Baseline innate and T cell populations are correlates of protection against symptomatic influenza virus infection independent of serology

Evidence suggests that innate and adaptive cellular responses mediate resistance to the influenza virus and confer protection after vaccination. However, few studies have resolved the contribution of cellular responses within the context of preexisting antibody titers. Here, we measured the peripheral immune profiles of 206 vaccinated or unvaccinated adults to determine how baseline variations in the cellular and humoral immune compartments contribute independently or synergistically to the risk of developing symptomatic influenza. Protection correlated with diverse and polyfunctional CD4+ and CD8+ T, circulating T follicular helper, T helper type 17, myeloid dendritic and CD16+ natural killer (NK) cell subsets. Conversely, increased susceptibility was predominantly attributed to nonspecific inflammatory populations, including γδ T cells and activated CD16- NK cells, as well as TNFα+ single-cytokine-producing CD8+ T cells. Multivariate and predictive modeling indicated that cellular subsets (1) work synergistically with humoral immunity to confer protection, (2) improve model performance over demographic and serologic factors alone and (3) comprise the most important predictive covariates. Together, these results demonstrate that preinfection peripheral cell composition improves the prediction of symptomatic influenza susceptibility over vaccination, demographics or serology alone.

Common trajectories of highly effective CD19-specific CAR T cells identified by endogenous T cell receptor lineages

Current chimeric antigen receptor-modified (CAR) T cell products are evaluated in bulk, without assessing functional heterogeneity. We therefore generated a comprehensive single-cell gene expression and T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing dataset using pre- and post-infusion CD19-CAR T cells from blood and bone marrow samples of pediatric patients with B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). We identified cytotoxic post-infusion cells with identical TCRs to a subset of pre-infusion CAR T cells. These effector precursor cells exhibited a unique transcriptional profile compared to other pre-infusion cells, corresponding to an unexpected surface phenotype (TIGIT+, CD62Llo, CD27-). Upon stimulation, these cells showed functional superiority and decreased expression of the exhaustion-associated transcription factor, TOX. Collectively, these results demonstrate diverse effector potentials within pre-infusion CAR T cell products, which can be exploited for therapeutic applications. Furthermore, we provide an integrative experimental and analytical framework for elucidating the mechanisms underlying effector development in CAR T cell products.

Neuroblastoma Formation Requires Unconventional CD4 T Cells and Arginase-1-Dependent Myeloid Cells

Immune cells regulate tumor growth by mirroring their function as tissue repair organizers in normal tissues. To understand the different facets of immune-tumor collaboration through genetics, spatial transcriptomics, and immunologic manipulation with noninvasive, longitudinal imaging, we generated a penetrant double oncogene-driven autochthonous model of neuroblastoma. Spatial transcriptomic analysis showed that CD4⁺ and myeloid populations colocalized within the tumor parenchyma, while CD8⁺ T cells and B cells were peripherally dispersed. Depletion of CD4⁺ T cells or CCR2⁺ macrophages, but not B cells, CD8⁺ T cells, or natural killer (NK) cells, prevented tumor formation. Tumor CD4⁺ T cells displayed unconventional phenotypes and were clonotypically diverse and antigen independent. Within the myeloid fraction, tumor growth required myeloid cells expressing arginase-1. Overall, these results demonstrate how arginine-metabolizing myeloid cells conspire with pathogenic CD4⁺ T cells to create permissive conditions for tumor formation, suggesting that these protumorigenic pathways could be disabled by targeting myeloid arginine metabolism. SIGNIFICANCE: A new model of human neuroblastoma provides ways to track tumor formation and expansion in living animals, allowing identification of CD4⁺ T-cell and macrophage functions required for oncogenesis.

