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Ramani T, Wange RL, Manetz TS, Kruzich PJ, Laffan SB, Compton DR. Weight of Evidence: Is an Animal Study Warranted? Assessments for Carcinogenicity, Drug Abuse Liability, and Pediatric Safety. Int J Toxicol 2024; 43:435-455. [PMID: 39031995 DOI: 10.1177/10915818241259794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Nonclinical safety studies are typically conducted to establish a toxicity profile of a new pharmaceutical in clinical development. Such a profile may encompass multiple differing types of animal studies, or not! Some types of animal studies may not be warranted for a specific program or may only require a limited evaluation if scientifically justified. The goal of this course was to provide a practical perspective on regulatory writing of a dossier(s) using the weight of evidence (WOE) approach for carcinogenicity, drug abuse liability and pediatric safety assessments. These assessments are typically done after some clinical data are available and are highly bespoke to the pharmaceutical being developed. This manuscript will discuss key data elements to consider and strategy options with some case studies and examples. Additionally, US FDA experience with dossier(s) including WOE arguments is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thulasi Ramani
- Pre-Clinical Development, PTC Therapeutics, Warren, NJ, USA
| | - Ronald L Wange
- US Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - T Scott Manetz
- Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, Respiratory & Immunology, Neuroscience, Vaccines & Immune Therapies Safety, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Paul J Kruzich
- Pre-Clinical Development, PTC Therapeutics, Warren, NJ, USA
| | - Susan B Laffan
- Translational Safety & Bioanalytical Sciences, Amgen, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
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Abais-Battad JM, Dasinger JH, Lund H, Burns-Ray EC, Walton SD, Baldwin KE, Fehrenbach DJ, Cherian-Shaw M, Mattson DL. Sex-Dependency of T Cell-Induced Salt-Sensitive Hypertension and Kidney Damage. Hypertension 2024; 81:1511-1523. [PMID: 38757269 PMCID: PMC11168867 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.123.22608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is established that the immune system, namely T cells, plays a role in the development of hypertension and renal damage in male Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats, but far less is known about this relationship in females. Rats with genetically deleted T cells via CD247 gene mutation on the Dahl SS background (SSCD247-/-) were utilized to interrogate the effect of sex and T cells on salt sensitivity. METHODS We assessed the hypertensive and kidney injury phenotypes in male versus female SS and SSCD247-/- rats challenged with 3 weeks of high salt (4.0% NaCl). Differences in T cell activation genes were examined in renal T cells from male and female SS rats, and a sex-specific adoptive transfer was performed by injecting male or female splenocytes into either male or female SSCD247-/- recipients to determine the potential contribution of T cell sex. RESULTS The lack of functional T cells in SSCD247-/- rats significantly reduced salt-induced hypertension and proteinuria in both sexes, although SSCD247-/- females exhibited greater protection from kidney damage. Adoptive transfer of either Dahl SS male or female splenocytes into SSCD247-/- male recipients exacerbated hypertension and proteinuria compared with controls, while in SSCD247-/- female recipients, exacerbation of disease occurred only upon transfer of male, but not female, SS splenocytes. CONCLUSIONS The absence of T cells in the SSCD247-/- normalized sex differences in blood pressure, though sex differences in renal damage persisted. Splenocyte transfer experiments demonstrated that salt sensitivity is amplified if the sex of the T cell or the recipient is male.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John Henry Dasinger
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta GA
| | - Hayley Lund
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI
| | - Emily C. Burns-Ray
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta GA
| | - Samuel D. Walton
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta GA
| | - Kaitlyn E. Baldwin
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta GA
| | | | - Mary Cherian-Shaw
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta GA
| | - David L. Mattson
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta GA
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Nikodemova M, Oberto JR, Berschel MR, Michaelson AL, Watters JJ, Mitchell GS. Acute Postnatal Inflammation Alters Adult Microglial Responses to LPS that Are Sex-, Region- and Timing of Postnatal Inflammation-Dependent. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4565866. [PMID: 38978595 PMCID: PMC11230508 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4565866/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Background Adverse events in early life can have impact lasting into adulthood. We investigated the long-term effects of systemic inflammation during postnatal development on adult microglial responses to LPS in two CNS regions (cortex, cervical spinal cord) in male and female rats. Methods Inflammation was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 mg/kg) administered intraperitoneally during postnatal development at P7, P12 or P18. As adults (12 weeks of age), the rats received a second LPS dose (1 mg/kg). Control rats received saline. Microglia were isolated 3 hours post-LPS from the cortex and cervical spinal cord. Gene expression was assessed via qRT-PCR for pro-inflammatory (IL-6, iNOS, Ptgs2, C/EBPb, CD14, CXCL10), anti-inflammatory (CD68, Arg-1), and homeostatic genes (P2Y12, Tmemm119). CSF-1 and CX3CL1 mRNA was analyzed in microglia-free homogenates. Results Basal gene expression in adult microglia was largely unaffected by early life LPS. Changes in adult microglial pro-inflammatory genes in response to LPS were either unchanged or attenuated in rats exposed to LPS during postnatal development. Ptgs2, C/EBPb, CXCL10 and Arg-1 were the genes most affected, with expression levels significantly downregulated vs control rats without postnatal LPS exposure. Cortical microglia were affected more by postnatal inflammation than spinal microglia, and males were more impacted than females. Overall, inflammatory challenge at P18 had the greatest effect on adult microglial gene expression, whereas challenge at P7 had less impact. Microglial homeostatic genes were unaffected by postnatal LPS. Conclusions Long-lasting effects of postnatal inflammation on adult microglia depend on the timing of postnatal inflammation, CNS region and sex.
