The modulatory effect of immunoglobulin G on the CD23 and HLA-DR expression and cytokine production in different groups of asthmatic patients

The therapeutic effect and mechanism of action of immunoglobulin G (IgG) on bronchial asthma are not defined. Recently, it has been proposed that mononuclear cell (MNC) infiltration in the airway plays a role in the pathogenesis of asthma. In this study, we evaluated the effect of IgG on the cell receptor expression and cytokine production of MNC from two groups (young atopic and old non-atopic) of stable asthmatic patients. MNCs from both asthmatic patients and normal healthy individuals were obtained after Ficoll-Hypaque separation. Cells were cultured in serum free AIM-V medium, with or without phytohemagglutinin (PHA, 5 micrograms/ml) and IgG (100 micrograms/ml). After culture, MNCs were harvested and stained with monoclonal antibodies for HLA-DR (Ia), CD23 and CD3. MNC supernatants were collected for IL-2 and IL-4 measurement. The results showed an enhancing effect of IgG on young atopic MNC proliferation when stimulated with PHA. The production of IL-2 and IL-4 from MNCs were significantly higher in old non-atopic asthmatics after PHA stimulation. The CD23, but not HLA-DR, expression on CD3 positive T cells and cytokines (IL-2 and IL-4) production were increased by IgG when stimulated with PHA in young atopic asthmatics. To the contrary, the effect of IgG on PHA stimulated MNC proliferation, CD23 and HLA-DR expression on CD23 positive T cells in old non-atopic asthmatics were trivial. Only IL-4 production can be significantly inhibited by IgG. These results suggested that the therapeutic effect of IgG on asthmatics might be variable in different groups of asthmatics.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Plasma arginase concentration measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in normal adult population

Human liver arginase has many biological effects on lymphocytes, macrophages, liver cells, and tumor cells, in addition to its major role in the liver urea cycle. We have developed a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method to quantitate arginase concentrations in plasma that can be applied to various body fluids. The sensitivity was 2.5 ng/mL. The coefficients of variation were good both in intra- and inter-assay. Using this method to study the stability of an arginase preparation, we found that plasma arginase was stable for only 1 or 2 days even at temperatures as low as 4 degrees C. The mean plasma level was 41.0 +/- 3.3 ng/mL (mean +/- SE) in 143 normal subjects. There was no age difference in the general population and in the male group. However, in the female group, the plasma arginase level increased with age (p = 0.05). Its biological significance was unclear. As a whole, the ELISA method for the measurement of arginase concentration in the body fluid is convenient and reliable.

[Relation between traditional Chinese medicinal syndrome differentiation and blood platelet function in 310 cases of blood stasis]

310 patients (153 male, 157 female) of Blood Stasis were divided into various groups by Syndrome Differentiation of TCM and 35 healthy subjects were taken as control. The relationship of TCM Syndrome and function of blood platelet were studied with blood platelet counting, its volume, adherence and aggregation, plasma thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha(6k-PGF1 alpha) as indices of observation. The results were: (1) Blood platelet aggregation of Blood Stasis patients was higher than that in control (P > 0.001). (2) There were some differences of platelet aggregation among different TCM Syndromes. Platelet aggregation of Blood Stasis patients with Qi Deficiency was higher than that with other Syndromes significantly, and the aggregating rate in those patients was higher than that in control (P < 0.05). (3) The platelet aggregation and TXB2 of patient with Heart Qi Deficiency were significantly higher than those of the control (P < 0.05, P < 0.001), and they were also higher than of other groups of blood stasis patient with Spleen, Lung or Kidney Qi Deficiency.

Isolation and characterization of porcine milk lactoferrin

We purified porcine whey lactoferrin by affinity chromatography on a heparin-Sepharose column, followed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Molecular mass of purified lactoferrin (PLF) is 78,000 daltons. The iron-binding activity of PLF had a UV/visible-light absorption spectrum indistinguishable from that of human and bovine lactoferrins (absorbance ratio [465 nm/280 nm] approx 0.046). The growth ratio of WIL-2 cells in PLF-supplemented medium is 70% of that in serum-containing medium. The aforementioned characteristics are similar to those of human and bovine lactoferrins. Immunoblot analysis, using polyclonal antibody raised in rabbits against porcine whey lactoferrin, revealed high specificity for PLF, and low cross-reactivity with commercial human and bovine lactoferrins.

