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Biomedical subjects

J M Fine

Publications and source records attributed to J M Fine.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Effects of fine and ultrafine sulfuric acid aerosols in guinea pigs: alterations in alveolar macrophage function and intracellular pH.

Acidic sulfate is the most toxicologically important sulfur oxide which exists in the ambient air. To determine if particle size influences toxic effects of sulfuric acid, we investigated the effects of sulfuric acid aerosols of two different sizes on biochemical and cellular parameters of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from exposed guinea pigs. Guinea pigs were exposed to fine (mass median diameter, 0.3 micron), and ultrafine (mass median diameter, 0.04 micron) sulfuric acid aerosols at 300 micrograms/m3 for 3 hr/day. The animals were euthanized immediately and 24 hr after 1 and 4 days of exposure and lungs were lavaged. Elevated beta-glucuronidase, lactate dehydrogenase activities, and total protein concentration as well as decreased cell viability were observed in the lavage after a single exposure to sulfuric acid aerosols of both sizes. These alterations were small, though statistically significant, and transient. No alteration in these parameters was observed after 4 days of exposure to acid aerosols. In contrast, sulfuric acid-induced alterations in alveolar macrophage function were more pronounced and longer lasting. Immediately after a single exposure to fine acid, there was a 2.7-fold increase in the spontaneous tumor necrosis factor (TNF) release over that in the control group while endotoxin-stimulated TNF release was increased by 2.2-fold. In addition, acid aerosols of both sizes increased the TNF release from macrophages after 4 days of exposure, although there was no clear temporal pattern of induction or recovery. Furthermore, immediately after 4 days of exposure to either fine or ultrafine acid, the amount of H2O2 that could be induced from baseline production by alveolar macrophages was 2.2-fold higher than that of the controls. The phagocytic function of macrophages was also altered by exposure to sulfuric acid aerosols. Twenty-four hours after single or multiple exposure, fine acid enhanced (as high as 78% above control) the in vitro phagocytic activity of alveolar macrophages while ultrafine acid depressed the phagocytic capacity (as much as 50% below that in the control). In addition to these biochemical parameters and cellular functions, we also measured the intracellular pH (pHi) of macrophages harvested after exposures to these acid aerosols using a pH-sensitive fluorescent dye. The resting pHi was depressed after a single exposure to both acid aerosols. The depression in pHi persisted 24 hr after ultrafine acid exposure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Aerosols↗
PubMed1992

Interspecies differences in the phagocytic activity of pulmonary macrophages subjected to acidic challenge.

Examining interspecies differences in response to ambient pollutants is an essential component of risk assessment. The potential hazard to public health from the inhalation of acid sulfate aerosols is of current concern. A significant biological target is the pulmonary macrophage, which provides a primary defense of the respiratory region of the lungs. One essential function of these cells is phagocytosis of particles. This study assessed the effects of acidic environments on the phagocytic activity of pulmonary macrophages obtained by lavage from humans and three species of laboratory animals commonly used in acid aerosol toxicology studies, namely, rats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Cells were incubated with polystyrene latex particles in media acidified by addition of sulfuric acid. The percentage of cells which were phagocytic, as well as the relative number of particles ingested by these cells, was found to decrease with increasing acidity for all species. The ranking of response in order of decreasing sensitivity to acidic challenge was as follows: guinea pig > rat > rabbit > human.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Pulmonary effects of inhaled zinc oxide in human subjects, guinea pigs, rats, and rabbits.

Occupational exposure to freshly formed zinc oxide (ZnO) particles (less than 1.0 micron aerodynamic diameter) produces a well-characterized response known as metal fume fever. An 8-hr threshold limit value (TLV) of 5 mg/m3 has been established to prevent adverse health effects because of exposure to ZnO fumes. Because animal toxicity studies have demonstrated pulmonary effects near the current TLV, the present study examined the time course and dose-response of the pulmonary injury produced by inhaled ZnO in guinea pigs, rats, rabbits, and human volunteers. The test animals were exposed to 0, 2.5, or 5.0 mg/m3 ZnO for up to 3 hr and their lungs lavaged. Both the lavage fluid and recovered cells were examined for evidence of inflammation or altered cell function. The lavage fluid from guinea pigs and rats exposed to 5 mg/m3 had significant increases in total cells, lactate dehydrogenase, beta-glucuronidase, and protein content. These changes were greatest 24 hr after exposure. Guinea pig alveolar macrophage function was depressed as evidenced by in vitro phagocytosis of opsonized latex beads. Significant changes in lavage fluid parameters were also observed in guinea pigs and rats exposed to 2.5 mg/m3 ZnO. In contrast, rabbits showed no increase in biochemical or cellular parameters following a 2-hr exposure to 5 mg/m3 ZnO. Differences in total lung burden of ZnO, as determined in additional animals by atomic absorption spectroscopy, appeared to account for the observed differences in species responses. Although the lungs of guinea pigs and rats retained approximately 20% and 12% of the inhaled dose, respectively, rabbits retained only 5%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Albumin Paris 2: a new genetic variant distinguished by isoelectric focusing.

