Immunosuppressive activity of bovine seminal RNase on T-cell proliferation

The interest in the immunosuppressive activity of mammalian seminal plasma depends largely on its putative role in the immunoregulation of both the male and female genital systems. We report here that the immunosuppressive action of bovine seminal plasma is based on the presence in this fluid of copious amounts of an immunosuppressive RNase, bovine seminal RNase. Studies of structure-function relationships have revealed that the immunosuppressive activity of seminal RNase depends on the integrity of the dimeric structure of the enzyme, as well as on the integrity of its catalytic function. While bovine seminal RNase has no effect on the secretion of interleukin-2 by T-cell cultures, the enzyme has been found to decrease drastically the expression of the alpha-chain of the interleukin-2 receptor on the T-cell membrane.

Comparison of low rate dual chamber pacing to activity responsive rate variable ventricular pacing

A study was undertaken to evaluate exercise performance in 18 dual chamber pacemaker patients believed to be chronotropically incompetent. All patients were paced in a DDD AV synchronous mode at 80 beats per minute (beats/min) as well as an externally triggered, activity responsive VVIR mode. Patients underwent two single blind, randomized symptom-limited treadmill tests (Sheffield protocol). Four of the 18 patients achieved intrinsic rates greater than 100 beats/min and were deleted from the primary study. It was noted that all four of these patients performed best with intrinsic rate response and AV synchrony. Thirteen of the remaining 14 patients demonstrated improved exercise tolerance in the VVIR mode. Average exercise time in the VVIR mode (7:25 +/- 3:12 min) was significantly greater (P less than 0.05) than the DDD mode (6:01 +/- 2:27 min). Work performed was significantly greater (P less than 0.05) in the VVIR mode (4.77 +/- 1.97 METS) than in the DDD mode (3.78 +/- 0.77 METS). Maximum heart rates were 83.86 +/- 5.11 beats/min in DDD mode versus 116.00 +/- 10.56 beats/min in VVIR mode. The results demonstrated that improved exercise tolerance can be achieved with single chamber rate variable pacing compared to DDD pacing in patients with chronotropic incompetence. However, potential symptoms associated with loss of AV synchrony should be ruled out.

Bacterial isolates and cigarette smoking in patients with chronic bronchitis: results from an Italian multicenter survey

Patients who were cigarette smokers suffering exacerbations of chronic bronchitis were examined in eight outpatient clinics in five regions of Italy, three from the South (Campania, 82 patients; Sicily, 82 patients; and Puglia, 29 patients) and two from North (Lombardy, 33 patients; and Liguria, 50 patients). Haemophilus influenzae was the most frequently isolated bacterium in the patients' sputum (in 30% of the total group), followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (in 20%), Staphylococcus aureus (in 25%), and Branhamella catarrhalis (in 7%). H. influenzae was the most common bacterium in the South (in 37%) and S aureus in the North (in 13%). Smoking index scores (number of cigarettes smoked daily x years of smoking) were 827 in patients in whom H influenzae was isolated; 691 in patients with S aureus; 599 in patients with S pneumoniae; 542 in patients with B catarrhalis; and 446 in patients in whom no isolates were found. Pulmonary function was most severely decreased in patients positive for H influenzae and S aureus. The results indicate an association between heavy cigarette smoking and lower respiratory tract infections that is influenced by regional differences.

Interleukin-1-beta modulation of prolactin secretion from rat anterior pituitary cells: involvement of adenylate cyclase activity and calcium mobilization

Recent findings indicate that interleukin-1 beta (IL1 beta), a monokine secreted by stimulated macrophages and monocytes, modulates neuroendocrine functions in a manner similar to classical hormones. In this study we show that IL1 modulates PRL secretion, assessed by reverse hemolytic plaque assay, and describe the effect of the monokine on adenylate cyclase activity and calcium fluxes in rat normal pituitary cells. In basal and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-stimulated conditions, low doses of IL1 reduced the mean plaque area, a direct index of PRL secretion without affecting the percentage of PRL-secreting cells. Similarly, low concentrations of IL1 inhibited adenylate cyclase activity in both basal and VIP-stimulated conditions, while higher concentrations restored the enzymatic activity to the control value. IL1 also caused a biphasic effect on the free intracellular calcium increase induced by maitotoxin, a calcium channel activator, being inhibitory at low and stimulatory at high concentrations. The effects of IL1 on adenylate cyclase activity and calcium fluxes were reversed by preincubation of the monokine with its polyclonal antibody, thus confirming the specificity of the effects. In conclusion, our data show that IL1 modulates PRL secretion by acting directly on pituitary cells through interaction with the adenylate cyclase-cAMP system and calcium flux.

[Morphostructural features of the pleural lymphatic circulation in the pig]

The morphostructural features of the lymphatic circle of swine visceral pleura were investigated by means of vital dye injection in the pleural cavity. In the animals treated as mentioned previously it was possible to observe that in the visceral pleura the superficial lymphatic network had formed the very thick mesh, while the underlying pulmonary parenchyma was not interested. This behaviour lets us suppose that the drainage of the visceral pleura is mainly a direct one.

The vascularization of the Bursa cloacalis (of Fabricius) in the duck

The morphological and structural features of the vascular component of the bursa of Fabricius in the duck are described. By means of an intravasal perfusion of suitably colored neoprene Latex or Microscopaque, or a perfusion of Indian ink, it was possible to follow visually the routes of arteries, veins and the microcirculation; this last represents a major characteristic of the bursal follicle in the duck. The microcirculation has its origins in several roots arising from the follicular arterioles, which in the region of the cortex constitute an open vascular layer. From these pre-capillary arterioles, adjacent to the limiting layer between cortex and medulla, a dense capillary network is formed. With the aid of an electron microscope the presence of a cortico-medullary barrier of an epithelio-reticular nature was revealed; close to it there are the terminal branches of the intrafollicular network. The barrier appears to be structurally more compact than that of the cortical capillaries of the mammalian thymus.