Enhanced eosinophil luminol-dependent chemiluminescence and complement receptor expression by platelet-activating factor and interleukin-5

The cytokine interleukin-5 (IL-5) and the lipid mediator platelet-activating factor (PAF) have both been shown to be involved in eosinophil differentiation and activation. We have measured and compared the effect of PAF and IL-5 on human eosinophils in terms of their luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (CL) response and their expression of complement receptors, CR1 and CR3. Both IL-5 and PAF enhanced the eosinophil CL response. The optimal concentrations were 40 U/ml for IL-5, and 10(-6) M for PAF. The priming effect of IL-5 was slow and reached a maximal response after 90 minutes incubation. In contrast, the effect of PAF peaked early and declined during incubation. In the complement receptor study, only PAF was able to enhance CR3 expression (p < 0.05) while the effect of IL-5 on eosinophil complement receptor expression was negligible. These results provide evidence that both inflammatory mediator (PAF) and cytokine (IL-5) can activate eosinophils but the effects of IL-5 and PAF on eosinophil CL response appear to be distinct. The activation of eosinophils by PAF and IL-5 may occur through different mechanisms.

Postsynaptic potentials and morphological features of tectal cells in homing pigeons

In this study postsynaptic potentials responding to the electrical stimulation of the optic nerve and the nucleus isthmi pars parvocellularis (Ipc) were intracellularly recorded from 86 tectal cells in pigeons, 13 of which were marked with Lucifer yellow (LY). According to types of postsynaptic potentials and their succession, the postsynaptic responses could be classified into four types: excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP)-inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) sequence (EI type), E, I and IE types. Among them, E or EI responses were mainly produced to the optic nerve stimulation, while the electrical stimulation of the Ipc elicited I responses in more than half the recorded cells. LY-marked tectal cells included five ganglionic cells, four pyramidal cells, two bipolar cells and two stellate cells. The ganglionic cells were mainly located in tectal layers III and IV, whereas the others were in layer II. It appears from both intracellular recordings and fluorescent markings that there is some correlation between the morphological features and the postsynaptic response types of tectal cells.

[Experimental study on effects of 18 kinds of Chinese herbal medicine for synthesis of thromboxane A2 and PGI2]

The effect of 18 kinds of Chinese herbal medicine for the synthesis of TXA2 and PGI2 was studied. The porcine lung microsoma was used as donor of enzymes such as cyclo-oxygenase, thromboxane A2 synthetase and prostacyclin synthetase, etc. It was found that Glehnia littoralis could inhibit the synthesis of TXA2 and increase the formation of PGI2. Rheum palmatum (300 mg group) and Erigeron breviscapus significantly inhibited the synthesis of TXA2, but no apparent effection on the synthesis of PGI2. When Codonopsis pilosulae, Astragalus membracaceus, Angelica sinensis, Ginsenosides and Baicalin, etc. markedly inhibited the formation of TXA2 and mildly affected the formation of PGI2. Some Chinese herbs for promoting blood circulation play an important role on the inhibition of TXA2 synthesis. Some tonic herbs could either inhibit the synthesis of TXA2 and increase the synthesis of PGI2 or inhibit the formation of PGI2. Therefore these tonic herbs had the characteristics of both strengthening the body resistance and eliminating pathogenic factors. In this aspect they are better than the control drug (Aspirin) and other herbs of promoting blood circulation.

Methotrexate pneumonitis in bronchial asthma

Methotrexate pneumonitis is one of the most unpredictable and potentially serious adverse effects associated with the use of low-dose pulse methotrexate in treating rheumatoid arthritis. However, its occurrence in treating bronchial asthma has never been reported. A patient with steroid-dependent bronchial asthma developed interstitial pneumonitis during methotrexate therapy. Dyspnea, fever and oral ulcer occurred successively during the initial 4 months of intermittent low-dose methotrexate pulse therapy. Despite severe hypoxemia and interstitial infiltration in both lung fields, the lung lesions disappeared after treatment with corticosteroid and discontinuation of methotrexate therapy. In conclusion, methotrexate pneumonitis might develop after treatment. Once pneumonitis is suspected, methotrexate should be withdrawn.