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Ye D, Qu S, Yang Y, Wang Z, Wang Q, Liu W, Zhang F, Guan Q, Wang X, Zang J, Li X, Liu H, Yao R, Feng Z, Luan Z. Intrauterine desensitization enables long term survival of human oligodendrocyte progenitor cells without immunosuppression. iScience 2023; 26:106647. [PMID: 37168574 PMCID: PMC10165029 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune rejection can be reduced using immunosuppressants which are not viable for premature infants. However, desensitization can induce immune tolerance for premature infants because of underdeveloped immune system. The fetuses of Wistar rats at 15-17 days gestation were injected via hOPCs-1 into brain, muscles, and abdomen ex utero and then returned while the fetuses of control without injection. After 6 weeks of desensitization, the brain and muscles were transplanted with hOPCs-1, hNSCs-1, and hOPCs-2. After 10 and 34 weeks of desensitization, hOPCs-1 and hNSCs-1 in desensitized groups was higher than that in the control group while hOPCs-2 were rejected. Treg, CD4CD28, CD8CD28, and CD45RC between the desensitization and the control group differed significantly. Inflammatory cells in group with hOPCs-1 and hNSCs-1 was lower than that in the control group. hOPCs-1 can differentiate into myelin in desensitized groups. Wistar rats with desensitization developed immune tolerance to desensitized and transplanted cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dou Ye
- Department of Pediatrics, the Sixth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100037, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Suqing Qu
- Department of Pediatrics, the Sixth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Yinxiang Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, the Sixth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Zhaoyan Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, the Sixth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, the Sixth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Weipeng Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, the Sixth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, the Sixth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100037, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Qian Guan
- Department of Pediatrics, the Sixth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Xiaohua Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, the Sixth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Jing Zang
- Department of Pediatrics, the Sixth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Pediatrics, the Sixth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Hengtao Liu
- Jiaen Genetics Laboratory, Beijing Jiaen Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ruiqin Yao
- Department of Neurobiology, Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004, China
| | - Zhichun Feng
- Faculty of Pediatrics, The Seventh Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 100700 Beijing, China
| | - Zuo Luan
- Department of Pediatrics, the Sixth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100037, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
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Kirkland JM, Patel I, Ardeshna MS, Kopec AM. Microglial synaptic pruning in the nucleus accumbens during adolescence sex-specifically influences splenic immune outcomes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.03.539317. [PMID: 37205376 PMCID: PMC10187280 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.03.539317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Strong social support promotes a variety of positive health outcomes in humans and rodent models, while social isolation in rodents shortens lifespan, perceived social isolation (i.e. loneliness) can increase mortality by up to 50% in humans. How social relationships lead to these drastic health effects is unclear, but may involve modulation of the peripheral immune system. The reward circuitry of the brain and social behaviors undergo a critical period of development during adolescence. We published that microglia-mediated synaptic pruning occurs in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) reward region during adolescence to mediate social development in male and female rats. We hypothesized that if reward circuitry activity and social relationships directly impact the peripheral immune system, then natural developmental changes in the reward circuitry and social behaviors during adolescence should also directly impact the peripheral immune system. To test this, we inhibited microglial pruning in the NAc during adolescence, and then collected spleen tissue for mass spectrometry proteomic analysis and ELISA validation. We found that the global proteomic consequences of inhibiting microglial pruning in the NAc were similar between the sexes, but target-specific examination suggests that NAc pruning impacts Th1 cell-related immune markers in the spleen in males, but not females, and broad neurochemical systems in the spleen in females, but not males.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. M. Kirkland
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College
| | - Ishan Patel
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College
| | - Monali S. Ardeshna
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College
| | - Ashley M. Kopec
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College
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Zamora-Bello I, Hernandez-Baltazar D, Rodríguez-Landa JF, Rivadeneyra-Domínguez E. Optimizing rat and human blood cells sampling for in silico morphometric analysis. Acta Histochem 2022; 124:151917. [PMID: 35716583 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2022.151917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Measurements of Morphometric Parameters of the Blood Cells (MPBC) are key for the diagnosis of both mental and metabolic diseases. Several manual approaches or computational methodologies are useful to provide reliable clinical diagnosis. The sample processing and data analysis is relevant, however the sample handling on the pre-analytical phase remains scarcely evaluated. The main goal of this study was to favor the preservation of blood smear using a histological resin. This strategy lead us two practical approaches, give a detailed morphometric description of white blood cells and establish reference intervals in male Wistar rats, which are scarcely reported. Blood smears from male Wistar rats (n = 120) and adult men were collected at room temperature. The integrity of Wright-stained cells was evaluated by an in silico image analysis from rat and human blood smear preserved with a toluene-based synthetic resin mounting medium. A single sample of human blood was used as a control of procedure. The reference intervals was established by cell counting. Based on the results of segmentation algorithm followed by an automatic thresholding analysis, the incorporation of resin favor the conservation of cell blood populations, and lead to identify morphologic features such as nucleus/cytoplasmic shape, granules presence and DNA appearance in nucleus of white blood cells. The use of a histological resin could favor a fast and efficient sample handling in silico MPBC measurements both in the species studied as in wild animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Zamora-Bello
- Facultad de Química Farmacéutica Biológica, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico.
| | - Daniel Hernandez-Baltazar
- Investigadoras e investigadores por México. Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACyT), CDMX, Mexico; Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico.
