Cytokine production by C57BL/6 mouse spleen cells is selectively reduced by exposure to propanil

Numerous immunomodulatory effects are caused by propanil, an extensively used postemergent herbicide. The T-dependent antibody response is suppressed after exposure to propanil, raising the question of propanil's effect on T-helper-cell populations. In the present study, we show that the production of several T-cell cytokines is affected by propanil after in vivo or in vitro exposure. In vivo exposure to propanil caused the reduction of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and interferon (IFN)-gamma production in concanavalin A-stimulated spleen cell cultures established 2 d after exposure. IFN-gamma and GM-CSF production had recovered by d 4 postexposure; however, IL-2 and IL-6 levels continued to be depressed through d 7 postexposure. Continuous in vitro treatment of normal spleen cells with propanil decreased IL-2, IL-6, GM-CSF, and IFN-gamma production after concanavalin A activation. Pulsing normal spleen cell cultures with propanil for up to 8 h before T-cell activation resulted in reduced IL-6 but not IL-2 or IFN-gamma production. These data indicate that propanil can selectively inhibit spleen cell cytokine production, which could contribute to the immunomodulatory effects previously described.

Vicissitudes of remembering in the countertransference. Fervent failure, colonisation and remembering otherwise

The author argues that certain kinds of transference can have great impact on the analyst's ego functioning. One such effect is impairment of ready recall of the analytic material, such as life historical data, the analytic process itself, and his or her role as analyst. The analyst strives to remember otherwise by analysing the patient's projective identifications and other defensive, manipulative strategies. When successful, these strategies may be said to colonise the analyst's mind. Although other ego functions are often affected by colonisation, remembering is of particular interest owing to its importance in building up and keeping ready at hand the contexts within which balanced and timely interpretations can be formulated with some hope that they will be heard and used effectively and progressively by the threatened, phantasy-ridden patient. Special attention will be paid to themes of failure; other themes, such as omnipotence and erotised transferences will be considered later on. Clinical illustrations are included.

The immunomodulatory effects of the herbicide propanil on murine macrophage interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha production

Intraperitoneal (i.p.) exposure to propanil (3,4-dichloropropionanilide) has previously been shown to affect macrophage cytotoxicity. In this study, we compared the immunotoxic effects of propanil, after different routes of in vivo administration, on cytokine production by thioglycollate-elicited peritoneal macrophages. C57B1/6 mice were treated with either vehicle or 200 mg/kg propanil i.p., or with vehicle, 40, or 400 mg/kg propanil orally. Three or 7 days later, ex vivo production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) by macrophages after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation was determined. Both oral and i.p. propanil exposure resulted in up to a 60-70% reduction in IL-6 and TNF-alpha production by the LPS-stimulated macrophages, depending on the route, postexposure time, and dose of propanil administered. Oral exposure to propanil also caused splenomegaly and thymic atrophy in animals in much the same manner as animals exposed via the i.p. route. In vitro exposure to propanil also significantly reduced macrophage cytokine production. Thioglycollate-elicited macrophages from normal mice were cultured in the continuous presence of 0, 10, or 20 microM propanil plus LPS. This exposure caused a significant reduction in IL-6 and TNF protein production by these macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that the message levels of these cytokines were reduced by approximately the same percentage as the protein levels in propanil-treated macrophages, indicating a possible transcriptional or pretranscriptional target(s) for propanil.

Inhibitory effect of 3,4-dichloro-propionaniline on cytokine production by macrophages is associated with LPS-mediated signal transduction

Our previous studies demonstrated that both in vivo and in vitro 3,4-dichloro-propionanilide (propanil) exposure inhibited interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production by adherent thioglycollate-elicited peritoneal cells (macrophages) after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. In this study, we report that IL-6 and TNF-alpha message is reduced by propanil in a concentration-dependent pattern, yet the stability of cytokine mRNA is not affected. In addition, exposure of macrophages to propanil after a relatively short period of LPS stimulation significantly reduced the production of IL-6 and TNF. Determination of the intracellular Ca2+ levels demonstrates that LPS-induced Ca2+ release is abrogated in propanil-treated macrophages. However, the binding of LPS to macrophages is not affected. Measurement of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) demonstrates that propanil significantly increases the level and the duration of IP3 in macrophages. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of propanil on macrophage cytokine production is associated with the early stages of LPS-mediated signal transduction in macrophages.

