Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

F Rossi

Publications and source records attributed to F Rossi.

At least 523 records · Page 29Linked to original sources

Studies on molecular regulation of phagocytosis and activation of the NADPH oxidase in neutrophils. IgG- and C3b-mediated ingestion and associated respiratory burst independent of phospholipid turnover and Ca2+ transients.

The role of messengers derived from hydrolysis of phosphoinositides and other phospholipids, of the basal level of [Ca2+]i and of the increase in [Ca2+]i in phagocytosis and respiratory burst was investigated, using normal neutrophils and neutrophils Ca2(+)-depleted by pretreatment with Quin2/AM and EGTA. 1) Phagocytosis and respiratory burst in control neutrophils challenged with yeast opsonized with IgG or C3b/bi were associated with a stimulation of the production of inositol phosphates, diacylglycerol, phosphatidic acid, arachidonic acid, and rise in [Ca2+]i. 2) In Ca2(+)-depleted neutrophils (basal [Ca2+]i 10 to 20 nM) the phagocytosis of yeast-IgG was similar to that in control neutrophils, the respiratory burst was slightly depressed (-30%), while the increase in [Ca2+]i and production of inositol phosphates, diacylglycerol, and phosphatidic and arachidonic acid did not occur. 3) In Ca2(+)-depleted neutrophils the phagocytosis of yeast-C3b/bi was slightly lower than that in control neutrophils, and the respiratory burst, related to the same number of particles ingested, was depressed by about 60%, whereas the increase in [Ca2+]i and production of inositol phosphates, diacylglycerol, phosphatidic acid, and arachidonic acid release did not occur. These findings demonstrate that transmembrane signaling pathways involving the hydrolysis of phosphoinositides by phospholipase C and D and of other phospholipids by phospholipase C and Az, and the rise in [Ca2+]i are not essential processes for triggering the ingestion of yeast particles opsonized with IgG and C3b/bi and the activation of the NADPH oxidase.

Arachidonic Acid↗

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha/cachectin activates the O2(-)-generating system of human neutrophils independently of the hydrolysis of phosphoinositides and the release of arachidonic acid.

We have investigated the mechanisms of transmembrane signalling implicated in the activation of the respiratory burst of adherent neutrophils by tumor necrosis factor-alpha/cachectin (TNF). The activation of the respiratory burst by TNF is insensitive to pertussis toxin and weakly sensitive to protein kinase C inhibitors. Cytochalasin B and dibutyryl cyclic AMP have an inhibitory effect. The activation of the respiratory burst by TNF takes place in the absence of formation of 3H-inositol phosphates, 32P-phosphatidic acid, and 3H-arachidonic acid. These results demonstrate that the activation of the respiratory burst by an endogenous, physiologic stimulus can be independent of the formation of messengers derived from hydrolysis of phosphoinositides.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗

Stereochemical behavior of acyclic peptide-cation complexes.

The role of the beta-turns in the peptide interaction with several cations was investigated. In this work we report the solution studies of four linear peptides: Z-Aib-Aib-Aib-L-Val-OMe, Boc-D-aIle-L-Ile-D-aIle-L-Ile-OMe, Boc-L-Leu-L-Leu-L-Leu-L-Leu-OMe, and Boc-L-Phe-D-Phe-L-Phe-D-Phe-OMe. CD and 1H-nmr spectra reveal the presence of multiple ion-bonding equilibria. The stoichiometry and binding constant of the four peptides in the presence of Ca2+ ions in acetonitrile solution has been determined. Variable-temperature nmr spectra in the absence and in the presence of a large excess of cation have shown that the complexation process is not critically dependent on the conformation of the free peptide.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Idiotypic interactions between normal human polyspecific IgG and natural IgM antibodies.

