Responses of Coxsackievirus B4-Specific T-Cell Lines to 2C Protein—Characterization of Epitopes with Special Reference to the GAD65 Homology Region

Coxsackie B viruses (CBV) have been indicated as environmental triggers initiating autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta-cells, and molecular mimicry might be the mechanism. A prime candidate for inducing cross-reactive immune responses is a homology sequence, PEVKEK, found both in CBV4 2C protein and in GAD65. To characterize the CBV4-specific T-cell epitopes, overlapping peptides covering the 2C protein were synthesized and CBV4-specific T-cell lines were established from healthy and diabetic subjects. The T-cell epitopes were dependent on the HLA-DR genotype of the T-cell donor, but no difference between diabetic and healthy subjects could be detected. Peptide p4, which included the PEVKEK sequence, contained an HLA-DR1-restricted T-cell epitope. Three randomly selected CBV4-specific T-cell lines, which responded to peptide p4, failed to recognize GAD65 protein or GAD65 peptides containing the PEVKEK sequence. We conclude that the CBV4 2C protein is strongly immunogenic for T-cells and PEVKEK is included in a T-cell epitope. However, presentation of this epitope in the context of neutral HLA-DR1 allele does not support its role in pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes.

Vitamin D and prostate cancer

Our recent epidemiological study (Ahonen et al., Cancer Causes Control 11(2000) (847-852)) suggests that vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of initiation and progression of prostate cancer. The nested case-control study was based on a 13-year follow-up of about 19000 middle-aged men free of clinically verified prostate cancer. More than one-half of the serum samples had 25OH-vitamin D (25-VD) levels below 50 nmol/l, suggesting VD deficiency. Prostate cancer risk was highest among the group of younger men (40-51 years) with low serum 25-VD, whereas low serum 25-VD appeared not to increase the risk of prostate cancer in older men (>51 years). This suggests that VD has a protective role against prostate cancer only before the andropause, when serum androgen concentrations are higher. The lowest 25-VD concentrations in the younger men were associated with more aggressive prostate cancer. Furthermore, the high 25-VD levels delayed the appearance of clinically verified prostate cancer by 1.8 years. Since these results suggest that vitamin D has a protective role against prostate cancer, we tried to determine whether full spectrum lighting (FSL) during working hours could increase serum 25-VD concentrations. After 1-month exposure, there was no significant increase in the serum 25-VD level, although there was a bias towards slightly increasing values in the test group as opposed to decreasing values in controls. There was no significant change in the skin urocanic acid production. The possibility to use FSL in cancer prevention is discussed. In order to clarify the mechanism of VD action on cell proliferation and differentiation, we performed studies with the rat and human prostates as well prostate cancer cell lines. It is possible that 25-VD may have a direct role in the host anticancer defence activity, but the metabolism of vitamin D in the prostate may also play an important role in its action. We raised antibodies against human 1alpha-hydroxylase and 24-hydroxylase. Our preliminary results suggest that vitamin D is actively metabolised in the prostate. Vitamin D appears to upregulate androgen receptor expression, whereas androgens seem to upregulate vitamin D receptor (VDR). This may at least partially explain the androgen dependence of VD action. VD alone or administered with androgen causes a suppression of epithelial cell proliferation. VD can activate mitogen-activated kinases, erk-1 and erk-2, within minutes and p38 within hours. Also, auto/paracrine regulation might be involved, since keratinocyte growth factor (mRNA and protein) was clearly induced by VD. Based on these studies, a putative model for VD action on cell proliferation and differentiation is presented.

Local challenge on oral mucosa with an alpha-gliadin related synthetic peptide in patients with celiac disease

OBJECTIVE

Gluten-derived peptides (e.g., amino-acids 31-49 of alpha-gliadin) have been shown to cause changes typical of celiac disease in the gut. Gluten-derived peptides have mostly been used in in vitro studies. The easiest access to the gastrointestinal system may be the mouth. In the present study we were interested to see whether a synthetic peptide corresponding to amino-acids 31-49 of alpha-gliadin could induce inflammatory changes in the oral mucosa after a local challenge in celiac disease patients.

METHODS

The challenge was made by injecting the peptide solution at a concentration of 10 microg/ml submucosally into the oral mucosa of 10 celiac disease patients after a gluten-free diet (GFD) and 12 healthy control subjects. B and CD45RO+ T cells, mast cells, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ lymphocytes, and alphabeta and gammadelta T-cell receptor-bearing (TcR alphabeta, TcR gammadelta) lymphocytes were counted and HLA DR expression was determined. The expression of CD25 and Ki-67 antigen was also examined.

RESULTS

The peptide significantly increased the total number of T cells in the lamina propria of the celiac disease patients. The expression of T-cell activation marker CD25 (IL-2 receptor), but not that of cell proliferation marker Ki-67, was also significantly increased in the lamina propria after peptide challenge. Such a reaction was not observed in the controls. The numbers of CD3+ and CD4+ T cells in the lamina propria were also increased in celiac disease patients after the challenge. The count of TcR gammadelta+ cells was very small in the oral mucosa in celiac disease and showed no increase when the oral mucosa was challenged with the peptide. The expression of HLA DR staining was enhanced after the submucosal peptide challenge in celiac disease; however, the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that in the celiac disease patients after the peptide challenge the oral mucosal lamina propria responds with a nonproliferative increase of lymphocytes. Thus, submucosal challenge with the peptide 31-49 can be used as an aid in the diagnosis of celiac disease. However, further studies with optimized methodology, including various concentrations of the peptide, adjuvants, other peptides, etc., are warranted, especially because the oral mucosa provides the easiest access to an in vivo peptide challenge in celiac disease.

Granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and sucralfate in prevention of radiation-induced mucositis: a prospective randomized study

PURPOSE

To compare subcutaneously given molgramostim (GM-CSF) and sucralfate mouth washings to sucralfate mouth washings in prevention of radiation-induced mucositis.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Forty head and neck cancer patients were randomly assigned to use either GM-CSF and sucralfate (n = 20) or sucralfate alone (n = 20) during radiotherapy. Sucralfate was used as 1.0 g mouth washing 6 times daily after the first 10 Gy of radiotherapy, and 150-300 microg GM-CSF was given subcutaneously. The grade of radiation mucositis and blood cell counts were monitored weekly. Salivary lactoferrin was measured as a surrogate marker for oral mucositis.

RESULTS

We found no significant difference between the molgramostim and the control groups in the oral mucositis grade, oral pain, use of analgesic drugs, weight loss, or survival. The median maximum neutrophil counts (median, 9.2 x 10(9)/L vs. 5.9 x 10(9)/L, p = 0.0005), eosinophil counts (median, 1.3 x 10(9)/L vs. 0.2 x 10(9)/L, p = 0.0004), and salivary lactoferrin concentrations were higher in patients who received GM-CSF. The most common toxicities in the GM-CSF plus sucralfate group were skin reactions at the GM-CSF injection site (65%), fever (30%), bone pain (25%), and nausea (15%), whereas the toxicity of sucralfate given alone was minimal.

CONCLUSION

We found no evidence indicating that subcutaneously given GM-CSF reduces the severity of radiation-induced mucositis.

Effects of the common cold and intranasal fluticasone propionate treatment on mucosal host defense assessed by human saliva

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this investigation was to study the effect of a potent topical steroid, fluticasone propionate, on patients with early signs and symptoms of the common cold. To characterize the mucosal inflammatory response, salivary defense factors and flow rate in these patients were analyzed.

