Tissue extraction of DNA and RNA and analysis by the polymerase chain reaction

Several DNA extraction techniques were quantitatively and qualitatively compared using both fresh and paraffin wax embedded tissue and their suitability investigated for providing DNA and RNA for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A one hour incubation with proteinase K was the most efficient DNA extraction procedure for fresh tissue. For paraffin wax embedded tissue a five day incubation with proteinase K was required to produce good yields of DNA. Incubation with sodium dodecyl sulphate produced very poor yields, while boiling produced 20% as much DNA as long enzyme digestion. DNA extracted by these methods was suitable for the PCR amplification of a single copy gene. Proteinase K digestion also produced considerable amounts of RNA which has previously been shown to be suitable for PCR analysis. A delay before fixation had no effect on the amount of DNA obtained while fixation in Carnoy's reagent results in a much better preservation of DNA than formalin fixation, allowing greater yields to be extracted.

Allele frequencies and segregation of human polymorphic keratins K4 and K5

Two electrophoretic variants for each of the human keratins K4 and K5 that are expressed in squamous nonkeratinizing epithelia lining the upper digestive tract could be distinguished on SDS-PAGE. Based on a sampling size of 1,299 unrelated individuals, calculation of allele frequencies showed the alleles to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The genetic basis of this variation was confirmed by both quantitative gene dosage dependence and the transmission of the variants as Mendelian traits in two families. Thus the human keratin genes K4 and K5 are polymorphic, and each presents with two codominant alleles (a and b).

Flow cytometric analysis of the Hermes homing-associated antigen on human lymphocyte subsets

The homing of lymphocytes is controlled by interactions with high endothelial venules (HEV), specialized vessels that define sites of lymphocyte extravasation into lymph nodes and inflamed tissues. In humans, lymphocyte-HEV binding involves a lymphocyte surface glycoprotein (GP) of 85 to 95 kd (CD44, H-CAM), defined by monoclonal antibody (MoAb) Hermes-1. To define the expression of this homing-associated adhesion molecule during human lymphocyte development, we performed two-color immunofluorescence analyses of human bone marrow (BM), thymus, peripheral blood (PB), and tonsillar lymphocytes. The highest levels of Hermes-1 antigen are displayed by circulating B and T cells in the blood, which are uniformly positive and bear roughly twice the level of antigen present on mature lymphocytes within organized lymphoid tissues and BM. "Immature" (CD4+, CD8+) T cells in the thymus are Hermes-1lo to-, whereas thymocytes of mature phenotype (CD4+ or CD8+) are positive. The Hermes-1 antigen is present at high levels on the same population of thymocytes that bears high surface levels of CD3, a component of the T-cell antigen receptor complex, suggesting that levels of T-cell homing and antigen receptors characteristic of mature peripheral T cells appear coordinately during thymocyte maturation/selection. Essentially all T cells in the periphery are Hermes-1hi, including T blasts, and the homing-associated antigen is maintained at high levels on T cells stimulated in vitro by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and on interleukin-2 (IL-2) maintained T-cell clones and lines. In contrast, although most resting IgD+ B cells are positive a significant fraction of B cells in tonsils are Hermes-1lo to-; these cells are predominantly PNAhi, IgD-, and CD20hi, a phenotype characteristic of sessile, activated B cells in germinal centers. In all lymphocyte populations examined, there is a linear correlation in staining for Hermes-1 and for Hermes-3, an antibody that defines a distinct functionally important epitope on this molecule. The results demonstrate a precise regulation of this homing-associated antigen during lymphocyte differentiation.

In situ hybridization demonstration of poly-adenylated RNA sequences in formalin-fixed paraffin sections using a biotinylated oligonucleotide poly d(T) probe

An in situ hybridization technique has been developed for assessing poly(A)+ RNA preservation in routine pathology specimens. The method detects poly-adenylated RNA sequences in tissue sections using a biotinylated polydeoxythymidine (poly d(T)) probe. The probe was prepared from single-stranded 25-30 base oligo d(T) and was biotinylated using the enzyme terminal deoxynucleotide transferase with biotin-11-dUTP and dTTP in the ratio 1:4. The hybridization protocol uses varying concentrations of proteinase K to unmask mRNA sequences and the biotin-labelled hybrids are demonstrated after hybridization under standard conditions by the application of streptavidin and biotinylated alkaline phosphatase. Alkaline phosphatase was visualized using a Fast Red naphthol-capture method and the sections were counterstained with haematoxylin. The results have confirmed that the method is specific for poly(A)+ RNA and shows that poly(A)+ RNA can be demonstrated in routine formalin-fixed sections using non-radioactive techniques with retention of morphology. It also provides a means of optimizing the hybridization conditions for specific mRNA probes and produces a staining pattern demonstrating the relative level of poly(A)+ RNA per cell which may reveal new information about cell activity and tissue function.