Until recently, the characterization of genetic variants of human serum albumin was performed by electrophoretic typing prior to the determination of their amino acid substitutions. We describe a procedure using isoelectric focusing in the presence of urea for the analysis of the genetic variation of albumin. This procedure allowed a clear distinction of a new variant, previously found to be identical with albumin Sondrio according to its relative electrophoretic mobilities at 3 pHs. This new variant, the third rare albumin allotype identified in the Ile-de-France region, was called albumin Paris 2.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

[Characterization of genetic variants of human albumin by isoelectric focusing].

Normal human serum albumin and bisalbuminic fractions from genetic variants of european origin have been studied by ultrathin-layer isoelectric focusing performed on whole sera or after purification of albumin fractions by affinity chromatography on Blue-Trisacryl. Narrow range ampholytes giving pH gradient between 5 and 8, together with the use of 8 M urea, provided suitable patterns allowing to discriminate the various allotypes. In these conditions, both normal albumin and heterozygous variants were microheterogeneous with several main bands; in the case of normal albumin, four major bands were found, while variants exhibited additional bands differing in number and pI. The position of additional bands comparatively to that of normal albumin was consistent with the electrophoretic behavior of variants. Fast moving allotypes exhibited additional bands with more anodal pIs, whereas slow moving variants were characterized by cathodal additional bands. The number and position of these bands allowed to characterize some variants, when they failed to distinguish between some others, identical patterns being correlated to identical mutations arising at different locations on the albumin molecule. These observations indicate that isoelectric focusing could allow a clear distinction of albumin variants, provided that their mutation were different, or could confirm the occurrence of identical mutation when IEF patterns are indistinguishable. In addition to electrophoretic mobilities at various pH, analytical isoelectric focusing could be a useful technique employed as a second step in the identification of allotypes prior to the determination of the structural change characterizing the variant.

Blotting, Western↗
PubMed1991

[Diversity and relative inaccuracy of internal images of antigen group A revealed by IEF analysis].

The diversity of a polyclonal anti-idiotypic response (Ab2) to a murine monoclonal anti-A (Ab1) was investigated after purification of two Ab2 populations. One was eluted from human polyclonal anti-A column and the other from Ab1. Analysis of the Ab specificity, as well as screening of the clonotypic distribution, were achieved after splitting Ab by IEF; this was followed by immunoblotting and probing with various anti-ABH mAb. The first population reacted with almost all the murine anti-ABH mAb, as well as with four human anti-A mAb, and consequently consisted of Ab2 beta. The second was composed of "true" Ab2 directed against Ab1. In the first population internal images mimicked either A Ag, or H Ag, or some epitopes common to both. This study demonstrates the plurality of internal images-bearing Ig molecules, some mimicking completely, and some only partially or even unfaithfully the nominal A determinant. The analysis of this idiotypic cascade proves the existence of a degeneracy of the initial restricted antigenic specificity. The consequences of such a process are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Sarcoidosis complicated by HIV infection: three case reports and a review of the literature.

We report three cases of sarcoidosis complicated by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and review four other isolated case reports in the literature. There is clinical overlap of both diseases, including symptoms, pulmonary function abnormalities, and lymphocyte function. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in these patients showed a lymphocytic alveolitis without pathogens. BAL lymphocyte subset analysis showed markedly depressed CD4+/CD8+ ratios in three patients. These data were clinically useful for distinguishing the CD8+ alveolitis associated with HIV infection from the CD4+ alveolitis associated with sarcoidosis. Three patients improved with corticosteroid therapy. Two patients with BAL-documented CD8+ alveolitis tolerated discontinuation of steroids. One patient's sarcoidosis improved without therapy concurrent with the diagnosis of Kaposi's sarcoma. Another patient developed sarcoidosis 1 yr after manifesting HIV positive serology. BAL can be used to distinguish the lymphocytic alveolitis of sarcoidosis from that associated with HIV infection. Patients with active sarcoidosis complicated by HIV infection can be effectively treated with corticosteroid therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

A sensitive double-diffusion microassay suitable for the detection of idiotype-antiidiotype precipitates.

Using agarose gel coated on GelBond film sheets and using Coomassie blue stain followed by silver stain, a sensitive double-diffusion microassay has been developed for detecting small amounts of precipitate forming during idiotype-antiidiotype reactions. The sensitivity of the method is 10-100 times greater than classical immunodiffusion tests. Other advantages include the need for minimal amounts of unconcentrated sample, the absence of radioactive or toxic substrates, no interference due to a second or third antibody coat such as are used in immunoenzymatic techniques, and the possibility of a direct evaluation of qualitative data such as identity, cross-reactivity or non-identity. As little as 40 ng antibody could be detected, corresponding to an antibody concentration of 8 micrograms/ml, making the microassay useful for rapid screening of idiotype-antiidiotype precipitates during routine analysis of hybridoma supernatants.

