Prevention of perinatally transmitted hepatitis B virus infections with hepatitis B immune globulin and hepatitis B vaccine

A randomised blind controlled trial of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) plus hepatitis B vaccine for the prevention of the perinatally transmitted HBsAg carrier state was conducted in Taipei. Infants of e-antigen-positive HBsAg carrier mothers were given HBIG immediately after birth, and then one of three schedules of vaccination. There was no difference in efficacy between the three schedules; the combined efficacy was 94%, compared with that of HBIG alone (71%) or of vaccination alone (75%). Persistent HBs antigenaemia developed in only 9 (6%) of the 159 infants receiving prophylaxis, but in 88% of the controls. Antibodies developed in all those who did not become antigenaemic and presumably will provide long-term protection from hepatitis B virus infection. HBIG should be given as soon as possible after birth and need not be given again if the infant is subsequently vaccinated. With HBIG coverage from birth, the timing of the start of vaccination does not seem to be of importance within the first month of life, but to maximise compliance and minimise costs hepatitis B vaccination should be initiated during the confinement.

The optimal age for vaccination against measles in an Asiatic city, Taipei, Taiwan: reduction of vaccine induced titre by residual transplacental antibody

Children vaccinated when aged between six and thirteen months against measles in Taipei showed a high frequency of response, similar to that reported from Nairobi, Kenya and contrasting with analogous data for the USA. The age for optimal protection against measles mortality by a single dose of vaccine in this group of children is nine months. Maternal antibody exerted a negative effect on measles antibody titre in vaccinees beyond the age at which it blocked the response so that the infants of mothers with the higher titres themselves had lower titres. A separate effect of immunological immaturity on titre of the response could not be demonstrated in children over six months of age.

Regulation of the pro-opiomelanocortin mRNA levels in rat pituitary by dopaminergic compounds

Dopamine-containing neurons directly innervate the intermediate lobe of the pituitary and dopaminergic compounds exert inhibitory effects on the secretion and the content of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and beta-endorphin in this tissue. In this study, we have investigated the effects of dopamine receptor agonists and antagonists on the level of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA in rat pituitary. RNAs isolated from neurointermediate pituitary (NIP) or anterior pituitary were spotted on nitrocellulose filters and the levels of POMC mRNA were quantified by hybridization to a POMC-specific complementary DNA probe coupled with autoradiography and densitometry. Administration of a dopamine receptor antagonist, haloperidol (2 mg/kg per day), to adult female rats resulted in a 3- to 5-fold increase in POMC mRNA level in the NIP. Treatment with the dopamine agonist 2-Br-alpha-ergocryptine (1 mg/kg per day) decreased significantly the content of POMC mRNA in the NIP. These drugs had no apparent effect on the POMC mRNA levels in the anterior pituitary. The effect of haloperidol and ergocryptine on POMC mRNA in the NIP is time- and dose-dependent. The elevation of POMC mRNA content in the NIP by haloperidol can be observed as early as 6 hr after treatment. These effects of dopaminergic compounds can also be demonstrated in adult male and ovariectomized female rats. The beta-endorphin content of the NIP, as measured by radioimmunoassay, and the de novo synthesis of POMC, as determined by radioactive amino acid labeling and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis analysis, also show negative regulation by dopaminergic compounds.

Mouse monoclonal antibodies to chicken VH idiotypic determinants reactivity with B and T cells