Characterization of the human C1q receptor

At the meeting new procedures were reported for the isolation of the receptor which binds to the collagen-stalks of C1q, a subcomponent to the macromolecular complex, C1. The C1q-receptor was isolated from human tonsil cells, by a two-step procedure which did not involve affinity chromatography on C1q-Sepharose. In solution the C1q-receptor from tonsil cells behaved as an elongated dimer of two approx. 60 kDa chains. A C1q-receptor preparation isolated from human phagocytes, using pepsin-digested C1q for affinity chromatography, was found to be predominantly a molecule of approx. 120 kDa as assessed by SDS-PAGE. The amino acid compositions of C1q-receptor preparations derived from Raji (B-lymphoblastoid) and U937 (monocytic) cell-lines were found to be very similar. These results suggest that the human C1q-receptor may be a one-chain molecule, and also raise the possibility that there is more than one type of C1q receptor on cell surfaces.

A new approach to enzyme histochemical analysis of biopsy specimens

A novel technique combining the freeze drying and embedding in glycol methacrylate at low temperature of tissue permitted the histochemical demonstration of a variety of enzymes, showing maintenance of enzyme activity, accurate enzyme localisation without apparent diffusion, and excellent morphological detail. The results obtained with this new approach were superior to standard techniques used for both enzyme histochemical and morphological studies. Moreover, blocks of the embedded tissue were stored for at least one year at room temperature without loss of enzyme activity. This method should find a wide range of applications in histopathology.

Expression of three forms of thyroid hormone receptor in human tissues

At least two thyroid hormone receptor (hTR) genes are present in humans, but the significance of this multiplicity is unknown. These receptors could have differences in tissue distribution or possess different functions. We studied the distribution and abundance of three hTR mRNAs (hTR beta, hTR alpha 1, and hTR alpha 2) by Northern blot analysis. Three mRNAs were expressed in all tissues examined. hTR beta was strongly expressed in brain and prostate predominantly as a 10.0-kilobase (kb) mRNA. This mRNA was also expressed in thyroid and was much less abundant in liver, kidney, placenta, tonsil, and spleen. hTR alpha 1 is represented by two mRNAs with sizes of 6.0 and 3.2 kb. The 6.0-kb mRNA was constantly less abundant than the 3.2-kb mRNA. hTR alpha 2 was detected as a single mRNA with a size of 3.2 kb, using a probe unique for this mRNA. Both hTR alpha 1 and hTR alpha 2 were strongly expressed in brain, prostate, and thyroid and much less in other tissues. The relative amounts of the three hTR mRNAs were roughly parallel in each tissue. It is of interest that none of these hTRs was abundant in liver, which is the major thyroid hormone-responsive organ. Another hTR may be present in liver.

Transfer factor therapy of thoracic sarcoidosis

The authors repeatedly treated 59 patients with thoracic sarcoidosis with transfer factor (TF) since 1976. They utilized this therapy with TF from human tonsil lymphocytes (TFh) on account of the ineffectiveness of the corticosteroid treatment, because of the side effects of the corticosteroids, and as primary TF therapy, and to test an animal TF preparation from pig tonsil lymphocytes (TFp). In their observations only fraction II of the dialysable leukocyte extract was sufficient. Differences in the effectiveness between TFh and TFp do not exist on the whole. Our conclusion is that TF can stimulate the immunosystem of the patients, and can be an important mode of treatment. The mode of action is not clear.

Expression and functional role of CD23 on T cells

We have found that approximately 10%-15% of tonsil, but not peripheral blood, T cells express the CD23 antigen following activation with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or recombinant interleukin 4. The proliferative response of tonsil T cells is significantly increased when CD23 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) are present in the cultures. In contrast, no such proliferative augmentation is seen when peripheral blood T cells are cultured in this way. Supernatant (SN) of Epstein-Barr Virus-transformed B lymphoblastoid cell lines (EBVLCL), is found to have a similar co-stimulatory effect on the proliferation of tonsil T cells to that seen with CD23 mAb. This effect is greatly diminished by preclearing SN with CD23 mAb. Similarly, SN from a CD23+ L cell transfectant augments the proliferative response of tonsil T cells to both TPA and PHA. The CD23 molecule expressed by TPA-driven T cell blasts appears identical in size to the 45-kDa glycoprotein present on EBVLCL and activated B cells. In contrast, a 42-kDa molecule is observed when CD23 is precipitated from T cells activated with PHA. The results presented here demonstrate that CD23 is expressed on activated tonsil, but not peripheral blood T cells and plays a role, via the binding of CD23 mAb and CD23+ material, present in EBVLCL and CD23+ transfectant SN, in the regulation of T cell proliferation in response to mitogens such as PHA and TPA.

Determination of 2'-acetyl erythromycin and erythromycin in human tonsil tissue by HPLC with coulometric detection

A simple and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed for the determination of 2'-acetyl erythromycin and erythromycin in human tonsil tissue. Methyl tert-butyl ether was used as the extraction solvent after alkalization of tissue homogenates. Separation was achieved on a reverse phase C-18 column. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-methanol-tetrahydrofuran-sodium acetate buffer, pH 4.5. Eluted compounds were monitored by a coulometric detector in the oxidative screen mode. The quantitation limits of 2'-acetyl erythromycin and erythromycin were 0.20 and 0.30 mg/kg of tissue, respectively. The method was linear over the concentration range of 0.60-10.0 mg/kg of tissue for 2'-acetyl erythromycin and erythromycin.

