Characterization of specific HLA-DQ alpha allospecificities by genomic, biochemical, and serologic analysis

Bgl II restriction endonuclease digestion of genomic DNA from lymphoblastoid cell lines homozygous for HLA DR and DQ serological specificities, followed by hybridization with a DQ alpha cDNA probe, identified a genomic polymorphism characterized by two reciprocal patterns, one associated with DR 3, 5 and 8 and the other with DR 1, 2, 4, 7, and 9. The former pattern corresponded precisely to the reactivity of monoclonal antibody SFR20-DQ alpha 5, shown by Western blotting to react with isolated alpha-chains, but not with beta-chains. Additional variants of the DQ alpha genes were identified by using a locus-specific oligonucleotide probe for the DQ alpha gene, indicating differences among the DQ alpha 5-negative set of alleles. This analysis defines a set of DQ alpha allelic markers that are distinct from the well-established DQ serologic specificities DQw1, 2, 3 or "blank." Although most DQ alpha 5+ cells carry the DRw52 specificity associated with the DR beta 2 gene, analysis of DQ alpha polymorphisms on DR5, DQw1; DR8, DQw1; and DRw13, DQw1 cells verified that this DQ alpha family of alleles was not invariably linked to the DR beta 2 locus.

HLA-DP and HLA-DO genes in presumptive HLA-identical siblings: structural and functional identification of allelic variation

We analyzed HLA class II genomic polymorphisms in three families in which bone marrow transplantation was performed between individuals presumed to be HLA identical, but in which unexplained mixed lymphocyte culture reactivity was observed. These families were characterized by classical HLA serology, MLC, and DP typing. In each family, a pair of "HLA-identical" siblings demonstrated a small proliferative response in bidirectional MLC. Southern blotting analysis performed with cDNA probes for DQ alpha, DP alpha, and DP beta identified DP genomic differences in each case. Hybridization of Bgl II-digested genomic DNA with a DP alpha cDNA probe revealed three prominent polymorphic fragments (7.7, 5.8, and 3.7 kb), which discriminated between presumptive identical siblings and indicated crossover events within HLA. Similarly, hybridization of SstI-digested genomic DNA with a DP beta cDNA probe, although resulting in a more complex pattern, identified DP genomic disparity between the presumed HLA identical siblings. Hybridization of SstI-digested DNA from two families with evidence of DP recombination was performed by using an oligonucleotide probe specific for the newly described HLA class II gene DO beta. Two major polymorphic fragments, at 6.2 and 3.3 kb, segregated in these families and localized the crossovers flanking the DO beta gene between the DQ and DP loci. The contribution of the antigenic differences marked by these HLA DP and DO DNA polymorphisms to allorecognition in MLR and in graft-vs-host disease are discussed.

HLA-DP and HLA-DO genes in presumptive HLA-identical siblings: structural and functional identification of allelic variation

We analyzed HLA class II genomic polymorphisms in three families in which bone marrow transplantation was performed between individuals presumed to be HLA identical, but in which unexplained mixed lymphocyte culture reactivity was observed. These families were characterized by classical HLA serology, MLC, and DP typing. In each family, a pair of "HLA-identical" siblings demonstrated a small proliferative response in bidirectional MLC. Southern blotting analysis performed with cDNA probes for DQ alpha, DP alpha, and DP beta identified DP genomic differences in each case. Hybridization of Bgl II-digested genomic DNA with a DP alpha cDNA probe revealed three prominent polymorphic fragments (7.7, 5.8, and 3.7 kb), which discriminated between presumptive identical siblings and indicated crossover events within HLA. Similarly, hybridization of SstI-digested genomic DNA with a DP beta cDNA probe, although resulting in a more complex pattern, identified DP genomic disparity between the presumed HLA identical siblings. Hybridization of SstI-digested DNA from two families with evidence of DP recombination was performed by using an oligonucleotide probe specific for the newly described HLA class II gene DO beta. Two major polymorphic fragments, at 6.2 and 3.3 kb, segregated in these families and localized the crossovers flanking the DO beta gene between the DQ and DP loci. The contribution of the antigenic differences marked by these HLA DP and DO DNA polymorphisms to allorecognition in MLR and in graft-vs-host disease are discussed.