One hundred years of (influenza) immunopathology

It has been over 100 years since the 1918 influenza pandemic, one of the most infamous examples of viral immunopathology. Since that time, there has been an inevitable repetition of influenza pandemics every few decades and yearly influenza seasons, which have a significant impact on human health. Recently, noteworthy progress has been made in defining the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying pathology induced by an exuberant host response to influenza virus infection. Infection with influenza viruses is associated with a wide spectrum of disease, from mild symptoms to severe complications including respiratory failure, and the severity of influenza disease is driven by a complex interplay of viral and host factors. This chapter will discuss mechanisms of infection severity using concepts of disease resistance and tolerance as a framework for understanding the balance between viral clearance and immunopathology. We review mechanistic studies in animal models of infection and correlational studies in humans that have begun to define these factors and discuss promising host therapeutic targets to improve outcomes from severe influenza disease.

Mitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK-M) and serine biosynthetic pathway genes are co-ordinately increased during anabolic agent-induced skeletal muscle growth

We aimed to identify novel molecular mechanisms for muscle growth during administration of anabolic agents. Growing pigs (Duroc/(Landrace/Large-White)) were administered Ractopamine (a beta-adrenergic agonist; BA; 20 ppm in feed) or Reporcin (recombinant growth hormone; GH; 10 mg/48 hours injected) and compared to a control cohort (feed only; no injections) over a 27-day time course (1, 3, 7, 13 or 27-days). Longissimus Dorsi muscle gene expression was analyzed using Agilent porcine transcriptome microarrays and clusters of genes displaying similar expression profiles were identified using a modified maSigPro clustering algorithm. Anabolic agents increased carcass (p = 0.002) and muscle weights (Vastus Lateralis: p < 0.001; Semitendinosus: p = 0.075). Skeletal muscle mRNA expression of serine/one-carbon/glycine biosynthesis pathway genes (Phgdh, Psat1 and Psph) and the gluconeogenic enzyme, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase-M (Pck2/PEPCK-M), increased during treatment with BA, and to a lesser extent GH (p < 0.001, treatment x time interaction). Treatment with BA, but not GH, caused a 2-fold increase in phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) protein expression at days 3 (p < 0.05) and 7 (p < 0.01), and a 2-fold increase in PEPCK-M protein expression at day 7 (p < 0.01). BA treated pigs exhibit a profound increase in expression of PHGDH and PEPCK-M in skeletal muscle, implicating a role for biosynthetic metabolic pathways in muscle growth.

A Voice-Operated Method for Administering the MMPI

Paper/pencil psychological tests such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) are difficult to complete independently by patients with limited hand function. This paper describes a voice recognition system developed to allow patients with no hand function to take the MMPI independently. Profiles generated by this system are not statistically different from those generated by standard MMPI booklet format. Limitations and possible extensions of the system as it currently exists are discussed.

QSAR of the Anticonvulsant Enaminones; Molecular Modeling Aspects and other Assessments

The enaminones represent potentially useful agents for the clinical treatment in generalized tonic-clonic seizures (Epilepsia, 1993, 34(6), 1141-1145, Biopharm. Drug Disp. 2003, 397-407). A regression analysis was performed to provide a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) correlation model for prediction of activity for the anticonvulsant enaminones. Molecular modeling was performed to determine the molecular confluence of the Unverferth model (J. Med. Chem. 1998, 41, 63-73) to the enaminones. Conclusions related to the sodium channel model were assessed.

The FLUKA code for space applications: recent developments

The FLUKA Monte Carlo transport code is widely used for fundamental research, radioprotection and dosimetry, hybrid nuclear energy system and cosmic ray calculations. The validity of its physical models has been benchmarked against a variety of experimental data over a wide range of energies, ranging from accelerator data to cosmic ray showers in the earth atmosphere. The code is presently undergoing several developments in order to better fit the needs of space applications. The generation of particle spectra according to up-to-date cosmic ray data as well as the effect of the solar and geomagnetic modulation have been implemented and already successfully applied to a variety of problems. The implementation of suitable models for heavy ion nuclear interactions has reached an operational stage. At medium/high energy FLUKA is using the DPMJET model. The major task of incorporating heavy ion interactions from a few GeV/n down to the threshold for inelastic collisions is also progressing and promising results have been obtained using a modified version of the RQMD-2.4 code. This interim solution is now fully operational, while waiting for the development of new models based on the FLUKA hadron-nucleus interaction code, a newly developed QMD code, and the implementation of the Boltzmann master equation theory for low energy ion interactions.

