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Biomedical subjects

B H Davis

Publications and source records attributed to B H Davis.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Characterization of preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions in the rat pancreas.

Nodules of acinar cells with increased proliferative potential develop in the pancreas of carcinogen-treated rats and in untreated aged rats. Large nodules are classed as adenomas. Phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of nodule cells were compared with normal pancreas and transplantable acinar cell carcinomas by several methods. Nuclei of acinar cells from normal pancreas, adenomas, and three carcinomas in situ had normal diploid DNA content as determined by flow cytometry. One of two primary carcinomas had a hypodiploid DNA content. Two of three transplantable carcinomas were aneuploid with a DNA content in the tetraploid range. Explants from nodules and adenomas failed to grow in soft agar, whereas several carcinomas were positive in this assay. A primary carcinoma was serially transplanted, but transplantation of nodules or adenomas failed. Transfection of DNA from carcinomas in situ yielded a higher frequency of NIH 3T3 transformants than DNA from adenomas. DNAs from the transformants did not contain ras sequences. These studies indicate that cells from nodules and adenomas have low growth potential and lack critical phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of transformed malignant cells that were present in some primary and transplanted carcinomas.

Adenoma↗

Autologous bone marrow transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia using monoclonal antibody-purged bone marrow.

We report our experience from a clinical trial of autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) in the treatment of 30 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) using monoclonal antibody (MoAb) and complement-treated bone marrow. All patients were in complete remission (CR) at the time of transplant: 6 patients were in first CR, 18 in second CR, and 6 in third CR. The median age of all patients was 42 years (range 11 to 57 years). For marrow ablation, 28 patients were treated with cyclophosphamide and total body irradiation. One patient was treated with busulfan and cyclophosphamide and one was treated with busulfan and VP-16. Each patient was then transfused with autologous bone marrow that had been harvested previously and treated with two MoAbs, PM-81 and AML-2-23, and rabbit complement. Median time to recovery of neutrophils (500/microL) was 30 days, and platelets (20,000/microL) was 45 days. Median time for initial erythrocyte engraftment, assessed by a flow cytometric reticulocyte assay, was 13 days. Median overall and relapse-free survival of first CR patients was at least 17.4 months post-ABMT and the 2- and 3-year actuarial overall and relapse-free survival was 67% (+/- 19%). Median survival for the 24 patients in second or third CR was 6.8 months post-ABMT and 9.3 months since CR; however, six patients survived disease-free from 16 to 61 months post-ABMT. For the second and third CR group it was observed that six patients (5 of the 6 survivors) showed "inversions," when their post-ABMT remission lasted longer than any previous one. Actuarial 2- and 3-year disease-free and overall survival of patients in second and third CR was 25% (+/- 9%) and 18% (+/- 9%), and 29% (+/- 9%) and 23% (+/- 9%), respectively. ABMT avoids the problems of graft-versus-host disease and of finding suitable donors for allogeneic marrow transplantation.

Adolescent↗

A rapid redistribution of the transferrin receptor to the cell surface of HL-60 cells and K562 cells upon treatment with dimethyl sulfoxide due to slowing of endocytosis.

Treatment of two human leukemia cell lines with 1.25% dimethyl sulfoxide at 37 degrees C results in a rapid increase in the number of transferrin receptors on the cell surface detected by fluorescein-labeled anti-transferrin receptor antibodies. Both HL-60 cells, a human myeloid cell line, and K562 cells, a human erythroid-myeloid cell line, showed a 25-65% increase in cell surface transferrin binding in parallel experiments. Scatchard plot analysis of the data indicates that the number of receptors increases while the affinity of transferrin for the receptor remains the same. This rapid increase in the number of receptors at the cell surface appears to be due to a slowing of endocytosis rather than an increase in externalization of the receptor.

Cell Line↗

Clinical flow cytometric reticulocyte analysis.

The flow cytometric (FCM) analysis of reticulocytes in a clinical laboratory can be accomplished using acridine orange (AO), thiazole orange (TO), auramine O, thioflavin T, pyronin Y, dimethyl-oxacarbocyanine or transferrin receptor assays. AO and TO are vital stains, show good correlation with microscopic reticulocyte determinations and, when compared to each other, give an excellent correlation. The coefficient of variation is below 5% and batch analysis on blood samples stored for 96 h further reduces manpower needs. Finally we have used the mean fluorescent intensity of TO as a reticulocyte maturity index (RMI). In bone marrow transplant patients, the RMI has been the earliest indicator of marrow engraphment. Using the RMI we have been able to define three patterns of engraphment: early, delayed and failed. Although a variety of standards will be required, the clinical FCM reticulocyte analysis promises to be the preferred and accepted method in the clinical laboratory.

