Memory CD8+ T cells in heterologous antiviral immunity and immunopathology in the lung

A potent role for memory CD8+ T cells in heterologous immunity was shown with a respiratory mucosal model of viral infection. Memory CD8+ T cells generated after lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection were functionally activated in vivo to produce interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) during acute infection with vaccinia virus (VV). Some of these antigen-specific memory cells selectively expanded in number, which resulted in modulation of the original LCMV-specific T cell repertoire. In addition, there was an organ-selective compartmental redistribution of these LCMV-specific T cells during VV infection. The presence of these LCMV-specific memory T cells correlated with enhanced VV clearance, decreased mortality and marked changes in lung immunopathology. Thus, the participation of pre-existing memory T cells specific to unrelated agents can alter the dynamics of mucosal immunity and disease course in response to a pathogen.

Developmental regulation of thyrotropin receptor gene expression in the fetal and neonatal rat thyroid: relation to thyroid morphology and to thyroid-specific gene expression

The TSH receptor plays a pivotal role in thyroid gland function, growth, and differentiation, but little is known about its role or regulation in the fetus and neonate. To explore these questions, we systematically evaluated TSH receptor gene expression at the level of messenger RNA (mRNA) in thyroid glands obtained from rat fetuses and neonates, from 14 days gestation to day 5 of postnatal life. Results were compared with histological evidence of differentiation and to thyroid-specific gene expression. Northern blot and RT-PCR analysis revealed that TSH mRNA was first detected at low levels on fetal day 15, but it increased 3- to 15-fold on fetal days 17-18. Up-regulation of TSH receptor mRNA on fetal day 17-18 was accompanied by the first appearance of colloid formation and of follicular development on morphological examination. It was also paralleled by increased expression of the thyroid-specific genes thyroglobulin (Tg) and thyroid peroxidase. Unexpectedly, TSH mRNA abundance was 2- to 3-fold higher in pregnant dams than in nonpregnant adult females or adult males. In view of the 8-day lapse between the first appearance of the thyroid diverticulum and up-regulation of TSH receptor gene expression, we conclude that pituitary TSH, acting through its receptor, plays an important role in terminal thyroid maturation, but it is not involved earlier in gestation. Similarly, these data support previous evidence that the weak thyrotropic activity of human CG could not be of significance in early fetal thyroid gland development. The increased TSH receptor mRNA on fetal day 17-18 may be attributable to up-regulation by TSH, which is first secreted into the fetal circulation at this time. The significance of the increased TSH receptor expression during pregnancy remains to be explored.

Lipid deposition in rat aortas with intraluminal hemispherical plug stenosis. A morphological and biophysical study

A new method was devised to create a stenosis in the rat abdominal aorta. To restrict blood flow, a hemispherical plug was inserted into the aorta through a renal artery. This type of intrinsic (intraluminal) stenosis minimizes possible intramural effects associated with external compression or ligation which severely deform the arterial wall. In the aorta of hypercholesterolemic rats, lipid deposits were distributed in crescent-shaped patches proximal and distal to the plug, whereas lipid deposition in the opposite aortic wall was inhibited. Based on enlarged physical scale models used to study the flow field, the regions of lipid deposition were found to coincide with regions of low shear stress, stagnation, and recirculation. Shear stress was elevated at the wall opposite the plug. These results show that when confounding mural effects are minimized, lipid deposition is promoted in regions of low shear stress with recirculation and inhibited in regions of elevated shear stress.

Circadian and seasonal variations of hematopoiesis in cord blood

Cord blood hematopoietic progenitors undergo circadian and seasonal variations. The lowest values are obtained between 4:00 and 12:00, as well as between May and August. This represents the first observation of such rhythms before birth.

Cytogenetic biomonitoring of a population of children allegedly exposed to environmental pollutants. Phase 2: Results of a three-year longitudinal study

Our previous cytogenetic biomonitoring of a group of inhabitants in a village (Mellery, Belgium) where exposure to a mixture of toxic environmental pollutants, (probably originating from a neighbouring chemical waste disposal site) was suspected, showed that difference in the SCE and HFC bioassays was more pronounced for children. The results of follow-up study in 1992 confirmed this surprising conclusion by an even higher incidence. As very few studies have been performed on the levels of children's biomarkers, this group of exposed populations needed to be explored further. Do children residing in the vicinity of hazardous waste sites indeed represent a population at higher risk? In the present study, we compare the performance of various bioassays (SCE, HFC, SSB and MN) in extended exposed and reference children's groups. Simultaneously, in the exposed group, we followed variation in the lymphocyte SCE frequencies as a function of time. Reversibility of the latter biomarker was ascertained subsequent to a preliminary technical remediation of the disposal site. We compared these data with those obtained from a synchronous cross-sectional study on a group of children living near a similar chemical disposal site. The two exposed populations did not differ from the reference population regarding to the SCE and HFC mean levels. Comparisons of the mean levels of the two other biomarkers, SSB and MN, showed no difference between the Mellery exposed children and the reference group from Wavre whereas significant differences appeared when the Hensies group is compared either to the Mellery or to the Wavre reference group.