Decreased interleukin-1 production in aplastic anemia

PURPOSE

Interleukin-1 (IL-1), a monocyte factor, plays a central role in the regulation of the immune response; recent data have suggested that IL-1 is the same molecule as hemopoietin-1, a growth factor acting on the multipotent hematopoietic stem cell. IL-1 affects hematopoiesis (1) in vitro, by inducing the release of colony-stimulating factors and regulating early hematopoietic progenitor cells, and (2) in vivo, by stimulating stem cell recovery in irradiated or chemotherapy-treated mice. Several lines of evidence suggest that aplastic anemia may be mediated by cells of the immune system. We address the issue of abnormal IL-1 production in severe aplastic anemia and attempt to correlate normalization of the levels with response to anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We studied IL-1 production by monocytes from 21 patients with aplastic anemia using a bioassay for IL-1 activity. Fifteen patients were evaluated before ATG therapy. Eight patients were studied before and three months after ATG. In addition, five patients were evaluated only after ATG treatment. One patient did not respond to ATG but did respond to intravenous acyclovir, and was studied before and after acyclovir therapy. Twenty patients with other hematologic disorders requiring transfusions and 30 normal healthy volunteers were also assessed.

RESULTS

IL-1 production was markedly decreased in 75 percent of patients with aplastic anemia when compared with that in normal control subjects (p less than 0.005). Hematologic recovery correlated with normalization of IL-1 production in all but two cases (p less than 0.04).

CONCLUSION

These observations represent the first evidence of monocyte dysfunction and deficient hematopoietic growth factor production in aplastic anemia. Decreased IL-1 production may have a pathologic role in some cases of aplastic anemia.

Effect of interleukin 1 beta on transducing mechanisms in 235-1 clonal pituitary cells. Part II: Modulation of calcium fluxes

In the present study we investigated the effect of the interleukin 1 beta on intracellular free calcium concentrations in 235-1 cell line both in basal conditions and after stimulation by the calcium channel activator maitotoxin. Interleukin 1 beta (from 0.01 pM to 10 nM) was unable to significantly affect basal cytosolic free calcium levels in acute conditions. The preincubation of these cells with interleukin 1 beta for 48h modulates maitotoxin stimulation of calcium fluxes without modifying basal intracellular free calcium levels. Low concentrations of interleukin 1 beta (0.01 pM, 1 pM) caused a marked reduction of intracellular free calcium concentrations increase induced by maitotoxin while higher doses of the monokine potentiated maitotoxin stimulation of calcium fluxes. The specificity of interleukin 1 beta effect was tested by means of polyclonal anti-interleukin 1 beta antibody (titer 1:100) which significantly abolished the inhibitory effect of interleukin 1 beta on free cytosolic calcium levels. These results show that a long lasting interaction of interleukin 1 beta with its receptor is able to influence voltage-sensitive calcium channels activation induced by maitotoxin in 235-1 cells.

Effect of interleukin 1 beta on transducing mechanisms in 235-1 clonal pituitary cells. Part I: Modulation of adenylate cyclase activity

In the present study we evaluated the effect of interleukin 1-beta on adenylate cyclase activity in 235-1 pituitary cell line. The dose-response curve of interleukin 1 beta effect on adenylate cyclase activity showed a significant inhibition of basal enzyme activity at 1 pM concentration, while the inhibition of forskolin stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was more pronounced and evident at both 0.01 and 1 pM concentrations. The action of the monokine on basal enzyme activity was almost completely reverted by polyclonal anti interleukin 1 beta antibody. The incubation of the cells for 48h with interleukin 1 beta showed a different pattern of response. The inhibitory effect of interleukin 1 beta on adenylate cyclase activity disappeared, while the highest concentration of interleukin 1 beta tested, caused a meaningful stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity which is not present in acute condition. These data show that interleukin 1-beta interacts with the cAMP-generating system in the 235-1 clonal pituitary cells.

Heterogeneity in the mitogenic response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to a pan T monoclonal antibody

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 80 normal donors were studied for their capacity to proliferate in response to Pan T2, an IgG1 monoclonal antibody (MoAb), that recognizes the CD3 complex. Forty percent of this population, regardless of sex or age, were found to be non-responders. However, the binding of MoAb Pan T2 to T cells as studied by indirect immunofluorescence was positive in all the donors. The addition of IL 1 or IL 2 to Pan T2-stimulated non-responder lymphocytes did not activate T cell proliferation, while the addition of responder monocytes restored the proliferation capacity in non-responder PBMC. The data indicate the existence of a heterogeneous responsiveness among normal individuals to a mitogenic IgG1 MoAb, and are in agreement with reports obtained using other anti-T3 MoAbs of IgG1 isotype, i.e. UCHT1, Leu4 and WT31. This defect is reported to be a function of monocytes, related to a polymorphism of Fc receptors for mouse IgG1 on human monocytic cells.

Expression of interleukins in L cells transfected with human DNA

We have obtained, by transfection of mouse L cells with total human DNA, clones that constitutively secreted human interleukins IL1, IL2 and B-cell grown-factor activities, as assessed by specific biological assays. Southern analysis with IL2 and IL1 beta cDNAs confirmed the integration of the corresponding human genes in the genome of recipient mouse cells and showed their amplification and rearrangement. All the four IL2-secreting clones integrated in the mouse genome the human IL2 gene. Three out of the sixteen IL1-producing clones contained the IL1 beta gene. The IL1 activity secreted by the remaining clones exhibited a molecular mass of 17 kDa similar to that reported for mature human macrophage IL1. Our results demonstrate that DNA-mediated gene transfer may represent a suitable tool for the production of human growth and differentiation factors and the cloning of their genes.

