Cytokines are known to play a major role in the pathogenesis of mycosis fungoides, a cutaneous malignant neoplasm of CD 4 T cells. In the present study, we investigated the effect of AS101, a tellurium-based compound with immunomodulating properties, on the pattern of lymphokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with mycosis fungoides. PBMCs were isolated from 35 patients with mycosis fungoides stage IA and IB before initiation of treatment and from 20 healthy sex and age-matched controls. Unstimulated and phytohaemagglutinin-stimulated PBMCs were tested with and without the addition of AS101. The production of interferon-gamma, interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-2 receptor (IL-2R), interleukin 5 (IL-5) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The effects of AS-101 on mycosis fungoides PBMCs were compared to those of healthy donor PBMCs. Significantly higher levels of IL-2R, IL-5 and IL-10 and significantly lower levels of interferon-gamma were found in the patients compared to the controls. There was no significant difference between the groups in the production of IL-2. AS101 inhibited the production of IL-2R, IL-5 and IL-10 and induced a significant increase in IL-2 levels in the mycosis fungoides PBMCs. These findings may have important clinical implications for the possible therapeutic benefit of AS101 in mycosis fungoides.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Case report. Immunological studies in a case of hepatitis following methyldopa administration.

Jaundice with evidence of hepatocellular damage of moderate severity was observed in a patient who received methyldopa. The diffuse mononuclear infiltration of the liver tissue was found to consist of 90% E-rosette-forming cells. Peripheral lymphocytes gave a markedly positive macrophage migration inhibition (MIF) test against methyldopa. The number of T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood was at the lower limit of normal but they proved to be functionally inactive, as demonstrated by the results of a local xenogeneic graft-vs-host reaction test. The liver disease was associated with hyperglobulinemia, a decrease of the third and fourth components of complement and the presence of incomplete erythrocytic antibodies, leukoagglutinins, antinuclear factor, and smooth muscle antibody. Follow-up after discontinuation of the drug revealed a gradual return to normal of liver function and MIF tests, normalization of cellular immunity, and disappearance of the humoral antibodies. It is assumed that sensitization by methyldopa triggered the autoaggressive phenomena and their ultimate manifestation in the liver.

Biopsy, Needle↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A high proportion of double-headed and double-tailed sperm in semen of a human male. A case report.

We present the case of a patient whose semen contained 30% of sperm with double heads and double tails at various stages of attachment due to abnormal meiosis. The genital system, sperm density, endocrinological profile and karyotype were normal. It is postulated that abundance of the above-noted type of sperm pathology in the human semen might not necessarily be associated with oligozoospermia or fertility impairment.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A new method for isolation of human antisperm antibodies.

A study was undertaken to isolate pure human antisperm antibodies from the sera of infertile couples. One hundred infertile couples attending the Infertility and IVF Unit (Beilinson Medical Center) because of unexplained infertility were tested (both partners) for antisperm antibodies. Sixty-eight experiments were performed with positive sera containing antisperm antibodies and normal donor sperm. These experiments were followed by experiments in order to elute pure human antisperm antibodies from the sperm surface. Three experiments were performed with human sperm which were found to be coated by antisperm antibodies, in order to directly elute these antibodies from the sperm surface. In all experiments we eluted antisperm antibodies of the IgG and IgA isotypes from the sperm surface. These antibodies were demonstrated in the eluate, in each case by either the indirect immunobead test, the radial immune diffusion assay, or the electrophoresis method. Control experiments were performed as follows: (i) normal donor sperm incubated with normal serum; (ii) normal donor sperm without serum incubation; (iii) normal donor lymphocytes incubated with serum containing antisperm antibodies; (iv) normal donor lymphocytes without serum incubation. No antisperm antibodies were obtained in any of these control experiments. Absorption and elution experiments can be used for the isolation of pure human antisperm antibodies, which may then be used for the production of anti-idiotypic antibodies to antisperm antibodies. The anti-idiotypic antibodies could be further utilized as antigen substitutes for the production of a contraceptive vaccine and/or for application in the treatment of spontaneous abortion and infertility.

Antibodies↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Immunosuppressive activity in culture media containing human oocytes fertilized in vitro.

A possible cause for implantation failure following embryo transfer is the rejection of pre-embryos by the maternal immune system. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the rescue of the pre-embryo from maternal rejection, immunosuppressive activity was investigated in culture media containing human oocytes fertilized in vitro by employing the graft-versus-host reaction and the active rosette test. Normal donor lymphocytes were incubated with culture medium containing either fertilized or nonfertilized oocytes. Control experiments were carried out using lymphocytes incubated in culture medium only, as well as in culture medium containing human sperm. In 67% of the tests (12 out of 18), graft-versus-host reaction was inhibited, as compared to 29% of those performed with medium in which oocytes failed to fertilize (p less than .03), and 33% with medium in which only sperm was present. The frequency of an inhibitory active rosette test was similar in both groups. It is possible that immunosuppressive properties are acquired by the human pre-embryo as it grows in culture. Detection of such substances, which could contribute to the establishment of pregnancy, may improve monitoring of embryo quality prior to transfer.

Culture Media↗