Apoptosis, oncosis, and necrosis. An overview of cell death

The historical development of the cell death concept is reviewed, with special attention to the origin of the terms necrosis, coagulation necrosis, autolysis, physiological cell death, programmed cell death, chromatolysis (the first name of apoptosis in 1914), karyorhexis, karyolysis, and cell suicide, of which there are three forms: by lysosomes, by free radicals, and by a genetic mechanism (apoptosis). Some of the typical features of apoptosis are discussed, such as budding (as opposed to blebbing and zeiosis) and the inflammatory response. For cell death not by apoptosis the most satisfactory term is accidental cell death. Necrosis is commonly used but it is not appropriate, because it does not indicate a form of cell death but refers to changes secondary to cell death by any mechanism, including apoptosis. Abundant data are available on one form of accidental cell death, namely ischemic cell death, which can be considered an entity of its own, caused by failure of the ionic pumps of the plasma membrane. Because ischemic cell death (in known models) is accompanied by swelling, the name oncosis is proposed for this condition. The term oncosis (derived from ónkos, meaning swelling) was proposed in 1910 by von Reckling-hausen precisely to mean cell death with swelling. Oncosis leads to necrosis with karyolysis and stands in contrast to apoptosis, which leads to necrosis with karyorhexis and cell shrinkage.

Reversible endothelial cell relaxation induced by oxygen and glucose deprivation. A model of ischemia in vitro

Endothelial cells (EC) cultured on polymerized silicone deform the underlying substrate, producing microscopically visible wrinkles. This has been interpreted as cellular contraction, and we have previously concluded that EC normally maintain an active contractile tone. Since in ischemic tissues capillaries become "paralyzed" and lose their tone, we decided to examine the effects of glucose and/or oxygen deprivation on EC contractility. Contracting cultures with wrinkled silicone substrates were exposed to complete anoxia with or without exogenous glucose and followed by time-lapse photography. Under either glucose-or oxygen-free conditions, contraction was maintained for up to 4 days. If, however, both oxygen and glucose were removed, cellular contraction was reversed. After a period of 2 to 4 hours substrate wrinkles gradually disappeared, until by 3 to 7 hours, few to no wrinkles remained. Furthermore, within 10 minutes of restoration to normal oxygen (but not glucose) levels, substrate wrinkling reappeared. F-actin microfilament patterns and cell number per unit area were also altered by glucose and oxygen deprivation. Similar results were obtained using large or small vessel EC. We conclude that in the absence of glucose and oxygen EC lose their contractile tone, and that tone can be re-established upon re-exposure to oxygen. These findings should have implications for the pathogenesis of capillary paralysis in ischemia.

Acute, lethal, natural killer cell-resistant myeloproliferative disease induced by polyomavirus in severe combined immunodeficient mice

Infection of severe combined immunodeficient mice, which lack T and B lymphocytes, with polyomavirus (PyV) induced an acute hematological disorder leading to the death of the mice by 2 weeks postinfection. The disease was characterized by a dramatic decrease in megakaryocytes, multiple hemorrhages, anemia, thrombocytopenia, splenomegaly, a massive myeloproliferation and splenic erythroproliferation with a defect in maturation of the myeloid elements similar to that in acute leukemia. This pathology in severe combined immunodeficient mice is very different from that of the well-characterized tumor profiles induced by PyV in normal newborn or nude mice. Viral T and capsid (VP1) antigens and viral genome were detected in some cells in the spleen, but not in the majority of the proliferating myeloid cells. This suggests that the myeloproliferation is induced by some indirect mechanism, such as secretion of growth factors or cytokines by virus-infected cells, rather than by direct transformation by PyV. Neither the spread of PyV, its replication in different organs, nor the pathogenesis or the time of death were altered by depleting natural killer cells in vivo by anti-natural killer cell antibodies. Analysis of the spleen leukocyte population indicated that the cells expressed high levels of class I major histocompatibility complex antigens and were resistant to lysis by activated natural killer cells.

Cytogenetic monitoring of a village population potentially exposed to a low level of environmental pollutants. Phase 1:SCE analysis

By analogy to the techniques applied for monitoring biological effects of exposure to genotoxic agents in occupational populations, we have carried out cytogenetic monitoring in a group of inhabitants of a village (Mellery, Belgium) suspected to have been exposed to a variety of toxic environmental pollutants. These pollutants probably originated from a neighboring chemical wastes site. A group of 51 environmentally exposed and 52 reference persons (including children) were examined for the frequency of sister-chromatid exchanges (SCE) in their peripheral blood lymphocytes. The technique was further refined by using a high frequency cells (HFC) analysis. Analysis of the reference subgroups showed a significant difference between non-smoking adults and children. The influence of tobacco was clear, too. In the exposed group, no significant differences could be demonstrated between either the smokers or the non-smokers or the children. Furthermore, not only were the mean frequencies of SCE higher than in the respective reference subgroups but comparison between the two groups also showed a higher number of individuals presenting a HFC level above the background in the exposed group. Surprisingly, the difference was more pronounced for the children. A follow-up of the same exposed population carried out 18 months later and after remediation of the atmospheric chemical release, the previously observed tendencies in the exposure parameter remained unmodified.