STUDY DESIGN

Forty patients with symptoms of the common cold were randomized into 2 groups to receive either high-dose fluticasone propionate (100 microg per nostril) or placebo 4 times daily for 6 days. Paraffin-stimulated whole saliva was collected on day 1 (before the onset of medication), day 7 (posttreatment), and day 21 (follow-up).

RESULTS

Salivary flow rate, innate host defense factors, and total protein content were not affected by the common cold. IgA increased between day 7 and day 21 (P < or = .01; Student 2-tailed t test), and the relative proportions of salivary peroxidase and IgA increased on day 7 (P = .01) and day 21 (P= .05). In patients receiving fluticasone, saliva flow rate was lower on day 21 (P < or = .05) than on days 1 and 7. The innate salivary defense factors were not affected, but IgA increased both on day 7 (P < or = .001) and on day 21 (P < or = .001) in comparison with day 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Of the oral mucosal defense factors, only IgA is activated during the common cold. Intranasally administrated fluticasone propionate does not have a suppressive effect on salivary antimicrobial capacity.

T cell epitopes of a lipocalin allergen colocalize with the conserved regions of the molecule

In this study we characterized the human T cell-reactive sites of the major cow dander allergen, Bos d 2, a member of the lipocalin protein family. We showed that Bos d 2 contains only a limited number of epitopes. This is in contrast to many other allergens, which usually contain multiple T cell epitopes throughout the molecule. The epitopes of Bos d 2 were primarily concentrated in the conserved regions of the molecule. One of the epitopes was recognized by all the cow-asthmatic individuals regardless of their HLA phenotype. Computer-predicted T cell epitopes on Bos d 2, other lipocalin allergens, and human endogenous lipocalins were situated in similar locations on these molecules and corresponded to experimentally identified epitopes on Bos d 2. The results suggest that human endogenous lipocalins could be involved in the modulation of immune responses against exogenous lipocalin allergens. In addition, our findings are likely to facilitate the development of new forms of immunotherapy against allergies induced by the important group of lipocalin allergens.

Association of ezrin with intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and -2 (ICAM-1 and ICAM-2). Regulation by phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-bisphosphate

Ezrin is a cytoplasmic linker molecule between plasma membrane components and the actin-containing cytoskeleton. We studied whether ezrin is associated with intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, -2, and -3. In transfected cells, ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 colocalized with ezrin in microvillar projections, whereas an ICAM-1 construct attached to cell membrane via a glycophosphatidylinositol anchor was uniformly distributed on the cell surface. An interaction of ICAM-2 and ezrin was seen by affinity precipitation, microtiter binding assay, coimmunoprecipitation, and surface plasmon resonance methods. The calculated KD value was 3.3 x 10(-7) M. Phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2) induced an interaction of ezrin and ICAM-1 and enhanced the interaction of ezrin and ICAM-2, but ICAM-3 did not bind ezrin even in the presence of PtdIns(4,5)P2. PtdIns(4, 5)P2 was shown to bind to cytoplasmic tails of ICAM-1 and ICAM-2, which are the first adhesion proteins demonstrated to interact with PtdIns(4,5)P2. The results indicate an interaction of ezrin with ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 and suggest a regulatory role of phosphoinositide signaling pathways in regulation of ICAM-ezrin interaction.

Stimulated salivary flow rate and composition in asthmatic and non-asthmatic adults

The number of decayed, missed and filled permanent teeth (DMFT), the degree of periodontal inflammation (Periodontal Status Index, PSI), stimulated salivary flow rate and the concentrations of total protein, lactoferrin, lysozyme, myeloperoxidase, salivary peroxidase, calcium, potassium, sodium and thiocyanate in whole saliva of 26 adult asthma patients were compared with those of 33 non-asthmatic controls. The saliva was also analysed for mutans streptococci, lactobacilli, total anaerobic flora and Candida spp. The mean PSI (p < 0.05; 95% confidence interval for the difference between means (95% CI) 2.47-25.30) was higher and the mean stimulated salivary flow rate (p < or = 0.05; 95% CI 0.57-0.55) was lower in the asthmatic group than in the control group. No differences were found between the groups in non-immune defense factors, except for myeloperoxidase. The myeloperoxidase concentrations were higher in asthmatics than in non-asthmatics (p < 0.05; 95% CI 4.4-134.0 ng/ml). No differences in microbial counts were found. It was concluded that stimulated salivary flow rates decrease while myeloperoxidase concentrations increase in adult asthmatic patients compared with non-asthmatic adults. The higher concentrations of myeloperoxidase are explained by a higher PSI in asthmatics.

Longitudinal analysis of the association of human salivary antimicrobial agents with caries increment and cariogenic micro-organisms: a two-year cohort study

Previous studies of the possible associations of salivary antimicrobial agents with dental caries have given controversial results, obviously mainly because almost all studies have been cross-sectional. Our aim was to find out, in a two-year longitudinal follow-up study, the associations among selected salivary non-immune and immune antimicrobial variables, cariogenic bacteria, and caries increment. The study population was comprised of 63 subjects, all of whom had their 13th birthday during the first study year. In addition to a comprehensive dental examination at baseline and after 2 yrs, paraffin-stimulated whole saliva samples were collected in a standardized way at six-month intervals. Saliva samples were analyzed for flow rate, buffer effect, lysozyme, lactoferrin, total peroxidase activity, hypothiocyanite, thiocyanate, agglutination rate, and total and specific anti-S. mutans IgA and IgG, as well as for numbers of total and mutans streptococci, lactobacilli, and total anaerobic bacteria. Cluster analysis and Spearman-Rank correlation coefficients were used to explore possible associations between and among the studied variables. During the two-year period, a statistically significant increase was observed in flow rate, thiocyanate, agglutination rate, anti-S. mutans IgA antibodies, lactobacilli, and total anaerobes, whereas lysozyme, lactoferrin, and total and anti-S. mutans IgG antibodies declined significantly. Based on various analyses, it can be concluded that, at baseline, total IgG and hypothiocyanite had an inverse relationship with subsequent two-year caries increment, anti-S. mutans IgG antibodies increased with caries development, and mutans streptococci and lactobacilli correlated positively with both baseline caries and caries increment. Total anaerobic microflora was consistently more abundant among caries-free individuals. In spite of the above associations, we conclude that none of the single antimicrobial agents as such has sufficiently strong power to have diagnostic significance in vivo with respect to future caries.

Characterization of a nuclear localization signal of canine parvovirus capsid proteins

We investigated the abilities of synthetic peptides mimicking the potential nuclear localization signal of canine parvovirus (CPV) capsid proteins to translocate a carrier protein to the nucleus following microinjection into the cytoplasm of A72 cells. Possible nuclear localization sequences were chosen for synthesis from CPV capsid protein sequences (VP1, VP2) on the basis of the presence of clustered basic residues, which is a common theme in most of the previously identified targeting peptides. Nuclear targeting activity was found within the N-terminal residues 4-13 (PAKRARRGYK) of the VP1 capsid protein. While replacement of Arg10 with glycine did not affect the activity, replacement of Lys6, Arg7, or Arg9 with glycine abolished it. The targeting activity was found to residue in a cluster of basic residues, Lys5, Arg7, and Arg9. Nuclear import was saturated by excess of unlabelled peptide conjugates (showing that it was a receptor-mediated process). Transport into the nucleus was an energy-dependent and temperature-dependent process actively mediated by the nuclear pores and inhibited by wheat germ agglutinin.