Vulnerability to flooding: health and social dimensions

This paper presents research results on the impacts that floods can have on the people affected, thus complementing the existing data on the monetary losses liable to occur in flood events. Both datasets should be used when deciding on investment in flood defence measures. We report on research on the vulnerability of flood-affected communities to adverse health effects, and the development of an index of community vulnerability based on extensive focus-group research and secondary-source census data.

Development of a space radiation Monte Carlo computer simulation based on the FLUKA and ROOT codes

This NASA funded project is proceeding to develop a Monte Carlo-based computer simulation of the radiation environment in space. With actual funding only initially in place at the end of May 2000, the study is still in the early stage of development. The general tasks have been identified and personnel have been selected. The code to be assembled will be based upon two major existing software packages. The radiation transport simulation will be accomplished by updating the FLUKA Monte Carlo program, and the user interface will employ the ROOT software being developed at CERN. The end-product will be a Monte Carlo-based code which will complement the existing analytic codes such as BRYNTRN/HZETRN presently used by NASA to evaluate the effects of radiation shielding in space. The planned code will possess the ability to evaluate the radiation environment for spacecraft and habitats in Earth orbit, in interplanetary space, on the lunar surface, or on a planetary surface such as Mars. Furthermore, it will be useful in the design and analysis of experiments such as ACCESS (Advanced Cosmic-ray Composition Experiment for Space Station), which is an Office of Space Science payload currently under evaluation for deployment on the International Space Station (ISS). FLUKA will be significantly improved and tailored for use in simulating space radiation in four ways. First, the additional physics not presently within the code that is necessary to simulate the problems of interest, namely the heavy ion inelastic processes, will be incorporated. Second, the internal geometry package will be replaced with one that will substantially increase the calculation speed as well as simplify the data input task. Third, default incident flux packages that include all of the different space radiation sources of interest will be included. Finally, the user interface and internal data structure will be melded together with ROOT, the object-oriented data analysis infrastructure system. Beyond the benefits of 'objectivity', ROOT's incorporation will also provide a graphical user interface with powerful tools for input prior to the calculation, as well as for data analysis and visualization of the results.

The search for extraterrestrial intelligence

As far as we know, humanity is alone in the Universe: there is no definite evidence for the existence of extraterrestrial life, let alone extraterrestrial civilizations (ETCs) capable of communicating or travelling over interstellar distances. Yet popular speculation about the existence of ETCs abounds, including reports of alien visitations either now or in the past. But there is a middle way. It is now possible to put limits on the existence of ETCs of varying capabilities, within arbitrary distances from the Solar System, and conceive of real-world strategies whereby we might communicate with ETCs, or they with us.

Cytokine production consequent to T cell--microglia interaction: the PMA/IFN gamma-treated U937 cells display similarities to human microglia

Cognate interactions between human adult microglia and activated T lymphocytes induce the production of inflammatory cytokines. Since this interaction can occur in a non-antigen-dependent manner, it is relevant to a variety of CNS diseases where activated T cells, regardless of specificities, come into contact with microglia; these disorders include multiple sclerosis, trauma, stroke and Alzheimer's disease. A model cell line would facilitate studies of the engagement between T cells and human adult microglia, since the latter are difficult to obtain in substantial quantity or frequency. This study shows that the PMA/IFN gamma-treated U937 cell line shows similarities to microglia in its interaction with activated T lymphocytes, in that the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10 and IL-12 is induced. Morphological features and mechanisms of cytokine production resemble those observed in microglia--T cell co-cultures since CTLA-4 and CD40--CD40L blockades reduce TNF-alpha and IL-10 levels, while anti-CD23 inhibits IL-10 only in U937--T cell interactions. We propose that PMA/IFN gamma-treated U937 cells can serve as a model of human adult microglia to study cytokine generation in response to interactions with activated T cells.

