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Biomedical subjects

J Freedman

Publications and source records attributed to J Freedman.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Extreme leukoreduction of major histocompatibility complex class II positive B cells enhances allogeneic platelet immunity.

In a murine model of platelet alloimmunization, we examined the definitive role that mononuclear cells (MC) have in modulating platelet immunity by using platelets from severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. CB.17 (H-2(d)) SCID or BALB/c (H-2(d)) mouse platelets were transfused weekly into fully allogeneic CBA (H-2(k)) mice and antidonor antibodies measured by flow cytometry. MC levels in BALB/c platelets were 1.1 +/- 0.6/microL and SCID mouse platelets could be prepared to have significantly lower (<0. 05/microL) MC numbers. Transfusions with 10(8) BALB/c platelets (containing approximately 100 MC/transfusion) stimulated IgG antidonor antibodies in 100% of the recipients by the fifth transfusion, whereas 10(8) SCID mouse platelets (containing approximately 5 MC/transfusion) stimulated higher-titered IgG alloantibodies by the second transfusion. When titrations of BALB/c peripheral blood MC were added to the SCID mouse platelets, levels approaching 1 MC/microL reduced SCID platelet immunity to levels similar to BALB/c platelets. Characterization of the alloantibodies showed that the low levels of MC significantly influenced the isotype of the antidonor IgG; the presence of 1 MC/microL was associated with induction of noncomplement fixing IgG1 antidonor antibodies, whereas platelet transfusions, devoid of MC (<0. 05/microL), were responsible for complement-fixing IgG2a production. When magnetically sorted defined subpopulations of MC were added to the SCID platelets, major histocompatability complex (MHC) class II positive populations, particularly B cells, were found to be primarily responsible for the reduced SCID mouse platelet immunity. The presence of low numbers of MC within the platelets was also associated with an age-dependent reduction in platelet immunogenicity; this relationship however, was not observed with SCID mouse platelets devoid of MC. The results suggest that a residual number of MHC class II positive B cells within allogeneic platelets are required for maximally reducing alloimmunization.

Animals↗

Flow cytometric analysis of platelet function in stored platelet concentrates.

Platelet activation occurs during the collection, processing and storage of platelet concentrates. The effect of the platelet activation on the functional state of stored platelets remains however undefined. We employed flow cytometric analysis to evaluate the extent of platelet activation and the physiological response to thrombin stimulation of platelets stored for up to five days under routine blood bank conditions. Platelet surface expression of the activation markers CD62 and CD63 was examined, along with modulation of platelet membrane glycoproteins (GP) Ib and IIbIIIa. Platelet dense granule content was determined using a mepacrine uptake assay and the extent of platelet microparticle generation was quantified. Thirteen random-donor platelet concentrates prepared under routine conditions by a platelet-rich-plasma protocol were examined. Platelets were found to be activated following preparation on day 1. Although a gradual increase was seen with increasing storage time, this was not statistically significant for CD62 or CD63 expression, GPIIbIIIa or GPIb modulation or dense granule release; the generation of platelet microparticles did, however, increase with increasing storage time. The characteristic increase in surface expression of CD62, CD63 and GPIIbIIIa and decrease in GPIb and dense granule content in response to thrombin stimulation was observed with all concentrates, but these measures of platelet functional reserve showed decreasing platelet function with increasing storage time. The results indicate that platelets are activated by day 1, likely as a consequence of manipulation during collection and processing, but are not further progressively activated with increasing storage time; they do, however, become relatively hypofunctional with increasing storage.

Blood Platelets↗

Antibody-mediated inhibition of the human alloimmune response to platelet transfusion in Hu-PBL-SCID mice.