Pooled normal human polyspecific IgG (IVIg) contain anti-idiotypes against a variety of autoantibodies from patients with autoimmune diseases and IgG autoantibodies present in IVIg. The present study indicates that IVIg may also react through idiotypic/anti-idiotypic interactions with human natural IgM antibodies. Sixty-four percent of IgM secreted by B lymphoid cell lines derived from B cells of healthy elderly donors and 18% of IgM secreted by cloned EBV-transformed cord B cells that were tested, bound through their variable region to F(ab')2 fragments of IVIg. The binding to 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl (TNP) of a polyreactive IgM with anti-TNP specificity, was inhibited by F(ab')2 fragments from IVIg, indicating the presence in IVIg of anti-idiotypes that may interfere with the antibody-combining site of polyreactive IgM antibodies. The ability of IgM antibodies to interact with idiotypes on IVIg was not related to the degree of polyreactivity of natural antibodies. Our observations further document that IVIg contain antibody specificities against Ig from normal individuals and suggest that IgG originating from the physiologically expressed repertoire may modulate the expression of the potential B cell repertoire. The results may be relevant to the suppressive effect of IVIg in autoimmune diseases.

Antibody Specificity↗

Major antigenic domain recognized by monoclonal antibodies maps within the carboxy-terminal moiety of a recombinant human immunodeficiency virus-1 p24 protein.

Antigenicity in mice of a recombinant polypeptide including the complete amino acid sequence of mature human immunodeficiency virus type 1 p24 protein was studied by induction of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). A panel of nine recloned hybridomas secreting MAbs with anti-p24 reactivity was isolated and further characterized. Competitive inhibition experiments suggested that the MAbs could be grouped into four epitopic classes corresponding to at least two distinct determinants. Analysis of reactivity to recombinant p24 deletion variants indicated that all the recognized epitopes are localized within a carboxy-terminal domain (amino acids 168-208) which should be largely exposed in recombinant as well as authentic antigen. Lack of response to N-terminal and central portions of p24 suggests that the antigenicity of those regions in the natural polypeptide is strongly conformation-dependent.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Fate of human albumin microsphere and spherocyte radioaerosols in the human tracheobronchial tree.

Human albumin microspheres (99mTc-HAM; 7-25 microns) and spherocytes (99mTc-S; 4-4.5 mu) are particles used for lung mucociliary clearance (MCC) measurements. If radiolabelled HAM aerosols are sent through an airway model to a screen, they appear peripherally distributed, whereas S present a more central and homogeneous distribution. The radioscanning evaluation of particle sedimentation in saline-filled tubes shows quite a different behavior pattern for S, HAM, and surfactant-coated HAM (S-C HAM). In these experimental conditions, S-C HAM and HAM floating properties were better than those of S. This could be explained by physical-chemical factors. Looking for the fate of organic particles after inhalation, we performed multiple bronchial biopsies in seven bronchitic patients, 2 h following inhalation of HAM and S. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that most of S was floating on the mucus layer, while HAM appeared deeply imbedded inside the mucus and partially digested. The same study performed on three bronchitic patients after S-C HAM inhalation, shows that S-C HAM float like S. In vitro, the time-course of tryptic digestion is similar for HAM and for S. However, in vivo, the different location of each particle on the bronchial surface might lead to a different digestion by trypsin and by PZ-peptidase, which are dosable in pathologic mucus. In our opinion, if HAM are coated with surfactant, this should improve the mucus-HAM interaction, thus helping to control variability in lung radioaerosol MCC studies.

Aerosols↗

Synthesis of quaternary amine ether lipids and evaluation of neoplastic cell growth inhibitory properties.

Novel quaternary amine ether lipids have been synthesized and tested for inhibition of neoplastic cell proliferation with the HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cell line. These compounds contain a positively charged quaternary amine functional group attached either directly to the glycerol backbone or at the end of an alkoxy chain. The biological testing has identified several analogues with activity equivalent to or greater than that exhibited by the reference compound in this assay, ET-18-OMe (1-O-octadecyl-2-O-methyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphocholine). Among the most active analogues are compounds 11, [N,N,N-triethyl-3-(hexadecyloxy)-2-ethoxy-1-propylammonium bromide] and 22 [N-[4-[3-(hexadecyloxy)-2-ethoxypropoxy]-1-butyl]pyridinium bromide], which are approximately 3 times as active as the reference standard.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Effects of blood donation on cerebral blood flow velocity.