Southern blot analysis of DNA extracted from formal-saline fixed and paraffin wax embedded tissue

Model experiments were designed to assess whether DNA could be recovered from formol-saline fixed peripheral blood lymphocytes and tonsil tissue for use in Southern blot gene analysis. Lymphocytes were fixed for 30 min and tonsil for 6 and 24 h, then paraffin embedded. High molecular weight DNA was extracted by prolonged digestion (2-7 days) with proteinase K or protease XXIV in the presence of 1 per cent sodium dodecyl sulphate. Restriction, transfer and hydridization were possible without modification of standard procedures. Multiple copy sequences were demonstrated using Mspl and Bst Nl restriction and hybridization for the Y chromosome (pHY 2.1 probe), single copy genes using EcoRI and BamHl restriction for the T-cell receptor beta chain (T beta probe), and Bgl II and Hind III for the immunoglobulin heavy chain (JH probe). Identical banding to unfixed tissue was achieved except when 24 h fixed extracts were used. With these, demonstration of the 24 KB Bam Hl/T beta and 9.2 KB Hind III/JH bands was not obtained. These findings suggest that as the fixation time is extended, alterations to DNA will limit the available range of restriction enzyme/probe combinations. However, with careful choice of these the extraction of DNA from formalin fixed and paraffin embedded pathological tissue for Southern blotting should be profitable.

Antigenic phenotype and functional characterization of human tonsil B cells

Human tonsil cells were labeled with anti-leu-16, a monoclonal antibody (MoAb) that recognizes the CD20 antigen and that is specific for B cells. Two populations of B cells were identified by flow cytometry on the basis of antigen density. One labeled brightly with anti-Leu-16, and the other labeled at a level comparable to blood B cells. These two populations were characterized with a panel of MoAbs in two- and three-color flow cytometric studies and appeared to correspond to germinal-center and mantle-zone B cells. The pattern of staining of anti-Leu-16 on sections of frozen tonsil supported this characterization. Anti-Leu-16 labeled germinal center cells more intensely than mantle zone cells and stained a few scattered B cells in the interfollicular zone. The ability of each Leu-16+ population to secrete IgG and IgM in response to mitogens was measured in a particle immunofluorescence assay. Dim Leu-16+ B cells (small, resting B cells and a subpopulation of preactivated cells) secreted IgG and IgM in response to pokeweed mitogen (PWM) but only IgG in response to B cell growth factor (BCGF). Bright Leu-16+ B cells (small to large activated cells and possibly memory cells) did not respond to PWM but secreted IgG in response to BCGF. The functional responses of dim Leu-16+ and bright Leu-16+ B cells were consistent with their identification as mantle-zone and germinal-center B cells. Phenotypic identification and functional studies of mantle-zone and germinal-center B cells may help clarify the differentiation pathway within the germinal center.

Cytoskeletal components of lymphoid organs. I. Synthesis of cytokeratins 8 and 18 and desmin in subpopulations of extrafollicular reticulum cells of human lymph nodes, tonsils, and spleen

Using light and electron microscopic immunolocalization with antibodies to cytoskeletal proteins, we have characterized the nonlymphoid cells of various human lymphoid organs (lymph nodes, tonsils, spleen). In all these tissues, the lymphoid follicles contain a three-dimensional meshwork of "dendritic reticulum cells" which are characterized by the presence of desmosomal junctions, as demonstrated by positive punctate staining with antibodies to the desmosome-specific proteins desmoplakin I and desmoglein, and by intermediate-sized filaments (IFs) of the vimentin type only. In contrast, the extrafollicular regions are characterized by an extended meshwork of other types of reticulum cells, which also contain vimentin IFs but lack desmosomal proteins. In addition, a considerable, although variable proportion of these extrafollicular reticulum cells forms IFs containing cytokeratins 8 and 18 and/or desmin-containing IFs. The occurrence of cytokeratins 8 and 18 in lymph nodes has also been shown by gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. Results of double-label immunolocalization indicate that some of the extrafollicular reticulum cells coexpress all three kinds of IF protein. A large proportion of these cells also synthesizes another marker of myogenic differentiation, i.e., the isoform of alpha-actin specific for smooth muscle. This proportion includes some cells that are negative for desmin. Comparison of the distribution of cells expressing cytokeratins and/or desmin with that of reticulum cells showing strong alkaline phosphatase activity (as a marker for the so-called "fiber-associated (fibroblastic) reticulum cells") suggests that the former represent a subset of the latter. The biological meaning of these different patterns of expression in reticulum cells and of the resulting cell-type heterogeneity as well as possible implications of these observations for tumor diagnosis, notably of lymph-node metastases and lymphomas, are discussed.