Increased sister chromatid exchange frequencies observed in a cohort of inhabitants of a village located at the boundary of an industrial dumping ground: phase I

Since the mid-eighties, a sand pit located at the boundary of Mellery, a small village in Belgium, has been used as a dumping ground for industrial waste. After a particularly dry summer, many people complained of very foul smells coming from the dumping ground. An analysis of the environmental atmosphere detected alkanes and chlorinated saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons in various concentrations. Consequently, the Belgian Ministry of the Environment requested additional measurements from the dumping site and the surrounding regions. Given the hazards and possible ill health effects associated with simultaneous exposure to low levels of many chemicals, biomarkers of personal exposure were measured in a representative group of people living in this village. The cytogenetic consequences of daily exposure to a mixture of genotoxicants were measured by the Sister Chromatid Exchange assay. The study included a group of 51 environmentally exposed persons (including 11 children) and 52 controls. A significant increase in Sister Chromatid Exchange frequency was detected among the inhabitants of the village compared to that of the control group, especially among the children living in Mellery as compared to the matched control children.

Acute endothelial cell contraction in vitro: a comparison with vascular smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts

The contractile responses of cultured rat and calf endothelial cells (EC), vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), and fibroblasts (FB) to vasoactive mediators (thrombin, serotonin, bradykinin, and histamine), forskolin, and cytochalasin B were compared. Cells were grown on a pliable silicone membrane, and contraction was assessed, using time-lapse video microscopy, by recording changes in the wrinkling of the silicone as the cells exerted tension on the surface. We found that all cells contracted in the presence of serum or thrombin and that VSMC and FB also contracted with serotonin stimulation. Bradykinin and histamine were not contractants in this system. Discrepancies between these results and reports of changes in permeability of endothelial layers in vitro and in vivo may be due to (1) the vascular segment from which EC were studied or (2) the possibility that certain mediators may provoke a noncontractile response that results in gap formation. Thus changes in vascular permeability, which occur during inflammation, may have both contractile and noncontractile components. Forskolin, known to indirectly inhibit myosin light-chain kinase activity, and cytochalasin B were potent relaxants, suggesting a similar smooth muscle-like contractile mechanism for all three cell types.

Lipid deposition and intimal stress and strain. A study in rats with aortic stenosis

These experiments were designed to study the topography of lipid deposition in the stenotic aorta of hypercholesterolemic rats, and to correlate it with flow conditions and intimal stresses and strains studied in a scale biophysical model and in a computer model. A 69% +/- 5% stenosis was produced with a U-shaped metal clip. One month to 8 months later, the aorta was studied en face by light microscopy after fixation and lipid staining. The intima in the throat of the stenosis was almost completely free of lipid, whereas symmetric lipid deposits occurred as bands just above and especially just below the stenosis; elsewhere lipid deposits appeared to be random. The flow data obtained from the scale model showed that the intima in the throat of the stenosis was subjected to an increase of as much as 20 times in shear stress, whereas the lipid deposits just above and just below the stenosis were associated with asymmetric flow conditions: the proximal area corresponded to a region of rapidly increasing shear stress, the distal area to a region of low to normal shear stress and separated flow. A finite element computer model based on the aortic deformations indicated that the endothelium at the inlet and outlet of the stenosis is subjected to a symmetric pattern of elevated stresses and strains. These results indicate that 1) the pattern of lipid deposition can not be adequately explained by a hypothesis based solely on flow conditions, and 2) lipid deposits can develop in areas of increased fluid shear stress, decreased fluid shear stress, and increased intimal strains.

Capillary leakage in inflammation. A study by vascular labeling

The local injection of pure inflammatory mediators induces venular leakage. To test the effect of endogenous mediators from dying tissue on vascular leakage, the authors devised an experimental model simulating an infarct, whereby living vessels would be exposed to fragments of organs undergoing aseptic necrosis. Tissues from donor rats were implanted aseptically in the cremasteric sac. Control rats were implanted with materials deemed to be as close as possible to nonirritating: boiled tissues and spheres of Teflon or glass. At different points the rats were injected intravenously with carbon black and killed an hour later. Whole cremaster mounts showed that vascular labeling was strictly venular up to 8 hours, mixed with capillary labeling between 12 and 24 hours, and mainly or exclusively capillary at 48 hours. Histology showed an acute inflammatory infiltrate in the labeled areas. A similar but weaker labeling pattern accompanied by milder inflammation was seen in controls. These results indicate that the vascular leakage in aseptic inflammation is biphasic, first venular, then capillary; and that the capillary phase is induced by the inflammatory reaction itself, possibly through a form of diffuse angiogenesis.

Morphological and physiological characteristics of pancreas-specific venular permeability induced by Monastral blue B

Leaky blood vessels in the microcirculation can be detected in vivo by injecting an animal with colloidal pigments such as Monastral blue B (MbB) or carbon black. We have previously used the MbB labeling method in the spontaneously diabetic BB/W or rat and detected increased vascular permeability restricted to the venules of the pancreas. We now report the morphological and physiological characteristics of this phenomenon in additional rat strains. Susceptibility to pancreatic labeling with MbB among strains was found to be a highly variable, heritable characteristic, but in no strain did vessels label in any organ other than the pancreas. Pancreatic labeling by MbB was dose dependent, was observed in both inbred and outbred rats, and was not related to major histocompatibility complex haplotype. Enhanced permeability was induced by MbB within minutes of its administration as a result of the formation of gaps between endothelial cells; these gaps then closed within 15 min. Pretreatment with silica or carrageenan, agents known to affect macrophage function, completely blocked pancreatic MbB venular labeling, but the effect was reversible over a period of several days. We hypothesize that presence of MbB in the pancreatic circulation induces organ-specific venular leakage either by a direct effect on pancreatic endothelial cells or via the local release of a mediator.