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Cooper TK, Meyerholz DK, Beck AP, Delaney MA, Piersigilli A, Southard TL, Brayton CF. Research-Relevant Conditions and Pathology of Laboratory Mice, Rats, Gerbils, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Naked Mole Rats, and Rabbits. ILAR J 2022; 62:77-132. [PMID: 34979559 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilab022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals are valuable resources in biomedical research in investigations of biological processes, disease pathogenesis, therapeutic interventions, safety, toxicity, and carcinogenicity. Interpretation of data from animals requires knowledge not only of the processes or diseases (pathophysiology) under study but also recognition of spontaneous conditions and background lesions (pathology) that can influence or confound the study results. Species, strain/stock, sex, age, anatomy, physiology, spontaneous diseases (noninfectious and infectious), and neoplasia impact experimental results and interpretation as well as animal welfare. This review and the references selected aim to provide a pathology resource for researchers, pathologists, and veterinary personnel who strive to achieve research rigor and validity and must understand the spectrum of "normal" and expected conditions to accurately identify research-relevant experimental phenotypes as well as unusual illness, pathology, or other conditions that can compromise studies involving laboratory mice, rats, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, naked mole rats, and rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy K Cooper
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - David K Meyerholz
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Amanda P Beck
- Department of Pathology, Yeshiva University Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Martha A Delaney
- Zoological Pathology Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | - Alessandra Piersigilli
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology and the Genetically Modified Animal Phenotyping Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Teresa L Southard
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Cory F Brayton
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Mortensen NP, Moreno Caffaro M, Aravamudhan S, Beeravalli L, Prattipati S, Snyder RW, Watson SL, Patel PR, Weber FX, Montgomery SA, Sumner SJ, Fennell TR. Simulated Gastric Digestion and In Vivo Intestinal Uptake of Orally Administered CuO Nanoparticles and TiO 2 E171 in Male and Female Rat Pups. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:1487. [PMID: 34199726 PMCID: PMC8230348 DOI: 10.3390/nano11061487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Oral exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) during early life is an understudied area. The goals of this study were to evaluate the effect of pre-weaned rat gastric fluids on 50 nm CuO NPs and TiO2 E171 in vitro, and to evaluate uptake in vivo. The NP uptake was studied in vivo in male and female Sprague-Dawley rat pups following oral administration of four consecutive daily doses of 10 mg/kg CuO NPs, TiO2 E171, or vehicle control (water) between postnatal day (PND) 7-10. Rat pups were sacrificed on either PND10 or PND21. Simulated digestion led to dissolution of CuO NPs at the later ages tested (PND14 and PND21, but not PND7). In vivo intestinal uptake of CuO NPs and TiO2 E171 was observed by hyperspectral imaging of intestinal cross sections. Brightfield microscopy showed that the number of immune cells increased in the intestinal tissue following NP administration. Orally administered NPs led to low intestinal uptake of NPs and an increase in immune cells in the small and large intestine, suggesting that oral exposure to NPs during early life may lead to irritation or a low-grade inflammation. The long-term impact of increased immune cells in the intestinal tract during early life is unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninell P. Mortensen
- RTI International, 3040 E Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA; (M.M.C.); (R.W.S.); (S.L.W.); (P.R.P.); (F.X.W.); (T.R.F.)
| | - Maria Moreno Caffaro
- RTI International, 3040 E Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA; (M.M.C.); (R.W.S.); (S.L.W.); (P.R.P.); (F.X.W.); (T.R.F.)
| | - Shyam Aravamudhan
- Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, 2907 East Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC 27401, USA; (S.A.); (L.B.); (S.P.)
| | - Lakshmi Beeravalli
- Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, 2907 East Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC 27401, USA; (S.A.); (L.B.); (S.P.)
| | - Sharmista Prattipati
- Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, 2907 East Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC 27401, USA; (S.A.); (L.B.); (S.P.)
| | - Rodney W. Snyder
- RTI International, 3040 E Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA; (M.M.C.); (R.W.S.); (S.L.W.); (P.R.P.); (F.X.W.); (T.R.F.)
| | - Scott L. Watson
- RTI International, 3040 E Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA; (M.M.C.); (R.W.S.); (S.L.W.); (P.R.P.); (F.X.W.); (T.R.F.)
| | - Purvi R. Patel
- RTI International, 3040 E Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA; (M.M.C.); (R.W.S.); (S.L.W.); (P.R.P.); (F.X.W.); (T.R.F.)
| | - Frank X. Weber
- RTI International, 3040 E Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA; (M.M.C.); (R.W.S.); (S.L.W.); (P.R.P.); (F.X.W.); (T.R.F.)
| | - Stephanie A. Montgomery
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Susan J. Sumner
- UNC Nutrition Research Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 500 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA;
| | - Timothy R. Fennell
- RTI International, 3040 E Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA; (M.M.C.); (R.W.S.); (S.L.W.); (P.R.P.); (F.X.W.); (T.R.F.)