Concentrations of phenoxymethylpenicillin and cefadroxil in tonsillar tissue and tonsillar surface fluid

Thirty patients who underwent elective tonsillectomy were given phenoxymethylpenicillin (0.8 g) or cefadroxil (1 g) at different times before operation. The concentrations of the antibiotics were analysed in serum, tonsillar tissue, fluid from the surface of the tonsils, and mixed saliva. The concentrations in tonsillar tissue for both drugs were much lower than the corresponding serum concentrations. This apparently low tissue accessibility could be ascribed to the limited intracellular penetration of beta-lactam antibiotics. For both antibiotics the concentrations in the tonsillar surface fluid were higher than the levels in the tissue and well above the minimal inhibitory concentrations for streptococci. This was not due to antibiotics in saliva but probably a result of leakage from the interstitial fluid. Inability to reach active concentrations of phenoxymethylpenicillin or cefadroxil at the site of infection does not therefore seem to be a probable cause for relapse after treatment of streptococcal tonsillitis.

Immunocytochemical study of human lymphoid tissues with monoclonal antibodies against S-100 protein subunits

The present study concerns the immunocytochemical localization of S-100 protein alpha and beta subunits in the cells of human lymphoreticular tissue and their related tumours. The alpha subunit is mainly localized in dendritic cells, most likely the dendritic reticulum cells (DRCs) located within the germinal centers, while the beta subunit is mainly localized in the interdigitating reticulum cells (IRCs) in the paracortical area and in Histiocytosis "X" cells. No immunoreactivity for either subunit was found in the majority of normal lymphocytes, macrophages, malignant lymphoma cells, or xanthoma cells. The DRCs and IRCs are generally considered to show different distribution in the lymphoid tissues and demonstrate some difference in their immunocytochemical and enzyme-histochemical features. It is suggested that S-100 subunits can be used as useful markers for these two types of dendritic cells and investigation of these subunits may provide more information for the study of human lymphoreticular system.

Fc epsilon receptor, a specific differentiation marker transiently expressed on mature B cells before isotype switching

The expression of Fc epsilon R on human lymphocytes was studied with the anti-Fc epsilon R mAbs. Fc epsilon R was expressed on most mu+,delta+ circulating B cells, whereas T cells did not express Fc epsilon R even in patients with hyper-IgE syndrome. B cells with gamma, alpha, or epsilon phenotype did not express Fc epsilon R, moreover its expression could not be induced, suggesting that the Fc epsilon R expression was correlated with isotype switching. mu+delta+ B cells in bone marrow did not express Fc epsilon R, but PHA-sup (supernatant from PHA-stimulated cell cultures) could induce its expression, and the addition of IgE augmented this induction. Recombinant IL-2, IL-1, IFN-gamma or -beta, or purified B cell differentiation factor (BSF-2 B cell-stimulatory factor 2) could not induce Fc epsilon R expression in bone marrow B cells. IFN-gamma inhibited the Fc epsilon R expression induced by PHA-sup, suggesting that the human counterpart of BSF-1 may be responsible for Fc epsilon R expression in bone marrow B cells. B cells from patients with common variable immunodeficiency and ataxia telangiectasia did not express Fc epsilon R, but PHA-sup could induce its expression, indicating that circulating B cells of these patients are at a differentiation stage similar to B cells in bone marrow. The study showed that Fc epsilon R is a B cell-specific differentiation marker, the expression of which is restricted to a defined stage of B cell differentiation.

Variation and frequency of cytokeratin polypeptide patterns in human squamous non-keratinizing epithelium

The squamous non-keratinizing epithelium of the human upper digestive tract was analyzed for keratin-like cytoskeletal proteins (cytokeratins) by both high resolution one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The Triton/high salt-insoluble portion of pure epithelial homogenates contains a number of SDS- and urea-extractable polypeptides, whose two-dimensional gel pattern (NEpHG/SDS) typically represents a defined subset of human cytokeratins. The cytoskeletal preparations of epithelial tissue samples obtained from different individuals were found to be uniform with respect to their content of cytokeratin polypeptides 55.0 kD/basic, 52.0 kD/acidic, and 49.0 kD/acidic. However, we have observed that four basic members of apparent molecular weight 60.0, 59.0, 56.5, and 56.0 kD occur at an inconstant rate. Consequently, the cytokeratin polypeptide patterns appeared highly variable as a result of the presence of constant plus compositionally different subsets of inconstant members. From the analysis of cytoskeletal portions of more than 300 individual tissue samples we demonstrate eight different keratin-like polypeptide patterns including their frequencies and propose the existence of no more than nine. These, most probably, encompass all the possible inter-individual variations to which the cytokeratins of this type of epithelium will combine for forming intermediate-sized filaments in vivo. We furthermore hypothesize that the observed variation of cytokeratin patterns may reflect a polymorphism of genes coding for the variable keratin-like polypeptide members.