Immunogenetics of juvenile chronic arthritis in Israel

Typing for HLA-A,B,C and DR antigens was performed in 61 Israeli patients with juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) and in 120 unrelated controls. No significant associations were apparent in the overall patient group. DR5 was significantly increased in the non-Ashkenazi patients with pauciarticular onset of disease. The only three DRw8 positive patients in the study had pauciarticular onset. DR5 and DRw8 were found in 9 of 10 patients with age of onset less than 3 years. Increased frequencies of Bw50 and Cw6 were observed in patients with systemic onset. Typing for properdin factor (Bf) and glyoxylase (GLO) was carried out in 45 and 50 of the patients, respectively. No associations with alleles of the complement Bf system or the HLA linked GLO system were evident. The confirmation in the ethnically distinct Israeli population of the previously described association of DR5 with pauciarticular JCA suggests that this gene may be closely related to the disease susceptibility gene.

HLA-DQ heterogeneity among HLA-DRw11(5) haplotypes

Class II molecular variation among a panel of ten HLA-DRw11(5) homozygous cell lines (HCL) was investigated by analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphisms in genomic DNA. Hybridization of Bgl II, Hind III, and Taq I digested cellular DNA with DQ alpha and DQ beta cDNA probes identified a clustering of characteristic polymorphisms. Considerable diversity was observed between the HLA-DRw11(5), DQw3 positive haplotypes studied, as well as compared to a DRw11(5), DQw1 positive haplotype. In contrast to the observed DQ genomic variability, hybridization with a DR beta probe revealed relatively limited diversity. The molecular heterogeneity seen by genomic restriction fragment analysis illustrates the presence of genomic polymorphisms, particularly within HLA-DQ-related genes among a family of DRw11(5)-related haplotypes.

Immunogenetics of rheumatoid arthritis in Israel

In an attempt to study the variation of associations between HLA and rheumatoid disease a population of 44 Ashkenazi and 29 non-Ashkenazi patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis were tested for HLA-A, B, C and DR antigens and compared with the relevant control groups. In contrast to the results obtained in Middle European or North American Caucasians, Rheumatoid Arthritis in Israel is not associated with B15 and Cw3, indicating that it is very unlikely that B- and C-locus antigens are involved in coding for disease susceptibility for RA. The allele DR4 which is found associated with RA in almost all populations tested so far was in the total patient group (47.9%) slightly but not significantly more frequent than in the control group (38.3%). This difference was entirely due to a nonsignificant increase in the frequency of DR4 in the Ashkenazi patients (54.5%) compared to controls (40%), while the frequency of DR4 in non-Ashkenazi patients and controls was virtually identical (38.0% vs 36.7%). Another surprising finding was that the frequency of HLA-DR1, which has been reported to be increased in different populations of patients with RA was found to be completely normal in the present study on Israeli patients. The alleles of the Bf and the GLO system did not show any significant difference between patients and controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Polymorphism of the HLA DR1 haplotype in the Israeli population investigated at the serological, cellular, and genomic levels