We have prepared mouse monoclonal antibodies against idiotypic (Id) determinants on chicken antibodies to N-acetylglucosamine (NAGA) and p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) made by inbred line EL 6(3) birds. The monoclonal anti-NAGA Id antibody, termed CId-1, reacted with affinity purified antibodies to NAGA, but not with antibodies specific for PABA, arsanilic acid (Ars), phosphorylcholine (PC), or with normal chicken IgG and IgM. The monoclonal anti-PABA ID antibody, termed CId-2, reacted with anti-PABA antibodies and to a lesser extent with anti-Ars antibodies, but not with anti-NAGA, anti-PC, and normal IgG and IgM. The Id determinants were found among antibodies to NAGA and PABA made by outbred and inbred lines of White Leghorn chickens. The binding of the CId-1 and CId-2 antibodies to intact homologous anti-NAGA and anti-PABA antibodies, respectively, was not hapten-inhibitable in either case. Both anti-Id antibodies reacted specifically with isolated homologous heavy chains, suggesting VH Id specificities. The monoclonal CId-1 and CId-2 antibodies were reactive by immunofluorescence with approximately 0.9 and 0.2%, respectively, of the circulating lymphocytes and with approximately 0.4 and 0.15 of plasma cells. CId-1+ and CId-2+ bursal cells were first detected on the 16th and 14th days of incubation, respectively; both reached maximal frequencies by the 17th day of incubation. The CId-2 antibody reacted exclusively with immunoglobulin-positive cells. The CId-1 antibody also reacted with a subpopulation (0.4%) of immunoglobulin-negative lymphocytes from normal and agammaglobulinemic chickens, and thus would appear to recognize an idiotypic determinant expressed by certain clones of B and T cells.

Mouse monoclonal antibodies to chicken VH idiotypic determinants reactivity with B and T cells

We have prepared mouse monoclonal antibodies against idiotypic (Id) determinants on chicken antibodies to N-acetylglucosamine (NAGA) and p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) made by inbred line EL 6(3) birds. The monoclonal anti-NAGA Id antibody, termed CId-1, reacted with affinity purified antibodies to NAGA, but not with antibodies specific for PABA, arsanilic acid (Ars), phosphorylcholine (PC), or with normal chicken IgG and IgM. The monoclonal anti-PABA ID antibody, termed CId-2, reacted with anti-PABA antibodies and to a lesser extent with anti-Ars antibodies, but not with anti-NAGA, anti-PC, and normal IgG and IgM. The Id determinants were found among antibodies to NAGA and PABA made by outbred and inbred lines of White Leghorn chickens. The binding of the CId-1 and CId-2 antibodies to intact homologous anti-NAGA and anti-PABA antibodies, respectively, was not hapten-inhibitable in either case. Both anti-Id antibodies reacted specifically with isolated homologous heavy chains, suggesting VH Id specificities. The monoclonal CId-1 and CId-2 antibodies were reactive by immunofluorescence with approximately 0.9 and 0.2%, respectively, of the circulating lymphocytes and with approximately 0.4 and 0.15 of plasma cells. CId-1+ and CId-2+ bursal cells were first detected on the 16th and 14th days of incubation, respectively; both reached maximal frequencies by the 17th day of incubation. The CId-2 antibody reacted exclusively with immunoglobulin-positive cells. The CId-1 antibody also reacted with a subpopulation (0.4%) of immunoglobulin-negative lymphocytes from normal and agammaglobulinemic chickens, and thus would appear to recognize an idiotypic determinant expressed by certain clones of B and T cells.

Evidence for an IgD homologue on chicken lymphocytes

Chicken lymphocyte membrane immunoglobulins (Ig), were precipitated with mouse monoclonal antibodies specific for heavy and light chain isotypes and analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Very little or no membrane-bound IgG and IgA was detected. After sequential precipitation and removal of IgM reactive with any of three monoclonal anti-mu antibodies, anti-light chain antibody precipitated residual Ig with a relative electrophoretic mobility similar to that of IgM. Under reducing conditions, these surface Ig molecules had a heavy chain that appeared slightly larger (approximately 81,000 daltons) than mu-chain (approximately 79,000 daltons), and light chains of approximately 25,000 daltons. Complete clearance of membrane-bound IgM reactive with an anti-mu allotype antiserum left similar molecules precipitate by monoclonal anti-light chain antibody. These non-IgM molecules could be detected on the surface of lymphocytes from blood, spleen, bursa and the B cell line RAV-1, but not from thymus or blood from an agammaglobulinemic chicken. After capping of B cell surface IgM with anti-mu, immunofluorescent staining with anti-light chain antibody revealed residual Ig molecules disturbed across the surface of more than 90% of the IgM-bearing cells. The data suggest the existence of an avian homologue of mammalian IgD. Affinity-purified goat anti-mu antibodies and a fourth monoclonal anti-mu antibody reacted with both IgM and the putative IgD molecules, which suggests that the IgD homologue shares at least one common determinant with chicken IgM.