Identification of a partial cDNA clone for the human receptor for complement fragments C3b/C4b

Redundant oligonucleotides were synthesized based on amino acid sequences of tryptic peptides from the purified receptor for human complement fragments C3b/C4b (CR1). These probes were used to screen a size-selected human tonsilar cDNA library. A single positive clone was identified that hybridized to three oligonucleotide probes. The cDNA insert was 1.5 kilobases in length and contained sequences homologous to those of the oligonucleotide probes as well as nucleotide sequences corresponding to another independent CR1 tryptic peptide. Blot-hybridization analysis using fragments of the cDNA insert as probes revealed two distinct species of the CR1 message of 9 and 11 kilobases in human tonsil mRNA. The two EcoRI fragments of the CR1 cDNA insert hybridized to each other, suggesting the presence of homologous sequences. When used as probes in Southern blot analysis of human DNA, each fragment identified similar but not identical patterns of multiple restriction fragments, indicating either a series of homologous domains in a single CR1 gene or the presence of multiple CR1 genes. Furthermore, an additional BamHI fragment was found to segregate with the expression of the S allotype of the CR1 protein in a family. Thus, the molecular weight difference in the polymorphic variants of the CR1 protein is based on differences in nucleotide sequences.

Preliminary characterization of human T cell suppressor factor (HTsF) isolated from tonsil cells by monoclonal antibody immunoadsorbence

We have shown that a murine monoclonal antibody, B16G, recognizes a constant region determinant of a T cell suppressor factor (TsF) in DBA/2 mice. The molecule recognized by B16G was shown to be a heterodimer with a native m.w. in the region of 80,000. We now show that B16G also reacts with a similar molecule derived from human lymphoid tissue. Yields of about 100 micrograms could be obtained from the solubilized membranes and cytosol from about 10(10) tonsillar cells by elution of adsorbed materials from B16G immunoadsorbent columns. As with the murine system, the human TsF (HTsF) thus derived was capable of suppressing the mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR) of homologous effector T lymphocytes. However, this same material was not suppressive across the HL-A barrier, that is, when allogeneic effector cells were used in the MLR. Preliminary characterization of the HTsF showed it to have a native m.w. of 80,000 to 90,000 to be composed of a heterodimer with subunit m.w. in the region of 45,000 to 50,000, and to have an associated peptide of approximately 25,000. These observations provide evidence for the conserved nature of genes encoding TsF and correlate with observations of other investigators on the considerable homology between genes encoding the murine and human T cell receptor.

Isolation of follicular dendritic cells from human tonsils and adenoids. III. Analysis of their Fc receptors

Follicular dendritic cells (FDC), isolated from human tonsils or adenoids, were tested for their capacity to retain monomeric, aggregated or antigen-bound human antibodies in the absence of serum. FDC retain fluorescein-labelled heat-aggregated human immunoglobulins, but not monomeric ones nor fluorescein-labelled F(ab')2 in monomeric or aggregated form. Ultrastructural observations showed that colloidal gold-labelled monomeric, or antigen-bound, antibodies directed against tetanus toxoid are retained by dendrites and membrane infoldings of FDC but are never located in cytoplasmic vesicles. This retention was inhibited by incubating FDC with unlabelled aggregated or antigen-bound antibodies. When gold-labelled anti-tetanus toxoid antibodies were incubated in the presence of protein-A before the contact with FDC, a strong reduction of their retention occurred. This further suggested the presence of Fc receptors on isolated tonsillar FDC. Endocytosis was not observed in isolated FDC, even after prolonged incubation in presence of labelled immune complexes: their Fc receptors are, thus, not related to a phagocytic activity as they are in macrophages. Simultaneous ultrastructural labelling of Fc and C3b receptors with colloidal gold particles of different sizes did not reveal any clear relations between these two receptors on the surface of FDC.

Immunohistologic localization and immune phenotypes of lymphocytes expressing Tac antigen in human lymphoid tissues

A monoclonal anti-Tac antibody has been identified as a putative antibody against the human interleukin 2 (IL 2) receptor. In the present study, anti-Tac antibody was used to determine the location of cells expressing IL 2 receptors in frozen sections of human lymph nodes and tonsils by means of an immunoperoxidase technique. It was found that a substantial number of lymphoid cells reactive with anti-Tac antibody were present in these tissues. The majority of the Tac-positive cells were located in the paracortical and interfollicular regions of lymph nodes and tonsils, whereas only a few Tac-positive cells were scattered in the mantle zones and germinal centers of the secondary follicles. In contrast, no Tac-positive cells were demonstrated on cytocentrifuge preparations of peripheral blood lymphocytes from some of tissue donors, as evaluated by the same technique. In some experiments, a double-marker immunofluorescence analysis with the use of different fluorochromes, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), and tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate (TRITC) was applied to characterize the phenotypes of cells expressing Tac antigen. Double staining with TRITC and FITC, respectively, for the identification of Tac-positive cells and T cells, showed that Tac-positive cells in lymph nodes and tonsils almost exclusively co-expressed a pan-T cell marker, Leu-1 antigen, that probably does not belong to non-T cell lineages. About 80% of Tac-positive cells were Leu-3 (helper/inducer) positive, and 20% of them Leu-2 (suppressor/cytotoxic) positive. These observations imply the plausible notion that an IL 2-mediated immune activation of T cells may actually occur in local lymphoid organs.

Ciprofloxacin concentrations in tonsils following a single intravenous infusion

Penetration of ciprofloxacin into human tonsils was studied following an intravenous infusion of 200 mg over 15 minutes to adult humans undergoing tonsillectomy. Samples were taken one-and-a-half to four hours after dosing. Generally, tissue levels exceeded corresponding serum concentrations by 50% (range of intraindividual ratios between tonsil and serum concentrations 100% to 288%). Ciprofloxacin distribution was homogeneous and independent of sampling time.