In the present report, we used serological, cellular, and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) to investigate the DR1 haplotype in the Israeli population. We describe an Israeli homozygous typing cell (HTC), HLA-Dw"LVA", which defines a new lymphocyte-activating determinant associated with Bw65, DR1 and distinct from Dw1. The parents of this donor, non-Ashkenazi Algerian Jews, are first cousins and share HLA-Cw8,Bw65,BfS,DR1,DQw1,DPw4. No specificity could be assigned to HLA-Dw"LVA" using the 91 Ninth Workshop HTCs. Two families and forty unrelated DR1 individuals were studied with Dw"LVA" and a panel of DR1/Dw1 HTCs. HLA-Dw"LVA" showed segregation as a single determinant within families. This new specificity was present in 24 out of 40 (60%) unrelated DR1 individuals, indicating that in the Israeli population Dw"LVA" is the main lymphocyte-defined determinant associated with the serologically defined DR1 specificity, in contrast to non-Jewish Caucasoids where DR1 is significantly associated with Dw1. The vast majority of Dw"LVA"-positive carriers were also Bw65 carriers, indicating that Bw65,DR1, Dw"LVA" may represent a typical allele combination in the Israeli population. The RFLP analysis established the correlation of certain RFLPs with Dw1 and Dw"LVA". In addition, we describe a cluster of FRLPs that may correspond to a new Dw subtype associated with DR1, for which no serological and cellular reagents have been described so far.

HLA-Dw"SHY": a new lymphocyte defined specificity associated with HLA-DRw10

HLA-DRw10 is a relatively new class II serologically-defined alloantigen first described in the 8th International Histocompatibility Workshop. To date the HLA-Dw related to the DRw10 specificity has not been detected. We have studied a Jewish family ("SHY") of Yemenite origin, in which the parents are first cousins who share one HLA haplotype: A29,Cw2,B7,BfF,DRw10,GL02. Two of the offspring in this family are homozygous for this haplotype. MLC family study confirmed that each of the two individuals was homozygous for HLA-Dw. No currently defined HLA-Dw specificity could be assigned to "SHY" using a selected panel of Caucasoid and local HTcs. HLA-Dw"SHY" was shown to segregate with DRw10 positive/Dw blank haplotypes in two families and in 64% (7/11) of DRw10 positive unrelated positive/Dw blank haplotypes in two families and in 64% (7/11) of DRw10 positive unrelated individuals. HTC"SHY" thus expresses the first HLA-Dw specificity associated with DRw10.

HLA-DR2 and DR4 further defined by two new HLA-D specificities (HTC) derived from Israeli Jewish donors: comparative study in Caucasian, Korean, Eskimo and Israeli populations

Two newly-identified HLA-D antigens were characterized by testing selected homozygous typing cells (HTC) against responder panels derived from Caucasian, Korean, Alaskan Eskimo and Israeli Jewish populations. The first specificity, defined by typing cell "AZH", is associated with DR2 haplotypes and is detected primarily in Israelis. The second specificity, defined by HTC "TAS", is associated with DR4 haplotypes and is detected with relatively high frequency in Koreans and Alaskan Eskimos. The data indicate that HTC-AZH and -TAS can be used to identify previously undefined splits or variants of lymphocyte-defined (LD) determinants associated with DR2 and DR4 haplotypes. Further, the study demonstrates the utility of comparative population analysis in identifying and characterizing alleles encoded by the HLA-D region and provides additional evidence of heterogeneity within the family of serologically-defined HLA-DR haplotypes.

Maternal-paternal histocompatibility: lack of association with habitual abortions

Class I human leukocyte antigens (HLA-A, -B) and class II (HLA-DR) antigens were determined in 60 and 30 carefully selected couples with multiple abortions, respectively. The study group was compared with fertile couples with no history of abortion and with a control group consisting of randomly matched women and men from our laboratory cell panel. No significant deviation from the calculated control mating frequencies was observed in the group with habitual abortions. When the study and control couples were grouped by ethnic origin into Ashkenazim and non-Ashkenazim, the frequencies of shared HLA-A, -B, and -DR antigens were similar in both groups. These results do not confirm the observations of greater HLA compatibility between partners of aborting couples reported by other laboratories. Moreover, the results of an informative family in which the woman, after three consecutive spontaneous abortions, conceived and bore a healthy male infant genotypically HLA-identical to his mother are presented. Taken together, these results challenge the concept that compatibility in determinants of the major histocompatibility complex have a major role in habitual abortions.