Immunochemical characterization of a novel mitochondrially located protein encoded by a nuclear gene within the DFNB8/10 critical region on 21q22.3

A novel protein encoded by the C210RF2 gene in chromosomal locus 21q22.3 was characterized by immunochemistry. This chromosomal region is known to contain genes for human diseases such as non-syndromic autosomal recessive deafness (DFNB8/10) and autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED). Polyclonal murine antisera were produced against the multivalent peptides deduced from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide. Immunological reactivity of the obtained antisera was tested with primary cells or established cell lines. On western blotting, the polyclonal sera recognized a single protein product of 25 Kd expressed in cell lines of epithelial and lymphoid origin. Subsequent immunochemistry of several human tissues indicated the ubiquitous expression of the protein. Immunofluorescence studies and co-staining with a mitochondrial-specific dye suggest the subcellular localization of the protein to mitochondria. Mitochondrial localization is also predicted by computer analysis of the polypeptide sequence. As deafness is known to be caused in some instances by defects in mitochondrial function, C210RF2 is a plausible candidate gene for DFNB8/10.

Diagnostic phase antibody response to the human papillomavirus type 16 E2 protein is associated with successful treatment of genital HPV lesions with systemic interferon alpha-2b

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Systemic interferon alpha-2b treatment reduces relapses of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) lesions in some but not all females. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible predictive pretreatment factors for the outcome of therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

HPV DNA status and HPV antibody response were evaluated in 100 randomized patients treated with laser ablation and systemic interferon alpha-2b or placebo, and followed up to 6 months.

RESULTS

Overall, adjuvant therapy with systemic interferon-alpha did not differ from placebo. However, detectable diagnostic phase levels of serum antibodies to e.g. HPV16 open reading frame (ORF) E2 derived peptide 141EEASVTVVEGQVDYY155 predicted 10-fold difference in the risk of recurrence of HPV infection following adjuvant interferon alpha-2b therapy as compared with placebo (odds ratio, OR, 0.5, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.1-2.3; OR, 4.6, 95% CI 0.5-41, respectively). This trend was statistically significant in the whole study population (2P < 0.05), and in patients with high viral load (2P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Evaluation of the E2 antibody responses may help to identify women with genital HPV lesions who respond to systemic interferon alpha-2b treatment.

Binding of the cytoplasmic domain of intercellular adhesion molecule-2 (ICAM-2) to alpha-actinin

Intercellular adhesion molecule-2 (ICAM-2) functions as a ligand for lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) and is involved in leukocyte adhesion. We studied intracellular associations of ICAM-2 using a peptide encompassing the cytoplasmic amino acids 231-254 as an affinity matrix. Among the proteins from placental lysates that bound to the peptide was alpha-actinin as demonstrated by immunoblotting. Purified, 125I-labeled alpha-actinin also bound to the peptide. Confocal microscopic analysis of Eahy926 cells demonstrated a colocalization of ICAM-2 and alpha-actinin. Of overlapping octapeptides covering the entire ICAM-2 cytoplasmic amino acids, ICAM-2241-248 bound alpha-actinin most avidly and effectively competed with the longer cytoplasmic peptide for binding. The site of interaction in alpha-actinin was studied using bacterially expressed alpha-actinin fusion proteins. Several constructs covering nonoverlapping regions of alpha-actinin bound to the ICAM-2 cytoplasmic peptide suggesting that multiple regions in alpha-actinin can mediate the interaction. These results, together with previously demonstrated interactions between alpha-actinin and the adhesion proteins ICAM-1, L-selectin, beta1- and beta2-integrins emphasize the role of alpha-actinin as a linker between cell surface adhesion molecules and the actin-containing cytoskeleton.

Autoantibodies against oxidized LDL do not predict atherosclerotic vascular disease in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Accelerated atherosclerosis in diabetes has been suggested as being due to an enhanced oxidative modification of LDL. We hypothesized that the titers of autoantibodies against oxidized LDL (oxLDL) may be increased in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and that they may contribute to various manifestations of atherosclerosis among such patients. In a 10-year follow-up study of 91 newly diagnosed NIDDM patients and 82 nondiabetic control subjects, autoantibodies against oxLDL (expressed as the ratio of autoantibodies against oxLDL and native LDL) were measured at baseline and after 10 years. Quantitative ultrasonography to examine the intimal-medial thickness of the common carotid artery (a morphological index of arterial wall injury) and carotid bifurcation was performed at the 10-year examination. The relationship of autoantibodies against oxLDL to the occurrence of cardiovascular death, fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, and any cardiovascular event as well as to the intimal-medial thickness of the common carotid artery and carotid bifurcation was evaluated. Associations between these autoantibodies and metabolic variables (fasting glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, insulin, and serum lipids) in NIDDM patients were also examined. Autoantibodies against oxLDL did not differ between NIDDM and control subjects (NIDDM: baseline, 1.63 and 0.61 to 23.6; 10-year examination, 1.64 and 0.06 to 59.0; control group: baseline, 1.84 and 0.13 to 36.0; 10-year examination, 1.50 and 0.25 to 8.29; median and range, P = .62, baseline; P = .45, 10 year). In both groups, the titers of these autoantibodies measured at baseline and after 10 years significantly correlated with each other (r = .63 for the diabetic and r = .51 for the control group, respectively, P < .001 for each). The frequency of all cardiovascular events was markedly higher in the NIDDM group than in the control group, but autoantibodies against oxLDL had no significant association with any of these events, including cardiovascular mortality. At the 10-year examination the intimal-medial thickness of the common carotid artery (1.24 +/- 0.36 versus 1.06 +/- 0.30 mm, P = .002) and carotid bifurcation (2.11 +/- 0.73 versus 1.77 +/- 0.82 mm, P = .01) were greater in NIDDM patients than in control subjects, but autoantibodies did not show any association with the intimal-medial thicknesses in either the diabetic or control groups. Autoantibodies against oxLDL indicate the presence of oxidatively modified LDL in vivo, but their titers in the serum do not seem to associate with the excess cardiovascular mortality, morbidity, or intimal-medial thickness of the carotid artery.

Longitudinal analysis of human salivary immunoglobulins, nonimmune antimicrobial agents, and microflora after tonsillectomy

In order to study the role of tonsils in the host defense in the oral region one pre- and two postoperative (1 and 6 months) whole saliva samples were collected from 25 young adults referred for tonsillectomy. Saliva samples were analyzed for selected host defense factors, representing both immune (total IgA, IgG, IgM, anti-Streptococcus mutans, anti-EBV, anti-CMV, and anti-adenovirus IgA and IgG) and nonimmunoglobulin (lysozyme, lactoferrin, salivary peroxidases, thiocyanate, hypothiocyanite, and agglutinins) mediators. Following tonsillectomy, a significant (P < 0.04) reduction was observed in specific IgG antibodies, suggesting that tonsils participate in local IgG response to oral antigens. Total IgM levels also decreased (P< 0.006), which may to some extent reflect reduced antigenic stimuli compared to preoperative status with frequent tonsillitis. Saliva-derived nonimmunoglobulin host defense factors, except lactoferrin, which declined significantly, remained normal throughout the study period. Our study indicates that tonsils play a role in local oral IgG-mediated immune response but tonsillectomy does not seem to lead to any significant long-term impairment of salivary defense capacity.