Inhibition by anti-HLA class II monoclonal antibodies of monocyte-dependent T cell proliferation induced by monoclonal antibody OKT3

The inhibitory effect of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to monomorphic (locus-restricted and locus-shared) and polymorphic determinants of HLA class II antigens on the monocyte-dependent proliferation of T cells stimulated with mAb OKT3 has been studied. The effect appears to be specific, dose dependent, is not mediated by the Fc portion of mAb and reflects their interaction with the corresponding determinants. The anti-HLA class II mAb do not have to be present in the culture throughout the incubation period, but are essential in early phases of mAb OKT3 T cell activation. Both monocytes and T cells are the targets of the inhibition exerted by the anti-HLA class II mAb. Their inhibitory effect involves several steps in the sequence of events which leads to T cell proliferation, including interleukin (IL) 1 and 2 secretion, and IL2 receptor expression.

Autocrine growth function of human interleukin 1 molecules on ROHA-9, an EBV-transformed human B cell line

In this study we report that the ROHA-9 cell line, an IL 1-secreting EBV-transformed human B cell line, exhibits an autocrine pathway of growth. In fact, ROHA-9 cells spontaneously secreted an autoregulatory growth factor that co-purified with the constitutively secreted IL 1-like molecules. Accordingly, monocyte-derived human IL 1, free of other known biological activities, also stimulated the growth of ROHA-9 cells in a dose-dependent way. Human recombinant interleukin 2, recombinant IFN-alpha or IFN-gamma and purified IFN-beta were ineffective when used at concentrations up to 1 X 10(3) U/ml. Furthermore, mouse recombinant IL 1, HPLC-purified multi-colony stimulating factor and partially purified preparations of BCGF were ineffective when assayed for growth-promoting activity on ROHA-9 cells. Moreover, a rabbit polyclonal antibody and a mouse monoclonal antibody to human IL 1 molecules blocked the growth of ROHA-9 cells induced by the autologous growth factor and by human IL 1. Lastly, purified human IL 1 increased the clonal efficiency of ROHA-9 cells seeded at a low cell concentration, allowing the isolation of the ROHA-9MC3 subclone, which showed similar growth response specificity and was particularly sensitive to the mitogenic activity of human IL 1.

Autocrine growth function of human interleukin 1 molecules on ROHA-9, an EBV-transformed human B cell line

In this study we report that the ROHA-9 cell line, an IL 1-secreting EBV-transformed human B cell line, exhibits an autocrine pathway of growth. In fact, ROHA-9 cells spontaneously secreted an autoregulatory growth factor that co-purified with the constitutively secreted IL 1-like molecules. Accordingly, monocyte-derived human IL 1, free of other known biological activities, also stimulated the growth of ROHA-9 cells in a dose-dependent way. Human recombinant interleukin 2, recombinant IFN-alpha or IFN-gamma and purified IFN-beta were ineffective when used at concentrations up to 1 X 10(3) U/ml. Furthermore, mouse recombinant IL 1, HPLC-purified multi-colony stimulating factor and partially purified preparations of BCGF were ineffective when assayed for growth-promoting activity on ROHA-9 cells. Moreover, a rabbit polyclonal antibody and a mouse monoclonal antibody to human IL 1 molecules blocked the growth of ROHA-9 cells induced by the autologous growth factor and by human IL 1. Lastly, purified human IL 1 increased the clonal efficiency of ROHA-9 cells seeded at a low cell concentration, allowing the isolation of the ROHA-9MC3 subclone, which showed similar growth response specificity and was particularly sensitive to the mitogenic activity of human IL 1.

[Hepatitis B in pediatrics. Considerations on vaccination in leukemia]

The A.A. after briefly describing the epidemiology of B hepatitis in Italy, outline its particular incidence among all the leukemic children in Campania and stress its negative effects on the course and prognosis of the disease. A study on 50 children affected by Acute Leukemia shows that 30/50 appear to be constantly seronegative for HBV. Nine of them received vaccination against B Hepatitis (HB VAX, MS & D) in order to reduce the risk of infection in the course of the chemotherapy. Among the vaccinated children, only two (22%) were found positive for HBsAb after the third inoculation. The fail in response is probably due to the light immunodepressed condition of most of these patients. The achieved results are not very encouraging, but further investigations are needed to decide whether the vaccination can be advisable for these children.

Production of interleukin 1 activity by normal human peripheral blood B lymphocytes

Interleukin 1 (IL 1) production by normal human B lymphocytes was investigated. Normal human peripheral blood B lymphocytes were purified by sequential separation with the use of Ficoll-Hypaque gradient centrifugation, sheep red blood cell rosette formation, Percoll gradients, and treatment with monoclonal antibodies (anti-Leu-M1, B73.1, and T101) and complement. Both purified large B lymphocytes (BL) and small B lymphocytes (BS) produced IL 1-like (thymocyte co-mitogenic and fibroblast mitogenic) activities in response to lipopolysaccharide. Maximal production of IL 1 activity by both BL and BS occurred at 48 hr. The m.w. of IL 1 activities from both BL and BS were about 20,000 with high pressure liquid chromatography, and the major isoelectric point of BL- and BS-derived IL 1 activity was 7.0. A rabbit anti-human monocyte IL 1 antiserum inhibited the activity of B cell-derived IL 1, suggesting antigenic similarities of monocyte- and B lymphocyte-derived IL 1 moieties. These data suggest that normal B lymphocyte-derived IL 1 activity is biochemically and immunologically similar to monocyte-derived IL 1.

