Effects of taxol treatment on the microtubular system and mitochondria of Tetrahymena

Complex investigation was done using immunocytochemical confocal microscopy, electron microscopy and flow cytometry on the effect of taxol to the microtubular arrangement and dynamics. The most interesting phenomenon was the rapid disappearance of transversal microtubule bands, while longitudinal microtubule bands remained and were submitted to the known effects of taxol. There was a broad variation in mitochondrial effect, some of them remained normal, while others swollen, desintegrated and their tubules disoriented. Treatment with 50 nM taxol significantly reduced the binding of anti alpha-tubulin antibody and a lesser degree anti-acetylated tubulin antibody. The difference between the transversal and longitudinal microtubules is emphasized by the results and the paper discusses the possibilities of indirect effects of taxol to the transversal microtubules (tubulin-GTP interaction, faster turnover, mitochondrial interaction). Polyglutamylation of tubulin has not a role in this difference.

Histamine H1 and H2 receptors but not H4 receptors are upregulated during bone marrow regeneration

The role of histamine receptors in radiation-induced bone marrow (BM) regeneration was investigated with aspects of functional genomics. H1R and H2R mRNA expression increased during regeneration in both histidine decarboxylase knockout (HDC-/-) and wild type (HDC+/+) mice, though to a lesser extent in HDC-/- mice. H4R mRNA expression was downregulated in both groups. Mainly CD34+ cells were responsible for the elevation of intracellular histamine and HDC content in HDC+/+ BM cell populations. The differential changes in the expression of its receptors, and also its elevated levels in hematopoietic progenitors support the regulatory role of histamine in BM regeneration, that could be further explored by future gene expression studies.

Transgenerational effect of neonatal vitamin A or D treatment (hormonal imprinting) on the hormone content of rat immune cells

Male offspring of neonatally vitamin A or D treated (hormonally imprinted) rat dams were studied for hormone (adrenocorticotrophine [ACTH], beta-endorphin, histamine, triiodothyronine [T3]) content in immune cells, by using immunocytochemical methods for flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. ACTH and T3 were almost doubled in the lymphocytes of vitamin A treated mothers' offspring, while histamine decreased to a one-third in the histamine content of vitamin D treated mothers' offspring. Part of the animals received vitamin treatment again 24 hours before measurement, however, only endorphin content elevated moderately. In the offspring of untreated dams administered with vitamin D 24 hours before measurement, each cell type studied (lymphocyte, monocyte-granulocyte group, mast cell) had a one-third lower T3 content, which shows that vitamin D treatment can influence hormone content of immune cells. The experiments call attention to the transgenerational effect of perinatal treatment with lipid-soluble, intracellular receptor-bound vitamins.

In vitro effect of biogenic amines on the hormone content of immune cells of the peritoneal fluid and thymus. Is there a hormonal network inside the immune system?

Immune cells contain different hormones and hormone-like molecules, such as insulin, endorphin, triiodothyronine (T3) histamine, serotonin. In earlier in vitro experiments insulin down-regulated histamine, serotonin and T3 content of thymus cells. Now we studied the effect of biogenic amines on the endorphin, T3, serotonin and histamine content of rat peritoneal and thymic cells. Cells were obtained from male rats of 100g body weight. 100 ng/ml serotonin or 300 ng/ml histamine was added for 30 min. After that the cells were prepared for flow cytometric analysis with antibodies to endorphin, T3, histamine and serotonin as primary antibodies and anti-rabbit IgG as secondary antibody. Finishing the measurements the cells were also studied by confocal microscopy. T3 concentration (binding of anti-T3 antibody) increased in peritoneal mast cells after serotonin treatment and in the monocyte-macrophage-granulocyte group after histamine treatment. Thymocytes' T3 content radically decreased after both treatments. Serotonin and histamine treatment also radically reduced the amine content of each other. Endorphin level was resistant to hormonal treatments. The results call attention to a possible hormonal network inside the immune system in which hormones produced by the immune cells themselves can influence each other.