The distribution of cells expressing a natural killer cell marker (HNK-1) in normal human lymphoid organs and malignant lymphomas

A murine monoclonal antibody, HNK-1, is known to react with some human leukocytes including all natural killer (NK) cells in peripheral blood. The distribution of cells reacting with this antibody (HNK-1+ cell) was studied in human peripheral lymphoid organs, consisting of five lymph nodes, two specimens of gastric mucosa with lymphoid tissue, two tonsils, one appendix, and two thymuses. Fourteen cases of malignant lymphoma (ML) were also examined. For the demonstration of HNK-1+ cells, the peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) bridge method was applied to cryostat sections of these specimens. It was found that in normal lymphoid organs most HNK-1+ cells were located in lymph follicles, especially in germinal centers, and some were found in 'mixed' regions which indicate outsides of both the follicles and T-zones. Amongst the ML, large clusters of HNK-1+ cells were observed only in two cases of follicular lymphoma, although a few scattered HNK-1+ cells were noted in other ML, including five diffuse B-cell lymphomas, six T-cell lymphomas and one null cell lymphoma. The possible significance of these findings is discussed.

The immunohistochemical detection of J chain in lymphoid cells in tissue sections: the necessity of trypsin digestion

The immunohistochemical detection of J chain in histological sections of tonsils was compared to that of immunoglobulin IgG, IgM, and IgA. Pretreatment of tissue sections with detergents (saponin and Triton X-100) and with proteolytic enzyme (trypsin) at different experimental conditions has shown (i) 0.1% trypsin digestion for 1 hr at room temperature increased dramatically both the number of J-chain-positive cells detected, and the intensity of the color reaction, while the detergents had no noticeable effect; (ii) under the same conditions, trypsin also improved the detection of immunoglobulins, but quantitatively and qualitatively far less effectively than for J chain. The effect of trypsin occurred after 30 min. These results indicate that in tissue sections, the antigenic determinants of J chain are "masked" in the molecule of immunoglobulin in such a manner that the use of trypsin hydrolysis may be important for its successful detection at the light microscopic level. In the case of intact immunoglobulins, this is less important.

Histochemical studies on lectin binding in reactive lymphoid tissues

Using the avidin-biotin-labeled peroxidase complex (ABC) method, the staining reaction of a panel of 12 biotin-labeled lectins was studied in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded reactive lymph nodes and tonsils. Varying degrees of lectin binding were observed in lymphoid cells and macrophage-histiocytes with Concanavalin ensiformis (Con A), Lens culinaris (LCA), Phaseolus vulgaris (PHA), Pisum sativum (PSA), Ricinus communis (RCA), and Triticum vulgaris (WGA) agglutinins, but no evidence of binding was observed with Dolichos biflorus (DBA), Bandieraea simplicifolia (BSA), Arachis Hypogaea (PNA), Glycine soja (SBA), Sophora japonica (SJA), and Ulex europaeus (UEA) agglutinins. Three major patterns of binding were seen: the reaction products occurred along the plasma membranes (membranous), were confined to one pole of the cell membrane (cap-like), or were present diffusely in cytoplasm (cytoplasmic). The cells showing membranous and cap-like staining patterns corresponded to the lymphoid cells, as did the cytoplasmic to plasma cell and macrophage-histiocytes. Cap-like staining was observed on the lymphocytes at B and T cell areas with all six lectins. Thus, the presence of cap-like staining may not be useful for discrimination between B and T cells. Membranous staining, in contrast, was limited to lymphocytes of follicles (B cells) with PSA and LCA, and to germinal center cells with PHA, WGA, Con A, and RCA also reacted with the membrane of T-cell. The cytoplasmic staining reaction of macrophage-histiocytes varied markedly from one lectin to the other. Our study indicates that the carbohydrate moiety of the cells retains their binding sites for lectins through routine processing, providing a means of valid retrospective studies. Furthermore, these observations suggest that each lectin, despite its identical inhibitory sugar, should be tested for its unique reaction pattern, which is not predictable from the data derived from cell suspension studies.

The localisation of intracellular immunoglobulin and alpha-1-antitrypsin by immunoelectron staining of post-osmicated, resin-embedded tissue

An indirect immunoperoxidase method is described to demonstrate intracellular immunoglobulins and alpha-1-antitrypsin in semithin and ultrathin sections from human tissue. The tissue was primarily fixed in glutaraldehyde, post-osmicated and resin-embedded.