Production of interleukin 1 activity by normal human peripheral blood B lymphocytes

Interleukin 1 (IL 1) production by normal human B lymphocytes was investigated. Normal human peripheral blood B lymphocytes were purified by sequential separation with the use of Ficoll-Hypaque gradient centrifugation, sheep red blood cell rosette formation, Percoll gradients, and treatment with monoclonal antibodies (anti-Leu-M1, B73.1, and T101) and complement. Both purified large B lymphocytes (BL) and small B lymphocytes (BS) produced IL 1-like (thymocyte co-mitogenic and fibroblast mitogenic) activities in response to lipopolysaccharide. Maximal production of IL 1 activity by both BL and BS occurred at 48 hr. The m.w. of IL 1 activities from both BL and BS were about 20,000 with high pressure liquid chromatography, and the major isoelectric point of BL- and BS-derived IL 1 activity was 7.0. A rabbit anti-human monocyte IL 1 antiserum inhibited the activity of B cell-derived IL 1, suggesting antigenic similarities of monocyte- and B lymphocyte-derived IL 1 moieties. These data suggest that normal B lymphocyte-derived IL 1 activity is biochemically and immunologically similar to monocyte-derived IL 1.

Effects of recombinant interferon-gamma on HLA-DR antigen shedding by human peripheral blood adherent mononuclear cells

Two reproducible and sensitive assays have been developed for the detection of cell-free HLA-DR antigen, an antibody-mediated complement-dependent cytotoxicity inhibition assay (CIA) and a competition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (CELISA). One unit of cell-free HLA-DR antigen has been quantitated to be the equivalent of 27.5 ng pure DR antigen/ml. Human peripheral blood adherent mononuclear cells (PBAMC), as well as DR+ monocytes and B lymphoblastoid cell lines but not T lymphocytes, were observed to shed DR-bearing vesicles in vitro. Human recombinant IFN-gamma induces the expression of Ia/DR antigen by PBAMC by increasing both the number of cells expressing DR antigen and the density per cell. After incubation with IFN-gamma, PBAMC also shed significantly more DR antigen. The degree of DR expression and shedding is dependent on the dose of IFN-gamma. The shedding of DR antigen occurred concomitantly with the inductive phase of cell membrane antigen expression, and very little DR antigen appeared in culture supernatants subsequent to the removal of IFN-gamma. The possible physiologic significance of shed DR antigen is discussed.

[Schönlein-Henoch syndrome. Clinico-statistical analysis of 60 cases (1978-1984)]

Schonlein-Henoch purpura is a systemic, immunocomplex-mediated vasculitis which involves skin, joints, gastrointestinal and urinary system. This is a retrospective study on 60 S.H.S. admitted in our Division from 1978 to 1984. The most affected age range seems to be included between 2 and 7 years, with a maximum at 6. The Male/Female ratio is 35/25. Clinically we found skin (100%), joint (63%), abdominal (48%), and renal (25%) manifestations. Laboratory data are not characteristic: C3 and C4 are always in the normal range. 27% showed an elevation of IgA, 81% a rise of sedimentation rate and 45% a rise of Anti-O-Streptolysin Title. The main problem to face is prevention of glomerulonephritis. Salicylates, piridamol and cyproheptadine have been suggested to be effective. Prednisone is recommended in all cases with abdominal pain in order to prevent surgical complications. In our experience we could not demonstrate any difference between treated and not treated cases. It is important anyway to perform a correct follow-up of these children to early show a possible relapse or a renal complication.

Subsets of human large granular lymphocytes (LGL) exhibit accessory cell functions

The present study shows that human large granular lymphocytes (LGL) depleted of OKT3 (T lymphocytes) and Leu-M1-positive (monocytes) cells exhibit accessory cell function for the T lymphoproliferative responses to the soluble stimulants Staphylococcus protein A (SpA) or Streptolysin O (SLO), as well as to surface antigens in the autologous and allogeneic mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR). Fractionation of LGL into subsets according to their reactivity with alpha OKT11, alpha DR, and alpha OKM1 MoAb led to the identification of the subset(s) of LGL with OKT11+, DR+, OKM1+ phenotype as the antigen-presenting cell (APC), whereas the DR-, OKM1- subset(s) of LGL was completely ineffective. Furthermore, virtually all the natural killer (NK) activity of LGL was associated with OKT11+ and OKM1+, DR+ LGL that exerted the observed APC function, suggesting that NK-active cells may also act as effective APC for T lymphocyte activation. These results indicate that human LGL with NK activity may exert other noncytotoxic functions and may play a major role in immunoregulation.

Subsets of human large granular lymphocytes (LGL) exhibit accessory cell functions

The present study shows that human large granular lymphocytes (LGL) depleted of OKT3 (T lymphocytes) and Leu-M1-positive (monocytes) cells exhibit accessory cell function for the T lymphoproliferative responses to the soluble stimulants Staphylococcus protein A (SpA) or Streptolysin O (SLO), as well as to surface antigens in the autologous and allogeneic mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR). Fractionation of LGL into subsets according to their reactivity with alpha OKT11, alpha DR, and alpha OKM1 MoAb led to the identification of the subset(s) of LGL with OKT11+, DR+, OKM1+ phenotype as the antigen-presenting cell (APC), whereas the DR-, OKM1- subset(s) of LGL was completely ineffective. Furthermore, virtually all the natural killer (NK) activity of LGL was associated with OKT11+ and OKM1+, DR+ LGL that exerted the observed APC function, suggesting that NK-active cells may also act as effective APC for T lymphocyte activation. These results indicate that human LGL with NK activity may exert other noncytotoxic functions and may play a major role in immunoregulation.