Increased hormone levels in Tetrahymena after long-lasting starvation

Tetrahymena contains vertebrate hormone-like materials. The level of one of these, insulin increased during starvation in a previous experiment. We hypothesized that other hormones are also influenced by starvation. To prove the hypothesis Tetrahymena pyriformis cultures were (1) starved for 24h; (2) starved for 24h and re-fed for 30min or (3) starved for 30min. Amount and localization of vertebrate-like hormones, produced by Tetrahymena, beta-endorphin, adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), serotonin, histamine, insulin and triiodothyronine (T(3)) were studied by immunocytochemical methods using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Long starvation elevated with 50% the hormone levels, while short starvation moderately elevated only the serotonin level in the cells. After short re-feeding endorphin and histamine returned to the basal level, ACTH and serotonin approached the basal level, however, remained significantly higher, while insulin and T(3) stood at the starvation level. The results show that such a stress as long starvation provokes the enhanced production of hormones which likely needed for tolerating the life-threatening effect of stress.

Serotonin content is elevated in the immune cells of histidine decarboxylase gene knock-out (HDCKO) mice. Focus on mast cells

OBJECTIVE

Biogenic amines, histamine and serotonin are present in the granules and nucleus of mast cells. We wanted to study the presence, amount and localization of serotonin in mast cells and other cells of the immune system, under conditions of histamine deficiency caused by knock out of histamine decarboxylase gene (HDCKO).

METHODS

Wild type and histamine deficient HDCKO mice were studied for serotonin content of the immune cells (lymphocytes as well as the monocyte-granulocyte-mast cell group) using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Groups of mice were kept either on complete rodent chow or on a histamine-free diet for a month before the experiments.

RESULTS

The amount of serotonin was significantly higher in the KO animals, irrespective of the diet. Confocal microscopy demonstrated the presence of serotonin in the nucleus of mast cells in the wild type animals, while it was not present in the KO mice. Furthermore, in the cytoplasm (granules) of KO mast cells a bright fluorescence was observed in contrast to the pale fluorescence of wild animals.

CONCLUSION

It seems likely that serotonin replaces the deficient histamine in the heparin-biogenic amine complex in the mast cell granules.

Comparison of the insulin binding, uptake and endogeneous insulin content in long- and short-term starvation inTetrahymena

FITC-insulin binding and endogenous insulin content of Tetrahymena pyriformis, that had been 24 h or 30 min starved, continuously fed or re-fed after starvation was studied by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Long starvation elevated both insulin binding and endogenous insulin content of the cells. Short re-feeding after long starvation or short starvation after continuous feeding does not change the situation. Fixed cells also bind FITC-insulin, however, in this case long starvation reduces, and re-feeding after long starvation elevates, the binding, which means that hormone binding by receptors only differs from receptor binding and engulfment (in living cells). The increase of FITC-insulin content in living cells seems to be due to engulfment, rather than by receptor binding. The results point to the unicellular organism's requirement for insulin production and binding in a life-threatening stress situation.

Impact of neonatal imprinting with vitamin A or D on the hormone content of rat immune cells

Neonatal single vitamin A (retinol; 3 mg) or vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol; 0.05 mg) treatment (imprinting) was done in male and female rats and 2 months later the endorphin, triiodothyronine (T3) and ACTH content of immune cells (peritoneal lymphocytes, monocyte-granulocyte-macrophage group [mo-gran], mast cells and thymic lymphocytes) were studied immunocytochemically by using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. The T3 content was significantly decreased in peritoneal lymphocytes and in mo-gran and the endorphin content decreased in thymocytes of male animals, while ACTH was decreased in female lymphocytes and mo-gran. Vitamin D treatment was absolutely ineffective. The imprinting effects of vitamins A and D and their differences are discussed. The results call attention to the possible harmful effect of vitamin treatments during the perinatal critical period.