In vitro determination of effects of dialyzable leukocyte extracts containing transfer factor activity

The studies for determining the effects of dialyzable leukocyte extracts (transfer factor) as reflected in recovery of E-rosetting capacity in trypsinised lymphocytes (recovery-assay) suggested the following: 1. Dialyzable leukocyte extracts contain an inhibitor with a molecular weight of about 5000 (fraction I). 2. This inhibitor considerably affects the immunologic activity of both whole preparations and their different fractions during the in vitro activity assay. 3. The inhibitor fraction that fails to respond to the "recovery-assay" (less than 5%) responds very actively to the test after inactivation (45 min/57 degrees C). 4. Therefore, activation assays performed on the total preparation after inactivation involve a considerable error. 5. Immunological activity is concentrated in fractions III and IV. Only fraction III activity can be reduced considerably by inactivation. Fraction II activity is induced by incomplete separation from fraction III. Fraction IV cannot be inactivated. 6. In the case of transfer factor preparations (without inhibitor fractions) activity increases almost in direct proportion to the concentration up to about 30 micrograms. 7. Since the "recovery-assay" also responds to substances with no immunologic activity, its use can be justified in the case of fraction III. The activity is then the difference between the native and the inactivated forms. 8. A corresponding review of methods (such as LTT, migration inhibition test, skin test, etc.) currently used for activity assays seems advisable.

Influence of dietary restriction and protein deficiency on plasma half-life and tissue distribution of tetracycline in rats

1. The effects of dietary restriction and protein deficiency on plasma half-life and tissue distribution of tetracycline were studied in rats by feeding either a 20% protein diet in restricted quantity or a 9% protein diet ad lib and compared with rats given a 20% protein diet ad lib (control group). 2. It was observed that half-life of tetracycline was shortened and that plasma and tissue Cmin levels at steady-state were lower in undernourished rats. Tissue concentrations in liver, kidney, muscle and bone correlated well with plasma levels. A high degree of correlation was also observed between plasma and tonsillar concentrations of tetracycline in human subjects. 3. These studies indicate that undernourished subjects may require an altered dosage regimen of tetracycline to maintain effective steady-state concentrations of the drug.

Sensitivity and specificity of immunohistological methods on freeze-dried paraffin sections

The application of freeze-dried paraffin sections for immunohistology eliminates many of the problems associated with the cryostat technique: the sections are thin sufficiently, the cell morphology is improved, there are no diffusion artifacts and the intensity of immunohistological reactions is superior to that obtained on cryostat sections. The preservation of antogenicity in freeze-dried paraffin sections is sufficient for the demonstration of light chain monotypia in lymphomas of B-cell origin. Indirect immunofluorescence is the method of choice for demonstrating surface Ig in freeze-dried paraffin sections.

Anatomical distribution of call antigen expressing cells in normal lymphatic tissue and in lymphomas

Anatomical distribution of common acute lymphoblastic leukemia antigen (CALLA) was studied in lymphomas as well as in normal lymphatic organs using the monoclonal antibody VIL-A1. Twelve lymphomas were labelled by VIL-A1. Three of the 12 tumours also had T-cell marker, six lymphomas also showed immunoglobulin staining and only three tumours were pure CALLA lymphomas. Tonsils showed a distinct CALLA labelling of many germinal centre cells and of singular cells in interfollicular T-cell regions. Children's thymuses showed rare distinctly labelled cells in the cortex and medulla and slightly more cortical cells stained faintly by VIL-A1. Foetal thymuses of about the twelfth week of gestation contained many heavily labelled cells. The findings are discussed as evidence for the presence of CALLA on immature B as well as T lymphocytes. They favour the idea of CALLA as a common lymphocyte differentiation antigen although other possibilities of interpretation are also discussed.

The role of BK virus in acute respiratory tract disease and the presence of BKV DNA in tonsils

The significance of BKV infections relative to infections by generally tested respiratory agents was investigated in children with acute respiratory disease. Paired sera from 177 children admitted to a hospital for acute respiratory disease were tested for significant rises in antibodies. Sera from seven patients showed a seroconversion to BKV and clinical signs of acute upper respiratory tract infection were exhibited by each of these patients. BKV infections were present in 8% of the patients with upper respiratory tract disease while seroconversions to adenovirus (2%), influenza A virus (1%), parainfluenza virus (5%), RS virus (6%) and mycoplasma pneumoniae (1%) were observed in 15% of the patients with upper respiratory tract disease. BKV was isolated from the urine of one child with tonsillitis with a concomitant seroconversion to BKV. Tonsils from children with recurrent attacks of acute respiratory disease were tested for the presence of BKV DNA by hybridization with a cloned genomic 32P-labeled DNA of prototype BKV. Five of twelve tonsil DNAs showed hybridization with BKV DNA. Each tonsil showing hybridization with BKV DNA contained multiple nonintegrated copies of the BKV genome per diploid amount of host cell DNA. Attempts to recover infective BKV by transfection of primary human embryonic cells with tonsil DNAs or by co-cultivation of tonsillar cells with primary human embryonic cells were unsuccessful.

Functional studies on histiocytic and interdigitating reticulum cells from human lymphoid tissue

Histiocytic (HRC) and interdigitating (IDC) reticulum cells were obtained from human lymphoid tissue (lymph nodes, tonsils), suspended in cell culture medium and cultured. The suspended cells, which were identified by morphological and enzyme histochemical criteria, were studied for surface binding properties for Fc-receptors using erythrocytes coated with IgG. HRC show strong surface binding, IDC, somewhat weaker, but definitely positive surface binding. Both types of reticulum cells possess Fc-receptors; on IDC, however, they are fewer in number and less dense. In connection with recently discovered Fc-receptors on Langerhans cells of the epidermis, functional relationships between blood monocytes, Langerhans cells in skin and IDC in lymphoid tissue are discussed.