Peroxidases, lactoferrin and lysozyme in peripheral blood neutrophils, gingival crevicular fluid and whole saliva of patients with localized juvenile periodontitis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the longitudinal association of selected non-immune anti-microbial host factors (peroxidases, lysozyme and lactoferrin) to the localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP) disease status.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Peroxidases, lysozyme and lactoferrin were quantitated from seven patients with LJP before and after periodontal therapy. Analyses were performed from simultaneously collected samples of peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), gingival crevicular fluid (GCF from diseased sites) and paraffin-stimulated whole saliva. Similar assays were done also from seven periodontally healthy controls.

RESULTS

During untreated phase of LJP myeloperoxidase, lysozyme and lactoferrin concentrations were remarkably elevated in peripheral blood PMNs, also reflected in their high concentrations in GCF. All these values normalised with respect to healthy controls during the periodontal therapy. No similar longitudinal changes were seen in whole saliva but during therapy salivary peroxidase concentrations declined below the control values, in accordance with our previous observations in parotid saliva samples of LJP patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In LJP the concentrations of lysozyme, lactoferrin and myeloperoxidase are significantly elevated in peripheral blood PMNs, also reflected in GCF. During periodontal therapy these values decline and approach those observed in healthy controls. No similar changes are seen in stimulated whole saliva.

Immunocytochemical evidence for differential subcellular localization of 5 alpha-reductase isoenzymes in human tissues

To contrast the previously described distribution of 5 alpha-reductase isoenzyme 2 in human organs we have raised synthetic C-terminal peptides of human 5 alpha-reductase isoenzyme 1 (h 5 alpha r1) and isoenzyme 2 (h 5 alpha r2) respectively, and studied the cellular and subcellular distribution of both isoforms of this key enzyme of testosterone metabolism using the human prostate gland as a reference. h 5 alpha r1, which in Western blots of human prostatic proteins had an apparent molecular weight of 23 kDa, was localized immunohistochemically in the nucleus of prostatic epithelial and stromal cells. Ultrastructurally, it was closely associated with the nuclear matrix. The apparent molecular weight of h 5 alpha r2 was 26 kDa in Western blotting of human prostatic proteins. In immunohistochemically processed sections, it was seen in the cytoplasm of prostatic epithelial as well as stromal cells. An organ screening with genital and extragenital tissues of males and females was performed and to elucidate the distribution of the isoenzymes. Presence of both isoenzymes was demonstrated for a number of tissues, including the central nervous system, the urogenital tract, the respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and the endocrine system. The divergent localization of 5 alpha-reductase isoenzymes points to potentially different functions in various organs. In view of the nuclear localization of isoenzyme 1, its close spatial relationship with the androgen receptor is presumed to indicate a close association with the receptor mechanism.

Newer saliva collection methods and saliva composition: a study of two Salivette kits

Saliva is frequently used as a diagnostic fluid and several collection devices have been developed.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to investigate the validity and reliability of two types of Salivette collection kits (non-covered cotton roll and polypropylene covered polyether roll) relative to conventional collection of saliva using paraffin wax chewing stimulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Whole saliva samples were collected from 16 healthy volunteers. Following a cross-over design saliva was collected in a standardized way. The flow rate was determined and saliva samples were analyzed for pH, buffer capacity, electrolytes and protein/glycoprotein content.

RESULTS

We find that Salivette methods do not allow evaluation of flow rate. pH was unaffected but buffer capacity was lower in Salivette collected than in paraffin wax-stimulated saliva. The non-covered cotton rolls reduced the content of Na+, K+, Cl-, as well as glycoprotein markers (hexosamines, fucose, sialic acid), lysozyme, lactoferrin, salivary- and myeloperoxidase but increased the concentrations of Ca2+, PO4(3)- and SCN-. Polypropylene covered polyether rolls affected saliva composition less than the non-covered cotton rolls. Thus, SCN- and sIgA concentrations were higher and lysozyme activity lower in the former (covered roll) saliva than in paraffin wax saliva. The reliability of the Salivette kits was good.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the Salivette method generates data significantly different from conventional paraffin wax-stimulated saliva such as buffer capacity and several electrolytes and organic components. Care should be taken in interpreting the results when such methods are employed.

Sucralfate mouth washing in the prevention of radiation-induced mucositis: a placebo-controlled double-blind randomized study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the value of sucralfate mouth washings in prevention of radiation-induced mucositis.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Forty patients with head and neck cancer were randomized to use either sucralfate mouth washing 1 g six times daily during irradiation (n = 20) or to placebo washing (n = 20). Mouth washing was started at the beginning of radiation therapy and continued to the end of the therapy (7-10 weeks). Assessment of the degree of radiation mucositis and collection of stimulated saliva samples were done weekly during the therapy. Salivary lactoferrin and albumin, suggested markers for the degree of mucositis, were analyzed from stimulated whole saliva samples.

RESULTS

All patients developed radiation-induced mucositis of varying degree after irradiation of about 30 Gy. No difference in the visually assessed degree of mucositis or oral pain reported by the patients was found between the study and the control groups. However, the patients treated with sucralfate used less anesthetic mouth washing and their salivary lactoferrin and albumin levels were lower.

CONCLUSION

Although the trial produced no direct clinical evidence indicating that sucralfate mouth rinses prevent radiation-induced mucositis, the decrease in the salivary lactoferrin and albumin levels suggests that sucralfate has a slight protective effect on the oral mucosa.

Salivary defense factors and oral health in patients with common variable immunodeficiency

Studies of oral health in patients with common variable immunodeficiency have given controversial results. Obviously, one major factor modifying the oral health of these patients is saliva, in which the antibody-mediated defense is remarkably impaired compared to that of healthy subjects. However, the occurrence of nonimmunoglobulin (innate) antimicrobial agents in saliva of these patients is virtually unknown. Therefore, we analyzed both immune (total IgA, IgG, IgM, anti-Streptococcus mutans IgA, IgG, and IgM antibodies) and nonimmune (lysozyme, lactoferrin, salivary peroxidase, myeloperoxidase, hypothiocyanite, thiocyanate, and agglutinins) factors in whole saliva of 15 patients with common variable immunodeficiency. All patients were on Ig-replacement therapy (median duration, 10 years; range, 2-25 years), which had normalized their IgG but not their IgA or IgM levels both in serum and in saliva. Also, comprehensive clinical and microbiological analyses were made. The control group comprised 15 age- and sex-matched immunologically healthy subjects. The results showed no notable differences in dental caries, periodontal diseases, or salivary microorganisms but the patients had a history of more frequent oral mucosal lesions and respiratory infections. All innate, nonimmune salivary defense factors were equally abundant in the patients as in the controls, in many cases even at somewhat higher concentrations. These findings suggest that in spite of immunodeficiency, patients with common variable immunodeficiency display normal, perhaps even slightly elevated, levels of nonimmunoglobulin defense factors in whole saliva.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Immunocytochemical localization of human 5 alpha-reductase 2 with polyclonal antibodies in androgen target and non-target human tissues

We studied the tissue distribution and cellular localization of 5 alpha-reductase 2, the human prostatic isoenzyme, in different human tissues, both cryostat-sectioned and paraffin-embedded. Polyclonal antibodies raised in rabbits against a native peptide (C-terminal amino acids 229-254) or synthetic peptides (amino acids 234-245), either as carrier-conjugated linear peptides or multiple antigen peptides (MAP), were assayed for specificity and sensitivity with Western blotting and an ELISA system. One antibody showing monospecificity on Western blots and in ELISA was used for immunohistochemical detection of the respective antigen in tissues from male and female subjects. Positive cells were found (with decreasing intensity) in inner epithelial sheath of hair follicles, pyramidal cells of the cerebral cortex, hepatocytes and bile duct cells, prostate epithelial cells, seminal vesicle epithelial cells, endothelial cells of small vessels, fat cells, fibrocytes of genital and extragenital organs, and smooth muscle cells of prostate and seminal vesicles. Some variation in the immunoreactivity of testis and ovary tissue was seen with different antibodies. 5 alpha-Reductase 2 is obviously not restricted to androgen target organs in the male, but is present in a large number of cells and tissues in both males and females.