Biological activity of 4-hydroxyisophthalic acid derivatives. III. Variously substituted anilides with antimicrobial activity

A series of 1,3-bis-anilides of 4-hydroxyisophthalic acid was prepared and investigated for antibacterial and antifungal activities. The prepared compounds (I-XIV), of the general formula (A), where Xn = 2-NO2 (I); 2,4-(NO2)2 (II); 2,4-NO2, Cl (III); 2,4-NO2,CF3 (IV); 3,4-NO2,Cl (V); 2,4-Cl,NO2 (VI); 2,5-Cl,NO2 (VII); 2,4,6-Cl,NO2,Cl (VIII); 2,4-Br, NO2 (IX); 2-CF3 (X); 3-CF3 (XI); 2,5-Cl,CF3 (XII); 2,5-CH3,Cl (XIII); 3,4-Cl,CH3 (XIV), were obtained in satisfactory yield by reacting 4-hydroxyisophthalic acid with the appropriate substituted aniline. (Formula: see text). The prepared compounds were tested for antimicrobial activity by a disk-diffusion assay (Kirby-Bauer modified). The organisms used were the following: S. aureus, B. subtilis, B. anthracis, M. paratuberculosis 607, E. coli Bb, S. typhi, S. typhimurium, S. paratyphi B, Pr. vulgaris, K1. pneumoniae, Ps. aeruginosa, C. albicans, and A. niger. The results of the antimicrobial screening showed that a number of substituted anilides exhibited varying degrees of activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and fungi, nitro-halogen-derivatives being the most interesting members of the series.

Lymphokine abnormalities in aplastic anemia: implications for the mechanism of action of antithymocyte globulin

Anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) provides effective therapy for many patients with aplastic anemia, and its mechanism of action has been presumed to be secondary to lymphocytotoxicity. However, our studies of lymphocyte function in aplastic anemia show marked abnormalities of lymphokine production, which ATG may modulate. In 12 of 17 patients with aplastic anemia, interleukin 2 (IL2) production was markedly elevated in vitro (P less than .01 by paired statistical analysis). Expression of the IL2 receptor, or Tac antigen, on peripheral lymphocytes assessed by flow microfluorometry was also increased above the normal range in 11 of 15 cases. Studies of ATG suggested that it might act to stimulate lymphocyte function. In vitro, ATG is a mitogen, as measured by incorporation of 3H-thymidine into blood mononuclear cells; the response of cells to ATG from patients with aplastic anemia was exaggerated in comparison with normals. Cell proliferation was accompanied by production of IL2 to levels that were, in some cases, similar to those obtained with lectin stimulation. Finally, supernatants from lymphocytes cultured in the presence of ATG were able to replace adherent cells in providing growth factors for the support of nonadherent cells in methylcellulose hematopoietic colony assays. These results provide a mechanism for an "immunostimulatory" action of ATG in effecting hematopoietic response in some patients with aplastic anemia.

Production of multiple cytokines by clones of human large granular lymphocytes

LGL in addition to mediating natural killer (NK) activity, can secrete a variety of lymphokines, depending on the stimulus used: interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon alpha and gamma (IFN), and B-cell growth factor (BCGF). To define more directly whether cells with NK activity can also secrete one or more cytokines, we obtained clones by limiting dilution assays from highly purified preparations of human LGL and cultured them in IL-2-containing medium for several weeks. All the clones tested spontaneously produced detectable levels of IFN-gamma and 35 of 40 clones (87%) produced higher levels when stimulated with PHA. A smaller proportion (16%) of clones (9 of 54) secreted IL-1 after stimulation with LPS, while 34% of the clones (17 of 49) produced IL-2 in response to PHA stimulation. Cytokine production was associated with both cytotoxic and noncytotoxic clones and did not correlate with their surface phenotype, as has been observed for fresh LGL. The ability to produce IL-1 or IL-2 was not usually found within the same clones following PHA and LPS stimulation, respectively; however two clones produced both IL-1 and IL-2 when stimulated in different experiments, but not at the same time. In addition, two of nine cloned LGL simultaneously produced IFN gamma and IL-1. These results indicate that LGL-derived clones have the ability to produce multiple cytokines, suggesting that the LGL population may play an important immunoregulatory role and may also be capable of self-regulation of cytolytic activity.

Biological activity of 4-hydroxyisophthalic acid derivatives. II. Anilides with antimicrobial activity

A series of 1,3 -bis-anilides of 4-hydroxyisophthalic acid was prepared and tested for antibacterial and antifungal activity. The prepared compounds (I-XVIII), of general structure (A), (Formula: see text) where Xn = H (I); 2-F (II); 3-F (III); 4-F (IV); 2-Cl (V); 3-Cl (VI); 4-Cl (VII); 2-Br (VIII); 3-Br (IX); 4-Br (X); 2-J (XI); 3-J (XII); 4-J (XIII); 2,5-Cl2 (XIV); 2,4-Br2 (XV); 2,3,4-Cl3 (XVI), 2,4,5-Cl3 (XVII); 2,4,6-Cl3 (XVIII), were investigated for the purpose of determining the effect of halogen-substitution on the aniline rings of (A). All of these compounds were prepared in satisfactory hield by reaction of 4-hydroxyisophthalic acid with the appropriate aromatic amine at 175 degrees for 3 hours. The 1,3-bis-anilides prepared in this investigation were screened for antimicrobial activity by a disk-diffusion assay (Kirby-Bauer modified). The organisms used were laboratory cultures of S. aureus, B. subtilis, B. anthracis, M. paratuberculosis 607, E. coli Bb, S. typhi, S. typhimurium, S. paratyphi B, Pr. vulgaris, Kl. pneumoniae, Ps. aeruginosa, C. albicans, and A. niger. The results of this investigation indicated that most of the 1,3-bis-(halogen-anilides) of 4-hydroxyisophthalic acid had little or no antifungal activity "in vitro", while showed significant activity against Gram+ and Gram- bacteria. Some fluoro-derivatives showed inhibitory activity especially toward S. aureus and M. paratuberculosis. Iodo-derivatives showed broad-spectrum "in vitro" antimicrobial activity, and had some antifungal activity.