Analysis of human tonsil and cancer DNAs and RNAs for DNA sequences of group C (serotypes 1, 2, 5, and 6) human adenoviruses

Group C human adenoviruses (Ads) of serotypes 1, 2, 5, and 6 infect most children and commonly cause latent infections of lymphoid tissues. Ads transform cells into a malignant-like phenotype; the oncogenic genetic information is in the left 8% of the viral genome, in the HindIII-G DNA fragment. We have investigated the molecular basis for group C Ad latent infections in human tonsils as well as whether these viruses are linked to human cancer. Tonsil or cancer DNAs and RNAs were assayed for Ad sequences by liquid-phase saturation-hybridization with in vitro-labeled Ad5 HindIII-G fragment. About 25% of the 52 tonsils analyzed contained DNA or RNA sequences specific to HindIII-G, indicating that Ad transforming sequences are expressed as RNA in tonsils. Southern blotting analysis of four tonsil DNAs revealed multiple copies of the complete Ad genome in a free state and provided evidence for an unusual form of the Ad genome, possibly Ad DNA integrated into cellular DNA. In assays of human cancers, no Ad sequences were detected in DNAs from 26 squamous cell carcinomas (Cas), 3 adenocarcinomas, 4 oat cell Cas, 5 stomach Cas, 5 small intestine Cas, 15 colon Cas, 6 rectum Cas, 5 Hodgkin and 6 non-Hodgkin lymphomas, and 2 breast Cas. Reconstruction experiments indicated that the HindIII-G probe could detect 1 copy per cell of 0.2-0.3% of the viral genome. No HindIII-G-specific sequences were detected in RNAs from 21 squamous cell Cas, 3 oat cell Cas, 2 stomach Cas, or 18 colon Cas. In six other experiments using the complete Ad2 genome as probe, no Ad sequences were found in DNAs from 6 lung Cas, 12 normal lung tissues, 33 gastrointestinal Cas, 19 normal gastrointestinal tissues, 6 Hodgkin lymphomas, 3 breast Cas, or 4 kidney Cas, at a sensitivity of about 1 copy per tumor cell of 5-10% of the Ad2 genome. All Ad-induced cancer cells should contain at least 1 copy of 1-6% of the viral genome, the minimal size of the transforming region, and probably should contain multiple copies of more of the genome. Therefore, our data are definitive evidence against group C Ads being the cause of the cancers tested, which represent about 50% of the cancer incidence in the United States. Of additional interest, we did not detect Ad2 sequences in RNAs from 7 human placentas, 12 normal lungs, or 19 normal gastrointestinal tissues (nor in 44 cancer or 23 tonsil RNAs). Thus, we did not confirm a recent report of the presence of Ad2 RNA in RNAs from human placentas; the possibility that a small population of cells in placenta expresses group C "related" sequences is not ruled out.

The labeled antigen method of immunoenzymatic staining

A two stage immunohistological technique (the "labeled antigen" procedure) has been assessed for the detection of a variety of human and animal cytoplasmic constituents in tissue sections. In this method specific antiserum is followed by antigen complexed to horseradish peroxidase or to alkaline phosphatase. The primary antibody acts bivalently, linking the labeled antigen to antigen in the tissue section. The major advantage of this technique is that nonantigen specific antibody in the primary antiserum cannot cause nonspecific staining since it has no affinity for the antigen:enzyme complex. Consequently the specificity of the reaction is assured, background staining is minimized and the total staining time (from wax section to mounted slide) can be reduced to as little as 30 min. Further advantages include the possibility of labeling Ig allotypes and the high efficiency of enzyme utilization. Covalent human IgG:horseradish peroxidase complexes can also be used in a triple sandwich in conjunction with human anti-viral or autoimmune antibodies.

[Lymphocyte sub-populations and immunoglobulin concentrations in palatine and fancial tonsils (author's transl)]

The number of B- and T-lymphocytes as well as the cytological composition and concentrations of IgG, IgM, and IgA are compared in children's palatine and fancial tonsils. The B-lymphocytes prevail in both organs. IgG is the main immunoglobulin and IgM and IgA follow in their concentrations. No significant differences between palatine and fancial tonsils were detectable at all investigated parameters. Evidence as to the biological equivalence of the organs is disclosed.

Description of age-depending cellular changes in the human tonsil

The growth and ageing of tonsils is described by means of the behaviour of the cell count, T cell count, DNA, and organ weight. Proliferation of cells and the influx of recirculating T lymphocytes cause hyperplasia up to the age of 17 approximately, later on the cell count and organ weight decrease again. The number of T cells in cell suspensions from the tonsil is lower than that of blood. Due to the proliferation decrease of B cells and the accumulation of recirculating T lymphocytes, the T cell count in the tonsil increases with advancing years. The tonsil function decrease as a result of this population shift. No influence of the differentiation of T cells by the tonsil can be detected.