Antimicrobial factors, sialic acid, and protein concentration in whole saliva of the elderly

Concentrations of salivary antimicrobial factors are well documented in children and young adults, but little information is available on such defense factors in healthy elderly persons. We determined the levels of total IgA, total IgG, lysozyme, lactoferrin, myeloperoxidase, salivary peroxidase, amylase, sialic acid, and total protein in a group of 71 subjects aged 76, 81, and 86 yr, as well as their correlations to paraffin-wax-stimulated salivary flow rate. Participants were either unmedicated (n = 67) or using medicines with no oral significance (n = 4). Statistically significant negative correlations existed between flow rate and total IgA, lysozyme, lactoferrin, sialic acid, and total protein. Concentrations of sialic acid and salivary peroxidase were highest in the oldest age group. Total IgA concentration was higher in women than in men, although men showed higher concentrations of sialic acid and higher sialic acid/total protein ratios. Subjects with poor gingival health had higher concentrations of total protein than did those with no need for periodontal treatment. Edentulous subjects with complete dentures showed significantly lower concentrations of IgG, lactoferrin, and myeloperoxidase than did dentate subjects. Our results suggest that, when compared with data from previous studies, concentrations of salivary antimicrobial agents do not decline with age in unmedicated elderly people. However, defense factors which are derived also from gingival crevicular fluid are decreased in the absence of teeth.

Lysozyme and lactoperoxidase inhibit the adherence of Streptococcus mutans NCTC 10449 (serotype c) to saliva-treated hydroxyapatite in vitro

Lysozyme, lactoperoxidase and salivary peroxidase inhibit the metabolism and growth of mutans streptococci, but any possible effects on the adherence of these bacteria are unknown. In this study the effects of lysozyme and lactoperoxidase on the adhesion of 3H-labelled Streptococcus mutans (NCTC 10449, serotype c strain) to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite were studied at pH 5.0 and 7.0. Human whole saliva was either lysozyme-depleted and centrifuged, or sterilized and dialysed to achieve no detectable lysozyme and peroxidase activities; this modified saliva was used to form experimental pellicles. The incorporation of lysozyme (50-200 micrograms/ml) to the pellicle caused a significant (p < 0.01) reduction in the adherence of S. mutans without any loss of bacterial viability. Pretreatment of either saliva-coated apatite or S. mutans cells with lysozyme did not change the results but lysozyme bound more readily to bacteria than to the experimental pellicles. Also, lactoperoxidase (10-200 micrograms/ml) reduced significantly (p < 0.001) the adherence of S. mutans but, in contrast to lysozyme, in a dose-dependent way. The strongest inhibition of adhesion was found when both saliva-coated apatite and bacteria were pretreated with lactoperoxidase. This enzyme bound to experimental pellicles in preference to streptococci. A non-specific protein control, albumin, did not block the inhibition by lysozyme or lactoperoxidase. The inhibition of adherence of a serotype c strain of S. mutans to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite is a novel antibacterial mechanism for both lysozyme and lactoperoxidase.

In-vivo glucose uptake and glucose transporter proteins GLUT1 and GLUT3 in brain tissue from streptozotocin-diabetic rats

The effects of streptozotocin-induced diabetes (13 weeks) on the in-vivo glucose uptake and on the protein levels of glucose transporters in rat brain were studied and compared with those in cardiac muscle. Diabetes reduced the uptake of 2-[3H]deoxyglucose into lobus frontalis by 70%. However, uptake rates corrected for the 4-fold increase in serum glucose (glucose metabolic index, GMI) were essentially unaltered. The levels of glucose transporter proteins GLUT1 and GLUT3 in crude membranes from brain as assessed by immunoblotting were unaffected by diabetes, whereas GMI and levels of glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT4 in heart were reduced by 80 and 65%, respectively. Thus, glucose uptake and levels of glucose transporters in brain, unlike that in insulin sensitive tissues, are normal in long-term hypo-insulinaemia.

Nuclear progesterone receptor is mainly heat shock protein 90-free in vivo

Heat shock protein 90 (hsp90) is associated with many steroid receptors in tissue homogenates. It is widely accepted that hsp90 regulates the binding of the receptor to the corresponding gene regulatory element. However there is no unequivocal evidence that steroid receptor-hsp90 complexes are present in the intact cells. We demonstrate here the absence of progesterone receptor (PR)-hsp90 complexes in intact target cell nuclei, using immunohistochemical and biochemical methods to determine the location and composition of the nonliganded (aporeceptor) and liganded (holoreceptor) PR complexes. In the chicken oviduct cells, both apo- and holoreceptors were nuclear, while hsp90 was exclusively cytoplasmic. When expressed transiently in HeLa cells, hsp90 was detected in the cytoplasm and PR was detected in the nucleus. Their location or staining intensity was not affected when they were coexpressed in the same cells. To confirm that the sensitivity of the immunohistochemical detection of hsp90 and PR did not differ significantly, a chimeric hsp90-PR was transiently expressed in HeLa cells. Both hsp90 and PR antigens of the chimera were detected in nuclei with the same intensity. In homogenates of the same tissue samples that were used for immunohistochemistry, the PR was complexed with hsp90. Hsp90-PR complexes were formed in vitro when immature bursa of Fabricius, known to contain high levels of hsp90, was homogenized in the presence of hsp90-free aporeceptor, while holoreceptor did not associate with hsp90. Our data show that nuclear PR is not complexed with hsp90 in vivo and suggest that the 8S-PR may be an in vitro artifact generated during tissue processing.

Inducibility of the avidin gene by progesterone is suppressed during estrogen-induced cytodifferentiation

We have studied epithelial differentiation of the chick oviduct as induced by diethylstilbestrol (DES) and 17 beta-estradiol (E2). The proportion of goblet cells in the oviduct was slightly higher after E2 than after DES treatment. Also avidin induction by progesterone was stronger following DES than E2 priming. In the estrogen pretreated oviduct epithelium, avidin expression was induced by progesterone in the surface epithelial cells, protodifferentiated gland cells and tubular gland cells, but not in goblet cells. During prolonged estrogen treatment, however, the inducibility of avidin by progesterone ceased in tubular gland cells but not in surface epithelial cells. The estrogen action on the expression of avidin could be explained by estrogen-induced terminal differentiation of the epithelial gland cells or by a direct effect of estrogen on the progesterone action, for instance interaction of estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor in the regulation of transcription.