Severe combined immune deficient (SCID) mice were engrafted with human (Hu) peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from a previously alloimmunized donor and transfused with HLA-mismatched platelets. We have previously shown this to be a useful model for platelet transfusion. These engrafted mice (Hu-PBL-SCID mice) produced high levels of alloantibody in response to standard platelet preparations. However, when the first platelet challenge was presensitized with anti-HLA antibody and then transfused there was a marked reduction in the amount of alloantibody produced to five subsequent untreated platelet transfusions. Platelets pretreated with platelet-specific anti-HPA-1a (PL(A1)) sera did not induce a decrease in the anti-HLA alloantibody response. This demonstrated that platelet-induced HLA alloimmunization can be blocked by anti-HLA antibody-sensitized cells.

Animals↗

p38 MAPK is activated but not necessary in porcine von Willebrand factor-dependent platelet activation.

We have investigated the role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in von Willebrand factor (VWF)-dependent platelet activation. The interaction of platelets with subendothelial VWF, especially under high shear stress, is considered to be the first activation step which primes platelets for subsequent haemostatic events. As a model of VWF-dependent platelet activation, porcine VWF was employed. Porcine VWF induced p38 MAPK activation by 1 min post-addition; assessed by phosphorylation of a recombinant p38 MAPK fusion protein substrate termed glutathione S-transferase-MAPK activated protein kinase-2. To determine if p38 MAPK was necessary for porcine VWF-induced platelet activation, we functionally inhibited p38 MAPK activity with SB203580 before exposure of the platelets to porcine VWF. Inhibition of p38 MAPK had no effect on VWF-induced platelet alpha or lysozomal granule release, expression of activated GPIIb IIIa, modulation of membrane glycoprotein CD41, expression of phosphatidylserine as assessed by annexin V binding, microparticle formation, or platelet agglutination. It was concluded that SB203580-inhibitable p38 MAPK activity induced by porcine VWF is not necessary for platelet activation.

Humans↗

Characterization of platelet glycoproteins and platelet/endothelial cell antibodies in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Platelets and sera from 12 patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and 12 healthy normal control subjects were examined. As determined by quantitative flow cytometry, prior to plasma exchange therapy platelet surface glycoprotein (GP) Ib levels were similar in TTP patients and normal controls (mean 20 188 and 20 226 molecules/platelet, respectively). Platelets from patients with TTP did, however, have significantly reduced levels of GPIIb/IIIa prior to plasmapheresis (mean 36 348 v 52 505 molecules/platelet in controls; P = 0.0004) and of GPIV (mean 13 321 v 26 212 molecules/platelet in controls; P = 0.0002). An increase in activated platelets, as determined by CD62 expression, was observed in 82% of patients. Increased platelet-associated immunoglobulins and/or complement was also seen in approximately 60% of the patients. In general, with return of platelet counts to normal levels following seven plasmaphereses, the above abnormalities were reversed, although often not to normal levels. Western blot analysis indicated the presence of antibodies reactive to platelet GPIV (88 kD) in 70% of pretreatment sera from patients with TTP; a similar band was observed in 80% of patient sera against microvascular endothelial cells. Immunofluorescence microscopic examination indicated the presence of antibody in pretreatment sera from patients with TTP to microvascular (73%) and large vessel (36%) endothelial cells. As measured by an indirect flow cytometric assay, pretreatment sera from 55% of patients with TTP were reactive with large vessel endothelial cells and 100% reacted with microvascular endothelial cells; reactivity was significantly greater against the microvascular endothelial cells (P = 0.0048) and was reduced following plasma exchange therapy. These results indicate abnormalities in platelet glycoprotein expression in TTP and suggest that anti-platelet and anti-endothelial cell antibodies play a role in the thrombocytopenia and vasculitis characteristic of this disorder.

Adult↗

Preanalytical requirements for flow cytometric evaluation of platelet activation: choice of anticoagulant.