Evidence for an IgD homologue on chicken lymphocytes

Chicken lymphocyte membrane immunoglobulins (Ig), were precipitated with mouse monoclonal antibodies specific for heavy and light chain isotypes and analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Very little or no membrane-bound IgG and IgA was detected. After sequential precipitation and removal of IgM reactive with any of three monoclonal anti-mu antibodies, anti-light chain antibody precipitated residual Ig with a relative electrophoretic mobility similar to that of IgM. Under reducing conditions, these surface Ig molecules had a heavy chain that appeared slightly larger (approximately 81,000 daltons) than mu-chain (approximately 79,000 daltons), and light chains of approximately 25,000 daltons. Complete clearance of membrane-bound IgM reactive with an anti-mu allotype antiserum left similar molecules precipitate by monoclonal anti-light chain antibody. These non-IgM molecules could be detected on the surface of lymphocytes from blood, spleen, bursa and the B cell line RAV-1, but not from thymus or blood from an agammaglobulinemic chicken. After capping of B cell surface IgM with anti-mu, immunofluorescent staining with anti-light chain antibody revealed residual Ig molecules disturbed across the surface of more than 90% of the IgM-bearing cells. The data suggest the existence of an avian homologue of mammalian IgD. Affinity-purified goat anti-mu antibodies and a fourth monoclonal anti-mu antibody reacted with both IgM and the putative IgD molecules, which suggests that the IgD homologue shares at least one common determinant with chicken IgM.

The relationship between suppressor cells and malignancy

Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from cancer patients were first tested for the proliferative response to concanavalin A (Con A). The lymphocytes which had lower response to Con A than the normal control were supposed to have relatively greater numbers of putative suppressor cells, or higher suppressive activity was anticipated in the PBL. The PBL were then treated with mitomycin C, added to normal lymphocytes in the presence of Con A, and cocultured for further investigation of the activity of the putative suppressor cells as determined by the effect of these putative cells on the responses of normal lymphocytes to Con A. In many of our studies inconsistent results showed between two types of assay systems. Not all patient's lymphocytes showing depression in response to Con A could suppress the proliferation of normal lymphocytes in response to Con A in coculture systems. However, some of the patients' lymphocytes, despite not showing a depressed response to Con A in the direct assay, were able to inhibit the response of normal lymphocytes to Con A in coculture. The contradictory data imply that it is inappropriate to conclude that suppressor cells are present at elevated levels in cancer patients by relying solely on the evidence of a depressed response to mitogens, either in a direct stimulation assay or in a coculture system. Our results possibly reflect that the development of cancer is not directly linked to the elevation of suppressor cell activity. Other more complicated mechanisms may be involved.

Surface antigens on Marek's disease lymphoblastoid tumor cell lines

A total of 32 Marek's disease virus (MDV)-induced cell lines, 1 avian leukosis virus-induced cell line, and 1 reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV)-induced lymphoblastoid cell line were investigated for the presence of Fc receptors, surface IgM, and Ia-like antigen. Surface IgM and Fc receptors could not be demonstrated on any of the cell lines. Ia-like antigen was detected on all MDV-induced cell lines and on the 1 REV-induced cell line. Ia-like antigen was unrelated to other antigens reported to be present on Marek's disease tumor cells. It was also unimportant as a target antigen for MDV-related, allogeneic cell-mediated cytotoxicity. The densities of the cells of 5 MDV-induced cell lines were established on continuous Percoll gradients. Most cells had densities between 1.05 and 1.06 g/ml.