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Weström B, Arévalo Sureda E, Pierzynowska K, Pierzynowski SG, Pérez-Cano FJ. The Immature Gut Barrier and Its Importance in Establishing Immunity in Newborn Mammals. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1153. [PMID: 32582216 PMCID: PMC7296122 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The gut is an efficient barrier which protects against the passage of pathogenic microorganisms and potential harmful macromolecules into the body, in addition to its primary function of nutrient digestion and absorption. Contrary to the restricted macromolecular passage in adulthood, enhanced transfer takes place across the intestines during early life, due to the high endocytic capacity of the immature intestinal epithelial cells during the fetal and/or neonatal periods. The timing and extent of this enhanced endocytic capacity is dependent on animal species, with a prominent non-selective intestinal macromolecular transfer in newborn ungulates, e.g., pigs, during the first few days of life, and a selective transfer of mainly immunoglobulin G (IgG), mediated by the FcRn receptor, in suckling rodents, e.g., rats and mice. In primates, maternal IgG is transferred during fetal life via the placenta, and intestinal macromolecular transfer is largely restricted in human neonates. The period of intestinal macromolecular transmission provides passive immune protection through the transfer of IgG antibodies from an immune competent mother; and may even have extra-immune beneficial effects on organ maturation in the offspring. Moreover, intestinal transfer during the fetal/neonatal periods results in increased exposure to microbial and food antigens which are then presented to the underlying immune system, which is both naïve and immature. This likely stimulates the maturation of the immune system and shifts the response toward tolerance induction instead of activation or inflammation, as usually seen in adulthood. Ingestion of mother's milk and the dietary transition to complex food at weaning, as well as the transient changes in the gut microbiota during the neonatal period, are also involved in the resulting immune response. Any disturbances in timing and/or balance of these parallel processes, i.e., intestinal epithelial maturation, luminal microbial colonization and mucosal immune maturation due to, e.g., preterm birth, infection, antibiotic use or nutrient changes during the neonatal period, might affect the establishment of the immune system in the infant. This review will focus on how differing developmental processes in the intestinal epithelium affect the macromolecular passage in different species and the possible impact of such passage on the establishment of immunity during the critical perinatal period in young mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Weström
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ester Arévalo Sureda
- Precision Livestock and Nutrition Unit, TERRA Teaching and Research Centre, Gembloux Agro-Biotech, University of Liège, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Kateryna Pierzynowska
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Animal Physiology, Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Jablonna, Poland
| | - Stefan G. Pierzynowski
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biology, Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland
| | - Francisco-José Pérez-Cano
- Physiology Section, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Research Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety of the University of Barcelona (INSA-UB), Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
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Niu J, An G, Gu Z, Li P, Liu Q, Bai R, Sun J, Du Q. Analysis of sensitivity and specificity: precise recognition of neutrophils during regeneration of contused skeletal muscle in rats. Forensic Sci Res 2020; 7:228-237. [PMID: 35784418 PMCID: PMC9245985 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2020.1713432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In this report, we applied the TissueFAXS 200 digital pathological analysis system to rapidly and accurately identify neutrophils during regeneration of contused skeletal muscle, and to provide information for follow-up studies on neutrophils to estimate wound age. Rat injury model was established, and skeletal muscle samples were obtained from the control group and contusion groups at 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, and 6 h, as well as at 1, 3, 5, and 15 d post-injury (n = 5 per group). The expression of nuclei and neutrophils was detected by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. A total of 20 injury site areas of 0.25 mm2 (0.5 mm × 0.5 mm) were then randomly selected at all time points. A TissueFAXS 200 digital pathological analysis system was used to identify the positive and negative numbers. Knowledge of five professional medical workers were considered the gold standard to measure the false positive rate (FPR), false negative rate (FNR), sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. As a result, with a staining area of neutrophils from 8 µm2 to 15 µm2, the FPR was 4.28%–12.14%, the FNR was 12.42%–64.08%, the sensitivity was 35.92%–87.58%, the specificity was 87.86%–95.72%, the Youden index was 0.316–0.754, the accuracy was 82.80%–88.30%, and the AUC was 0.771–0.826. The AUC was largest when the cut-off value of the staining area was 12 µm2. Our results show that this software-based method is more accurate than the human eye in evaluating neutrophil infiltration. Based on the sensitivity and specificity, neutrophils can be accurately identified during regeneration of contused skeletal muscle. The TissueFAXS 200 digital pathological analysis system can also be used to optimize conditions for different cell types under various injury conditions to determine the optimal cut-off value of the staining area and provide optimal conditions for further study. Furthermore, it will provide evidence for forensic pathology cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Niu
- School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Guoshuai An
- School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Zhen Gu
- School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Peng Li
- School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Qiqing Liu
- School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, China
- Criminal Investigation Brigade, Zhuji Public Security Bureau, Zhuji, China
| | - Rufeng Bai
- 2011 Cooperative Innovation Center of Judicial Civilization, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Science, China University of Political Science and Law, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Junhong Sun
- School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Qiuxiang Du
- School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, China
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Fehrenbach DJ, Dasinger JH, Lund H, Zemaj J, Mattson DL. Splenocyte transfer exacerbates salt-sensitive hypertension in rats. Exp Physiol 2020; 105:864-875. [PMID: 32034948 DOI: 10.1113/ep088340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? Recruitment of immune cells to the kidney potentiates hypertensive pathology, but more refined methods are needed to assess these cells functionally. Adoptive transfer studies of immune cells have been limited in rat models and especially in the study of salt-sensitive hypertension. We tested the hypothesis that splenocyte transfer into T-cell-deficient rats is sufficient to exacerbate salt-sensitive hypertension. What is the main finding and its importance? We demonstrate that transfer of splenocytes into T-cell-deficient animals exacerbates salt-sensitive hypertension, and an enrichment in the CD4+ compartment specifically induces this phenomenon. ABSTRACT Increasing evidence of immune system activation during the progression of hypertension and renal injury has led to a need for new methods to study individual cell types. Transfer of immune cells serves as a powerful tool to isolate effects of specific subsets. Transfer studies in Rag1-/- mice have demonstrated an important role of T-cell activation in hypertension, but this approach has yielded limited success in rat models. Using the T-cell-deficient Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rat, SSCD247-/- , we hypothesized that splenocyte transfer from SS wild-type animals into SSCD247-/- animals would populate the T-cell compartment. The Dahl SS background provides a model for studying salt-sensitive hypertension; therefore, we also tested whether the dietary salt content of the donor would confer differential salt sensitivity in the recipient. To test this, donors were maintained on either a low-salt or a high-salt diet, and at postnatal day 5 the recipients received splenocyte transfer from one of these groups before a high-salt diet challenge. We showed that splenocyte transfer elevated blood pressures while rats were fed low salt and exacerbated the salt-sensitive increase in pressure when they were fed fed high salt. Furthermore, transfer of splenocytes conferred exacerbated renal damage. Lastly, we confirmed the presence of T cells in the circulation and in the spleen, and that infiltration of immune cells, including T cells, macrophages and B cells, into the kidney was elevated in those receiving the transfer. Interestingly, the source of the splenocytes, from donors fed either a low-salt or a high-salt diet, did not significantly affect these salt-sensitive phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John Henry Dasinger