Quantitation of oil red O staining of the aorta in hypercholesterolemic rats

A technique is described which provides morphologic and quantitative data on the amount of oil red O (ORO) staining in thoracic aortas of rats fed a high cholesterol diet. Samples are stained with ORO, the dye is extracted, and the concentration of ORO in the extract is measured colorimetrically. Wistar rats fed ad libitum either standard chow (control group: n = 15) or chow supplemented with 4% cholesterol, 1% cholic acid, and 0.5% thiouracil (CCT group: n = 23) were maintained on these diets for 1, 3, 6, 9, or 12 months. Plasma cholesterol levels averaged overall 87 and 737 mg/dl for the control and CCT groups, respectively. Animals were killed under anesthesia by perfusion fixation with formalin or glutaraldehyde, and samples of thoracic aorta were stained with ORO. After microscopic study en face and measurement of surface area, the ORO was extracted in chloroform-methanol (2:1). Concentrations of ORO (microM) were determined from a standard curve and expressed as microM/mm2 of aorta. Aortas of CCT animals showed progressive diet- and time-dependent increases in the amount of ORO staining compared to controls. We conclude that this method yields reliable quantitative data applicable to studying atherosclerosis in small animals.

Endothelial adaptations in aortic stenosis. Correlation with flow parameters

A 69 +/- 5% stenosis was produced in the rat aorta, with the purpose of correlating endothelial changes with local flow patterns and with levels of shear stress; the hydrodynamic data were obtained from a scaled-up model of the stenosed aorta. In the throat of the stenosis, where shear stress values were 15-25 times normal, the endothelium was stripped off within 1 hour. It regenerated at half the rate of controls but modulated into a cell type that could withstand the increased shear stress. Adaptations included changes in cell orientation, number, length, width, thickness, stress fibers, and anchoring structures, as well as changes in the length, argyrophilia, and permeability of the junctions. Areas of either elongated or "polygonal" cells consistently developed at the same sites in relation to the stenosis, but the hydrodynamic data showed that they did not always correspond (as had been anticipated) to high and low shear, respectively. It is concluded that endothelial cell shape in the living artery must be determined by some other factor(s) in addition to shear stress.

Intimal changes in the aorta of prehypertensive rats

Intimal changes were quantitated in several rat models of arterial hypertension. One kidney-one clip rats drinking water (1K-1C-water), one-kidney rats treated with deoxycorticosterone acetate and drinking 1% NaCl (1K-DOCA-salt), and two-kidney rats drinking 1% NaCl (2K-salt) were studied after 1 to 8 weeks. The thoracic aorta was examined en face and by electron microscopy. Surprisingly, all 2K-salt, most 1K-DOCA-salt (17 out of 19), and two-thirds of 1K-1C-water rats (12 out of 18) had normal arterial pressure at sacrifice. In these normotensive 2K-salt, 1K-1C-water, and 1K-DOCA-salt animals, intimal mononuclear cells (which emigrated from the blood) increased between three- and ninefold. In these same normotensive 1K-1C-water and 1K-DOCA-salt rats, endothelial cell mitoses increased three- to sixfold with a corresponding increase in endothelial cell numbers. In the latter two groups, there was no evidence of endothelial cell denudation or changes in aortic circumference, and the subendothelial space widened mainly with reticular basement membrane presumably synthesized by the endothelium. In normotensive 1K-DOCA-salt rats, most of the endothelial cells were thick and there were several intercellular gaps. Endothelial proliferation, synthesis of macromolecules, and gap formation, as well as increased mononuclear cell emigration, indicate functional changes in mononuclear cells and in endothelial cells. We suggest that the experimental procedures designed to produce hypertension also generate factor(s) which activates mononuclear cells and/or endothelial cells. This cellular activation leads to intimal changes independent of hypertension.

Venular endothelium in vitro: isolation and characterization

The structural and functional properties of the endothelium vary in relation to anatomic site and position along the vascular tree. Cultures of endothelial cells have been obtained so far from large arteries, large veins and capillaries, but not from venules. We now report techniques for culturing not only rat arterial and venous endothelium, but also a special method for obtaining and culturing venular endothelium. The technique is based on the principle of "vascular labeling," whereby an insoluble pigment can be permanently deposited in the wall of the venules, making them easily visible by light microscopy. The venules of a rat cremaster muscle are labeled with a local injection of histamine followed by Monastral blue B intravenously (i.v.); 24 hours later selected venules are isolated by microdissection and either enzymatically dispersed or placed directly into tissue culture wells. The wells are coated with fibronectin and laminin and supplemented with DMEM, 20% fetal calf serum, and endothelial cell growth factor. Polygonal and spindly endothelial cells begin as clusters, grow in sheets, and sometimes form tubes. The cells stain variably for Factor VIII-related antigen, Ulex Europeus I lectin, and non-muscle specific actin. They synthesize angiotensin-converting enzyme, but do not metabolize acetylated LDL. Ultrastructurally, they display pinocytic vesicles, microtendons, and tight junctions, but not Weibel-Palade bodies. We believe that this method will be important for studying the pathophysiology of venules, which are the preferential target of inflammatory mediators and the typical site of inflammatory cell diapedesis.