Effect of starvation on insulin production and insulin binding in Tetrahymena

Tetrahymena pyriformis GL was starved for 24 h and then the immunologically demonstrable insulin content and FITC-insulin binding were measured by flow cytometry and localization was studied by confocal microscopy. The amount of endogeneous insulin as well as FITC insulin binding, was highly significantly elevated. Glucose feeding for 30 min abolished the elevation of FITC-insulin binding. In starved cells, insulin-binding sites disappeared from the surface and FITC-insulin was bound inside the cells, within large food vacuoles. Endogeneous insulin was dispersed in the cytoplasm both in the control and starved cells and food vacuoles did not contain it. The results call attention to the stimulatory effect of starvation on insulin production in Tetrahymena, in parallel with the internal storage of insulin receptors, which points to an autocrine mechanism.

Effects of extremely low concentrations of hormones on the insulin binding of Tetrahymena

FITC-insulin binding to previously hormone-treated Tetrahymena was studied by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Hormones produced by Tetrahymena were chosen for study and the hormone concentrations were administered between 10(-6) and 10(-21)M for 30 min. Endorphin, serotonin and insulin significantly reduced the hormone binding however histamine did not influence it at all. Endorphin, serotonin and insulin were significantly effective down to 10(-18)M and the effect of insulin and endorphin suggest a similar mechanism. The results call attention to the efficacy of very low hormone concentrations, which can influence the hormone content (earlier experiments) and receptor binding capacity (present study) of a unicellular organism. This seems to be very important, as in wild (natural) conditions the dilution of signaling materials secreted by a water-living protozoan is very high. In addition, the results point to the selectivity of response, as not all of the hormones that deeply influence other physiological indices (e.g. histamine) have an effect on insulin content or insulin receptors.

Increased antigen presentation and Th1 polarization in genetically histamine-free mice

Histamine is a well-known inflammatory mediator exerting various immunomodulatory effects and affecting the development of antigen-specific immune responses. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen-presenting cells specialized for capture, uptake, transport, processing and presentation of antigens to T cells. Using a genetically histamine-free [histidine decarboxylase knockout (HDC-/-)] mouse model, we examined the effects of histamine on DC-mediated antigen presentation. Applying an in vitro antigen presentation assay, we found that spleen DCs, derived from HDC-/- mice, display a higher efficiency in antigen presentation compared with wild-type cells. Flow cytometric characterization of DCs disclosed that this difference was not due to an altered distribution of DCs between or within the major functional sub-populations (assessed by CD11b and CD4 as myeloid and CD8alpha and DEC205 as lymphoid DC markers) or major changes in the co-stimulatory molecule profile (CD40, CD80, CD86). However, real-time PCR analysis of in vivo CFA-induced IL-12p35, IFNgamma, IL-10 and IL-4 expression showed that DCs matured in a histamine-free environment exhibit significantly elevated levels of IL-12p35 and IFNgamma mRNA. In vitro investigations confirmed that isolated DCs, developed in the absence of histamine, exhibit indeed a predominantly T(h)1-polarized cytokine pattern, as they show elevated levels of IFNgamma mRNA upon LPS stimulation. Similar difference was found at the protein level by ELISA, as well. Our study demonstrates that histamine interferes with antigen presentation and alters the cytokine profile of DCs.