Can daily dietary arginine supplement affect the function and subpopulation of lymphocytes in patients with advanced gastric cancer?

Since arginine can stimulate lymphocyte proliferation in the healthy human, its effect on lymphocyte proliferation in vitro was studied in 7 patients with far advanced gastric cancer. These patients with normal nourishment were ambulatory and could consume a regular diet. A daily dietary supplement of 30 g arginine for 7 days did not alter the total lymphocyte counts or the T/B cell ratio in the peripheral blood. Enhancement of lymphocyte proliferation in response to mitogen stimulation was not observed. Furthermore, an in vitro study on the effect of arginine on phytohemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation showed that lymphocytes from gastric cancer patients had poorer responses than those obtained from normal subjects, despite the supplement in the culture medium with normal serum, patient serum, or fetal bovine serum. Arginine ingestion did not impair liver function and had no detectable side effects except transient nausea in 1 patient. These results indicate that dietary arginine supplement appears safe but does not stimulate lymphocyte function in far advanced gastric cancer patients. The suppressed immune function in gastric cancer patients may be the result of their intrinsic lymphocyte defect.

[Long term and low dose treatment with methotrexate in corticosteroid-dependent asthma--two-year clinical experience]

Ten patients with corticosteroid-dependent asthma were treated with long-term and low dose methotrexate (MTX) for its corticosteroid-sparing effect. The average age was 51.2 years (ranged 24 to 67). Three were women. Despite the use of maximal doses of bronchodilators, their daily prednisolone dosages were always more than 10 mg during an average period of 2.75 years (ranged 1 to 6 years). Following the use of oral MTX, 15mg weekly from more than 6 months (averaged 11.8 months; ranged 6 to 15 months), the average daily requirement of prednisolone decreased from 14.5 to 6.5 mg (p < 0.01). Among them, four did not need steroid and the other six had a marked subjective improvement in breathing, cough and nocturnal dyspnea. However, three of them could not have steroid dose reduced. As for adverse reactions to MTX in ten patients, two patients had nausea and vomiting, two had skin eruption, three had somnolence, and one had elevated sGOT (78 U/L). The adverse effects were all transient. Neither oral ulcer, nor leukopenia was found among them. This study suggests long-term low dose oral MTX may have a steroid-sparing effect in steroid-dependent asthmatic patients. Their adverse effects were mild and transient.

Effects of three male reproductive toxicants on rat cauda epididymal sperm motion

The sensitivity of the CellSoft computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system to detect changes in rat sperm motion was evaluated. CASA motion endpoints were measured in cauda epididymal sperm from Long-Evans rats treated with each of three known male reproductive toxicants reported to affect the epididymis and epididymal sperm motility: alpha-chlorohydrin, ornidazole, and trimethylphosphate. Significant changes in endpoints describing sperm swimming vigor (curvilinear velocity and straight-line velocity) and pattern (linearity and amplitude of lateral head displacement) were observed for rats dosed with each agent when evaluations included mean values and other statistical parameters (i.e., percentiles and distributional shape). alpha-Chlorohydrin (ACH) treatment (10 mg/kg/day; 8 days) resulted in reductions in the mean percentage of motile sperm, curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight-line velocity (VSL), lateral head displacement (ALH), and linearity (LIN). Treatment with ornidazole (ONZ) (200 mg/kg/day/14 days) reduced the percentage of motile sperm. Mean VCL, VSL, and ALH were reduced by 400 mg ONZ/kg/day treatment. Trimethylphosphate (TMP) treatment led to (a) a reduction in the 75th and 90th percentiles for ALH (100 mg TMP/kg/day; 5 days) (P < or = 0.04), (b) a reduction in VCL, VSL, and ALH (250 mg TMP/kg/day), (c) a reduction in the percentage of motile cells and in the 10th and 25th percentiles for VSL (600 mg TMP/kg/day), and (d) increases in the 90th percentile for VSL, in the mean, 75th, and 90th percentiles for VCL, and in the 75th and 90th percentiles for ALH (600 mg TMP/kg/day). The general utility of these analytic approaches in reproductive toxicology studies was demonstrated in the observations of effects at or below dose levels previously reported.