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Department of Physiology, Augusta University and the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Hayley Lund
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jeylan Zemaj
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - David L Mattson
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Department of Physiology, Augusta University and the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
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12
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Lalić IM, Miljković M, Labudović-Borović M, Milić N, Milićević NM. Postnatal development of metallophilic macrophages in the rat thymus. Anat Histol Embryol 2020; 49:433-439. [PMID: 32092175 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Metallophilic macrophages (MMs) are a distinct cell type of the rodent thymus. Our previous research has focused on the morphological characteristics of MMs, as well as on the molecular mechanisms involved in the development and tissue positioning of these cells. However, the postnatal development of MMs has not been sufficiently studied. In the present study, we investigated the positioning of MMs in the rat thymus between postnatal day 0 (P0) and P30. On P0, MMs were evenly distributed all over the thymic tissue-that is, the cortex, cortico-medullary zone and medulla. From P0 to P15, the number of MMs in the thymic cortex significantly decreased, and after P15, this number did not change. Thus, the present study shows that on P15, MMs almost completely disappear from the thymic cortex and show their adult position in the cortico-medullary zone and in the medulla.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana M Lalić
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Histology and Embryology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Miloš Miljković
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Histology and Embryology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milica Labudović-Borović
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Histology and Embryology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nataša Milić
- Department for Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.,Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Novica M Milićević
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Histology and Embryology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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13
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Willard-Mack CL, Elmore SA, Hall WC, Harleman J, Kuper CF, Losco P, Rehg JE, Rühl-Fehlert C, Ward JM, Weinstock D, Bradley A, Hosokawa S, Pearse G, Mahler BW, Herbert RA, Keenan CM. Nonproliferative and Proliferative Lesions of the Rat and Mouse Hematolymphoid System. Toxicol Pathol 2020; 47:665-783. [PMID: 31526133 DOI: 10.1177/0192623319867053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The INHAND Project (International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria for Lesions in Rats and Mice) is a joint initiative of the Societies of Toxicologic Pathology from Europe (ESTP), Great Britain (BSTP), Japan (JSTP), and North America (STP) to develop an internationally accepted nomenclature for proliferative and nonproliferative changes in rats and mice. The purpose of this publication is to provide a standardized nomenclature for classifying changes observed in the hematolymphoid organs, including the bone marrow, thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues, and other lymphoid tissues (serosa-associated lymphoid clusters and tertiary lymphoid structures) with color photomicrographs illustrating examples of the lesions. Sources of material included histopathology databases from government, academia, and industrial laboratories throughout the world. Content includes spontaneous lesions as well as lesions induced by exposure to test materials. The nomenclature for these organs is divided into 3 terminologies: descriptive, conventional, and enhanced. Three terms are listed for each diagnosis. The rationale for this approach and guidance for its application to toxicologic pathology are described in detail below.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan A Elmore
- Thymus subgroup lead.,National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Johannes Harleman
- Lymph node subgroup lead.,Neoplasm subgroup leads.,Independent Consultant, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - C Frieke Kuper
- Associated lymphoid organs subgroup lead.,Independent Consultant, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Patricia Losco
- General hematolymphoid subgroup lead.,Independent Consultant, West Chester, PA, USA
| | - Jerold E Rehg
- Spleen subgroup leads.,Neoplasm subgroup leads.,Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Jerrold M Ward
- Spleen subgroup leads.,Neoplasm subgroup leads.,Global VetPathology, Montgomery Village, MD, USA
| | | | - Alys Bradley
- Charles River Laboratories, Tranent, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Satoru Hosokawa
- Eisai Co, Ltd, Drug Safety Research Laboratories, Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | - Beth W Mahler
- Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Ronald A Herbert
- National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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14
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Ogungbesan A, Neal-Kluever A, Rice P. Exploring the use of current immunological assays for the developmental immunotoxicity assessment of food contact materials. Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 133:110801. [PMID: 31499121 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.110801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian immune system is a highly complex, interactive network of cells that facilitates innate and adaptive immune responses. The neonatal immune system may be more susceptible to chemical perturbations than that of the adult. The effects of immunotoxicants during development may not be fully detected in toxicity studies performed on adult animals. Studies characterizing the ontogeny of the immune system in developing animals have shown that there are different critical windows of susceptibility to immunotoxicants. Developmental differences are evident among species compared to humans. Functional immune assays, such as the T-cell antibody dependent response assay, in rat models have been validated for use in the assessment of immunotoxicity with other assays. Recently, published studies have explored the feasibility of using additional techniques, such as in vitro studies using human whole blood cells or cell lines, mostly lacking either sensitivity or proper validation for regulatory purposes. However, some techniques may be developed further to enable translation of animal toxicity findings to human risk assessment of potential immunotoxicants. This paper summarizes the information on the developing immune system in humans versus rats and how the currently available assays might be used to contribute to the safety assessment of food contact substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adejoke Ogungbesan
- FDA/CFSAN/OFAS, 5001 Campus Drive, HFS 275, College Park, MD, 20740, USA.
