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Biomedical subjects

G Alber

Publications and source records attributed to G Alber.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

Transmembrane signaling in P815 mastocytoma cells by transfected IgE receptors.

In order to delineate structural-functional relationships of the mast cell receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon RI) by molecular-genetic analysis, a transfectable cell must be identified which resembles mast cells except for being deficient in receptors. We have found that the well known murine mastocytoma P815 is suitable. These cells express no Fc epsilon RI, lack mRNA for the alpha and beta subunits of the receptor, but contain some mRNA for gamma chains. After transfection with the cDNA for each of the subunits, stable clones could be isolated which expressed several hundred thousand normal Fc epsilon RI and synthesized large amounts of mRNA for alpha, beta, and gamma, the last at 3-fold higher levels than in the untransfected cells. Aggregation of the transfected receptors led to opening of presumptive calcium channels and to activation of phospholipase C, phospholipase A2, and protein kinase C. The kinetics and other characteristics of the signals were similar to those observed after stimulation of the rat tumor mast cells from which the receptor genetic material had been derived but were smaller in magnitude. These weaker signals most likely result from an overall reduced reactivity exhibited by the P815 cells since stimulation by other ligands led to weaker or even no responses. The cells failed to degranulate after either receptor aggregation or reaction with ionophores with or without phorbol ester. Both the transfected and untransfected P815 cells express Fc receptors for IgG (Fc gamma RII) which, interestingly, independently triggered similar responses despite their apparently simpler subunit structure.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Relationship between enterotoxic- and T lymphocyte-stimulating activity of staphylococcal enterotoxin B.

The enterotoxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus cause a gastrointestinal intoxication probably via their action on intramucosal neuronal cells. Staphylococcal enterotoxins are also the most powerful mitogens known, activating CD3+ T lymphocytes of several species in a clonally variable and MHC class II-dependent fashion. We examined a possible relationship between enterotoxic and mitogenic activity of staphylococcal enterotoxin serotype B (SEB). We used a monoclonal anti-Id directed against the combining site of an anti-SEB mAb. This anti-Id failed to elicit an enteric response by itself but could block the enteric response in monkeys to a 6000-fold excess of SEB. The anti-Id was mitogenic, however, for human and monkey T cells, triggering a fraction of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Not all SEB-reactive T cells were activated by the anti-Id. The anti-Id bound to T cells with a similarly low affinity as did SEB. Additional evidence for a separation of enterotoxic and mitogenic activity comes from studies with carboxymethylated SEB. Although this modified SEB had lost its enterotoxic activity, it was as mitogenic as the unmodified molecule. These results support the notion that the enteric reaction to SEB is not mediated via its effect on T lymphocytes. We conclude that SEB and anti-Id might bind to a common structure of different receptors on T cells and target cells in the intestinal mucosa, probably peripheral sensory neurons.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Role of substance P in immediate-type skin reactions induced by staphylococcal enterotoxin B in unsensitized monkeys.

The staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB)-induced immediate-type skin reaction in unsensitized monkeys was used as a nonimmunologic mast cell stimulation to search for possible involvement of local neural mechanisms. Evidence is presented that substance P (SP) plays a predominant role in mediating intradermal SEB challenge in unsensitized monkeys. With a rabbit SP antiserum directed against the C-terminal region of SP, a concentration-dependent inhibition of SEB-induced skin reactivity could be demonstrated. Furthermore, a rabbit antiserum directed against the mast cell activating N-terminal part of SP was capable of impeding SEB-induced skin reactions totally. By use of SP antagonists, significant reduction of skin reactions evoked by SEB was found. Finally, capsaicin pretreatment of the skin caused a substantial inhibition of SEB-induced skin reactivity. These data suggest that SEB exerts its effect on cutaneous mast cells via stimulation of primary sensory neurons that contain SP. Moreover, a new in vivo model is described for studies of nerve-mast cell interactions.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Rupture of guide wire during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Mechanics and management.

Two rare cases of rupture of the guide wire during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty are described. Both patients required emergency surgical retrieval of the retained fragments and myocardial revascularization. The possible mechanics of the event and the options in the management are discussed with a review of the literature on this rare complication of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

Angioplasty, Balloon↗
PubMed1983

[Transluminal coronary dilatation].

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) represents in patients with single-vessel disease the treatment of choice. Under adequate precautions the method can be performed with reasonable risk outside of a hospital with cardiac surgical operating rooms.

Angioplasty, Balloon↗