects of supplemental protein source on ruminal fermentation, protein degradation, and amino acid absorption in steers and on growth and feed efficiency in steers and heifers

In Exp. 1, four Holstein steers with cannulas in the rumen, abomasum and terminal ileum were used to determine the effects of 1) soybean meal (SBM), 2) heated SBM (HSBM), 3) corn gluten meal (CGM), or 4) a combination of HSBM and CGM (COMBO) as protein supplements on ruminal and total tract nutrient digestibilities and intestinal amino acid flows and absorption. In Exp. 2, 24 Holstein steers and 16 Holstein heifers were used in a 56-d growth trial to study the effects of these protein supplements on growth, feed efficiency, and apparent digestibility of DM, OM, CP, and fiber components. Increasing undegradable intake protein (UIP) in diets with HSBM, CGM, and COMBO decreased ruminal fluid ammonia N concentrations (P < .05) and ruminal DM and OM digestion (P < .05) and increased flow to the abomasum and absorption from the small intestine of CP (P < .05), total amino acids (P < .05), and total essential amino acids (P < .01). Increasing UIP increased bacterial and nonbacterial CP and amino acids flowing to the abomasum (P < .05). However, UIP supplementation did not affect DMI, ADG, or feed efficiency in steers or heifers (P < .05).