A rapid and reliable in vivo method for anti-GPLA (class I and class II antigens) antibody titration and GPLA typing

A reverse Arthus reaction (RAR) may be successfully used in guinea pigs to detect histocompatibility alloantigens of the GPLA type. Epidermal cells carry class I GPLA antigens, and Langerhans cells also bear class II alloantigens. It is therefore possible to elicit an RAR by intradermal injection of relevant alloimmune sera in the skin of guinea pigs of known GPLA haplotype. RAR is detected by increased vascular permeability due to IgG1 antibody and hemorrhage due to IgG2 antibody. Compared with an in vitro protein A-rosetting method RAR is easier and quicker. It proved more sensitive for class II antigens in which Langerhans cells are the target for anti-class II antibody and rather less sensitive for class I antigens. RAR is a convenient method for following the course of GPLA alloimmunization, allowing titration of antibodies against both classes of antigen. It may also be used to type guinea pigs of unknown GPLA haplotype.

The biologic activity of mast cell granules. IV. The effect of complement depletion on rat cutaneous late phase reactions

Cutaneous late phase reactions (LPR) in rats can be induced by the intradermal injection of anti-IgE antibody or isolated rat peritoneal mast cell granules. Rat LPR are characterized by neutrophil-rich infiltrates at 2 to 8 hr followed by mononuclear cell-rich infiltrates thereafter. Rat Arthus reactions are histologically similar and are complement (C) dependent. To determine the importance of C in the pathogenesis of rat LPR compared with its role in Arthus reactions, rats were treated with cobra venom factor (CVF) (250 U/kg i.v.), and the effects of this treatment on total hemolytic complement (CH50), C3 titers, LPR, and Arthus reactions were assessed. CVF treatment produced profound decreases in both CH50 (from 197 +/- 20 to less than 1.0 U/ml) and C3 (from 44,240 +/- 2840 to less than 5 U/ml) titers after 6 hr, which persisted through at least 30 hr. The inflammatory intensity of heterologous reverse passive Arthus reactions was significantly decreased in CVF-treated animals. In contrast, the intensity of LPR was unaffected by CVF treatment. Therefore, although LPR and Arthus reactions share certain histologic characteristics, these similarities are not due to a mutual requirement for the presence of C.

Immune complexes and inflammation. A study of the activity of anti-inflammatory drugs in the reverse passive arthus reaction in the rat

The reverse passive Arthus reaction in rat skin was quantitated by using increase in wet weight as a measure of edema and extractable myeloperoxidase as a measure of the intensity of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) infiltration. Treatment of the animal with dexamethasone prior to challenge with antigen/antibody resulted in an inhibition of both edema and the infiltration of inflammatory cells. In contrast, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibited the intensity of cell infiltration (PMNs but not mononuclear cells) without affecting edema. The results are discussed in the light of the effects of these drugs on arachidonic acid oxidation.

Comparison of the effects of glucocorticoid and indomethacin treatment on the acute inflammatory reaction in rabbits

We have recently shown that indomethacin and ASA diminish the elevated blood flow, protein exudation, and leukocyte infiltration during acute inflammation induced by killed Escherichia coli, the reversed Arthus reaction, or zymosan-activated plasma (ZAP; C5ades-arg) in rabbit skin. All of these effects were likely due to the inhibition by these drugs of prostaglandin (PG) synthesis in the lesions. Because glucocorticoids are also reported to inhibit PG production and, in large doses, to suppress inflammation accompanying various clinical conditions, we investigated the effects of hydrocortisone (HC), and methylprednisolone (MP), administered in large doses (100 mg/m2/d of MP or 2.5 g/m2/d of HC) on the above three forms of acute inflammation in rabbits. The effect of indomethacin treatment was studied in parallel for comparison. Blood flow, protein exudation, and leukocyte infiltration were quantitated simultaneously with 86Rb Cl, 125I-labelled rabbit albumin and 51Cr labelled blood leukocytes. Systemic indomethacin therapy decreased the blood flow and permeability, while local indomethacin (2.5 micrograms) significantly inhibited leukocyte infiltration into the lesions. In contrast, HC and MP caused only a mild decrease in blood flow, without altering protein exudation or leukocyte influx. However, HC and MP did inhibit protein exudation induced by bradykinin or histamine injection. These results indicate that, at least in rabbits, HC and MP, in contrast to indomethacin, have very weak anti-inflammatory actions on three complement- and neutrophil-mediated inflammatory responses, i.e., E. coli, ZAP (C5ades-arg) and reversed Arthus reactions.

