A fluorochromatic test for immunocytotoxicity against tumor cells and leucocytes in agarose plates

Antibody-mediated enzyme formation: Its legacy at age fifty-four

Antibody-mediated enzyme formation is a phenomenon first described in 1968 and further studied by molecular Immunologists and Biochemists over the following five decades. The present review is made mainly by analyzing the 27 articles concerned with AMEF that appeared over the course of 47 years, commenting 16 original figures selected to be re-printed in AMEF's Legacy. We, the reviewers, started by revisiting our own "insider's" experience of discovery, and followed by considering all results, our own and of members of other AMEF Labs. We had planned to conclude the review by correlating the various AMEF mutants to a detailed knowledge of the consensus betaGal structure. However, we became aware of several "robust" papers, published between 1989 and 2014, by authors outside of AMEF Labs. We familiarly called this surge: "The Second Wave" and adorned it with a doodle in Hokusai style. We were thrilled and happy to take them on board and properly examined their data. A team of this second wave had imagined unique uses for AMEF, and new doors to modern biotechnology. Another one had used AMEF as Tool and Marker to attain high levels of crystallography, solving puzzles of conformation, and ultimate structure. Together, they doubled our motivation to review AMEF. Serendipity gives us back the pleasure of finding, a treat at any age.

Effects of ethanol on an intestinal epithelial cell line

The effect of exposure of an intestinal epithelial cell line to various concentrations of ethanol [217 mM (1%) to 652 mM (3%)] during 24, 48, and 72 hr was investigated in vitro using a rat intestinal epithelial cell line (IRD 98). Incubation of these cells in the presence of ethanol significantly decreased cell growth. This inhibition was accompanied by a strong increase in cellular protein. Stimulation of specific disaccharidases, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and aminopeptidase activities by ethanol was dose- and time-dependent. Ethanol induces a change in the relative proportions of the different lipid classes synthesized; triglycerides, fatty acids, and cholesterol esters were preferentially synthethysed. Our findings show that cell lines are good models for investigation of the effects of ethanol, and that alcohol considerably modifies the functions of intestinal epithelial cells.

Interleukin 1 or endotoxin increases the release of von Willebrand factor from human endothelial cells

von Willebrand factor (vWF), a large adhesive glycoprotein, is synthesized by vascular endothelial cells (EC). Plasma levels of vWF manifest a broad normal range, and are elevated during sepsis and in inflammatory states. Since the inflammatory mediator, interleukin 1 (IL1) and bacterial endotoxin (LPS) both initiate procoagulant changes in vascular endothelium, we investigated the effect of these substances on endothelial cell release and residual endothelial cell content of vWF-antigen (vWFAg). Cultured human EC exposed to either IL1 or LPS released greater amounts of vWFAg compared to control EC. The augmented release could be detected within 1-2 h after exposure to IL1 or LPS and was not inhibited by cycloheximide, suggesting that de novo protein synthesis was not required for release to occur. Residual cellular vWFAg was reciprocally lower in IL1- or LPS-treated EC at 24 and 48 h, indicating that compensatory increase in synthesis of vWFAg did not occur during this time interval. Released vWF contained the higher molecular weight multimers observed in normal endothelial cells, and it possessed ristocetin cofactor activity. We propose that release of functional vWF from EC exposed to inflammatory mediators may be at a mechanism for localization of platelets and enhanced thrombogenicity at inflammatory foci.

Interleukin 1 or endotoxin increases the release of von Willebrand factor from human endothelial cells

von Willebrand factor (vWF), a large adhesive glycoprotein, is synthesized by vascular endothelial cells (EC). Plasma levels of vWF manifest a broad normal range, and are elevated during sepsis and in inflammatory states. Since the inflammatory mediator, interleukin 1 (IL1) and bacterial endotoxin (LPS) both initiate procoagulant changes in vascular endothelium, we investigated the effect of these substances on endothelial cell release and residual endothelial cell content of vWF-antigen (vWFAg). Cultured human EC exposed to either IL1 or LPS released greater amounts of vWFAg compared to control EC. The augmented release could be detected within 1-2 h after exposure to IL1 or LPS and was not inhibited by cycloheximide, suggesting that de novo protein synthesis was not required for release to occur. Residual cellular vWFAg was reciprocally lower in IL1- or LPS-treated EC at 24 and 48 h, indicating that compensatory increase in synthesis of vWFAg did not occur during this time interval. Released vWF contained the higher molecular weight multimers observed in normal endothelial cells, and it possessed ristocetin cofactor activity. We propose that release of functional vWF from EC exposed to inflammatory mediators may be at a mechanism for localization of platelets and enhanced thrombogenicity at inflammatory foci.

