Immunoprecipitation of Epstein-Barr virus EBNA1 protein using human polyclonal serum

We have developed a method that permits the use of human polyclonal serum to immunoprecipitate BamH1-K EBNA(EBNA1) from EBV transformed cell lines and from cells transfected with an expression vector containing the Bam K region of EBV. Serum from healthy seropositive donors is preabsorbed once with lysate of EBV-negative Burkitt lymphoma cells, then fractionated by gel filtration. The main IgG fraction is then used for the immunoprecipitations. Immunoprecipitated material is visualized by immunoblotting using the same serum. Two proteins with apparent molecular weights of 74 and 62 kD are specifically precipitated from extracts of B95-8 cells. Several proteins are immunoprecipitated from cells transfected with the Bam K containing vector, the apparent molecular weights of the 4 major bands are 74, 68, 62 and 57 kD. Labelling of transfected cells with [3H]glycine and [32P]orthophosphate shows that the 74 and 62 kD proteins can be labelled with both isotopes.

Suprofen sustained release kinetics in healthy male volunteers. 1st communication: a single dose open crossover bioavailability study of suprofen sustained release tablets versus capsules

An open crossover study was performed in 12 healthy male volunteers to compare the bioavailability of alpha-methyl-4-(2-thienyl-carbonyl)phenylacetic acid (suprofen, Suprol) 600 mg sustained release tablets versus the suprofen capsule (2 X 200 mg). The pharmacokinetic profiles in plasma and urine were determined by a HPLC assay. In the dose range studied, the two suprofen formulations were not associated with any clinically significant effects on the blood pressure, heart rate or ECG. The results of the physical and neurological examinations showed no abnormal results. The results of haematology, clinical chemistry and urinalysis also showed no significant modifications. However, increased serum creatinine values were observed in some volunteers following suprofen administration. A drug relationship to this finding cannot be excluded with certainty. Two volunteers complained of nausea and vomiting following administration of two suprofen capsules. For this reason, volunteer no. 9 was withdrawn by the investigator from the study and replaced by an eligible substitute. In general, single doses of the two suprofen formulations investigated, were subjectively and objectively well tolerated. From the suprofen plasma-concentration time profiles, it was apparent that, whilst the elimination of suprofen was similar for both formulations, there was a marked delay in absorption of the tablet formulation. This formulation resulted in statistically significantly later maximum plasma levels and longer mean residence time (p less than 0.001). In comparison to the reference capsule formulation, the tablet had statistically significantly lower (75%) bioavailability. Measurement of suprofen concentrations in the urine indicated that less than 1% of the administered dose was excreted by this route.

Plasma concentrations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-2 and HDL-3 in myocardial infarction survivors and in control subjects

The serum concentration of several lipids, including high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and the HDL subfractions, HDL-2-C and HDL-3-C, were measured in 44 male and 26 female survivors of myocardial infarction and compared with those of a control group matched for age, sex, and body weight. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) were significantly increased in patients as compared to control individuals. The total HDL-C concentration was lower in patients than in controls. By differential quantitation of HDL subfractions with a new precipitation method using polyethylene glycol, it was found that HDL-3-C was not significantly different between female patients and controls. The reduction of HDL-3-C in male patients was only of borderline significance. HDL-2-C in contrast was highly significantly reduced in both male and female patients. The greatest difference between patients and controls was found in the HDL-2/HDL-3-C ratio. It is therefore concluded that HDL-2-C quantitation is a valuable risk indicator for myocardial infarction yielding a better discrimination of patients from controls than total HDL-C quantitation.

Localization of the rat immunoglobulin heavy chain locus to chromosome 6

We have previously used rat/mouse somatic cell hybrids to localize the rat c-myc gene to chromosome 7 (Sümegi et al. 1983) and the rat immunoglobulin kappa locus to chromosome 4 (Perlmann et al. 1985). We now report that by utilizing rat/mouse somatic cell hybrids, we have localized the rat immunoglobulin heavy chain locus to chromosome 6.