How does the unicellular Tetrahymena utilise the hormones that it produces? Paying a visit to the realm of atto-and zeptomolar concentrations

Changes in the hormone content of Tetrahymena pyriformis GL were investigated during histamine, serotonin or insulin treatment at concentrations of 10(-6)M to 10(-21)M for 30 min. The immunologically demonstrable hormone content was studied by using specific antibodies, flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Histamine at the higher ranges elevated the serotonin content of Tetrahymena, whereas serotonin at the lower ranges (down to 10(-21)M) decreased its histamine levels. Insulin did not affect its serotonin content, whereas serotonin increased its insulin content at each concentration studied (down to 10(-21)M). Insulin between 10(-6)M and 10(-21)M increased the histamine levels of Tetrahymena, although histamine influenced its insulin level only at 10(-6)M. Our results call attention to the presence of hormonal interactions even at "low" levels of phylogeny and to the extreme sensitivity of the hormone receptors of Tetrahymena. These data might explain (1) the requirement of Tetrahymena for (vertebrate) hormone production and hormone receptors and (2) the way that it uses these hormones under natural conditions.

Influence of paraformaldehyde and EDAC fixation on the demonstrability of hormones (histamine, endorphin, triiodothyronine) in rat immune cells: An immunocytochemical comparative analysis

The amount and localization of three hormones (histamine, endorphin and triiodothyronine [T(3)]) was measured in male and female rat peritoneal cells (lymphocytes, mast cells, monocyte-macrophage-granulocyte group [mo-gran]) using flow cytometry as well as confocal microscopy after paraformaldehyde (PFA) or EDAC fixation. In the EDAC fixed lymphocytes and mo-gran of female animals two-magnitude higher levels of histamine were measured after EDAC fixation and one magitude higher in mast cells. The amount of T(3) was almost four-fold in lymphocytes and 2.5-4-fold in mast cells and mo-gran. Endorphin content was not altered by the type of fixation. In each cell type in males one magnitude higher levels of histamine and T(3) were measured after EDAC fixation and a small, but significant, elevation of endorphin. Confocal microscopy supports the quantitative data. The results show that (1) the fixation with the crosslinking molecule, EDAC, is more suitable for immunocytochemical studies of amino-acid type hormones in immune cells, (2) more histamine and T(3) are present in the immune cells than it was supposed previously when studying PFA-fixed preparations, (3) the estimation of the amount of peptide hormones seems to be accurate after PFA fixation, (4) there is a quantitative difference comparing the results of PFA and EDAC fixation between males and females.

Histamine regulates placental cytokine expression--in vivo study on HDC knockout mice

Successful pregnancy is closely related to polarization toward a Th2 type immune response. As histamine is known to initiate Th2 dominance during inflammatory processes we raised the question whether histamine has any effect on the actual tuning of proper cytokine balance for the proceeding of the gestation. Histamine has multiple functions in the process of pregnancy, different studies have shown the direct and/or indirect presence of histamine action in the placenta as well. As HDC is the unique histamine producing enzyme in eukaryotes, we used HDC (so endogenous histamine)-deficient knockout mice as reliable model for studying histamine-related processes in vivo. We examined the placental histamine content and the expression of histamine receptors and Th1/Th2/Th3 type cytokines in the placenta. We showed for the first time the influence of histamine on the orchestrated regulation of placental cytokine expression. In the absence of local histamine the cytokine balance is shifted toward Th1 types at the maternal-placental interface, threatening pregnancy. We also measured splenic lymphocyte subpopulation ratios in pregnant and non-pregnant mice and found that in pregnancy they are independent of the presence of histamine.

EDAC fixation increases the demonstrability of biogenic amines in the unicellular Tetrahymena: A flow cytometric and confocal microscopic comparative analysis

Earlier experiments demonstrated the presence of hormones of the higher ranked animals in Tetrahymena. In the present experiments two fixatives, paraformaldehyde, which is commonly used and a carbodiimide, EDAC that was recommended by Panula et al. for the immunocytochemistry of histamine, are compared in Tetrahymena for the demonstration of histamine and serotonin by using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Both hormone levels were significantly higher after EDAC fixation; serotonin almost doubled and histamine was more than fivefold. The confocal microscopic pictures were clearer and the hormones' localization was easier. The results support earlier observations on the presence of these hormones in Tetrahymena and points to the advantage of EDAC fixation for demonstrating these hormones immunocytochemically.

