Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J Charlemagne

Publications and source records attributed to J Charlemagne.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Evolution of specific antigen recognition: size reduction and restricted length distribution of the CDRH3 regions in the rainbow trout.

The immunoglobulin heavy chain repertoire in fish was investigated by cloning a total of 88 rearranged VDJ junctions from the head kidney B cell mRNA of a salmonid, the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Trout DH segments are short and cannot be classified into independent DH families. Several of the ten identified putative DH segments had stretches of nucleotide sequence identity with mouse (DQ52, DFL 16.2 and Dsp 2.1), human (DM1) and chicken (DH4) DH. There was a clear preference for one or two of the three putative DH reading frames and a stop codon is often present in the less used reading frame. Four of the six JH segments are preferentially used, and analysis of the VH-DH and DH-JH junctions suggest the presence of N-nucleotides. The absolute size and size heterogeneity of the rainbow trout CDRH3 are smaller than those of the Xenopus, mouse and human CDRH3. About 75% of the 84 in-frame trout CDRH3 have 8, 9 or 10 residues and none of them have more than 11 residues. This homogeneization of the CDRH3 loop size may partly explain the restricted antibody diversity in lower vertebrates.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Evolution of T cell receptor genes. Extensive diversity of V beta families in the Mexican axolotl.

We have cloned 36 different rearranged variable regions (V beta) genes encoding the beta-chain of the T cell receptor in an amphibian species, Ambystoma mexicanum (the Mexican axolotl). Eleven different V beta segments were identified, which can be classified into 9 families on the basis of a minimum of 75% nucleotide identity. All the cloned V beta segments have the canonical features of known mammalian and avian V beta, including conserved residues Cys23, Trp34, Arg69, Tyr90, and Cys92. There seems to be a greater genetic distance between the axolotl V beta families than between the different V beta families of any mammalian species examined to date: most of the axolotl V beta s have fewer than 35% identical nucleotides and the less related families (V beta 4 and V beta 8) have no more than 23.2% identity (13.5% at the amino acid level). Despite their great mutual divergence, several axolotl V beta are sequence-related to some mammalian V beta genes, like the human V beta 13 and V beta 20 segments and their murine V beta 8 and V beta 14 homologues. However, the axolotl V beta 8 and V beta 9 families are not significantly related to any other V beta sequence at the nucleotide level and show limited amino acid similarity to mammalian V alpha, V kappa III, or VH sequences. The detection of nine V beta families among 35 randomly cloned V beta segments suggests that the V beta gene repertoire in the axolotl is probably larger than presently estimated.

Ambystoma mexicanum↗
PubMed1994

The immunoglobulin repertoire of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): definition of nine Igh-V families.

An Igh-V library was constructed from the head kidney cytoplasmic RNA of an 8.5-month-old non-immunized rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, using the 5' RACE polymerase chain reaction. Six new Igh-V segments were identified, bringing to nine the number of Igh-V families actually defined in that species. A phylogenetic analysis shows that these nine Igh-V families can be classified into three major groups. The first includes the Igh-V1, Igh-V3, Igh-V4, and Igh-V7 families, and is homologous to the human and mouse Group III Igh-V families. The second includes the Igh-V5, Igh-V8, and Igh-V9 families and is more closely related to the Group I and Group II human and mouse Igh-V families. The third group includes the Igh-V2 and Igh-V6 families, which are not closely related to any other vertebrate Igh-V gene. Six Igh-J segments were characterized. They can recombine with Igh-V segments belonging to different families and there is a high level of junctional diversity between the Igh-V and Igh-J segments.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

[Characterization of cDNA of T-cell receptor beta chain in rainbow trout].