Accurate assessment of in vivo or in vitro platelet activation requires optimal preanalytical conditions to prevent artefactual in vitro activation of the platelets. The choice of anticoagulant is one of the critical preanalytical conditions as anticoagulants exert different effects on the activation of platelets ex vivo. We tested the effectiveness of Diatube-H (also known as CTAD; sodium citrate, theophylline, adenosine and dipyridamole) and citrate vacutainer tubes in preventing artefactual activation of platelets and preserving functional reserve. Platelet surface expression of the CD62P (reflecting alpha granule release), CD63 (reflecting lysosomal release) and modulation of normal platelet membrane glycoproteins CD41a and CD42b, were measured in whole blood and in isolated platelets immediately after collection and at 6, 24 and 48 h after venipuncture. Samples taken into Diatube-H showed less spontaneous platelet activation than did those taken into citrate. To measure in vitro platelet functional reserve, thrombin was added as agonist to blood stored for varying periods up to 48 h. Although Diatube-H suppressed in vitro platelet activation for up to 4 h, in samples kept for 6-24 h before thrombin addition, the inhibitory effect was lost and platelets responded fully to agonist activation. Hence, Diatube-H preserved platelets and allowed for measurement of in vivo platelet activation as well as thrombin-induced in vitro platelet activation after 6-24 h, in both whole blood and isolated platelets.

Adenosine↗

Inhibition of a secondary human alloimmune response via the soluble active component of CD154 (CD40L) in severe combined immune-deficient mice engrafted with human lymphocytes.

BACKGROUND: Alloimmunization requires a process known as co-stimulation. An important co-stimulatory pathway for most immune responses is mediated by the interaction of CD40 on antigen-presenting cells with CD154 (CD40L) on host T cells. Blockade of this co-stimulatory pathway simultaneous with exposure to challenge with HLA-incompatible cells is hypothesized to inhibit alloimmunization. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Severe combined immune-deficient (SCID) mice were reconstituted with human peripheral blood lymphocytes (Hu-PBL-SCID mice) from a subject primed to HLA antigens and challenged with HLA-incompatible lymphocytes. Mice were challenged in the presence or absence of an 18-kDa soluble recombinant active form of human CD154 (18-kDa CD154). Human IgG production, alloimmunization, and in vitro T-cell responsiveness were assessed. RESULTS: There was no significant effect of 18-kDa CD154 on human IgG levels in these mice, but it inhibited the development of HLA-specific alloantibody in this model to five subsequent untreated white cell challenges. In vitro T-cell proliferation in a mixed lymphocyte culture was also prevented by 18-kDa CD154. CONCLUSION: The recombinant protein 18-kDa CD154 inhibited the ability of the Hu-PBL-SCID mice to mount a secondary immune response to allostimulation. This implies that transfusion-induced alloimmunization utilizes CD40-CD154 co-stimulation and that blockade of this pathway can inhibit T-cell function and interfere with the development of alloimmunization.

Animals↗

Plasma glutathione peroxidase deficiency and platelet insensitivity to nitric oxide in children with familial stroke.

In a previous report by Freedman et al (J Clin Invest. 1996;97:979-987), plasma from 2 brothers with stroke or transient ischemic attack inactivated the antiplatelet effects of nitric oxide (NO), and this effect was found to be a consequence of a deficiency of plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). In this study, we attempted to define the generalizability of this deficiency by studying NO-mediated antiplatelet effects in 7 families with familial childhood stroke. Seven families with familial childhood stroke that consecutively presented to a large referral center were included in the study. We monitored ADP-induced aggregation of normal gel-filtered platelets (GFP) in platelet-poor plasma (PPP) from normal individuals and from patients in the presence or absence of an NO donor (S-nitroso-glutathione). Surface P-selectin expression of normal GFP in patients' PPP was analyzed by flow cytometry after incubation with a P-selectin-specific monoclonal antibody in the presence or absence of the NO donor. We also measured GSH-Px activity in plasmas from family members and normal controls using standard methods. In 6 of 7 families, NO failed to inhibit platelet P-selectin expression and platelet aggregation in PPP from the affected family members and some of their relatives. Of 4 families studied, 3 probands and their corresponding affected parent had 50% decrease in plasma GSH-Px activity. In some patients with childhood stroke, impaired metabolism of reactive oxygen species as a result of reduced GSH-Px activity results in NO insufficiency that affects normal platelet inhibitory mechanisms and predisposes to arterial thrombosis.