Characterization of human 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor anti-peptide antibodies

Rabbit and chicken antibodies were raised against two peptides synthesized according to the structure of human 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor (hVDR): rabbit alpha hVDR-103 against the N-terminal amino acids 5-18 and alpha hVDR-104 against the amino acids 172-186 in the hinge region and chicken alpha hVDR-cab11 against the amino acids 172-186, respectively. The specificity of the antibodies was tested by peptide saturation, SDS-PAGE immunoblotting, gel shift assay and sucrose gradient centrifugation. Immunoblotting of a soluble extract (cytosol) from osteosarcoma cell line MG-63 showed a single band with an M(r) of about 48,000 and human intestine cytosol a broad band (50-63,000) for both antibodies. The antibodies recognized activated (3.2S) hVDR by shifting the centrifugation sedimentation profile to 5-6S. The antibodies showed nuclear immunostaining of unoccupied VDR in human osteosarcoma cells MG-63, U2-Os and SaOs-2. The immunoreaction could be saturated with the corresponding synthetic peptide. In immunoblot alpha hVDR-103 reacted with human and rat VDR, whereas alpha hVDR-104 recognized human VDR only. Similarly in immunohistochemistry, alpha hVDR-103 showed staining with hVDR and rVDR, whereas alpha hVDR-104 reacted only with hVDR. All antibodies recognized the native hVDR as verified with sucrose gradient centrifugation or immunoprecipitation but only alpha hVDR-103 and alpha hVDR-cab11 in gel shift assay of hVDR associated with the vitamin D-responsive element of human osteocalcin gene promoter.

Inhibin alpha- and beta A-subunit immunoreactivity in the chicken embryo during morphogenesis

Antibodies against synthetic peptides selected from the amino acid sequences of human inhibin alpha- and beta A-subunits were used to examine the distribution of inhibin subunit immunoreactivity in chicken embryos during the first week of development. Inhibin alpha-subunit immunoreactivity was localized in skeletal and smooth muscle myoblasts as well as developing cardiac muscle cells. In somites, immunostaining was seen exclusively in myotomes. The appearance of alpha-subunit immunoreactivity was correlated with myogenic differentiation; immunoreactivity was not seen in non-differentiated mesenchymal cells or in terminally differentiated adult muscle cells. In cardiac muscle, some immunopositive myocytes were seen also in the adult. In the adult heart, the Purkinje fibers were strongly immunoreactive, suggesting a possible role of the immunoreactive protein in the impulse-conducting function of these specialized cells. Inhibin alpha-subunit immunoreactivity was also seen in the visceral and parietal cells of the Bowman's capsule in both mesonephric and metanephric kidneys. In addition to mesodermal derivatives, alpha-subunit immunoreactivity was localized in neuroepithelial cells and axons in the developing central nervous system. Immunoblotting with anti-alpha(1–32) revealed two protein bands with M(r) values of 50,000 and 32,000 in cytosol samples of whole embryos under nonreducing conditions. In reduced samples an approximately 14,000 M(r) protein species was detected. Inhibin beta A-subunit immunoreactivity was detected only in chondrocytes, suggesting that the immunoreactive protein might represent a chicken homologue of the various cartilage and bone morphogenetic proteins expressed in mammals.

Subcellular location of unoccupied and occupied glucocorticoid receptor by a new immunohistochemical technique

Recent immunohistochemical studies suggest that the unoccupied glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is cytoplasmic and that the ligand causes its translocation into the target cell nucleus. The subcellular location of GR is especially interesting in that other members of the steroid receptor superfamily appear to be nuclear. The intracellular distribution of GR was studied immunohistochemically using a new freeze-drying and vapor fixation method which eliminates the protein diffusion and redistribution possibly caused by liquid fixation techniques. We used two monoclonal antibodies against rat liver GR. Dried samples of the adrenalectomized rat brain and uterus were fixed in p-benzoquinone vapor for 3 h at 60 degrees C and embedded in paraffin. Sections were stained with a biotinylated mouse monoclonal GR antibody using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex. Both unoccupied and occupied GR were found in the nucleus of the target cells, fibroblasts in the uterus and nerve cells in the cortex of the brain. The staining was saturated with the cytosol of cos cells transfected with GR. No cytoplasmic staining was seen even 2 days after adrenalectomy. In conclusion we propose that GR is also located in the nucleus independently of occupation.

Salivary antimicrobial proteins and mutans streptococci in tonsillectomized children

Whole saliva from 53 children who had been tonsillectomized when they were younger than 4 years old was analyzed for selected antimicrobial proteins and oral mutans streptococci 3-4 years after the operation. The results were compared with those from age- and gender-matched control children with no history of tonsillectomy. The salivary analyses comprised both immune (total IgA, IgG and IgM) and selected nonimmune (lactoferrin, myeloperoxidase, salivary peroxidase) antimicrobial proteins. Specific IgA and IgG antibodies against viral antigens (adeno-, cytomegalo-, respiratory syncytial- and Epstein-Barr-viruses) and against Streptococcus mutans cells were quantitated in both groups. The tonsillectomized children had statistically significantly higher concentrations of all immunoglobulin isotypes (P 0.001) as well as of lactoferrin (P less than 0.005), and myeloperoxidase (P less than 0.001) in saliva. However, no differences were found in the numbers of cariogenic mutans streptococci or in the total oral aerobic flora. In line with the streptococcal counts, no differences existed in anti-S. mutans IgA or IgG titers between the groups. Most antibodies against viruses, especially of IgG isotype, were significantly (P less than 0.001) higher in saliva of tonsillectomized children than in that of the controls. The results suggest that, within a long run, the humoral immune status of human saliva is not weakened by tonsillectomy. Also, mainly serum-derived antimicrobial proteins (myeloperoxidase, lactoferrin, IgG) exist in high concentrations in whole saliva after tonsillectomy.

Viability of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus in whole saliva with varying concentrations of indigenous antimicrobial agents

We have studied the possible relationship between indigenous salivary antimicrobial agents, indigenous mutans streptococci and the capability of added mutans streptococci to grow in saliva. Stimulated whole saliva was collected from 19 healthy donors. Saliva samples were sterilized, supplemented with glucose and inoculated with Streptococcus mutans or Streptococcus sobrinus. The mixtures were incubated for 20 h followed by counting of viable cells. Saliva samples were analysed, both before and after sterilization, for indigenous antimicrobial agents and the bacterial flora. The subjects could be divided into two groups: those (n = 9) whose saliva promoted and those (n = 10) whose saliva inhibited the growth of the inoculated streptococci. A statistically significant correlation (+0.82, p < 0.001) was found between the numbers of viable cells of S. mutans and S. sobrinus after incubation in saliva. The sterilization procedure reduced the content of all antimicrobial proteins. Salivary antimicrobial factors, or levels of indigenous mutans streptococci, did not differ between the two groups. We conclude that none of the individual salivary antimicrobial factors alone can explain the large individual differences in growth-promoting or growth-inhibiting patterns of saliva on S. mutans and S. sobrinus. Inter-individually, saliva either supports or inhibits the growth of mutans streptococci, indicating a similar response of these two species in relation to the properties of saliva.

Sensitive immunometric assays for secretory peroxidase and myeloperoxidase in human saliva

We have developed specific immunoassays for secretory peroxidase (SP) and for myeloperoxidase (MP) (polymorphonuclear leukocyte-derived peroxidase) in human saliva. Antibodies against SP and MP were produced using bovine milk lactoperoxidase (LP) and human MP as the immunogens, respectively. The methods developed are non-isotopic immunometric assays using biotinylated antibodies and avidin-enzyme conjugate. The detection limit was 0.1 ng/ml and the performance time less than 3 h for both assays. The determination ranges were 0.5-100 ng LP (SP)/ml and 0.5-200 ng MP/ml with intra- and interassay CVs of 4.3% and 15.6% for SP and 3.7% and 10.8% for MP, respectively. The mean analytical recoveries were 108.9% (SP) and 91.5% (MP). These assays correlated well (r = 0.849-0.871) with the colorimetric assays based on the oxidation of thiocyanate or chloride by peroxidases. However, compared to the colorimetric methods the new immunometric assays are much more sensitive and specific for salivary SP and MP. The assays are also more rapid since extensive dialysis to remove endogenous thiocyanate is not required.