Using a two-step PCR strategy, we have cloned several cDNA segments encoding the T-cell receptor beta chain in a Teleost fish, the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The nine clones analyzed encode identical N-terminal-truncated V beta regions which present limited sequence similarities with several mammalian TcR V beta chains, from residue Tyr-35 to residue Ser-95. These V beta regions are followed by V beta-D beta-J beta-like regions which are different in all the sequenced clones, and by identical C beta regions. The trout C beta domain (156 amino acids) is most related to the chicken and to amphibian (axolotl) C beta domains but no cysteine residue appears in the hinge region. Like in other vertebrate C beta s, the TM region carries a positively charged lysine residue (Lys-271). The intracytoplasmic domain is virtually absent. The possibility to analyze the structure, expression and diversity of a T-cell receptor chain in a Teleost fish model will be important for our future understanding of the evolution of specific immune recognition in vertebrates.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Monoclonal antibodies against goldfish (Carassius auratus) immunoglobulin: application to the quantification of immunoglobulin and antibody-secreting cells by ELISPOT and seric immunoglobulin and antibody levels by ELISA in carp (Cyprinus carpio).

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) raised against heavy and light chains of goldfish immunoglobulin (Ig) were characterized by a Western blot technique. A complete cross-reactivity was observed between carp and goldfish Ig. These mAbs were used for the quantification of carp Ig and anti-Yersinia ruckeri antibodies by ELISA. An ELISPOT assay was also developed in carp to quantify Ig-secreting cells (ISC) and antibody-secreting cells (ASC). The number of ASC was maximum on day 18 post-vaccination and decreased to the basal level on day 28. The antibody levels in sera were maximum on day 18 and slowly decreased until day 28.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Conserved structure of amphibian T-cell antigen receptor beta chain.

All jawed vertebrates possess well-differentiated thymuses and elicit T-cell-like cell-mediated responses; however, no surface T-cell receptor (TCR) molecules or TCR genes have been identified in ectothermic vertebrate species. Here we describe cDNA clones from an amphibian species, Ambystoma mexicanum (the Mexican axolotl), that have sequences highly homologous to the avian and mammalian TCR beta chains. The cloned amphibian beta chain variable region (V beta) shares most of the structural characteristics with the more evolved vertebrate V beta and presents approximately 56% amino acid identities with the murine V beta 14 and human V beta 18 families. The two different cloned axolotl beta chain joining regions (J beta) were found to have conserved all the invariant mammalian J beta residues, and in addition, the presence of a conserved glycine at the V beta-J beta junction suggests the existence of diversity elements. The extracellular domains of the two axolotl beta chain constant region isotypes C beta 1 and C beta 2 show an impressively high degree of identity, thus suggesting that a very efficient mechanism of gene correction has been in operation to preserve this structure at least from the early tetrapod evolution. The transmembrane axolotl C beta domains have been less well conserved when compared to the mammalian C beta but they do maintain the lysine residue that is thought to be involved in the charged interaction between the TCR alpha beta heterodimer and the CD3 complex.

Ambystoma↗
PubMed1993

Phylogeny of immunoglobulin heavy chain isotypes: structure of the constant region of Ambystoma mexicanum upsilon chain deduced from cDNA sequence.

An RNA polymerase chain reaction strategy was used to amplify and clone a cDNA segment encoding for the complete constant part of the axolotl IgY heavy (C upsilon) chain. C upsilon is 433 amino acids long and organized into four domains (C upsilon 1-C upsilon 4); each has the typical internal disulfide bond and invariant tryptophane residues. Axolotl C upsilon is most closely related to Xenopus C upsilon (40% identical amino acid residues) and C upsilon 1 shares 46.4% amino acid residues among these species. The presence of additional cysteines in C upsilon 1 and C upsilon 2 domains is consistent with an additional intradomain S-S bond similar to that suggested for Xenopus C upsilon and C chi, and for the avian C upsilon and the human C epsilon. C upsilon 4 ends with the Gly-Lys dipeptide characteristic of secreted mammalian C gamma 3, human C epsilon 4, and avian and anuran C upsilon 4, and contains the consensus [G/GT(AA)] nucleotide splice signal sequence for joining C upsilon 4 to the transmembrane region. These results are consistent with the hypothesis of an ancestral structural relationship between amphibian, avian upsilon chains, and mammalian epsilon chains. However, these molecules have different biological properties: axolotl IgY is secretory Ig, anuran and avian IgY behave like mammalian IgG, and mammalian IgE is implicated in anaphylactic reactions.