Biological activity of 4-hydroxyisophthalic acid derivatives. Hydrazones with antimicrobial activity

The following hydrazono derivatives (I-XIX) of type (A) (sequence in text) where Rn = (sequence in text ) (I-XVII); (sequence in text) (XVIII); -CCl3 (XIX); and Xn = H (I); 2-Cl (II); 3-Cl (III); 4-Cl (IV); 2-NO2 (V); 3-NO2 (VI); 4-NO2 (VII); 2-OH (VIII); 3-OH (IX); 4-OH (X); 4-F (XI); 3,4-OCH3,OH (XII); 3,4,5-OCH3,OH,J (XIII); 3,4-OCH3,OCH3 (XIV); 2,4-Cl2 (XV); 3,4-Cl2 (XVI); 2,6-Cl2 (XVII); were prepared and characterized in an attempt to make available for testing a representative selection of hitherto unreported 4-hydroxyisophthalic acid derivatives. The new compounds in question were obtained in satisfactory yield by condensation of 4-hydroxyisophthalic acid hydrazide with the appropriate aldehydes. The prepared compounds were tested for their possible activity against Gram-positive (S. epidermidis, B. subtilis, B. anthracis) and Gram-negative bacteria (P. aeruginosa, B. melitensis, S. typhi O, S. typhi H, S. infantis, S. paratyphi B, E. coli Bb, E. coli 7075), and fungi (C. albicans, A. niger, S. cerevisiae). The "in vitro" antimicrobial assays were carried out using the paper disk technique (Kirby-Bauer modified). The influence of certain structural modifications on the antimicrobial activity was evaluated.

Accessory cell function of human B cells. I. Production of both interleukin 1-like activity and an interleukin 1 inhibitory factor by an EBV-transformed human B cell line

In the present paper we report that the ROHA -9 cell line, an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed human B cell line with accessory cell capabilities, constitutively secretes a soluble factor with the biochemical and biological characteristics of human monocyte-derived IL-1. The IL-1 derived from ROHA -9 augmented murine thymocyte proliferation and enhanced the proliferative response of human T lymphocytes to concanavalin A (Con A). The ROHA -9-derived IL-1 activity eluted from Sephacryl S-200 in two peaks, at 15- 18K and 32- 35K mol wt, eluted from DEAE-Sephacel at 50-80 and 110-130 mM NaCl, and showed charge heterogeneity with peaks at pI 7.3, 6.1, and 4.1 on isoelectrofocusing (IEF). These findings suggest that B cells may elaborate an IL-1-like activity. During the logarithmic growth of ROHA -9 cells, a inhibitory factor that inhibited the response of mouse thymocytes to IL-1 was also produced. This factor had a mol wt of 95K on Sephacryl S-200, eluted at 150 mM NaCl on DEAE-Sephacel and showed a peak of pI 4.7 on preparative IEF. The inhibitory factor appeared to be selective in its effects on IL-1 responses, since it did not inhibit the activity of IL-2 on mouse thymocytes or on the growth of the IL-2-dependent CT6 cell line. This "contra-IL-1" inhibited the response of murine thymocytes to suboptimal (1 microgram/ml) but not optimal (10 micrograms/ml) doses of Con A and the response of human peripheral blood lymphocytes to streptolysin O ( SLO ) or to alloantigens. Moreover, the factor could be absorbed by mouse thymocytes but not by CT6 cells, and such thymocytes pretreated with contra-IL-1 failed to response to IL-1. Although this inhibitor is the product of a transformed B cell line, it may be representative of regulatory substances that normally control IL-1 activities either at the extracellular or intracellular level.

Human large granular lymphocytes are potent producers of interleukin-1

Natural killer (NK) activity against tumour and virus-infected target cells is shown by a subpopulation of peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes with the morphological features of large granular lymphocytes (LGL). The lineage of human LGL is still controversial, as they display surface markers of both T lymphocytes and myelomonocytic cells. LGL have recently been reported to produce lymphokines such as interleukin-2 (IL-2) and alpha- as well as gamma-interferons, functions associated mainly with T cells. To determine whether cytokines associated with other cell lineages are also produced by LGL, we examined whether they might produce a myelomonocyte -associated cytokine such as interleukin-1 (IL-1). IL-1 is a 12-18,000 molecular weight (MW) lymphokine produced by a variety of cell types such as monocytes, keratinocytes and a human dendritic cell line, which plays a crucial role in immunoregulation and inflammation. Moreover, IL-1 has recently been reported to act synergistically with IL-2 and interferons in boosting LGL-mediated NK activity. We now show that a subset of highly purified human LGL with NK activity can be stimulated to secrete a soluble factor with the biochemical and biological characteristics of human IL-1.

[Vascularization of the thymus in the duck]

The arrangement and the blood of Thymus lobes were shown by intra-vasal injection of Indian ink or Neoprene Latex. The origin and the distribution of the arteries were studied within thymic lobe and until the final branches represented by endolobulare capillaries. These branches represent the origin of the vein of the thymic lobe.

