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Biomedical subjects

J Kriegsmann

Publications and source records attributed to J Kriegsmann.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Progressive joint destruction in a human immunodeficiency virus-infected patient with rheumatoid arthritis.

This article reports the case of a 63-year-old patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) whose symptoms of RA improved after the occurrence of a secondary human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection; however, the HIV infection did not affect the histologic parameters of joint destruction to the same extent as it did the clinical symptoms. Histologic and immunohistologic joint examinations of this patient revealed an ongoing production of cartilage- and bone-degrading enzymes by macrophages and fibroblasts, without the presence of T cells. These findings demonstrate that progressive joint destruction in RA can occur in the absence of T cells. Moreover, our results support the hypothesis that both T cell-dependent and T cell-independent pathways play a significant role in the pathogenesis of RA.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

[Ectopic hamartomatous thymoma. Case report with special reference to differential diagnosis].

We report the case of an ectopic hamartomatous thymoma in a 56-year-old male patient. The lesion arose subcutaneously in the supraclavicular region. Histologically, the well-circumscribed but unencapsulated tumour was composed of uniform fusiform tumour cells. In addition, mature fatty tissue, scattered T-lymphocytes, and an epithelial and a myoepithelial tumour cell component were found. The epithelial differentiation of the spindle cell tumour component was confirmed immunohistochemically and by electron microscopy. Ectopic hamartomatous thymoma has to be distinguished from ectopic cervical thymoma, thymolipoma, ectopic salivary tissue, teratoma, peripheral nerve sheath tumours, malignant epithelial tumours with thymus-like differentiation, biphasic synovial sarcoma, and skin adnexal tumours.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

Expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 mRNA and protein in rheumatoid synovium demonstrated by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry.

BACKGROUND: Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is expressed in synovial tissue of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. VCAM-1-protein has been demonstrated in nonvascular cells beside a vascular expression of this molecule. There are conflicting results about the nonvascular cell types expressing VCAM-1. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: For the evaluation of VCAM-1 expression in rheumatoid synovium, this molecule has been demonstrated by alkaline phosphatase anti-alkaline phosphatase (APAAP) technique. Furthermore, VCAM-1 mRNA has been demonstrated by in situ hybridization to evaluate de novo synthesis of this molecule in vivo. To elucidate the nature of the cell types expressing VCAM-1 mRNA, this molecule has been shown by combined in situ hybridization for VCAM-1 and immunohistochemistry in the same tissue section. Double labeling has been performed with anti-collagen type IV monoclonal antibodies to delineate endothelial cells and pericytes and with anti-CD68 antibodies to elucidate the expression of VCAM-1 mRNA in fibroblast-like (type B) or macrophage-like (type A) synoviocytes. RESULTS: Although it has been reported that VCAM-1 occurs on endothelial cells after cytokine stimulation, we show that vascular expression of VCAM-1 mRNA and protein was minimal and restricted to small vessels beneath the lining cell layer. Further expression of VCAM-1 mRNA could be demonstrated in pericytes outside the collagen type IV containing vascular basement membrane. With respect to the expression of VCAM-1 in the synovial lining layer, we could clearly demonstrate by combined in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry that CD68 positive cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage in the lining layer (type A cells) do not express VCAM-1 mRNA and that the expression of VCAM-1 mRNA in the lining layer was restricted to fibroblast-like synoviocytes (type B cells). Scattered stromal cells revealing VCAM-1 mRNA were also CD68 negative. CONCLUSIONS: The strong expression of VCAM-1 in the fibroblast-like cells of RA synovium and the lack of expression in the vascular endothelium suggest that the major role of VCAM-1 appears to be associated with the proliferating synovial cells prone to attach and subsequently invade articular cartilage.

Antigens, CD↗

Expression of proteolytic cathepsins B, D, and L in periodontal gingival fibroblasts and tissues.