ABO Blood-Group System↗
PubMed1989

[Detection and quantification of weak concentrations of antigens using a sensitive and direct method of demonstrating immunoprecipitation reactions].

Using agarose gel coated on GelBond film sheets, and using Coomassie blue stain followed by silver stain, a sensitive microassay has been developed for detecting small amounts of antigen-antibody precipitates, and for quantitating low concentrations of antigen. In order to obtain a high sensitivity, antigen-antibody ratios were adjusted imperatively close to the equivalence in double-diffusion, and for quantitative estimation, single radial immunodiffusion was performed, according to Mancini, by measuring circles at the end point. The use of a double staining procedure allows to detect as little as 8 micrograms/ml antigen by Ouchterlony and 200 ng/ml by Mancini technique. The sensitivity of the method is 100 times greater than classical techniques and other advantages such as the need for minimal amounts of unconcentrated samples, the absence of radioactive labelling, and the absence of interference due to a second or a third antibody coat, make this assay useful for analyzing and quantitating monoclonal antibodies obtained by hybridoma or B-cell immortalization.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1989

Epithelium removal alters responsiveness of guinea pig trachea to substance P.

Removal of epithelium from mammalian tracheae has been shown to enhance responsiveness to a variety of contractile and relaxant agents. One of the most dramatic shifts reported has been for guinea pig tracheal tissue denuded of epithelium and treated with substance P. We investigated whether this shift in responsiveness was because of 1) removal of an epithelium-associated enzyme, neutral endopeptidase, which degrades substance P and 2) loss of an epithelium-derived noncyclooxygenase relaxant factor. Using a muscle bath preparation we performed concentration-response curves with substance P and acetylcholine on indomethacin-treated tissues with and without intact epithelium and with and without pretreatment with the neutral endopeptidase inhibitor, phosphoramidon. Epithelium removal potentiated the mean agonist concentration calculated to causes 30% of the maximal contractile response by 148-fold for substance P and by 7-fold for acetylcholine. Phosphoramidon potentiated the contractile response to substance P, but not to acetylcholine, by both the epithelium-intact and denuded tissues (P less than 0.05). However, the degree of enhancement by phosphoramidon was much greater in the intact tissues. With phosphoramidon treatment, therefore, the difference in responsiveness to substance P between the intact and denuded tissues was reduced from 148-fold to 18-fold. This effect of phosphoramidon suggests that the hyperresponsiveness to substance P of epithelium-denuded airway tissue is largely because of removal of neutral endopeptidase. Because all tissues were treated with indomethacin, the leftward shifts in substance P and in acetylcholine responsiveness induced by epithelium removal further suggest that an epithelium-derived noncyclooxygenase factor other than neutral endopeptidase also modulates the contractile response to substance P and to acetylcholine.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed1989

Potential bronchoconstrictor stimuli in acid fog.

Acid fog is complex and contains multiple stimuli that may be capable of inducing bronchoconstriction. These stimuli include sulfuric and niric acids, the principal inorganic acids present; sulfites, formed in the atmosphere as a reaction product of sulfur dioxide and water droplets; fog water itself, a hypoosmolar aerosol; the organic acid hydroxymethanesulfonate, the bisulfite adduct of formaldehyde; and gaseous pollutants, e.g., sulfur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, ozone. Given this complexity, evaluation of the respiratory health effects of naturally occurring acid fog requires assessment of the bronchoconstrictor potency of each component stimulus and possible interactions among these stimuli. We summarize the results of three studies that involve characterization of the bronchoconstrictor potency of acid fog stimuli and/or their interaction in subjects with asthma. The results of the first study indicate that titratable acidity appears to be a more important stimulus to bronchoconstriction than is pH. The results of the second study demonstrate that sulfite species are capable of inducing bronchoconstriction, especially when inhaled at acid pH. The results of the third study suggest that acidity can potentiate hypoosmolar fog-induced bronchoconstriction.

Acid Rain↗
PubMed1989

Clinical and biological features in the 12 months preceding onset of AIDS in HIV-infected subjects.

Biological markers of HIV infection were studied in 17 asymptomatic HIV seropositive subjects in the 12 months preceding the onset of the disease. No single marker of HIV infection preceded the development of AIDS. Therefore, the clinical care of asymptomatic seropositive subjects should include a number of tests to evaluate HIV activity and immune suppression.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1988

Comparative study of sturgeon oocyte soluble proteins by isoelectric focusing.

1. Soluble caviar (oocyte) proteins of four sturgeon species from the Caspian sea, Acipenser stellatus (Sevrouga), Acipenser guldenstadti (Ossietre), Acipenser nudiventris (Chipe) and Huso huso (Belouga) were studied by isoelectric focusing. 2. Isoelectric focusing patterns of these proteins differ from one species to another and allow the identification of the specific origin of caviar. 3. Moreover, this technique allowed the discrimination of a subspecies, Acipenser guldenstadti persicus from the species. 4. This biochemical characterization of caviar proteins allowing identification of sturgeon species producing caviar could be added to data used in fraud tests.

Animals↗