Antigen presentation by human monocytes: evidence for stimulant processing and requirement for interleukin 1

We studied the role of stimulant processing and presentation and of IL 1 in monocyte-mediated activation of human lymphoproliferative responses. The effects of two lysosomotropic agents, ammonium chloride and chloroquine, on the capacity of human monocytes to activate T lymphocyte responses to the soluble antigen streptolysin O (SLO) and to the polyclonal stimulant S. aureus protein A (SpA) were investigated. These agents inhibited the presentation of SLO and SpA by human monocytes in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition occurred if monocytes were treated with ammonium chloride and chloroquine for 1.5 hr, starting only 30 min after exposure to the stimulants, whereas only minimal inhibition occurred when monocytes were treated with the two lysosomotropic compounds 2 hr after pulsing with SLO or SpA. In contrast, cell membrane alloantigen presentation by monocytes in the MLR was not affected by ammonium chloride or chloroquine treatment. Thus, these reversible inhibitors of monocyte phagosome-lysosome functions presumably interfere with intracellular processing of the stimulants but do not seem to interfere with alloantigen presentation at the cell surface. Furthermore, we investigated whether gently fixed monocytes were still capable of passively presenting stimulant or whether active metabolic processes as well as IL 1 were required. We observed that only monocytes treated with paraformaldehyde after SLO or SpA pulsing stimulated a proliferative response by T lymphocytes, provided 50 U/ml of partially purified human IL 1 were added back to cultures. In contrast, monocytes fixed before exposure to SLO or SpA were not able to stimulate T lymphocytes even if supplemented by IL 1. Taken together these data suggest that a finite incubation period is required for human monocytes to become able to present SLO or SpA to T lymphocytes. During this time the soluble stimulants presumably undergo some metabolic process in viable macrophages perhaps at the phagosome-lysosome level, to become recognizable by T lymphocytes.

Antigen presentation by human monocytes: evidence for stimulant processing and requirement for interleukin 1

We studied the role of stimulant processing and presentation and of IL 1 in monocyte-mediated activation of human lymphoproliferative responses. The effects of two lysosomotropic agents, ammonium chloride and chloroquine, on the capacity of human monocytes to activate T lymphocyte responses to the soluble antigen streptolysin O (SLO) and to the polyclonal stimulant S. aureus protein A (SpA) were investigated. These agents inhibited the presentation of SLO and SpA by human monocytes in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition occurred if monocytes were treated with ammonium chloride and chloroquine for 1.5 hr, starting only 30 min after exposure to the stimulants, whereas only minimal inhibition occurred when monocytes were treated with the two lysosomotropic compounds 2 hr after pulsing with SLO or SpA. In contrast, cell membrane alloantigen presentation by monocytes in the MLR was not affected by ammonium chloride or chloroquine treatment. Thus, these reversible inhibitors of monocyte phagosome-lysosome functions presumably interfere with intracellular processing of the stimulants but do not seem to interfere with alloantigen presentation at the cell surface. Furthermore, we investigated whether gently fixed monocytes were still capable of passively presenting stimulant or whether active metabolic processes as well as IL 1 were required. We observed that only monocytes treated with paraformaldehyde after SLO or SpA pulsing stimulated a proliferative response by T lymphocytes, provided 50 U/ml of partially purified human IL 1 were added back to cultures. In contrast, monocytes fixed before exposure to SLO or SpA were not able to stimulate T lymphocytes even if supplemented by IL 1. Taken together these data suggest that a finite incubation period is required for human monocytes to become able to present SLO or SpA to T lymphocytes. During this time the soluble stimulants presumably undergo some metabolic process in viable macrophages perhaps at the phagosome-lysosome level, to become recognizable by T lymphocytes.

Diminished active T rosette levels and increased spontaneous B lymphocyte blastogenesis in hepatitis B virus positive chronic active hepatitis

The present investigation was designed to detect abnormalities in CMI and the presence of polyclonally activated B cells in patients with HBV positive CAH. We studied the peripheral levels and 3H-thymidine incorporation of three lymphocyte subsets: B lymphocytes, as well as two T cell subsets that are either active or late rosetters with high and low affinity receptors respectively for sheep red blood cells (SRBC). In patients the level of peripheral T active cells was decreased, but they exhibited elevated B cell activation. There was also a significant correlation between the decreased levels of T active cells and increased 3H-thymidine incorporation by B lymphocytes. Taken together, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that patients with HBV positive CAH have a severe impairment of T cell function that may lead to an abnormal B cell activation. The increased B cell activity may account for the presence of circulating immune complexes and the variety of autoantibodies often observed in patients with HBV positive CAH.

Neoplastic cells obtained from Hodgkin's disease are potent stimulators of human primary mixed lymphocyte cultures

Neoplastic cells obtained from the pleural effusion of a patient with Hodgkin's disease have been maintained in culture since 1978. These tumor cells have been shown to have the cytologic features, cytochemical staining, and cell surface markers of Reed-Sternberg cells. In this study we demonstrate that the cell line termed L428 is a potent stimulator of the primary human mixed lymphocyte reaction. Significant proliferation occurred when mononuclear leukocytes obtained from normal donors were stimulated with radiated L428 cells at responder:stimulator ratios varying from 200:1 to 20:1. Proliferative responses occurred between days 3 and 6 of the cultures with maximal proliferation on day 5. Under optimal culture conditions, mean net proliferative response of 14 normal donors was 51,000 +/- 10,600 dpm. The mixed lymphocyte response was totally blocked by concentrations of monoclonal anti-Ia antibody that had no effect on concanavalin A-induced proliferation. However, the mixed lymphocyte response was not blocked by an anti-K562 cell monoclonal antibody of the same immunoglobulin subclass that binds to the L428 cells. Antigen processing by responder monocytes or Ia-positive cells was not required for the MLC. When responder T cells from two normals were depleted of Ia-bearing cells and monocytes, the mixed lymphocyte reaction between the two normals was eliminated, yet the stimulation of each normal by the L428 cells was not reduced. The cells that proliferated in response to stimulation by the L428 cells were T cells, primarily of the helper subset. No IL 1 activity could be detected in concentrated supernatants of L428 cultures after stimulation of L428 cells by mitogens, phorbol esters, or muramyl dipeptide, or in the MLC. All of these cultures contain fetal calf serum. However, the L428 cells are capable of producing IL 1, because IL 1 was detected when the L428 cells were stimulated with LPS in the absence of fetal calf serum. These neoplastic cells, obtained from Hodgkin's disease, have many similarities to the murine as well as human dendritic cells.