Alteration of intracellular DNA and RNA patterns by liver arginase studied with flow cytometry

Previous study of lymphocyte proliferation in the presence of liver arginase has indicated that arginine-depletion in the culture medium plays an important role in inhibiting cell proliferation. The inhibitory effect of both liver arginase and arginine-free condition on DNA, RNA and protein syntheses in PHA-stimulated lymphocytes were studied in cultures by measuring the incorporation of labeled precursors. Simultaneously, their influence on DNA and RNA contents in cells stained by acridine orange was investigated by automated flow cytometry. With 3 micrograms/ml arginase, the syntheses of DNA, RNA and protein were markedly inhibited after 72 h of culture. The degrees of inhibition were close to that induced in an arginine-free condition. The DNA and RNA contents of the individual cell, either cultured with 3 micrograms/ml arginase or in arginine-free medium, were arrested in G0/G1 phase. The results of cell arrest in G0/G1 phase were similar whether the cells were cultured for 24, 48 or 72 h.

Increased spontaneous release of cytidine deaminase by polymorphonuclear neutrophils of patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus

Cytidine deaminase activity (CD) in the neutrophil culture supernatants (PMN SUP) of 27 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was measured using a spectrophotometric method. Compared with the controls (5.449 +/- 1.358 U/5 x 10(6) PMN), the CD activity in the spontaneous culture supernatants of PMN was significantly increased in active (10.003 +/- 2.637 U/5 x 10(6) PMN) but not in inactive (5.358 +/- 1.624 U/5 x 10(6) PMN) SLE. However, after stimulation with N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP, 1 x 10(-7) M), the ratio of enzyme activity between stimulated and spontaneous PMN supernatants was decreased in active SLE (0.794 +/- 0.178) compared with normal controls (1.300 +/- 0.225). In contrast, the enzyme activity in the cytoplasm of either stimulated or non-stimulated PMN was not different among these three groups. These results suggest that CD of PMN is releasable and can be enhanced by chemotactic factor stimulation in normal PMN. The increased spontaneous release of CD by active SLE PMN is one of the indicators for the disease activity in these patients.

Clinical significance of arginase in colorectal cancer

Arginase, a potent immune inhibitor, existed in much greater abundance in the cytoplasm of cancer cells than in normal cells. Serum arginase levels from 31 patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma were determined by using enzyme immunoassay (mean +/- standard error = 18.96 +/- 4.83 ng/ml) and showed to be significantly higher than levels from control subjects (n = 115, 3.09 +/- 0.22 ng/ml) (P less than 0.005). Surgical samples of 15 patients were individually homogenized and assayed by the same method and revealed that the arginase level in tissues with colorectal cancer was two times greater than the level found in normal mucosal tissues (1.74 +/- 0.31 micrograms/g tissue versus 0.77 +/- 0.09 micrograms/g tissue, P less than 0.005). However, the serum arginase levels in patients with colorectal cancer were independent of their carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels (n = 27, arginase 11.81 +/- 1.88 ng/ml, CEA 17.31 +/- 4.24 ng/ml, r = 0.084, P = 0.666). The results suggested that serum arginase level can be a valuable criterion for preoperative evaluation and possibly postoperative follow-up study. It can also combine with CEA determination to intensify the clinical assessment for colorectal cancer.

The identification of an eosinophil differentiation factor in culture supernatant of mononuclear cells from asthmatics

Although peripheral eosinophilia is a common feature of bronchial asthma, the precise mechanism of its production is still unknown. It has recently been reported that murine interleukin-5 (IL-5) can cross-react with human cells and selectively stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of eosinophils. This study identified the IL-5-like activity in culture supernatants of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNCs) from asthmatic patients. Murine recombinant IL-5 (rIL-5) was used as a positive control; the number of eosinophils was determined by both Wright's stain and eosinophil peroxidase measurement. Time course and dose response studies showed that rIL-5 at 40 U/ml induced a maximal eosinophil differentiation after a three week incubation with cord blood MNCs. Unstimulated MNC supernatants obtained from asthmatics possessed a higher eosinophil differentiation activity (OD490, 0.09 +/- 0.02, n = 23) than those obtained from the normals (0.03 +/- 0.01) (P < 0.02). This activity in unstimulated MNC supernatant can be neutralized by anti-IL-5 antibodies. Neither Bermuda grass- nor phytohemagglutinin-stimulated MNC supernatant showed a statistical significance between these two groups. The IL-5-like activity was associated with a protein of MW around 30kD as determined by Superose-12 PG gel filtration. In conclusion, MNC culture supernatants derived from asthmatics contained an eosinophil differentiation activity, which might be important for regulation of eosinophil generation and thus contribute to the asthma-related eosinophilia.