Fluorogenic substrate detection of viable intracellular and extracellular pathogenic protozoa

Viable Leishmania promastigotes and amastigotes were detected by epifluorescence microscopy with fluorescein diacetate being used to mark living parasites and the nucleic acid-binding compound ethidium bromide to stain dead cells. This procedure is superior to other assays because it is faster and detects viable intracellular as well as extracellular Leishmania. Furthermore, destruction of intracellular pathogens by macrophages is more accurately determined with fluorescein diacetate than with other stains. The procedure may have applications in programs to develop drugs and vaccines against protozoa responsible for human and animal disease.

Deleterious effects of endotoxin on cultured endothelial cells: an in vitro model of vascular injury

The effects of endotoxin-triggered granulocytes on the viability of endothelial cells in vitro was investigated. Endotoxin or its lipid A component caused granulocytes to adhere to and significantly damage cultured endothelial cells. Fresh serum is not necessary but does amplify both adherence and endothelial injury. Much of the endothelial injury was inhibited by free-radical scavengers or by blocking granulocyte adhesion to endothelial cells and appears to result from free radical production by the stimulated granulocyte. Studies in this model suggest a pathogenic role for the endotoxin-triggered granulocyte in the Shwartzman reaction and perhaps related clinical disorders.

Hydrocortisone and the antibody response in mice. I. Correlations between serum cortisol levels and cell numbers in thymus, spleen, marrow and lymph nodes

Mice injected with a single well tolerated dose of hydrocortisone acetate were observed over 2--3 weeks for serum cortisol levels and for cell depletion in thymus, spleen, femoral marrow, mesenteric, inguinal and popliteal lymph nodes. Serum cortisol peaked within 24 h and declined to normal after 4 days. Total marrow cell numbers were relatively unaffected, but in all other tissues studied, cell depletion was severe and prolonged. B lymphocytes were affected more severely than T lymphocytes. There was a transient increase in the percentage of marrow T lymphocytes but otherwise little change. The percentage of node T lymphocytes increased while that of B lymphocytes decreased. The percentage of spleen B lymphocytes was reduced severely but transiently during the period of serum cortisol elevation. Spleen T lymphocyte percentages rose steadily between the fourth and seventh days after treatment, then returned to normal. Representatives of most types of lymphoid tissue were studied. As cell losses in any one were not compensated by gains in any other, most were probably due to destruction rather than redistribution. The slow rates of recovery were also more consistent with regeneration than with reappearance after redistribution.

A new fluorescent viability test for fungi cells

The fluorescein diacetate-ethidium bromide (FDA-EB) fluorescence method, primarily used to determine viability of mammalian cells, was applied to several fungi species. Living fungi cells produced fluorochromasia, i.e., an intracellular accumulation of fluorescein which could be easily visualized as a green color under the U.V. microscope. Dead cells showed a red bright color due to ethidium bromide penetration. The FDA-EB test can be successfully employed to assay yeast and yeast like cells viability since a good correlation was observed between this assay and the colony count technique. The main advantages of FDA-EB test are its speed, high sensitivity and simplicity.

Oxygen radicals mediate endothelial cell damage by complement-stimulated granulocytes. An in vitro model of immune vascular damage

During hemodialysis, alternative pathway complement activation leads to pulmonary sequestration of granulocytes, with loss of pulmonary vascular endothelial integrity and, at times, protein-rich pulmonary edema. An in vitro model of this phenomenon was constructed utilizing 51Cr-labeled human umbilical vein endothelial cell cultures. In this system, granulocytes, when exposed to activated complement (C), induce endothelial damage; this injury is mediated primarily by oxygen radicals produced by the granulocytes. C5a appears to be the C component responsible for granulocyte-induced cytotoxicity; studies with cytochalasin B-treated granulocytes suggest that close approximation of the granulocytes and endothelial cells is necessary for maximal cell injury.