Eighteen healthy male blood donors, nine with hematocrit (Hct) of 0.40 to 0.45 (normal Hct) and nine with Hct of 0.49 to 0.52 (upper-limit Hct), were monitored by continuous-wave internal carotid Doppler sonography and hematologic tests for 28 days after blood donation, to ascertain whether and to what extent a single standard donation may modify the velocity of cerebral blood flow. The two groups had similar mean predonation values of internal carotid flow velocity (ICFV): blood donation was followed in both groups by a slight, transient decrease of ICFV at the end of phlebotomy, due to donation-induced hypovolemia, and then by an increase of ICFV lasting 7 to 10 days. Analysis of individual profiles revealed that only four of nine upper-limit and six of nine normal Hct donors displayed a positive trend (increase) in the ICFV within the first week after donation, and that it was due mainly to a rise in systolic flow velocity. Mean Hct and arterial oxygen content showed a negative trend (decrease) within the first week that was opposite to the ICFV trend. Other laboratory variables, including serum proteins and plasma fibrinogen concentration, and the iron status indicators did not change, except for serum ferritin, which also decreased within the first week after phlebotomy. It can be concluded that blood donation may result in a short-term increase of blood flow velocity that is independent of Hct predonation levels in approximately one-half of the donors.

Adult↗

Anti idiotypic recognition of auto and allo antibodies to factor VIII by immunoglobulin preparations from single blood donors and large plasma pool.

Therapeutic immunoglobulins from commercial origin were administered to patients with allo and auto antibodies to factor VIII. The protocol used was similar to the prescription suggested for ITP, 0.4 g/kg body weight for five consecutive days. In patients with auto antibodies two kinds of effects were observed: A direct interaction between IVIg and the factor VIII inhibitor and long term interaction on antibody synthesis. The direct interaction observed in vivo was demonstrated to be mediated through Fab'2 fragments of both idiotypic interaction. This was also demonstrated using binding experiments and affinity chromatography experiments: Fab'2 fragments of IVIg were coupled to sepharose and Fab'2 fragments of patients IgG with allo and auto antibodies to Factor VIII were circulated through the column. The recovery of anti Factor VIII antibodies after elution was possible in 2 cases of allo antibodies out of 3 tested and 3 cases of auto antibodies out of 4. The question of anti idiotypes against factor VIII inhibitors in single individuals was investigated. IgG and Fab'2 fragments from single blood donors were isolated and tested for their inhibitory capacity against Fab'2 fragments of three different auto antibodies. The results did not show statistical differences between males and females however in the group of male blood donors, aging was a positive parameter for the presence of anti idiotypic antibodies against factor VIII inhibitors. Anti idiotypic antibodies against factor VIII inhibitors were present in 17.2% of the blood donor tested.

Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic↗

Lumbar spondylolysis: occurrence in competitive athletes. Updated achievements in a series of 390 cases.

On the basis of 390 cases of lumbar spondylolysis found in 3132 competitive athletes, the authors introduce some judgements on the incidence of this illness in individual sports. The numerical analysis permits the authors to affirm that the incidence of this illness on competitive athletes is higher than the percentage reported in literature for the non-sports population. This statement assumes more relevance if one keeps in mind the high percentage of spondylolysis which has been observed in some sports disciplines such as diving (43.13%), wrestling (29.82%) and weight lifting (22.68%).

Adolescent↗

Segmental femoral fractures: surgical strategies.