Resistance and susceptibility to infection in inbred murine strains. I. Variations in the response to thymic hormones in mice infected with Candida albicans

Nine inbred murine strains were either highly resistant or highly susceptible to intravenous challenge with 4 X 10(4) to 1 X 10(5) cells of Candida albicans. The resistant strains had the capacity to develop delayed footpad reactions on appropriate sensitization and challenge; the susceptible strains did not have this innate capacity. Administration of thymosin fraction 5 beginning on the day of infection greatly increased the resistance of the susceptible strains to infection, but decreased the resistance of the resistant strains. In contrast, thymosin fraction 5 enhanced the delayed footpad responses of resistant-sensitized mice to specific antigen, but did not have a detectable effect on the delayed footpad reactions of the susceptible strains. Reinfection of the two types of strains had different effects, in that, depending on the strain, resistance could be increased, decreased, or not influenced at all.

Demonstration of the phagocytic activity of chicken basophils in the reversed Arthus reaction using colloidal carbon

Chicken basophils showed phagocytosis of carbon particles in reversed passive Arthus reaction, induced in the skin. Heterophils, monocytes and thrombocytes also contained carbon particles, but eosinophils revealed them only occasionally. The findings suggest that basophils may share phagocytic properties with other cells under immunological stimulus.

Skin tests for coeliac disease employing fractions of a gliadin digest

Gliadin sub-fractions have been tested by intradermal injection in 19 adult patients with coeliac disease in remission and in 19 healthy adult controls. Fraction 3, obtained by SP Sephadex chromatography of a peptic-tryptic digest of gliadin, produced strong reactions (areas of erythema greater than 1 cm2) in 13 of the patients. Weak or negative reactions to fraction 3 were produced in the remaining patients, including 2 patients who were currently on prednisolone therapy in addition to a gluten-free diet. There was no correlation between time on a gluten free diet and severity of reaction in the patients not on prednisolone therapy. A strong reaction was observed with only one control and in the remaining controls all reactions were negative. Other fractions produced strong reactions in comparatively few patients. Skin tests using Fraction 3 could thus form part of the diagnosis for coeliac disease and could lead to a knowledge of the composition of the peptides which are important in the aetiology of this disease.

Acrylic microspheres in vivo V: Immunological properties of immobilized asparaginase in microparticles

L-Asparaginase was immobilized in microparticles of polyacrylamide. Such particles were then injected by intramuscular/subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, or intravenous routes into mice to investigate the immunological consequences of the immobilization. Entrapment of L-asparaginase in microparticles did not prevent the formation of antibodies in intensively treated animals. Intraperitoneal and intravenous injections of particles produced significantly higher antibody levels than soluble L-asparaginase. Antigen administered intramuscularly/subcutaneously in microparticles elicited, however, a weak immune response. Dependent on the route of administration, the particles may thus function as an adjuvant. A modified Arthus reaction in the foot pads of immunized mice indicated that antigenicity decreased when L-asparaginase was immobilized in microparticles. Injection of free L-asparaginase, intramuscularly/subcutaneously (2 x 20 IU) in the preimmunized mice produced no effects on the serum level of L-asparagine, whereas intramuscular/subcutaneous injection of L-asparaginase in microparticles produced a depression of the serum concentration. It is concluded that the intramuscular/subcutaneous injection of L-asparaginase in microparticles is the choice route of administration with respect to duration and the immunological reaction.