3,4-Dichloropropionanilide-induced atrophy of the thymus: mechanisms of toxicity and recovery

The herbicide 3,4-dichloropropionanilide (propanil) has several well-documented neurotoxic and immunotoxic effects on mice. We report here a detailed characterization of the effects of propanil exposure on the thymus. We found that at doses of 100-200 mg/kg, propanil induces significant thymic atrophy between 2 and 7 days postexposure. This atrophy is characterized by a decrease in thymus/body ratio and a decrease in cellularity. Flow cytometric analyses of thymuses from propanil- and vehicle-treated mice indicate that the CD4(+) CD8(+) population of immature cells, is most significantly decreased in propanil-exposed mice. We performed cell cycle analysis of thymocyte populations using two-color surface staining and the DNA binding dye 7-aminoactinomycin D to determine whether thymic atrophy was associated with changes in the percentages of cells in the S, G2, and M phases of the cell cycle. We found a high percentage of proliferating CD4(+)CD8(+) thymocytes 4 days after exposure. Thus, recovery of the thymus occurs following increases in thymocyte proliferation, most notably the immature CD4(+) CD8(+) thymocytes. We tested the hypothesis that glucocorticoids play a role in the observed atrophy by examining thymuses in adrenalectomized, propanil-treated mice. No atrophy was observed in those animals. These results suggest that propanil has an immunotoxic effect on the thymus that appears to be mediated, in part, by endogenous glucocorticoids.

Effects of amiodarone-induced phospholipidosis on pulmonary host defense functions in rats

The effect of the induction of pulmonary phospholipidosis by amiodarone on selected pulmonary host defense functions was studied in male Fischer-344 rats. One week of daily amiodarone treatment resulted in a 4.5-fold increase in total phospholipid in alveolar macrophages recovered from the lungs by bronchoalveolar lavage. The presence of the phospholipidosis had no effect on the phagocytosis of heat-killed yeast cells, the induction of luminol-dependent chemiluminescence, or the spontaneous release of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), or spontaneous and LPS-stimulated release of IL-1 by alveolar macrophages in vitro. In contrast, the LPS-stimulated release of IL-6 and TNF-alpha by phospholipidotic alveolar macrophages was enhanced compared with control cells. The pulmonary clearance of Listeria monocytogenes following intratracheal administration of the bacteria was not affected by the phospholipidotic condition. It appears that, in the context of the functions studied, the induction of pulmonary phospholipidosis by amiodarone does not impair pulmonary host defense processes in rats, and may actually be associated with the augmentation of some activities.

Changes in primary and secondary lymphoid organ T-cell subpopulations resulting from acute in vivo exposure to propanil

Acute exposure to the herbicide propanil is immunotoxic for selected immune functions, as well as causing changes in the weights of the thymus and spleen. Although spleen cellularity and weight increase with propanil exposure, the thymus: body weight ratio decreases with increasing doses of propanil. The present study analyzes the thymocyte subpopulations in the thymus, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes. C57Bl/6 mice were treated with either 0, 100, 150, or 200 mg/kg propanil, and 7 d later thymocyte populations were analyzed by flow cytometry. In the thymus, propanil exposure resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in total numbers of T cells, as would be expected with its reduced weight. Determination of the thymocyte subpopulation distribution in the thymus showed a significant reduction in the number of CD3+CD4+CD8- (CD3+4+8-), CD3+CD4-CD8+ (CD3+4-8+), and CD3+CD4+CD8+ (CD3+4+8+) cells. Percent distribution of these thymic cell subpopulations showed similar decreases only with the highest dose. Apparent dose-related decreases in the numbers of CD3-CD4+CD8+ (CD3-4+8+) cells were also noted and were attributed to the general decrease in total thymus cells. The percentage of CD3- subpopulations showed an increasing trend with dose, which suggests that at 7 d postpropanil exposure there may be a specific effect on this most immature population. Although the size and cellularity of the spleen were increased, no change in CD4+ or CD8+ cell distribution was observed. Similarly, mesenteric lymph nodes showed no changes in the cell subpopulation distribution between propanil-treated and control animals.

Aloneness in the countertransference

This survey of a variety of ways in which analysands induce a feeling of aloneness in the analyst includes reference to the developmental origins, unconscious dynamics, and characterological settings of these ways. An account is presented of the role of narrative choice in defining the phenomena of an analysis not just in reporting pre-existing phenomena. Also included are some technical suggestions.