Neoplastic cells obtained from Hodgkin's disease are potent stimulators of human primary mixed lymphocyte cultures

Neoplastic cells obtained from the pleural effusion of a patient with Hodgkin's disease have been maintained in culture since 1978. These tumor cells have been shown to have the cytologic features, cytochemical staining, and cell surface markers of Reed-Sternberg cells. In this study we demonstrate that the cell line termed L428 is a potent stimulator of the primary human mixed lymphocyte reaction. Significant proliferation occurred when mononuclear leukocytes obtained from normal donors were stimulated with radiated L428 cells at responder:stimulator ratios varying from 200:1 to 20:1. Proliferative responses occurred between days 3 and 6 of the cultures with maximal proliferation on day 5. Under optimal culture conditions, mean net proliferative response of 14 normal donors was 51,000 +/- 10,600 dpm. The mixed lymphocyte response was totally blocked by concentrations of monoclonal anti-Ia antibody that had no effect on concanavalin A-induced proliferation. However, the mixed lymphocyte response was not blocked by an anti-K562 cell monoclonal antibody of the same immunoglobulin subclass that binds to the L428 cells. Antigen processing by responder monocytes or Ia-positive cells was not required for the MLC. When responder T cells from two normals were depleted of Ia-bearing cells and monocytes, the mixed lymphocyte reaction between the two normals was eliminated, yet the stimulation of each normal by the L428 cells was not reduced. The cells that proliferated in response to stimulation by the L428 cells were T cells, primarily of the helper subset. No IL 1 activity could be detected in concentrated supernatants of L428 cultures after stimulation of L428 cells by mitogens, phorbol esters, or muramyl dipeptide, or in the MLC. All of these cultures contain fetal calf serum. However, the L428 cells are capable of producing IL 1, because IL 1 was detected when the L428 cells were stimulated with LPS in the absence of fetal calf serum. These neoplastic cells, obtained from Hodgkin's disease, have many similarities to the murine as well as human dendritic cells.

[Chronology of the appearance of embryonic ossification nuclei in the turkey]

252 turkey eggs were put in an incubator at 39 degrees C and relative humidity 75%. From the 8th day of incubation up to the 28th, the authors opened 12 eggs a day, 6 at 8 a.m. and 6 at 8 p.m. The embryos were fixed by 10% buffered formaline for three days, dehydrated by alcohol 96% for seven days, eviscerated, coloured by alizarin S red and by alcian blue 8GX, then made diaphanans by means of KOH solutions. Then the authors have described the appearance times of the ossification nuclei in turkey, showing that in turkey the embryonal ossification occurs in a characteristic chronological order, different from that described in other birds, even if they belong to related species.

[Post-embryonic genesis of bursal follicles in the duck]

The structural and histological characteristics of the limiting layer between the cortex and medulla of the bursa of Fabricius in the duck are described in relation to different functional moments of the organ. On E.M. study the limiting layer, in duck having 30 days of age, is constituted of reticular-epithelial cells palisades in shape with many cytoplasmics extension. Lymphatic migration occur in interstitial spaces.

[Microvascularization of the thymus gland in birds. Research in Gallus gallus]

The microcirculation of thymic lobule has been studied. The vascular feature is markedly different compared with mammalian thymic circulation. Only one artery trunk, the intralobular thymic artery branching off from intralobular artery has been evidentiated. Interlobular arter penetrates the lobule and originates a bed of narrow thin-walled capilary network, thinner in the pheriphery.

[Innervation of the bronchial tree in cattle]

In bovine bronchia a peribronochial nervous plexus, two thin one around polmonary arteries and veins and an inner plexus disposed in the mucous structures have been evidentiated. Numerous big nervous ganglia in connection with peribronchial plexus, particularly in the wider bronchia have been observed: in the mucous and submucous membrane of wider bronchia, sensitive nervous terminations are located.

[Peculiarities of the innervation of paranasal cavity mucosa in Ovis aries]

The innervation of the mucous membranes in the paranasal cavities of "ovis aries" appears homogeneous as regards the various nasal sinuses. It is represented by numerous nervous bundles which are in the deep and middle parts of the mucous membranes, and have sensory terminals and fibres assigned to the vessels and glandular adenomeres. In the subepithelial stratum can be noted a superficial plexus from which come off the fibres assigned to the epithelial elements of the mucous membranes.

[The lymphatic component of Bubalus buffalus' pharynx]

The lymphatic component in the pharynx of Buffalo presents some peculiar characteristics of species above all as regards the palatine tonsil. This is characterized by the presence of numerous lobes, by the fast pigmentation of the mucosa in the sinus and sometimes by the crypts and by the wealth of glandular adenomeres. The lingual tonsil, the tonsil of the soft palate, the pharyngeal tonsil and the tubal tonsil are represented by lymphatic elements arranged in the lamina propria of the mucosa and only sometimes they are organized as follicles.