Investigations of the influence of nonsteroidal antirheumatic drugs on the rates of sister-chromatid exchange

For detection of possible damage to genetic material due to nonsteroidal antirheumatic drugs, a technique was used to determine sister-chromatid exchange rates. The SCE rates before and after therapeutic application of several nonsteroidal antirheumatic drugs (diclofenac, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, isoxicam, ketoprofen, piroxicam, pirprofen, tiaprofenic acid) were determined in human lymphocytes in vivo. The cytogenetic investigations of these nonsteroidal antirheumatic agents did not reveal any genetic effects during a treatment period of two weeks.

Suprofen sustained release kinetics in healthy male volunteers. 2nd communication: a multiple dose steady-state kinetics of suprofen sustained release tablets during 6 days in healthy male volunteers

To 12 healthy male volunteers, who had given their consent, 11 administrations of alpha-methyl-4-(2-thienyl-carbonyl)phenylacetic acid (suprofen, Suprol) sustained release tablets 600 mg were given twice a day with a dosage interval of 12 h. It could be demonstrated that suprofen given as multiple dose application of sustained release tablets was well tolerated. Effective mean plasma levels were reached after the second dosage. There was no indication of accumulation nor accelerated elimination during the 6-day period. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean plasma curve after the last administration of the 6-day period and the mean plasma curve after the 3rd application. Also the AUC's in the respective intervals turned out not to be statistically significantly different from each other. Clinical and laboratory tests showed no clinically relevant deviations from the normal range. No adverse reactions whatsoever were observed.

Quantitation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-determined nuclear antigen (EBNA) by a two-site enzyme immunoassay, in parallel with EBV-DNA

A two-site enzyme (TSE) immunoassay was developed for the quantitation of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-determined nuclear antigen (EBNA) using a rabbit serum raised against a synthetic peptide derived from the BamHI K region of the viral genome. Comparison of 12 EBNA-positive and 3 negative cell lines proved that the test was EBV-specific. A dot-blot assay utilizing cloned and nick translated EBV-DNA BamHI M fragment confirmed the EBV-carrier status of the EBNA-positive lines. The results obtained with both the TSE immunoassay and dot-blot assay were in agreement with published values. In contrast to earlier reports, we could not demonstrate any correlation between the content of EBNA and the number of viral genome copies.

Interaction between aurovertin and adenine nucleotide binding sites on mitochondrial F1-ATPase and the isolated beta subunit

The effect of aurovertin on the binding parameters of ADP and ATP to native F1 from beef heart mitochondria in the presence of EDTA has been explored. Three exchangeable sites per F1 were titrated by ADP and ATP in the absence or presence of aurovertin. Curvilinear Scatchard plots for the binding of both ADP and ATP were obtained in the absence of aurovertin, indicating one high affinity site (Kd for ADP = 0.6-0.8 microM; Kd for ATP = 0.3-0.5 microM) and two lower affinity sites (Kd for ADP = 8-10 microM; Kd for ATP = 7-10 microM). With a saturating concentration of aurovertin capable of filling the three beta subunits of F1, the curvilinearity of the Scatchard plots was decreased for ATP binding and abolished for ADP binding, indicating homogeneity of ADP binding sites in the F1-aurovertin complex (Kd for ADP = 2 microM). When only the high affinity aurovertin site was occupied, maximal enhancement of the fluorescence of the F1-aurovertin complex was attained with 1 mol of ADP bound per mol of F1 and maximal quenching for 1 mol of ATP bound per mol of F1. When the F1-aurovertin complex was incubated with [3H]ADP followed by [14C]ATP, full fluorescence quenching was attained when ATP had displaced the previously bound ADP. In the case of the isolated beta subunit, both ADP and ATP enhanced the fluorescence of the beta subunit-aurovertin complex. The Kd values for ADP and ATP in the presence of EDTA were 0.6 mM and 3.7 mM, respectively; MgCl2 decreased the Kd values to 0.1 mM for both ADP and ATP. It is postulated that native F1 possesses three equivalent interacting nucleotide binding sites and exists in two conformations which are in equilibrium and recognize either ATP (T conformation) or ADP (D conformation). The negative interactions between the nucleotide binding sites of F1 are strongest in the D conformation. Upon addition of aurovertin, the site-site cooperativity between the beta subunits of F1 is decreased or even abolished.