Immunotherapy of a plasmacytoma with attenuated salmonella

An attenuated strain of Salmonella typhimurium, SL3235, developed as a prototypic typhoid vaccine, is shown to retard growth of a murine plasmacytoma, TEPC-183, and to prolong survival of tumor-bearing mice. Live salmonella, but not acetone-killed organisms, had antitumor activity. The immunotherapeutic effect was demonstrable when the tumor was injected intralesionally or intraperitoneally. Increased survival, longer mean time to death, and retardation of tumor growth were found when the salmonella were given intralesionally as late as the sixth day post-tumor injection. Timing of salmonella inoculation, as well as the salmonella dose, had an effect on treatment efficacy. Injection of salmonella intraperitoneally exerted a strong antitumor effect when given as late as the third day post-tumor inoculation. The highest dose (2 x 10(6)) of salmonella was less effective than doses 10- or 100-fold lower. TEPC-183 plasmacytoma is rapidly growing and highly immunosuppressive, so the ability of the salmonella to exert therapeutic activity against it is a measure of the potency of the vaccine. These observations are of interest, as they show that a genetically engineered, avirulent strain of Salmonella has immunotherapeutic properties similar to those of BCG and other biological response modifiers, and might have clinical potential as an antitumor agent.

In the wake of Heinz Hartmann

This study of Heinz Hartmann's contributions emphasises change within continuity. Specifically, it is argued that he both integrated and changed significantly Freud's structural theory--his 'ego psychology'. This he did through his then-modern concept of adaptation. In turn, adaptation paved the way towards further change in the direction of current emphases on dialogue and intersubjectivity. These new developments have contributed beneficially to theory and clinical practice, but, like all new developments, they have introduced new problems, among them unreflective and undisciplined eclecticism. Consideration is given to the incompleteness inherent in theory construction. In psychoanalysis, the new, object-related developments require as a complement some version of the type of structural theorising initiated by Freud and developed to its highest point by Hartmann and his close collaborators particularly; in meeting that requirement, some version of an objectivist stance is also required to complement the subjectivism and pluralism of the newer developments. Throughout this appreciation of Hartmann's role in the history of psychoanalytic thought, an effort is made to undo the negative effects of misreadings that took his ideas on adaptation and ego psychology to mean an endorsement of superficial adjustment or conformity and an overvaluation of conscious mental processes.

Functional characterization of the human neurokinin receptors NK1, NK2, and NK3 based on a cellular assay system

The neurokinin receptor family is known to modulate phospholipase C activity. In order to find new compounds modulating the activity of these receptors we have developed a cellular screening system that measures the biological activity of receptors coupled to the IP3/DAG signal transduction pathway via the transcriptional activation of a reporter gene. For the establishment of neurokinin test cell lines the reporter cell line A20, stably transformed with the luciferase gene under the control of a promoter containing TPA response elements (TRE), which did not respond to neurokinin agonists, was used. Stable test cell lines were developed by transfecting the reporter cell line A20 with the genes for the human neurokinin receptors NK1, NK2 or NK3, respectively. In these cell lines, expression of luciferase was inducible by substance P, neurokinin A and neurokinin B, respectively. The order of potency of the three neurokinins substance P, neurokinin A and neurokinin B was consistent with published data and results from ligand binding studies performed with the NK1 and NK2 test cell lines. The agonistic effect of the neurokinins could be inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by simultaneous addition of neurokininspecific antagonists like the non-peptide antagonists CP-99,994 and SR 48968.

The conceptualisation of clinical facts

There has never been a fact that has not already been conceptualised. To enter into discourse as a fact, whatever the case may be in the world that is of immediate concern must always already be symbolically mediated, that is, already a specialised version of that aspect of the world. To become a 'clinical' fact, however, 're'conceptualisation is required; before then the clinician has only details. Details become clinically significant when, implicitly or explicitly, they are situated and redefined in a context of interrelated clinical narratives. These narratives are based partly on dialogue and partly on the general theories or metanarratives provided by one or another school of psychoanalytic thought. During psychoanalysis, new clinical facts continue to be conceptualised, and these often alter their own formative contexts, for they include the consequences of previous conceptualisations. Consequently, facticity is always in flux as, over time, understanding alters meaning and emphasis. Even the apparently brute fact of corporeality changes with changes of age, culture, historical epoch, gender of patient, and phase of analysis. In analysis, a central role is played by insight into the functions served by the analysand's uses of 'fact' in the course of devising, unconsciously, transferenceAcountertransference enactments. Illustrated case material is provided.