Ambystoma mexicanum↗
PubMed1993

Characterization of a multimeric polypeptide complex on the surface of thymus-derived cells in the Mexican axolotl.

We previously raised a rabbit antiserum (L12) against a 38 kD polypeptide which is expressed on the surface of thymocytes and peripheral T cells of an Urodele Amphibian, the Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum). Here we show that L12 antibodies immunoprecipitate several labelled molecules from surface iodinated axolotl spleen cells, including the 38 kD molecule, but also two polypeptides of 43 and 22 kD which are covalently linked to other elements. Another rabbit antiserum (L10) was raised against detergent-solubilized axolotl thymocyte membranes and shown to recognize the majority of thymocytes and about half of the splenocytes in immunofluorescence. In Western blotting, L10 antibodies recognized a limited number of surface polypeptides in thymocyte and splenocyte lysates, including 43, 38, and 22 kD elements. Immune complexes formed between L10 antibodies and solubilized splenocyte membranes were used to immunize BALB/c mice intrasplenically in the aim of raising MoAbs specific for axolotl T cells. Monoclonal antibody 87.16 was shown to stain in immunofluorescence 26.7% of thymocytes and 26.8% of spleen cells. This MoAb recognized a 43 kD polypeptide that can covalently associate on the T-cell surface with several other molecules to form a multimeric complex.

Ambystoma mexicanum↗
PubMed1992

Evolution of vertebrate IgM: complete amino acid sequence of the constant region of Ambystoma mexicanum mu chain deduced from cDNA sequence.

cDNA clones coding for the constant region of the Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) mu heavy immunoglobulin chain were selected from total spleen RNA, using a cDNA polymerase chain reaction technique. The specific 5'-end primer was an oligonucleotide homologous to the JH segment of Xenopus laevis mu chain. One of the clones, JHA/3, corresponded to the complete constant region of the axolotl mu chain, consisting of a 1362-nucleotide sequence coding for a polypeptide of 454 amino acids followed in 3' direction by a 179-nucleotide untranslated region and a polyA+ tail. The axolotl C mu is divided into four typical domains (C mu 1-C mu 4) and can be aligned with the Xenopus C mu with an overall identity of 56% at the nucleotide level. Percent identities were particularly high between C mu 1 (59%) and C mu 4 (71%). The C-terminal 20-amino acid segment which constitutes the secretory part of the mu chain is strongly homologous to the equivalent sequences of chondrichthyans and of other tetrapods, including a conserved N-linked oligosaccharide, the penultimate cysteine and the C-terminal lysine. The four C mu domains of 13 vertebrate species ranging from chondrichthyans to mammals were aligned and compared at the amino acid level. The significant number of mu-specific residues which are conserved into each of the four C mu domains argues for a continuous line of evolution of the vertebrate mu chain. This notion was confirmed by the ability to reconstitute a consistent vertebrate evolution tree based on the phylogenic parsimony analysis of the C mu 4 sequences.

Ambystoma↗
PubMed1992

Transient developmental expression of IgY and secretory component like protein in the gut of the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum).

We previously reported that a primitive vertebrate, the Mexican axolotl (Amphibian, Urodela) synthesizes two classes of immunoglobulins. IgM are present in serum early in the development, and represent the bulk of specific antibody synthesis after an antigenic challenge. IgY occur in the serum later during the development, and are relatively insensitive to immunization. We demonstrate in the present work, using immunofluorescence with specific Mabs, that IgY are expressed in the gut epithelium, as secretory molecules. Secretory IgY are well expressed in the stomach and intestinal mucosae of young animals from 1 month after hatching to the seventh month. Thereafter, IgY progressively disappear from the gut and become readily detectable in the serum of 9-month-old preadult immunologically mature animals. Axolotl IgY are closely associated in the gut to secretory component-like (SC) molecules that are well-recognized by antisera to the SC of different mammalian species. This is the first description, in a primitive tetrapode, of an immunoglobulin class that could be the physiological counterpart of mammalian IgA.