The authors identify six kinds of segmental femoral fractures. Such classification, however, does not simplify the problem of therapeutic approach. Since every fracture combination has its own unique characteristics, prearranged outlines of treatment are useless. A satisfactory surgical solution cannot be achieved without a general clinical evaluation.

Bone Nails↗

The rat olivocerebellar system visualized in detail with anterograde PHA-L tracing technique, and sprouting of climbing fibers demonstrated after subtotal olivary lesions.

The rat olivocerebellar climbing fiber system has been investigated at the light and electron microscopic level with anterograde Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (PHA-L) tracing. From PHA-L Injections in different parts of the inferior olive labelled axons could be traced to the contralateral cerebellum. Arriving in the deep cerebellar white matter, the olivocerebellar axons ran around and through the cerebellar nuclei. Plexuses of labelled terminal fibers appeared in the cerebellar nuclei, and the density of this innervation was estimated to 1-4 million varicosities per mm3. Ultrastructurally, these boutons engaged in asymmetric synapses with small dendrites. Bundles of labelled fibers continued into the folial white matter, and terminated as climbing fibers in sagittal zones of the cerebellar cortex. Both the cortical and nuclear terminations of the olivocerebellar system are strictly topographically organized. The plasticity of climbing fibers was studied after partial lesions of the inferior olive induced by 3-acetylpyridine. One to 6 months after the lesion, surviving climbing fibers demonstrated extensive sprouting. The newly formed axons originated from parent climbing fiber plexuses, grew in the direction of parallel fibers, and formed terminal plexuses around several neighbouring Purkinje cells. As normal climbing fiber terminals, these terminals formed asymmetric synapses with spines of proximal Purkinje cell dendrites, and evidence by Benedetti et al. (1983) shows that the regenerated innervation is electrophysiologically functional. It is suggested that denervated Purkinje cells release a trophic substance, which stimulate surviving climbing fibers to sprouting, axonal growth and synapse formation.

Animals↗

Long-term cardiopulmonary bypass by peripheral cannulation in a model of total heart failure. The decompression of the left heart through a percutaneous helical spring positioned within the lumen of the tricuspid and pulmonary artery valves.

We performed long-term closed-chest cardiopulmonary bypass in an animal model of total heart failure (induced ventricular fibrillation). The extracorporeal system included a venous reservoir, a roller pump, a membrane lung, and a blood pulsator system. We cannulated the right external jugular vein for venous drainage and the right subclavian artery for arterial return. To decompress the left heart we passed by percutaneous cannulation a special helical spring mounted on a Swan-Ganz catheter (Baxter Edwards Divisions, Irvine, Calif.) and positioned it to rest within the pulmonary artery and tricuspid valves, which rendered them partly incompetent. After induced ventricular fibrillation, blood flow was raised to keep the central venous pressure at baseline values. The lungs were ventilated with 5% carbon dioxide in room air. During bypass, mean pulmonary artery pressure was 10.0 +/- 1.7 mm Hg, mean wedge pressure 11.9 +/- 1.8 mm Hg, and mean blood pressure 95.2 +/- 5.6 mm Hg. After 2 days (four animals) and 3 days (two animals) the hearts were defibrillated. There was immediate ejection from both sides of the heart. All sheep were weaned from bypass within 29 +/- 11 minutes and their lungs were ventilated with room air within 42 +/- 34 minutes. At autopsy hearts and lungs grossly appeared normal. We conclude that the percutaneous helical spring resting within right heart valves provided excellent decompression throughout the study, with full recovery of heart and lung function on defibrillation.

Animals↗

[The role of inflammatory infiltrate as a prognostic criterion in cerebral metastases. Preliminary results].

Data concerning a preliminary study on the prognostic significance of inflammatory infiltration in cerebral metastases are reported. Seventeen cases of operated cerebral metastases have been studied to investigate their histotype and grade of necrosis, stromal reaction, and inflammatory infiltration. Finally, the results obtained are discussed in relation to the postoperative survival rate of the patients.

Brain↗