| | - April Neal-Kluever
- FDA/CFSAN/OFAS, 5001 Campus Drive, HFS 275, College Park, MD, 20740, USA
| | - Penny Rice
- FDA/CFSAN/OFAS, 5001 Campus Drive, HFS 275, College Park, MD, 20740, USA
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15
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Ogawa B, Nakanishi Y, Koyama T, Arima K, Sasaki M. Strain differences in histopathological features of lymphoid tissues of SD and F344 rats in a T cell-dependent antibody response assay of cyclophosphamide. J Toxicol Pathol 2019; 32:143-154. [PMID: 31404373 PMCID: PMC6682558 DOI: 10.1293/tox.2018-0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
When conducting histopathological evaluation of lymphoid tissues, it is necessary to
know the variability and strain differences in histological features of different sites of
lymphoid tissues. To investigate in detail the variability of lymphoid tissues and strain
differences of control rats as well as those of immune reactivity and sensitivity to
immunosuppression, we performed a histopathological analysis of various lymphoid tissues
in conjunction with the evaluation of immune function in a T cell-dependent antibody
response (TDAR) assay with cyclophosphamide (CP) in Sprague Dawley (SD) and F344 rats.
Six-week-old male SD and F344 rats were orally treated with CP at 0 (control) or 4
mg/kg/day for 28 days; keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) was introduced intravenously on
Days 14 and 23, and the serum concentrations of anti-KLH antibodies were measured. HE
staining and immunohistochemistry for T-cell (CD3) and B-cell (CD45RA) markers were
performed using tissues from the spleen, thymus, and various lymph nodes. In CP-treated
rats of both strains, decreased concentrations of anti-KLH antibodies were observed.
Histopathological analysis revealed decreased lymphocytes mainly in the B-cell area, and
these changes induced by CP treatment were more prominent in the F344 rats than in the SD
rats. The present study also demonstrated that some of the lymphoid tissues of the control
F344 rats were less developed than those of the control SD rats, suggesting that F344 rats
might be easily affected by CP-induced immunosuppression. This information concerning rat
strain differences in lymphoid tissues will be useful in histopathological evaluation for
drug-induced immunotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bunichiro Ogawa
- Drug Safety and Pharmacokinetics Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Yutaka Nakanishi
- Drug Safety and Pharmacokinetics Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Tomoko Koyama
- Drug Safety and Pharmacokinetics Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Kazunori Arima
- Drug Safety and Pharmacokinetics Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Minoru Sasaki
- Drug Safety and Pharmacokinetics Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
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16
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Mafra K, Nakagaki BN, Castro Oliveira HM, Rezende RM, Antunes MM, Menezes GB. The liver as a nursery for leukocytes. J Leukoc Biol 2019; 106:687-693. [PMID: 31107980 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.mr1118-455r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukocytes are a large population of cells spread within most tissues in the body. These cells may be either sessile (called as resident cells) or circulating leukocytes, which travel long journeys inside the vessels during their lifespan. Although production and maturation of these leukocytes in adults primarily occur in the bone marrow, it is well known that this process-called hematopoiesis-started in the embryonic life in different sites, including the yolk sac, placenta, and the liver. In this review, we will discuss how the liver acts as a pivotal site for leukocyte maturation during the embryo phase, and also how the most frequent liver-resident immune cell populations-namely Kupffer cells, dendritic cells, and lymphocytes-play a vital role in both tolerance and inflammatory responses to antigens from food, microbiota, and pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kassiana Mafra
- Center for Gastrointestinal Biology, Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Brenda Naemi Nakagaki
- Center for Gastrointestinal Biology, Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Hortência Maciel Castro Oliveira
- Center for Gastrointestinal Biology, Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rafael Machado Rezende
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maísa Mota Antunes
- Center for Gastrointestinal Biology, Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Batista Menezes
- Center for Gastrointestinal Biology, Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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17
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Swartwout B, Luo XM. Implications of Probiotics on the Maternal-Neonatal Interface: Gut Microbiota, Immunomodulation, and Autoimmunity. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2840. [PMID: 30559747 PMCID: PMC6286978 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Probiotics are being investigated for the treatment of autoimmune disease by re-balancing dysbiosis induced changes in the immune system. Pregnancy is a health concern surrounding autoimmune disease, both for the mother and her child. Probiotics for maternity are emerging on the market and have gained significant momentum in the literature. Thus far, evidence supports that probiotics alter the structure of the normal microbiota and the microbiota changes significantly during pregnancy. The interaction between probiotics-induced changes and normal changes during pregnancy is poorly understood. Furthermore, there is emerging evidence that the maternal gut microbiota influences the microbiota of offspring, leading to questions on how maternal probiotics may influence the health of neonates. Underpinning the development and balance of the immune system, the microbiota, especially that of the gut, is significantly important, and dysbiosis is an agent of immune dysregulation and autoimmunity. However, few studies exist on the implications of maternal probiotics for the outcome of pregnancy in autoimmune disease. Is it helpful or harmful for mother with autoimmune disease to take probiotics, and would this be protective or pathogenic for her child? Controversy surrounds whether probiotics administered maternally or during infancy are healthful for allergic disease, and their use for autoimmunity is relatively unexplored. This review aims to discuss the use of maternal probiotics in health and autoimmune disease and to investigate their immunomodulatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna Swartwout
- Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Graduate Program, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Xin M. Luo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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18