HLA-linked SB antigens in Israel. Population study, analysis of homozygous typing cells and generation of local SB reagents

In the present study we have investigated the HLA-SB antigen distribution in 65 unrelated Israeli Ashkenazim and non-Ashkenazim and in a panel of 18 local homozygous typing cells (HTC). Two locally derived SB reagents, anti-SB2 and SB3, were also studied. The HLA-SB allele frequencies in the Israeli sample ranged from 0.02 for SB1 to 0.47 for SB4 while SB5 was absent. SB3 had a higher frequency in non-Ashkenazim (0.11) as compared to Ashkenazim (0.06) but this difference was not significant. On the whole, the allele frequencies for the 5 HLA-SB antigens studied were in the range observed in non-Jewish Caucasoid populations with some minor variations. Two of eighteen local HTC's were found heterozygous for SB, demonstrating that homozygosity for HLA-A, B, C, D and DR does not indicate homozygosity for HLA-SB. The local anti-SB2 and SB3 typing reagents gave concordant results when compared with the NIH reference typing cells in population studies.

HLA-D clusters associated with DR2 and the definition of HLA-D"AZH": a new DR2 related HLA-D specificity in Israel

In order to investigate the HLA-D clusters associated with DR2 in Israeli Jews, 40 DR2 positive unrelated individuals were studied with a panel of DR2 associated homozygous typing cells (HTC's) which detect the lymphocyte defined specificities HLA-Dw2, Dw12, Dw9 and D-WJR. The results confirmed the existence of two distinct HLA-D clusters associated with the same serologically defined DR2. Of 40 individuals 22.5% (9/40) were Dw2 and 50% (20/40) were Dw12 carriers. Yet, no HLA-D specificity could be assigned to the remaining 11 DR2 positive individuals. In the present study we have defined a unique DR2-associated Dw specificity, HLA-D"AZH". The donor of the HTC was of Moroccan origin and an offspring of a first cousin marriage. This cell was not typeable with the known DR2-associated homozygous typing cells nor with other HTC's which define the well established HLA-Dw1 to Dw11 specificities. It was shown to segregate with DR2 positive HLA haplotypes in family analysis and in a population study, typed out 7 of 11 unrelated DR2 positive, Dw blank individuals, thus identifying a unique and new HLA-D cluster provisionally designated D"AZH".

[Surgical treatment of Basedow's disease. II--Evaluation of 36 subtotal thyroidectomies]

Results of subtotal thyroidectomy in 36 patients with Graves' disease emphasize the need for strict medical preparation, with the administration of corticoids more particularly, and the technical imperatives required during operation. Analysis of endocrine factors showed that euthyroidism was obtained in 76% of cases with a fairly stable state after 6 months. Hyperthyroidism was rare and developed before the end of the first year. Hypothyroidism, mainly biologic, was frequent during the immediate postoperative period but compensatory hypertrophy of remaining tissue was the usual outcome. It was persistent in 14% of cases, however, but easily compensated by substitutive therapy and a less severe complication than prolonged hyperthyroidism. Biologic hypocalcemia was also frequent but normal levels were reinstituted rapidly. Surgical treatment of Graves' disease is usually effective and rapidly performed, and is particularly indicated when socio-ethnic conditions make medical treatment difficult or impossible.

Is predisposition to pemphigus vulgaris in Jewish patients mediated by HLA-Dw10 and DR4?

Twenty-one Israeli Jewish pemphigus vulgaris (PV) patients were studied for the HLA-D lymphocyte defined determinants and the serologically defined antigens of the HLA-A, B, and DR series. HLA-D typing revealed that Dw10 is significantly associated with PV: 86% of patients vs 18% of controls carried Dw10, and DR4 was present in 86% of patients as compared to 38% in the controls. The most striking observation was that all Dw10 positive patients were also positive for DR4, and no other patient carried DR4 alone. The relative risk for a Dw10-DR4 carrier to develop PV was estimated at 31.9, higher than that observed for Dw10 alone (RR 26.7) or DR4 alone (RR 9.6). Probably HLA-Dw10 predisposes for pemphigus vulgaris.