Acridine Orange↗

Retinoic acid modulates rat Ito cell proliferation, collagen, and transforming growth factor beta production.

Recent studies suggest that vitamin A plays an inhibitory role with respect to "activation" of the hepatic Ito cell, a likely effector of hepatic fibrogenesis. Ito cell "activation" during fibrogenesis is characterized by a decrease in intracellular vitamin A and an increase in cellular proliferation and collagen production. To explore the hypothesis that retinoids have the capacity to diminish Ito cell activation, cultured Ito cells were exposed to retinoic acid and its effects assessed on three key features: cell proliferation, collagen protein production and mRNA abundance, and transforming growth factor beta protein production. Retinoic acid was 100-1,000X more potent than retinol with respect to inhibition of Ito cell proliferation. Interstitial collagen and transforming growth factor beta production were also reduced by 10(-6) M retinoic acid. The relative abundance of type I collagen mRNA however, was not significantly altered. By contrast, retinoic acid administration to rats caused a marked reduction in the abundance of type I collagen mRNA in both total hepatic and purified Ito cell RNA. The relative abundance of rat hepatic fibronectin or apolipoprotein E mRNA was not significantly altered. These studies demonstrate that retinoic acid can differentially modulate several key features of hepatic fibrogenesis in vitro and in vivo.

Animals↗

Modulation of vitamin A metabolism during hepatic and intestinal cell culture.

Vitamin A metabolism was studied in vitro, contrasting primary cultures of hepatocytes, passaged cultures of Ito cells (non-parenchymal fat-storing hepatic cells) and IEC-6 intestinal crypt cells. The regulation of the retinyl esterification process, the central process in vitamin A storage, was evaluated. The potential influence of variations in the cell's surrounding extracellular collagen millieu was considered by growing the cells on either a type I collagen matrix, a type IV collagen matrix or a basement membrane-like matrix. The various matrices were used to stimulate changes in the extracellular collagen millieu which may occur during various fibrogenic states. In addition, the co-modulating influence of transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) was considered since this ubiquitous peptide may be prominently involved in tissue fibrosis, a process which may be associated with alterations in intracellular vitamin A. It was found that each cell type had its own characteristic response to the various collagen surfaces and TGF beta. There was a reduction in retinyl esterification when the hepatic cells were grown on a type I collagen matrix in the presence of TGF beta which might simulate a 'fibrogenic' environment. This did not appear to be due to changes in retinyl ester stability. The TGF beta response may be somewhat cell specific, since TGF beta exposure increased the amount of retinyl esterification in the intestinal cell line. These studies suggest that vitamin A storage may be affected by changes in the surrounding extracellular matrix and by soluble cytokine mediators.

Animals↗

Utility of flow cytometric reticulocyte quantification as a predictor of engraftment in autologous bone marrow transplantation.

Flow cytometric reticulocyte quantification with thiazole orange (TO) was used to study erythropoiesis in 20 patients following autologous bone marrow transplantation for the treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia. Flow cytometric reticulocyte analysis provided not only the reticulocyte percentage and absolute reticulocyte count but a quantitative reticulocyte maturity index (RMI) proportional to the amount of RNA in the reticulocytes. The RMI values, but not the reticulocyte percentage or absolute counts, correlated temporally with the rise in the absolute neutrophil counts in the posttransplantation period. In the majority of patients (12/20), the RMI value was the earliest indicator of bone marrow engraftment. The findings of this study demonstrate an important clinical utility of TO reticulocyte analysis by flow cytometry and indicate the diagnostic importance of the RMI measurement in the evaluation of erythropoietic activity in bone marrow transplant patients.

Adolescent↗

3-deaza-adenosine inhibition of stimulus-response coupling in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

