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Biomedical subjects

C E Lee

Publications and source records attributed to C E Lee.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

Interleukin-6 is released in the cutaneous response to allergen challenge in atopic individuals.

The mechanisms responsible for cutaneous response to antigen are complex. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are proinflammatory cytokines that share many properties. Previous studies with a blister-chamber model have demonstrated IL-1 to be produced in the cutaneous response to antigen. Since IL-2 production by activated T cells and IL-6 production by macrophages are both stimulated by IL-1, we hypothesized that IL-2 and IL-6 may be involved in the cutaneous late-phase response (LPR) to antigen. We examined antigen-challenged sites for IL-2 immunoreactivity (ELISA) but found no difference between antigen- and diluent-challenged skin sites (N = 4). Since IL-2 has been demonstrated to be produced in response to IL-1 and IL-1 activity has been demonstrated to be greatest between hours 10 and 12, we speculated that IL-2 might not be detected until after hour 12. We were unable to demonstrate any increase in IL-2 production, even by extending our studies to 24 hours in two subjects. Antigen-challenged, skin blister-chamber fluids from atopic subjects demonstrated the appearance of IL-6 (ELISA) in pooled samples representing hours 1 1/2, 3 1/2, 5 1/2, and 7, but not at diluent control sites (p less than 0.05; N = 6). IL-6 reached a median peak of 0.66 ng/ml at 3 1/2 hours. Median levels of IL-6 fell to baseline at 8 hours, followed by a second peak of 0.25 ng/ml at hour 10. Three distinct patterns of IL-6 release were noted: early release of IL-6 followed by a sustained slower rise that peaked at hour 9 before declining to baseline levels at 12 hours, early release of IL-6 followed by a fall to baseline levels at hours 7 to 9 with a second smaller peak at hours 9 to 11, and isolated early release of IL-6. Early IL-6 production correlated with late histamine production (R = 0.801; p = 0.06), and late IL-6 production correlated with eosinophil influx (R = 0.813; p = 0.05). The area of the LPR at skin test sites correlated with early IL-6 peak levels (R = 0.977; p = 0.004) and with total early IL-6 production (R = 0.885; p = 0.05), but not with late IL-6 production.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Allergens

Studies on the role of interleukin-4 and Fc epsilon RII in the pathogenesis of minimal change nephrotic syndrome.

Childhood minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) has often been associated with allergic symptoms such as urticaria, bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and elevated IgE levels and referred to involve immune dysfunction. Fc epsilon RII is known to be involved in IgE production and response. Interleukin-4 is being recognized as a major cytokine up-regulating IgE production. Hence the present study is aimed at investigating the role of interleukin-4 and Fc epsilon RII in the pathogenesis of MCNS. IgE was measured by ELISA. Fc epsilon RII was analyzed by fluorescence activated cell scanner (FAC-scan) by double antibody staining with anti Leu16-FITC and anti Leu20-PE. Soluble IgE receptor was measured by ELISA using anti CD23 antibody (3-5-14). Interleukin-4 activities were measured by CD23 expression on purified human tonsillar B cells. Serum IgE levels were significantly higher in MCNS (1,507 +/- 680 IU/dl) than in normal controls (123 +/- 99.2 IU/dl). A significantly higher expression of membrane Fc epsilon RII was noted for MCNS (41 +/- 12%) than that in normal controls (18 +/- 6.2%) (p < 0.001). Soluble CD23 levels were also significantly higher in MCNS (198 +/- 39.3%) than in normal controls (153 +/- 13.4) (p < 0.01). Interleukin-4 activity in sera of MCNS (12U/ml) was also significantly higher than normal controls (4.5U/ml). These results indicate that increased production of Fc epsilon RII and interleukin-4 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of MCNS.

B-Lymphocytes

Misoprostol does not alter the pharmacokinetics of propranolol.