Regulation of HMG-CoA reductase, apoprotein-B and LDL receptor gene expression by the hypocholesterolemic drugs simvastatin and ciprofibrate in Hep G2, human and rat hepatocytes

The comparative effects of simvastatin (a competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase) and ciprofibrate (another inhibitor of cholesterogenesis) on the incorporation of [14C]acetate and [3H]mevalonate into cholesterol HMG-CoA reductase activity, apo-B synthesis, LDL receptor, and their corresponding mRNAs, have been studied in the human hepatoma cell line Hep G2 and in human and rat hepatocytes in primary culture. Incubation of Hep G2 with simvastatin (0.01-1.5 microM) or ciprofibrate (25-100 microM) produced not only a marked inhibition of cholesterogenesis from [14C]acetate but also from [3H]mevalonate, an intermediate downstream of the HMG-CoA reductase reaction. However, in human and rat hepatocytes, cultured in similar conditions, simvastatin inhibited only the cholesterol synthesis from [14C]acetate, as expected. HMG-CoA reductase activity was greatly induced in Hep G2 and rat hepatocytes after incubation with simvastatin (up to 400% of controls), but not with ciprofibrate. Increased enzyme activity was accompanied by a higher cell content of reductase mRNA. Apo-B concentration in the medium of Hep G2 cells was 31% lower after 31 h incubation with simvastatin than in controls. However, neither simvastatin nor ciprofibrate modified the synthesis rate of apo-B or its mRNA level. Both LDL-receptor and its mRNA levels were raised by simvastatin at concentrations inhibiting cholesterol synthesis. Our data show that, in this human hepatoma cell line, HMG-CoA reductase competitive inhibition by simvastatin triggers a coordinate regulation of the expression of genes coding for reductase and LDL receptor but not for apo-B. Ciprofibrate, though efficient in inhibiting cholesterogenesis, did not induce the same regulatory reactions. The reason for this discrepancy is unknown.

The effects of asthmatic mononuclear cell cultured supernatant on human eosinophils-chemiluminescence response, complement receptor expression and cellular density alteration

We investigated the contributing effect of mononuclear cell (MNC) on granulocyte function in asthmatics. MNC, obtained from either normal subjects or asthmatics, were cultured with or without phytohaemagglutinin. The supernatants were tested on granulocyte luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (CL) response. The optimal incubation time was 30 min for neutrophils and 90 min for eosinophils. There was a dose-dependent enhancement of CL response by MNC supernatant on both neutrophils and eosinophils. When comparing the activities of MNC supernatants between asthmatics and normal, there was a significant enhancement of eosinophil CL response by MNC supernatants of asthmatics (70 +/- 24% from 29 +/- 28%, P = 0.0043). However, the degree of enhancement in neutrophil CL response was similar between the MNC supernatants of asthmatics and normal subjects. MNC supernatant not only enhanced eosinophil CL response, but also induced eosinophil hypodensity change (12 +/- 4% in RPMI, 26 +/- 10% in MNC supernatant), and enhanced complement receptor CR3 expression (102.4 +/- 25.5 in PRMI, 111.7 +/- 17.7 in MNC supernatant). These results provide evidence that MNC activation might contribute to the eosinophil activation in asthmatics.

Bone marrow transplantation for severe aplastic anemia--a study of twenty-one Chinese patients in Taiwan