BACKGROUND: A major feature of gingivitis and periodontitis is the destruction of the collagenous matrix of the surrounding connective tissue. The hypothesis that proteolytic enzymes release from cells adjacent to the site of destruction was recently supported by the presence of increased levels of cathepsin B, D, and L in the gingival crevicular fluid of patients suffering from periodontal disease (PD). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We studied the expression of mRNA of cathepsins B,D, and L in early passaged, adherent gingival fibroblasts of patients with chronic adult PD. In addition, we examined the presence of cathepsin D and L mRNA-expressing cells in periodontal tissue specimen by in situ hybridization, and we localized the respective enzymes by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Strong gene expression of the three cathepsin types could be detected by dot hybridization in all PD-derived gingival cells. Immunohistochemical distribution of cathepsins and mRNA for cathepsin D and L could be demonstrated mainly in PD tissue specimen, largely in the area in between the epithelium and the adjacent subepithelial connective tissue. Examination of the cell types revealed multiple macrophage- and fibroblast-shaped cells expressing positive staining for cathepsins. CONCLUSIONS: The present data support the the concept that cathepsins play a major role in tissue destruction and may represent a target for therapeutic interventions.

Adult↗

Detection of insulin-like growth factor I and II in synovial tissue specimens of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis by in situ hybridization.

OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of insulin-like growth factor I and II (IGF I and II) in synovial tissue specimen of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Synovial tissue sections were examined for the expression of IGF I and II by in situ hybridization using digoxigenin labeled antisense and sense RNA probes. RESULTS: The antisense probe of IGF I reacted with all specimens. IGF II mRNA was expressed in 7/7 RA and 4/5 OA tissues. Cells of the synovial lining and subsynovial layer bound both antisense probes, whereas inflammatory infiltrates of RA tissues were labeled rarely. CONCLUSION: The significant number of cells in the synovium that express IGF I and II mRNA suggests a role of IGF in repair mechanisms of articular cartilage in response to injury and effects on fibroblast growth within the synovium.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

Tissue factor expression in an animal model of hydronephrosis.

BACKGROUND: Hydronephrosis is associated with interstitial fibrosis and occlusion of renal capillaries by fibrin. However, the mechanisms leading to fibrin formation is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty days after unilateral ligation of the ureter, interstitial fibrosis occurred in the ligated kidney. Fibrosis was preceded by infiltration of inflammatory cells (macrophages, B and T lymphocytes). Staining with an antibody against von Willebrand factor demonstrated newly formed capillaries in the fibrosing tissue as well as prominent fibrin deposition. Fibrin staining was found around vessels, in the interstitium, the glomeruli, and tubuli. Fibrin deposition was less prominent in the non-ligated kidney and almost absent in sham-operated animals. The expression of tissue factor, the central initiator of coagulation, was induced within 5 days after ligation in the operated kidney but not in the sham-operated animals. Tissue factor positivity was observed by immunohistochemistry in vascular endothelial cells, the vessel wall, tubular epithelial cells, glomerular capsular cells, Bowman's space and in the interstitium. Tissue factor induction was due to increased transcription, since in-situ hybridization showed increased levels of mRNA in the ligated kidney compared to sham-operated rats. The tissue factor gene is under control of the transcription factors activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B). When extracts of operated organs were compared with kidneys of sham-operated rats or contralateral kidneys in electrophoretic mobility shift assays, an increase in AP-1 and NF-kappa B binding activity to their respective binding sites in the tissue factor gene was observed in the operated, but not in the contralateral kidney or kidneys of sham-operated animals. CONCLUSION: Ureteral ligation leads to infiltration of inflammatory cells, increased AP-1 and NF-kappa B expression in the kidney, resulting in increased tissue factor transcription and translation, and ultimately in increased fibrin deposition.

Animals↗

Oncogenes in rheumatoid arthritis.