New attenuation marker for junin virus based on immunologic responses of guinea pigs

A new attenuation marker to distinguish a virulent strain (XJJV) from an attenuated strain (XJC13JV or XJOJV) of Junin virus by means of the humoral and cellular responses to unrelated antigens was studied in guinea pigs. Strain XJJV suppressed the humoral immune response, as shown by the lower titers of precipitating antibody to ovalbumin. The concomitant decrease in serum complement level contributed to a milder Arthus cutaneous reactivity. In contrast, the attenuated strains did not decrease the humoral response. The pathogenic strain suppressed cell-mediated immunity, as demonstrated by decreased contact sensitivity to 2,4-dinitro-1-fluorobenzene and by depression of delayed skin reactions to tuberculin purified protein derivative. When attenuated strains were used, such suppressive effects were not observed. For virulent strain XJJV, virus replication in lymphoid organs and immunosuppressive effects were correlated. These findings provide a further means to differentiate between virulent and attenuated strains of Junin virus for the purpose of vaccine control of Argentine hemorrhagic fever.

The effects of anti-inflammatory and other agents on the rat dermal arthus reaction

The inhibitory effects of selected drugs on the Arthus reaction, a model of immune-complex-induced tissue injury, were studied. The reverse passive Arthus reaction (RPAR) was elicited in the dorsal skin of rats, using bovine serum albumin and the gamma-globulin fraction of rabbit anti-BSA. The optimal amounts of antigen and antibody required to elicit the reaction, as well as the reaction kinetics, were examined. Chlorpheniramine, cyproheptadine, d-penicillamine, chloroquine, indomethacin, phenylbutazone, naproxen, and mefenamic acid were found to be inactive despite high doses; aspirin and ibuprofen were only weakly active. Hydrocortisone and colchicine were strong inhibitors of the RPAR: the calculated ED50 values were 13 mg/kg p.o. and 0.3 mg/kg i.v., respectively. The RPAR exhibits a different sensitivity to drug inhibition than conventional models of inflammation (e.g., carrageenin paw edema) end may be useful to detect new types of anti-inflammatory agents.

Inhibition of various immunological reactions in vivo by a new synthetic complement inhibitor

FUT-175 (6 amidino-2-naphthyl-4-guanidino benzoate-dimethanesulfonate), a new synthetic protease inhibitor, inhibits the enzyme activities of various proteases, such as Clr, C1 esterase, thrombin, kallikrein, plasmin and trypsin. FUT-175 strongly inhibited complement-medicated hemolysis via the classical and alternative pathways. The effects of FUT-175 on various immunological reactions in vivo were studied. The minimal effective dose of FUT-175 in systemic Forssman shock in guinea pigs was 6.25 mg/kg i.p. and 25 mg/kg p.o. In passive Arthus reactions in rats, the effective dose was 25 mg/kg i.p. and 250 mg/kg p.o. FUT-175 also inhibited other immunological reactions, such as passive cutaneous anaphylaxis and delayed hypersensitivity. Furthermore, at a dose of 25 mg/kg i.p. it strongly protected mice from death in endotoxin shock.

Effects of carrageenan-a macrophage toxic agent-on antibody synthesis and on delayed hypersensitivity in the guinea pig

Delayed hypersensitivity reactions to the carrier and antibody mediated reactions to the carrier and to the hapten have been studied in guinea pigs treated with carrageenan, a macrophage toxic agent, before or after immunization with a hapten-carrier complex. The results show that carrageenan which acted at the afferent limb of immunity neither depressed nor enhanced delayed hypersensitivity reactions but could affect antibody formation. Macrophage functions in antibody synthesis appeared to be more sensitive to carrageenan than those involved in the induction of cell-mediated immunity. Carrageenan could provide a useful tool for studying the functional heterogeneity of macrophages during the induction of the immune response.

Systematic discovery and evaluation of complement inhibitors

Methods are presented for an orderly search of a chemical file for complement inhibitors. Compounds are initially examined for intrinsic activity against dilute human components in vitro, using hemolytic assays to detect inhibitors of fluid phase C1, of late components lysis of EAC142, and of CVF-induced passive lysis of AET-treated human erythrocytes. Active compounds are then examined for activity against undiluted serum in vitro. Compounds passing this test are examined for activity in vivo against serum complement and complement-dependent lesions, viz. Forssman vasculitis, the reverse passive Arthus phenomenon, and Forssman shock. Methods are given for quantitation of these lesions.

