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Biomedical subjects

G M Taylor

Publications and source records attributed to G M Taylor.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Induction of nitric oxide synthase in rat immune complex glomerulonephritis.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a biological mediator which is synthesized from L-arginine by a family of nitric oxide synthases (NOS). Previously we have shown that NO is synthesized ex vivo by glomeruli obtained from animals with acute immune complex glomerulonephritis. We have now sought evidence for the in vivo induction of NOS in glomeruli by immunohistochemistry using specific antisera raised against a peptide sequence of inducible mouse macrophage NOS and by in situ hybridization. The expression of the enzyme was studied in kidneys of rats with acute unilateral immune complex glomerulonephritis, induced by cationized IgG, by immunohistochemistry. Inducible NOS (iNOS) was present in glomeruli in nephritic (left) kidneys at the time of maximum macrophage infiltration, both within intraglomerular mononuclear cells and cells emigrating into Bowman's space. iNOS expressing cells were also present in interstitial infiltrates. There was no expression in normal rat kidneys or in glomeruli in the non-nephritic (right) kidneys of experimental rats. In situ hybridization confirmed the immunohistochemical localization. These results provide the first direct evidence for the presence and localization of inducible NOS in glomeruli and support a significant role for NO in the pathogenesis of immune complex glomerulonephritis.

Amino Acid Oxidoreductases↗

Cellular localization of inducible nitric oxide synthase in experimental endotoxic shock in the rat.

1. Endotoxin induces a shock-like syndrome with increased nitric oxide synthesis. To clarify the cellular source of NO in endotoxic shock we used immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization to localize inducible NO synthase in rats given lipopolysaccharide or Corynebacterium parvum and lipopolysaccharide. Immunohistochemistry was carried out with an antibody raised against a synthetic peptide of mouse macrophage NO synthase. In situ hybridization was performed with 35S-labelled oligonucleotide probes corresponding to cDNA sequences common to mouse macrophage inducible NO synthase and rat vascular smooth inducible NO synthase. Monocytes and macrophages were identified by immunohistochemistry with the mouse monoclonal antibody ED1. 2. After lipopolysaccharide alone, the major site of NO synthase induction was monocytes and macrophages in multiple organs, principally liver and spleen. Bronchial, bile duct, intestinal and bladder epithelium and some hepatocytes also expressed inducible NO synthase. Expression peaked at 5 h and had returned to normal by 12 h except in spleen. 3. After priming with C. parvum, lipopolysaccharide led to a similar distribution of inducible NO synthase as lipopolysaccharide alone, but in addition there was more prominent hepatocyte staining, staining in macrophage granulomas in the liver and inducible NO synthase was present in some endothelial cells in the aorta. 4. These findings provide a direct demonstration of the cellular localization of inducible NO synthase after lipopolysaccharide.

Amino Acid Oxidoreductases↗

Interleukin-1 beta gene expression in experimental glomerulonephritis in the rat: an in-situ hybridization study.

To investigate the role of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) in glomerulonephritis we studied the presence of IL-1 beta by in-situ hybridization in in-situ immune complex glomerulonephritis in the rat. Glomerulonephritis was induced in preimmunized rats by unilateral renal perfusion with cationized human IgG. In-situ hybridization was performed on frozen sections with a battery of four 30mer oligonucleotide DNA probes 3' end labelled with 35S-dATP. IL-1 beta mRNA was detectable in nephritic glomeruli at 6 and 24 hours after induction of glomerulonephritis. Signal was maximal at 48 hours and markedly reduced by 4 days. The peak of IL-1 beta transcription coincided with the major monocyte influx into glomeruli consistent with a role for IL-1 beta as a mediator of glomerular hypercellularity.

Animals↗

HLA class I non-coding nucleotide sequences, 1992.