A pancreatic venular defect in the BB/Wor rat

BB rats develop spontaneous autoimmune diabetes mellitus characterized morphologically by insulitis, an inflammatory lymphocytic infiltration of the islets of Langerhans. To investigate the role of the vascular endothelium of the pancreas in this destructive process, the authors injected diabetes-prone (DP) and diabetes-resistant (DR) BB/Wor rats as well as other nondiabetic strains of rats with Monastral blue B, a colloidal pigment that identifies leaky microvasculature. They found evidence of a venular defect limited to the pancreas that is specific to the BB rat. Light- and electron-microscopic evidence suggests that this defect is due to a population of trapped (marginating) intravascular monocytes, which may be activated by the colloidal pigment and release vasoactive mediators.

Focal arteriolar insudation. A response of arterioles to chronic nonspecific irritation

The subcutaneous insertion of sterile, inert plastic pellets over the cremaster muscles of rats induces characteristic focal lesions of the arterioles at a distance from the pellets. These lesions appear with a delay of about 6 hours; by light microscopy they are characterized by a focal dilatation accompanied by endothelial damage and increased permeability. They are more severe if the pellets are loaded with histamine and are inhibited if the pellets are loaded with serotonin. Electron microscopy shows interendothelial gaps; the media is massively infiltrated with blood components and fibrin. The medial smooth muscle cells are stretched and at times necrotic; inflammatory cells are scarce. On the basis of these features the lesion was named focal arteriolar insudation (FAI). Although its pathogenesis is not yet clear, the data at hand suggest that it is caused by endogenous mediators affecting the smooth muscle cells and/or the endothelium. FAI appears to be a specific arteriolar response to chronic nonspecific irritation.

The mechanism of vascular leakage induced by leukotriene E4. Endothelial contraction

This study identifies the microvascular target of leukotriene E4 (LTE4) by vascular labeling with carbon black and establishes the mechanism of its action at the cellular level by electron microscopy. LTE4 and its tripeptide precursor, leukotriene C4 (LTC4) were injected subcutaneously in guinea pigs. With LTE4, venular labeling was intense at 1000 and 100 ng and slight at 10 ng, with extinction at 1 ng. LTC4 induced a ring of labeled venules around a blank central area, suggestive of vasospasm. The nonpeptidyl leukotriene LTB4 induced no labeling. Histamine (1000 ng) induced an area of vascular labeling about equal to that by 1000 ng LTE4, but the labeling of individual venules was more intense. By electron microscopy, LTE4 was found to induce gaps in the endothelium of the venules; the endothelial cells adjacent to the gaps bulged into the lumen and showed wrinkled nuclei, consistent with cellular contraction. This ultrastructural evidence suggests that LTE4 increases vascular permeability by contraction of endothelial cells selectively, in the postcapillary venules, as was previously demonstrated for other inflammatory mediators, including histamine, serotonin, and bradykinin.

Cellular changes during hypertension: a quantitative study of the rat aorta

Using rats made hypertensive by aortic ligation or by the one kidney--one clip method, we searched the aorta for morphologic clues that could explain why hypertension aggravates atherosclerosis. Both atherosclerosis and hypertension are characterized by an increased migration of mononuclear cells into the aortic intima; we therefore quantitated this phenomenon and studied its time course. In the thoracic aorta of hypertensive rats intimal cells (emigrated mononuclear cells) increased up to 15 times 2 weeks after surgery and remained stationary thereafter. In both control and experimental rats, leukocyte emigration was heavier in the thoracic aorta than in the abdominal region. A two- to threefold increase in medial smooth muscle herniae into the intima (myointimal herniae) was also found at 8 weeks, indicating a smooth muscle cell dysfunction. Electron microscopic study of the intima showed that its thickening was due to blood-borne material and also to extracellular matrix synthesized by the endothelium. Heightened secretion reflects cell activation, a condition that (in the endothelium) leads also to leukocyte adhesion. These data suggest that, in renovascular hypertension, the aortic endothelium is in an activated state, possibly through a hormonal stimulus.

Necrosis of adipose tissue induced by sequential infections with unrelated viruses

Vaccinia virus infection in mice previously infected with and immune to lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus resulted in a clinical illness which neither virus alone induced. The main pathologic finding was extensive fat necrosis with a cellular infiltrate suggestive of delayed type hypersensitivity. Vaccinia virus titers in adipose tissue of clinically ill mice were not higher than those in relevant control groups. This indicates that an unusual virus-induced disease can arise in an animal with a history of unrelated virus infection, and that this disease may be due to an altered host response to infection. The experimental model presented here suggests that chronic inflammation and necrosis of a given tissue may depend on sequential infection with two viruses, neither of which would be capable of inducing such a lesion.

The significance of endothelial stomata and stigmata in the rat aorta. An electron microscopic study

Perfusion of arteries with dilute silver nitrate produces in the endothelium (a) a pattern of pericellular black lines, which we earlier interpreted as a marker of the physiological electrolyte pathway (Zand et al. 1982), and (b) focal black deposits on or between the cells, either ring-shaped (stomata) or solid (stigmata). The purpose of this study was to clarify the nature and significance of these controversial structures. A glutaraldehyde-fixed normal rat aorta was perfused with silver nitrate; 17 typical stomata and stigmata were photographed en face, then studied on ultrathin serial sections. When seen en face, they fell into three groups: (I) 4 stomata in endothelial cells; (II) 6 stigmata in endothelial cells; (III) 7 stigmata on intercellular junctions. By electron microscopy, (I) all the stomata in endothelial cells corresponded to myoendothelial herniae. (II) Of the 6 stigmata in endothelial cells, 4 corresponded again to myoendothelial herniae, 2 corresponded to blebs (it seemed likely that these blebs had existed in vivo, but the possibility of a fixation artefact could not be excluded). (III) Of the 7 stigmata on intercellular junctions, one corresponded to the diapedesis of a mononuclear cell; the other 6 did not correspond to visible endothelial changes and are best interpreted as points of normally higher permeability. We conclude that stomata and stigmata (under the conditions of our experiments) can be explained in at least 4 different ways, depending in part on their location (in cells, on junctions). These ancient terms therefore remain useful for descriptive purposes, as long as it is realized that their significance in any given case must be determined by electron microscopic study.