Twelve healthy volunteers took part in a randomised, double-blind, balanced, cross-over study to investigate the effect of misoprostol on the pharmacokinetics of propranolol. The subjects took propranolol 80 mg twice daily by mouth plus either misoprostol 400 micrograms twice daily or placebo by mouth for 14.5 days, followed by a 2-week washout period, followed by the alternate treatment for 14.5 days. Misoprostol had no significant effect on the t/2, Cmax or AUC of propranolol either after a single dose or at steady state.

Adult

A double-blind crossover study to compare lysine acetyl salicylate (Aspergesic) with ibuprofen in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Lysine acetyl salicylate [1.8 g t.d.s. (Aspergesic 1,000 sachet)] has been compared to 400-mg ibuprofen tablets t.d.s. in a randomized double-blind trial in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using double-dummy technique. Both drugs proved effective in relieving symptoms. Three patients experienced drug-related side-effects with Aspergesic, and one patient with ibuprofen, that necessitated early discontinuation of treatment. Aspergesic was associated with a greater number of haemoglobin values falling below the normal range than ibuprofen. At the end of the study, eight out of 10 patients who expressed a preference selected Aspergesic for improving mobility whilst 15/24 selected Aspergesic for improving pain.

Adult

Misoprostol reduces indomethacin-induced changes in human small intestinal permeability.

This study examined whether indomethacin-induced increases in small intestinal permeability in man are prevented by concomitant administration of a prostaglandin analog (misoprostol). Twelve male volunteers were tested as baseline, following misoprostol alone (200 micrograms, at -16, -12, -8.5, -4, -1.5, and +4 hr); following indomethacin alone (75 mg, at -8; 50 mg, -1 hr); and following coadministration of misoprostol and indomethacin as specified above. A 100-ml test solution containing 3-O-methyl glucose (0.2 g), D-xylose (0.5 g), L-rhamnose (1.0 g), and [51Cr]EDTA (100 microCi) was ingested at 8 AM, and a 5-hr collection made for marker analysis to assess active and passive carrier-mediated transport and trans- and intercellular permeation, respectively. Indomethacin increased the permeation of [51Cr]EDTA selectively, and this increase was significantly reduced by the coadministration of misoprostol. These changes were mirrored by changes in [51Cr]EDTA-L-rhamnose urine excretion ratios, which indicates that paracellular permeability was specifically altered. This study supports the suggestion that NSAIDs alter intestinal permeability by a mechanism involving reduced prostaglandin synthesis and indicates that coadministration of misoprostol with NSAIDs may reduce the frequency and severity of NSAID-induced small intestinal inflammation.

3-O-Methylglucose

Quantitative analysis of a polysulfated xylan (SP54) in urine using gas-liquid chromatography.

A sensitive analytical method for the quantitation of a polysulfated xylan (SP54) in urine has been developed. SP54 and urinary glycosaminoglycans have been isolated from urine using cetylpyridinium chloride. This method removes all glycosaminoglycans with molecular weights less than 3000 Da. Following isolation, SP54 and urinary glycosaminoglycans have been selectively hydrolyzed under conditions (0.5 M HCl/105 degrees C/30 min) which produce an efficient yield of xylose from SP54 but not from the glycosaminoglycans. Xylose derived from SP54 has subsequently been determined using gas-liquid chromatography. Levels of SP54 down to 10 micrograms/ml have been determined using this technique.

Chromatography, Gas

Cylindroid lamella-particle complexes in lymphoma cells by northern pike (Esox lucius).

Cells of the malignant lymphoma of northern pike of Canada contained cylindrical structures with central cores of cytoplasmic elements and walls composed of lamellae in a spiral arrangement, separated by ribosome-like particles or by membranes. These cylindroids were similar, if not identical, to structures in the cells of certain human lymphomas and leukemias. In cross and longitudinal sections, the lamellae showed a pattern of light and dark bands resulting in an approximately 95 A-period that has not been described in the human cylindroids.

Animals