In an effort to define better the functional role of S-adenosyl-methionine-mediated methylation reactions in modulating polymorphonuclear (PMN) functional responses to chemotactic stimuli, we investigated the effects of 3-deaza-adenosine (3-DZA), a known inhibitor of methylation reactions in phagocytic cells, on formyl methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP)-induced responses in human PMN leukocytes. Using the fluorescent cyanine dye 3,3'-dipropylthiocarbocyanine (di-S-C3-(5)) as an optical probe of membrane potential we observed that 3-DZA at concentrations that inhibit FMLP-induced O2- production does not significantly alter FMLP-induced changes in transmembrane potential. Additional studies showed an inhibitory effect of 3-DZA on FMLP-induced PMN pinocytosis and to a lesser degree on FMLP-induced degranulation. However, pretreatment of PMNs with 3-DZA did not alter FMLP-induced changes in Quin-2 fluorescence, an indicator of changes in intracellular calcium levels. These findings demonstrate a dissociation between chemotactic factor-induced cell membrane depolarization, changes in intracellular calcium, and specific neutrophil functional responses and suggest that chemotactic factor-induced changes in transmembrane potential and intracellular calcium are independent of chemotactic factor-induced methylation reactions. Furthermore, 3-DZA did not alter phorbol myristate acetate induced O2- production or fluid pinocytosis indicating a stimulus specificity for the inhibitory effects of this agent on O2- production.

Aminoglycosides↗

Flow cytometric reticulocyte quantification using thiazole orange provides clinically useful reticulocyte maturity index.

Flow cytometric reticulocyte quantification with thiazole orange has been reported to be of potential utility in a clinical hematology laboratory. We have instituted this technique into routine clinical testing for 18 months and we describe this experience. Flow cytometric analysis provided not only reproducible, cost-effective reticulocyte quantification, but a quantitative reticulocyte maturity index proportional to the amount of RNA in the reticulocytes. The reticulocyte maturity index measurement represents an independent parameter of erythropoiesis, which provided clinically valuable information regarding bone marrow engraftment in patients following autologous bone marrow transplantation. The findings of this study demonstrate the clinical utility of thiazole orange reticulocyte analysis and indicate the diagnostic importance of the reticulocyte maturity index measurement in the evaluation of erythropoietic activity.

Benzothiazoles↗

Continuous infusion of complement by an automated cell processor enhances cytotoxicity of monoclonal antibody sensitized leukemia cells.

We report the use of the Haemonetics cell processor for monoclonal antibody (MoAb) and complement (C')-mediated lysis of leukemia cells. Using the HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cell line, we can achieve a six-log depletion of HL-60 colony-forming cells in cell mixtures containing 1% HL-60 cells and 99% normal peripheral blood or bone marrow leukocytes at 10(7)/ml after a single 60-min treatment with an anti-myeloid MoAb, PM-81, plus C'. In this procedure, we continuously infuse a solution of fresh C' while removing medium containing spent C'. We have utilized this procedure to purge remission bone marrow from patients with acute myelogenous leukemia in preparation for autologous bone marrow transplantation. There were no adverse effects to normal progenitor cells of the granulocyte, monocyte and erythrocyte lineages as measured in colony-forming assays. Other potential benefits of using the cell processor method of cytotoxicity include reduction in treatment time and the amounts of costly reagents.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Transforming growth factor beta responsiveness is modulated by the extracellular collagen matrix during hepatic ito cell culture.

Hepatic sinusoidal Ito cells have the capacity to produce interstitial collagen types I and III as well as other matrix proteins and may be involved in hepatic fibrogenesis. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) responsiveness was evaluated during in vitro cell culture, since increasing evidence suggests that this ubiquitous polypeptide can stimulate the production of collagenous proteins in a variety of cell types. TGF beta induced marked inhibition of Ito cell proliferation for cells grown on either a type I or a type IV collagen matrix. In marked contrast, the collagen synthetic response was considerably different for cells grown on a type I versus a type IV collagen matrix. When cells were grown on a type I collagen matrix, TGF beta caused a significant increase in the accumulation of collagen type I and III. When Ito cells were grown on a type IV collagen matrix, there was no stimulation of collagen production. TGF beta responsiveness was also evaluated in the setting of altered vitamin A concentrations. Freshly isolated Ito cells are engorged with vitamin A, the usual physiologic storage site for hepatic vitamin A. During in vitro culture and during in vivo fibrogenesis, Ito cells lose their vitamin A stores coincident with a transformation to a collagen-producing myofibroblast-like cell. When cultured Ito cells were grown on a type I collagen matrix and re-exposed to an increased concentration of vitamin A, the production of interstitial collagen was reduced. However, when the vitamin A-enriched Ito cells were exposed to TGF beta, the production of interstitial collagen was increased, similar to cells that had not received vitamin A.

Animals↗

cAMP antagonizes interleukin 2-promoted T-cell cycle progression at a discrete point in early G1.