In vitro infection of lymphocytes with Marek's disease virus

Suspension cultures of splenic lymphocytes, incubated at 41 degrees C, became infected with Marek's disease virus (MDV) following exposure to a) other infected lymphocytes, b) infected chicken kidney monolayer cultures, or c) cell-free MDV. Both viral antigen expression and virus isolation could be demonstrated after more than 40 passages made by the addition of fresh spleen cells at 2- to 3-day intervals. Susceptibility of spleen cells from bursectomized chickens was markedly lower than that of cells from intact birds. Furthermore, when spleen cell suspensions were depleted of cells having characteristics of bursa-derived cells, e.g., those with surface IgM, Fc receptors, or ability to adhere to nylon wool, the susceptibility of the cell suspension was diminished. Enrichment of the suspension with cells having those features enhanced overall susceptibility. The target cells for virus infection in vitro also were shown to be nonphagocytic, to be of low or medium density, and to bear Ia-like antigen. In vitro susceptibility to infection of spleen cells did not correlate with the genetic susceptibility of the donor to Marek's disease.

Diurnal fluctuations in methionine-enkephalin levels in the hypothalamus and preoptic area of the male rat: effects of pinealectomy

Methionine-enkephalin (met-enk) levels were measured at 09.30-10.30, 16.30-17.30 and 23.30-00.30 h in the anterior hypothalamus-preoptic area (AHPOA), medial basal hypothalamus (MBH), anterior, intermediate and posterior lobe of the pituitary gland of male rats. Met-enk levels in the AHPOA and MBH fluctuated significantly through a 24-hour period; from low levels at 09.30-10.30 h, met-enk in the AHPOA and MBH rose slowly in the afternoon to reach peak concentrations at 23.30-00.30 h. Pinealectomy appears to depress or shift the normally occurring increments in met-enk levels at 23.30-00.30 h in the AHPOA only. Serum testosterone (T) levels displayed an inverse relationship with the met-enk rhythm; high concentrations during the day were associated with low met-enk levels and as T levels decreased to a nadir at 23.30-00.30 h, the met-enk in the MBH and AHPOA attained peak concentrations. Daily changes in serum T levels were not affected by pinealectomy.

Altered hypothalamic dopamine depletion rate and LHRH content in noncyclic hamsters

Effect of light deprivation on hypothalamic dopamine (DA) depletion rate and luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) content was evaluated in golden hamsters. Hamsters maintained in continuous darkness (CD) became acyclic after about 6 weeks while another group of hamsters maintained vaginal cyclicity under 20 lux light intensity for 14 hours a day. All hamsters were ovariectomized subsequently. Luteinizing hormone releasing hormone levels were significantly higher in the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) and the serum gonadotropin levels were significantly lower in CD hamsters when compared with 20 lux group. However, gonadotropin release in response to exogenous LHRH was not significantly different in CD or 20 lux group of hamsters. Examination of hypothalamic catecholamine levels one hour after alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine injection indicated that the DA depletion was higher in CD animals. Results indicate that light deprivation probably enhances DA depletion rate in the MBH, suggesting that increased activity in dopaminergic neurons may inhibit the release of MBH LHRH in hamsters kept in continuous darkness.

Determination of clinical and luteolytic effectiveness of a prostaglandin analog in mares by a dose response study

In trials covering two seasons, 124 thoroughbred and 40 quarterhorse mares with either normal cycles (55 diestrous mares, 33 postpartum mares after foal heat) or in anestrus during the breeding season (76) were treated with either a novel PGF analog K 11941 or with the PGF analog prostalene (Synchrocept(trade mark)). K 11941 was used over a range of doses from 0.5 to 4.5 mg, while prostalene was applied at the recommended dose level of 2 mg. Blood progesterone determinations, clinical observations and the results of breeding confirmed that K 11941, at doses of 2 mg or larger, and prostalene, were effective and safe luteolysins; heat and ovulations occurred within the expected time intervals and fertility was satisfactory. Clinical data were converted into a response score (CRS) and an added fertility score (CRSF) for statistical evaluation and the establishment of a dose response curve. In both scores, 0.5 to 1.5 mg were significantly less effective than the higher dose levels (p<.0001). No significant differences were found for the 2 and 3 mg dose of K 11941 in diestrous and anestrous mares. In both indications, prostalene scored less (p<.05). Data analysis and establishment of a dose response curve point to 3 mg of K 11941 as the optimal dose.