Adolescent↗

Three-year results of laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Despite the development of pharmacologic agents for the treatment of massive obesity, surgery remains the only treatment option that has been shown to offer long-term weight reduction. Laparoscopic surgery appears to offer rapid recovery and low postoperative morbidity. The aim of the present study was to assess the outcome of laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty (lap VBG) in 60 obese patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 60 massively obese patients (50 female) with a mean +/- SEM body mass index (BMI) of 44.4 +/- 1.0 kg/m2 were followed up prospectively for an average of 23.0 +/- 1.5 months. Lap VBG was performed using 5 trocars placed in a standard fashion for laparoscopic upper gastrointestinal surgery. A 4-row stapler was used for the vertical staple-line, and a stretched polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex) band was used to reinforce the outlet. The patients were seen postoperatively 2, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after surgery. RESULTS: Conversion to open surgery was performed in 15 cases. Preoperative median BMI and postoperative hospital stay were higher in the open group than in the laparoscopic group: 47.8 kg/m2 (37.7-65.7) and 5 days (3-13), and 41.9 kg/m2 (32.5-57.3) and 3 days (2-6), respectively (P < 0.01 for both). After 36 months of follow-up, the median BMI was 36.9 kg/m2 (24.6-50.7) (n = 9) in the open group and 37.0 kg/m2 (25.8-53.3) (n = 14) (NS) in the laparoscopic group. The number of conversions to open surgery and the median operating time were higher in the first 30 cases than in the last 30 cases: 11 and 137.5 min (96-225) and 4 and 115.0 min (85-190), respectively, with similar preoperative BMI: 44.1 kg/m2 (33.8-65.8) and 41.2 kg/m2 (32.4-57.8). CONCLUSIONS: Lap VBG can be performed safely and results in a shorter postoperative stay than does open surgery. Weight loss was maintained over the 3-year follow-up period. There is a learning curve, resulting in fewer conversions to open surgery and shorter operating time. Long follow-up studies are needed to ascertain that long-term weight loss equals that of open VBG.

Adult↗

A trypsin-like platelet protease propagates protease-activated receptor-1 cleavage and platelet activation.

Protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) is a G-protein-linked receptor on platelets and perivascular cells activated by alpha-thrombin and the PAR-1-activating peptide, SFLLRN. alpha-Thrombin activates PAR-1 by cleaving it at R41-S42 to release the 41-residue peptide TR(1-41). Unexpectedly, platelet activation with SFLLRN was also associated with PAR-1 cleavage and the release of TR(1-41). Both PAR-1 cleavage and platelet activation resulting from SFLLRN addition to platelets were markedly inhibited by the serine protease inhibitor 4, 2-(aminoethyl)-benzene sulphonylfluoride.HCl (pefabloc SC) and soybean trypsin inhibitor, but not by inhibitors of calpain, cysteine proteases or metalloproteases. Thus, a trypsin-like platelet protease propagates SFLLRN-dependent PAR-1 cleavage and platelet activation.

Collagen↗

[Biliary reflux can be a contributory cause of esophagitis].

In recent years duodenogastric reflux has been recognised as a possible cause of oesophagitis. Alone or in combination, bile salts, trypsin, pepsin, and hydrochloric acid have all been shown to cause oesophagitis. Duodenal content in the oesophagus can be measured by means of a new fibre-optic sensor, Bilitech 2000, a device measuring the occurrence of bilirubin and yielding 24-hour readings from the distal oesophagus. Studies in which the device has been used have shown oesophageal bilirubin to be increased in patients with oesophagitis, especially in the subgroup with such complications as oesophageal stricture or ulceration, or Barrett's oesophagus. The evidence suggests that unsatisfactory response to proton pump inhibitors in reflux patients might be due to an increase in duodenal reflux, and should be treated surgically with fundoplication or biliary diversion. This may also be true of oesophagitis patients with complications, though this remains to be shown in clinical studies.