Morphological characteristics of cultured olfactory bulb cells

Cultured olfactory bulb cells from embryonic mice had ultrastructural characteristics similar to those of many cell types in the intact adult mouse olfactory bulb. Identified cultured cells included mitral/tufted cells, granule cells, short-axon cells, and fibrous and protoplasmic astrocytes. Cultured neurons were found as individual cells, clusters or aggregates. Clusters consisted of a loose array of neurons that appeared to be densely interconnected by neurites. However, few neurites or fascicles emanated from clusters to adjoining areas. Aggregates consisted of many small, usually rounded, neurons piled on top of one larger neuron, or on more than one, with typically many neurites and fascicles projecting to adjacent aggregates, clusters or individual neurons. Neurites of cultured olfactory bulb cells were well developed, and some were several millimeters long. Synapses were very prominent in these cultures, especially in aggregates, clusters, and fascicles. Electron-lucent, dense-core, and coated vesicles were present. Polarity, shape, and length of the long axis (size) of 815 cultured neurons, identified by positive anti-microtubule-associated protein 2 staining, were documented. Cultured neurons varied in size from 9 to 27 microns, with an average size of 16 microns. Elliptical bipolar (35%), triangular multipolar (21%), and round unipolar (15%) were the most common polarity/shape combinations found in culture. Multipolar, triangular, triangular multipolar, and elliptical bipolar cells increased in size with increasing age of culture. The relative proportions of triangular, multipolar, elliptical multipolar, and triangular multipolar cells decreased, whereas the relative proportions of round, unipolar, and round unipolar cells increased with increasing age of culture. These changes in population subtypes and cell size may indicate continued differentiation and maturation of cultured neurons.

A classic revisited: Kurt Eissler's 'the effect of the structure of the ego on psychoanalytic technique'

Eissler's influential contribution, which introduced the idea of the parameter of technique, extended Freud's later contributions so that they would apply to thoughtful analytic work with hard-to-treat patients. Aimed at sharpening the baseline of psychoanalytic technique-interpretation--and differentiating ego-psychological work from Franz Alexander's modifications in particular, Eissler's 'parameter' was progressively and perversely made into a coercive, if not punitive, concept. Looking back on it now, one can see that, in addition to its merits, the paper advocates an orientation that is no longer beyond dispute. In contrast to the present pluralistic state of psychoanalytic approaches to treatment, certain aspects of Eissler's paper seem unacceptably finalistic, restrictive and uncritically committed both to assumptions about continua in development and pathological states and to an operational approach to diagnosis.

The contemporary Kleinians of London

A review of the modern British modifications of Melanie Klein's approach. While featuring its advantages along with its systematic problems, this review also argues for its recognition by all analysts as a true branch of Freudian analysis. It points up egopsychological aspects of this approach, showing that it includes some elements that are distinctive and others that overlap standard Freudian practice. Mention is made of some incompleteness of theorizing and some seemingly avoidable tendency toward interpretive imbalance, both of which are seen to be signs of the times in contemporary analytic thinking.

Food labeling

In June 1990, the American Diabetes Association approved a food labeling position statement (1) that emphasized the following four general points: 1) food labeling must be truthful, meaningful, understandable, and complete; 2) no food should be designated or promoted as nutritionally good, bad, healthful, or unhealthful for people with diabetes; 3) education, based on principles of good nutrition and use of food labels, is essential for people with diabetes; and 4) specific recommendations for label inclusions.

Selective myelotoxicity of propanil

Propanil, a commonly used herbicide, has been previously shown to be immunotoxic for selected immune functions as well as specific cell types, such as the macrophage. Propanil has also been shown to cause a methemoglobulinemia and anemia through direct action on the erythrocyte. Demonstrated toxicity to both macrophages and erythrocytes raised concern for the possible myelotoxicity of propanil which could contribute to the observed effects of exposure. Therefore, the effect of propanil on several stem and progenitor cell types was assessed 7 days after acute propanil exposure. The results described herein show that propanil, at doses of 50-200 mg/kg body wt, resulted in reduction in the number of myeloid stem cells and early myeloid and erythroid progenitor cells. No reduction in the numbers of more differentiated myeloid and erythroid progenitor cells was noted at even the highest dose used (200 mg/kg). In addition, no statistically significant difference in number of leukocytes per femur was noted. These data suggest that propanil is myelotoxic to early hemapoietic stem cells, but that this reduction is apparently compensated by proliferation of more differentiated progenitor cells for the myeloid and erythroid lineages. It remains unknown whether chronic exposure leads to progressive depletion of additional myeloid and erythroid cells.