A community-based collaboration to assess and improve medical insurance status and access to health care of Latino children

OBJECTIVES

Despite eligibility for subsidized insurance, low-income Latino children are at high risk of being medically uninsured. The authors sought to understand and improve access to medical insurance for Latino children living in a California community of predominantly low-income immigrant families.

METHODS

During the summer of 1999, trained women from the community conducted interviews in Spanish with 252 randomly selected mothers of 464 children younger than age 19. Mothers provided information about family demographics, children's medical insurance, health care access, and experiences obtaining and maintaining children's insurance.

RESULTS

Most children (83.3%) were eligible for subsidized medical insurance (48.4% Medi-Cal eligible; 35.0% Healthy Families eligible). Twenty-eight percent of eligible children were not enrolled. Non-enrolled eligible children were older (median age 7) than enrolled children (median age 4) and more likely to be born outside the U.S. (22.2%) than enrolled children (4.8%). Among children ages 3-18, those not enrolled were less likely to have visited a doctor in the past 12 months (58% compared to 78.7%) and less likely to have a usual source of care (96.3% compared to 99.5%). Mothers of non-enrolled children were more likely than mothers of enrolled children to have less than seven years of education (47.8% compared to 36.4%). Families with non-enrolled children were more likely to report out-of-pocket medical expenses (84.1% compared to 53%). Families with non-enrolled children were more likely to report barriers to the enrollment process, such as problems providing required documents (39.7% compared to 15.1%), problems understanding Spanish forms (19.4% compared to 8.9%), and confusing paperwork (39.7% compared to 24.7%). Most mothers (75.9%) reported that community organizations provided very useful help with children's insurance enrollment. Almost half (48.6%) preferred to receive enrollment assistance from community organizations. Only 43.3% of mothers had heard of the Healthy Families program.

CONCLUSIONS

To reach the majority of uninsured Latino children, community-based outreach and insurance application assistance are crucial. Most important, the process of applying for and maintaining coverage in Medi-Cal or Healthy Families must be simplified.

Functional outcome following surgical treatment of intra-articular distal humeral fractures through a posterior approach

BACKGROUND

While surgical repair is considered the standard of care of displaced intra-articular distal humeral fractures, most investigators have assessed its results with use of surgeon-based and/or radiograph-based outcome measures. The purpose of our study was to determine the functional outcome of fixation of displaced intra-articular distal humeral fractures with use of a standardized evaluation methodology consisting of objective testing of muscle strength and use of patient-based questionnaires (both limb-specific and general health-status questionnaires).

METHODS

We identified twenty-five patients (fourteen male and eleven female), with a mean age of forty-seven years, who had an isolated, closed, displaced, intercondylar, intra-articular fracture of the distal part of the humerus repaired operatively through a posterior approach and fixed with plates on both the medial and the lateral column. All patients returned for follow-up that included recording of a complete history, physical examination, radiographic examination, completion of both a limb-specific questionnaire (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH]) and a general health-status questionnaire (Short Form-36 [SF-36]), and objective muscle-strength testing.

RESULTS

The mean duration of follow-up was thirty-seven months (range, eighteen to seventy-five months). The mean flexion contracture was 25 degrees (range, 5 to 65 degrees), and the mean arc of flexion-extension was 108 degrees (range, 55 to 140 degrees). Significant decreases in mean muscle strength compared with that on the normal side were seen in both elbow flexion measured at 90 degrees (74 percent of normal, p = 0.01) and elbow extension measured at 45 degrees (76 percent of normal, p = 0.01), 90 degrees (74 percent of normal, p = 0.01), and 120 degrees (75 percent of normal, p = 0.01). The mean DASH score was 20 points, indicating mild residual impairment. The SF-36 scores revealed minor but significant decreases in the role-physical and physical function scores (p = 0.01 and 0.03, respectively) but no alteration of the mental component or mean scores. Six patients (24 percent) had a reoperation; three of them had removal of prominent hardware used to fix the site of an olecranon osteotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

The surgical repair of an intra-articular distal humeral fracture is an effective procedure that reliably maintains general health status as measured by patient-based questionnaires. Our study quantified a decrease in the range of motion and muscle strength of these patients, which may help to explain the mild residual physical impairment detected by the limb-specific outcome measures and physical function components of the general health-status measures.