Barrett Esophagus↗

Permeabilization and fixation conditions for intracellular flow cytometric detection of the T-cell receptor zeta chain and other intracellular proteins in lymphocyte subpopulations.

Expression of the T-cell receptor (TCR) zeta chain in normal individuals was studied by two-color flow cytometric analysis using digitonin-permeabilized human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Optimal detection of the TCR zeta chain involved fixation of cells in 0.25% paraformaldehyde for 2 min and permeabilization with 500 microg/ml of digitonin at 4 degrees C. Permeabilized lymphocytes and monocytes displayed decreased forward light scatter properties. Neutrophils did not survive this permeabilization/fixation/washing procedure. Permeabilization did not affect the ability of antibodies to CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16, and CD19 to detect CD antigens on lymphocytes, and the percentage of lymphocytes reacting with these antibodies was comparable between untreated and permeabilized cells. Staining of the TCR zeta chain was accomplished by incubating permeabilized cells with unconjugated antibody to the zeta chain, followed by an FITC-conjugated F(ab')2 goat anti-IgG. Following TCR zeta chain staining, cells were blocked with 25 microg/ml of mouse IgG for 20 min to saturate the goat anti-mouse antibody and then incubated with a phycoerythrin-conjugated mouse antibody to a variety of lymphocyte surface antigens. The TCR zeta chain was observed in lymphocytes displaying CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16, or TCRgammadelta markers. This permeabilization/fixation/washing procedure was also validated for detection of another intracellular T-cell protein known as the cytolytic granule-associated protein, recognized by the TIA-1 antibody. Thus the technique can be applied to detection of at least two different intracellular T-cell markers.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Active immunization of patients with HIV infection: a study of the effect of VaxSyn, a recombinant HIV envelope subunit vaccine, on progression of immunodeficiency.

Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) leads to a progressive immunodeficiency characterized by decreasing levels of CD4+ T lymphocytes. VaxSyn, a vaccine based on the recombinant envelope glycoprotein subunit (rgp160) of HIV-1IIIB, was used to immunize HIV-infected patients to determine whether its administration was beneficial with respect to slowing disease progression. A 3-year multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, efficacy and safety trial of repeated immunization with VaxSyn was used to evaluate the long-term impact on the progression of immunodeficiency. VaxSyn in alum, or alum alone, was given to 278 HIV-infected asymptomatic individuals with initial CD4 counts of > or =500 cells/mm3. Clinical findings, the CD4 count, and both virological and immunological parameters were followed. No significant differences were observed between the treatment and placebo control groups in rate of CD4 T cell decline, time to initiation of antiretroviral therapy, incidence of opportunistic infections, HIV RNA plasma viremia, HIV viral infectivity as measured by quantitative HIV coculture assay, and death. This study revealed no effect on either clinical or laboratory virological parameters from the administration of VaxSyn.

AIDS Vaccines↗

Platelet activation induced by porcine factor VIII (Hyate:C).