Adriamycin impairs phagocytic function and induces morphologic alterations in human neutrophils

Normal human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) were preincubated in vitro with methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, vincristine, cisplatin, Adriamycin (doxorubicin), and daunomycin for 15 hours before being tested in a phagocytic-bactericidal assay. Anthracycline-treated PMNL were defective in phagocytosis and killing of the bacteria, in contrast to the other chemotherapeutic agents which allowed the PMNL to remain functional. The defect of Adriamycin-treated PMNL resulted from decreased ingestion: 3 micrograms/ml Adriamycin inhibited by 50% of the uptake of Oil Red-O particles. In this assay, the proportion of noningesting PMNL increased from less than or equal to 20% with 0.62 micrograms/ml to greater than or equal to 90% with 10 micrograms/ml Adriamycin. Electron microscopy revealed that Adriamycin-inactivated PMNL had rounded up, were depleted in glycogen, and had undergone profound nuclear changes. RNA and protein synthesis in PMNL were also affected. Adriamycin, besides producing neutropenia, may decrease the phagocytic function of circulating PMNL.

Studies on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. I. Adhesion and emigration of mononuclear cells in the aorta of hypercholesterolemic rats

In rats with diet-induced hypercholesterolemia, two concomitant changes began to occur within 1 week and persisted for 1 year: an increase in total plasma cholesterol and an increase in the number of mononuclear cells adhering to the aortic intima (up to values 50 times normal). Adherent cells were approximately 90% monocytes and approximately 10% lymphocytes. Adhesion was focal, with some preference for ostia of aortic branches; it was followed by migration into the subendothelial space. The subendothelial monocytes/macrophages progressively became foam cells, thus giving rise to microscopic "fatty streaks." Ultimately, typical atherosclerotic plaques were formed. Four possible mechanisms of increased cell adhesion are suggested. Endothelial changes were mild; myelin figures arising from the endothelial surface were seen by electron microscopy. Endothelial denudation was never observed, neither in light-microscopic preparations stained with AgNO3 nor by ultrastructure. Platelet participation was minimal. It is concluded that in this model atherosclerotic plaques are initiated by mononuclear cell adhesion and emigration; endothelial denudation is not a necessary step in their pathogenesis.

The intracerebral microcirculation of the rat in hemorrhagic shock

The intracerebral microcirculation of the isocortex was studied in unanesthetized rats under hemorrhagic shock. To observe the microvessels, three markers were separately injected intravenously during the shock period: (a) Evans blue for fluorescence microscopic visualization of the vessels. (b) India ink for gross and light microscopic evidence of retention of carbon. (c) Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) for light and electron microscopic study. Lack of spontaneous recovery from shock was associated with: (a) 55-65% blood loss, a low blood pressure (30-40 mm Hg), and a dramatic increase in pulse rate; (b) marked Evans blue fluorescence along the vessels; (c) no retention of India ink in the microcirculation; (d) peroxidase activity on the luminal surface of the endothelium. Absence of India ink in the microcirculation of the isocortex during the shock period, as shown by light and electron microscopy, suggests that there is sufficient cerebral blood flow to clear the carbon particles from the blood stream and that there are no openings greater than 30 nm in the endothelial layer allowing seepage of carbon particles through or between endothelial cells. Vascular Evans blue fluorescence and peroxidase activity were both demonstrated on the luminal surface of the endothelial cells, by light microscopy, indicating that these markers are abnormally retained. Ultrastructural demonstration of increased HRP uptake and adherence onto the endothelial cells confirms these observations. These results show that regional endothelial alterations occur in this model of hemorrhagic shock.

Vascular labelling with monastral blue B

Vascular labelling is an established technique of experimental pathology whereby leaky vessels can be identified in vivo. A suspension of a suitable colloidal pigment is injected intravenously; the pigment is then trapped in the wall of the leaky vessels. The colloidal preparation of carbon black, which has been used for many years for this purpose, is no longer commercially available. This communication introduces a substitute: Monastral blue B which gives beautiful preparations in whole mounts, is readily visible in paraffin and plastic embedded histologic sections, has a distinctive appearance in electron micrographs, and is nontoxic in the required dosage.

Endothelium and "silver lines". An electron microscopic study

The significance of endothelial "silver lines" was studied by TEM in rat aortas after perfusion with glutaraldehyde followed by silver nitrate. Standard TEM technique proved unsatisfactory (coarse silver granules, imprecise localization, artefacts). Exposure of the silver-treated aortas to photographic fixer markedly improved the image of the deposits leaving fine, stable, uniform "residual granules" about 100 A in diameter. Most of these granules were localized along the intercellular junctions; they also tended to pool in the basement membrane beneath each junction. This image suggests that the Ag+ ions pass through the junction, and react with its contents as well as with the basement membrane beyond it. A scheme is proposed to explain the reaction of Ag+ ions with anions and negatively charged radicals within the junction. It is concluded that the "silver lines" represent not only a histochemical effect, but also the visualization of a transendothelial electrolyte pathway.