Ambystoma mexicanum↗
PubMed1992

T-cell-specific membrane antigens in the Mexican axolotl (urodele amphibian).

Comparative analysis of SDS-PAGE patterns of axolotl spleen cells membrane detergent lysates showed important discrepancies between control and thymectomized animals. Among these, a 38-kD protein band, which appeared as a major protein in controls, was not or poorly expressed after thymectomy. A rabbit antiserum (L12) raised against the 38-kD eluted band labeled in indirect immunofluorescence 80-86% of thymocytes and 40-46% of mIg- lymphoid cells in the spleen. The anti-38-kD antibodies stained in Western blotting two antigenically related polypeptides of 38- and 36-kD on splenocyte membrane lysates. Two-dimensional NEPHGE-PAGE analysis indicated that the anti-38-kD antibodies reacted in the spleen with several gathered spots in the 7.8-8.2 pI range, corresponding to 38-36-kD microheterogeneous polypeptides. Most of these spots are not further expressed in thymectomized animals. These results support evidence that the 38-kD surface antigens can be considered as specific surface markers of the axolotl thymus-derived lymphocytes.

Ambystoma mexicanum↗
PubMed1991

Non-immune binding of human protein Fv to immunoglobulins from various mammalian and non-mammalian species.

Reactivity of the secretory protein Fv with immunoglobulins (Ig) from various species of vertebrates was investigated. Binding was observed throughout all taxonomic classes: mammalian, avian, reptilian, amphibian and fish. Contrasting with this wide spectrum, no significant binding was found with most mammalian ungulates, such as horse (Perissodactyl), cow, sheep and goat (Artiodactyls). Nevertheless, disruption of the hydrogen bonds of Ig allowed these non-reactive molecules to bind. Such a conserved reactivity during evolution, and our previous data on the effect of the cleavage of the intra-chain disulphide bonds, suggest that protein Fv recognizes a discontinuous framework structure involving both the FR1 and FR3 regions in the variable domain of the heavy chain of Ig.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Lampbrush W and Z heterochromosome characterization with a monoclonal antibody and heat-induced chromosomal markers in the newt Pleurodeles waltl: W chromosome plays a role in female sex determination.

Two subsets of lateral loops scattered on lampbrush chromosomes of the newt Pleurodeles waltl were characterized. One group was identified by labelling with a monoclonal antibody (A1). The second group was identified by the ability of the loops to be induced by heat treatment. Three loops of each subset were mapped on a short region of the two homologues of lampbrush bivalent IV. These regions appear to be heteromorphic because the six loops are always heterozygous. Five loops are found on one homologue and the sixth on the partner. The distribution of these markers in phenotypic females corresponding to the three sexual genotypes ZW, WW and ZZ shows an absolute correlation of the five loop group with the W chromosome and of the other loop with the Z chromosome. Therefore the heteromorphic regions of the homologues correspond to the differential segments of the heterochromosomes. The identification of a trisomic ZZW female suggests that the W chromosome bears female sex determinants. Furthermore the results show that heat induces loop development and that under normal conditions giant loop development is influenced by the sexual genotype.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

High levels of HMG1-2 protein expression in the cytoplasm and nucleus of hydrocortisone sensitive amphibian thymocytes.

A major 26 kDa protein was identified in the cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments of axolotl thymocytes. A polyclonal antiserum was produced against the denatured form of this protein. High levels of 26 kDa were expressed by hydrocortisone-sensitive lymphocytes which represent a major thymocyte subpopulation in young animals. However, no further expression of the 26 kDa protein was observed in involuted thymus of adult animals nor in thymus of young artificially metamorphosed axolotls. The 26 kDa was never expressed by splenic and blood peripheral lymphocytes at any stage of development. Partial N-terminal amino acid sequence and amino acid composition demonstrate that the 26 kDa polypeptide is strongly homologous to HMG1-2 proteins, the most abundant members of the high mobility group (HMG) non-histone chromosomal proteins. HMG1-2 are thought to be involved in the organization of chromatin structure, as well as in the stability, replication and transcription of DNA. It was confirmed that the 26 kDa axolotl polypeptide is recognized by a well characterized rabbit antiserum to rat HMG1-2 proteins.