Serum thyroxine and triiodothyronine concentrations in neonatal foals and mature horses

Serum thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3) concentrations were assayed in neonatal foals (1.5 to 4 months) and mature horses (2 to 25 years old) by a modified radioimmunoassay procedure. Blood was collected from 52 clinically healthy foals and horses of various breeds (Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses, American Saddle Horses, and a single cross-bred horse). Neonatal foals had high serum concentrations of T-4 (mean, 4.02 microgram/dl) and T-3 (192.9 ng/dl) as compared with the values in mature horses (T-4, mean of 1.76 microgram/dl; T-3, mean of 98.69 ng/dl). Stallions had slightly higher T-3; there were no differences between breeds and sexes for serum concentrations of T-4. High serum T-4 and T-3 concentrations in neonatal foals appear to have significant roles in the normal nervous and muscular function and growth in neonatal foals, since hypothyroidism in equine neonates has been reported to show signs similar to those of prematurity in persons, such as neuromuscular incompetence and musculoskeletal dystrophy. Determination of T-4 and T-3 in neonatal foals can be a meaningful screen test for hypothyroidism.

Speech-rhythm characteristics of client-centered, Gestalt, and rational-emotive therapy interviews

The aim of this study was to discover whether client-centered, Gestalt, and rational-emotive psychotherapy interviews could be described and differentiated on the basis of quantitative measurement of their speech rhythms. These measures were taken from the sound portion of a film showing interviews by Carl Rogers, Frederick Perls, and Albert Ellis. The variables used were total session and percentage of speaking times, speaking turns, vocalizations, interruptions, inside and switching pauses, and speaking rates. The three types of interview had very distinctive patterns of speech-rhythm variables. These patterns suggested that Rogers's Client-centered therapy interview was patient dominated, that Ellis's rational-emotive therapy interview was therapist dominated, and that Perls's Gestalt therapy interview was neither therapist nor patient dominated.

A human soluble suppressor factor affecting lymphocyte responses in vitro

A soluble suppressor factor (SSF) has been demonstrated in the supernatant of normal human peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures that exhibits suppressive activity toward the proliferative response of normal lymphocytes to concanavalin A or alloantigens in mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) or toward pokeweed mitogen-stimulated immunoglobulin synthesis and secretion in vitro. Suppression of the proliferative response in MLC reached maximal levels when added SSF-containing supernatant approximated 20% by volume of the culture medium. Suppression in the MLC was found to act at the proliferative stage. SSF acts independently of cytotoxicity and is stable at 56 degrees C for 30 min but is inactivated at higher temperatures. Addition of SSF to the MLC as late as day 4 after initiation of the culture results in suppression of transformation. This factor(s) may regulate the magnitude of several immune responses in humans.

Serum hydrocortisone (cortisol) values in glaucomatous and normotensive Beagles

Serum hydrocortisone (cortisol) values were measured by radioimmunoassay in 5 normortensive and 20 glucomatous Beagles at 1 AM, 7 AM, 1 PM, and 7 PM. Significant differences (P < 0.01) in mean serum values of cortisol occurred between glaucomatous (20.9 ng/ml) and normotensive (9.5 ng/ml) Beagles. The slightly increased serum cortisol values in glaucomatous Beagles at 1 AM and 7 AM coincided with increases in intraocular pressure of glaucomatous Beagles. However, neither the normotensive nor glaucomatous Beagles exhibited any diurnal variations in serum cortisol values.