We studied the effects of porcine factor VIII (P-FVIII; Hyate:C) and other coagulation products employed in the management of patients with hemophilia A, on platelet activation in vitro. Exposure of normal resting platelets to P-FVIII resulted in platelet activation, as manifested by increased expression of the platelet surface activation markers CD62, CD63, and activated-GPIIbIIIa, and by activation-induced modulation of expression of normal platelet membrane glycoproteins CD41, CD42, and CD36. In contrast, platelet activation was not observed after exposure of the platelets to human FVIII, FEIBA, recombinant FVIIa, or cryosupernatant plasma. As with thrombin, exposure of platelets to P-FVIII resulted in the generation of platelet microparticles, an effect not seen not with the other products. In contrast to the characteristic reduction in expression in the number of CD42 molecules detected on thrombin-activated platelets, P-FVIII-stimulated platelets showed a small increase in CD42 expression. In contrast to thrombin, P-FVIII did not cause platelet dense granule release. The results indicate that therapeutic P-FVIII activates platelets, likely in ways that are different from the platelet activation seen with thrombin. The observed platelet activation and microparticle generation may provide a "hypercoagulable" mechanism for hemostasis with P-FVIII therapy separate from, and additional to, that due to increased circulating FVIII levels.

Animals↗

Platelet cold agglutinins: a flow cytometric analysis.

Spontaneous EDTA-independent cold platelet agglutination is a rare phenomenon that produces pseudothrombocytopenia when blood samples are analyzed in automated cell counters. We report a case of platelet cold agglutinins and an analysis by flow cytometry. A 49 year old woman presented with abnormal vaginal bleed secondary to uterine fibroids. Platelet clumping was observed in blood samples taken in EDTA-, heparin- and citrate-containing tubes. In flow cytometric tests, patient serum agglutinated 16% of normal platelets at 22 degrees C, and 7% of platelets after incubation at 37 degrees C; in contrast, 3% and < 1% of platelets were agglutinated at 22 and 37 degrees C, respectively, after incubation with normal serum. Minimal agglutination (< 10%) was observed with patient serum at a titre of 1:5 or at temperatures > 30 degrees C. After incubation at 4 degrees C, IgM antibody and C3 were increased on the patient's platelets; no significant amount of IgM or C3 was detected on normal platelets. The specificity of the platelet cold agglutinin was determined by competitive inhibition by monoclonal anti-CD41(GPIIbIIIa). Before the addition of monoclonal antibody, patient's serum agglutinated 16% of normal platelets at 22 degrees C; after addition of anti-CD41 only 2% of the platelets were agglutinated. This blocking effect was not observed with anti-CD42. The patient's platelets functioned normally as determined by CD62 and CD63 expression in response to thrombin, normal platelet aggregation in response to collagen, ADP, and ristocetin, and a normal template bleeding time. In summary, platelet agglutination by a platelet cold agglutinin was quantitated by flow cytometry, the responsible antibody was characterized as a low titre IgM with minimal activity > 30 degrees C, and competitive binding studies supported the GPIIbIIIa complex as the binding site for the antibody. Since the antibody did not affect platelet function, we believe that these patients will not suffer complications from their platelet cold agglutinin, but it could pose a problem under circumstances such as cardiac surgery with hypothermia.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

The history of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

Purpura, initially recognized in ancient times, was defined into clinical syndromes in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. With advances in microscope science in the nineteenth century, the platelet was identified, leading to the recognition of the thrombocytopenic component of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The 20th century brought recognition of the pathophysiology of the disorder and the clinical states were refined and treatments for ITP developed. The latter half of the 20th century has focused on the autoimmune components of ITP, attempting to develop diagnostic tests, apply new therapies, and elucidate the immune dysregulation associated with, and underlying, the disorder.

Blood Platelets↗

The cellular immunology associated with autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura: an update.

Chronic autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (AITP) is an organ specific autoimmune bleeding disease in which autoantibodies are directed against the individual's own platelets, resulting in increased Fc-mediated platelet destruction by macrophages in the reticuloendothelial system. Although AITP is primarily mediated by IgG auto-antibodies, their production is regulated by the influence of T lymphocytes and antigen presenting cells (APC). This review argues that enhanced T helper cell/antigen presenting cell interactions in patients with AITP may be responsible for IgG anti-platelet auto-antibody production. Understanding these cellular immune responses in AITP may lead to the development of more immune specific therapies for the management of this disease.

Antigen-Presenting Cells↗