Elevated zinc induces siderophore biosynthesis genes and a zntA-like gene in Pseudomonas fluorescens

Zinc-regulated genes were analyzed in Pseudomonas fluorescens employing mutagenesis with a reporter gene transposon. Six mutants responded with increased gene expression to elevated concentrations of zinc. Genetic and biochemical analysis revealed that in four of the six mutants the transposon had inserted into genes essential for the biosynthesis of the siderophore pyoverdine. The growth of one of the mutants was severely impaired in the presence of elevated concentrations of cadmium and zinc ions. In this mutant, the transposon had inserted in a gene with high similarity to P-type ATPases involved in zinc and cadmium ion transport. Four mutants reacted with reduced gene expression to elevated concentrations of zinc. One of these mutants was sensitive to zinc, cadmium and copper ions. The genetic region targeted in this mutant did not show similarity to any known gene.

Cadmium-regulated gene fusions in Pseudomonas fluorescens

To study the mechanisms soil bacteria use to cope with elevated concentrations of heavy metals in the environment, a mutagenesis with the lacZ-based reporter gene transposon Tn5B20 was performed. Random gene fusions in the genome of the common soil bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens strain ATCC 13525 were used to create a bank of 5,000 P. fluorescens mutants. This mutant bank was screened for differential gene expression in the presence of the toxic metal cadmium. Fourteen mutants were identified that responded with increased or reduced gene expression to the presence of cadmium. The mutants were characterized with respect to their metal-dependent gene expression and their metal tolerance. Half the identified mutants reacted with differential gene expression specifically to the metal cadmium, whereas some of the other mutants also responded to elevated concentrations of copper and zinc ions. One of the mutants, strain C8, also showed increased gene expression in the presence of the solvent ethanol, but otherwise no overlap between cadmium-induced gene expression and general stress response was detected. Molecular analysis of the corresponding genetic loci was performed using arbitrary polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing and comparison of the deduced protein products with sequences deposited in genetic databases. Some of the genetic loci targeted by the transposon did not show any similarities to any known genes; thus, they may represent 'novel' loci. The hypothesis that genes that are differentially expressed in the presence of heavy metals play a role in metal tolerance was verified for one of the mutants. This mutant, strain C11, was hypersensitive to cadmium and zinc ions. In mutant C11, the transposon had inserted into a genetic region displaying similarity to genes encoding the sensor/regulator protein pairs of two-component systems that regulate gene expression in metal-resistant bacteria, including czcRS of Ralstonia eutropha, czrRS of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and copRS of Pseudomonas syringae. Although the P. fluorescens strain used in this study had not been isolated from a metal-rich environment, it nevertheless contained at least one genetic region enabling it to cope with elevated concentrations of heavy metals.

Evaluation of a test device to assess X-ray phototimers

This article describes the evaluation of a commercial device designed to assess the performance of phototimers on x-ray systems. The device consists of a digital readout meter that can be connected to a radiographic or mammographic test cassette. Results showed that the device provided reproducible results with different x-ray generators and processors. The device can be used in acceptance testing and routine quality control inspections, as well as to calibrate or adjust phototimers.

Reduction of shock-induced gastric damage by a nitric oxide-releasing aspirin derivative: role of neutrophils

The gastric damage associated with hemorrhagic shock appears to occur, at least in part, through neutrophil-dependent mechanisms. Nitric oxide (NO)-releasing derivatives of aspirin have been shown to spare the gastrointestinal tract of injury. As NO can inhibit neutrophil adherence, it is possible that such a derivative of aspirin (NCX-4016) would exert inhibitory effects on neutrophil adherence and therefore be capable of protecting the stomach against shock-induced gastric damage. This hypothesis was tested in this study. Oral administration of NCX-4016 or glyceryl trinitrate or depletion of circulating neutrophils with antineutrophil serum significantly reduced the extent of gastric damage induced by hemorrhagic shock, whereas aspirin had no effect. NCX-4016 and antineutrophil serum pretreatment resulted in significant preservation of gastric blood flow during the shock period. Moreover, NCX-4016, but not aspirin, was capable of inhibiting N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe-induced leukocyte adherence to postcapillary mesenteric venules. These results suggest that an NO-releasing aspirin derivative reduces the susceptibility of the stomach to shock-induced damage through inhibitory effects on neutrophil adherence to the vascular endothelium.