Differential recognition of tumor-derived and in vitro Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B-cell lines by fetal calf serum-specific T4-positive cytotoxic T-lymphocyte clones

Two interleukin-2 (IL-2)-dependent cytotoxic T-cell clones were obtained by limiting dilution from a lymphocyte culture stimulated in vitro with the autologous Epstein-Barr virus-transformed lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL) in the presence of fetal calf serum (FCS). Both clones uniformly had a T3+, T4+, Dr+ phenotype and lysed autologous B blasts, the autologous LCL, and allogeneic B cell lines sharing major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigens. The cytotoxic function was triggered by FCS-derived components. There was no killing if the sensitive targets were cultured in serum-free medium or in medium supplemented with human serum. Sensitivity to lysis could be restored by exposing the targets to FCS for at least 6 hr at 37 degrees C. Monoclonal antibodies directed to T-cell-specific surface antigens and MHC class II antigens inhibited lysis with different efficiencies depending on the target cell origin. Killing of Burkitt's lymphoma (BL)-derived cell lines was blocked more easily than killing of LCLs. LCLs but not BL lines induced proliferation of the T-cell clones in the absence of exogenous IL-2. The differences were not related to quantitative variations in the expression of MHC class II antigens, indicating that BL lines differ from LCLs in other cell membrane properties that may influence antigen presentation. The results suggest that the affinity of effector/target binding, which is probably influenced by the concentration of antigenic determinants expressed on the target cell membrane, determines whether proliferative responses or cytotoxicity are induced in the antigen-recognizing T cells.

Leukocyte migration inhibition demonstrates a human T-cell response to a membrane protein expressed in latent Epstein-Barr virus infection

Leukocyte migration inhibition tests show that lymphocytes of Epstein-Barr virus-seropositive individuals recognize a Raji cell membrane antigen and a membrane protein encoded by Epstein-Barr virus in latently infected cells. Antiserum against the latter blocks the leukocyte migration inhibition triggered by both preparations, suggesting that the two antigens are associated with the same protein complex.

Four virally determined nuclear antigens are expressed in Epstein-Barr virus-transformed cells

The expression of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-determined antigens associated with growth-transformation of B cells was studied by immunoblotting with human sera from healthy donors. Four antigens were detected in EBV-carrying cell lines and in B lymphocytes early after infection with the transforming B95-8 substrain of virus. They were not found in uninfected cells, nor could they be demonstrated with sera lacking antibodies to EBV antigens. All four antigens were nuclear. Each of them varied in size in the different cell lines. The two antigens with the lowest molecular weight were identified as EBV-determined nuclear antigens (EBNAs) 1 and 2. The two high molecular weight antigens (140-160 kDa and 150-180 kDa, respectively) were detected with 6 of 16 EBV antibody-positive sera. These proteins appeared to be antigenically unrelated to each other and to EBNAs 1 and 2 and were designated EBNAs 3 and 4. Like EBNAs 1 and 2, they bound to double- and single-stranded DNA in vitro.

[New statistical criteria for validation of the antiarrhythmic effects by acute oral testing]

There are no reliable criteria for the evaluation of acute effects after oral application of a high single dose of an antiarrhythmic agent from the analysis of data of 46 patients with frequent complex VPBs suffering from severe organic heart disease (19 CHD, 27 COCM), we developed a new statistical model. Our calculations were based on nine 10 h Holter ECGs (2 controls, 1 placebo test, 6 class 1 antiarrhythmic agent tests) and two 24 h Holter ECGs (1 control, 1 while on chronic treatment) recorded in each patient. Usually reductions in VPB frequency caused by the medication occurred within 1 hour after application and lasted greater than or equal to 4 hours. The VPB reduction in the course of time was assessed by the parameters r and R (r = VPB reduction of the 4 h interval in comparison to the last hour before application, R = VPB reduction of the 4 h interval in comparison with an analogous interval of a control day). Values of r and R greater than or equal to -50% were never observed simultaneously. In contrast, the majority of all patients developed r and R values greater than or equal to -50% after application of an antiarrhythmic agent, and were classified as responders. As shown at a Holter control after 1 week of chronic treatment, the predictive value of a positive test result was good.