Suppression of mixed lymphocyte reactivity by cellular and humoral factors in aplastic anemia--both before and after bone marrow transplantation

A patient with infectious hepatitis who developed severe aplastic anemia received a bone marrow transplant from her HLA-identical, mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC)-negative sister. It was found that pretreatment of normal lymphocytes with the immunoglobulin fraction of the patient's serum resulted in marked inhibition of their proliferative response to mitogens, as well as their ability to serve as stimulators and responders in MLC. The patient's lymphocytes, unlike those of her HLA-identical sister were unable to stimulate and respond in MLC and markedly suppressed mixed lymphocyte reactivity between two unrelated healthy individuals. Donor-type lymphocytes obtained from the patient after engraftment were also unable to respond or stimulate in MLC. It is suggested that the suppression of lymphocyte responses was mediated by an immunoglobulin present in the patient's serum.

Familial gonadal germinative failure: endocrine and human leukocyte antigen studies

Two primary amenorrheic sisters were diagnosed as 46,XX pure gonadal dysgenesis. Their brother, a normal phenotypic and genotypic male, was azoospermic due to primary germinative failure. Parental consanguinity was observed, suggesting an autosomal recessive inheritance. This is the first reported family in which both an otherwise healthy male and two females were affected by gonadal germinative failure. Endocrine studies showed impaired gonadal function in the three affected siblings. The two females with gonadal dysgenesis and the azoospermic male shared one human leukocyte antigen haplotype; the second haplotype, however, was different. The common haplotype was also found in the oligomenorrheic sister whose gonadotropin-releasing hormone test was compatible with normal ovarian function, in the mother, and in one of her offspring who had a normal spermiogram. Hence, linkage between human leukocyte antigens and gonadal failure in this family had been excluded. The possible etiology of familial, chromosomally competent, gonadal failure is discussed.

HLA-D "BG" in Israel. A Japanese related allele population and family study

An homozygous typing cell for a local HLA-D determinant"BG", defined by family study, is described. HLA-D "BG" recognizes a specificity identical to the Japanese HLA-DHO (Dw12). Two families and 102 randomly selected healthy Israeli individuals were typed for the HLA-D "BG" determinant. HLA-D "BG" showed segregation as a single determinant within families. The gene frequency for this allele was 0.045, compared to the frequency of 0.148 for DHO in Japanese. In the Israeli population "BG" is in strong association with HLA-Bw52 (joint occurrence = 7.80%) and DR2 (joint occurrence = 8.80%), resembling the data reported foar DHO (Dw12) in Japan. The frequency of this allele may partially account for the low frequency of HLA-Dw2 in the Israeli population.

Mixed lymphocyte reactivity nonresponsiveness in couples with multiple spontaneous abortions

We have endeavored to ascertain the possible existence of deviant recognition of antigens controlled by the major histocompatibility complex by lymphocytes originating in couples with a history of multiple spontaneous abortions of unknown cause. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing, as well as one-way mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) tests, were performed on 33 couples with multiple spontaneous abortions and subsequently compared to 30 fertile couples with no abortion history. No significant differences in the frequency of HLA were detected between the fertile and infertile groups. The frequencies of shared HLA-A and -B antigens among members of the couples were similar in both groups. In 70% of the cases studied, the husbands revealed a depressed cellular response to their respective wives; whereas reactivity to cells from other women proved normal. However, the response of allogeneic controls to these infertile women was normal. This implies that women with multiple abortions are not poor stimulators. The specific one-way decrease in the MLC reactivity appeared to be mediated by female-derived suppressor mechanisms and may be considered as one of the causes of the interrupted development of pregnancy in vivo.

Study of a family with Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis. No HLA linkage, but an informative recombination between HLA-B and Bf

A large family with three children affected with the autosomal recessive disease of Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis (CTX) was studied for class I (HLA-A,B,C) and class II antigens (HLA-DR,D,SB), properdin factor B and glyoxalase. The extensive typing revealed an informative cross-over between HLA-B and Bf, indicating that Bf is located centromeric to the HLA-B locus and segregated in this family with HLA-D/DR. The parents in this family were first cousins and their parents were also first cousins. Three of their four haplotypes share B14, BfS, DR1, Dx and SB4 and may be identical by descent. The three affected children carried among them all four parental haplotypes, indicating that close linkage of the CTX locus to HLA is unlikely.