Synaptology of cultured olfactory bulb cells

Cultured embryonic mouse olfactory bulb cells formed asymmetric, symmetric, axodendritic, and dendrodendritic synapses. These neurons contained electron lucent, dense core, and coated vesicles. Dense core and coated vesicles had an average diameter of 71 and 80 nm, respectively. Two statistically different populations of electron lucent vesicles were found, based on synaptic symmetry: electron lucent vesicles from asymmetric synapses had an average diameter of 46 nm with an estimated volume of 49,000 nm3, whereas those from symmetric synapses had an average diameter of 44 nm and an estimated volume of 42,000 nm3. Because these values are similar to those found for intact olfactory bulb, the synapses of these cultured cells have some of the same morphological characteristics as those in the intact olfactory bulb.

One perspective on the Freud-Klein controversies 1941-45

Comments on the complex relations obtaining between, on the one hand, tradition, innovations and existential perspective and, on the other, presuppositions about method, evidence and truth are prefaced by a review of the helpful and hindering attitudes and conduct of the three parties to these controversial discussions, the third group being the indigenous ('independent') British group. This group directed the process into productive channels against great odds. The subsequent history of psychoanalysis shows, in addition to increased organisational stability and tolerance in times of crisis, an evolving enrichment and refinement of theory and practice in all three groups. Those following Melanie Klein have developed further their own kind of ego-psychological emphasis, while those following Anna Freud and 'the Viennese' around her have developed a more inclusive theoretical and clinical perspective, one that makes more salient the influence of the very first years of life and early infantile aggression as well as accepting a broadening of the idea of transference to include child analysis. This history supports the view that pluralism in psychoanalysis has been of much benefit.

Forcing expression of a soybean root glutamine synthetase gene in tobacco leaves induces a native gene encoding cytosolic enzyme

Glutamine synthetase (GS; EC 6.3.1.2) is present in different subcellular compartments in plants. It is located in the cytoplasm in root and root nodules while generally present in the chloroplasts in leaves. The expression of GS gene(s) is enhanced in root nodules and in soybean roots treated with ammonia. We have isolated four genes encoding subunits of cytosolic GS from soybean (Glycine max L. cv. Prize). Promoter analysis of one of these genes (GS15) showed that it is expressed in a root-specific manner in transgenic tobacco and Lotus corniculatus, but is induced by ammonia only in the legume background. Making the GS15 gene expression constitutive by fusion with the CaMV-35S promoter led to the expression of GS in the leaves of transgenic tobacco plants. The soybean GS was functional and was located in the cytoplasm in tobacco leaves where this enzyme is not normally present. Forcing this change in the location of GS caused concomitant induction of the mRNA for a native cytosolic GS in the leaves of transgenic tobacco. Shifting the subcellular location of GS in transgenic plants apparently altered the nitrogen metabolism and forced the induction in leaves of a native GS gene encoding a cytosolic enzyme. The latter is normally expressed only in the root tissue of tobacco. This phenomenon may suggest a hitherto uncharacterized metabolic control on the expression of certain genes in plants.

Induction of a cellular immune response to a foreign antigen by a recombinant Listeria monocytogenes vaccine

A recombinant strain of Listeria monocytogenes that stably and constitutively expresses Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase was used as a live vaccine vector. BALB/c mice were immunized orally or parenterally with the recombinant L. monocytogenes, and their cellular and humoral immune responses to beta-galactosidase were measured. Spleen cells taken 1 week after oral inoculation or 5 weeks after oral or parenteral inoculation (with a boost at 4 weeks) showed beta-galactosidase-specific CTL responses. The CTL line derived from mice immunized i.p. was also shown to be class I restricted and Thy-1.2+, CD8+, and TCR alpha beta+. All mice immunized with the recombinant L. monocytogenes had positive delayed-type hypersensitivity responses to heat-killed L. monocytogenes, but only 15% had a positive delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction to beta-galactosidase. Individual serum samples from mice immunized i.p. or i.v. were tested for antibody to beta-galactosidase. Approximately 11% had low positive titers for beta-galactosidase antibodies. These results demonstrate that both oral and parenteral immunization with recombinant L. monocytogenes results in a cellular immune response to the foreign protein, which is primarily a specific CD8+ CTL response.