A total of 21 multiply transfused patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) were treated with bone marrow transplantation between March 1985 and September 1990: 20 allogeneic and one syngeneic transplants. A positive response in mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) was also noted in 7 allogeneic recipients. Pregraft conditioning included high-dose cyclophosphamide (CY) 200 mg/kg over 4 consecutive days, followed by 300 cGy total-body irradiation the day before BMT. Seventeen patients older than 14 years received additional donor buffy-coat cells infusion for 5 days posttransplant. A combination of methotrexate and cyclosporine was used for prophylaxis of graft-versus-host disease. Seventeen patients were alive with a functional graft, and Kaplan-Meier product limit estimates showed a 80.95% probability of survival at 67.7 months. There were 4 deaths: two died of primary graft failure, one from secondary rejection, and the other from chronic GVHD-related complications. Acute GVHD, grade I was noted in only one patient (5.6%). In contrast, chronic GVHD was observed in 10 out of 18 (55.6%) evaluable patients. Venoocclusive liver disease and interstitial pneumonitis were not diagnosed. Our findings indicate that the combination of CY/TBI/BC is well tolerated and results in a low incidence of graft failure/rejection in multiply transfused Chinese patients who received transplants for SAA. The MTX/CsA combination was confirmed as being remarkable in reducing the incidence and severity of acute GVHD. For patients with SAA under the age of 40, with an HLA-identical sibling, we highly recommend BMT as the treatment of choice.

Regulation of arginase production by glucocorticoid in three human gastric cancer cell lines

Gastric cancer tissues have high levels of glucocorticoid receptors (GR) and arginase. To investigate the interrelation of glucocorticoid, GR and arginase, three human gastric cancer cell lines (AZ-521, NUGC-3, KATO-III) were treated with hydrocortisone in the presence or absence of a glucocorticoid antagonist RU38486. GR were found to be present in all three lines, and hydrocortisone significantly increased the production of total arginase in all 3 lines. The induction of arginase production by hydrocortisone was inhibited by RU38486. These findings suggest that the regulation of arginase production by hydrocortisone in gastric cancer cells is mediated through GR.

Inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation by liver arginase

The activities of thymidine kinase and uridine kinase (enzymes for pyrimidine salvage pathway) in phytohemagglutinin (PHA)--prestimulated lymphocytes were inhibited by arginase in a similar pattern to the inhibition on thymidine incorporation. Further study revealed that arginase did not directly affect the activities of these enzymes in the cell-free system. Thymidine kinase and uridine kinase activities of PHA-prestimulated lymphocytes were inhibited by arginase making their activities as low as that cultured in arginine-free RPMI-1640 medium. These results suggest that arginine-depletion in the culture medium is the primary mode of action of arginase on the inhibition of mitogen-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation.

Inhibitory effects of anticardiolipin antibodies on lymphocyte proliferation and neutrophil phagocytosis

Anticardiolipin antibodies purified from serum from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by cardiolipin micelles were studied for their effects on lymphocytes and neutrophils. At a concentration of 160 micrograms/ml they markedly suppressed the [3H]thymidine incorporation of mononuclear cells stimulated by phytohaemagglutinin (4.9 (SEM 1.9%) of the control) and pokeweed mitogen (26.7 (10.5%) of the control). In addition, anticardiolipin antibodies changed the cell cycle of phytohaemagglutinin stimulated lymphocytes such that the S and G2+M phases were significantly diminished (G0/G1 = 64.62%, S = 20.59%, G2+M = 14.78% in the presence of normal human IgG v G0/G1 = 86.07%, S = 10.32%, G2+M = 3.59% in the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies). The suppression of lymphocyte proliferation by anticardiolipin antibodies was shown not to be caused by an alteration of T cell subpopulations. However, the interleukin 2 receptors on the cell surface and the soluble interleukin 2 receptors in the supernatant of phytohaemagglutinin stimulated mononuclear cells were decreased in the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies. On the other hand, the phagocytic activity of neutrophils was 40% inhibited at a higher concentration of anticardiolipin antibodies (300 micrograms/ml) through suppression of C3b/C4b and Fc receptors on polymorphonuclear leucocytes. These results suggest that anticardiolipin antibodies exert inhibitory effects on both lymphocytes and phagocytes in addition to the coagulation cascade. These newly found activities of anticardiolipin antibodies were mediated by the non-specific membranotropic property of the antibodies.

Immunoblot analysis of components of Penicillium notatum recognized by human IgE antibodies

Components of the crude extract of Penicillium notatum recognized by human IgE antibodies (Abs) were investigated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. The allergenic components were identified with sera from 19 allergic patients and 20 blood donors. The allergen-Ab complexes were visualized by 125I-labeled monoclonal antihuman IgE and autoradiography. A total of 11 allergenic components, ranging in molecular weights (MWs) from 94,000 to 20,000 daltons, were identified. Heterogeneity in the IgE-binding patterns of the serum samples tested was also observed. However, the major allergen appears to be the component with an MW of about 68,000 daltons that was recognized by IgE Abs in 56% of the 39 sera analyzed. Furthermore, the component with an MW of about 64,000 daltons that was recognized by IgE Abs in 46% of the sera analyzed was also considered as an important allergen. Results obtained from this study will be useful in additional characterization of allergens of P. notatum and related fungal species.