Histocompatibility antigens, mixed lymphocyte reactivity and severe preeclampsia in Israel

In the present study we have attempted to ascertain the possible existence of an association between antigens of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and development of severe preeclampsia (PE). HLA-A, B, C, DR antigens as well as reactivity in one-way mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) were studied in 40 couples with severe PE, and subsequently compared to 30 normal fertile control couples. No significant differences in the frequencies of HLA antigens were detected between PE and control couples. The frequency of shared HLA-A, B and DR antigens among members of the couples was similar in both groups. The one-way MLC showed normal reactivity of both parental pairs in all combinations tested. Consequent to our data we are unable to support the suggestion that the MHC affects the susceptibility to develop severe PE.

Effect of brain monoamines on the secretion of adrenocorticotrophic hormone

The role of brain monoamines (5-HT, NA and DA) in the secretion of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) was studied in view of contradictory reports. Plasma corticosterone levels and the rate of synthesis of corticosterone in vitro by the adrenal gland were estimated in albino rats and have been taken as the index of ACTH activity. These estimations were done in unstressed and stressed, and in untreated and treated rats. Drugs were administered intracerebroventricularly to the rats to cause selective degeneration of tryptaminergic, noradrenergic or dopaminergic neurons. The results show that plasma corticosterone levels and the rate of synthesis of corticosterone were significantly decreased after selective degeneration of tryptaminergic neurons in unstressed rats. After selective degeneration of either tryptaminergic or noradrenergic neurons, the acute increase in the plasma corticosterone levels and rate of synthesis of corticosterone in vitro by adrenal glands in stressed rats were significantly inhibited. These results have been interpreted to suggest that the central tonic control on adrenal glands may be 5-HT mediated and that during stress ACTH secretion may be both 5-HT and NA mediated. DA does not seem to have significant role in the regulation of ACTH secretion.

HLA-D locus in Israel. Characterization of 14 local HTC's and a population study

Fourteen homozygous typing cells identified in Israel are described. Of these typing cells two were of Ashkenazi and 11 of non-Ashkenazi origin, while the remaining HTC was from an Arab donor. Ten of the 14 HTC's characterized in this manner were offspring of consanguineous marriages; all of them were non-Ashkenari. Nine HTC's express specificities previously recognized in Caucasians, 4 HTC's represent new specificities (J1-J4), and one typing cell was found to be analogous to the Japanese Dw12 (DHO) specificity. The distribution of HLA-D specificities in 120 randomly selected Israelis representing the two main Jewish subpopulations, Ashkenazim and non-Ashkenazim, was studied with the locally defined HTC's. HLA-Dw5 and Dw10 were found to be significantly increased while Dw2 and Dw6 were significantly decreased in Israelis as compared to Caucasians.

Histocompatibility (HLA) antigens and multiple sclerosis in Israelis

The association of A3, B7 and Dw2 histocompatibility (HLA) markers with multiple sclerosis (MS) is well established among North Europeans and Whites in the United States, but is apparently not universal. We previously showed that the incidence of A3, B7 and Dw2 was not higher among Israelis with MS. An association of A3 and B7 was also lacking in Italian, Jordanian and Japanese groups with MS. Recently, the HLA-DR antigen DR2 was shown to have a stronger association with MS than do A3 and B7. Conceivably, DR2 could be associated with MS even in populations where an association with A3 or B7 is lacking. Therefore, a study of DR antigens was carried out in 45 carefully defined Israeli MS patients and in matched control subjects. No significant association between MS and DR antigens was found. We conclude that the association between HLA antigens and MS is specific only to certain populations or particular regions. The implications of this observation on the role played by HLA antigens in the etiopathogenesis of MS is discussed.