Influence of in vitro and in vivo insulin treatment on the hormone (histamine, serotonin, endorphin and triiodothyronine) content of thymus and spleen cells

Thymic and spleen cells were treated in vitro or in vivo with insulin. The in vitro treatments were done with 10(-6), 10(-9), 10(-12) and 10(-15) M concentrations for 30 min and after that histamine, serotonin, endorphin and triiodothyronine (T3) content of the cells were detected by using antibodies to the hormones and flow cytometry as well as confocal microscopy. For in vivo treatment 1 IU/kg insulin was given for adult rats and 1 h after that the target hormone contents were determined by the same manner. Histamine and T3 content radically decreased in the thymus after in vitro treatment independent on the insulin concentrations administered. In vivo treatment halved histamine and T3 content. Serotonin content also decreased after in vitro treatment with the two higher concentrations, however the in vivo treatment did not cause a change. Histamine content was elevated after in vitro treatment in the spleen, independent on the insulin concentration. Endorphin level was not influenced at all. The experiments demonstrate that insulin is a factor which regulates the content (production, storage, secretion?) of some immunologically important molecules of the immune cells. Since each hormone molecule studied has important immunomodulatory role, the experiment points to the indirect immunomodulatory role of insulin.

Changes in the endorphin and serotonin content of rat immune cells during adulthood following maternal exposure to ethanol during pregnancy and lactation

Lactating and lactating/pregnant rat dams consumed either 3% (vol/vol) ethanol (as the sole source of fluid) between the 1st and 21st days after delivery or 15% (vol/vol) ethanol for 24h on the 3rd day after delivery. Offspring of ethanol-consuming dams were compared with offspring of untreated control dams. In other groups, offspring of mothers given 3% ethanol during pregnancy were also compared to untreated controls. When the offspring were 2 months of age, endorphin and serotonin contents of immune cells (lymphocytes, granulocytes and monocytes, mast cells of the peritoneal fluid, and lymphocytes of the thymus) were determined by hormone-specific antibodies and flow cytometric as well as confocal microscopic analysis. In rats exposed to ethanol through breast-feeding, endorphin content significantly decreased in thymic cells independent of the alcohol concentration (and duration) during treatment. Each type of peritoneal cell contained significantly more serotonin after 3% alcohol treatment. For the prenatally exposed offspring, serotonin content significantly decreased for both ethanol treatment conditions during pregnancy. Remarkably, one day of exposure to 15% ethanol on the third day of pregnancy was sufficient to induce this enduring change in serotonin content of immune cells of offspring. Considering that endorphin and serotonin are important immunomodulators, these alcohol-induced changes could produce enduring influences on immune function.

Increased interferon-gamma- and interleukin-4-synthesizing subsets of circulating T lymphocytes in pregnant asthmatics

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy frequently interferes with the course of bronchial asthma, and asthmatic pregnant women experience less successful pregnancies. T lymphocytes synthesizing IL-4 or IFN-gamma are important in allergic mechanisms of the airways as well as in materno-fetal immunity.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that pregnancy (a T helper-2 polarized state) of asthmatics will enhance the number of circulating T2 lymphocytes, but decrease the subset-producing IFN-gamma (T1 lymphocytes) and thereby cause a culminating T2 dominance with possible clinical consequences.

METHODS

IL-4- or IFN-gamma-producing T lymphocytes were determined by flow cytometry in healthy (n=8) and asthmatic (n=13) non-pregnant women and healthy (n=18) and asthmatic (n=48) pregnant women of similar chronological and gestational (2nd-3rd trimester) age and asthma severity (Global Initiative for Asthma II-III).