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Implications for thymus growth in childhood: histogenesis of cortex and medulla. Anat Sci Int 2018; 94:111-118. [PMID: 30155680 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-018-0456-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The increase in autoimmune diseases in recent years has drawn attention back to the thymus, with new approaches to improve and/or restore immune function being investigated. As the primary lymphoid organ responsible for functional T cell development, studies on the pre-/post-natal development of this organ and T lymphocytes in human and other species are of special interest. During our screening studies we observed structures that had not been described or mentioned previously, and named them "epitheliostromal sheaths". Associated with these unique structures were also small attached lobules (possibly reflecting the maturational stages of thymic lobules), which the authors consider as markers of histogenesis and the growth of the organ during early childhood; these findings are thus presented to researchers in this field. Approximately 1000 sections prepared from infantile thymic tissues of partial biopsy specimens were immunostained and examined. Specimens were taken from ten patients (with informed consent) in the age range of 4-9 years who underwent surgery due to congenital cardiovascular anomalies but were otherwise normal. Digital images of interest were captured to describe them in detail. Determining the immunophenotype of the compartments in these newly developing lobules assisted us greatly in defining compartments and their growth order. In summary, our findings suggest a niche-based thymus growth mechanism during childhood. We presented our findings, hoping to provide additional insight to researchers aiming to restore thymus function in adulthood and improve its immunological functions.
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19
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Kim NN, Parker RM, Weinbauer GF, Remick AK, Steinbach T. Points to Consider in Designing and Conducting Juvenile Toxicology Studies. Int J Toxicol 2017; 36:325-339. [DOI: 10.1177/1091581817699975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In support of a clinical trial in the pediatric population, available nonclinical and clinical data provide input on the study design and safety monitoring considerations. When the existing data are lacking to support the safety of the planned pediatric clinical trial, a juvenile animal toxicity study is likely required. Usually a single relevant species, preferably a rodent, is chosen as the species of choice, while a nonrodent species can be appropriate when scientifically justified. Juvenile toxicology studies, in general, are complicated both conceptually and logistically. Development in young animals is a continuous process with different organs maturing at different rates and time. Structural and functional maturational differences have been shown to affect drug safety. Key points to consider in conducting a juvenile toxicology study include a comparative development of the organ systems, differences in the pharmacokinetics/absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (PK/ADME) profiles of the drug between young animal and child, and logistical requirement in the juvenile study design. The purpose of this publication is to note pertinent points to consider when designing and conducting juvenile toxicology studies and to aid in future modifications and enhancements of these studies to enable a superior predictability of safety of medicines in the pediatric population.
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20
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Himmel LE. Book Review: Atlas of Histology of the Juvenile Rat. Vet Pathol 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/0300985817691940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. E. Himmel
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Translational Pathology Shared Resource, Nashville, Tennessee
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21
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CD8 T cells protect adult naive mice from JEV-induced morbidity via lytic function. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005329. [PMID: 28151989 PMCID: PMC5308832 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Revised: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Following Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection neutralizing antibodies are shown to provide protection in a significant proportion of cases, but not all, suggesting additional components of immune system might also contribute to elicit protective immune response. Here we have characterized the role of T cells in offering protection in adult mice infected with JEV. Mice lacking α/β–T cells (TCRβ–null) are highly susceptible and die over 10–18 day period as compared to the wild-type (WT) mice which are resistant. This is associated with high viral load, higher mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines and breach in the blood-brain-barrier (BBB). Infected WT mice do not show a breach in BBB; however, in contrast to TCRβ-null, they show the presence of T cells in the brain. Using adoptive transfer of cells with specific genetic deficiencies we see that neither the presence of CD4 T cells nor cytokines such as IL-4, IL-10 or interferon-gamma have any significant role in offering protection from primary infection. In contrast, we show that CD8 T cell deficiency is more critical as absence of CD8 T cells alone increases mortality in mice infected with JEV. Further, transfer of T cells from beige mice with defects in granular lytic function into TCRβ-null mice shows poor protection implicating granule-mediated target cell lysis as an essential component for survival. In addition, for the first time we report that γ/δ-T cells also make significant contribution to confer protection from JEV infection. Our data show that effector CD8 T cells play a protective role during primary infection possibly by preventing the breach in BBB and neuronal damage. Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) commonly infects human beings in developing countries including those in Southeast Asia. While the majority of the infected people suffer from mild illness, a minority suffers from encephalitis which may lead to death. The virus is transmitted by mosquito bites and elimination of mosquitoes is not a practical answer to prevent the disease, therefore, prevention by vaccination is a desired goal. While various vaccines are clinically tried and some are marketed further improvement in vaccines is still possible. In a complex disease like JE many components of the immune system contribute to variable extent in protection. We show here that one subset of T cells called CD8 cells which are capable of killing infected cells are very critical for providing protection against JEV infection in mice. In the absence of T cells we also observed that virus reaches the brain early, unlike in the presence of T cells, and this possibly results in high virus load in the brain leading to worsening of the condition and death. Thus, our data help in identifying the role of CD8 T cells in protection from lethal JEV infection and the information may be useful for modifying and/or developing vaccine for prevention of JEV-mediated disease.