The evolving knowledge of the actions and interactions of (proto)oncogenes in cancer has deeply influenced the understanding of other nonmalignant diseases. In RA, the longstanding pathohistologic evidence of transformed-appearing synovial cells at the site of bone and cartilage attachment and joint destruction can now be explained in terms of alterations of cell regulation, cell cycle, and apoptotically triggered cell death. The detection of upregulated oncogenes and their gene products at these sites supported the hypothesis of an aberrant synovial cell type invading the joint. Interestingly, there are hints that this transformation of synovial cells may require more than one activated oncogene. A model was introduced by Carson and Ribero in 1993. In this model, a primary stimulus affects the cell and leads to the enhanced transcription of an oncogene (i.e., c-myc). A second stimulus activates other oncogenes and determines if this cell (i.e., a synovial fibroblast) proliferates (marked by the presence of bcl-2 mRNA) or undergoes apoptosis (marked by fas mRNA and Fas expression at the cell surface). This co-upregulation might explain why some investigators could not detect a significant upregulation of oncogenes in cultured synovial fibroblasts devoid of their normal milieu. Based on the results of the specific activity of Fas and perforin and recent data from our laboratory, we have modified Carson's model to include these data. As there exists an established retroviral model in which the tax sequence of the HTLV retrovirus initiates central oncogene transcription similar to those activated in RA, the retroviral particles, which do not resemble any other known retrovirus but are detectable in the synovial fluid, might well be an important stimulus in the pathogenesis of RA. To simplify the puzzling events of oncogene interactions in RA, we have summarized the data and propose that an oncogene network acts as a pathogenic mechanism in the synoviocytes of the rheumatoid joint. Similar to the "cytokine network" regulating the T-cell-dependent pathway, the "oncogene network" is presumably the major T-cell-independent pathway in RA (Fig. 4).

Apoptosis↗

A new model for rheumatoid arthritis generated by engraftment of rheumatoid synovial tissue and normal human cartilage into SCID mice.

OBJECTIVE: A new animal model was used to study the interaction between rheumatoid synovial cells and cartilage and to explore the cellular basis of rheumatoid joint destruction. METHODS: Fresh synovial tissue derived from patients with rheumatoid arthritis was implanted with normal human cartilage into SCID mice, either subcutaneously or under the renal capsule, for up to 304 days. The implants were analyzed by light and electron microscopy, as well as by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. RESULTS: Human synovial tissue and cartilage implanted in SCID mice are maintained by the animals for up to 304 days. After 35 days, focal erosions occur at the site of attachment of synovial lining cells to the cartilage. After 105 days, a pannus-like formation, consisting of proliferating synovial fibroblast-like cells invading the cartilage, is observed. The fibroblast nature of these cells was supported by observation of only focal expression of the macrophage markers CD14 and CD68. Cells at the immediate site of cartilage destruction express messenger RNA for cathepsin L, whereas cathepsin D messenger RNA was detected in subsynovial regions away from the site of destruction. The human origin of the tissue involved in cartilage destruction was demonstrated using monoclonal antibodies to HLA-ABC and human type IV collagen. CONCLUSION: The present approach introduces a novel in vivo model of rheumatoid arthritis for the study of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of rheumatoid joint destruction at sites of synovial attachment to cartilage. In this model, the SCID mouse acts as a useful host for studying the properties of rheumatoid synovium in the absence of circulating human blood components.

Animals↗

A new double labeling technique for combined in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analysis.

BACKGROUND: A reliable, sensitive, and specific double labeling technique is required that allows the simultaneous visualization of in situ hybridization products and antigens. Currently used double labeling techniques are limited by various problems including the numerous disadvantages associated with radioactive labels, the time-dependent loss of fluorescence signals, and the high background that is associated with various peroxidase techniques. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop an improved double labeling technique. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Riboprobes were used for detection of mRNA of cathepsin D, vascular cell adhesion molecule, and endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule in in situ hybridization and monoclonal antibodies specific for macrophages and basement membranes (collagen type IV) for immunohistochemical analysis. The in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analysis were used to characterize cathepsin D messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in macrophages expressing cells and the expression of adhesion molecule mRNA in endothelial cells delineated by the vascular basement membrane expressing collagen type IV. RESULTS: The application of in situ hybridization detection systems before immunohistochemical analysis was shown to give reliable results. In situ hybridization with digoxigenin labeled riboprobes using alkaline phosphatase linked Fab fragments visualized by 4-nitro blue tetrazolim chloride/5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolphosphate combined with immunohistochemical detection of the antigen by the alkaline phosphatase anti-alkaline phosphatase-technique with new fuchsin as substrate is a reliable double labeling technique. Using this protocol, we could show that the reaction product is stable, there is virtually no background, and both reaction products can be easily distinguished. Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 mRNA is expressed only in endothelial cells and certain fibroblast-like cells that do not label with antibodies against macrophages, whereas cathepsin D mRNA is coexpressed with macrophages. We also demonstrated that endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 mRNA is strongly expressed in endothelial cells that can be localized within the boundaries of the vascular basement membrane. CONCLUSIONS: A new and reliable double labeling technique for the simultaneous evaluation of in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analysis is described that is suitable for various applications.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

The effects of immunomodulatory thymic and splenic peptides and cyclosporin A on antigen-induced arthritis in the rat.