Hydrodynamic injury of the endothelium in acute aortic stenosis

The acute effects of increased shear stress on the endothelium were studied by reducing the lumen of the rat aorta to 20-25% of normal by means of metal clips. Intimal damage in the stenotic area was assessed by light microscopy after perfusion with AgNo3 and study of the endothelium en face. Most of the endothelium was lost within 3 minutes; the extent of the damage was not increased after 1 hour. Electron-microscopic examination showed that some endothelial cells became permeable to tracers (thorium dioxide and horseradish peroxidase); platelets adhered to the exposed internal elastic membrane. Focal endothelial changes were represented by myelin figures of various kinds arising from the luminal surface and by "cellular ulcers," superficial erosions of the endothelial cells accompanied by localized cytoplasmic changes. These "ulcers" occurred more frequently over the nucleus and near junctions; they have not been described in other forms of arterial injury.

Medial changes in arterial spasm induced by L-norepinephrine

In normal rats, the media of small arteries (0.4--0.2 mm in diameter) previously was shown to contain intracellular vacuoles, identified ultrastructurally as herniations of one smooth muscle cell into another. The hypothesis that intense vasoconstriction would increase the number of such vacuoles has been tested. In the media of the saphenous artery and its distal branch, vasoconstriction induced by L-norepinephrine produced many cell-to-cell hernias within 15 minutes. At 1 day their number was reduced to about 1/10 of the original number. By 7 days the vessel was almost restored to normal. Triple stimulation over 1 day induced more severe changes in the media. These findings suggest that smooth muscle cells are susceptible to damage in the course of their specific function. The experimental data are discussed in relation to medial changes observed in other instances of arterial spasm. Endothelial changes that developed in the same experimental model were described in a previous paper.

Endothelial changes induced by arterial spasm

Prolonged arterial constriction can cause damage to the artery itself. The purpose of this study was to define the intimal changes. Two muscular arteries of the rat were studied by electron microscopy 15 minutes to 7 days after L-norepinephrine had been dripped over the vessels. Endothelial damage was caused by the tight folding of the internal elastic lamina, which mechanically squeezed the cells. As the artery relaxed, the endothelium showed gaps, patches of thinned cytoplasm, and many adhesions between cells on opposite sides of intimal folds. The adhesions involved whole cells of cytoplasmic bridges stretched across the intimal "valleys." They were present up to one day; later they seemed to snap and disappear without causing further cellular damage. A survey of the literature shows that such adhesions can also develop in collapsed arteries postmortem. They explain the endothelial "bridges" previously described by others as a normal intimal structure.

Microcirculatory changes in posttraumatic pigmented villonodular synovitis

The synovium from a case of pigmented villonodular synovitis was examined by light and electron microscopy. The hyperplastic villous processes were found to contain, besides many blood vessels, a dense population of phagocytic cells actively engulfing and digesting the erythrocytes; some of their phagosomes ("siderosome") contained iron-laden micelles sometimes arranged in a crystalline lattice. The synovial vessels were remarkable in two respects: first, there was evidence of endothelial breakdown; second, the basement membranes were strikingly multilayered.

Platelets, fibroblasts, and inflammation: tissue reactions to platelets injected subcutaneously

Evidence from the literature indicates that platelets contain (besides mediators of acute inflammation) factors capable of stimulating fibroblastic growth: namely, serotonin and "platelet factors" demonstrable by their effect on tissue cultures of fibroblasts. The purpose of this study was to find out whether an inflammatory and a fibroblast-stimulating effect could be demonstrated in vivo, in the rat, using a single subcutaneous injection of concentrated platelets (platelet pellet). For comparison, rat brain, heart, and kidney tissue were homogenized under sterile conditions, spun down, and injected subcutaneously. Platelet pellets caused intense edema and neutrophil infiltration; after 8 days they had assumed a spherical shape and were surrounded by typical myofibroblasts. The 30 pellets of tissue homogenates induced a much milder acute inflammatory reaction; only one (a heart pellet) induced a recognizable myofibroblast reaction. The delayed appearance of myofibroblasts around platelet pellets was probably mediated by the neutrophils, which accumulated in large amounts around platelet pellets. Using this in vivo model, a direct fibroblast-stimulating effect of platelets was not demonstrable. It is pointed out that there are analogies between cellular reactions induced by injected platelet pellets and by intravascular platelet thrombi.

Lymphocytes and monocytes in the aortic intima--An electron-microscopic study in the rat

In an electron-microscopic survey of the aorta in the adult rat, white blood cells were found adhering to the intima; these were invariably lymphocytes or monocytes. Similar cells were also found beneath the endothelium. Counts were not made, but published data indicate that mononuclear cells lying over or within the rat aortic intima are approximately 1 for every 9 endothelial cells. This infiltration by blood-borne cells is interpreted as a pathologic event, possibly in response to a chemical message (antigen?) originating from the underlying media.