We present a compilation of the nucleotide sequences of the non-coding regions of the human HLA class I genes which complements previously published information on exon sequences. The listing includes the 5' and 3' untranslated (UT) regions, and introns 1-7. The HLA class I loci and their alleles from which non-coding sequences were derived are listed in Table 1, together with source references. Where possible, locus and allele designations follow the Nomenclature for factors of the HLA system 1991 (Bodmer et al., 1992). In aligning sequences, nucleotides which are conserved between all class I genes are specified only by the consensus sequence, and are indicated by a hyphen (-). To maintain the alignment between different alleles, an asterisk (*) is inserted where there is a gap in the sequence. An unavailable sequence is indicated by a period (.). Regions of sequence too diverse to be accurately compared are represented by an exclamation mark (!). Sequence motifs previously classified as having an important role in HLA class I regulation or processing, such as enhancer sequences, are identified at the bottom of the sequence comparison. It is not our intention in this paper to present an analysis of the many features revealed by this compilation. However, we hope that the information will provide important reference material for studies of HLA class I mRNA processing (Cianetti et al., 1989), promoter regulation (David-Watine et al., 1990) and in the design of allele, locus or region specific PCR primers (Summers et al., 1991). We hope to update this compilation in due course, and we would welcome sequence information not included in this publication, as well as comments and corrections that help to maintain the accuracy of the information.

Alleles↗

In situ hybridization studies in hepatitis A infection.

An in situ hybridization method using radiolabeled oligonucleotide probes was developed to study primary sites of hepatitis A virus replication in an experimental animal model of infection. Hepatitis A genomic sequences were demonstrated in hepatocytes of four marmosets with acute hepatitis A by use of antisense probes. In two of these animals, staining was also found when a sense probe was used, which is consistent with active replication in the hepatocytes. The specificity of the hybridization signal was confirmed by neutralization with "cold" (i.e., unlabeled) probes and by absence of hybridization with non-A hepatitis and reverse antisense probes. The hepatocyte appeared to be the only cell type showing staining. No hybridization was found in other organs, including the intestine (n = 4) and, in one animal, the kidney and spleen.

Alanine Transaminase↗

Investigation of the salivary 18-hydroxycorticosterone:aldosterone ratio in man using a direct assay.

A method for the direct determination of 18-hydroxycorticosterone (18OHB) in human saliva has been developed and validated. Saliva was collected at 30 min and 1 h intervals between 0600 and 2200 h from healthy men and women for the determination of 18OHB (SHB), aldosterone (SA) and glucocorticoids (SGC = cortisol + cortisone). SHB was highly correlated with SA (r = 0.75; P less than 0.001) but even more highly with SGC (r = 0.89; P greater than 0.001). Multiple regression analysis confirmed that SGC was a more important determinant of SHB than was SA. Though the concentrations of 18OHB and aldosterone were highly correlated there was considerable variation in the 18OHB:aldosterone ratio during the period of saliva collection. This ratio tended to be highest in the morning and lowest in the evening and was weakly correlated with SGC level (r = 0.62; P less than 0.01). The 18OHB:aldosterone ratio in saliva approximates to, and is highly correlated with, that in plasma. We suggest that the fluctuations in SHB:SA ratio correspond to the relative rates of secretion of 18OHB and aldosterone and that this ratio is modulated either by ACTH or by cortisol. Whether this indicates that 18OHB is a by-product of glucocorticoid as well as aldosterone metabolism, or whether this implies a separate physiological role for the steroid remains to be clarified.

18-Hydroxycorticosterone↗

Analysis of gene-dosage effects on the expression of CD18 by trisomy 21 lymphoblastoid cell-lines using a statistical model to fit flow cytometry profiles.

It is not clear whether Down syndrome, the phenotypic expression of constitutional trisomy for chromosome 21 (T21), is the result of generalised disruption of homeostasis resulting from genetic imbalance, or the over-expression of specific genes on chromosome 21. In order to understand the effect of gene dosage more clearly, we have analysed the predicted and actual levels of expression of the leucocyte integrin beta subunit CD 18 on the surface of T21 leucocytes. Previous studies showed that CD18 expression by T21 lymphoid cell lines (LCL) is greater than on normal LCL. We have now developed a computer model that compares the observed and predicted CD18 flow cytometric profiles for trisomy 21 LCL. Three parameters (alpha, beta and gamma) have been defined that measure different aspects of gene dosage. Using the computer model to calculate these parameters, we have carried out a series of paired comparisons between normal and T21 LCL. The results show that, in some T21 LCL, increased CD18 expression is proportional to the existing gene dosage, in another set the effect is additive, whereas in others there is a combination of proportional and additive effects. The results suggest that gene regulation can exert pleiotropic effects on gene-dosage, and is consistent with a model in which gene dosage itself is the cause of disrupted homeostasis.