T lymphocytes are stimulated to proliferate in an autocrine/paracrine manner by the lymphokine interleukin 2 (IL-2). In seeking further insight into the mechanisms by which IL-2 induces progression of T cells through the G1 phase of the cell cycle, studies were performed with agents that increase cellular adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), a well-known inhibitor of lymphocyte growth. The addition of dibutyryl-cAMP, cholera toxin, forskolin, or 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine to an IL-2-dependent murine T-cell line evoked a dose-related suppression of S-phase transition without affecting cellular viability. Moreover, elevation of cAMP levels led to an accumulation of uniformly small cells, suggesting an arrest in early G1. Consistent with these findings, dibutyryl-cAMP inhibited the incorporation of both [3H]-uridine and [3H]thymidine by IL-2-stimulated, synchronized normal human T cells. Furthermore, maximal inhibition occurred during early G1, as indicated by experiments where the addition of dibutyryl-cAMP was delayed with respect to IL-2 stimulation. Quantitative flow cytometric analysis of RNA and DNA content of IL-2-stimulated cells affirmed that increased cAMP inhibits RNA accumulation and S-phase transition. In addition, exposure of IL-2-dependent, asynchronously proliferating normal human T cells to dibutyryl-cAMP resulted in uniform growth arrest in early G1, the point at which cycling T cells accumulate when they are deprived of IL-2. These results indicate that increased cAMP inhibits G1 progression stimulated by IL-2 and provide a rationale for the use of cAMP analogues as pharmacologic probes for the dissection of molecular events occurring during IL-2 signaling and T-cell G1 transit. They also suggest the possibility of therapeutic immunosuppression by a combination of agents that act at different stages of the T-cell cycle.

Bucladesine↗

Fragile sites, telomeric DNA sequences, B chromosomes, and DNA content in raccoon dogs, Nyctereutes procyonoides, with comparative notes on foxes, coyote, wolf, and raccoon.

Earlier studies of the genus Nyctereutes disclosed two subspecies of differing chromosome numbers accompanied by B chromosomes. To further define the relationship of these subspecies to each other, and to other carnivores, and to learn more about the structure and function of their chromosomes, we characterized and compared the genomes in terms of DNA content by flow cytometry, fragile sites induced by aphidicolin, and telomere sequences using biotinylated DNA probes detected with fluorescence. We also characterized the B chromosomes of these two subspecies.

Animals↗

Comparative study of assays for stimulated fluid pinocytosis in canine and human neutrophils.

We compared a flow cytometric assay of fluid pinocytosis in stimulated neutrophils with previously used methods, including spectrophotofluorometric assay of fluoresceinated dextran (FD) uptake and beta scintillation spectroscopic assay of radiolabeled sucrose uptake. Neutrophils from human and canine blood were stimulated with formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine and phorbol myristate acetate, respectively. Flow cytometry was used to quantitate uptake of FD and lucifer yellow, spectrophotometry was used to quantitate uptake of FD, and spectroscopy was used to quantitate uptake of 14C-labeled sucrose. The flow cytometric assay, using either FD or lucifer yellow, was found to be superior on the basis of maximal incremental increase observed, minimal variability within replicate experiments, and maximal sensitivity to detect early stimulation of fluid pinocytosis in neutrophils.

Animals↗

Retinol and extracellular collagen matrices modulate hepatic Ito cell collagen phenotype and cellular retinol binding protein levels.

The hepatic vitamin A-storing Ito cell has been implicated as a causative cell in hepatic fibrogenesis. Using a modification of a recent method (Friedman, S. L., Roll, F. J., Boyles, J., and Bissell, D. M. (1985) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 82, 8681-8685), rat Ito cells were isolated and passaged in vitro on collagen-coated plastic dishes through cell generation 40-50. The collagen synthetic phenotype for Ito cells grown on various extracellular matrices was demonstrated by immunofluorescence and quantitated by competition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. When grown on a type I collagen matrix, Ito cells produced type IV greater than type III greater than type I collagen. When grown on a type IV collagen matrix, the cells produced relatively equal amounts of types I and III collagen. The absolute amounts of type I collagen produced were greater when cells were grown on type IV versus type I matrix. When 10(-5) M retinol was added to cell cultures, there was a uniform increase in type III collagen regardless of matrix type but a decrease in type I collagen when cells were grown on a type IV matrix and a large increase in type I collagen when cells were grown on a type I collagen matrix. The levels of cellular retinol binding protein, a key cytosolic retinol transport protein, were quantitated by high performance liquid chromatography and compared for cells grown on type I versus type IV collagen matrices. It was found that cells on a type I matrix contain 4.96 +/- 2.8 times more cellular retinol binding protein than do cells grown on a type IV matrix. In conclusion, Ito cell collagen synthesis may be altered by underlying extracellular matrix and exogenous retinol. This in vitro culture system should allow the study of regulatory factors and possible therapeutic anti-fibrogenic mediators.