Noninvasive measures of radiolabeled dextran transport in in situ rabbit lung

Dextrans are nontoxic and can be obtained in a wide variety of molecular weights. The purpose of this study was to label 6-kDa and 40-kDa dextrans with gamma- (99mTc) and positron- (18F) emitting radioisotopes and monitor their transport across the pulmonary microvascular barrier.

METHODS

External scan measurements for radiolabeled uncharged dextrans, albumin and red blood cells were obtained in eight blood-perfused in situ rabbit lung preparations. After 3 hr of external scanning, the lungs were removed for postmortem and extravascular distribution volume calculations. Extravascular distribution volumes were obtained in six additional rabbits following 4 hr of dextran perfusion to compare the effect of time. The normalized slope index (NSI), a measure of transvascular transport rate, was calculated for each diffusible tracer.

RESULTS

The mean NSI for albumin (0.001676 +/- 0.000537 min-1) was significantly lower than NSI for the 40-kDa dextran (0.002303 +/- 0.0005426 min-1) as well as the 6-kDa dextran (0.004312 +/- 0.001134 min-1). The difference between the 6-kDa and the 40-kDa dextrans was also significant. After 4 hr of equilibration, distribution volumes were not significantly different than those obtained at 3 hr.

CONCLUSION

Dextrans can be radiolabeled with gamma and positron emitters and small dextrans traverse the lung microvascular barrier more rapidly than albumin. Our results suggest that the use of small dextrans rather than albumin can reduce scan times in clinical applications and minimize motion artifact associated with the noninvasive gamma detection method.

Noninvasive measurements of albumin flux into lung interstitium with increased microvascular pressure

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of increasing left atrial pressure on noninvasive measurements of radiolabeled albumin normalized slope index (NSI). Using portable gamma scintillation detectors, we monitored radioactivities of 131I-labeled albumin and 51Cr-labeled red blood cells in the blood and over the lung of six anesthetized sheep before and 2 h after a 9- to 14-Torr increase in left atrial pressure. Measurements of NSI for 131I-albumin decreased > 50% after a step increase in left atrial pressure. We interpreted the data using a model that has been used to successfully describe unsteady-state lymph flow and protein concentrations after vascular pressure increases in sheep. Model predictions strongly suggest that the reduction in NSI is due to rapid fluid and solute removal from the interstitium via the lymphatics. The theoretical model was able to predict external scan data and lung lymph protein concentrations only when a change in lymphatic conductance (LI) or initial lymphatic pressure (P0) was imposed at the time of increased pressure. On average, model-predicted increases in LI were sevenfold, whereas predicted decreases in P0 were four- to fivefold. Imposed changes in LI and P0 opposed increases in interstitial fluid volume after increased pressure. This was consistent with normal-to-low postmortem measurements of bloodless wet-to-dry lung weight ratios. In summary, these results indicate that changes in the rate of fluid removal from the interstitium can significantly alter NSI, and in this case, NSI does not reflect pulmonary microvascular permeability. In sheep, increases in the lymphatics' ability to remove interstitial fluid may occur with relatively small increases in microvascular pressure.

follicular fluid electrolytes and osmolality in cyclic pigs

Sodium and osmolar concentrations of porcine folliclar fluid in the cyclic pig did not vary significantly during the oestrous cycle, and were similar to those in plasma. The K+ concentration was greater in small (Days 12-13) and medium-sized (Day 16) follicles than in plasma or large (Day 18-oestrus) follicles of cyclic sows. In contrast, follicular fluid obtained from slaughterhouse material had higher potassium and osmolality, and lower sodium values, which are assumed to be due to post-mortem changes.