RESULTS

In the blood of non-pregnant women--healthy or asthmatic--the numbers of IL-4- and IFN-gamma+ T cells were very low (<10/microL blood). In contrast, in asthmatic pregnant women, the cell counts were 182+/-27 and 39+/-6 for IFN-gamma+ and IL-4+ T cells/microL blood, respectively (both P<0.05 vs. respective control values of non-pregnant asthmatics). Within the asthmatic pregnant group, significant negative correlations were revealed between the numbers of IFN-gamma+ or IL-4+ T cells and maternal peak expiratory flow as well as birth weight of newborns (both P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

These data show a previously unknown immunological interference between asthma and pregnancy. The culminating proliferation of IFN-gamma+ and IL-4+ T lymphocytes may potentially impair maternal airway symptoms as well as fetal development.

Alcohol consumption during gestation reduces the histamine and triiodothyronine content of rat immune cells

OBJECTIVE

Different factors acting during pregnancy can cause non-morphological alterations of cells which are manifested later, in adulthood. We studied the effect of maternal alcohol consumption for one day in early pregnancy on the hormone content of immune cells in the adult rat.

METHODS

Lactating dams were given 15% ethanol in the drinking water for 24 h on the 3rd day post partum, exposing their pups to ethanol in the breast milk. Some of the same dams had been successfully mated on the day of delivery, so that they were also 3 days pregnant on the treatment day, exposing embryos to alcohol on the third day of pregnancy. In 4 month old pups histamine and triiodothyronine (T(3)) content of citrate elicited peritoneal immune cells (lymphocytes, monocyte-macrophage-granulocyte group, mast cells) as well as thymic cells were determined by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy using specific antibodies.

RESULTS

Alcohol treatment during pregnancy decreased highly significantly the content of both hormones in peritoneal cells of the 4 month old adult animals while it was ineffective by breast feeding after birth. Thymic cells did not show any changes.

CONCLUSION

Since the immune system had not developed at the time of treatment (3rd day of pregnancy), stem cells were presumably imprinted. Our results indicate the deleterious effects of early maternal alcohol consumption on the hormone content of the immune system.

Prolonged effect of endorphin treatment during pregnancy in the rat on the histamine content of immune cells of F1 and F2 offspring generations

Female rats were treated with beta-endorphin on the 19th day of pregnancy and the histamine content of immune cells (blood lymphocytes; peritoneal lymphocytes, monocyte-macrophage-granulocyte group, mast cells; thymic lymphocytes) of the 7-week-old progenies (F1 generation) was studied using a flow-cytometric immunocytochemical technique. In an other group, female F1 progenies of endorphin-treated mothers were mated with control males and the F2 generation was monitored for histamine content similar to the F1. In the F1 generation each cell type, except peritoneal and blood lymphocytes, contained significantly more histamine than the control cells. In the F2 generation only mast cells contained significantly more histamine relative to the appropriate control. This means that the effect of endorphin (hormonal) imprinting is transmitted transgenerationally, but with decreasing intensity however. Mast cells retained the effect of imprinting for longer than the other cells. The results are compared with the levels of serotonin in similarly treated animals, studied in earlier experiments. As the endorphin level can be elevated during pregnancy (by pain, traumatization, or other stress conditions) this can the set biogenic amine content of adult immune cells.

Hormones in the nucleus. Immunologically demonstrable biogenic amines (serotonin, histamine) in the nucleus of rat peritoneal mast cells

Using 1-ethyl-3(3-dimethyl-aminopropyl)-carbodiimide (EDAC) fixation and immunocytochemical confocal microscopic study, bright serotonin and histamine fluorescence appeared in the nucleus of rat peritoneal mast cells. In case of paraformaldehyde fixation, this was not observed. The phenomenon can be explained by the cross-linking effect of EDAC, which did not allow the efflux of biogenic amines from the nucleus. This means that biogenic amines are present in the nucleus of mast cells, and this is supported by the flow cytometric measurement data of the whole cell. Other hormones studied (triiodothyronine, insulin, and endorphin) were not present in the nucleus. Four pharmaca with biogenic amine-influencing character in the central nervous system were used for studying the relation between the external (surrounding and cytoplasmic) and nuclear biogenic amine content of mast cells. Fluoxetine, a serotonin reuptake inhibitor depleted nuclear as well as cytoplasmic serotonin content. Clorgyline, a MAO-A inhibitor, decreased cytoplasmic serotonin content and weakened nuclear serotonin fluorescence. The tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor, para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA), and the mast cell degranulator, Compound 48/80, reduced cytoplasmic serotonin content without influencing nuclear content. Histamine fluorescence was influenced solely by fluoxetine. The results show that nuclear 5-HT content is dependent firstly of serotonin uptake and reuptake. To our knowledge, this is the first exact report on the presence of non-steroid-type-receptor-transported hormones inside the nucleus of a cell.

