The H-RS-like cells in infectious mononucleosis are transformed interdigitating reticulum cells

The lymphoid tissues from patients with infectious mononucleosis or, less frequently, with other reactive conditions may contain Reed-Sternberg (RS)-like cells. These tissues also contain cells resembling the lacunar cells or lymphocytic/histiocytic (L/H) variants, which are present in the lymphocyte-predominant type of Hodgkin's disease. The phenotype of these RS- and L/H-like cells was determined with a large panel of antibodies and lectins. The cells expressed sialylated Leu-M1, Con A, LN-2, and, less frequently, interleukin-1, S-100, and peanut agglutinin receptor. They reacted negatively with two markers for RS cells, Ki-1 and HeFi-1. These RS-like cells were consistently negative for T- and B-cell markers, including immunoglobulins. The markers of the RS-like cells are distinctly different from those in B-immunoblasts, but closely resemble those in interdigitating reticulum cells. It is concluded that interdigitating reticulum cells, when stimulated, can be transformed into lacunar-, L/H-, or RS-like cells.

Extracellular matrix does not induce the proliferation, but promotes the differentiation, of Hodgkin's cell line HDLM-1

Tumor cells from the Hodgkin's cell line HDLM-1 were cultured in extracellular matrix (ECM)-coated flasks. Within 24 hours, the cells underwent rapid differentiation, accompanied by morphologic and phenotypic changes. A slow and less prominent, but similar change was observed in HDLM-1 cells after they had been induced with phorbol ester for 5 days. The ECM-induced cells became HeFi-1-negative and expressed antigens 2H9 and 1E9 on their nuclear membranes. These cells had punctate acid-phosphatase and esterase activities. Approximately 70% of the ECM-induced cells were elongated and had long, blunt cytoplasmic projections. These findings, together with evidence the authors previously presented, indicate that H-RS cells are related to interdigitating reticulum cells. The authors believe that the ECM-induced HDLM-1 cells can be used as an important model for studies of the nature and cell lineage of Hodgkin's disease.

Mechanism of the therapeutic effect of anisodamine in disseminated intravascular coagulation: study of platelet adhesion and aggregation, malondialdehyde, thromboxane B2, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, and microcirculation

Acute disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a life-threatening condition that may be encountered in many situations, especially in cases of shock with uncontrollable hemorrhage. Anisodamine, an alkaloid extracted from a Chinese herb, is well known for its dramatic therapeutic effect on DIC. Sixty male rabbits were used to establish an acute DIC model. A total of 240 blood samples were taken for laboratory assays of changes in blood coagulation factors, platelet count, platelet adhesion, platelet aggregation, malondialdehyde (MDA), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha). Changes of the microcirculatory status and the rate of the blood flow in the conjunctival capillaries of 60 rabbits were observed with WXS-II microcirculation microscope. Pathological sections of the lungs and kidneys were studied. Our investigation showed the presence of microthrombi in the microvasculature. After treatment with anisodamine, the prothrombin time stayed in the normal range, fibrinogen consumption was lessened, adenosine-diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation was inhibited, thromboxane B2 and malondialdehyde concentrations were significantly lower than in the control group, and the elevated quantity of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha was spared. We concluded that the anti-platelet-aggregating, microcirculation-facilitating, thromboxane-B2-inhibiting, malondialdehyde-inhibiting, and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha-sparing effects of anisodamine are the important mechanisms of its dramatic therapeutic effect on DIC.

Oxytocin receptors in bovine mammary tissue

Oxytocin receptors were identified and characterized in bovine mammary tissue. [3H]-oxytocin was specifically bound to the 105,000 X g particulate fractions from 5 lactating cows and 5 non-lactating cows. Binding reached equilibrium by 50 min at 20 degrees C and by 8 hr at 4 degrees C. The half-time of displacement at 20 degrees C was approximately 1 hr. ACTH, TRH, angiotensin I, angiotensin II, pentagastrin, bradykinin, xenopsin and L-valyl-histidyl-L-leucyl-L-threonyl- L-prolyl-L-valyl-L-glutamyl-L-lysine were not competitive in the dose range tested at 20 degrees C. The ability of other peptides to inhibit 3H-oxytocin binding was as follows: oxytocin greater than vasotocin greater than arginine - vasopressin greater than lysine - vasopressin greater than Pen1 Phe2 Thr4 - oxytocin. The Kd of the oxytocin receptor averaged 1.66 +/- 1.19 nMol/L for lactating cows and 0.97 +/- nMol/L for non-lactating cows, respectively. The maximum number of binding sites was 0.14 +/- 0.12 nM/mg protein and 0.15 +/- 0.08 nM/mg protein for lactating cows and non-lactating cows, respectively. Identification and characterization of these receptors now makes it possible to study the dynamics of hormonal binding throughout various physiological states of the animal.

Expression of interleukin-1 in Reed-Sternberg cells and neoplastic cells from true histiocytic malignancies

Interleukin-1, a peptide produced by monocytes, histiocytes, and interdigitating reticulum cells, plays an important role in the regulation of immune function. In this styde, we examined the production of interleukin-1 in 115 patients with a variety of human lymphomas by using a rabbit anti-interleukin-1 antibody and the immunoperoxidase technique. Interleukin-1 was detected in Reed-Sternberg cells from 20 patients with Hodgkin's disease as well as in neoplastic cells from 9 patients with true histiocytic lymphoma or malignant histiocytosis. In the other 86 cases, which included T- and B-cell lymphomas, no interleukin-1 could be detected. This result indicates a close relationship between Hodgkin's disease and true histiocytic malignancies and provides additional evidence to support our hypothesis that Reed-Sternberg cells are related to interdigitating reticulum cells.