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Biomedical subjects

J E Rhoads

Publications and source records attributed to J E Rhoads.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Demonstration of effective antitumor immunity in an autochthonous host bearing primary colon tumors induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride.

The role of host defense mechanisms in preventing the development of subclinical tumors into invasive tumors in an autochithonous host was studied in a model of rat colon carcinoma induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride (DMH). Multiple gastrointestinal (GI) tumors were induced in inbred WF female rats exposed to DMH. In vitro and in vivo data suggested that the excision of the "first" GI tumor induced specific antitumor immune responses. After a complete excision of the first GI tumor, only 2 additional GI tumors were observed in 10 rats, whereas 13 and 12 additional GI tumors in 10 and 9 rats, respectively, were observed if the first GI tumor was left in situ or permitted to grow in an isolated segment of the colon. Furthermore, immunosuppression with antithymocyte globulin decreased the effectiveness of antitumor immunity induced by the immunizing first GI tumor. These experiments supported the view that an effective antitumor immunity is induced against successive tumors of an organ after a complete excision of a tumor originating in the same organ. The results of these experiments are discussed in relation to the observations of multiple primary neoplasms in humans.

Animals

Ex vivo removal of serum IgG in a patient with colon carcinoma: some biochemical, immunological and histological observations.

Plasma of a patient with metastatic colon carcinoma was perfused over Formalin and heat-killed S. aureus, in an extracorporeal filtration apparatus, in order to nonspecifically remove IgG and its complexes. Twenty ex vivo absorption procedures were done, over a five-month period, with a minimum of discomfort to the patient. Extracorporeal perfusion of plasma on S. aureus effectively reduced the levels of IgG and immune complexes in the perfused plasma. The nonspecific removal of IgG resulted in 1) slight biochemical alterations in the serum, 2) a transient reduction in the serum blocking activity and appearance of complement-dependent serum cytotoxicity, 3) an increase in the serum IgM levels, 4) a transient increase in the Ig surface-bearing lymphocytes and a decrease in "E" rosetting lymphocytes in the first 24-48 hours postperfusion, particularly during the early treatments, 5) an improvement in general condition of the patient and decrease in tumor size, and 6) histological changes in the tumor consistent with tumor destruction. The potential problems and clinical applications of procedures involving ex vivo specific or nonspecific immunoabsorbents are discussed.

Adenocarcinoma

Immunologic surveillance against chemically induced primary colon carcinoma in rats.

A 1,2-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride-induced rat gastrointestinal tract tumor model was used to study the phenomenon of immunologic surveillance. In two different sets of experiments, a properly timed administration of antithymocyte globulin resulted in earlier tumor appearance, increased numbers of tumors, and increased multiplicity of gastrointestinal tumors. Results obtained from histologic examination of the gastrointestinal tract at different times after the last dose of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride suggested that a normally functioning immune system effectively suppressed the growth of some nascent tumors. However, the immunosuppression of the host with antithymocyte globulin allowed the development of foci of microtumors into grossly visible neoplasms. Our experiments supported the concept that immunologic surveillance against neoplasia depends on the thymus cell system, although other possible mechanisms were not excluded.

Animals

Effect of embryonic tissue immunization on chemically induced gastrointestinal tumors in rats. I. Can embryonic antigens act as rejection antigens?

Inbred WF rats were inoculated with crude suspensions prepared from liver and gut tissue of 12- to 15-day fetuses of the same strain. Rats previously unsensitized to syngeneic embryonic tissue were inoculated with fetal material sc three times during exposure to 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride (DMH), a gastrointestinal (GI) carcinogen in rodents. Properly timed immunization inhibited the development, growth, and metastasis of primary GI tumors. This effects was observed in both sexes; however, it was more prounced in male rats. Nine WF rats with DMH-induced carcinoma of the GI tract were inoculated sc with syngeneic fetal tissue. Of 9 rats, 7 rejected the embryonal tissue implants, which thus demonstrated the presence of a concomitant immune response to embryonic antigen(s). Two rats in which fetal tissue grew out to palpable nodules had multiple GI tumors with metastasis and extra-GI tumors, i.e., a massive tumor load. Ten other rats with DMH-induced GI tumors were treated with unblocking serum. The unblocking serum was inoculated to counteract serum-blocking factors in vivo. These rats were inoculated intradermally with syngeneic fetal tissue. In all 10 rats, inflammation and necrosis were noted at the inoculation site after 24-72 hours, which thus demonstrated a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to embryonic antigens. Our experiments suggest that embryonic antigens common to fetal and tumor cells can induce immunity in an autochthonous host and can act as rejection antigens.

Adenocarcinoma

Effect of unblocking therapy and levamisole on primary gastrointestinal tumors in rats: immunologic and histologic correlation.