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22
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Picut CA, Parker GA. Postnatal Organ Development as a Complicating Factor in Juvenile Toxicity Studies in Rats. Toxicol Pathol 2016; 45:248-252. [PMID: 27753635 DOI: 10.1177/0192623316671609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Toxicologic pathologists must evaluate tissues of immature animals from a number of types of nonclinical toxicity studies. The pathologist who is familiar with normal postnatal organ development is in a better position to appropriately detect and differentiate between abnormal, delayed, or precocious development. Vacuolation and apoptosis in multiple tissue types are normal components of development that could influence the interpretation of some tissues. Unique postnatal features such as the germal matrix in the brain, gonocytes in the testes, and saccules in the lung may complicate the histopathological evaluation. With the knowledge of normal organ development and critical windows therein, it is possible to design targeted studies to identify xenobiotic toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George A Parker
- 1 Charles River Laboratories, Hillsborough, North Carolina, USA
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23
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Maturation of the Intestinal Epithelial Barrier in Neonatal Rats Coincides with Decreased FcRn Expression, Replacement of Vacuolated Enterocytes and Changed Blimp-1 Expression. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164775. [PMID: 27736989 PMCID: PMC5063338 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intestinal barrier is immature in newborn mammals allowing for transfer of bioactive macromolecules, e.g. protecting antibodies, from mother's milk to the blood circulation and in neonatal rodents lasts until weaning. This passage involves the neonatal-Fc-receptor (FcRn) binding IgG in the proximal and highly endocytic vacuolated enterocytes in the distal immature small intestine (SI). Recent studies have suggested an involvement of the transcription factor B-lymphocyte-induced maturation-protein-1 (Blimp-1) in the regulation of SI maturation in mice. Hence, the objective of the present study was to monitor the development of the intestinal barrier function, in relation to Blimp-1 expression during both natural and precociously induced intestinal maturation in rats. RESULTS During the suckling period IgG plasma levels increased, while after gut closure it temporarily decreased. This corresponded to a high expression of FcRn in the proximal SI epithelium and the presence of vacuolated enterocytes in the distal SI. The immature foetal-type epithelium was replaced after weaning or induced precocious maturation, by an adult-type epithelium with FcRnneg cells in the proximal and by non-vacuolated enterocytes in the distal SI. In parallel to this epithelial shift, Blimp-1 expression decreased in the distal SI. CONCLUSION The switch from foetal- to adult-type epithelium, with decreased proximal expression of FcRn and distal replacement of vacuolated enterocytes, was concurrent in the two SI regions and could be used for monitoring SI maturation in the rat. The changes in expression of Blimp-1 in the distal SI epithelium followed the maturation pattern.
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24
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Development of immune organs and functioning in humans and test animals: Implications for immune intervention studies. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 64:180-90. [PMID: 27282947 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
A healthy immune status is mostly determined during early life stages and many immune-related diseases may find their origin in utero and the first years of life. Therefore, immune health optimization may be most effective during early life. This review is an inventory of immune organ maturation events in relation to developmental timeframes in minipig, rat, mouse and human. It is concluded that time windows of immune organ development in rodents can be translated to human, but minipig reflects the human timeframes better; however the lack of prenatal maternal-fetal immune interaction in minipig may cause less responsiveness to prenatal intervention. It is too early to conclude which immune parameters are most appropriate, because there are not enough comparative immune parameters. Filling these gaps will increase the predictability of results observed in experimental animals, and guide future intervention studies by assessing relevant parameters in the right corresponding developmental time frames.
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25
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Remick AK, Catlin NR, Quist EM, Steinbach TJ, Dixon D. Juvenile Toxicology: Relevance and Challenges for Toxicologists and Pathologists. Toxicol Pathol 2015; 43:1166-71. [PMID: 26220944 PMCID: PMC4670269 DOI: 10.1177/0192623315595883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The Society of Toxicologic Pathology (STP) Education Committee and the STP Reproductive Special Interest Group held a North Carolina regional meeting entitled, "Juvenile Toxicology: Relevance and Challenges for Toxicologists and Pathologists" on March 13, 2015, at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/National Toxicology Program in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. The purpose of this regional meeting was to familiarize attendees with the topic of juvenile toxicity testing and discuss its relevance to clinical pediatric medicine, regulatory perspectives, challenges of appropriate study design confronted by toxicologists, and challenges of histopathologic examination and interpretation of juvenile tissues faced by pathologists. The 1-day meeting was a success with over 60 attendees representing industry, government, research organizations, and academia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Natasha R Catlin
- Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology Group, Toxicology Branch, National Toxicology Program (NTP) Division, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Erin M Quist
- Reproductive Endocrinology Group, National Toxicology Program Laboratory (NTPL), and NTP Pathology Group, Cellular & Molecular Pathology Branch, NTP Division, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Darlene Dixon
- Molecular Pathogenesis Group, National Toxicology Program Laboratory (NTPL), Division of the NTP, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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