HLA-D typing in multiple sclerosis: Israelis tested with European homozygous typing cells

The association of A3, B7, Dw2 and DR2 histocompatibility (HLA) markers with multiple sclerosis (MS) is well established among Northern Europeans and Caucasoids in the United States. We showed previously that A3 and B7 were not increased among Israelis with MS, and in a preliminary study Dw2 as well. An association of A3 and B7 is also lacking in Italians, Jordanian and Japanese MS patients. In Black American MS patients, the B7 frequency is slightly increased but Dw2 is still significantly associated with MS. For the HLA-DR antigen series DR2 is shown to have a stronger association to MS than A3 and B7. Conceivably, this antigen could be associated with MS even in populations where an association with A3 or B7 is lacking. Therefore, a study of HLA-A, B, C, DR and D antigens was carried out in Israel. No significant excess or deficiency of HLA antigens was found in MS. Possible explanations for these results are as follows: (1) the relevant HLA-D alleles in the Jewish population were not detected by the homozygous typing cells (HTCs) used, since they were derived primarily from European sources; (2) in contrast to the Caucasoid populations the genetic factor predisposing for MS is not associated with HLA alleles in the Israeli population; (3) MS is an heterogeneous disease and in Israelis, an environmental factor is sufficient to cause the disease.

HLA-DR, D recombination in a kidney transplant recipient

Immunogenetic studies of a consanguineous family revealed discordance in the inheritance pattern of the HLA-D and HLA-DR antigens in one offspring. The findings suggest a recombination between the HLA-D and HLA-DR loci in one of the paternal chromosomes. Results on segregation of B-cell alloantigens. MLC reactivity, and glyoxalase isoenzyme determination map the DR gene between the HLA-B and D loci.

Genetics of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus in Israel: population and family study

The association between insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and the HLA system was studied in two groups of Jewish patients: 50 Ashkenazim and 42 non-Ashkenazim. The pattern of association of HLA-A and B locus antigens was somewhat different from that observed in European Caucasian patients. HLA-B8 had a higher frequency; B15 and Cw3 were rare in the population studied and were less frequent in IDDM patients than in controls. On the other hand, the frequency of A26, B18, and Bw38 was increased in Ashkenazi patients, but not in non-Ashkenazim, who in turn showed an increase for Bw51. Although the association between IDDM and HLA-A and B locus antigens shows a marked variability in different populations, the association with HLA-DR3 and DR4 is constant feature. There was a typical excess of DR3/DR4 heterozygotes in both patient groups. This heterozygote type carries the highest relative risk, followed by DR4/DR4 homozygotes. These data can well be interpreted by a model of two different HLA-linked susceptibility genes, one associated with DR3 and the other one with DR4, that interact so that different genotypes are associated with different levels of penetrance. This model received further support from studies in 15 multiple case families where there is an excess of affected sib pairs sharing two DR antigens.

Histocompatibility determinants in Israeli Jewish patients with coeliac disease: population and family study

The association between HLA and coeliac disease (CD) was studied in the Jewish population of Israel. A total of 112 patients were typed for HLA-A,B,C antigens, including 67 patients whose families were typed in order to deduce the genotypes. Forty-seven patients were typed for HLA-DR antigens. The HLA-A,B,C data show a pattern of association, which is similar to that found in European CD patients: HLA-B8 is increased, although to a lower degree; a suggestive, insignificant increase for Aw30, B13 and Cw6 and a decrease of Bw35 were noted. The DR antigens DR3 and DR7 are associated with CD in the Jewish population. An excess of DR3/DR7 heterozygotes was noted. The data from family and population studies support a model in which two different HLA-DR associated genes are interacting.