The effect of multimodal immunotherapy was studied in WF rats bearing primary gastrointestinal (GI) tumors induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride. The alterations induced in antitumor immune responses of the treated rats were studied in vitro and were correlated with tumor status in vivo. Multimodal immunotherapy consisted of unblocking serum, unblocked lymphoid cells, and levamisole. Such immunologic intervention resulted in significant inhibition of tumor growth, inhibition of metastases, and prolonged survival of the host. Serum blocking activity could be completely counteracted in 6 rats, all of which showed complete tumor regression. Of 20 rats, 8 showed inadequate counteraction of serum blocking activity and transient appearance of cytotoxic antibodies. All 8 rats showed marked tumor inhibition and prolonged survival. Six remaining rats succumbed from either GI or extra-GI tumors, although they survived significantly longer than untreated rats; these 6 rats had only transient counteraction of their serum blocking activity. All 20 tumors in 14 rats of the therapy group showed histologic evidence of tumor rejection. Our studies suggested that a complete counteraction of blocking activity in conjunction with methods capable of improving the specific and nonspecific immune competence of the host may be important to achieve optimal antitumor effects.

Animals

Ex-vivo removal of mammalian immunoglobulin G: method and immunological alterations.

We have described a clinically feasible method capable of rapidly and repeatedly removing mammalian IgG extracorporeally by adsorption onto heat-killed, formalin-stabilized Staphylococcus aureus Cowan-I. In dogs, 2-13 grams of IgG were removed in 60-70 minutes, lowering the serum concentration of IgG by 30-70 percent. Serum IgG levels returned to pre-run values within 48-72 hours and, in some cases, were higher than pre-run levels at 48-72 hours. Serum biochemical alterations were generally transient and relatively modest. Peripheral lymphocyte counts showed minimal changes but the percentage of erythrocyte rosette forming cells appeared to increase with successive runs. This method is safe and efficient, and can be repetitively performed at short intervals in dogs. This method may prove useful in diseases in which rapid removal of circulating IgG is desired.

Animals

Effects of diet on colon carcinogenesis and the immune system in rats treated with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine.

The effects of different types of diets on colon carcinogenesis by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine and on the immune system were studied in W/Fu rats. Six different types of diets were used in two sets of experiments. Rats in each group were fed the respective diets immediately upon weaning. 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride was administered s.c. at a dosage of 15 mg/kg weekly in two divided doses. The rats were followed by sequential laparotomies for the development of gastrointestinal (GI) tumors until death. Tumors appeared earlier, and the total number of GI tumors, particularly those of the colon, was higher in rats fed diet enriched with fat from animal sources. In these rats the GI tumors metastasized more frequently, and their survival, after appearance of the first GI tumor, was significantly shortened. The diet low in animal fat and enriched with carbohydrate reduced the number of GI tumors and delayed their appearance. Semisynthetic elemental diet accelerated the appearance of colon tumors without increasing the total number of GI tumors over the life span of the animals. Serum cholesterol levels evaluated during carcinogenesis suggest a correlation between serum cholesterol levels and the increased frequency of colonic tumors. The alterations in serum immunoglobulin G levels, lymphocyte counts, and surface immunoglobulin-bearing lymphocytes evaluated at different times during carcinogenesis suggested a biphasic ("M type") immune response. Rats fed low residue diets and/or diets containing fat from animal sources had depressed serum immunoglobulin G levels. However, the pattern of immune response was similar in groups of rats fed different types of diets.

Animals

The control of large bowel cancers. Present status and it challenges.

The incidence of carcinoma of the large bowel in the United States is higher than for any other site. In Japan it is about one quarter as frequent, and the cause of this discrepancy appears to be more environmental than genetic on the basis of migrant studies. The incidence of carcinoma in familial polyposis approaches 100% and in villous adenoma the incidence of carcinoma is 40-50%. The relation of adenomatous polyps to carcinoma is not so strong, yet there is a notable association between the occurrence of polyps and carcinoma in the same bowel. With modern surgical techniques, the risk of removing polypoid lesions of the colon transabdominally appears much lower than the average risk of leaving such lesions alone unless and until they give signs and symptoms of carcinoma. The greater use of the colonoscope should, however, greatly reduce the need for laparotomy.

Adenoma

Pancreaticogastrostomy: a further evaluation.

The anastomosis between the remaining pancreas and the intestinal tract after various types of pancreatic resection has been the site of complications responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality. After Whipple resections reestablishment of pancreatic-intestinal continuity has generally been accomplished in some manner between the pancreas and upper jejunum. This suture line has at times failed, often as the result of postoperative pancreatitis, giving rise to hemorrhage, abscess, and fistula formation. Since 1963, 25 patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenal resection have had some portion of their pancreas implanted into the back wall of the stomach. The operations have been done by the resident and senior staff of the Department of Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. Morbidity has decreased and operative mortality has fallen from 20-30% to 8%. The technique is not difficult and there seems to be less tendency for the anastomosis to leak. Pancreatic function is usually adequate. The procedure is useful after radical resection of the pancreaticoduodenal region or at times after pancreatic trauma.

Aged

Intraoperative demonstration of the mesenteric lymph channels.

The mesenteric lymphatic channels are readily demonstrated at laparotomy by injecting methylene blue directly into the mesenteric lymph nodes. Flow through the lymphatic system can be augmented by temporarily compressing the superior mesenteric vein.

Humans