The localization of immune complexes in epidermis and upper dermis: electron microscopic studies on reversed passive Arthus reaction

A reversed passive Arthus reaction was induced in guinea pigs using horseradish peroxidase as antigen. An electron microscopic study on the cutaneous localization of the immune complexes was performed applying a peroxidase reaction. Precipitates of immune complexes were found within the walls of small blood vessels and among the collagen bundles in the dermis. The adherence of immune complexes to numerous eosinophils was observed and some of immune complexes were phagocytosed by neutrophils. The adherence of immune complexes to fibroblasts and the deposits of immune complexes in some areas of the basement membrane zone, especially in the zona diffusa, were found in the upper dermis and in the papillae. In the lower layers of the epidermis, we observed immune complexes adhering to the cell membranes of keratinocytes.

Effect of total calorific deprivation on host defence in the horse

Horses were deprived of food but not water for a period of five days. There was a progressive decrease in circulating lymphocyte count and compromised host deference. In vitro phagocytosis of yeast fell from a mean of 97 per cent in fed horses to 78 per cent in horses deprived of food for five days. The Arthus response to intradermal challenge with allergens fell to 57 per cent of fed values. These changes indicated that food deprivation increases the susceptibility to bacterial infections; persistent anorexia in chronic bacterial infections may limit the horse's ability to cast off infection.

Cutaneous inflammation caused by inadvertent intradermal administration of DTP instead of PPD

In 1979, 101 adults were skin-tested by a health department to evaluate tuberculin reactivity; of the 96 persons followed, 87 (91 per cent) experienced inflammation marked by swelling, erythema, arm pain, and fever. Five months later, a 5 mm to 10 mm purple macule persisted in 76 persons. The vials of PPD reportedly used for testing had been discarded, but PPD had been stored in the refrigerator with DT and DTP. The mean tetanus antitoxin titer in skin-tested persons was 0.14 units per ml (u/ml) vs 0.08 u/ml in untested control persons (p lesser than 0.03). The mean diphtheria antitoxin titer in skin-tested people was 0.90 u/ml vs 0.16 for controls (p = 10(-5)). The mean pertussis antibody in skin-tested persons was 1:169 vs 1:12 for controls (p = 10(-5)). Intradermal DTP in immune rabbits produced histologically typical Arthus reactions similar to those experienced by the humans. Seven months later, 90 persons received PPD injections. Ten had induration; none experienced persistent reactions. We concluded that the humans initially received DTP instead of PPD.

Induction of ocular inflammation by synthetic mediators

Chemotactic mediators, N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) and the complement component C5a, were injected into the rabbit cornea, vitreous, and skin to induce a reaction resembling the "Arthus phenomenon." Injection of these mediators induced edema and granulocytic infiltration in the cornea, conjunctiva, and skin. These histologic changes resembled the inflammation produced by antigen (ovalbumin [OVA]) in specifically immunized rabbits. Keratitis began after two hours and subsided six hours after the injection. Conversely, the vitreous response started six hours after injection of FMLP and C5a and peaked between 24 and 48 hours. All the inflammatory reactions induced by FMLP, C5a, and rechallenge with antigen could be inhibited in varying degrees by subconjunctival injection of 0.1 mL of 10(-5)M dexamethasone, quinacrine, 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA), or indomethacin, agents that suppress different sites of chemotaxis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. However, only the inflammation induced by FMLP could be inhibited by carbobenzoxy-phe-met, a competitive inhibitor of FMLP.

Arthus-type nephritis. II. Glomerular clearing system against poorly soluble and insoluble immune complexes

The uptake and transport of immune complexes (IC) in glomeruli were studied in Arthus-type nephritis induced by ferritin anti-ferritin IC. This experimental nephritis was transient in nature, forming electron dense aggregates and deposits in glomeruli, and was considered to be suitable for the analysis of the glomerular defence against immune complex injury. The IC were taken up and removed from the glomerular circulation first by polymorphonuclear leukocytes and later by macrophages. The IC in the glomerular capillary walls and mesangium were seen to shift slowly from the peripheral part of the glomeruli to the more central and juxtaglomerular area. It is speculated that the glomerular integrity is maintained from the immune complex induced tissue injury through the handling and removal of phlogogenic IC by the blood derived phagocytic system and intrinsic glomerular clearing system.