Animals↗

DNP-phycobiliproteins, fluorescent antigens to study dynamic properties of antigen-IgE-receptor complexes on RBL-2H3 rat mast cells.

In RBL-2H3 rat mucosal mast cells, the crosslinking of cell-surface IgE-receptor complexes by multivalent antigens initiates a sequence of responses leading to degranulation. We have developed a family of dinitrophenol (DNP)-conjugated fluorescent antigens to study dynamic membrane events associated with these responses. Lysyl groups on the phycobiliproteins, B-phycoerythrin and C-phycocyanin, were labelled with DNP, yielding fluorescent conjugates that cause the release of [3H]serotonin from anti-DNP-IgE-primed RBL-2H3 cells. The binding of these antigens to IgE-receptor complexes was observed by fluorescence microscopy and quantified by flow cytometry. Incubation with 1 microgram/ml DNP42-B-phycoerythrin stimulates maximum degranulation from IgE-saturated cells. Under these conditions, approximately 26 X 10(3) molecules of DNP42-B-phycoerythrin are bound per cell at equilibrium. The rate and extent of antigen binding and of antigen-stimulated mediator release decrease in parallel as the concentration and DNP:protein ratio of the fluorescent conjugates is reduced. Secretion stops immediately when the nonfluorescent monovalent antigen, DNP-lysine, is added to degranulating cell suspensions. DNP-lysine also displaces surface-bound antigen when added during the first minutes after multivalent antigen. However, the ability of DNP-lysine to displace surface-bound DNP42-B-phycoerythrin from IgE-receptor complexes decreases progressively with time. Treatment with dihydrocytochalasin B and several analogs that prevent antigen-stimulated F-actin assembly enhances secretion and delays the transition of antigen to its DNP-lysine-resistant form. Cytochalasin treatment also permits the long-range movement of antigen into surface caps.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Type I and type III procollagen peptides during hepatic fibrogenesis. An immunohistochemical and ELISA serum study in the CCl4 rat model.

Serum assays of procollagen peptides have been suggested as useful clinical indicators of hepatic fibrogenesis. To evaluate these assays in an experimental situation, the carbon tetrachloride model of hepatic fibrosis was produced in the rat. With affinity-purified antibodies, ELISA assays were developed and used for detecting nanogram quantities of the aminopropeptides of Types I and III procollagen (pro-I and pro-III) in rat serum. Serum SGPT levels were also determined. Routine histologic staining, as well as immunofluorescent staining for localization of Types I, III, and IV collagen and the aminopropeptides of Types I and III procollagen were performed on corresponding livers. It was found that serum pro-III levels were elevated after 45 and 70 days of treatment (28 +/- 15.2 ng/ml and 21 +/- 3.4 ng/ml, respectively) but returned to normal levels after 90 days of treatment (less than 3 ng/ml). Serum pro-I levels were elevated after 45 days of treatment (1028 +/- 504 ng/ml) but were normal at 70 and 90 days of treatment. Serum SGPT values were elevated at 45 and 70 days of treatment but were normal at 90 days of treatment. The decline in serum pro-III levels appeared to parallel the noted decline in SGPT values. Linear regression analysis revealed a good correlation between pro-III levels and histologic inflammation (r = 0.886) but a poor correlation between pro-III levels and histologic fibrosis (r = 0.116). Immunohistochemistry revealed that the pro-III antigen persists extracellularly for at least 45 days. Therefore, serum assays of pro-III might reflect extracellular collagen degradation as well as active collagen secretion. This would limit the clinical utility of the pro-III assay as an unequivocal marker of active hepatic collagen deposition.

Animals↗

An immunohistochemical and serum ELISA study of type I and III procollagen aminopropeptides in primary biliary cirrhosis.

By means of ELISA methodology, the aminopropeptides of Type I and Type III procollagen were measured in the serum of a group of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. The corresponding liver biopsies were graded blindly for degrees of fibrosis and inflammation. When available, paraffin-embedded liver specimens underwent immunoperoxidase staining for mature Type I and III collagen as well as the aminopropeptides of Type I and III procollagen. Regardless of the degree of fibrosis or inflammation, serum levels of the aminopropeptide of Type I remained within normal limits. In contrast, serum levels of the aminopropeptide of Type III procollagen were elevated uniformly. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the aminopropeptide of Type III procollagen persists extracellularly. This finding may explain the previously reported relationship between levels of inflammation and serum levels of the Type III aminopropeptide.

Antibody Specificity↗