CD18 Antigens↗

Expression of LFA-1 by a lymphoblastoid cell line from a patient with monosomy 21: effects on intercellular adhesion.

Monosomy 21 (M21) is a rare aneuploid condition which in certain cases leads to reduced levels of chromosome 21 gene products. We have prepared an Epstein-Barr virus lymphoblastoid cell-line (LCL) from patient with M21 who has immunological abnormalities, and analysed the expression of lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1). This heterodimeric leucocyte integrin consists of CD11a (alpha) subunits non-covalently associated with CD18 (beta) subunits coded, respectively, by genes on chromosomes 16 and 21. To determine whether monosomy 21 results in decreased expression of LFA-1, monoclonal antibodies were used to compare the expression of CD11a and CD18 on the M21 LCL with LCL from trisomy 21 (Down's syndrome, T21), normal controls and a possible case of leucocyte adhesion deficiency. In addition, phorbol-ester-induced homotypic adhesion, an LFA-1-mediated effect, was compared in these LCLs. The results are consistent with a gene dosage mediated reduction of LFA-1 expression by the M21 LCL.

Antigens, CD↗

Sequential flow cytometric analysis of cell-cycle related changes in LFA-1 (CD18/CD11a) expression by trisomy 21 (Down's syndrome) lymphoblastoid cells.

Lymphocyte function associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) is a heterodimeric leucocyte adhesion molecule comprising non-covalently associated 95 kD, CD18 and 180 kD, CD11a subunits. Lymphoblastoid cell-lines (LCL) derived from persons with Down's syndrome (Trisomy 21) exhibit increased expression of LFA-1 compared with normal LCL. Although this is probably due to a gene-dosage related increase in the synthesis of CD18, cell-cycle differences between Trisomy 21 (T21) and normal LCL could also influence LFA-1 expression. We have therefore analysed expression of CD18 on G1 and G2M cells using sequential flow cytometry. T21 and normal LCL were co-stained with the DNA-binding vital dye HO342 (Hoechst 33342), and with a CD18 monoclonal antibody. The LCL were first sorted on the basis of HO342 staining into G1 and G2M populations, and these fractions then analysed for CD18 expression. Irrespective of the stage of the cell-cycle, expression of CD18 was increased on T21 compared with normal LCL. Although more CD18 was detected on both T21 and normal G2M compared with G1 cells, the relative density of CD18 in G2M was less than in G1 because G2M cells were larger.

Antigens, CD↗

Attempts to identify trophoblast in peripheral blood during pregnancy using monoclonal antibody H315.

In view of its potential importance in antenatal diagnosis of genetic disease, we have used flow cytometry to attempt to enumerate trophoblast cells in the peripheral blood of pregnant females. As a trophoblast marker we have used the monoclonal antibody (MAB) H315, which reacts with placental-type alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) associated with the cell-membrane of the syncytiotrophoblast. We analyzed blood leucocytes from 62 pregnant females between 6 and 22 weeks' gestation, 26 nonpregnant females, and 21 males. Overall, we detected more H315+ cells in pregnant than in nonpregnant female blood but, because of the wide variation in both groups, we found no statistically significant difference between them. We were unable to detect H315+ cells in 25% of pregnant females within the resolution of the technique. There was, in contrast, a significant difference between the number of H315+ cells in pregnant females and males. Because we were unable to demonstrate other trophoblast markers on H315+ cells isolated from maternal peripheral blood, the origin of these cells is unclear. This implies that these cells may be an unsuitable source of material for antenatal diagnosis.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Renin in mesoblastic nephroma: an immunohistochemical study.