Effect of protein on titrimetry of bicarbonate, titratable acid, and ammonium in urine

Measurement of bicarbonate, titratable acid (HTA+) and ammonium in the urine can facilitate clinical evaluation of acid-base status. Sequential measurement of these three components by titrimetric techniques is well established, but possible interference by proteinuria has not been examined. We report the influence on these analyses of albumin and globulin, two proteins commonly observed in urine in renal disease states. The presence of these proteins in urine affects the measurement of NH4+, and to a less extent that of HTA+. The magnitude of the effect depends on the concentration and the kind of protein present. Proteins do not influence the measurement of HCO3-.

Effect of protein on titrimetry of bicarbonate, titratable acid, and ammonium in urine

Measurement of bicarbonate, titratable acid (HTA+) and ammonium in the urine can facilitate clinical evaluation of acid-base status. Sequential measurement of these three components by titrimetric techniques is well established, but possible interference by proteinuria has not been examined. We report the influence on these analyses of albumin and globulin, two proteins commonly observed in urine in renal disease states. The presence of these proteins in urine affects the measurement of NH4+, and to a less extent that of HTA+. The magnitude of the effect depends on the concentration and the kind of protein present. Proteins do not influence the measurement of HCO3-.

Concentrations of hydrogen ions, oxygen, carbon dioxide and bicarbonate in porcine follicular fluid

Department of Physiology and * Division of Nephrology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, U.S.A. and †The United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, U.S.A.

(Received 26 June 1978)

The chemical composition of human ovarian follicular fluid has been well characterized (Shalgi, Kraicer & Soferman, 1972; Edwards, 1974). However, compositional studies of porcine follicular fluid (PFF; Schuetz, 1974; Chang, Jones, Ellefson & Ryan, 1976), have not included acid–base measurements (pH, oxygen and carbon dioxide tension (Po2, Pco2), concentration of bicarbonate HCO3−]). Recent studies of the nuclear maturation of porcine oocytes have demonstrated a rate of maturation of only 55–80% for oocytes collected from ovaries obtained at the abattoir (Tsafriri & Channing, 1975) and it was suggested that maturing and non-maturing oocytes may have undergone nuclear degeneration. It has also been shown in monkeys that oocytes which appear mature when examined by light microscopy may in fact

Intracellular pH in cold-blooded vertebrates as a function of body temperature

Intracellular pH (pHi) was measured in vivo in tissue of frogs (Rana catesbeiana) and turtles (Pseudemys scripta) using the DMO technique. Animals were permitted 3-8 days to come to a new steady-state body temperature (Tb) which ranged 5-32 degrees C. Least squares regression equation for pHi data are: frog blood, 8.184-0.0206 Tb; frog striated muscle, 7.275-0.0152 Tb; turtle blood, 8.092-0.0207Tb; turtle muscle, 7.421-0.0186 Tb; turtle heart, 7.452-0.0122 Tb; turtle liver, 7.753-0.0233 Tb; turtle esophageal smooth muscle, 7.513-0.0141 Tb. Only turtle cardiac muscle deltapHi/deltaT was significantly different from deltapH/deltaT of blood. Results have been interpreted in terms of protein charge state alterations; in the physiological pH range, histidine residues of proteins are the principal dissociable groups (HPr+ = H+ + Pr) affected by pHi and Tb changes. Constancy of protein charge state can be assessed by monitoring alpha imidazole, alphaIM = Pr/(HPr+ + Pr). A uniform pKIM of 6.85 (20degreesC) and a deltaHO of 7 kcal/mol are assumed in calculating alphaIM. Intracellular alphaIM is preserved in the tissues studied as body temperature changes. These results indicate that ectotherm acid-base balance, alphastat control, regulates not only extracellular blood proteins, but also intracellular compartment proteins in such a way as to preserve functions dependent upon protein net charge states.