Billroth and Penicillium

Between 1868 and 1873, a surgeon, Theodor Billroth, performed experiments with cultures of bacteria and molds (which he believed to be two aspects of a single form of life) to investigate their role in "accidental wound diseases." Some of the cultures teemed with rounded microorganisms arranged in chains; Billroth chose to call them streptococci. He also noticed that occasionally, when Penicillium appeared in a culture, bacteria failed to grow; he suggested that Penicillum could have "modified the medium" so as to render it unsuitable for bacterial growth. This may well have been the first observation of the antibacterial effect of Penicillium. Similar experiments were performed by Joseph Lister, who noticed in 1871 that bacteria tended to kill the Penicillium, and by John Tyndall, who described in 1876 a "battle" that could be won by either party.

A myofibroblastic tumor. Infantile digital fibroma (recurrent digital fibrous tumor of childhood)

Infantile digital fibromas are distinctive tumors both clinically and morphologically. A unique light microscopic features in the presence of intracytoplasmic, spherical, eosinophilic inclusion bodies. Previous electron microscopic studies have shown these bodies to consist of fibrils; bundles of fibrils have also been described in the cytoplasm. We have examined one such tumor, confirmed earlier findings, and established that the component cells are typical myofibroblasts. The latter are a variety of fibroblasts first described in granulation tissue; they are endowed with contractile properties and are characterized ultrastructurally by bundles of fibrils containing "dense bodies" such as are found in smooth muscle cells. Since our case is identical to those previously described, we propose that this tumor be called infantile digital myofibroblastoma.

Ultrastructure of the myocardium after pulmonary embolism. A study in the rat

The purpose of this study was to find out whether acute massive pulmonary embolism can produce myocardial changes visible by light and electron microscopy. Ww therefore produced pulmonary embolism in rats using plastic microspheres (diameter, 15 +/- 5 mu). Two experimental protocols were used: lethal embolism, with a dose of microspheres known to kill in 3 to 15 hours (these rats were killed after 1 hour), and sublethal embolism, with a dose compatible with 100% survival (these rats were killed after 24 hours). In both groups, the left ventricle was normal. The right ventricle showed two tyes of changes: a) A distinctive lesion of the myocytes, more diffuse after lethal enbolism and different from the "zonal lesion" of shock. It consisted primarily in a localized shredding of the myofibrillar system; hence, the name shredding is proposed. Earlier stages of this lesion were represented by focal dissolution of the Z line (Z lysis). The pathogenesis of these lesions appeared to be primarily mechanical. b) Necrosis was already apparent at 1 hour and was more extensive after 24 hours. The pathogensis of the necrotic lesions is best explained by a temporary ischemia followed by delayed reflow; a possible potentiating role of endogenous catecholamines cannot be excluded. Most capilaries in the necrotic foci remained functional; this explains the rapid rate of the healing process of such lesions. A comparison is drawn between the observed foci of necrosis and the human myocardial lesions knowns as "miliary infarcts" and "myocytolysis." It is proposed that a factor common to all three is the preservation of the microcirculatory vessels and that our experimental model helps illuminate the pathogenesis of the human lesions. It is concluded that the right ventricle of acute cor pulmonale may develop cellular changes with a complex pathologenesis (mechanical, ischemic, and possibly hormonal). The nature of the changes found in our model could represent the morphologic substrate of right-sided failure; it can be correlated with the electrocardiographic abnormalities found in the comparable human condition.

Effect of occlusion on large vessels. I. A study of the rat carotid artery

The effect of permanent occlusion on the carotid artery of the rat was studied by light and by electron microscopy. A segment between two ligatures was examined at times from 2 minutes to 1 year. Between 2 and 15 minutes after occlusion, the red blood cells adjacent to the wall formed radially arranged rouleaux; within 24 hours the endothelium disappeared, while platelets (despite the lack of flow) accumulated against the denuded elastica. This behavior of formed blood elements may have been the result of electric forces (injury potential). By 3 days, undifferentiated cells were found lining the elastica interna or free in the lumen; they apparently were derived from medial smooth muscle.In the media, by 3 days some smooth muscle cells had become necrotic, while "undifferentiated" cells appeared; strong circumstantial evidence suggested that these were smooth muscle cells which had lost their specific characteristics and had thus become dedifferentiated (a phenomenon also known to occur in striated muscle cells); by 1 month they had matured into smooth muscle, but the media from then on contained fewer cells and more collagen than normal.In the lumen, the undifferentiated cells also matured into typical smooth muscle cells from 15 days onward, while collagen and elastin appeared between them. After 1 month these cells began to accumulate droplets of fat, which thereafter increased in number (at 6 months they were associated with cholesterol clefts) and then declined. This accumulation of fat in smooth muscle cells (also seen in atherosclerosis) was interesting because it occurred in the absence of blood flow.

Cell-to-cell herniae in the arterial wall. I. The pathogenesis of vacuoles in the normal media

Vacuoles were observed by light microscopy in the smooth muscle cells of the media in normal rat arteries. By electron microscopy these vacuoles were limited by two membranes; they usually contained myelin figures, a few organelles (especially mitochondria and microfilaments), and an amorphous background material that varied greatly in density. Morphologic evidence indicates that these structures arise by herniation of one smooth muscle cell into another; it is presumed that herniation occurs during contraction at weak points corresponding to areas where adjacent cells come in close contact. Such cell-to-cell herniae were mostly seen in small arteries (arterioles) with a diameter of 0.4 to 0.2 mm; however, none was found in coronary arteries of this size. This discrepancy suggests that the pathogenesis of cell-to-cell herniae is correlated not only with the caliber of the artery but also with functional demands. (Am J Pathol 87:375-398).