Norplant implants: the mechanism of contraceptive action

OBJECTIVE

To determine if fertilization occurs unnoticed among Norplant users who are ovulatory.

DESIGN

Serial blood samples were obtained during 1 month from sexually active Norplant users experiencing regular menstrual bleeding patterns and a control group of noncontracepting women trying to conceive. The sequential blood samples were assayed for the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

SETTING

All samples were obtained from women receiving contraceptive service and health care at the Center for Research and Services in Human Reproduction and Contraception, Santo Domingo, The Dominican Republic. Assays for hCG were performed at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Tampere, Finland.

PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS

A total of 32 women using Norplant implants were enrolled in the treatment group, and 20 women of proven fertility who were attempting to conceive served as a control group.

INTERVENTIONS

Duration of Norplant use was as follows: 4 in the 2nd year of use, 13 in the 3rd year, 11 in the 4th year, 3 in the 5th year, and 1 in the 7th year.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The determination of pregnancy was based on the presence of hCG in the luteal phase, using a sensitive and specific immunoenzymatic assay that can detect dimeric hCG as early as 7 days after ovulation.

RESULTS

Nine pregnancies were detected. All were in the control group trying to conceive. Six of these advanced to clinical pregnancies, and three did not proceed beyond the next expected menses. None of the Norplant users had evidence of hCG production, whether the observed cycles were anovulatory or ovulatory. The probability of finding no pregnancies in the ovulatory months at risk among Norplant users is between 1 in 50 and 1 in 150,000. The null hypothesis that Norplant users conceive at a natural rate can be rejected at the 0.05 level.

CONCLUSION

Interruption of early pregnancy (menstrual abortion) does not play a role in the mechanism of action of Norplant contraceptive implants.

Avidin and ovalbumin induction by progesterone in chicken oviduct detected by sensitive immunoenzymometric assays

This study describes sensitive immunoenzymometric assays (IEMAs) for chicken avidin and ovalbumin, markers of cytodifferentiation and action of progesterone and oestrogen in the oviduct magnum mucosa. The determination range was 0.5-100 ng/ml and the detection limit 0.1 ng/ml in both IEMAs. The intra- and interassay coefficients of variation, measured from chicken tissue supernatants, averaged below 6 and 10% respectively. IEMAs correlated well with the radioimmunoassays for avidin and ovalbumin previously developed in our laboratory, and with the widely used [14C]biotin-binding method for avidin. Using an IEMA, we found avidin induction with low concentrations of progesterone in the differentiated oviduct of oestrogen-pretreated chicks. The induction has not been detected previously by less sensitive methods. Avidin was induced by all given doses of progesterone (0.2-200 mg/kg in vivo for 24 h after a short oestrogen treatment), the response being dose-dependent at doses of 0.2-20 mg progesterone/kg body weight, the maximum avidin production being about 70 micrograms/g tissue. Ovalbumin was induced at doses of 2-200 mg progesterone/kg body weight without variations in the responses, being about 35 mg/g. The mean content of avidin in the oviduct of laying hens was 58.1 micrograms/g, and of ovalbumin 74.9 mg/g. Minimal traces of avidin and ovalbumin were found in the oviduct after hatching (0.3 and 5 micrograms/g respectively); however, progesterone did not have an effect on this expression. Sensitivity, rapidity and practicability, together with non-radioactivity, are the main advantages of the present IEMAs for chicken avidin and ovalbumin.

One- and two-step non-competitive avidin-biotin immunoassays for monomeric and heterodimeric antigen

In this study of one-step and two different two-step non-competitive avidin-biotin assays (NABAs) were developed for the measurement of a monomeric antigen (lactoferrin, LF) using polyclonal antibodies and the detection of a heterodimeric antigen (lutropin. LH) using monoclonal antibodies. The assays were based on the use of performed complexes of biotinylated antibody and avidin-peroxidase conjugate. The detection limits and intra-assay CVs of the one- and two-step NABAs were 0.1-0.5 mg/ml and 2.6-5.1% for LF, and 0.1-0.2 IU/l and 2.3-3.7% for LH, respectively. The working range was 1-100 ng/ml for the LF assay and 1-100 IU/l for the LH assay. A linear relationship with high correlation coefficients (0.979-0.992 for LF-NABAs: 0.949-0.990 for LH-NABAs) and good agreement was observed between the one- and two-step assays and the corresponding three-step NABAs used as reference methods. However, under stringent conditions the one-step assay for heterodimeric antigen was found to be sensitive to interference. The results indicate that it is possible to perform the multistep NABAs using convenient one- and two-step protocols. The one- and two-step assays also retained the advantages of the avidin-biotin system: rapidity and good sensitivity.

Salivary defense mechanisms in juvenile periodontitis

The local, saliva-associated defense mechanisms of 28 juvenile periodontitis (JP) patients and their age- and sex-matched controls were studied. Lysozyme, lactoferrin, salivary peroxidase, myeloperoxidase, and thiocyanate concentrations were determined from both whole saliva and parotid saliva. The total concentrations of salivary IgA, IgG, and IgM were assayed. The periodontal condition and the salivary flow rates were registered. Among the JP patients, a significantly elevated concentration of IgG was found in parotid saliva but not in whole saliva. Salivary peroxidase activities were significantly low both in the whole and in the parotid saliva samples of the JP patients, and leukocyte-derived myeloperoxidase was present in significantly low amounts in whole saliva of these patients. Because both glandular (salivary peroxidase) and polymorphonuclear-cell-derived (myeloperoxidase) enzyme activities were low among the JP patients, suppressed peroxidase-mediated host defense mechanisms could be characteristic of JP.

Flexibility of noncompetitive avidin-biotin immunoassay: immunoassay of lutropin applied to different signal detection systems

I adapted the noncompetitive avidin-biotin immunoassay (NABA) of lutropin (LH) for use with radiometric, fluorometric, time-resolved fluorometric, and luminometric detection systems by changing the enzyme substrate or conjugating avidin with different labels. The corresponding methods were used to determine LH in 40 urine samples, and the results were compared with those obtained by an immunoenzymometric assay (IEMA), also based on the NABA principle. Scatter plots of the results showed a linear relation with high correlation coefficients (r = 0.972-0.983), and bias plots showed good agreement between the four comparison methods and the IEMA. The results indicate that the effectiveness of the NABA of LH is independent of the signal detection system. This means good flexibility for the user in choice of instrument and signal detection system.

Flexibility of noncompetitive avidin-biotin immunoassay: immunoassay of lutropin applied to different signal detection systems

I adapted the noncompetitive avidin-biotin immunoassay (NABA) of lutropin (LH) for use with radiometric, fluorometric, time-resolved fluorometric, and luminometric detection systems by changing the enzyme substrate or conjugating avidin with different labels. The corresponding methods were used to determine LH in 40 urine samples, and the results were compared with those obtained by an immunoenzymometric assay (IEMA), also based on the NABA principle. Scatter plots of the results showed a linear relation with high correlation coefficients (r = 0.972-0.983), and bias plots showed good agreement between the four comparison methods and the IEMA. The results indicate that the effectiveness of the NABA of LH is independent of the signal detection system. This means good flexibility for the user in choice of instrument and signal detection system.