Effect of a single early-gestational alcohol consumption on the insulin binding by immune cells of adult rats

Rat dams were exposed to 15% ethanol containing water ad libitum for 24 h at the 3rd day of gestation. Adult progenies' immune cells (peritoneal, blood and thymic lymphocytes, monocyte-macrophage-granulocyte group and mast cells) were studied by flow cytometry for binding of FITC-labelled insulin (compared to the appropriate cells of untreated animals). All of the cell types studied bound significantly less insulin, except mast cells. The results call attention to the life-long effect of occasional alcohol consumption in early pregnancy manifested in the immune system.

[The management of bronchial asthma during pregnancy--Hungarian experiences]

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of bronchial asthma is 4-8% among pregnant women. The complications, which threaten the asthmatic pregnancies according to the literature, are the following: spontaneous abortion, diabetes mellitus, caesarean delivery, pre-eclampsia, low gestational weight, neonatal icterus.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was a retrospective analysis of the data of asthmatic pregnant patients managed between 2000 and 2004, with a special consideration on the treatment and gynecologic complications.

METHODS

The data of 53 persistent asthmatic patients--who had already undergone delivery--were collected. All of them were treated according to the guidelines issued in 2000 by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: the inhalative corticosteroid budesonide, the long-acting beta-agonist formoterol or salmeterol and the short-acting beta-agonist terbutaline were used.

RESULTS

The mean peak expiratory flow of the asthmatic pregnant patients was 71 +/- 16% of predicted, and the mean partial arterial oxygen tension 96 +/- 9 mmHg (means +/- SE). 10 of the 53 patients had cesarean delivery, 3 developed pre-eclampsia, 1 diabetes mellitus. The mean gestational age was 38.84 +/- 2.17 weeks and the weight of newborns 3132 +/- 604 g. The hospitalization was prolonged due to the infants' hyperbilirubinaemia in 3 cases. No congenital malformations or spontaneous abortions were detected.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of this retrospective study it can be concluded, that bronchial asthma slightly decreases the weight of newborns. The appropriate treatment of asthma during pregnancy resulted that the prevalence of gynecologic complications did not exceed the prevalence observed in the normal population--without increasing the risk of congenital malformations.

Prolonged effect of stress (water and food deprivation) at weaning or in adult age on the triiodothyronine and histamine content of immune cells

We used two days of total water and food deprivation as stress for female rats at weaning (three weeks old) and at adult age (two and a half months old). Triiodothyronine (T3) and histamine content of immune cells (lymphocytes, mast cells and monocyte-macrophage-granulocyte group in peritoneal fluid; lymphocytes, granulocytes and monocytes in blood; and lymphocytes in thymus) were studied three weeks after stress application using specific antibodies for flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. The stress at weaning increased T3 content of thymus lymphocytes. In case of adult T3, there was a cell type independent significant effect of stress, decreasing values in peritoneal fluid and slightly increasing effect in the blood. Histamine content of granulocytes was also significantly elevated. The experiments demonstrate that not only fetal or neonatal stress has long-lasting consequences, but also stress events in later periods of life in cells (organs) that are continuously differentiating. We will go on to discuss the importance of T3 and histamine in connection with stress and immunity.