Immobilization stress in rats: effect on rectal temperature and possible role of brain monoamines in hypothermia

Immobilization of albino rats for 2 h showed ambient temperature-dependent changes in rectal temperature, hypothermia at temperatures below 30 degrees C, and hyperthermia at 35 degrees C and above. Adrenalectomized (Adre) rats showed more hypothermia compared to sham operated controls at 25 +/- 2 degrees C. The increased hypothermia in adrenalectomized rats was reversed by 10 mg/kg IP or 100 microgram/rat ICV of hydrocortisone. Groups of rats pretreated with desmethylimipramine (DMI, 25 mg/kg IP) and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-HD, 100 microgram/rat ICV) or methyl ester of parachlorophenylalanine (ME-PCPA, 100 microgram/rat ICV for 3 days) or 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine (DHT, 75 microgram/rat ICV) showed significantly less hypothermia at the end of 2 h of immobilization. Applying analysis of variance test, the hypothermia in Adre, ME-PCPA and DHT groups, was found to be not significantly different from their respective control groups between 0 and 45 min of immobilization but was significantly different between 45 to 120 min of immobilization. DMI-6-HD group however, showed significant difference between 0--45 min only and not between 45--120 min of immobilization. The results suggest that the early phase of immobilization induced hypothermia between 0--45 min is dopamine and the late phase of hypothermia between 45--120 min is 5-hydroxytryptamine mediated.

Comparison of radioimmunoassay and counterimmunoelectrophoresis for the detection of hepatitis B surface antigen carriers in a high-prevalence region

Solid-phase radioimmunoassay (RIA) and counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) were compared for the detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers among blood donors in Jerusalem, which is in a region characterized by a high prevalence of HBsAg and a predominance of the ayw subtype. RIA detected 84% more HBsAg carriers than CIE, with the resultant exclusion of 1.8 times as many potentially infective donors. The results provide additional information concerning the specific increases in donor-carrier detection that are associated with the introduction of highly sensitive HBsAg tests in different geographic and epidemiologic circumstances.

Is the vertical disposition of Mycoplasma membrane proteins affected by membrane fluidity?

The influence of the physical state of the membrane lipid matrix on the vertical disposition of membrane proteins was studied with Acholeplasma laidlawii. Changes in membrane fluidity were brought about by altering the fatty acid composition of membrane lipids, by changing the growth temperature, by aging of cultures and by inducing changes in the membrane lipid-to-protein ratio through treatment with chloramphenicol. The lactoperoxidase-mediated iodination technique was used to label membrane proteins exposed to the aqueous surroundings. The degree of exposure of the iodine-binding sites of membrane proteins on the external surface of intact cells was found to undergo significant changes on varying growth conditions, but the changes could not be consistently correlated with changes in membrane fluidity, nor were they discernible on iodination of isolated membranes.

Characterization of the mycoplasma membrane proteins. VI. Composition and disposition of proteins in membranes from aging Mycoplasma hominis cultures

Membranes of Mycoplasma hominis cells from cultures progressing from the mid to the end of the logarithmic phase of growth became richer in protein, poorer in phospholipids and cholesterol, heavier in density, and more viscous as determined by EPR. The membrane-bound ATPase activity declined steeply. Electrophoretic analysis failed to show marked changes in membrane protein composition on aging, apart from an increase in the staining intensity of one protein band (Mr approximately 130 000) concomitant with a decrease in the staining intensity of several minor protein bands of high molecular weight. To test for possible changes in the disposition of the various membrane proteins on aging of cultures, a comparison was made of the susceptibility of membrane proteins of intact cells and isolated membranes to trypsinization and lactoperoxidase-mediated iodination. The iodination values and the percent of membrane protein released by trypsinization of intact cells were similar in cells from cultures of different ages, indicating no significant changes in the organization of the proteins on the outer surface. On the other hand, trypsinization and iodination of isolated membranes were found to be most markedly affected by the culture age, indicating significant changes in the organization of the proteins on the inner membrane surface. Thus, the iodination values of isolated membranes decreased by almost two fold, while the percentage of protein released from the membrane by trypsin increased from 28% to 50% during the experimental period. It is suggested that aging in M. hominis cultures is accompanied by a continuous increase in the packing density of the protein molecules on the inner surface of the cell membrane.