Ambystoma mexicanum↗
PubMed1990

[A uterine rupture during peridural anesthesia].

A 31 years old multiparous woman was delivered by caesarean section at her first pregnancy. For her third, spontaneous, full-term labour an epidural analgesia was realized with 0.125% epinephrined bupivacaine and fentanyl (1 mg per kg). In spite of its initial efficacy, pains appeared only localized at the caesarean scar. An uterine rupture was suspected, due probably to the use of oxytocin. The operating room was immediately prepared for an emergency caesarean section. As none other pejorative clinical manifestation was present, vaginal delivery was pursued and an healthy boy was taken out after application of forceps. The uterine revision and the secondary laparotomy, performed under epidural anesthesia, confirmed an uterine break, not very wide. The end result was satisfactory both for the mother and the child. The use of epidural analgesia and oxytocin are discussed from the literature and the clinical facts. The absence of internal tocography is an arguable point in this case report.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Ontogeny of immunoglobulin expression in the Mexican axolotl.

The ontogeny of immunoglobulin (Ig) synthesis was followed at both cellular and serological levels in the Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) using polyclonal antibodies recognizing all Ig molecules and a set of monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) specific for the C mu and Cv heavy Ig chain isotypes and for the light chain constituents shared by IgM and IgY molecules. Clusters of IgM- and of IgY-synthesizing lymphocytes, often located in separate sites, are first present in spleen sections of 7-week-old 25 mm larvae, about one month after differentiation of the spleen anlage (stage 39-40). In 12-week-old 30-35 mm larvae, the relative proportion of IgM- and IgY-synthesizing cells in the spleen is the same as that in adult animals. However, a marked enhancement of the spleen B cell compartment occurs from 5 to 9 months when Ig-positive cells represent about 88% of the lymphocytes population compared to 60% in adults. No structures equivalent to B cell germinal centers were observed at any stage of the spleen differentiation and cells, although often clustered in small groups, remain dispersed in the entire organ. The relative proportions of IgM and IgY B cells throughout the spleen remain constant during development (about 1 IgY+ cell for 5-6 IgM+ cells) and IgM molecules are first detected in the serum of 2.5-month-old larvae. The enhancement of the serum IgM level correlates well with the absolute number of IgM+ cells in the growing spleen. IgY molecules cannot be detected in the serum before the 7th month but their level quickly increases to reach about 60% of the adult value at 10 months. Thyroxine-induced metamorphosis or hyperimmunization of 4- to 6-month-old larvae had no effect upon the temporal expression of the Ig classes in serum.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1988

Characterization of an IgY-like low molecular weight immunoglobulin class in the Mexican axolotl.

The general thinking about the phylogenic distribution of vertebrate Ig classes is that fish and urodele amphibians are only able to synthesize polymeric IgM-like molecules and that the emergence of a new class of LMW Ig occurs for the first time in anouran species. Following immunization of the Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum, Amphibia, Urodela) with TNP-SRBC, HMW anti-TNP antibody molecules are only detected. We have previously shown that these polymeric Ig are constituted of 76 kDa H-chains associated to 27-30 kDa L-chains, respectively recognized by MAbs 33.45.1 and 33.101.2. However, the euglobulin fraction purified from normal axolotl serum contains, beside HMW Ig, abundant 172 kDa molecules which are recognized by MAb 33.101.2 in Western blotting in non-reducing conditions but are not labelled with MAb 33.45.1. In the present work, we characterize this 172 kDa molecule as a LMW Ig which differs from the HMW Ig both at the level of the physicochemical and antigenic properties of their H-chain components. This new 11.9 S axolotl Ig presents some similarities with anouran IgY. The detection of IgY-like molecules in urodele amphibian extends the occurrence of at least two antigenically different H-chain isotypes to all the representative modern classes of the Tetrapoda superclass.

Ambystoma↗