90-Day toxicity study of dichloroacetate in dogs

Male and female juvenile beagle dogs were dosed daily for 90 days with dichloroacetate (DCA). The compound was administered orally via gelatin capsules at doses of 0, 12.5, 39.5, and 72 mg/kg/day. Each dose group consisted of five males and five females. The dogs were observed clinically and blood samples were taken at 15-day intervals for hematologic and serum chemistry values. Decreased total erythrocyte count and hemoglobin levels were observed in mid- and high-dose dogs beginning at Day 30. Serum concentrations of LDH were elevated at Days 30 and 45 in females and at Day 75 in males treated with DCA at 72 mg/kg/day. One female of the high-dose group died at Day 50 and two high-dose males died at Days 51 and 74. Hindlimb partial paralysis was observed in many high-dose dogs. Vacuolization of myelinated white tracts of cerebrum, cerebellum, and/or spinal cord was observed in many high-dose dogs as well as some mid- and low-dose subjects. Degeneration of testicular germinal epithelium and syncytial giant cell formation was noted in males of all dose groups. Hepatic vacuolar change and chronic hepatitis appeared only in DCA-treated dogs. In addition, suppurative bronchopneumonia and chronic pancreatitis were noted in many high-dose and some middose subjects. A "no-adverse-effect level" was not determined in this study.

The identification of PAF-release-enhancing activity in culture supernatant of mononuclear cells from asthmatics. Correlation between lymphocyte responses and immediate type hypersensitivity

Cytokines from asthmatic mononuclear cells (MNC) cultured with Bermuda Grass pollen extract (BG), were tested for their effect on leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and platelet-activating factor (PAF) generation by neutrophil under calcium ionophore stimulation. Three groups were enrolled in this study: 9 allergic asthmatics showing skin intradermal test positive to BG, 12 non-allergic asthmatics and 5 normal individuals. Results showed that the stimulation index of BG on MNC and the mediator-release enhancing activity from both allergic and non-allergic asthmatics were similar; neither showed significant increase when compared to that of normal individuals. However, there was a significant increase in PAF-release-enhancing activity in unstimulated MNC supernatant from both allergic and non-allergic asthmatics (618 +/- 75 pg/10(6) neutrophils and 569 +/- 60 pg/10(6) neutrophils) when compared to that of normal individuals (460 +/- 40 pg/10(6) neutrophils). This PAF-release-enhancing activity did not correlate with either skin test reactivity or the amount of BG specific IgE antibodies. The PAF-release-enhancing activity in unstimulated MNC supernatants from asthmatics suggesting that there is a pre-activation of MNC which might contribute to the asthmatic reaction through generation of PAF by neutrophils.

The effect of sugar cereal with and without a mixed meal on glycemic response in children with diabetes

The effect of sucrose consumption on glycemic control in children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is unclear. Eight young subjects, 7-16 years of age, with a duration of diabetes of 2-8 years participated in this study. All subjects consumed four different breakfasts--oatmeal (OM) alone, oatmeal-sucrose (OMS), oatmeal-protein (OMP), and oatmeal with protein and sucrose (OMPS)--on four different days. Addition of sucrose resulted in a slightly greater area under the tolerance curve in 50% of the subjects; however, in 38% of subjects, the area decreased. The peak glucose level was lowest for OM, but there was no statistical difference in the peak levels of the four test meals. The most significant effect on glucose response was a delay in the peak time when protein was added to the meals. Peak times for OM and OMS (mean of 38 min) when fed alone were significantly (p less than 0.05, ANOVA) shorter when compared to the peak time for OMP and OMPS (mean of 54 min). The average recovery time for OMP was longest. Other indices (tolerance index and change of rise in blood glucose) measured were not significantly different among the test meals. This study demonstrates that adding limited sucrose to OM cereal has little effect on the blood glucose response in children with diabetes. Addition of protein and fat clearly delays the glycemic response.