Antimicrobial factors in whole saliva of human infants: a longitudinal study

Because early childhood is an important period for the colonization of bacteria in the primary dentition, it is possible that antimicrobial factors in saliva may modify these early events. In this study we have followed longitudinally 33 children from predentate to dentate phase and analyzed whole saliva for such salivary factors as lysozyme, lactoferrin, salivary peroxidase, myeloperoxidase, thiocyanate, hypothiocyanite, total IgA, IgG, IgM, and total protein. Children's saliva samples were compared with those from an adult reference group whose samples were collected and analyzed in an identical way. It was observed that salivary thiocyanate and IgG increased and salivary peroxidase decreased significantly from predentate to dentate phase. The other parameters remained unchanged. Children in predentate phase already had reached adult levels of hypothiocyanite and IgM, whereas all the other components were found in significantly lower amounts in children's saliva than in adult saliva. Salivary myeloperoxidase assay is interfered by the thiocyanate ions, and the observed increase in salivary "myeloperoxidase" activity may be due to the simultaneous increase in salivary thiocyanate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Monoclonal-antibody-based noncompetitive avidin-biotin assay for lutropin in urine

This noncompetitive avidin-biotin assay for lutropin (LH) in urine is based on the use of solid-phase, monoclonal antibodies, avidin-biotin binding, and enzyme label. The detection limit for LH is 0.5 int. unit/L. Performance time is 2 h. Intra- and interassay CVs were 4.2% and 6.2%, respectively. The assay is more specific for intact LH than are RIAs, and the results are unambiguous as compared with those by RIAs. LH is stable for a week in refrigerated urine; thus urine is a convenient sample material in follow-up studies for clinical ovulation timing. This rapid and sensitive nonisotopic LH assay avoids the disadvantages of blood samples. The assay provides clinically relevant predictions of ovulation timing from the amount of hormone measured in a 3-h urine specimen.

Monoclonal-antibody-based noncompetitive avidin-biotin assay for lutropin in urine

This noncompetitive avidin-biotin assay for lutropin (LH) in urine is based on the use of solid-phase, monoclonal antibodies, avidin-biotin binding, and enzyme label. The detection limit for LH is 0.5 int. unit/L. Performance time is 2 h. Intra- and interassay CVs were 4.2% and 6.2%, respectively. The assay is more specific for intact LH than are RIAs, and the results are unambiguous as compared with those by RIAs. LH is stable for a week in refrigerated urine; thus urine is a convenient sample material in follow-up studies for clinical ovulation timing. This rapid and sensitive nonisotopic LH assay avoids the disadvantages of blood samples. The assay provides clinically relevant predictions of ovulation timing from the amount of hormone measured in a 3-h urine specimen.

Expression of the human transferrin receptor in subrenal capsule assay in the mouse

The expression of a cell proliferation marker, the human transferrin receptor, was studied in ten human gastrointestinal tumors prior to and after implantation under the renal capsule in the mouse (1-6 days). These data were compared to the increase in tumor size in situ, and to the infiltration of inflammatory cells. All tumors studied expressed the transferrin receptor prior to implantation. Forty of 47 implants expressed the receptor, the strongest expression occurring on day 4, accompanied by a reorganization of tumor tissue to a morphology similar to that before implantation. On days 5 and 6 the expression of the transferrin receptor declined. Implants showed maximal increase in size on days 1 and 2, decreased in size on days 3 and 4, and increased again on days 5 and 6. The increase in the size of the implants on days 5 and 6 was accompanied by considerable infiltration of inflammatory cells, and was probably mostly a result of invading host cells and inflammation. If size alone is used as a criterion for tumor proliferation in this subrenal capsule assay, day 4 seems to be the most appropriate for evaluation. This is supported by a strong expression of a proliferation marker, the human transferrin receptor, during this time.

Antimicrobial systems of human whole saliva in relation to dental caries, cariogenic bacteria, and gingival inflammation in young adults

The association of salivary antibody (total IgA, IgG, and IgM and antibodies reactive with Streptococcus mutans) and non-antibody (lysozyme, lactoferrin, salivary peroxidase, myeloperoxidase, hypothiocyanite, thiocyanate) defense factors with oral health (past and present dental caries, gingival bleeding, the number of salivary S. mutans and lactobacilli) were studied in 50 naval recruits. Dental caries was significantly associated with large amounts of S. mutans, lactobacilli, and total salivary immunoglobulins and with low salivary flow rate and buffer capacity. Salivary anti-S. mutans antibodies did not correlate with dental caries or S. mutans levels. Moreover, none of the salivary non-antibody factors alone had any strong relationship to dental caries or S. mutans levels. Gingival inflammation was associated with elevated levels of lysozyme in whole saliva. It is concluded that in adults the associations between single-point measurements of most salivary antimicrobial constituents and the factors describing oral health are weak.

Effects of a beta-blocking agent, timolol maleate, on saliva in healthy volunteers

The effects of timolol maleate on the secretion and composition of human saliva were studied in vivo. Eight healthy volunteers received orally 10 mg timolol maleate. Stimulated parotid saliva samples, resting whole saliva samples, and blood samples were collected immediately before and four times after the drug intake at intervals of 1 h. The levels of total protein, lysozyme, IgA, IgG and IgM, salivary peroxidase, myeloperoxidase, lactoferrin, amylase, thiocyanate (SCN-), and hypothiocyanite (OSCN-) were analyzed from saliva samples. Drug levels were measured both from parotid saliva and blood samples. Results were compared to the analyses of the samples collected in a similar way but without administration of any drugs. Decreased levels of total protein, lactoferrin, amylase, and salivary peroxidase were observed in parotid saliva after a single oral dose of timolol maleate. No such decrease was found in lysozyme, myeloperoxidase, SCN-, OSCN-, or immunoglobulins. Salivary flow rate was not significantly changed after drug intake. The results suggest that the beta-blocking drug may cause qualitative changes in the composition of saliva by inhibiting the synthesis and/or release of acinar proteins.

Spontaneous luteinizing hormone surge and cleavage of in vitro fertilized embryos

The importance of monitoring luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion during gonadotropin stimulation remains controversial. In the present study, the authors evaluated the occurrence of spontaneous LH surges in 170 cycles stimulated by clomiphene citrate and human menopausal gonadotropin, and correlated the success rate of embryo cleavage to the time interval between the occurrence of the LH surge peak value and the time of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration. LH was quantitated from urine by an avidin-biotin enzyme immunoassay. The results indicated that a spontaneous LH surge occurred in 18% of the cycles. The number of oocytes recovered was not affected by the occurrence of a spontaneous LH surge. In 12% of all cases, the spontaneous LH surge occurred less than 12 hours before the administration of hCG, and in these cases embryo cleavage was not reduced. In 6% of all cases, the spontaneous LH surge occurred over 12 hours before hCG administration, and in these cases embryo cleavage was reduced significantly.

Pregnancy-related changes in human whole saliva

Flow rate, pH, buffer capacity, viscosity, sialic acid, selected proteins (amylase, lysozyme, peroxidase, lactoferrin) and anions (thiocyanate, hypothiocyanite) were analysed in paraffin-stimulated whole saliva of 16 women during the three trimesters of pregnancy and post partum. Salivary pH and buffer capacity decreased towards late pregnancy, followed by a rapid and significant (p less than 0.01) increase after delivery. The specific activity of salivary peroxidase increased significantly (p less than 0.05) during the third trimester, thus supporting the concept of oestrogen-dependency of this enzyme. None of the other parameters changed significantly during pregnancy or lactation. The results suggest that the composition of human saliva is influenced by female sex steroids during pregnancy.