[Relative bioavailability of paracetamol from tablets and suppositories as well as of paracetamol and codeine in a combination tablet]

Eight healthy male volunteers took part in this study to determine the relative bioavailability of Treuphadol oblong tablets (500 mg paracetamol), Treuphadol Plus oblong tablets (500 mg paracetamol, 30 mg codeine phosphate) and Treuphadol suppositories (750 mg paracetamol) against commercial tablets (500 mg paracetamol). Plasma levels of paracetamol and codeine, plus saliva levels of paracetamol for the two paracetamol only formulations, were determined by HPLC and the pharmacokinetic parameters established. The AUC data for paracetamol showed that all four preparations were bioequivalent. The saliva levels of paracetamol demonstrated a good correlation to the corresponding plasma levels. The pharmacokinetic data of codeine from the Treuphadol Plus tablet were compared with corresponding data from the literature. The bioequivalence of codeine when based on this comparison can also be assured.

The Epstein-Barr virus determined nuclear antigen is composed of at least three different antigens

The EBV-determined nuclear antigen, EBNA, is the only known viral product to be regularly detected in all EBV-transformed cells. The anticomplement immunofluorescence (ACIF) staining detects an EBV-specific nuclear reaction that has recently been shown to be due to at least 2 different proteins, EBNA-1 and EBNA-2, encoded by different parts of the viral genome. We now report the existence of a third antigen of the EBNA complex, designated as EBNA-3. Serum from a patient with chronic infectious mononucleosis contained no detectable antibodies to EBNA-I and had only a low EBNA-2 antibody level. Nevertheless, it gave an EBV-specific nuclear reaction of normal intensity and stained EBNA-2-positive and EBNA-2-negative EBV-carrying lines equally well. Immunoblotting with the same serum identified a new EBV-specific nuclear protein of 143-157 kDa.

Alternative involvement of two cytogenetically distinguishable breakpoints on chromosome 8 in Burkitt's lymphoma associated translocations

The chromosomes of 16 Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) derived cell lines were submitted to high-resolution G-band analysis. They included seven lines with t(8;14), three with t(2;8), and four with t(8;22). The translocation breakpoint in chromosome #14 was located in 14q32.3, in chromosome #2 in 2p11.1, and in chromosome #22 in 22q12.12. In chromosome #8, the translocation breakpoint was located in two cytogenetically distinct subbands: 8q24.1 in cell lines with t(8;14) and t(2;8) and 8q24.22 in cell lines with t(8;22). In the light of recent molecular findings, these results indicate that the distance between the c-myc gene, located in 8q24, and the Ig sequences might be much larger in BL lines with t(8;22) than in those with t(2;8).

Leukocyte migration inhibition detects cross-reacting antigens between cells transformed by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and EBV-like simian viruses

The leukocyte migration inhibition (LMI) technique was used to measure the T cell-mediated immune response of Epstein-Barr-virus (EBV)-seropositive human donors to antigens associated with B cell lines of simian origin, transformed by simian EBV-like viruses, Herpesvirus papio (HVP), H. pan, H. gorilla and H. pongo. Extracts of cell lines carrying three of the four simian viruses (from gorilla, chimpanzee and orangutan) induced a positive LMI response, whereas lines carrying baboon-derived HVP were ineffective. None of the simian virus-transformed lines elicited an LMI reaction in human EBV-seronegative individuals. Leukocytes from patients with acute infectious mononucleosis (IM) failed to respond to any of the lines transformed by EBV or the simian EBV-like viruses. Such lines express the virally encoded nuclear antigen, but have only a low level of viral cycle-associated antigens. Extracts of the EBV-carrying human cell line P3HR-1 induced with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate to express high levels of early and virus capsid antigens (EA, VCA, respectively) however, elicited a strong response with leukocytes from patients with acute IM. During convalescence, IM patients became responsive to EBV, H. gorilla-, H. pan- and H. pongo-transformed lines, indicating that the LMI reaction induced by these simian virus-transformed lines was directed against the antigens expressed in immortalized cells rather than against antigens of the lytic cycle. It is highly probable that this reaction reflects a cross-recognition of the nuclear antigens associated with these four transforming viruses (excluding H. papio) at the level of human T cells.