Long-term treatment with natural and synthetic thymic and splenic peptides as well as cyclosporin A inhibited the development of antigen-induced arthritis in rats. This was demonstrated by decreased joint swelling and reduced degree of macroscopically and histologically evaluated severity of synovitis. The drug treatment also decreased serum levels of antibodies against the specific antigen methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA) and against cartilage proteoglycans and collagens type I and II. The conclusion from these studies is that the treatment with immunomodulatory thymic and splenic peptides and with the T-cell-directed immunosuppressive drug cyclosporin A inhibits the specific immune response against mBSA and/or the development of autoimmunity against cartilage constituents. The decreased immune reactivity in the joint may reduces the severity of chronic joint inflammation.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Demonstration of membrane-associated phospholipase A2 in cultivated heart muscle cells by immunogold-technique in surface replicas.

Recently we produced mAb's to phospholipase A2 (PIA2) from bee venom for different purposes (allergen-identification and -standardization). Obviously one of these monoclonal antibodies "5D5" binds to a conserved (cross reactive) epitope of membrane PIA2 of intact cells. In this study we demonstrate binding of 5D5 to membrane associated phospholipase A2 of rat heart muscle cells by means of two-step immunogold technique in combination with replica technique.

Animals↗

Immunocytochemical demonstration of wheat germ agglutinin (WGA)-receptors on the cell surface of guinea pig peritoneal macrophages.

WGA-receptors on the surface of resident guinea pig peritoneal macrophages were investigated. Macrophages were characterized by the endogenous peroxidase pattern. Two different immunogold techniques, the indirect WGA-anti WGA-protein A-gold technique and the direct WGA/BSA-gold technique were compared to evaluate their suitability for quantification of WGA binding sites on the cell surface. Because of the higher binding specificity the direct technique should be preferred for quantitative studies.

Animals↗

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) binding in subpopulations of mouse peritoneal macrophages.

Lipopolysaccharide-binding sites of mouse peritoneal macrophages were demonstrated by means of immunogold technique. Resident peritoneal macrophages identified by peroxidatic activity in the nuclear envelope and in the rough endoplasmic reticulum show moderate and constant specific binding of bacterial lipopolysaccharide from E. coli (026:B6) to cell surface structures. Monocyte-derived macrophages with peroxidatic activity in cytoplasmic granules are characterized by a broad binding pattern. A high percentage of monocyte-derived macrophages bind large amounts of LPS-gold particles whereas some others bind only less lipopolysaccharide. This is a further hint for the existence of monocyte subpopulations. The different binding patterns of LPS after fixation and the inhibitor-ability of this binding supports the hypothesis that LPS binding is at least partly receptor-mediated.

Animals↗

Endocytosis of lipopolysaccharide in mouse macrophages.

Lipopolysaccharide binding sites of mouse peritoneal macrophages were demonstrated by means of immunogold technique. Resident peritoneal macrophages identified by peroxidatic activity in the nuclear envelope and in the rough endoplasmic reticulum show moderate and constant specific binding of bacterial lipopolysaccharide from E. coli to cell surface structures. Labeling of peritoneal macrophages with LPS-gold particles (LPS-Au) at 4 degrees C followed by incubation of the cells at 37 degrees C permits the investigation of LPS endocytosis. After various incubation times LPS-Au was detected in different endocytic compartments. LPS was internalized via coated pits and coated and uncoated vesicles (5 min.). After 60 min, incubation time LPS-Au occurred in electron lucent endosomes, multivesicular bodies, tubulo-reticular structures and in lysosomes. Gold particles appeared mainly in lysosomes after a longer incubation time (240 min.). The results of LPS binding and internalization are in accordance with a postulated LPS-receptor binding.

Animals↗