Cytochemical, ultrastructural and immunological studies of circulating Reed-Sternberg cells

Reed-Sternberg (R-S) cells in the circulating blood of a patient with Hodgkin's disease were cytochemically peroxidase and Sudan black negative, devoid of alkaline phosphatase and non-specific esterase, mostly PAS negative but occasionally showing positivity, and nearly always showing moderately strong granular positivity for acid phosphatase. Electron microscopy showed irregular nuclear profiles, conspicuous nucleoli, a moderate development of cytoplasmic organelles but absence of structures resembling monocytic granules. The R-S cells frequently possessed receptors for the Fc region of IgG and were mostly positive for SmIg, but did not form rosettes with sheep or mouse erythrocytes nor have receptors for the Fc region of IgM or the C3 component of complement. The combined results suggest that R-S cells are of B-cell lineage.

Surface marker and other characteristics of Gaucher's cells

A full surface marker study of the splenic storage cells in a case of Gaucher's disease largely substantiates the monocyte/histiocyte nature of Gaucher's cells. In addition, an apparent T-lymphocyte deficiency is demonstrated in the spleen and peripheral blood, and the possible significance of this finding is discussed.

Absence of a receptor for fixed C3 on the hairy cells of leukaemic reticuloendotheliosis

By the use of a rosette test employing yeast particles coated with C3 activated by the alternative pathway, we have demonstrated that the hairy cells of leukaemic reticuloendotheliosis (LRE) do not possess a receptor for C3. It is also shown that hairy cells display a consistently lower percentage of rosette formation with ox EAC than with ox EA IgM and this is attributed to varying degrees of steric hindrance of IgM or incomplete coating by complement. Blocking with monomeric IgM confirmed this interpretation. These results are used to reconcile previously conflicting reports concerning the presence or absence of a receptor for C3 on the hairy cells of LRE, and to suggest that the disease is accompanied by a severe reduction of normal B lymphocytes.

Discrimination of B, T and null lymphocytes by esterase cytochemistry

A technique has been devised which optimally demonstrates non-specific esterase activity in human blood lymphocytes. The reaction is carried out on smears fixed with formalin vapour, using alpha-naphthol butyrate as substrate at pH 8 and at a low concentration for a short incubation period. The pattern of esterase activity revealed by this method provides a discriminating marker for mature T-lymphocytes, which show dense, localised, dot-like positivity, and a probable marker for 'null' cells in the form of scattered granular positivity. B cells appear to be negative. Monocytes show a clearly different pattern of granular positivity.

Surface T-and B-cell markers on murine lymphomas and plasmacytomas

Seven murine lymphomas and three plasmacytomas were examined for the distribution of the theta antigen, immunoglobulin determinants, the receptor for Fc portion of antigen—antibody complexes and the receptor for the third component of complement. The theta-bearing tumours lacked C3 and Fc receptors and easily detectable surface immunoglobulin. The theta-negative lymphomas, while being morphologically lymphocytic, lacked all but the Fc receptors. One of the plasmacytomas possessed clearly detectable surface immunoglobulin. All three lacked the receptors for Fc and C3.

Disease accompanying in utero viral infection. The role of maternal antibody in tissue injury after transplacental infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus

Early, after in utero infection with LCM virus, SWR/J and HA/ICR mice developed manifestations of immune complex disease. Observations based on nursing such mice with virus-infected, immune, or noninfected mouse mothers indicated that maternal antiviral antibody was responsible for the early immune complex glomerulonephritis. Despite comparable viral persistance, in utero-infected offspring failed to develop glomerulonephritis when nursed by noninfected mouse mothers, but did when suckled by virus-infected mouse mothers. Nursing by mouse mothers carrying high titers of anti-LCM viral antibody markedly enhanced the Ig glomerular deposits and the resultant nephritis.

Cytotoxic test automation: a live-dead cell differential counter

An appropriately modified cell spectrophotometer was used successfully for performing automatic counts of live and dead cells in the cytotoxic test, with trypan blue staining as an indicator of dead cells and light scattering to identify viable cells.