Congenital mesoblastic nephroma (CMN) is the most common renal tumor of early infancy. It is usually evident at birth as an abdominal mass and is composed of spindle-shaped cells resembling smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts. There is macroscopic and microscopic infiltration of the surrounding kidney and entrapped tubules and glomeruli are common at the edge of the tumor. In this report, we describe a case of CMN associated with hyperreninaemia and hypertension. We examined the tumor from this case and 11 other cases for the presence of renin using a polyclonal antibody to human kidney renin. Hypertension was present in three of four additional cases for which records were available. Immunoreactive renin was present in ten of the 12 cases studied. In all of these cases, intense staining was present in vessels within the areas of the trapped cortex. In seven cases, renin was identified in the walls of vessels within the tumor itself without identifiable adjacent cortical structures. These findings indicate that CMN may often be associated with primary reninism in early infancy.

Humans↗

Renin in human fetal lung--a biochemical and immunohistochemical study.

Human fetal lung homogenates contain an inactive form of renin which may be revealed by trypsin treatment. When activated, this form of renin has some biochemical similarities with fetal kidney renin: the pH optimum of fetal lung renin is approximately 6.5; it is bound by Affigel Blue affinity chromatography resin; and is inhibited by a monoclonal antibody (R-3-36-16) raised to human kidney renin. Inactive renin, partially-purified from both fetal kidney and lung, differs from this in that the renal form is of low-molecular weight (LMW, 45,000 daltons), whereas that from fetal lung is of high molecular weight (HMW, 58,000 daltons). Using a sensitive alkaline phosphatase-anti-alkaline phosphatase (APAAP) procedure with a polyclonal anti-renin antibody (R-15), immunoreactive renin in fetal lung was found in vessels in mesenchyme between airways. The pattern of staining was distributed similarly to Factor VIII-related antigen, suggesting localization in endothelial cells.

Fetus↗

Expression of human CD4 by two human-mouse interlineage hybrids.

Two hybrid cell lines expressing human CD4 were prepared by fusing human B-lymphoid cells with the mouse T-lymphoma BW5147. Hybrid TF42 was derived from a human B-lymphoblastoid line and TF53.1 from a human B-ALL. Variants of these hybrids expressing or lacking CD4 were isolated by sorting cells stained with the monoclonal antibody (mAb) OKT4 on a fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS). Cytogenetic, isoenzyme and DNA analysis confirmed the presence of human chromosome 12 in the CD4+ hybrids, and revealed that CD4 expression by TF42 was associated with multiple copies of this chromosome. Of seventy mAb recognizing human T-cell antigens screened on the CD4+ and CD4- variants of the two hybrids, only mAb recognizing CD4 and Leu 8 reacted with the CD4+ cells. These hybrids should be useful in the preparation, screening and analysis of anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies, and in studies of CD4 epitopes recognized by HIV.

Animals↗

Renin in blood vessels in human pulmonary tumors. An immunohistochemical and biochemical study.

The authors have used a sensitive alkaline phosphatase-anti-alkaline-phosphatase immunohistochemical method to examine 28 human pulmonary carcinomas for the presence of renin. Immunoreactive renin was found in 23 (82%) cases. Specific staining was always associated with small vessels in the stroma of the tumor or in adjacent areas of inflamed fibrous tissue. Within vessels, renin was localized in the cytoplasm of medial cells. Adenocarcinoma exhibited the most consistent staining (11/12 cases), and this appeared to be independent of the degree of tumor differentiation. Immunoreactive renin was also detected in squamous cell (7/8 cases), undifferentiated large cell (4/4 cases), and small cell undifferentiated carcinoma (1/1 cases), but the number of vessels and intensity of staining were usually less than seen in adenocarcinoma. Staining was not found in the bronchioloalveolar variant of adenocarcinoma (0/3 cases). By means of immunoaffinity chromatography with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) raised to kidney renin, both active and inactive renin were extracted from homogenates of surgical specimens. The molecular weight of both forms of renin was approximately 59,000 daltons.

Adenocarcinoma↗